Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/236

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you that a man who is proficient in the ark of deception, intrigue, flattery, and lying, and who, as is generally the case, possesses, in addition, a .ready tongue, can talk glibly, and make things go on all fours, that such a man gains his ends and gets his own way, while another who keeps to the truth, to the plain and unvarnished truth, very often comes off worst?

But do not allow yourself to be deceived by the success of false and untruthful men; whether it last for a longer or shorter period, let not its dazzling appearance blind you. For, indeed, lying may triumph and carry on its diabolical trade for a very long time, but it will not prosper forever; there will certainly come a time, be it sooner or later, when it will be shamefully exposed, and profoundly humiliated; it will be compelled itself to bear witness to the much hated truth.

3. Then away with all falsehood out of the heart, all deceitfulness from the tongue! Away with all the tricks, wiles, and artifices of the false world! Away with hypocrisy, flattery, cunning, duplicity, as all these children of hell are called I Take to your heart Truth, the gentle, lovable, but too often misjudged daughter of heaven, with all the ' charming virtues which follow in her train!

Yes, choose this daughter of heaven for your friend and constant companion throughout your life. Let her modesty, sweetness, and amiability inspire you and fill you with