The mysteries of love & eloquence, or, The arts of wooing and complementing as they are manag'd in the Spring Garden, Hide Park, the New Exchange, and other eminent places : a work in which is drawn to the life the deportments of the most accomplisht persons, the mode of their courtly entertainments, treatments of their ladies at balls, their accustom'd sports, drolls and fancies, the witchcrafts of their perswasive language in their approaches, or other more secret dispatches ...

An Address, to make known an Affection for his Mistriss.

A. Madam, among all the dayes of my life I must accompt this the happiest above all the rest, wherein I had the ho∣nour first to know you.

B. Sir, if I did know any thing in my self, worthy your merits, I should esteem my self obliged to employ it to your honor: But there being in me nothing but weakness, and im∣perfection, I do not imagine how the knowledge of me can any way contribute to your content, much less to your well being.

A. Madam, I see so many perfections; that I find my self oblig'd to honour them to the utmost of my power, and to offer you my most humble service.

B. Sir, this is your courtesie and favour, that seek to quali∣fie my defects, onely to shew the excellent endowments that nature hath bestow'd on you.

A. Pardon me, Madam, it is the inchanting force of your worth and vertues, which oblige me, not onely to honour and serve you, but also to seek an interest in your graces.

B. Sir, all that a Daughter of Honour owes to a Person of Merit, you have already at your devotion; I respect your qua∣lities, admire your vertues, and wish you a happiness answe∣rable to the nobleness of your designs.

A. Believe it, Madam, that my desires are good, and that my affection, if your wishes flow from a sincere intention to oblige me, is the most happy that ever was in the world.

B. Pardon me, Sir, I have not so piercing an apprehension to understand the meaning of your intentions; that which I say

is upon no other accompt, only to give you the honor which is due to you.

It is true, Madam, I do you wrong, to go about, to make you believe, that which I have never made apparent by any certain proof; However, that shall not hinder me from tell∣ing you, that your perfections have so far incaptivated my senses and affection, that I have resolved neither to love nor serve an•• other, but your self. I therefore only intreat you, to esteem my affection real, and to perfect your own wishes.

B. Certainly, Sir, I cannot believe that you would set your affection upon a person so inconsiderable. It su••••ices me to have the honor to know you, and I desire that your good fortune may guide you to some person more worthy your esteem.

A. Madam, I have not so far forgot my self, as to forget your merits and perfections. My resolution is unseigned, to serve you to the utmost of my power, and your refusal dimi∣nisheth nothing of my affection; only take it for granted, that I desire to be your servant.

Sir, I am not Mistriss of my self, and for that reason can∣not accept of your offer; but if you shall find, that the affecti∣on, which you say you bear me, is well liked of by my Pa∣rents, I shall esteem my self, very much honoured in your love, and shall, as far as honour will permit me, do any thing to assure you of my good will.

Lady, you do infinitely oblige me, for which I return you many thanks; I shall seek all occasions to obtain the leave of your Parents, in the mean while honor me with your com∣mand, and suffer me to kiss your hand.

Sir I am your very humble Servant.