Page:Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin (1793).djvu/191

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ESSAYS.
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is therefore unpleaſing. Nor ſhould you give the leaſt hint to either party, by any kind of noiſe or motion. If you do, you are unworthy to be a ſpectator. If you have a mind to exerciſe or ſhew your judgment, do it in playing your own game, when you have an opportunity, not in criticiſing, or meddling with, or counſelling the play of others.

Laſtly, If the game is not to be played rigorouſly, according to the rules above mentioned, then moderate your deſire of victory over your adverſary, and be pleaſed with one over yourſelf. Snatch not eagerly at every advantage offered by his unſkilfulneſs or inattention; but point out to him kindly, that by ſuch a move he places or leaves a piece in danger and unſupported; that by another he will put his king in a perilous ſituation, &c. By this generous civility (ſo oppoſite to the unfairneſs above forbidden) you may, indeed, happen to loſe the game to your opponent, but you will win what is better, his eſteem, his reſpect, and his affection; together with the ſilent approbation and good-will of impartial ſpectators.