The Coquette eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 214 pages of information about The Coquette.

The Coquette eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 214 pages of information about The Coquette.

Yet in what language shall I express my abhorrence of the monster whose detestable arts have blasted one of the fairest flowers in creation?  I leave him to God and his own conscience.  Already is he exposed in his true colors.  Vengeance already begins to overtake him.  His sordid mind must now suffer the deprivation of those sensual gratifications beyond which he is incapable of enjoyment.

Upon your reflecting and steady mind, my dear Julia, I need not inculcate the lessons which may be drawn from this woe-fraught tale; but for the sake of my sex in general, I wish it engraved upon every heart, that virtue alone, independent of the trappings of wealth, the parade of equipage, and the adulation of gallantry, can secure lasting felicity.  From the melancholy story of Eliza Wharton let the American fair learn to reject with disdain every insinuation derogatory to their true dignity and honor.  Let them despise and forever banish the man who can glory in the seduction of innocence and the ruin of reputation.  To associate is to approve; to approve is to be betrayed.

I am, &c.,

LUCY SUMNER.

LETTER LXXIV.

TO MRS. M. WHARTON.

BOSTON.

Dear madam:  We have paid the last tribute of respect to your beloved daughter.  The day after my arrival, Mrs. Sumner proposed that we should visit the sad spot which contains the remains of our once amiable friend.  “The grave of Eliza Wharton,” said she, “shall not be unbedewed by the tears of friendship.”

Yesterday we went accordingly, and were much pleased with the apparent sincerity of the people in their assurances that every thing in their power had been done to render her situation comfortable.  The minutest circumstances were faithfully related; and, from the state of her mind in her last hours, I think much comfort may be derived to her afflicted friends.

We spent a mournful hour in the place where she is interred, and then returned to the inn, while Mrs. Sumner gave orders for a decent stone to be erected over her grave, with the following inscription:—­

  THIS HUMBLE STONE,
  IN MEMORY OF
  ELIZA WHARTON,
  IS INSCRIBED BY HER WEEPING FRIENDS, TO WHOM SHE
  ENDEARED HERSELF
  BY UNCOMMON TENDERNESS AND AFFECTION. 
  ENDOWED WITH SUPERIOR ACQUIREMENTS, SHE WAS STILL MORE
  DISTINGUISHED
  BY HUMILITY AND BENEVOLENCE. 
  LET CANDOR THROW A VEIL OVER HER FRAILTIES, FOR GREAT WAS
  HER CHARITY TO OTHERS. 
  SHE SUSTAINED THE LAST PAINFUL SCENE
  FAR FROM EVERY FRIEND,
  AND EXHIBITED AN EXAMPLE OF CALM RESIGNATION. 
  HER DEPARTURE WAS ON THE 25TH DAY OF JULY, A.D.——­, IN
  THE 37TH YEAR OF HER AGE;
  AND THE TEARS OF STRANGERS WATERED HER GRAVE.

I hope, madam, that you will derive satisfaction from these exertions of friendship, and that, united to the many other sources of consolation with which you are furnished, they may alleviate your grief, and, while they leave the pleasing remembrance of her virtues, add the supporting persuasion that your Eliza is happy.

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The Coquette from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.