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 farther 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 courtbreeding in the parlour, 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 free,careless air of a fine lady;" and I have seen no reason to disbelieve it since.

Once more, so far as I have been able to form a judgement, wherever there is a great and confessed superiority of understanding on one side, with some good nature on the other, there is a 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 fiercest contentions 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 henpeckt. But I beg that the nature of my position may be attentively 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 henpeckt, those who ask the advice, and follow the direc tion of their wives in most cases, because they are 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 humour. I shall conclude this observation with saying, for the honour of the female sex, that I have known a greater number of instances of just and amiable conduct,in cases of a great inequality of judgement, when the advantages was on the side of the woman, than when it was on the side of the man. I have known many women of judgement 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 things I had intended to offer upon this subject, but as the Tetter has been drawn out to a greater length than I expected, and they will come in

with at least equal propriety under other maxims, I conclude at present.

I am, &c,

SIR,

LETTER XXXVII.

A CHALLENGE.

THE epithets which you were pleased to bestow upon my late conduct, being, in my opinion, illiberal and impertinent, I demand that satisfaction due to injured honour; and,therefore, insist upon your meeting me to-morrow, with whatever friend you may think proper, in order to settle this business according to the laws of ho

SIR-You are a young man without a family: I have a wife and three childron-my life being dear to them, is