hough it may be construed in my
favour?*) make me unhappy, when novelty has lost its charms, and when,
mind and person, she is all my own? Libertines are nicer, if at all
nice, than other men. They seldom meet with the stand of virtue in
the women whom they attempt. And, by the frailty of those they have
triumphed over, they judge of all the rest. 'Importunity and opportunity
no woman is proof against, especially from the persevering lover, who
knows how to suit temptations to inclinations:' This, thou knowest, is a
prime article of the rake's creed.

* The particular attention of such of the fair sex, as are more apt to
read for the same of amusement than instruction, is requested to this
letter of Mr. Lovelace.

And what! (methinks thou askest with surprise) Dost thou question this
most admirable of women?--The virtue of a CLARISSA dost thou question?

I do not, I dare not question it. My reverence for her will not let me
directly question it. But let me, in my turn, ask thee--Is not, may not
her virtue be founded rather in pride than in principle? Whose daughter
is she?--And is she not a daughter? If impeccable, how came she by her
impeccability? The pride of setting an example to her sex has run away
with her hitherto, and may have made her till now invincible. But is not
that pride abated? What may not both men and women be brought to do in a
mortified state? What mind is superior to calamity? Pride is perhaps the
principal bulwark of female virtue. Humble a woman, and may she not be
effectually humbled?

Then who says Miss Clarissa Harlowe is the paragon of virtue?--Is virtue
itself?

All who know her, and have heard of her, it will be answered.

Common bruit!--Is virtue to be established by common bruit only?--Has
her virtue ever been proved?--Who has dared to try her virtue?

I told thee, I would sit down to argue with myself; and I have drawn
myself into argumentation before I was aware.

Let me enter into a strict discussion of this subject.

I know how ungenerous an appearance what I have said, and what I have
further to say, on this topic, will have from me: But am I not bringing
virtue to the touchstone, with a view to exalt it, if it come out to be
proof?--'Avaunt then, for one moment, all consideration that may arise
from a weakness which some would miscall gratitude; and is oftentimes
the corrupter of a heart most ignoble!'

To the test then--and I will bring this charming creature to