Marriage Treaties. Settlements.

MARRIAGE Settlements ought not to be made so large, as to make a wife independent of her husband, and to put it out of his power, with discretion, to engage her gratitude by his generosity, iv. 194. [v. 65].

The hearts of young women are apt, unjustly, to rise against the notions of bargain and sale, as some phrase it, in a Matrimonial Treaty, v. 62. [vi. 40].

The reproach of Smithfield bargains, in a Marriage contract, is an odium cast upon prudence, principally by those, who wish a young woman to encourage a clan|destine and unequal address, ibid.

But should not the flagrant selfishness of such be pe|netrated; since they can mean nothing but their own interest, at the very time they would have a young woman pay no regard to hers?

Previous stipulations are surely indispensible provisions among us changeable mortals, however promising the sunshine may be at setting out, v. 62. [vi. 40].

A man, whose proposals of Marriage are unexception|able, should be spared the indelicacy of asking questions as to fortune, v. 71. [vi. 49].

Generosity requires not, of even a generous man, that in a Treaty of Marriage, since the interest of himself and his wife will be one, that he should make a compli|ment to his affection, by giving up her natural right; especially if there be no one of her family in low circum|stances, v. 73, 74. [vi. 51, 52].

A prudent lover will not be either romantic or osten|tatious. Page  332 He will be as glad to follow, as to set, a good example, v. 74, 75. [vi. 52, 53].

If the lady's fortune be an ascertained one, and he in easy circumstances, he will not accept of contributions from such of her friends, as are not the nearest to her in relation, and who have others who stand in an equal degree of proximity to them, to make it up, ibid.