Plainness has its peculiar temptations quite as much as beauty.
Knaves will thrive when honest plainness knows not how to live.
If Beauty is excuse enough for Being, it sure takes Plainness then to feel the real necessity for—Doing.
Modest plainness sets off sprightly wit, For works may have more with than does 'em good, As bodies perish through excess of blood.
One ought not to be unkind to a woman merely on account of her plainness, any more than one had a right to take liberties with her merely because she was handsome
Be neat, Philothea; let nothing be negligent about you. It is a kind of contempt of those with whom we converse, to frequent their company in uncomely apparel; but, at the same time, avoid all affectation, vanity, curiosity, or levity in your dress. Keep yourself always, as much as possible, on the side of plainness and modesty, which, without doubt, is the greatest ornament of beauty, and the best excuse for the want of it.
He will find one English book and one only, where, as in the "Iliad" itself, perfect plainness of speech is allied with perfect nobleness; and that book is the Bible.
The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
The beginner should approach style warily, realizing that it is himself he is approaching, no other; and he should begin by turning resolutely away from all devices that are popularly believed to indicate style - all mannerisms, tricks, adornments. The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
Trust a girl of sixteen for knowing well if she is pretty; concerning her plainness she may be ignorant.
