Letter CXXXIII

Summary

From a Lady to a Gentleman, who had obtained all her Friends Consent, urging him to decline his Suit to her.

SIR,

You have often importuned me to return Marks of that Consideration for you, which you profess for me. As my Parents, to whom I owe all Duty, encourage your Address, I wish I could. I am hardly treated by them, because I cannot. What shall I do? Let me apply to you, Sir, for my Relief, who have much good Sense, and, I hope, Generosity. Yes, Sir, let me bespeak your Humanity to me, and Justice to yourself, in this Point; and that shall be all I will ask in my Favour. I own you deserve a much better Wife than I shall ever make; but yet, as Love is not in one's own Power, if I have the Misfortune to know I cannot love you, will not Justice to yourself, if not Pity to me, oblige you to abandon your present Purpose?

But as to myself, Sir, Why should you make a poor Creature unhappy in the Displeasure of all her Friends at present, and still more unhappy, if, to avoid that, she gives up her Person, where she cannot bestow her Heart? If you love me, as you profess, let me ask you, Sir, Is it for my sake, or is it for your own?——If for mine, how can it be, when I must be miserable, if I am forced to marry where I cannot love?——If for your own, reflect, Sir, on the Selfishness of your Love, and judge if it deserves from me the Return you wish.

How sadly does this Love already operate! You love me so well, that you make me miserable in the Anger of my dearest Friends!——Your Love has already made them think me undutiful, and instead of the Fondness and Endearment I used to be treated with by them, I meet with nothing but Chidings, Frowns, Slights, and Displeasure.

And what is this Love of yours to do for me hereafter?—Why hereafter, Sir, it will be turned to Hatred, or Indifference at least: For then, tho’ I cannot give you my Heart, I shall have given you a Title to it, and you will have a lawful Claim to its Allegiance.