The New Hampshire Gazette

The FLATTERER—a detestable Character.

Of all the various characters among mankind, no one is more degrading to human nature, than a Flatterer. Flattery is not only odious to veracity, but it proves a want of true sense, a want of esteem for those whom it was intended to please, and a deficiency of delicate sentiments. Even the wild uncultivated aboriginal is a stranger to dissembled thought. His tongue is governed by the genuine dictates of sincerity. But can we compare the mind, brightened with the genial glow of knowledge to the rude child of nature? In fact the latter boasts pre-eminence. He soars aloft on the wings of truth, looks down with scorn, and upbraids the civilized world for flattery, which puts sensibility to the blush, and shocks even the harsh er feelings of unpolished men.

When the influence of sycophant, like the fatal charms of a syren's voice, deludes fair innocence, virtue recoils and turns abhorrent from the rueful scene.

It is necessary for every member of society to possess the art of pleasing, as it not only unites thought with thought, but tunes the mind to notes of love, sympathy and friendship.— But alas! shall the enchanting smiles of a parasite allure the daughter of virtue, and blight her opening blossoms? Forbid it, ye genii, the guarding protectors of fair innocence!

When we see the rose of beauty torn from the bosom of candor, by the fatal hand of a sycophant, and all the delicacies of female worth offered up as a sacrifice, at the altar of savage barbarity, can the manly feelings of the independent soul cease to vibrate with the warmest touches of pity? Blush, frightful monster, at thy vileness! Thy crime is of blackest hue, and tells the world that the treachery of soul is thine. Thy deadly venom taints the blended streams of mutual love, dissolves the ties of amity, and poisons all the endearing affections that conspire to render man agreeable to man.

Virtue will not hold society with such traitors, base, degenerate, as thou art. She dreads thy near approach, and shrinks with horror at thy ghastly look.

Learn, ye fair, to despise the alluring voice of the flatterer. His breath will blast the bloom of loveliest charms. When once by flattery caught, your drooping beauty weeps, virtue drops a tear of regret, and innocence shall mourn the loss of worth.