The man versed in the wiles of deceit puts on the mask of plausibility
and virtue, and, by these means, disarms the object of his attention and
apparent love of the usual administration of her prudence, lays her
apprehensions asleep, and involves her in misery: misery the more
inevitable, because unsuspected. For she who apprehends no danger, will
not think it necessary to be always upon her guard; but will rather
invite than avoid the ruin which comes under so specious and so fair a
form.
One of these sentimental lovers will not scruple very seriously to
assure a credulous girl, that her unparalelled merit entitles her to the
adoration of the whole world; and that the universal homage of mankind
is nothing more than the unavoidable tribute extorted by her charms.
But she should reflect, that he who endeavours to intoxicate her with
adulation, intends one day most effectually to humble her. For artful
man has always a secret design to pay himself in future for any present
sacrifice. If he has address and conduct, and the object of his pursuit
much vanity, and some sensibility, he seldom fails of success; for so
powerful will be his ascendency over her mind, that she will soon adopt
his notions and opinions.
The lover, deeply versed in all the obliquities of fraud, and skilled to
wind himself into every avenue of the heart which indiscretion has left
unguarded, soon discovers on which side it is most accessible. He avails
himself of this weakness by addressing her in a language exactly
consonant to her own ideas. He attacks her with her own weapons, and
opposes, if a sentimental girl, rhapsody to sentiment. He professes so
sovereign a contempt for the paltry concerns of money, that she thinks
it her duty to reward him for so generous a renunciation. Every plea he
artfully advances of his own unworthiness, is considered by her as a
fresh demand, that her gratitude must answer. And she makes it a point
of honour to sacrifice to him that fortune which he is too noble to
regard.
These professions of humility are the common artifices of the vain, and
these protestations of generosity the refuge of the rapacious.
* * * * *
* * * *