Richardson, Samuel (bap. 1689, d. 1761)

Letters Written to and for Particular Friends, On the most lmportant Occasions. Directing not only the Requisite Style and Forms To be Observed in Writing Familiar Letters; But how to Think and Act Justly and Prudently, in the Common Concerns of Human Life. Containing One Hundred and Seventy-three Letters. The Fourth Edition

London

Printed for J. Osborn, ... J. and J. Rivington, ... and J. Leake, [etc.]

1750

"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"

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. May it not then, nay, ought it not to be treated on the Foot of a Rebel, and expect Punishment as such, instead of Tenderness? Even were I to be treated with Mercy, with Goodness, with Kindness by you, and could not deserve or return it, what a Wretch would your Love make me! How would it involve me in the crying Sin of Ingratitude! How would it destroy my Reputation in the World's Eye, that the best of Husbands had theworst of Wives! --The kindest of Men, the unkindest of Women!
(pp. 176-7)

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Wit and Judgment

04/25/2005