liance
reasonable, and consistent with her free agency, in points that ought to
be allowed her. Come, this is pretty well, considering.

30. That if the husband be set upon a wrong thing, she must not dispute
with him, but do it and, expostulate afterwards. Good sirs! I don't know
what to say to this! It looks a little hard, methinks! This would bear a
smart debate, I fancy, in a parliament of women. But then he says,

31. Supposing they are only small points that are in dispute. Well, this
mends it a little. For small points, I think, should not be stood upon.

32. That the greatest quarrels among friends (and wives and husbands
are, or should be, friends) arise from small matters. I believe this is
very true; for I had like to have had anger here, when I intended very
well.

33. That a wife should not desire to convince her husband for
CONTRADICTION sake, but for HIS OWN. As both will find their account in
this, if one does, I believe 'tis very just.

34. That in all companies a wife must shew respect and love to her
husband.

35. And this for the sake of her own reputation and security; for,

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.