I love any discourse of rivers, and fish and fishing.

I love any discourse of rivers, and fish and fishing.

Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation than in
writing, provided a man would talk to make himself read more

Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation than in
writing, provided a man would talk to make himself understood.

Form'd by thy converse, happily steer
From grave to gay, from lively to severe.

Form'd by thy converse, happily steer
From grave to gay, from lively to severe.

Conversation is an exercise of the mind; gossip is merely an exercise of the tongue.

Conversation is an exercise of the mind; gossip is merely an exercise of the tongue.

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue read more

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue within my lips I rein;
For who talks much must talk in vain.

But conversation, choose what theme we may,
And chiefly when religion leads the way,
Should flow, like read more

But conversation, choose what theme we may,
And chiefly when religion leads the way,
Should flow, like waters after summer show'rs,
Not as if raised by mere mechanic powers.

Conversation may be compared to a lyre with seven chords - philosophy, art, poetry, love, scandal, and the weather.

Conversation may be compared to a lyre with seven chords - philosophy, art, poetry, love, scandal, and the weather.

A dearth of words a woman need not fear;
But 'tis a task indeed to learn to hear:
read more

A dearth of words a woman need not fear;
But 'tis a task indeed to learn to hear:
In that the skill of conversation lies;
That shows and makes you both polite and wise.

Conversation is a game of circles.

Conversation is a game of circles.