Ishall be at Paris within three weeks, my dear child; and I write by this courier to inform the Viscountess of my intentions of travelling into Italy this spring. I beg you to wait on her and explain my reasons, for it is impossible to make her comprehend them by letter. Let us now talk of your children. Use your utmost endeavours to correct Seraphina of that frolicksomeness and spirit, which may so easily degenerate into downright malice.

Montaigne has said, ‘and what father is so foolish to take as a good omen, his son's striking a servant or peasant, who does not defend himself. This is the real seed and root of cruelty, tyranny, and treason.’ Rousseau, in the first volume of his Emilius, makes a similar observation; ‘if a child dares give a serious blow to any one, be it a servant, or any very inferior person, make them return his blows with interest.’ I have seen simple governesses animate the fury of a child, encourage it to fight, suffer themselves to be beat, and laugh at its weak blows, without thinking that they were so many bruises in the little fury's intention; and that he who strikes in his childhood will grow up an assassin. Therefore punish Seraphina severely for the very first malicious act; be particularly careful never to laugh at any of her tricks, or repeat them sportively before her; for self-love is more powerful than the fear of punishment. The pleasure of amusing others, and of being talked of, will make her brave all the chastisements in the world. It is of great importance to convince children, that what is bad is hateful, and can only inspire disdain. But when you punish, and at the same time laugh at their fault, they may reasonably believe there are deceitful vices, which can even contribute to make persons liked.