Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/155

 to all true adepts, an inviolate preservation of Chastity.

As to the following Canto's, all the passages of them are as fabulous, as the Vision at the begin- ning, or the Transformation at the end; (except the loss of your Hair, which I always name with Reverence.) The Human persons are as fictitious as the Airy ones; and the character of Belinda, as it is now manag'd, resembles You in nothing but in Beauty.

If this Poem had as many Graces as there are in your Person, or in your Mind, yet I could ne- ver hope it should pass thro' the world half so Uncensur'd as You have done. But let its for- tune be what it will, mine is happy enough, to have given me this occasion of assuring You that I am, with the truest esteem,

,

Your most obedient,

Humble Servant,