contended that it can not be resisted. This is true in part only,
for, like all things else, when nourished and supplied plentifully
with aliment, it is rapid in its progress; but let these be
withdrawn, and it may be stifled in its birth, or much stinted in
its growth. For example, a woman (the same may be said of the other
sex) all beautiful and accomplished, will, while her hand and heart
are undisposed of, turn the heads and set the circle in which she
moves on fire. Let her marry, and what is the consequence? The
madness _ceases_, and all is quiet again. Why? Not because there is
any diminution in the charms of the lady, but because there is an
end of hope. Hence it follows that love may and therefore ought to
be under the guidance of reason; for, although we can not avoid
first impressions, we may assuredly place them under guard: and my
motives for treating on this subject are to show you, while you
remain Eleanor Parke Custis, spinster, and retain the resolution to
love with moderation, the propriety of adhering to the latter
resolution, at least until you have secured your game, and the way
by which it may be accomplished.

"When the fire is beginning to kindle, and your heart growing warm,
propound these questions to it: 'Who is this invader? Have I a
competent knowledge of him? Is he a man of good character? a man of
sense?' For, be assured, a sensible woman can never be happy with a
fool. 'What has been his walk of life? Is he a gambler, a
spendthrift, or drunkard? Is his fortune sufficient to maintain me
in the manner I have been accustomed to live, and my sisters do
live, and is he one to whom my friends can have no reasonable
objection?' If these interrogatories can be satisfactorily
answered, there will remain but one more to be asked; that,
however, is an important one, 'Have I sufficient ground to conclude
that his affections are engaged by me?' Without this, the heart of
sensibility will struggle against a passion that is not
reciprocated--delicacy, custom, or call it by what epithet you
will, having precluded all advances on your part. The declaration,
without the _most indirect_ invitation of yours, must proceed from
the man, to render it permanent and valuable; and nothing short of
good sense and an easy, unaffected cond