LETTER CXLVII.149.
To John Temple, Esq; Pall Mall.
Montreal, May 28.
I cannot enough, my dear Temple, thank you for your last, though it destroys my air-built scheme of happiness.
Could I have supposed my mother would thus severely have felt my absence, I had never left England; to make her easier, was my only motive for that step.
I with pleasure sacrifice my design of settling here to her peace of mind; no consideration, however, shall ever make me give up that of marrying the best and most charming of women.
I could have wished to have had a fortune worthy of her; this was my wish, not that of my Emily; she will with equal pleasure share with me poverty or riches: I hope her consent to marry me before I leave Canada. I know the advantages of affluence, my dear Temple, audand am too reasonable to despise them; I would only avoid rating them above their worth.
Riches undoubtedly purchase a variety of pleasures which are not otherwise to be obtained; they give power, they give honors, they give consequence; but if, to enjoy these subordinate goods, we must give up those which are more essential, more real, more suited to our natures, I can never hesitate one moment to determine between them.
I know nothing fortune has to bestow, which can equal the transport of being dear to the most amiable, most lovely of womankind.
The stream of life, my dear Temple, stagnates without the gentle gale of love; till I knew my Emily, till the dear moment which assured me of her tenderness, I could scarce be said to live.
Adieu! Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.