Letter CXLV

Summary

To a young Lady, cautioning her against keeping Company with a Gentleman of a bad Character.

Dear Cousin,

The great Respect I have, and always had for you, obliges me to take this Freedom, to let you know, that the Neighbourhood begins to talk pretty freely of you and Mr. Lory. You have been seen with him at the Play, and after that, at the R---- Tavern, a House of no good Repute, I assure you; where you have staid with him till near Twelve o’ Clock at Night: You have likewise been with him at Vipont's at Hampstead, at Vaux-hall, Cuper’s-gardens, Mary-le-bon, &c.

I am sorry for these Things, because he has none of the best of Characters; having, as I am well inform’d, already ruin’d Two, if not Three, worthy Tradesmens Daughters: And it is but too probable, that he has no honourable Design upon you: For, whatever he may promise you, I am credibly assur’d, that he is actually engaged with Miss Knapper, whom you know very well: Indeed, it is said, he has 200 l. per Ann. but if it be so, he is very much involved in the World; and, at the Rate he lives, had he three times that Estate, would never be out of Debt; for he is downright extravagant, a Man of no Conduct, a perfect Rattle, whose Words are not to be rely’d on in any respect; andmakes a common Boast of the Favours he has received from our Sex, whose faulty Fondness is the constant Subject of his Ridicule.

For all these Reasons, I beg of you, dear Cousin, to avoid his Company; for tho’ I am confident you will preserve your Virtue, yet, my Dear, think what you will, you may receive an incurable Wound in your Reputation. I hope you’ll excuse this Liberty, which no other Motive but Zeal for your Credit and Welfare has occasioned. And believe me to be

Your faithful Friend, as well as affectionate Cousin.