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 risk 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 crowned 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
pursuit.
From such a woman as Miss Harlowe, a man is secured from all the
inconveniencies thou expatiatest upon.
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 show my
gratitude.