University of Virginia Library

Your enlivening letter restored us, in
some measure, to your society; or at least alleviated
the pain of your absence.

I am glad you attended Commencement. It
was a new scene, and consequently extended
your ideas. I think you rather severe on the
classical gentlemen. We simple country-folks
must not presume to arraign their taste, whose
learning and abilities render them conspicuous
on the literary stage. They, doubtless, write on
subjects best adapted to their capacities. As for
the follies of fashion, I think the gentlemen are
under obligations to the ladies for adopting them;
since it gives exercise to their genius and pens.

You were tired, you say, with pleasure. I believe
those dissipating scenes, which greatly exhilarate
the spirits, call for the whole attention, and
oblige us to exert every power, are always fatiguing.

Pleasures of a calmer kind, which are moderately
enjoyed, which enliven rather than exhaust,
and which yield a serenity of mind on reflection,
are the most durable, rational, and satisfying.
Pleasure is the most alluring object which is presented
to the view of the young and inexperienced.

Under various forms it courts our attention;
but, while we are still eager in the pursuit,
it eludes our grasp. Its fascinating charms deceive
the imagination, and create a bower of bliss
in every distant object. But let us be careful not
to six our affections on any thing which bears
this name, unless it be founded on virtue, and
will endure the severest scrutiny of examination.

Our honored mamma, and all your friends
here, are impatient for your return. They unitedly
long to embrace, and bid you welcome to
these seats of simplicity and ease: but none more
ardently, than your affectionate sister,