HAPPY the parents, who have bestowed upon their children such an education, as will enable them, by a principle of mediocrity, to govern them without extorting obedience, and to reclaim them without exercising severity. Farewel! LETTER XXIV. _Harriot_ to _Myra_. _Rhodeisland._ MRS. _Francis_ is not altogether pleased with her journey to this part of the country—She does not delight to brood over sorrow—She flies from the house of mourning, to scenes of dissipation—and, like the rest of the world, bears the misfortunes of her friends with a most christian fortitude: The melancholy aspect of affairs here, will therefore shorten our visit—so you may expect us at _Boston_ in a few days. MY faithful lover (with whom I will certainly make you acquainted in a short time) continues to write to me in very passionate and sentimental strains. His last letter proves him to be a _tolerable maker of rhymes_ and I inclose it for your _entertainment_. I am, my dear, Your most affectionate Friend. LETTER XXV. _Myra_ to _Harriot_. (WRITTEN BEFORE SHE HAD RECEIVED THE PRECEDING.) _Boston._ YOUR sorrowful little history has infected me with grief. Surely there is no human vice of so black a die—so fatal in its consequences—or which causes a more general calamity, than that of _seducing_ a female from the path of honour. This idea has been improved by my brother, on the hint of your favour—as an acknowledgement for which I inclose you his production. (THE INCLOSED.) =The Court of Vice.= AN _APOLOGUE_. VICE “on a solemn night of state, In all her pomp of terrour sate,” Her voice in deep, tremendous tone, Thus issu’d from her ebon throne: ‘This night at our infernal court, Let all our ministers resort; Who most annoys the human race, At our right hand shall take his place, Rais’d on a throne—advanc’d in fame— YE CRIMES now vindicate your claim.’ Eager for praise, the hideous host, All spake, aspiring to the post.