The academie of eloquence containing a compleat English rhetorique, exemplified with common-places and formes digested into an easie and methodical way to speak and write fluently according to the mode of the present times : together with letters both amorous and moral upon emergent occasions / by Tho. Blount, Gent.

XVII. A Letter to beg acquaintance.

Sir,

YOu may wonder at this boldness: but your worth animates it, and the same, I hope, will pardon what it causes. I have often heard of you, and once I saw you; and by the conversation of a few words, I perceiv'd plentifull evidence, that what I have heard of your merits, was answered in the truth. This your humility may reply was too short a time for experience. I grant it: but not to confirm what both the Good and Wise by report had made credible: the senses should not be de∣ceived in their proper objects; and Hearing is a sense as wel as Seeing: and (if it follow the right Rules) perhaps as little erring; chiefly if a ratio∣nall hearing, to which I have som title by essence. Report the subject; that you are deserving, the re∣ported; this aver'd by wise men and good men, yea by all men that know you; which I must ei∣ther believe or be irrationall. Sir, the truth is, I am so fully perswaded of this verity, that I am truly ambitious of your more acquaintance; and that this may be by pen, till more joyn'd a∣boads afford a presentiall intercourse. If your thoughts answer, no greater obligation can be laid upon

Sir,

Your most faithfull servant, D.W.