University of Virginia Library

I RECEIVED your's with those lively sensations
of pleasure which your favours always afford.
As I was perusing it, my papa came into the
room. He took it out of my hand, and read it;
then returning it with the smile of approbation;
I think, said he, that your correspondent has
played the critic very well. Has she played it justly,
Sir? said I. Why, it is a long time, said he,
since I read the Marchioness de Sevignè's letters.
I am not, therefore, a judge of their merit.
But, with regard to Pope, I blame not the sex
for retaliating upon him; for he always treated
them satirically I believe revenge was no part
of my friend's plan, said I. She is far superior
to so malignant a passion; though, were she capable
of seeking it, it would be in behalf of her sex.

Company now coming in, the conversation
shifted.

I have often smiled at the pitiful wit of those
satirists and essayifts who lavish abundant eloquence
on trifling foibles, the mere whims of a
day; and of no consequence to the body natural,
moral, or political. The extension of a
hoop, the contraction of the waist, or the elevation
of the head-dress, frequently afford matter

for pages of elaborate discussion. These reformers,
too, always aim at the good of our sex! I
think it a great pity they do not lop off some of
their own exuberant follies; though, perhaps,
they wish us to exchange labours; and, in return
for their benevolent exertions, that we endeavour
to expose and correct their errors. I
have sometimes thought their satire to be tinctured
with malice; and that the cause of their
disaffection may generally be found in personal
resentment. Had Pope and his coadjutors been
favourites with the ladies, I doubt not but they
would have found more excellencies in them
than they have ever yet allowed.

I have lately been reading the generous and
polite Fitzosborne's letters; and I need not tell
you how much I was pleased and charmed with
them.

The justness of his sentiments, and the ease
and elegance of his diction are at once interesting
and improving. His letter and ode to his
wife on the anniversary of their marriage, surpass
any thing of the kind I have ever read.
I verily think, that, had I the offer of a heart
capable of dicting such manly tenderness of
expression, and such pathetic energy of generous
love, I should be willing to give my hand in return,
and affent to those solemn words, “love,
honor, and—(I had almost said) obey.” Adieu.