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the Indies; nor need'st thou fear a vent, since the disease is epidemical.

One thing more: who knows (wouldst thou be curious in the search), but thou mayest find an air of contrary virtue about thy house, which may, as this destroys, so that create affection? If thou couldst,

The lady of High-gate then should embrace
The disease of the stomach, and the word of disgrace.
Gredeline and grass-green
Shall sometimes be seen,
Its arms to intwine
About the woodbine.

In honest prose thus: we would carry ourselves first, and then our friends manage all the little loves at Court, make more Tower work, and be the Duke of B. of our age, which without it we shall never be. Think on't, therefore, and be assured that, if thou join'st me in the patent with thee, in the height of all my greatness I will be thine, all but what belongs to Desdemonna, which is just as I mean to venture at thy horse-race Saturday come seven-night.

J. S.

 

XLI

It is none of the least discourtesies money hath done us mortals, the making things, easy in themselves and natural, difficult. Young and handsome people would have come together without half this trouble, if that had never been. This would tell you, madam, that the offer, having nothing about it of new, begot in our young lover very little of anything else, but melancholy, which, notwithstanding, I could easily perceive grew rather from a fear of his father's mind, than a care of satisfying his own. That persuaded me to throw in all, and add the last reserve, which fortunately turned the scale, the cavalier setting a greater rate, and truly, upon the kindness of it, than upon the thing, and in that showed the courtesy of his judgment, as well as his ability. The uncle is no less satisfied than the nephew, and both are confident to draw to the same thoughts, to whom, as it was fit, I have left the office.

And now, madam, you may safely conclude the cause to be removed out of Pluto's court into Cupid's—from the God of Moneys to the God of Love who, if he break not off old customers, will quickly dispatch them, since he seldom delays those that have pass'd their trials in the other place.

Your humble Servant,
J. S.