Note, 1. It is a piece of weakness to be very open: He is a fool who
utters all his mind,--who tells every thing he knows, and has in his
mouth instantly whatever he has in his thoughts, and can keep no
counsel,--who, whatever is started in discourse, quickly shoots his
bolt,--who, when he is provoked, will say any thing that comes
uppermost, whoever is reflected upon by it,--who, when he is to speak
of any business, will say all he thinks, and yet never thinks he says
enough, whether choice or refuse, corn or chaff, pertinent or
impertinent, you shall have it all. 2. It is a piece of wisdom to be
upon the reserve: A wise man will not utter all his mind at once, but
will take time for a second thought, or reserve the present thought for
a fitter time, when it will be more pertinent and likely to answer his
intention; he will not deliver himself in a continued speech, or
starched discourse, but with pauses, that he may hear what is to be
objected and answer it. Non minus interdum oratorium est tacere quam
dicere--True oratory requires an occasional pause. Plin. Ep. 7.6.