| Citation |
BEP(F.751.013
10 Jun 1751:11,12,21 (826)
From the Reflector. Of Reality and Appearance. . . [11, 3d
para.]
An assumed gravity may indeed, for a time procure the
reputation of sense; as a beggar in brocade, may pass for a
rich man. A reserved behaviour, arising from ignorance,
often passes for wisdom; as many by a stupid silence have
passed for learned. In the account of Moliers's life, we
find, that as he once crossed the Seine, along with his
Company of Comedians; a learned debate arose among the
principal actors. In the heat of the dispute, they
frequently appealed to a monk, who happened to be in the
boat. The monk had a venerable aspect; and held his tongue;
whence they thought, that by nodding his head, and wrinkling
his brow, he either approved, or disapproved of their
arguments. This reserved gravity so heightened their
opinion, that they looked upon him as too accute a
philosopher, to engage in the dispute. Their esteem
continued till the boat landed; when they saw the monk take
up his wallet, and throw it across his shoulders; by which
they found he was only a lay-brother, whose office is that
of a carrier, to fetch in provisions for the cloister. . .
[2 and 1/5th cols. in all.]
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