Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/56

Rh my mind, and become like a wave of the ſea, drifted about by every guſt of paſſion.

You muſt in life obſerve the moſt apparently inſifnificant duties—the great ones are the pillars of virtue; but the conſtant concurrence of trifling things makes it neceſſary that reaſon and conſcience ſhould always preſide, to keep the heart ſteady. Many people make promiſes and appointments, which they ſcruple not to break, if a more inviting pleaſure occurs, not remembering that the ſlighteſt duty ſhould be performed before a mere amuſement is purſued—for any neglect of this kind embitters play. Nothing, believe me, can long be pleaſant, that is not innocent.

As I uſually endeavour to recollect ſome perſsons of my acquaintance, who have ſuffered by the faults, or follies, I wiſh you to avoid; I will deſcribe two characters, that will, if I miſtake not, very ſtrongly enforce what I have been ſaying.

Laſt week you ſaw Lady Sly, who came to pay me a morning viſit. Did you ever ſee ſuch a fine carriage, or ſuch beautiful Rh