No man ever said a pert thing to the Duke of Marlborough, or a civil one to Sir Robert Walpole." The true gentleman cannot harbor those qualities which excite the antagonism of others, as revenge, hatred, malice, envy, or jealousy, for these poison the sources of spiritual life and shrivel the soul.
Generosity of heart and a genial good will towards all are absolutely essential to him who would possess fine manners.

Here is a man who is cross, crabbed, moody, sullen, silent, sulky, stingy, and mean with his family and servants.

He refuses his wife a little money to buy a needed dress, and accuses her of extravagance that would ruin a millionaire.

Suddenly the bell rings.

Some neighbors call: what a change! The bear of a moment ago is as docile as a lamb.