Advice to lovers: or, Certain rules of behaviour shewing them how to demean themselves, so as not to miscarry in the grand affair of love. Wherein also the pretty tricks, odd humours, and fantastick carriage of some paramours, together with several pleasant passages relating to amours, and courtship, are observ'd and describ'd. By W. R. Gent.

IV.

Wherefore another Caution to be observ'd by these Objects of Courtship, is,

Not to have too great a Conceit of their Handsom∣ness.

'Tis an Infirmity to some of the Sex, to ascribe too much unto it; who, because they are Attended with Throngs of Admirers, and are honour'd with the Ceremonies of Bare-heads, and Bended-Knees, are reverenc'd with supple Coopees, and Congees, and pelted with the Addresses of Battering Epi∣stles; they think these Foppish Observances to be the Effects of their Features, and undeniable Proofs of their Charming Faces; and therefore are Am∣bitious of a whole Legion of Suiters; and by this means oftentimes take occasion to hop over, and transgress the bounds of Modesty, and degenerate into Impudence, which they Lasciviously express

in their Looks, Words and Gesture; and fancy they are observ'd, and Lov'd for their Bonny Car∣riage; But they are much deceiv'd: For if there be any Mouths that water at them, or any Bellies that wamble after them, the Inclination proceeds not so much from an honest opinion of them, or a vertuous Passion towards them, as from the Dishonest hopes of Easiness of Enjoying them.

Let not a Mistress be so Light and Vain, as to draw the eyes of all Men after her. But let her be so virtuous in her Conversation, so sweet in her Actions, that every Beholder may be her Votary; and then all Filthy Desires, and Smutty Flames will die and vanish. Whosoever is Bless'd with the Love of such a Person, let him sit down satis∣fy'd with the least hint of her Favour; and value the happiness but of one smile, above a Monopoly of all the Felicities of the whole World.