It is easier to avoid the means of temptation than to resist them when the power is in our own hands....
"The place you are in has strangely filled your head with cures and physicians; but (take my word for it) many a fine lady has gone there to drink the waters without being sick, and many a man has complained of the loss of his heart who has had it in his own possession.

I desire you will keep yours, for I shall not be very fond of a friend without one, and I have a great mind you should be in the number of mine." JOHN GAY TO THE HON.

MRS HOWARD.
Tunbridge Wells, July 12th, 1723.
"The next pleasure to seeing you is hearing from you, and when I hear you succeed in your wishes I succeed in mine--so I will not say a word more of the house.
"We have a young lady, Mary Jennings, here that is very particular in her desires.

I have known some ladies who, if ever they prayed and were sure their prayers would prevail, would ask an equipage, a title, a husband or matadores; but this lady, who is but seventeen and has but thirty thousand pounds, places all her wishes in a pot of good ale.

When her friends, for the sake of her shape and complexion, would dissuade her from it, she answers, with the truest sincerity, that by the loss of shape and complexion she can only lose a husband, but that ale is her passion.