318.—We may find means to cure a fool of his folly, but there are none to set straight a cross-grained spirit.
319.—If we take the liberty to dwell on their faults we cannot long preserve the feelings we should hold towards our friends and benefactors.
320.—To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is but to reproach them with impunity.
["Praise undeserved is satire in disguise," quoted by Pope from a poem which has not survived, "The Garland," by Mr. Broadhurst. "In some cases exaggerated or inappropriate praise becomes the most severe satire."— Scott, Woodstock.]
321.—We are nearer loving those who hate us, than those who love us more than we desire.
322.—Those only are despicable who fear to be despised.
323.—Our wisdom is no less at the mercy of Fortune than our goods.
324.—There is more self-love than love in jealousy.
325.—We often comfort ourselves by the weakness of evils, for which reason has not the strength to console us.
326.—Ridicule dishonours more than dishonour itself.