269. Visit from Sir Roger-his Opinions on va- 270. Reflections on the Characters in the Scorn- 272. Letters from Cleanthes on a mischiefmaking old Maid-from E. G. on Kissing-Hoods STEELE. ADDISON. .... ..... ...... ...... ............ 279. Criticism on Paradise Lost 280. On the Desire of pleasing-Character of Polycarpus 281. Dissection of a Coquette's Heart 282. False-Hopes-decorating Churches with .... 276. Letters on Delicacy in the Censure of Vices STEELE. tress-a Quaker Greek-Private Marriage-Musical Plan STEELE. ADDISON. ........... .... ..... .... ...... ADDISON. Evergreens 283. On the Art of growing rich 284. Affectation of Negligence-of Business- 285. Criticism on Paradise Lost 286. False delicacy-Defence of the Spectator's Censure of Public Vices-Complexions UNKNOWN. Letter from an Author turned Dealer STEELE. ADDISON. STEELE. ADDISON. STEELE. BUDGELL. STEELE. ADDISON. 290. Tragedy of the Distressed Mother-Letter 291. Criticism on Paradise Lost ........ 292. On the Art of bestowing Favours-Letter 295. Letter on Pin-Money-Reflections on that 297. Criticism on Paradise Lost . 298. Letter on the general Notion Men have of 300. Indelicate Conversation-Conversation with 301. Letter to Chloe from her Lover, with an 302. Character of Emilia 303. Criticism on Paradise Lost 306. Letter from a Beauty destroyed by the Small-Pox ..... .... .... .... ..... ...... ..... Consolation offered 307. On the Education of Children 308. On the better regulating of Matches- STEELE. ADDISON. UNKNOWN. ADDISON. STEELE. ADDISON. STEELE. STEELE. BUDGELL. ADDISON. ADDISON. STEELE. HUGHES. STEELE. BUDGELL. STEELE. 309. Criticism on Paradise Lost 310. Letters from various Lovers-on Tale-bear- STEELE. THE SPECTATOR. No. 254. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1711. Σεμνὸς ἔρως ἀρετῆς, ὁ δὲ κυπρίνος ἄχος ὀφέλλει. Virtuous love is honourable, but lust increaseth sorrow. WHEN I consider the false impressions which are received by the generality of the world, I am troubled at none more than at a certain levity of thought, which many young women of quality have entertained, to the hazard of their characters, and certain misfortune of their lives. The first of the following letters may best represent the faults I would now point at, and the answer to it, the temper of mind in a contrary character. MY DEAR HARRIOT, 'If thou art she, but oh how fallen, how changed, what an apostate! how lost to all that is gay and agreeable! To be married I find is to be buried alive; I cannot conceive it more dismal to be shut up in a vault to converse with the shades of my ancestors, than to be carried down to an old manor-house in the country, and confi ned to the conversation of a sober husband, and an awkward chambermaid. For variety I suppose you may entertain yourself with madam in her grogram gown, the spouse of your parish vicar, who has by this time, I am sure, well furnished you with receipts for making salves and possets, distilling cordial waters, making syrups, and applying poultices. Blest solitude! I wish thee joy, my dear, of thy loved retirement, which indeed you would persuade me is very agreeable, and different enough from what I have here described: but, child, I am afraid thy brains are a little disordered with romances and novels. After six months marriage to hear thee talk of love, and paint the country scenes so softly, is a little extravagant; one would think you lived the lives of sylvan deities, or roved among the walks of paradise, like the first happy pair. But pray thee leave these whimsies, and come to town in order to live, and talk like other mortals. However, as I am extremely interested in your reputation, I would willingly give you a little good advice at your first appearance under the character of a married woman. It is a little insolent in me, perhaps, to advise a matron; but I am so afraid you will make so silly a figure as a fond wife, that I cannot help warning you not to appear in any public places with your husband, and never to saunter about St. James's Park together: if you presume to enter the ring at Hyde Park together, you are ruined for ever; nor must you take the least notice of one another at the play-house, or opera, unless you would be laughed at for a very loving couple, most happily paired in the yoke of wedlock. I would recommend the example of an acquaintance of ours to your imitation; she is the most negligent and |
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