"How I cou'd despise thee for this Narrowness of Mind, were there not something in thy Eyes and Mien which assure me, that this negligent Behaviour is but affected; and that there are within thy Breast, some Seeds of hidden Fire, which want but the Influence of Charms, more potent perhaps than you have yet beheld, to kindle into Blaze."
— Haywood [née Fowler], Eliza (1693?-1756)
Place of Publication
London
Date
1719-1720, 1725
Metaphor
"How I cou'd despise thee for this Narrowness of Mind, were there not something in thy Eyes and Mien which assure me, that this negligent Behaviour is but affected; and that there are within thy Breast, some Seeds of hidden Fire, which want but the Influence of Charms, more potent perhaps than you have yet beheld, to kindle into Blaze."
Metaphor in Context
Unworthy of the Happiness design'd you! Is it thus that you return the Condescension of a Lady? How fabulous is Report, which speaks those of your Country, warm and full of amorous Desires?--Thou sure, art colder than the bleak northern Islanders--Dull, stupid Wretch! insensible of every Passion which give Lustre to the Soul, and distinguish Man from Brute! --Without Gratitude!--Without Love!--Without Desire--Dead, even to Curiosity!--How I cou'd despise thee for this Narrowness of Mind, were there not something in thy Eyes and Mien which assure me, that this negligent Behaviour is but affected; and that there are within thy Breast, some Seeds of hidden Fire, which want but the Influence of Charms, more potent perhaps than you have yet beheld, to kindle into Blaze. Make haste then to be enliven'd, for I flatter myself 'tis in my Power to work this Wonder, and long to inspire so lovely a Form with Sentiments only worthy of it. --The Bearer of this, is a Person who I dare confide in--Delay not to come with him; for when once you are taught what 'tis to love, you'll not be ignorant that doubtful Expectation is the worst of Racks, and from your own Experience, pity what I feel, thus chill'd with Doubt, yet burning with Desire.
(p. 153)
(p. 153)
Categories
Provenance
C-H Lion
Citation
At least 12 entries in ESTC (1719, 1720, 1721, 1722, 1724, 1725, 1732, 1742).
Published in 3 parts in 1719-1720. <Part 1, ESTC><Part 2, ESTC><Part 3, ESTC>
See Eliza Haywood, Love in Excess: or the Fatal Enquiry, a Novel (London: Printed for W. Chetwood; and R. Francklin; and sold by J. Roberts, 1719). <Link to ECCO>
Text from Vol. 1 of 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><Link to LION>
Published in 3 parts in 1719-1720. <Part 1, ESTC><Part 2, ESTC><Part 3, ESTC>
See Eliza Haywood, Love in Excess: or the Fatal Enquiry, a Novel (London: Printed for W. Chetwood; and R. Francklin; and sold by J. Roberts, 1719). <Link to ECCO>
Text from Vol. 1 of 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><Link to LION>
Date of Entry
06/30/2013
