Love with us is ever led by the Sports and the Smiles.
Upon the whole, people who have the spirit to act as we have done,
to dare to chuse their own companions for life, will generally be
happy.
The affections are the true sources of enjoyment: love, friendship,
and, if you will allow me to anticipate, paternal tenderness, all the
domestic attachments, are sweet beyond words.
The beneficent Author of nature, who gave us these affections for
the wisest purposes--
"Cela est bien dit, mon cher Rivers; mais il faut cultiver notre
jardin."
You are right, my dear Bell, and I am a prating coxcomb.
Lucy's post-coach is just setting off, to wait your commands.
I send this by Temple's servant. On Thursday I hope to see our dear
groupe of friends re-united, and to have nothing to wish, but a
continuance of our present happiness.
Adieu! Your faithful
Ed. Rivers.