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 ...

Superscriptions for Letters.

To a Duke.

A Duke first was made by the French Kings, when they had chased the Romans out of Gallia; bestowing the name of Dux, a little altered to the French Idiom, upon those to whom they gave the Principal Government over those Pro∣vinces which they had recovered: in process of time theyusurp∣ed the Inheritance of their Governments; and made their Fei∣feswhich before were revocable at the Princes pleasure, to be hereditary. So that at length their Titles came to be so much esteemed as to be thought the next in order to that of a King.

The Title which is most usually applied to a Duke, is that of Grace; and we address ourselves ••ohim by word of mouth, thus.

May it please your Grace.

If he be the Kings Son, or of the Royal blood, we write to him thus.

To the most Illustrious Prince Henry, &c.

To the most excellent Prince.

Or else,

To the most High and Noble.

EArls at the same time, and upon the same account, were created by the French King, only here seem'd the diffe∣rence to be between them; for the Dukes seemed to have the Military Power, and the Earls were only made to exercise the Civil Jurisdiction in the Towns where they were plac'd.

They are now the next in order to Marquess; by word of mouth we make our Addresses thus,

May it please your Honour.

And write to him thus,

To the Right Honourable.

A Marquess formerly was the Governor of a Fronteer Town, and inferiour to the Earl of a Province; but supe∣riour to the Earl of an Inland Town. In speaking we thus ad∣dress our selves to them,

May it please your Honour.

We write to them thus,

To the Right Honourable.

A Viscount was formerly the Lievtenant to an Earl, so that their Dignity hath continued next to that of an Earl ever since; and indeed between a Viscount and a Baron or Lord, there is no difference used in making addresses to them. We speak to them thus,

May it please your Honour my Lord.

We write thus,

To the Honourable.

A Knight is the next Degree of honour being more peo∣perly a Military Dignity; but of late very much confu∣sed. They bear the Title of Right Worshipful. We make our dress thus,

May it please your Worship.

We write thus,

To the Right Worshipful.

ESquire was formerly but he that bore the Shield and Lance of a Knight before him. It is now the next Degree of Honour to the Knight; and now so much used by Gentlemen, that he who stiles not himself Esquire, is hardly a Gentleman. He bears the Title of Worshipful. And we write to him thus,

To the Worshipful J. D. Esquire.

Note here, that the same Titles are appliable to the Wives as to the Husbands; and though the Daughter of an Earl marry an inferior person, yet she doth not lose her Title, which is, Right Honorable.

In the writing of familiar Epistles, there are sundry varieties, which ingenuity will easily apply to his occasion.

For example, at the beginning of a Letter these Expressions do very often offer themselves.

• Honour'd Sir.
• Dear Sir.
• Dear Friend.
• Learned Sir.

• Madam.
• Dear Lady.
• Dearest.

• Joy of my Life.
• My Heart.
• Fairest.
• Delight of my Heart.

These Subscriptions also are usual.

To great Persons,

• Your Graces most faithfull and most obedi∣ent Servant.
• Your Honors most faithfull and most obedi∣ent Servant.
• Your Excellencies most humbly devoted Servant
• Your Worships most faithful Servant.

In familiar Letters thus

• The admirer of your Vertues.
• ...Madam, The Honorer Of your Perfection.
• Madam, The Honorer Of your Vertues.
• Madam, Adorer Of your Perfection.
• Madam, Adorer Of your Vertues.
• Madam, Worshipper Of your Perfection.
• Madam, Worshipper Of your Vertues.
• Your most affectionate Friend and Servant.
• Your assured Friend.
• Your most obedient Servant.
• Your most obliged Friend and Servant.]
• Your eternally engaged Servant.
• Your Creature.
• Your faithful Servant.
• ...

• Yours for ever.
• Yours to command eternally.
• Yours while I have life.
• Yours while I have a being.
• Your faithful, though contemned Servant.

For Superscription; these Forms may be used.

• To my much respected Friend.
• To my much Honored Friend.
• For my much Valued Friend.
• For my much esteemed Friend.
• Friend.
• For my approved
• To the truly Noble
• To the truly Vertuous
• To the most incomparable Lady.
• To the fair Hands of
• To the most accomplisht
• To the mirror of Perfection
• To the most lovely ornament of Nature.

There is something more to be observed concerning the Dignity of places.

For a Knight being made General of an Army, obtains the title of Your Excellency, though but a Lord, Knight, or meaner man by birth.

A Lieutenant-General, is Right Honorable,

A Major-General, Right Honorable.

A Collonel is Honorable, and we give him the title of Your Honor.

