"They converse not, they open not their mouths, they are silent, but they engrave their principles on the heart in indelible characters, instead of inconsistently crowding them on the memory."
— Louise Florence Pétronille Tardieu d'Ésclavelles Épinay (marquise d') (1726-1783)
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed by John Marshall and Co.
Date
1787
Metaphor
"They converse not, they open not their mouths, they are silent, but they engrave their principles on the heart in indelible characters, instead of inconsistently crowding them on the memory."
Metaphor in Context
Then you must have remarked, that one of the greatest advantages of republican government, is the immediate influence it has over individuals, that it animates the general mass in every part; it gives life and activity, and consequently, makes known to each person his own worth, which, perhaps, in another form of government, he would have been unconscious of; it, at the same time, inspires public spirit, which, by a free profession of the same principles, unites all these different powers, and renders them useful in one common centre for the general good. Public schools, instituted upon good plans, are simpilar to this republican government, and procure their pupils the same advantages. The general mass is composed of children. The institution tends to inform each of his own value, and to increase it, Their union, teaches them to respect the fundamental rights of general society. Merit and talents, or rather the hope that fore-runs and convinces them, assigns to each his place. Justice there decides singly and uniformly, without respect to persons. Example, experience, and necessity are the preceptors who teach, or rather the masters who command. They converse not, they open not their mouths, they are silent, but they engrave their principles on the heart in indelible characters, instead of inconsistently crowding them on the memory. (Vol. II, pages 347-8)
Provenance
Contributed by PC Fleming, searching "heart"
Citation
Translation of Conversations d'Émilie (1784) [translated by Lewis Lyons].
Louise Florence Pétronille Tardieu d'Ésclavelles Épinay (marquise d'),The conversations of Emily. Translated from the French of Madame la Comtesse d'Epigny. 2 vols. (London: Printed and sold by John Marshall and Co., 1787. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Gale. <Link to vol. I> <Link to Vol. II>
Louise Florence Pétronille Tardieu d'Ésclavelles Épinay (marquise d'),The conversations of Emily. Translated from the French of Madame la Comtesse d'Epigny. 2 vols. (London: Printed and sold by John Marshall and Co., 1787. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Gale. <Link to vol. I> <Link to Vol. II>
Date of Entry
07/17/2010
