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CCIII.
MADAM,
YOu ought not to take it Ill if I do not O∣bey your Commands, in Speaking to A. F. to Grant your Requests, by reason I think those Requests would Prejudice you, should they be Granted, so that if I Speak as you Desire, I must Plead against your Good, and my own Consci∣ence, which I will never do, although I were sure to have your Hate, for I had rather you should Hate me for the Love and Esteem I have for you, than you should Love me for doing an Unfriendly Part or Act, for I Prefer your Good before your Love; neither must you take it Ill that I send your Present back to you again, for it did appear to me like a Bribe; besides, I desire to keep my self free from such Obligations, your Love being all that I desire, and more worth than all the Service of my Life, should I Live Long, and Act Much; But if you think I have Omitted your Com∣mands, out of an Evil Design, or Malice, Splene, or Spite, you do me wrong, for you should find me, if I were able to Serve you, neither Cross, Negligent, nor Unwilling, but most Industrious, Ready, and Joyful to your Ser∣vice, nay, were it to Ingage my Life; where∣fore whatsoever you Conceive of me, yet I