They, as they have so much good sense as to act naturally, without regard to the observation of others, will not, I hope, be discomposed if any of the fry of wags should take upon them to make themselves merry upon the occasion of their coming, as they intend, in their wedding clothes. My brother is a plain, worthy, and honest man, and as it is natural for men of that turn to be mightily taken with sprightly and airy women, my sister has a vivacity which may perhaps give hopes to impertinents, but will be esteemed the effect of innocence among wise men. They design to sit with me in the box, which the house have been so complaisant to offer me whenever I think fit to come thither in my public character.[308]
I do not in the least doubt, but the true figure of conjugal affection will appear in their looks and gestures. My sister does not affect to be gorgeous in her dress, and thinks the happiness of a wife is more visible in a cheerful look than a gay apparel. It is a hard task to speak of persons so nearly related to one with decency, but I may say, all who shall be at the play will allow him to have the mien of a worthy English gentleman; her, that of a notable and deserving wife.
FOOTNOTES:
[308] See Nos. [120], [122]. "I remember Mr. Bickerstaff at the playhouse, and with what a modest, decent gravity he behaved himself" (Examiner, vol. iii. No. 46). This passage occurs in a notice of Addison's "Cato," where it is said that on the first night a crowd of silly people "were drawn up under the leading of the renowned Ironside, and appointed to clap at his signals.... The Spectator never appeared in public with a worse grace."
No. 185.
[Steele.
Tuesday, June 13, to Thursday, June 15, 1710.
Notitiam primosque gradus vicinia fecit;
Tempore crevit amor, tædæ quoque jure coissent;
Sed vetuere patres, quod non potuere vetare,
Ex æquo captis ardebant mentibus ambo.
Ovid, Met. iv. 59.
From my own Apartment, June 14.