Can you suppose, my dear Charles, that I should disapprove of your intention? You begin the year very well, and may expect the happiness which flows from benevolence: it is an omen and a foretaste. Charles then modestly thanked his father, and I went with him to distribute the money; afterwards we danced with a light heart, indeed we had a pleasant evening.——While we were dancing, as Sir Charles passed by his son, he whispered him, Pleasure is sweet when we do not sacrifice our duty to purchase it. And as he repeated his blessing, when Charles wished him a good night, he added, You have been happy, my son, because you first thought of making others rejoice.—I shall not forget this lesson, for I felt its force. I am sleepy, and yet I must tell you, that while the company were refreshing themselves, Charles and I slipped away, and hastened to the barn, and found the invited poor regaling merrily; I cannot describe the pleasure that was pictured on every countenance, but it has left a pleasing impression on my mind. The people were so delighted with their good cheer, they did not sufficiently attend to a poor blind man. Charles observed this neglect; Father, said he, let me assist you, and he cut his meat for him. I find the treat was more acceptable to the poor than the rich—I will ever try to recollect, that it is more delightful to give pleasure, than excite admiration. WILLIAM. LETTER XXXV. WILLIAM _to his_ MOTHER. We rode out yesterday, and had not the pleasure we expected. When we left home the weather was fine; but the sky soon began to lower, and the rain fell in large drops; we were obliged to gallop to a little farm-house, and wait there till the storm was over. Edward was grumbling all the way, and Emilia was low-spirited, and I own I was disappointed; Charles looked so for a moment, but soon recollected himself. EDWARD. This is dreadful.—What a pity it is—the rain will prevent our enjoying any pleasure. CHARLES. No; we can drink tea here, and return home when it clears up. EMILIA. That is not so pleasant. I wish it was fair now—I want to have a ride. CHARLES. You wish it was dry weather to pursue your ride to please yourself: and our neighbour, the farmer, wished this morning for rain, because the plants and grass are almost withered by the drought. Whose wish is most rational? WILLIAM. The farmer’s, I think. CHARLES.