A lively Frenchman, in describing the distinct sorts of conversation of his literary friends, among whom was Dr.
Franklin, energetically hits off that close observer and thinker, wary, even in society, by noting down "the silence of the celebrated Franklin." We learn from Cumberland that Lord Mansfield did not promote that conversation which gave him any pains to carry on.

He resorted to society for simple relaxation, and could even find a pleasure in dulness when accompanied with placidity.

"It was a kind of cushion to his understanding," observes the wit.

CHAUCER, like LA FONTAINE, was more facetious in his tales than in his conversation; for the Countess of Pembroke used to rally him, observing that his silence was more agreeable to her than his talk.

TASSO'S conversation, which his friend Manso has attempted to preserve for us, was not agreeable.