happy ones you cannot see without deserving them. These, virtue, honor, and knowledge, alone can merit, alone can procure. "Dii tibi dent annos de te nam cætera sumes," was a pretty piece of poetical flattery, where it was said; I hope that in time it may be no flattery when said to you. But, I assure you, that, whenever I cannot apply the latter part of the line to you with truth, I shall neither say, think, nor wish the former. Adieu. [Same date.]
Rational Pleasures.—Now that you are going
a little more into the world, I will take this occasion
to explain my intentions as to your future expenses,
that you may know what you have to expect from
me, and make your plan accordingly. I shall neither
deny nor grudge you any money that may be necessary
for either your improvement or your pleasures;
I mean, the pleasures of a rational being. Under
the head of improvement, I mean the best books,
and the best masters, cost what they will; I also
mean all the expense of lodgings, coach, dress,
servants, etc., which, according to the several places
where you may be, shall be respectively necessary, to
enable you to keep the best company. Under the
head of rational pleasures, I comprehend, first,
proper charities, to real and compassionate objects
of it; secondly, proper presents, to those to whom
