LETTER LII

LORD M. TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
TUESDAY, MAY 23.

It is a long lane that has no turning.--Do not despise me for my proverbs
--you know I was always fond of them; and if you had been so too, it
would have been the better for you, let me tell you. I dare swear, the
fine lady you are so likely to be soon happy with, will be far from
despising them; for I am told, that she writes well, and that all her
letters are full of sentences. God convert you! for nobody but he and
this lady can.

I have no manner of doubt but that you will marry, as your father, and
all your ancestors, did before you: else you would have had no title to
be my heir; nor can your descendants have any title to be your's, unless
they are legitimate; that's worth your remembrance, Sir!--No man is
always a fool, every man is sometimes.--But your follies, I hope, are now
at an end.

I know, you have vowed revenge against this fine lady's family: but no
more of that, now. You must look upon them all as your relations; and
forgive and forget. And when they see you make a good husband and a good
father, [which God send, for all our sakes!] they will wonder at their
nonsensical antipathy, and beg your pardon: But while they think you a
vile fellow, and a rake, how can they either love you, or excuse their
daughter?

And methinks I could wish to give a word of comfort to the lady, who,
doubtless, must be under great fears, how she shall be able to hold in
such a wild creature as you have hitherto been. I would hint to her,
that by strong arguments, and gentle words, she may do any thing with
you; for though you are apt to be hot, gentle words will cool you, and
bring you into the temper that is necessary for your cure.

Would to God, my poor lady, your aunt, who is dead and gone, had been a
proper patient for the same remedy! God rest her soul! No reflections
upon her memory! Worth is best known by want! I know her's now; and if
I had went first, she would by this time have known mine.

There is great wisdom in that saying, God send me a friend, that may tell
me of my faults: if not, an enemy, and he will. Not that I am your
enemy; and that you well know. The more noble any one is, the more
humble; so bear with me, if you would be thought noble.--Am I not your
uncle? and do I not design to be better to you than your father could be?
Nay, I will be your father too, when the happy day comes; since you
desire it: and pray m