Letter CXXI

Summary

To a Friend, on a Breach of Promise in not returning Money lent in his Exigence.

SIR,

When you apply’d to me, in your Streights, for Assistance, and made such strong Promises of returning in Four Months what I advanced; little did I think, you would give me the irksome Occasion, either of reminding you of your Promise, or of acquainting you with the Streights in which my Friendship for you has involv’d myself. I have always endeavour’d to manage my Affairs with so much Prudence, as to keep within myself the Power of answering Demands uponme, without troubling my Friends; and I told you, I must expect you would keep your Word exactly to the Four Months, or else I should be distress’d, as bad as you were when you apply’d to me. Six Months passed, and you took no manner of Notice of the Matter, when I was forced to remind you of it, having been put to it, as I told you I should. You took a Fortnight longer, under still stronger Promises of Performance. And Three Weeks are now expired, and your second Promises are still as much to be performed as your first. Is this kind, is this friendly, is it grateful, Sir, let me ask you? And ought I to be made to suffer in my Credit, who was so ready to save yours?—When, too, mine had been in no Danger, had I not put out of my own Power what actually was then in it? I will only say, That if any Consideration remains with you for one so truly your Friend, let me immediately be paid, and take from me the cruel Necessity of reproaching you for Ingratitude, and myself for Folly:Who am, Sir,

Your unkindly used, &c.