Good actors have I found all the vain ones: they play, and wish people to be fond of beholding them⁠—all their spirit is in this wish.

They represent themselves, they invent themselves; in their neighbourhood I like to look upon life⁠—it cureth of melancholy.

Therefore am I forbearing to the vain, because they are the physicians of my melancholy, and keep me attached to man as to a drama.

And further, who conceiveth the full depth of the modesty of the vain man! I am favourable to him, and sympathetic on account of his modesty.

From you would he learn his belief in himself; he feedeth upon your glances, he eateth praise out of your hands.