"My dear friend, clear your mind of cant [excessive thought]. You may <i>talk</i> as other people do: you may say to a man, "Sir, I am your most humb… - Samuel Johnson

"My dear friend, clear your mind of cant [excessive thought]. You may talk as other people do: you may say to a man, "Sir, I am your most humble servant." You are not his most humble servant. You may say, "These are bad times; it is a melancholy thing to be reserved to such times." You don't mind the times ... You may talk in this manner; it is a mode of talking in Society; but don't think foolishly."