as any woman breathing; but, I must confess to you, I regard all these excellences as you will please to direct them for my happiness or misery.  With me, madam, the only lasting motive to love, is the hope of its becoming mutual.  I beg of you to let Mrs. Warren send me word when I may attend you.  I promise you, I will talk of nothing but indifferent things; though, at the same time, I know not how I shall approach you in the tender moment of first seeing you after this declaration which has been made by, madam,

Your most obedient and most faithful
humble servant.

TO THE SAME

A pleasing transport

Smith Street, Westminster, 1707.

Madam,—­I lay down last night with your image in my thoughts, and have awakened this morning in the same contemplation.  The pleasing transport with which I am delighted has a sweetness in it attended with a train of ten thousand soft desires, anxieties, and cares.  The day arises on my hopes with new brightness; youth, beauty, and innocence are the charming objects that steal me from myself, and give me joys above the reach of ambition, pride, or glory.  Believe me, fair one, to throw myself at your feet is giving myself the highest bliss I know on earth.  Oh, hasten, ye minutes! bring on the happy morning wherein to be ever hers will make me look down on thrones!  Dear Molly, I am tenderly, passionately, faithfully thine.

TO THE SAME

A lover betrays himself

St. James’s Coffee House, 1 Sept. 1707

Madam,—­It is the hardest thing in the world to be in love, and yet to attend to business.  As for me, all who speak to me find me out, and I must lock myself up, or other people will do it for me.

A gentleman asked me this morning, ‘What news from Lisbon?’ and I answered, ‘She’s exquisitely handsome.’  Another desired to know when I had been last at Hampton Court.  I replied, ’It will be on Tuesday come se’nnight.’  Pr’ythee allow me at least to kiss your hand before that day, that my mind may be in some composure.  O love!

  A thousand torments dwell about thee! 
  Yet who would live to live without thee?

Methinks I could write a volume to you; but all the language on earth would fail in saying how much, and with what disinterested passion, I am ever yours.

TO HIS WIFE

He proposes an outing

Lord Sunderland’s Office, 19 May, 1708.

Eleven o’clock.

Dear Prue,—­I desire you to get the coach and yourself ready as soon as you can conveniently, and call for me here, from whence we will go and spend some time together in the fresh air in free conference.  Let my best periwig be put in the coach-box, and my new shoes, for it is a great comfort to be well dressed in agreeable company.  You are vital life to your obliged, affectionate husband, and humble servant.