Generally speaking, let there be but few old Men seen in your History Pieces; and even those that appear, ought to be separated from the young ones; for, in Effect, old Men are but thin, and their Humours have but little Conformity with those of Youth, and where that is wanting, there can be no great Friendship, and without Friendship, Company soon separates. Thus likewise, in Grave and serious Compositions, where Assemblies are held, and Matters of Importance debated, let but few Young Men be present; it being contrary to Custom to intrust Affairs of this Nature in the Hands of Youth; who are not less able to give Council, than they are unwilling to receive it, and who therefore have two Reasons, for absenting themselves from these Kinds of Meetings.