BOOK I PART III
ner for the injury at the very time it is com-
mitted, by affording us a just reason to blame
and contemn the person, who injures us. But
this phaenomenon likewise depends upon the
same principle. For why do we blame all gross
and injurious language, unless it be, because
we esteem it contrary to good breeding and hu-
manity? And why is it contrary, unless it be
more shocking than any delicate satire? The
rules of good breeding condemn whatever is
openly disobliging, and gives a sensible pain
and confusion to those, with whom we con-
verse. After this is once established, abusive
language is universally blamed, and gives less
pain upon account of its coarseness and in-
civility, which render the person despicable,
that employs it. It becomes less disagreeable,
merely because originally it is more so; and it
is more disagreeable, because it affords an in-