Reticence

We are most of us inclined to sympathize.

      We cultivate it at first, very like, by a fit and proper reticence. We remember that the world is not very much interested in our especial suffering or joy, and that our haps and mishaps have not the interest of romances to other people. There are, indeed, let us say by the way, many sorrows and troubles of which the old proverb, "least said soonest mended" holds true. There are some things best hidden in secret receptacles with the lid shut down, rather than aired in the sight of all. Whoever wears a happy face does a service to humanity; for it is infinitely tetter that the world should seem full of sunshine than of gloom, that the general heart should be lifted in gratitude rather than abased with rankling injury; and happiness meanwhile, or its semblance, begets happiness, like a dollar at usury, and enriches the moral world as sunshine does the earth. Those who go about baring their private woes might learn, if they were able to lose the thread of their discourse tor one moment, that most of the rest of the race are busy with the thread of their own discourses, and that although they turn to listen to a plaint and even to give a share of sympathy and pity, it is quite as a matter aside, an affair as much of self respect as of respect for us, and they are presently hurrying on with their own interest again almost as indifferently as Nature herself seems to hurry. But even allowing that the sympathy is very great, given for a long time, without stint, and actively felt, there comes an end to all things, and perpetual draughts must only reach the lees of that. If one is going to demand sympathy forever, one should be very careful as to the manner in which it is demanded, as it is no impossible thing to wear out the patience even of those who love us most.

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