possible to feel true happiness without giving it.

You, my dear Temple, have too just an idea of pleasure to think in
this manner: you would be beloved; it has been the pursuit of your
life, though never really attained perhaps before. You at present
possess a heart full of sensibility, a heart capable of loving with
ardor, and from the same cause as capable of being estranged by
neglect: give your whole attention to preserving this invaluable
treasure; observe every rule I have given to her, if you would be
happy; and believe me, the heart of woman is not less delicate than
tender; their sensibility is more keen, they feel more strongly than
we do, their tenderness is more easily wounded, and their hearts are
more difficult to recover if once lost.

At the same time, they are both by nature and education more
constant, and scarce ever change the object of their affections but
from ill treatment: for which reason there is some excuse for a custom
which appears cruel, that of throwing contempt on the husband for the
ill conduct of the wife.

Above all things, retain the politeness and attention of a lover;
and avoid that careless manner which wounds the vanity of human nature,
a passion given us, as were all passions, for the wisest ends, and
which never quits us but with life.

There is a certain attentive tenderness, difficult to be described,
which the manly of our sex feel, and which is peculiarly pleasing to
woman: 'tis also a very delightful sensation to ourselves, as well as
productive of the happiest consequences: regarding them as creatures
placed by Providence under our protection, and depending on us for
their happiness, is the strongest possible tie of affection to a
well-turned mind.

If I did not know Lucy perfectly, I should perhaps hesitate in the
next advice I am going to give you; which is, to make her the
confidante, and the _only_ confidante, of your gallantries, if you
are so unhappy as to be inadvertently betrayed into any: her heart will
possibly be at first a little wounded by the confession, but this proof
of perfect esteem will increase her friendship for you; she will regard
your error with compassion and indulgence, and lead you gently back by
her endearing tenderness to honor and herself.

Of all tasks I detest that of giving advice; you are therefore
under infinite obligation to me for this letter.

Be assured of my tenderest affection; and believe me,

Yours, &c.