The Contrast by Royall Tyler
page 103 of 161 (63%)
page 103 of 161 (63%)
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MANLY Sir, I should be proud of the honour of being acquainted with those gentlemen;--but, as for the ladies, I don't understand you. DIMPLE Why, Sir, I need not tell you, that when a young gentleman is alone with a young lady he must say some soft things to her fair cheek--indeed, the lady will expect it. To be sure, there is not much pleasure when a man of the world and a finished coquette meet, who perfectly know each other; but how deli- cious is it to excite the emotions of joy, hope, expecta- tion, and delight in the bosom of a lovely girl who believes every tittle of what you say to be serious! MANLY Serious, Sir! In my opinion, the man who, under pretensions of marriage, can plant thorns in the bosom of an innocent, unsuspecting girl is more detestable than a common robber, in the same proportion as private violence is more despicable than open force, and money of less value than happiness. |
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