The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 2 "Of Personal Merit [Du Mérite Personnel]," § 17 (2.17) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)] - La Bruyere, Jean de | WIST Quotations
Modesty is to merit as shadows are to the figure in a painting: it strengthens it and sets it off. [La modestie est au mérite ce que les ombres sont aux figures dans un tableau: elle lui donne de la force et du relief.] (Source (French)). Alternate translations: Modesty…
