Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
DIMPLE
I can introduce you to some men of excellent sense, in whose company you will
esteem yourself happy; and, by way of amusement, to some ne girls, who will
listen to your soft things with pleasure.
MANLY
Sir, I should be proud of the honour of being acquainted with those gentlemen;—
but, as for the ladies, I don’t understand you.
DIMPLE
Why, Sir, I need not tell you, that when a young gentleman is alone with a young
lady he must say some soft things to her fair cheek—indeed, the lady will expect
it. To be sure, there is not much pleasure when a man of the world and a nished
coquette meet, who perfectly know each other; but how delicious is it to excite the
emotions of joy, hope, expectation, and delight in the bosom of a lovely girl who
believes every tittle of what you say to be serious!
MANLY
Serious, Sir! In my opinion, the man who, under pretensions of marriage, can plant
thorns in the bosom of an innocent, unsuspecting girl is more detestable than a
common robber, in the same proportion as private violence is more despicable
than open force, and money of less value than happiness.
DIMPLE
How he awes me by the superiority of his sentiments. [Aside.] As you say, Sir, a
gentleman should be cautious how he mentions marriage.
MANLY
Cautious, Sir! No person more approves of an intercourse between the sexes than
I do. Female conversation softens our manners, whilst our discourse, from the
superiority of our literary advantages, improves their minds. But, in our young
country, where there is no such thing as gallantry, when a gentleman speaks of love
to a lady, whether he mentions marriage or not, she ought to conclude either that
he meant to insult her or that his intentions are the most serious and honourable.
How mean, how cruel, is it, by a thousand tender assiduities, to win the aections
of an amiable girl, and, though you leave her virtue unspotted, to betray her into
the appearance of so many tender partialities, that every man of delicacy would
suppress his inclination towards her, by supposing her heart engaged! Can any
man, for the trivial gratication of his leisure hours, aect the happiness of a whole
life! His not having spoken of marriage may add to his perdy, but can be no excuse
for his conduct.
Page | 621