"If I agree with you, that wit is very seldom to be found in sincerity, it is because I think neither wit nor sincerity is often found; but daily experience shows us it is want of wit, and not too much, makes people insincere."

Footnotes:

[1]

Paul Methuen (1672-1757), diplomatist; Comptroller of the Household 1720-1725; K.B., 1725.

[2]

Lives of the Poets (ed. Hill), III, p. 273.

[3]