《letters to his son, 1746-47》

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letters to his son, 1746-47- 第10部分


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that; you will do well to follow it with Pere Bougeant's 'Histoire du
Traite de Munster;' in two volumes quarto; which contains many important
anecdotes concerning that famous treaty; that are not in Adamus Adami。

You tell me that your lectures upon the 'Jus Publicum' will be ended at
Easter; but then I hope that Monsieur Mascow will begin them again;
for I would not have you discontinue that study one day while you are at
Leipsig。  I suppose that Monsieur Mascow will likewise give you lectures
upon the 'Instrumentum Pacis;' and upon the capitulations of the late
emperors。  Your German will go on of course; and I take it for granted
that your stay at Leipsig will make you a perfect master of that
language; both as to speaking and writing; for remember; that knowing any
language imperfectly; is very little better than not knowing it at all:
people being as unwilling to speak in a language which they do not
possess thoroughly; as others are to hear them。  Your thoughts are
cramped; and appear to great disadvantage; in any language of which you
are not perfect master。  Let modern history share part of your time;
and that always accompanied with the maps of the places in question;
geography and history are very imperfect separately; and; to be useful;
must be joined。

Go to the Duchess of Courland's as often as she and your leisure will
permit。  The company of women of fashion will improve your manners;
though not your understanding; and that complaisance and politeness;
which are so useful in men's company; can only be acquired in women's。

Remember always; what I have told you a thousand times; that all the
talents in the world will want all their lustre; and some part of their
use too; if they are not adorned with that easy good…breeding; that
engaging manner; and those graces; which seduce and prepossess people in
your favor at first sight。  A proper care of your person is by no means
to be neglected; always extremely clean; upon proper occasions fine。
Your carriage genteel; and your motions graceful。  Take particular care
of your manner and address; when you present yourself in company。  Let
them be respectful without meanness; easy without too much familiarity;
genteel without affectation; and insinuating without any seeming art or
design。

You need not send me any more extracts of the German constitution; which;
by the course of your present studies; I know you must soon be acquainted
with; but I would now rather that your letters should be a sort of
journal of your own life。  As; for instance; what company you keep;
what new acquaintances you make; what your pleasures are; with your own
reflections upon the whole: likewise what Greek and Latin books you read
and understand。  Adieu!








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