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Whether this absolute Declaration of the Father, did not, in some manner, influence the Son, so as to create, with the aversion to the Tyranny of it, a kind of dislike to every thing the Father could propose, I cannot say; perhaps there might be something of that kind in it too, for Nature abhors Violence in Love.
But however it was, this is certain, that when his Father proposed a Match to him, he did it with an Air of Authority; told him, he had pitched upon such a Family, where he knew there was a suitable Fortune; that it was a very advantagious Alliance, and that he had already discoursed with the Lady's Father, and he found Things were very well, and that every Thing would be to his mind, and therefore he would have him think of marrying her.
But, Sir, says the Son, you will please to let me see the Lady, I hope.
Why, says the Father, what if you should not see her till afterwards, there's no great Matter in that? I suppose you know it is in such a Province, and she will be sent to Paris, (London) after the Contract is signed, and there you may marry her.
Son. What, must I marry her unsight, unseen.
Father. Why, didn't the King marry the Queen so? Did not the Prince of ——— marry the Lady ——— so? Sure, you are not above such People.
Son. But, Sir, they did not love them the better for that.
Father. What's that to the purpose? Do they not live gloriously together?
Son.
