omposed
frame of temper, and perfect health and vigour, to give directions
about. My poor friend, Mr. Carlton, who died in my arms so lately; and
had a mind disturbed by worldly considerations on one side; a weakness
of body, through the violence of his distemper, on another; and the
concerns of still as much more moment, as the soul is to the body, on
a third; made so great an impression upon me then, that I was the more
impatient to come to this house, where were most of my writings, in
order to make the disposition I have now perfected: And since it is
grievous to my dear girl, I will myself think of such trustees as shall
be most for her benefit. I have only, therefore, to assure you, my dear,
that in this instance, as I will do in any other I can think of, I have
studied to make you quite easy, free, and independent. And because I
shall avoid all occasions, for the future, which may discompose you, I
have but one request to make; which is, that if it please God, for my
sins, to separate me from my dearest Pamela, you will only resolve not
to marry one person; for I would not be such a Herod, as to restrain
you from a change of condition with any other, however reluctantly I may
think of any other person's succeeding me in your esteem.

I could not answer, and thought my heart would have burst: And he
continued, To conclude at once a subject that is so grievous to you, I
will tell you, my Pamela, that this person is Mr. Williams. And now I
will acquaint you with my motive for this request; which is wholly owing
to my niceness, and to no dislike I have for him, or apprehension of any
likelihood that it will be so: but, methinks it would reflect a little
upon my Pamela, if she was to give way to such a conduct, as if she had
married a man for his estate, when she had rather have had another,
had it not been for that; and that now, the world will say, she is at
liberty to pursue her inclination, the parson is the man!--And I cannot
bear even the most distant apprehension, that I had not the preference
with you, of any man living, let me have been what I would, as I
have shewn my dear life, that I have preferred her to all her sex, of
whatever degree.

I could not speak, might I have had the world; and he took me in his
arms, and said, I have now spoken all my mind, and expect no answer; and
I see you too much moved to give me one. Only forgive me the mention,
since I have told you my motive; which as much affects your