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Vertuous Madam,
TO tell you how greatly I am grieve•…•… for our late unlook'd for separation, is much too large for your saith and my expression. I should declare more of truth then fancy, to let you know that nothing else can equal it, but the divorce of soul and body.
This unkind disunion hath (at one stroak) not onely set you at a distance from me, but my sleep and quiet: There now remaineth nothing, but that I clear myself in point of reputation, and manifest, that what is done (as relating to this unwelcome period) is as utterly opposite to my expectation and affection, as Love and Usury.
I must confess I am sincerely sorry that we had no milder arbitrators in the business of our fortunes, and am troubled that your Fathers curiosity was answered with so much nicety. I have assumed the forbidden priviledge to tell you this, that hereafter my re∣putation may stand upright in your opinion, when time and your better proposals shall lessen the value of my love in your affection. And since I am (like the •…•…ble of Tantalus) cast away in the very harb•…•… of gl•…•…mmering happiness, I will never again make my way through Dust and Ashes to Love and Beauty. If you please to honor me with some small Scripture (in answer of this disordered composition) you will somewhat alleviate the misery of him, who is hardly restrained from cursing those causes that will Eclipse the title of
(Madam)
Your sorowful servant.