never think of afterwards. But, sweet child! as your worthy Mamma Norton
calls you, think a little less of the matrimonial, (at least, till you
come into that state,) and a little more of the filial duty.

How can you say, you are to bear all the misery, when you give so large a
share of it to your parents, to your uncles, to your aunt, to myself, and
to your sister; who all, for eighteen years of your life, loved you so
well?

If of late I have not given you room to hope for my favour or compassion,
it is because of late you have not deserved either. I know what you
mean, little reflecting fool, by saying, it is much in my power, although
but your brother, (a very slight degree of relationship with you,) to
give you that peace which you can give yourself whenever you please.

The liberty of refusing, pretty Miss, is denied you, because we are all
sensible, that the liberty of choosing, to every one's dislike, must
follow. The vile wretch you have set your heart upon speaks this plainly
to every body, though you won't. He says you are his, and shall be his,
and he will be the death of any man who robs him of his PROPERTY. So,
Miss, we have a mind to try this point with him. My father, supposing he
has the right of a father in his child, is absolutely determined not to
be bullied out of that right. And what must that child be, who prefers
the rake to a father?

This is the light in which this whole debate ought to be taken. Blush,
then, Delicacy, that cannot bear the poet's amor omnibus idem!--Blush,
then, Purity! Be ashamed, Virgin Modesty! And, if capable of
conviction, surrender your whole will to the will of the honoured pair,
to whom you owe your being: and beg of all your friends to forgive and