But indeed, sir,
I am oppressed by your bounty; my spirits sink under the weight of it;
and the oppression is still the greater, as I see not how, possibly, in
my whole future life, by all I can do, to merit the least of your
favours.
I know your grateful heart, said he; but remember, my dear, what the
lawyers tell us, That marriage is the highest consideration which the law
knows. And this, my sweet bride, has made you mine, and me yours; and
you have the best claim in the world to share my fortune with me. But,
set that consideration aside, what is the obligation you have to me?
Your mind is pure as that of an angel, and as much transcends mine. Your
wit, and your judgment, to make you no compliment, are more than equal to
mine: You have all the graces that education can give a woman, improved
by a genius which makes those graces natural to you. You have a
sweetness of temper, and a noble sincerity, beyond all comparison; and in
the beauty of your person, you excel all the ladies I ever saw. Where
then, my dearest, is the obligation, if not on my side to you?--But, to
avoid these comparisons, let us talk of nothing henceforth but equality;
although, if the riches of your mind, and your unblemished virtue, be set
against my fortune, (which is but an accidental good, as I may call it,
and all I have to boast of,) the condescension will be yours; and I shall
not think I can possibly deserve you, till, after your sweet example, my
future life shall become nearly as blameless as yours.
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