'That they preserve a Decency, as well in their Images, as in their Language, which is not always to be found in the Works of some of the most celebrated modern Writers, whose Subjects and Characters have less warranted the Liberties they have taken.' The various Stiles adapted to the many different Characters in _Clarissa_ make so great a Variety, as would, it attended to, in a great Measure, answer any Objection that might otherwise fairly be raised to the Length of the Story. There is one Thing has almost astonished me in the Criticisms I have heard on _Clarissa's_ Character; namely, that they are in a Manner a Counterpart to the Reproaches cast on her in her Lifetime. She has been called perverse and obstinate by many of her Readers; _James Harlowe_ called her so before them. Some say she was romantic; so said _Bella_; disobedient; all the _Harlowes_ agree in that; a Prude; so said _Salley Martin_; had a Mind incapable of Love; Mr. _Lovelace's_ Accusation; for he must found his Brutality on some Shadow of a Pretence, tho' he confesses at last it was but a Shadow, for that he knew the contrary the whole Time. Others say, she was artful and cunning, had the Talent only to move the Passions; the haughty Brother and spiteful Sister's Plea to banish her from her Parents Presence. I verily think I have not heard _Clarissa_ condemned for any one Fault, but the Author has made some of the _Harlowes_, or some of Mrs. _Sinclair's_ Family accuse her of it before.