But this instance
shews me, that I may much offend, without designing it in the least.
Now, Pamela, replied he, don't be too serious: I hope I shan't be a very
tyrannical husband to you: Yet do I not pretend to be perfect, or to be
always governed by reason in my first transports; and I expect, from your
affection, that you will bear with me when you find me wrong. I have no
ungrateful spirit, and can, when cool, enter as impartially into myself
as most men; and then I am always kind and acknowledging, in proportion
as I have been out of the way.
But to convince you, my dear, continued he, of your fault, (I mean, with
regard to the impetuosity of my temper; for there was no fault in your
intention, that I acknowledge,) I'll observe only, that you met, when you
came to me, while I was so out of humour, a reception you did not expect,
and a harsh word or two that you did not deserve. Now, had you not
broken in upon me while my anger lasted, but staid till I had come to
you, or sent to desire your company, you'd have seen none of this; but
that affectionate behaviour, which I doubt not you'll always merit, and I
shall always take pleasure in expressing: and in this temper shall you
always find a proper influence over me: But you must not suppose,
whenever I am out of humour, that, in opposing yourself to my passion,
you oppose a proper butt to it; but when you are so good, like the
slender reed, to bend to the hurricane, rather than, like the sturdy oak,
to resist it, you will always stand firm in my kind opinion, while a
contrary conduct would uproot you, with all your excellencies, from my
soul.
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