above an unwarrantable indulgence of them; and let me intreat you for your sake, that no giddy impulse of an illplaced inclination may induce you to entertain a thought prejudicial to your honour, and repugnant to your virtue.
I, Madam, am far from being insensible; I too have passions; and could my situation a few years ago have allowed me a possibility of succeeding, I should have legally solicited that happiness you are now ready to bestow. I had the honor, Madam, of supping at Mr. D's, where I first saw you, and shall make no scruple of declaring that I never saw a person so irresistibly beautiful, or a manner so excessively engaging; but the superiority of your circumstances prevented any declaration on my side; and though I burned with a flame as strong as ever filled the human breast, I laboured to suppress, or at least studied to conceal it.
Time and absence at length abated an unhoping passion, and your marriage with my friend and my patron effectually cured it. Do not now, I beseech you, Madam, rekindle that fire which I must never think to fan : do not now, I beseech you, destroy a tranquillity I have just begun to taste, or blast your own honour, which has hitherto been spotless and unsullied. My best esteem is ever yours; but should I promise more, consider, I conjure you, the fatal necessity I am under of removing myself from an interview so dangerous; and in any other commands dispose of Your most humble and devoted.
J. A.
