A bully is usually a coward. When, therefore, you unluckily have to deal with such a man, the best way is to make up to him boldly, and answer him with firmness. If you show the least sign of submission, he will take advantage of it to use you ill. There are six sorts of people, at whose hands you need not expect much kindness. The _sordid and narrow minded_, think of nobody but themselves. The _lazy_ will not take the trouble to oblige you. The _busy_ have not time to think of you. The overgrown _rich man_, is above regarding any one, how much soever he may stand in need of assistance. The _poor and unhappy_ often have not the ability. The good natured _simpleton_, however willing, is _incapable_ of serving you.[7] The _age_ of the person you are to deal with is also to be considered. _Young_ people are easily drawn into any scheme, merely from its being new, especially if it falls in with their love of pleasure; but they are almost as easily discouraged from it by the next person they meet with. They are not good counsellors, for they are apt to be precipitate and thoughtless; but are very fit for action, where you prescribe them a track from which they know they must not vary. Old age, on the contrary, is slow but sure; very cautious; opposed to new schemes and ways of life; inclining, generally, to covetousness; fitter to _consult_ with you, than to _act_ for you; not so easily won by fair speeches or long reasonings; tenacious of old opinions, customs, and formalities; apt to be displeased with those, especially younger people, who pretend to question their judgment; fond of deference, and of being listened to. Young people, in their anger, mean less than they say; old people more. You may make up for an injury with most young men; the old are generally more slow in forgiving. The fittest character to be concerned with in business, is, that in which are united an inviolable integrity, founded upon rational principles of virtue and religion, a cool but determined temper, a friendly heart, a ready hand, long experience and extensive knowledge of the world; with a solid reputation of many years' standing, and easy circumstances.