Page:Complete letter writer, or, Whole art of polite correspondence.pdf/16

 you will excuse this liberty from, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.

Sir,—It is to me a matter of great uneasiness, that I cannot at present fulfil my engagements. I have experienced lately such heavy losses, and met with such great disappointments, that I must intrude another quarter on your goodness. Whatever shifts I may then be put to, you may depend upon hearing more to your satisfaction than at present, from, Sir, your most humble servant.

Mr Mason,—I have received your letter, and hope you will be as good as your word at the expiration of the time you have fixed. I would by no means wish to distress any honest man. I hope I shall not meet with the worse usage for thus showing my tenderness. Lenity abused, even in generous tempers, provokes returns, which some people would call severe, but should not be deemed such if just. I am, &c.

Sir,—I am exceedingly sorrow to hear you are so embarrassed particularly as it is not in my power to give you any assistance; my circumstances being almost as bad as yours. I am, Sir, your humble servant.

Dear Sir,—The great losses you have sustained by the failure of Mr Ross, have caused me much uneasiness. I hope you behave under it like the man of prudence you have always shown yourself. As one who knows how liable all men are to