; but, in the hands of the weak, or the idle, it can bring forth nothing but weeds, or thorns.
AGAINST this kind of produce, I warned my Emily, and still warn her, lest they, at any time, should wound her tender heart. I frankly confess myself interested in the fate of your lovely nun; but instead of saying, as you would have me, Psha, Emily, how can you be so teizing! I shall say Pray, Emily, do not be teizing, but write me a full and true account of every circumstance you know, relating to the charming vestal; and of every thing else, that you think can afford any entertainment, to
Your affectionate sister, F. STRAFFON.



WHAT a triumph for such a little insignificant animal as me, to be able to ruffle the calm dignity of a female philosopher! I shall begin to think myself of some consequence; rather of more weight, than the fly upon the chariot wheel. For, indeed my dear Fanny, notwithstanding your efforts to disguise it, you were a little chagrined at the small attempt towards pertness, which I ventured to make, in my last letter; and, in truth, you wise ones, when once thrown off your guard, make as foolish a figure as any of us simpletons.
I HAVE heard it said, that a person who never learnt to fence, shall be able to disconcert the greatest master of that noble science; nay more, may possibly kill him by a random pass, while he stands in the best posture of defence, and is aiming at his antagonist, in all the profundity of quarte or tierce. Just such a scrambling combatant have you to deal with, who, without the least skill in the art of logic, presumes to enter the lists with your wise ladyship.
AND so, Fanny, curiosity is now become a virtue,
"productive of every good, the source of knowledge, the distinguishing mark of rationality, an inheritance descended to us,"
&c. And yet poor Emily is not to be allowed the use of this treasure, but to be deprived of her birthright, and treated as an absolute alien to our grandmother Eve. Is not this a little hard?

BUT now what says my philosophy, to this severe treatment? I think I see you laugh, at that expression. But pray, madam, is not the great

use and end of that exalted study, to render us happy, by perfectly acquiescing in our own lot, and wisely contemning all those advantages that are denied us? Grant me