rnable of fools, as all witty and vain fools are, take him as a
punishment, since you cannot as a reward: in short, as one given to
convince you that there is nothing but imperfection in this life.

And what is the result of all I have written, but this--Either marry,
my dear, or get from them all, and from him too.

You intend the latter, you'll say, as soon as you have opportunity.
That, as above hinted, I hope quickly to furnish you with: and then comes
on a trial between you and yourself.

These are the very fellows that we women do not naturally hate. We don't
always know what is, and what is not, in our power to do. When some
principal point we have long had in view becomes so critical, that we
must of necessity choose or refuse, then perhaps we look about us; are
affrighted at the wild and uncertain prospect before us; and, after a few
struggles and heart-aches, reject the untried new; draw in your horns,
and resolve to snail-on, as we did before, in a track we are acquainted
with.

I shall be impatient till I have your next. I am, my dearest friend,

Your ever affectionate and faithful
ANNA HOWE.

LETTER XXXV

MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17.

I cannot conceal from you any thing that relates to yourself so much as
the enclosed does. You will see what the noble writer apprehends from
you, and wishes of you, with regard to Miss Harlowe, and how much at
heart all your relations have it that you do honourably by her. They
compliment me with an influence over you, which I wish with all my soul
you would let me have in this article.

Let me once more entreat thee, Lovelace, to reflect, before it be too
late (before the mortal offence be given) upon the graces and merits of
this lady. Let thy frequent remorses at last end in one effectual
remorse. Let not pride and wantonness of heart ruin the fairer
prospects. By my faith, Lovelace, there is nothing but vanity, conceit,
and nonsense, in our wild schemes. As we grow older, we shall be wiser,
and looking back upon our foolish notions of the present hour, (our youth
dissipated,) shall certainly despise ourselves when we think of the
honourable engagements we might have made: thou, more especially, if thou
lettest such a matchless creature slide through thy fingers. A creature
pure from her cradle. In all her actions and sentiments uniformly noble.
Strict in the performance of all her even unrewarded duties to the most