Pamela, Or Virtue Rewarded

36. That rakes cannot have a greater encouragement to attempt a married

lady's virtue, than her slight opinion of her husband. To be sure this

stands to reason, and is a fine lesson.

37. That a wife should therefore draw a kind veil over her husband's

faults.

38. That such as she could not conceal, she should extenuate.

39. That his virtues she should place in an advantageous light

40. And shew the world, that he had HER good opinion at least.

41. That she must value his friends for his sake.

42. That she must be cheerful and easy in her behaviour, to whomsoever

he brings home with him.

43. That whatever faults she sees in him, she never blame him before

company.

44. At least, with such an air of superiority, as if she had a less

opinion of his judgment than her own.

45. That a man of nice observation cannot be contented to be only

moderately happy in a wife.

46. That a wife take care how she ascribe supererogatory merit to

herself; so as to take the faults of others upon her.

Indeed, I think it is well if we can bear our own! This is of the same

nature with the third; and touches upon me, on the present occasion, for

this wholesome lecture.

47. That his imperfections must not be a plea for hers. To be sure, 'tis

no matter how good the women are; but 'tis to be hoped men will allow a

little. But, indeed, he says,

48. That a husband, who expects all this, is to be incapable of

returning insult for obligation, or evil for good; and ought not to

abridge her of any privilege of her sex.

Well, my dear parents, I think this last rule crowns the rest, and makes

them all very tolerable; and a generous man, and a man of sense, cannot

be too much obliged. And, as I have this happiness, I shall be very

unworthy, if I do not always so think, and so act.

Yet, after all, you'll see I have not the easiest task in the world. But

I know my own intentions, that I shall not wilfully err; and so fear the

less. Not one hint did he give, that I durst lay hold of, about poor Miss

Sally Godfrey. I wish my lady had not spoken of it: for it has given me

a curiosity that is not quite so pretty in me; especially so early in my

nuptials, and in a case so long ago past. Yet he intimated too, to his

sister, that he had had other faults, (of this sort, I suppose,) that

had not come to her knowledge!--But I make no doubt he has seen his

error, and will be very good for the future. I wish it, and pray it may

be so, for his own dear sake! Wednesday, the seventh.