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 that of which you have given me such continued proofs ever since our first acquaintance. I am, &c.

Madam,—I take the liberty of assuring you, that you must either pull out your eyes, or I must pull out mine—that’s a fact. You must either not be so handsome, or I must be blind—that’s another. Though my passion be as violent as any lover’s need be, I hope you will not expect that I should either hang or drown myself; for, believe me, Madam, I shall do neither. I should certainly betray great want of sense, and little knowledge of your merit if I was inclined to leave the world while you were in it. To deal sincerly with you, Madam, I choose the infinite happiness of being with you, before the glory of dying for you; besides, I entertain such a good opinion of your sense, as to believe you prefer a living lover to a dead one; the lips that are warm, and ready to imprint a thousand sweet kisses to those that are cold, and closed for ever! but, Madam, if I must die, pray kill me with your kindness, not with your cruelty: I had much rather expire upon your bosom than at your feet. Should you be tenderly enclined to give me a death of this sort, I am ready to receive it immediately, on any ground in the three kingdoms; appoint but your place and time, and I will not fail to meet my murderer. Your’s for ever.