From a Father to a Daughter against a frothy, French Lover.

Dear Polly,

I cannot say I look upon Mr. La Farriere in the same favourable Light that you seem to do. His frothy Behaviour may divert well enough as an Acquaintance; but is very unanswerable, I think, to the Character of a Husband, especially an English Husband, which I take to be a graver Character than a French one. There is a Difference in these gay Gentlemen, while they strive to please, and when they expect to be obliged. In all Men this is too apparent: But in those of a light Turn it is more visible than in others. If after Marriage his present Temper should continue, when you are a careful Mother, he will look more like a Son than a Husband: If entering into the World should change his Disposition, expect no Medium; he will be the most insipid Mortal you can imagine; if his Spirits should be depressed by the Accidents of Life, he is such a Stranger to Reflection, (the best Counsellor of the Wise) that from thence he will be unable to draw Relief. And Adversity to such Men is the more intolerable, as their Deportment is suited only to the Smiles of Success.

He dances well; writes very indifferently:Is an Artist at Cards; but cannot cast Accounts: Understands all the Laws of Chance; but not one of the Land: Has shewn great Skill in the Improvement of his Person; yet none at all, that I hear, of his Estate: And tho’ he makes a good Figure in Company, has never yet studied the Art of living at Home: He sings well; but knows nothing of Business: He has long acted the Part of a Lover; but may not find the same Variety and Entertainment in acting the Husband: Is very gallant; but may not be over affectionate: And is so tender of himself, that he will have little Time to indulge any body else.