I am utterly confounded. What can this be owing to, but a diffidence in myſelf, and an exalted opinion of your worthineſs? And is not this one ſtrong token of ardent love? Yet, if it be, how various is the tormenting paſſion in its operations! Some it inſpires with courage, whilſt others it deprives of all neceſſary confidence. I can only aſſure you, Madam, that the heart of man never conceived a ſtronger or ſincerer paſſion than mine for you. If my reverence for you is the crime, I am ſure it has been my ſufficient puniſhment.— I 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 very well known; and I am ready to ſtand the teſt of the ſtricteſt enquiry. Condeſcend, Madam, to embolden my reſpectful paſſion with one favourable line, that if what I here profeſs, and hope further to have an opportunity to aſſure you of, be found to be unqueſtionable truth, then my humble addreſs will not be quite unacceptable to you; and thus you will for ever oblige, dear Madam,
Your affectionate admirer,
and devoted Servant.
