The Tatler

Don't imagine my dear that by what I'm going to say I mean to exercise the authority of a mother always ready as you know I am to listen in my turn to your reasons when I think them good; my intention is not to lay my commands on you but to give you my advice; it is my heart which speaks to you and that experience I have had in the world makes me foresee evils which I would endeavor to prevent: you have been at court I think not above two months; believe me 'tis a dangerous situation: the perfidious group of courtiers always look on a new-comer with an eye of malevolence and soon find out all his imperfections: from the first moment they condemn him without pity or remorse; and which is still worse their judgment is irrevocable: be guarded against their malice: on the first step we take in life the rest of it must in a great measure depend: if you once make yourself ridiculous the world will think you always so: the impression will remain: it is in vain as you advance in years to change your conduct and assume a more serious behavior: you will suffer a long time from old prejudices: even if we do grow better we are still suspected; and I have often known men pay dearly in their old age for the errors of their youth: have a little regard therefore to the world and remember you ought to live now more for that than for yourself.Wilder Publications is a green publisher. All of our books are printed to order. This reduces waste and helps us keep prices low while greatly reducing our impact on the environment.