It was not
the terms in which this admiration had been expressed, for they
were simple enough, that produced so strong an impression; nor
yet their novelty, or their warmth of manner, nor any of those
peculiarities that usually give value to praise; but the unflinching
truth of the speaker, that carried his words so directly to the
heart of the listener. This is one of the great advantages of
plain dealing and frankness. The habitual and wily flatterer may
succeed until his practices recoil on himself, and like other sweets
his aliment cloys by its excess; but he who deals honestly, though
he often necessarily offends, possesses a power of praising that
no quality but sincerity can bestow, since his words go directly
to the heart, finding their support in the understanding. Thus it
was with Deerslayer and Judith. So soon and so deeply did this
simple hunter impress those who knew him with a conviction of
his unbending honesty, that all he uttered in commendation was as
certain to please, as all he uttered in the way of rebuke was as
certain to rankle and excite enmity, where his character had not
awakened a respect and affection, that in another sense rendered
it painful.
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