"I am perfectly acquainted with the play, I assure you; and with a very few omissions, and so forth, which will be made, of course, I can see nothing objectionable in it; and _I_ am not the _only_ young woman you find who thinks it very fit for private representation." "I am sorry for it," was his answer; "but in this matter it is _you_ who are to lead.

_You_ must set the example.

If others have blundered, it is your place to put them right, and shew them what true delicacy is.
In all points of decorum _your_ conduct must be law to the rest of the party." This picture of her consequence had some effect, for no one loved better to lead than Maria; and with far more good-humour she answered, "I am much obliged to you, Edmund; you mean very well, I am sure: but I still think you see things too strongly; and I really cannot undertake to harangue all the rest upon a subject of this kind.

_There_ would be the greatest indecorum, I think." "Do you imagine that I could have such an idea in my head?
No; let your conduct be the only harangue.

Say that, on examining the part, you feel yourself unequal to it; that you find it requiring more exertion and confidence than you can be supposed to have.