玛格丽特富勒致 弟弟（阿瑟 B 富勒）

　　jamaica plain
　　20th，december1840
　　it is not， my dear arthur， because i“have solittle to say to you” that my letters are short，butbecause bad health and many engagements oblige me to such economy of time.you know， too，that writing is of all occupations，the very worst for mymalady，and as i must do a great deal at any rate iabstain always when i can.bear this in mind， anddon't measure my interest in your pursuits， oraffection for yourself by the number or length of my lettets.
　　i continue to manage very well.the fatted pig is killed， and was found in good order' not－withstanding your and richard's evil omens fromthe character of our prodigal son here.we banquet on pork rather more constantly than is agreeable to a“true believer” like my self.
　　my other life continues its usual course.i have been to hear the sonnambula，but with scarce more satisfaction than our fastidious richard derived from his concert，of which，i suppose， he has given you an account.
　　the news of ellen's illness was sad to me bothon her account and mother's over whose visit acloud is cast at once. mr keats's letter to me waskind and clear.she will have， i am sure， all theattention and wise counsel she needs.the feverwas gone and only a rheumatic affection remainedof which the physician thought she would soon befree. i shall hope very soon to hear again.
　　about your school i do not think i can giveyou much advice which would be of value unless iknew your position more in detail. the importantrule is， as in all relations with our fellowcreatures， never forget that， if they are imperfectpersons， they are immortal souls， and treat themas you would wish to be treated by the light of thatthough.

　　as to the application of means——abstainfrom punishment as much as possible and use encouragement as far as you can without flattery.but be even more careful as to strict truth in thisregard towards children than to persons of yourown age.for to the child the parent or teacher isthe representative of justice， and as that of life issevere，an education which in any degree， excitesvanity is the very worst preparation for that general and crowded school.
　　i doubt not you will reach grammar well，as isaw you aimed at principles in your practise，——in geography， try to make pictures of the scenes，that they may be present to their lmaglnatlon， andthe nobler faculties be brought into action as wellas memory——in history study and try to paint thecharacters of great men； they best interpret theleadings of events amid the nations.
　　i am pleased with your way of speaking of both people and pupils， your view seems from theright point， yet beware of over great pleasure inbeing popular or even beloved.as far as an amiable disposition and powers of entertainment make you so， it is a happiness， but is there onegrain of plausibility，it is poison.——but i willnot play mentor much， lest i make you averse towrite to your very affte sister
　　margaret