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DIALOGUE I.

MONDAY.

ON INDUSTRY, TRUTH, AND SINCERITY.

Mentoria.

As your improvement, my dear Ladies, engrosses my whole attention, I propose employing the remainder of the morning in pointing out those measures I think will be conducive to it. I am not so rigid as to exclude amusement from the system which I mean to form; though I wish but a small portion of your time to be spent in trifling pur suits. There is scarcely any thing of more importance, and what is more extraordinary, less attended to, than habitual INDUSTRY. So clearly am I convinced of the advantages which arise from the practice of this virtue, that in the prosecution of my present plan, I intend to allot some employ to every hour of the day, and shall endeavour to blend instruc

tion with amusement, as they do not appear to me the least incompatible, though, from the prejudice of weak minds, they are usually considered so. The thoughtless and inconsiderate receive instruction like a medicine, and nauseate the draught; but partake of the banquet of amusement with as much ease and pleasure as if it were their daily food. If we were to examine these different qualities with minute attention, we should find they often differ only in the name. Many pursuits, where pleasure is the end proposed, produce disgust and pain; whilst, on the contrary, those avocations which seem attended with difficulty, reward the labour of such as surmount them, with knowledge and glory.

Lady Mary. My dear Mentoria, are we always to be reading, working, or writing, and never play?

Ment. Certainly not, my dear: my present object is to diversify your pursuits, and to regulate them in such a manner, that whilst you are seeking improvement, you may be amused. The judicious choice and disposition of the agreeable and useful qualifications of the mind, produce the same effect in a human character, as the contrast of light and shade does in a fine

picture ;

picture; it constitutes the beauty and intrinsic value of both.

Lady Louisa. I think we are always employed. How much time we spend in getting our lessons! I often lament I have not more time to play.

Ment. I agree with you, Lady Louisa, in thinking you spend a great deal of your time in getting your lesson; and I am sorry to add, as my opinion, often more than is necessary for the purpose. The habitual industry I mean to inculcate, will, I hope, obviate this objection, and give me no farther cause of complaint. When you seriously reflect, that if you do not perform your business in the space of time appropriated to that purpose, it will interfere with your attendance on your masters, or some other branch of your duty; you will be inclined to pursue your studies with the attention they deserve. The advantage would evidently be your own, as by that means you would have part of your time entirely at your own disposal.

Lady M. What alteration then do you mean to propose in your education.

Ment.

None that will affect your Ladyship's peace, I shall expect never to see you idle and shall be displeased if you tell me you

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