Here is another bit. It is like an egg, for the meaning is wrapt in
words just as an egg hides in the shell. "The tell-tale body is all
tongues." What does the tongue help to do? Will no one know that you
are cross unless you say, "I am cross this morning?" Can I find it out
although you do not say a word? Yes, indeed; that puckered mouth and
ugly little scowl tell, all too quickly, and even if I could not see
your face, that little jerk and twist would tell the story. Do you not
know when the dog is sick or tired, or full of fun? yet, his bright
eyes, eager little nose, lively body and whisking tail, tell no more
surely than your own face and body.
"The tell-tale body is all tongues." Mr. Emerson, we think that is
true.
"How can I be beautiful?" Every boy and girl, man and woman, wants to
know that. Here is Mr. Emerson's beauty recipe: "There is no beautifier
of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and
not pain around us." Do you suppose that recipe will work? Think of the
most beautiful people you know. Ah, I knew some one would say "mother."
Do you not think these people are those who try very hard to make
others happy? I know very many beautiful people who would have remained
very plain had they sought only to please themselves.
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