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lous in itself, and the proper cause, in due time, of wretchedness and disappointment.

Let any man who has outlived these sensations himself, and has leisure to be amused, dip a little into the love songs that have been composed and published, from Anacreon to the present day, and what a fund of entertainment he will find provided for him! The heathen gods and goddesses are the standing and lawful means of celebrating the praises of a mistress; before whom, no doubt, Venus for beauty, and Minerva for wisdom, must go for nothing. Every image in nature has been called up to heighten our idea of female charms-the paleness of the lily, the freshness of the rose, the blush of the violet, and the vermillion of the peach. This is even still nothing One of the most approved topics of a lovesick writer is, that all nature fades and mourns at the absence of his fair, and puts on a new bloom at her approach. All this, we know well, has place only in his imagination; for nature proceeds quietly in her course, without minding him and his charmer in the least. But we are not yet done. The glory of the heavenly orbs, the lustre of the sun himself, and even the joys of heaven, are frequently and familiarly introduced, to exprees a lover's happiness or hopes. Flames, darts, arrows, and lightning from a female eye, have been expressions as old at least as the art of writing, and are still in full vogue. Some of these we can find no other fault with than that they are a little outre, as the French express it; but I confess I have sometimes been surprised at the choice of lightning, because it is capable of a double application, and may put us in mind that some wives have lightning in their eyes sufficient to terrify the husband, as well as the maids have to consume the lover.

Does not all this plainly show that young persons are apt to indulge themselves in romantic expectations of a delight both extatic and permanent, such as never did and never can exist? And does it not at the same time expose matrimony to the scoffs of libertines, who, knowing that these raptnres must have an end, think it sufficient to disparage the state itself, that some inconsiderate persons have not met with in it what it was never intended to bestow ?

I proceed, therefore, to observe that there is not by far so much unhappiness in the married state in general, as loose authors universally suppose. I choose to state the argument in this manner, because it is much more satisfactory than drawing pictures of the extremes on either hand. It signifies very little, on the one hand, to describe the state of a few persons distinguished for understanding, successful in life, respected by the public, and dear to one another; or on the other, those hateful brawls which by and by produce an advertisement in the newspapers, "Whereas my wife, Sarah, &c." If we would treat of this matter with propriety, we must consider how it stands among the bulk of mankind. The proposition, then, I mean to establish, is, that there is much less unhappiness in the matrimonial state than is often apprehended and indeed as much real comfort as there is any ground to expect.

To support this truth, I observe, that taking mankind throughout, we find much more satisfaction and cheerfulness in the married than in the single. In proportion to their numbers, I think of those grown up to maturer years, or past the meridian of life, there is a much greater de

gree of peevishness and discontent, whimsicalness and peculiarity, in the last than in the first. The prospect of continuing single till the end of life, narrows the mind, and closes the heart. I knew an instance of a gentleman of good estate, who lived single till he was past forty, and he was esteemed by all his neighbors not only frugal, but mean in some parts of his conduct. This same person afterwards marrying and having children, every body observed that he became liberal and open-hearted on the change, when one would have thought he had a stronger motive than before to hoard up. On this a neighbor of his made a remark, as a philosopher, that every ultimate passion is stronger than an intermediate one; that a single person loves wealth immediately on its own aacount; whereas a parent can scarcely help preferring his children before it, and valuing it only for their sakes.

This leads me to observe, that marriage must be the source of happiness, as being the immediate cause of many other relations, the most interesting and delightful. I cannot easily figure to myself any man who does not look upon it as the first of earthly blessings, to have children, to be the objects of attachment and care when they are young and to inherit his name and fortune, when he himself must,in the course of nature, go off the stage. Does not this very circumstance give unspeakable dignity to each parent in the other's eye,, and serve to increase and confirm that union, which youthful passion, and less durable motives, first occasioned to take place? I rather choose to mention this argument, because neither exalted understandings, nor elegance of manners, are necessary to give it force. It is felt by the peasant as well as by the prince; and, if we believe some observers on human life, its influence' is not less, but greater in the lower than in the higher ranks.

Before I proceed to any further remarks, I must say a few words, to prevent or remove a deception, which very probably leads many into error on this subject. It is no other than a man's supposing what would not give him happiness, cannot give it to another. Because, perhaps, there are few married women, whose persons, conversation, and manners, are altogether to his taste, he takes upon him to conclude, that the husbands, in these numerous instances, must lead a miserable life. Is it needful to say any thing to show the fallacy of this? The tastes and dispositions of men are as various as their faces; and therefore what is displeasing to one, may be, not barely tolerable, but agreeable to another. I have known a husband delighted with his wife's fluency and poignancy of speech in scolding her servants, and another who was not able to hear the least noise of the kind with patience.

