Page:Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin (1793).djvu/189

179 to continue the conteſt to the laſt, in hopes of victory by our own ſkill, or at leaſt of giving a ſtale mate, by the negligence of our adverſary. And whoever confiders, what in cheſs he often ſees inſtances of, that particular pieces of ſucceſs are apt to produce preſumption, and its conſequent inattention, by which the loſs may be recovered, will learn not to be too much diſcouraged by the preſent ſucceſs of his adverſary, nor to deſpair of final good fortune, upon every check he receives in the purſuit of it. That we may, therefore, be induced more frequently to chooſe this beneficial amuſement, in preference to others, which are not attended with the ſame advantages, every circumſtance which may increaſe the pleaſure of it ſhould be regarded; and every action or word that is unfair, diſreſpectful, or that in any way may give uneaſineſs, ſhould be avoided, as contrary to the immediate intention of both the players, which is to paſs the time agreeably.

Therefore, firſt, if it is agreed to play according to the ſtrict rules; then thoſe rules are to be exactly obſerved by both parties, and ſhould not be inſiſted on for one ſide, while deviated from by the other—for this is not equitable. Secondly, If it is agreed not to obſerve the rules exactly, but one party demands indulgencies, he ſhould then be as willing to allow them to the other. Thirdly, No falſe move ſhould ever be made to extricate yourſelf out of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage. There can be no pleaſure in playing with a perſon once detected in ſuch unfair practice.

Fourthly, If your adverſary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry him, or expreſs any uneaſineſs at his delay. You ſhould not ſing, nor