LETTER XXVII.
Mr. Lovelace, To John Belford, Esq;
Saturday, May 20.
I am pleased with the sober reflection with which thou concludest thy last; and I thank thee for it.
Poor Belton!---I did not think his Thomasine would have proved so very a devil. But this must everlastingly be the risque of a keeper, who takes up with a low-bred girl. This I never did. Nor had I occasion to do it. Such a one as I, Jack, needed only, till now, to shake the stateliest tree, and the mellowed fruit dropt into my mouth: Always of Montaigne's taste, thou knowest:---Thought it a glory to subdue a girl of family.---More truly delightful to me the seduction-progress than the crowning act: For that's a vapour, a bubble! And most cordially do I thank thee for thy indirect hint, that I am right in my present pursuit.
From such a woman as Miss Harlowe, a man is secured from all the inconveniences thou expatiatest upon.
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Once more, therefore, do I thank thee, Belford, for thy approbation!---A man need not, as thou sayest, sneak into holes and corners, and shun the day, in the company of such a woman as this. How friendly in thee, thus to abet the favourite purpose of my heart!---Nor can it be a disgrace to me, to permit such a Lady to be called by my name!---Nor shall I be at all concerned about the world's censure, if I live to the years of discretion, which thou mentionest, should I be taken in, and prevailed upon to tread with her the good old path of my ancestors.
A blessing on thy heart, thou honest fellow! I thought thou wert in jest, and but acquitting thyself of an engagement to Lord M, when thou wert pleading for Matrimony in behalf of this Lady!---It could not be Principle, I knew, in thee: It could not be Compassion---A little Envy indeed I suspected!---But now I see thee once more thyself: And once more, say I, A blessing on thy heart, thou true friend, and very honest fellow!
Now will I proceed with courage in all my schemes, and oblige thee with the continued narrative of my progressions towards bringing them to effect!---But I could not forbear to interrupt my Story, to shew my gratitude.