Can Silence be Sociable ?

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 37

Can Silence be Sociable ?

No doubt there are many people to whom the notion of silence being in any way sociable would appear to be absurdly incongruous. Yet, despite what may be thought to the contrary, the indisputable fact remains that silence can be sociable ; but it can only be felt and enjoyed where there is perfect friendship. We have all of U3, doubtless, experienced a certain amount of weariness when we have been obliged to keep up a conversation with mere acquaintances for some hours ; you feel that would you give anything to be able to relapse into silence for awhile, but for the knowledge that it would be misconstrued. In fact, it is only possible for silence to be sociable when complete confidence and intimacy exist between the mute companions. There is an amusing story of two old cronies, who, sitting together one evening till darkness set in, without a word being uttered, one called to the other : " Tom 1 " " Well," said his friend, " what is it 7" " Ob," said the other, " are you there ? " " Yes," replied old Tom. "Then why don't you say 'Humph'?" demanded the first. So long as they felt each other's presence these old and tried companions were content to remain in silence. Some people think they must be eternally talking to entertain others, little knowing what horrible bores they are generally considered. Dickens' description of Mr Willet and his two chums, Mr Cobb and long Phil Parkes, enjoying one another's society at the Maypole Inn, is worth recalling. For two mortal hours and a-half none of the company had pronounced one word. Yet they were all firmly of opinion that they were very jolly companions— every one— rather choice spirits than otherwise; and their look at each other every now and then .indicated that there was a perpetual interchange of ideas going on — no man amoDg them considering himself or his neighbour by any means silent ; and each of them nodding occasionally when he caught the eye of another, as if to say, "You have expressed yourself extremely well, sir, in relation to that sentiment, and I quite agree with you." This is a quaint picture, drawn with all Dickens' humour, and shows that in that great author's mind there existed a decided appreciation of the sociable qualities of silence under certain conditions. Lovers will very often remain silent,-not from shyness or embarrassment, or for want of something to say, bub because they feel that to be in each other's presence is happiness enough, and that to utter a word, would

break the delightful spell which surrounds them. La Bruyere says that merely to be with those we love is enough, to indulge id reverie the while.