The Aunt to the Niece, desiring her own Opinion of her Two Lovers.

Dear Lydia,

I am given to understand, that you have two new Admirers, of very different Tempers and Professions; the one Capt. Tomkins of the Guards; the other Mr. Rushford. As I know Mr. Rushford to be a sensible, sedate, worthy Gentleman; I am a little uneasy, lest he should be discouraged for the other. And yet, as I know not the Merits or Qualifications of the Captain, I would not censure you, or condemn him, right or wrong. This makes me desire your Sentiments of both, and that you’ll acquaint me to which you most incline. I have a very high Opinion of your Prudence, and can have no View in this Request, but your Good. Only, I must assure you, that I have such an Esteem for Mr. Rushford 's Character, that the other Gentleman ought to be something more extraordinary than is to be generally met with in his Profession, to be preferr’d to him. I hope you’ll think so too; but be this as it will, the frank Declaration of your Mind will be very obliging to

Your truly affectionate Aunt.