TRUE POLITENESS.
{"newspaper_name": "The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register.", "edition": "01", "page": "p1", "byline": ""}
Polteness is just medium between tor-
mality and rudeness: it is in fact good ma
turc regulated by quick discernment, which
proportions itself to every situation, and ev-
cry character; it is restraint laid by rea-
son and benevolence on every irregularity
of temper, Of appetite and passion. 1t ac-
commodities itself to the fanatic laws of GUS
tom and fashion, as long as they are not
inconsistent with the higher obligations OF
virtue and religion.


To give efficacy and grace to poltcness,
! it must be accompanied with some degree
of taste as well as delicacy; and although its
foundation must be rooted in the heart, it is
not perfect without a knowledge of the
world.


In society it is the happy medium which
blends the most discordant natures, 1t Inn
poses silence ON the loquaciuus, and incline!
the most reserved to furnish their share o
conversation; it reprcsses the despicable
but common ambition of being the mos
prominent character in the scene; it increas-
es the general desire ofbeing mutually agree
able; takes off the offensive edge OF ralllery
and gives dclicacy to wit; it preserves sub
ordination, and reconciies ease with propri-
ETY., like other valuable qualities, its value i
best estimated when it is absent.


No greatness can awe 1t into servllity, III
Intimacy can sink it into coarse familiar
ity; to superiors, it is respectful freedom
to interiors, it is unassuming good nature; II
equals, every thing thatis charming; study
ing, anticipating, and attending to all things
yet at the same time apparently disensag
ed and careless.


Such is true polteness: by people
wrong heads and unworthy hearts disgracet
in its two extremes: and by the generalit.
of mankind confined within the marrow
bounds of mere good breeding, which is onl.
one branch oft.