I hope to be happy; and to make the loveliest of womankind so,
because my notions of the state, into which I am entering, are I hope
just, and free from that romantic turn so destructive to happiness.
I have, once in my life, had an attachment nearly resembling
marriage, to a widow of rank, with whom I was acquainted abroad; and
with whom I almost secluded myself from the world near a twelvemonth,
when she died of a fever, a stroke I was long before I recovered.
I loved her with tenderness; but that love, compared to what I feel
for Emily, was as a grain of sand to the globe of earth, or the weight
of a feather to the universe.
A marriage where not only esteem, but passion is kept awake, is, I
am convinced, the most perfect state of sublunary happiness: but it
requires great care to keep this tender plant alive; especially, I
blush to say it, on our side.
Women are naturally more constant, education improves this happy
disposition: the husband who has the politeness, the attention, and
delicacy of a lover, will always be beloved.
The same is generally, but not always, true on the other side: I
have sometimes seen the most amiable, the most delicate of the sex,
fail in keeping the affection of their husbands.
I am well aware, my friend, that we are not to expect here a life of
continual rapture; in the happiest marriage there is danger of some
languid moments: to avoid these, shall be my study; and I am certain
they are to be avoided.
The inebriation, the tumult of passion, will undoubtedly grow less
after marriage, that is, after peaceable possession; hopes and fears
alone keep it in its first violent state: but, though it subsides, it
gives place to a tenderness still more pleasing, to a soft, and, if you
will allow the expression, a voluptuous tranquillity: the pleasure does
not cease, does not even lessen; it only changes its nature.
My sister tells me, she flatters herself, you will give a few months
to hers and Mr. Temple's friendship; I will not give up the claim I
have to the same favor.
My little farm will induce only friends to visit us; and it is not
less pleasing to me for that circumstance: one of the misfortunes of a
very exalted station, is the slavery it subjects us to in regard to the
ceremonial world.
Upon the whole, I believe, the most agreable, as well as most free
of all situations, to be that of a little country gentleman, who lives
upon his income, and knows enough of the world not to envy his richer
neighbours.
Let me hear from you, my dear Fitzgerald, and tell me, if, little as
I am, I can be any way of the least use to you.
You will see Emily before I do; she is more lovely, more enchanting,
than ever.
Mrs. Fitzgerald will make me happy if she can invent any commands
for me.
Adieu! Believe me,
Your faithful, &c.
Ed. Rivers.