in
whenever they return, and which, perhaps, might not have revived but by
absurd and unseasonable compassion.

17. My endless train of lovers immediately withdrew without raising any
emotions. The greater part had indeed always professed to court, as it
is termed upon the square, had enquired my fortune, and offered
settlements; these undoubtedly had a right to retire without censure,
since they had openly treated for money, as necessary to their
happiness, and who can tell how little they wanted any other portion?

18. I have always thought the clamours of women unreasonable, who
imagine themselves injured, because the men who followed them upon the
supposition of a greater fortune, reject them when they are discovered
to have less. I have never known any lady, who did not think wealth a
title to some stipulations in her favour; and surely what is claimed by
the possession of money, is justly forfeited by its loss.

19. She that has once demanded a settlement, has allowed the importance
of fortune; and when she cannot shew pecuniary merit, why should she
think her cheapner obliged to purchase?

20. My lovers were not all contented with silent desertion. Some of them
revenged the neglect which they had formerly endured by wanton and
superfluous insults, and endeavoured to mortify me, by paying in my
presence those civilities to other ladies, which were once devoted only
to me.

21. But as it had been my rule to treat men according to the rank of
their intellect, I had never suffered any one to waste his life in
suspense who could have employed it to better purpose, and had therefore
no enemies but coxcombs, whose resentment and respect were equally below
my consideration.

22. The only pain which I have felt from degradation, is the loss of
that influence which I have always exerted on the side of virtue, in the
defence of innocence and the assertion of truth. I now find my opinions
slighted, my sentiments criticised, and my arguments opposed by those
that used to listen to me without reply, and struggle to be first in
expressing their conviction.

23. The female disputants have wholly thrown off my authority, and if I
endeavour to enforce my reasons by an appeal to the scholars that happen
to be present, the wretches are certain to pay their court by
sacrificing me and my system to a finer gown; and I am every hour
insulted with contradiction by cowards, who could never find till
lately, that Melissa was liab