I would advise the young Gentlemen of the _Temple_, to study the Arts of Persuasion, on other Accounts, besides that of defending Sheep-stealers at an Assizes: For a pretty Girl may be as easily captivated by Eloquence, as a Judge or Jury; and surely she is a much nobler Prize. But here conceal your Art, and do not carry your Eloquence in your Face: And above all Things, beware of hard Words; for who but an empty Coxcomb ever made a verbose Declamation to his Mistress? By such Methods you may raise her Abhorrence more probably than her Love. Let your Passion appear credible, and disclose it in easy and common Language; it may be as tender and warm as you please; but preserve the Stile of Conversation. If she should not receive your Letter, but send it back unopened, hope for better Success another Time, and maintain your Purpose. Time brings the Stubborn Steer to bend his Neck to the Yoke, and the Horse to endure the Bridle. Iron Bonds and Ploughshares are worn out by constant Use. What is harder than a Rock? or what is softer than Water? And yet hard Rocks are hollowed by soft Water. _Penelope_ herself in Time might have been conquered. You see _Troy_, though it defended itself so long, was however taken at last. If she reads your Letters, but is unwilling to answer them, do not attempt to compel her. If she but reads your Fondness, it is sufficient. If she will read, in Time she will answer what she reads. All these Matters will be brought about in their own good Time. Perhaps the first Answer she sends you will be a cruel one, and may desire you to quit all future Solicitations. She fears to be taken at her Word, and hopes you will not grant her Request. Follow her, and in Time you will obtain your Wishes. If you meet her Chair, and the Curtains should be drawn, approach it as it were by Accident; and when you discover her there, whisper something tender in her Ear; but whisper softly, lest the Chairman, or any other impertinent Person, should over-hear you. When she walks in the _Mall_, dangle after her, and interrupt her Walk with your Conversation. Here you will have an Opportunity of seeing her Shape, and shewing her yours, by sometimes walking behind, and sometimes before her. But for the most Part keep even pace with her, whether she trips along briskly, or only saunters. Sometimes she will take a longer Walk, as far perhaps as the second or Third Stone. Hither follow her, and take every Opportunity of getting up close to her Side. Never let her go to the Play without attending her: No Matter what the Play is, she will bring sufficient Entertainment for you with her. Here keep your Eyes always intent on her only, and admire every Thing about her. By your Eyes, and by Signs, you may inform her of many Things.