But gallantry is as generous as it is natural. To correct such gross vices, as lead us to commit
real injury on others, is the part of morals, and the object of the most ordinary education. Where
that is not attended to, in some degree, no human society can subsist. But in order to render
conversation, and the intercourse of minds more easy and agreeable, good-manners have been
invented, and have carried the matter somewhat farther. Wherever nature has given the mind a
propensity to any vice, or to any passion disagreeable to others, refined breeding has taught men
to throw the biass on the opposite side, and to preserve, in all their behaviour, the appearance of
sentiments different from those to which they naturally incline. Thus, as we are commonly proud
and selfish, and apt to assume the preference above others, a polite man learns to behave with
deference towards his companions, and to yield the superiority to them in all the common
incidents of society. In like manner, wherever a person's situation may naturally beget any
disagreeable suspicion in him, it is the part of good-manners to prevent it, by a studied display of
sentiments, directly contrary to those of which he is apt to be jealous. Thus, old men know their
infirmities, and naturally dread contempt from the youth: Hence, well-educated youth redouble
the instances of respect and deference to their elders. Strangers and foreigners are without
protection: Hence, in all polite countries, they receive the highest civilities, and are entitled to the
first place in every company.