TO THE SAME

His greatest affliction

12 Aug. 1708.

Madam,—­I have your letter, wherein you let me know that the little dispute we have had is far from being a trouble to you; nevertheless I assure you, any disturbance between us is the greatest affliction to me imaginable.  You talk of the judgement of the world; I shall never govern my actions by it, but by the rules of morality and right reason.  I love you better than the light of my eyes or the life-blood in my heart; but you are also to understand that neither my sight shall be so far enchanted, nor my affection so much master of me, as to make me forget our common interest.  To attend my business as I ought, and improve my fortune, it is necessary that my time and my will should be under no direction but my own....  I write all this rather to explain my own thoughts to you, than to answer your letter distinctly.  I enclose it to you, that upon second thoughts, you may see the disrespectful manner in which you treat

Your affectionate, faithful husband.

TO THE SAME

Four characteristic notes

I

From the Press, one in the morning, 30 Sept. 1710.

Dear Prue,—­I am very sleepy and tired, but could not think of closing my eyes till I had told you I am, dearest creature,

Your most affectionate and faithful husband.

II

Bloomsbury Square, 24 Dec. 1713.

Dear Prue,—­I dine with Lord Halifax and shall be at home half hour after six.  For thee I die, for thee I languish.

III

16 Feb. 1716-17.

Dear Prue,—­Sober or not, I am ever yours.

IV

Thursday, 3 in the afternoon, 2 May, 1717.

I had a very painful night last night; but, after a little chocolate an hour or two ago, and a chicken for dinner, am much more at ease.

TO THE SAME

The natural slave of beauty.

20 June, 1717.

Dear Prue,—­I have yours of the 14th, and am infinitely obliged to you for the length of it.  I do not know another whom I could commend for that circumstance; but where we entirely love, the continuance of anything they do to please us is a pleasure.  As for your relations, once for all, pray take it for granted, that my regard and conduct towards all and singular of them shall be as you direct.