Though present he is absent. This was said of persons who, engaged in thought, paid little or no attention to what was said or done in their company, which led them often into great absurdities. M. Bruyere in his Caractères, ou Mœurs de ce Siècle, has given an excellent description of an absent man, but too much in detail, though perhaps there may be but few of the instances he produces, which may not have occurred. It is admirably abridged in one of the papers of the Spectator.

II vaut mieux faire envie que pitié, it is better to be envied than pitied; for envy is the attendant on good fortune, as pity is of distress and misery.

«Envy will merit as its shade pursue.
Like that it serves to show the substance true».

Better an open enemy, than a false and deceitful friend, or than a friend who is too soft and easy, and too readily assents to whatever you propose, was frequently in the mouth of Cato. An enemy, by being a spy upon our actions, and by severely censuring our slightest errors, may make us cautious, and even lead us to reform any follies or vices we may have accustomed ourselves to, or indulged ourselves in. Philip of Macedon said the Athenian orators, who were incessant in their endeavours to excite the Grecians against him, had by the severity of their censures, conferred on him a lasting obligation, for they had taught him to look into and regulate his conduct in such a manner, as would conduce materially to the success of his enterprizes.