BOOK I PART III
and run from them to the correlative idea,
which forms the conclusion. The labour of the
thought disturbs the regular progress of the
sentiments, as we shall observe presently.(Part
IV. Sect. 1.) The idea strikes not on us with
ouch vivacity; and consequently has no such
influence on the passion and imagination.
From the same principles we may account
for those observations of theCardinal de Retz,
that there are many things, in which the world
wishes to be deceived; and that it more easily
excuses a person in acting than in talking con-
trary to the decorum of his profession and char-
acter. A fault in words is commonly more open
and distinct than one in actions, which admit
of many palliating excuses, and decide not so
clearly concerning the intention and views of
the actor.