Ad init.]
The Character of _Cleanthes_, in the same [K]Chapter, is a
Misrepresentation of Nature.--"_Cleanthes_ is a very honest Man; he
has chosen a Wife, who is the best and the most reasonable Woman in
the World: They, each of them, in their respective Ways, make up all
the Pleasure and Agreeableness of the Company they are in: 'Tis
impossible to meet with more Probity or Politeness. They part to
Morrrow, and the Deed of their Separation is ready drawn up at the
Notary's. There are, certainly, some Kinds of Merit that were never
made to be together, and some Virtues that are incompatible." But
those who are endow'd with such good Qualities, as Mr. _de la Bruyere_
ascribes to _Cleanthes_ and his Wife, can never agree to a willful
Separation. Nay, 'tis a Contradiction to their Character to suppose
that either of 'em is faln into those Circumstances, which only can
make a Separation become lawful and just. 'Tis true, some Virtues and
Accomplishments, as well as some Vices, may be inconsistent with each
other. But to apply this Maxim to the present Case must betray a great
Want of Judgment and Knowledge in the Nature of Things: For where can
one expect to meet with a more perfect Harmony of Virtues, than in the
reciprocal Honesty, Reason and Good-breeding of _Cleanthes_ and his
Wife?
[K: Ibid.
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