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12 I will meet you at the Shepherd and Shepherd or Sunday after dinner, and then we will talk mo of the matter.

I am, dear Jack

Your moſt humble ſervant.

From a reſpectful Lover to his Miſtreſs.

Dear Madam,

I HAVE long ſtruggled with the most honourably and respectful paſſion that ever filled the heart of man: I have often tried to reveal it perſonally as often in this way, but never, till now, could prevail upon my fears and doubts. But I cannot longer ſtruggle with a ſecret that has given me ſo much torture to keep, and yet, hitherto, more than I have endeavoured to reveal it I never entertain the hope to ſee you without rapture: but, when I have that pleaſure, inſtead of being animated as I ought, I am utterly confounded. What can this be owing to but a diffidence in myſelf, and an exalted opinion of your worthinefs? And is not this one ſtrong token of ardent love? Yet if it be, how various is the tormenting paſſion of its operations? Since ſome it inſpire with courage, whilſt others it depriver of all neceſſary confidence: I can only aſſure you, madam, that the heart of man never conceived a ſtronger, or ſincerer paſſion than mine tor you If my reverence for you is the crime I am ſure it has been my ſufficient puniſhment need not ſay my deſigns and motives are honourable; who dare approach ſo much virtuous excellence, with a ſuppoſition that ſuch an aſſurance is neceſſary? What my fortune is, is well known; and I am ready to ſtand the teſt of the ſtricteſt enquiry. Condeſcend, madam, in embolden my reſpectful paſſion, with one favourable line;