Observe, however, that cunning (or _finesse_) is always the offspring of a base heart and narrow-minded spirit. In proportion as we wish to conceal our views we become cunning--being convinced that we are not as we ought to be--or, that, seeking for lawful objects, we adopt unworthy means of obtaining them--which arises from our ignorance in seeking such objects. Make children remark the impertinence of certain artifices that they see practised--the contempt which it draws on those practising them--and lastly, make them ashamed of themselves when you detect them in some dissimulation. As they grow up, deprive them of what they love, when they wish to obtain it by _artifice_--but declare, that they shall possess it when they ask _openly_: do not be afraid even of indulging their little weaknesses, in order to give them an opportunity and the courage of shewing them. False shame is the most dangerous of evils and the most difficult to cure; and this too, if great care be not taken, will render all others irremediable. Paint, in their proper colours, those infamous artifices by which they would wish to deceive their neighbour without having the reproach of deceiving him: there is more perfidy and knavery in these refinements, than in common artifices. Some people, one may say, boldly practice deception--but wretches of the preceding description, add novelty and disguise to authorise it. Tell a child that GOD _is truth itself_--that it is mocking _him_ when we jest at truth in our discourse--which should be precise and correct, and should consist in few words, that truth be not violated. Be on your guard not to imitate those who applaud children, when they have discovered sharpness of intellect by some _finesse_. Far from supposing these tricks pretty and diverting, check them severely--and manage it so, that all their artifice may end unsuccessfully, and experience at last may disgust them with it. In praising them for such and such faults, we, in fact, persuade them that _ability_ and _deception_ are one and the same thing. CHAP. X. _The Vanity of Beauty and Dress._ Nothing is more to be dreaded among young girls, than _vanity_--as they are born with a violent desire to please. Those roads which conduct _men_ to authority and fame being shut to _them_; they strive to be recompensed by the charms of intellect and person: hence flows their conversation so soft and so insinuating--hence it is that they aspire, as well to beauty, as to all the exterior graces, and become passionately fond of dress. A turban or bandeau is of the greatest importance in their estimation.