Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-05-02
FRANCIS.

FRANcIs.
The tea-table commonly affords some
agreeable tcte-a tete, particularly when the
young and old, The male and female, the
gay and serious meet together. 1t is some
times difficult. to bring these parties toge-
ther, but I take notice when they come in
contact, each Individual seems proud of
Its station, The contrariety of character
between all these extremes, render the
meeting and scene interesting and delight
ful. Allact withoutrescrve. Every heart
seems full OF m,tn. They Join OH all
sides and begin the attack"-some with
the fine disposition Of weather, others with
" the tales Of the times ;" some with the
amusementsDr adancIng party Others with
an account Of the theatre some with their
philosophy and others with their wit. In
this circleitis that you hear superstition and
b,fioonery ridiculed with so much plea
santry of wit. 1t is in this circle that the
young must improve their manners and re-
fine their sentiments.
Whether it b. The want of sufficient ac-
quantance in Richmond, orsufficient quail.
ihcationS to introduce me into this circle,
] am not able to say, but am afraid il is
place OF too much proud distinction
still hope not. and my hope is little So
laced, by the high terms in which my &C
quantance speak Of the citizens, A friend
of mine, for whom | have singular res.
peel, after passing an evening with some
ladies in this place, told me next morning
that he dreamed of being very much in
love with Miss -. Another gentleman
being present, who seems to have colle6-
ed AN immense store of philosophy, under
took to prove that :" ~ take notice Of ones
9 dreams, is the frofier mode 10 discOrer the
real STATE Of ones mind"--it is common
sadhe " for the gambler 10 dream of play
Sand the miser TO dream Of gold, and
"by parity of reasoning should suppose
sit common for the lover to dream of his
mistress" But, replied our dreamter,
was unfortunate enough 10 dream also,
that this young lady had a very great an
tipaihy to me. The philosopher replied,
"the author to whom ! am indebted for
this information, has not explained, whe-
Their dice and cards really hated the
"samester, or gold the miser; Of course
arm unable 10 explain at present, whe-
"ther she really hates you.s But friend
81 have lately purchased some new books
"of philosophy, which will pc use, and
=" at the same time be mindful OF yourcase.
"lt / colect any information on the sub
'ject, | will let You have it by Saturday
evening"" The philosopher took leave.
According to promise, we met again on
Saturday evening. The hilosopher be-
gan by saying, have always understood
It to DC corrett principle in elastic boz
"dies, that reaction is equal to action.
"The author I have Consulted since we
"parted, mrs extended his principle indis.
fortunately 10 The human mind. and I
"am fully convinced Of The accuracy of
:" his judgment. So upon this principle,
Gin all cases with the sexes, reaction
els equal to aclion.--ii you dream oi be.
"ing m love with her, reaction being
"equal 10 aclion, she must dream Of be-
sing IN love with you. From this il fol
slows with the irresistible force OF d.
" n1on-stro-tioH, that, since you dream e
" her, and upon the principle OF action and
" reaction she must dream Of you, saw
"you loving her, ii follows as a necessary
"consequence that she must love YOU"
The philosopher delivered himself with I
Demostheneap force when he had ended !
his discourse, the dreamer told him "I (
think Sir, you are the most violent enthu- !
slaSt ever heard, but you reason from in. /
correct premises, therefore your conclusi. I
ons are just so many absurdities.-Herel
we were interrupted by a gentleman
o. =. e vii MOD, Il Id Tt