nt possess,
is capable of bringing Happiness to any, the fairest Lady in this
Country at least. O Madam! (return'd Sir _Lucius_) your Obligation is so
great, that I want Sense to receive it as I ought; much more Words to
return you any proportionable Acknowledgment of it. But give me Leave to
say thus much, Madam; that my Thoughts of making my Court to your
Ladiship, first invited me to give Sir _Christian_, your Father, the
Trouble of a Visit, since the Death of mine. However, the over-ruling
Powers have thought to divert my Purpose, and the offering of my Heart,
which can never rest, but with this dear charming Creature.--Your
Merits, Madam--are sufficient for the Gentleman on whom I entirely fix'd
my Affections, before you did me the Honour and your self the Trouble of
your first Visit (interrupted Sir _Christian's_ Daughter.) And now, Sir,
(added she to her Father) if you please, let us leave 'em to make an End
of this Business between themselves. No, Madam, (cry'd Sir _Lucius_)
your Father has promis'd me to make Use of his Interest with her for my
Sake. This I now expect, Sir. Then (said the old Knight) thou dear
beautiful and virtuous Stranger! if I have any Power to perswade thee,
take my Advice, and this honourable Gentleman to thy loving Husband; I'm
sure he'll prove so to thee. If I could command thee I would. Ah Sir!
(said she, kneeling, with Tears falling from her charming Eyes) I know
none living that has greater Right and Power.--But (alas Sir!) this
honourable Person knows not the Meanness of my Birth, at least, he
cannot think it any Way proportionable or suitable to his. O thou dear
Creature, (cry'd her Lover, setting one Knee to the Ground, and taking
her up) Sir _Christian_ has already discours'd all thy Circumstances to
me: Rise and bless me with thy Consent. I must ask my Lady's, Sir, (she
reply'd.) See, here my Mother comes (said the young Lady) and entreated
her good Word for Sir _Lucius_. The good ancient Lady began then to use
all the Arguments to incline her to yield to her Happiness; and, in
fine, she was prevail'd on to say, I do consent, and will endeavour to
deserve the honourable Title of your dutiful Wife, Sir. 'Twas with no
common Joy and Transport that he receiv'd her Hand, and kiss'd those
dear Lips that gave him an Assurance of his Happiness; which he resolv'd
should begin about a Month or two afterwards; in which Time he might
send Orders to _London_ for the making their Wedding Cloat