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.

XXXIX. The first addresse to his Mistresse.

Madam,

THat fear is an individuall companion to sin∣cere affection, and that the heartiest devo∣tions, are brokenly expressed, are Maximes in humanity, and however Errors, yet veniall; The discreetest love is seldome without some annexed passion, which oft-times fetters the faculties and leads understanding captive; that which did and justly might deter, doth now animate; The moon in her farthest distance from the Sun, and greatest opposition, receives most light; The poorer they bee to whom charity is extended, the greater the merit; Worth gaines most honour by enobling unworthiness; Nature never ordaind two Suns to shine in one firmament. I list not to expatiate

in this kind. In the discription of your worth this short expression shall suffice; That would Earths Monarch pay his devotions before perfections Al∣tar, he need seek no further then your breast. To express my devoted affection by deep protests and multiplyed vowes doth nothing please, my Motto is, rather in deed then in word. Till matters be ma∣turely discussed, and the advise of friends on both sides had, I aime no higher then to be enstil'd your servant; Deliberation (if in any case) in this most necessary. I honour you too much to wish you the smallest amiss, though the sum of my earthly felicity depended thereon. My affe∣ction is no frenzy; if my Starrs mean mee not the enjoying of such happiness, I must frame a con∣tent. For conclusion, I will only add, that though you may have your choice of many in all points more accomplishd, yet none that shall so truely love you; My lines are confused like my thoughts; your milder censure hee persumes on, who truely honours your worth and rests

Solely devoted to your virtues. T. B.