|On Etiquette

Etiquette^{1 to society is what apparel（服饰，衣服） is to the inpidual. Without apparel men would go in shameful2 nudity which would surely lead to the corruption3 of morals; and without etiquette society would be in a pitiable state and the necessary intercourse4 between its members would be interfered5 with by needless offences and troubles. If society were a train, the etiquette would be the rails along which only the train could rumble6 forth7; if society were a state coach, the etiquette would be the wheels and axis8（轴）, on which only the coach could roll forward. The lack of proprieties9 would make the most intimate friends turn to be the most decided10 enemies and the friendly or allied11 countries declare war against each other. We can find many examples in the history of mankind. Therefore I advise you to stand on ceremony before anyone else and to take pains not to do anything against etiquette lest you give offences or make enemies.}