nce, I feel that
it would be an indelicacy to let her know of this proposal at present,
and look like attempting to make a merit of my refusal.

It is not to you, my dear friend, I need say the gifts of fortune
are nothing to me without her for whose sake alone I wish to possess
them: you know my heart, and you also know this is the sentiment of
every man who loves.

But I can with truth say much more; I do not even wish an increase
of fortune, considering it abstractedly from its being incompatible
with my marriage with the loveliest of women; I am indifferent to all
but independence; wealth would not make me happier; on the contrary, it
might break in on my present little plan of enjoyment, by forcing me to
give to common acquaintance, of whom wealth will always attract a
crowd, those precious hours devoted to friendship and domestic
pleasure.

I think my present income just what a wise man would wish, and very
sincerely join in the philosophical prayer of the royal prophet, "Give
me neither poverty nor riches."

I love the vale, and had always an aversion to very extensive
prospects.

I will hasten my coming as much as possible, and hope to be at
Rose-hill on Monday next: I shall be a prey to anxiety till Emily is
irrevocably mine.

Tell Mrs. Fitzgerald, I am all impatience to kiss her hand.

Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.

LETTER 184.

To Captain Fermor.

Richmond, Sept. 18.

I am this moment returned to Richmond from a journey: I am rejoiced
at your arrival, and impatient to see you; for I am so happy as not to
have out-lived my impatience.

How is my little Bell? I am as much in love with her as ever; this
you will conceal from Captain Fitzgerald, lest he should be alarmed,
for I am as formidable a rival as a man of fourscore can be supposed to
be.

I am extremely obliged to you, my dear Fermor, for having introduced
me to a very amiable man, in your friend Colonel Rivers.

I begin to be so sensible I am an old fellow, that I feel a very
lively degree of gratitude to the young ones who visit me; and look on
every agreable new acquaintance under thirty as an acquisition I had no
right to expect.

You know I have always thought personal advantages of much more real
value than accidental ones; and that those who possessed the former had
much the greatest right to be proud.

Youth, health, beauty, understanding, are substantial goods; wealth
and title comparatively ideal o