Haywood [née Fowler], Eliza (1693?-1756)

The Rash Resolve: or, the Untimely Discovery. A Novel.

London

1724, 1725

"But alas! what Courage, what Discretion, what cool Reserve, what Sanctity of Wishes can defend the Heart, when once the God of Love has found an Entrance there!"

This young Lady, so highly obliged to Emanuella for this Proof of her Friendship, one would think should never have obliterated the Memory of it; but what Engagements are of force to bind a Thankless and Ungrateful Mind! The Aversion she had for a monastick Life, was soon discover'd by the penetrating Eyes of her Cousin, to proceed from her too great Affection for a young Fop, who had nothing to recommend him to the Approbation of a Woman of Discretion; and talking to her with a little more warmth than was usual on this Occasion, the other resented it, as tho' she took that Liberty on the account of what she had promised to her Father, and from that Moment conceiv'd so great a Hatred, that it grew uneasy to herself, because she had no Opportunity to make the other feel the Effects of it-- [Page 35] But being naturally as cunning as revengeful, she conceal'd her Sentiments, and under the Mask of Friendship, watch'd all her Actions, still hoping some unguarded Minute might arrive, in which she should be able to discover something to expose her for. But not all her Dilligence could furnish what she wanted; Emanuella, among the multiplicity of her Adorers, behav'd herself in such a manner, that might defy the strictest Scrutiny-- all her Actions--all her Words--all her Looks; were govern'd by Prudence, and her malicious Observer began to think it would be but Labour lost to attempt to blast either her Virtue or Reputation. But alas! what Courage, what Discretion, what cool Reserve, what Sanctity of Wishes can defend the Heart, when once the God of Love has found an Entrance there! that Tyrant Passion lords it o'er the Mind, fills every Faculty, and leaves no room for any other Thought--drives Consideration far away--overturns Reflection-- and permits no Image but itself to dwell in Fancy's Region. The soft and tender Soul of Emanuella, was a fit Temple for the enslaving Deity to work his utmost Wonders in; and that she no sooner felt his Power, was not because she was less susceptible than others of her Acquaintance, but that her Taste was more delicate, and so many different Perfections as were necessary to attract her Admiration, were very difficult to be found in one Man.
(pp. 34-5)

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At least 5 entries in the ESTC (1724, 1725, 1732, 1742).

See The Rash Resolve: or, the Untimely Discovery. A Novel. In Two Parts. By Mrs. Eliza Haywood. (London : printed for D. Browne junr. at the Black-Swan, without Temple-Bar; and S. Chapman, at the Angel in Pall-Mall, 1724). <Link to ESTC>

Text from Secret Histories, Novels and Poems. In Four Volumes. Written by Mrs. Eliza Haywood. (London: Printed [partly by Samuel Aris] for Dan. Browne, jun. at the Black Swan without Temple-Bar ; and S. Chapman, at the Angel in Pall-Mall, 1725). <Link to ESTC>

09/01/2005