Having obviated this mistake, it will be proper to observe, that through all the lower and middle ranks of life, there is generally a good measure of matrimonial or domestic comfort, when their circumstances are easy, or their estate growing. This is easily accounted for, not only from their being free from one of the most usual causes of peevishness and discontent, but because the affairs of a family are very seldom in a thriving state, unless both contribute their share of diligence; so that they have not only a common happiness to share, but a joint merit in procuring it. Men may talk in raptures of youth and beauty, wit and sprightliness, and a hundred other shining qualities; but after seven years cohabitation, not one of them is to be compared to good family management,

which is seen at every meal, and felt every hour in the husband's purse. To this, however, I must apply the caution given above. Such a wife may not appear quite killing to a stranger on a visit. There are a few distinguished examples of women of first rate understandings, who have all the elegance of court breeding in the parlor, and all the frugality and activity of a farmer's wife in the kitchen; but I have not found this to be the case in general. I learned from a certain author many years ago, that "a great care of household affairs generally spoils the easy manner of a fine lady;" and I have seen no reason to disbelieve it since.

Once more: so far as I am able to form a judgment, wherever there is a great and confessed superiority of understanding on one side, with some good nature on the other, there is domestic peace. It is of little consequence whether the superiority be on the side of the man or the woman, provided the ground of it be manifest. The contentions that are fiercest are generally where the just title to command is not quite clear. I am sensible I may bring ridicule upon myself here. It will be alleged that I have clearly established the right of the female over that species of husbands, known by the name of henpecked. But I beg that the nature of my position may be carefully considered. I have said, "Wherever there is a great and confessed superiority of understanding." Should not a man comply with reason, when offered by his wife, as well as any body else? Or ought he to be against reason, because his wife is for it? I, therefore, take the liberty of rescuing from the number of the henpecked, those who ask the advice, and follow the direction of their wives in most cases, because it is really better than any they could give themselves; reserving those only under the old denomination, who, through fear are subject, not to reason, but to passion and ill humor. I shall conclude this observation with saying, for the honor of the female sex, that I have known a greater number of instances of just and amiable conduct, in case of a great inequality of judgment, when the advantage was on the side of the woman, than when it was on the side of the man. I have known many women of judgment and prudence, who carried it with the highest respect and decency to weak and capricious husbands; -but not many men of distinguished abilities who did not betray, if not contempt, at least great indifference towards weak or trifling wives.

Some other observations I had intended to make upon this subject, but as the letter has been drawn out to a greater length than I expected, and they will come in with at least equal propriety under other maxims, 1 conclude at present. I am, Sir, &c.

SIR,

LETTER 189.

An ironical letter to a Slanderer.

The particular assiduity you have displayed in defending my character, when a middle aged, squint-eyed, short, impertinent fellow was practising every unjust means, and exerting all his feeble endeavors to sully it, deserves my thanks. I own myself your debtor so much that I am ap prehensive that it will never be in my power to repay you; I wish every person would follow your example; how noble, how illustrious the pat

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tern; you scorn to wound the reputation of your neighbor; you despise the poor, mean practice of calumny, which hurts, perhaps ruins, the name and character of a man, which it should be always his greatest care to preserve free from the least blemish.

You will be so kind, I hope, as to receive this poor acknowledgement of your great goodness, as a small token of my gratitude; and whenever I experience the same civility and benevolent interposition again, pardon me if I should be tempted to make my private thanks public

SIR,

I am, sir, your much obliged servant.

LETTER 190.

A humorous letter from a friend to another on Wishes.

I must agree with friend Horace, that, notwithstanding all our possessions, we fain would be having; if a man had the whole world, I dare say he would wish for the other, and if he had that, perhaps, like Alexander, he would cry for more. In short, we are never content; though our right hand be full, we would hold out the left; and should Providence overload both, we should doubtless put the gifts in our pockets, and empty our hands for future favors. However, I presume that I am an exception to this rule; Heaven has given me a wife; I never desire to have two! I have three children, and never wish to have more! My friends, too, are so numerous that with gratitude I confess that I have enough. In short, I expect that I am about as contented as we poor mortals are allowed to be. I am, dear sir, Yours, &c.

LETTER 191.
A Challenge.

SIR,

The epithets which you were pleased to bestow upon my late conduct, being, in my opinion, illiberal and impertinent, I demand that satisfaction which is due to injured honor; and therefore, insist upon your meeting me tomorrow morning, with whatever friend you may think proper, in order to settle this business according to the laws of honor. The gentleman who hands you this is authorized to make thenecessary arrangements. I am, sir, your humble servant.

LETTER 192.

SIR,

The Answer.

You are a young man without a family; I have a wife and three children; my life being dear to them is consequently dear to me; nor do I think I could meet my audit with Christian fortitude, did I wilfully enter the road of death, and leave a widow and fatherless children to bewail my loss! And for what? Because a mere empty butterfly, as I must call you, thinks proper to fire a pistol or two; if you wish me to meet you, please to provide for my wife and children, in case of danger, and I will then prove my valor and courage. As your fortune enables you to

perform this, if you refuse, the cowardice is upon your side; and you must accordingly expect to be publicly reproached, and forever despised by all honorable men, and particularly by Your humble servant.

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N. B. A general receipt will not discharge debts due on bonds, bills, and other instruments executed by sealing and delivering; nor will it discharge negotiable notes, or inland bills.

Receipt for money received on Notes.

Boston, June 6, 1822. Received from James Blair, by William Crossman, four hundred and ninety-five dollars, which is endorsed on his note dated May 4, 1821.

LEMUEL VOSE.

$495

Receipt for money received on account.

Boston, December 2, 1826. Received from Andrew Fairservice, fifty dollars, on account.

RICHARD WHITE

$50

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