Virginia Argus

A Reply to the Communication of Envy, and its Servants.

Base Envy withers at another's joy,
And hates that Excellence it cannot reach,
THOMPSON.

FALSEHOOD though odious in itself, and the immediate creation of infamy: is nevertheless, not entirely destitute of every principle of generosity, for it will sooner, or later betray the wretch, in whose bosom it is fostered. An instance of this will be plainly discovered in my reply to the communication in a late paper, relative to my marriage with Mrs. Luritta Christopher. This communication, dictated by Envy, and penned by its servant, states that I, (Daniel W. Mayes) am 45 years old-- At the time of my marriage I was nineteen years 10 months old. The communication further states, that Mrs. Luritta Christopher, (Miss Luritta by mistake) was forty-five years old. She was indeed thirty-five only. The Indian said two truths to one lie, would do very well for an Indian - But two lies to one truth (it seems) will scarcely serve a gentleman.- After telling us in the sentence which I have noticed above, that there was a disparity of 27 years in our ages, they introduce the next by an observation to this effect, "Alike in all things." Reader! is 19 and 45 alike in all things? Again: "Well may our young Hero, exclaim in the language of Wolsey; Farewell, a long farewell to all my greatness." This sentence admits of two constructions, 1st. That I have already exclaimed in the language of Wolsey, or 2d. That I may now do so. If Mr. Envy and his very obliging servant, intends it should have the 1st construction, it was their gracious intention it should be construed into a falsity, an odious one. Or of 2d, a very great disparity obtains, between the premises, and conclusion of their communication. For it is asserted in the setting of their communication, that Mrs Christopher is amiable, virtuous, &c. and that we are alike in all things. To conclude then as they have done, that virtue will quarrel with itself, is extremely insignificant, and worthy only of such men. Again; to put the word of Wolsey into my mouth, is equally as reasonable, as to harness the cow and milk the ox.- It is a true saying in many instances, that a word to the wise is sufficient; By this rule I hope for pardon, as I have used many in replying to our weak communicators. Poor men, they have irretrievably lost the delicate object of their rude passion: And finally, through the instrumentality of a poor, weak, unconnected despicable publication: seek revenge on the couple. To conclude, the communication serves only to exhibit to the world, two things, viz. 1st. That ignorance and egotism, serve eternally to betray and expose themselves. 2d. That envy will eventually be its own punisher. If Mr Envy will yet continue his favor; if he will act with respect to this reply, as he did by his polished communication; he will take one paper and shew it to every person he meets on the road; and his clerkly servant, will sweat in carrying another about the neighborhood.

DANL. W. MAYES.

September 21st, 1809.