A Captain is Right worshipful.

From a Son to Father, Your most dutiful, and obedient Son.

From a Daughter, Your loving and obedient Daughter.

From a Husband, Your most affectionate Husband till death.

From a Wife, Your faithful and loving Wife till death.

From a Servant, Your most obedient and faithful Servant.

Forms for the concluding of Letters.

BUt whatsoever happen, I shall be no other then, &c.

I shall endeavour with the best of my care and indu∣stry, whenever you desire the proofs of the obedience of, &c.

If it could be perswaded that my absence gave you any dis∣quiet, or that my presence could afford you any service, you should soon perceive by my speedy return how much I am, &c.

If I am able to do you service, there wants nothing but that you should command me the imployment; there being no∣thing which I more desire than to witness my self conti∣nually, &c.

There being no man who hath a firmer resolution to ren∣der you all the testimonies of a willing service, in the qua∣lity of, &c.

Let this for the present satisfie you, till I shall meet with some better opportunity, to shew how much I am, &c.

The only happiness that I expect is, that I may be able to change my words into effects, that I might shew you how much I am really, &c.

I shall now free your patience from reading any more, give me leave only to make this conclusion, that I am and shall be, &c.

For every time I reflect upon your great obligations, I am impatient of an opportunity to shew my self; I cannot pass away the unquiet of my mind by any other way, than by seeking occasions to testifie how much I am, &c.

Be pleased to take this for a real truth from him who hath made an Oath to live and die, &c.

This is the advice and friendly Counsel of, &c.

And I hope there is nothing shall debar me from conti∣nuing for the time to come, what hitherto I have been, &c.

Neither is there any thing that I would omit whereby I might give you an assurance of fidelity to your Commands, as protesting to live and die, &c.

But I desire to testifie to you rather by words than by dis∣course, how much I am, &c.

Sir, I beg you to accept this testimony of my gratitude, and my earnest desires to be, &c.

I never reckon up the Catalogue of my friends, but I pre∣sently call to mind how much I am obliged to give you this Subscription, &c.

My gratitude is as necessary as my being, and I can sooner not be, then not be most truly, &c.

For I never think of your favours but it renews the re∣membrance of my engagements to be, &c.

Though I have a very great press and urgency of business at present upon me, yet shall my occasions never be so vio∣lent, but that I will have leisure both to be and to tell you, that I am, &c.

I shall be contented to be counted ungrateful when I am less, &c.

Sir, if you doubt the truth of my service, I beseech you to make use of that absolute power which you have acquired over me, to oblige my endeavours to all manner of proofs, that I am, &c.

He pleased as yet to take my bare word till I can give you further testimonies how much I am, &c.

Though I am debarr'd your sight, yet I hope I am not en∣vied the happiness of giving you notice, how passionately I am, &c.

I will lose my life, rather than my resolution to die, &c.

If you knew with what impatience I expect a reply, charity would oblige you to set at rest the disquiet mind of, &c.

My resolution is to possess my self always, &c.

There is none more interested in your concernments, nor more participates in any satisfaction of yours, than he that is by reason as well as inclination, &c.

Could my endeavours take effect, or my vows accomplish∣ment, you should not long reckon me in the number of your unprofitable servants, for I am most assuredly, &c.

Sir, I know your high merits, and the nobleness of your condition hath much encreased the number of your servants; yet I will say this, that though you joyn them altogether, yet they are not so much as I am, &c.

You may easily know, without being a Prophet, the dear esteem I have for you, and may believe without any further assurance, that I am, &c.

It remains in you to allay the discontent of my mind, by giving me some imployment in your service, which may wit∣ness

the passion that I have to maintain the quality of, &c.

Which obliges me in the midst of mine ill fortune to have recourse to prayers, that you would honour me with your commands, that by my obedience to them you may be forced to believe, &c.

Desiring to make you see rather by effects than words, how much I am without complement, &c.

I shall give you new proofs thereof by the continuance of my respects, and the title which I desire to bear of, &c.

For though you may have a more powerful, yet you never can have a more constant and faithful servant, &c.

I shall expect the favour that I may not bear the unprofita∣ble title of, &c.

Neither shall I be contented till I have given you full te∣stimonies thereof, as being, &c.

Desiring nothing more then to live and die, &c.

Though I shall not regard that while it is for your interest, as being one that makes it his publick profession to appear in all places, &c.

Only be confident of this, that I am more than any man in the World, &c.

For I shall never be capable of apprehending any thing else, but how to testifie my devotion to be, &c.

For she participates very much of that passion which I have to serve you, &c.

In which list I am bold to write my self, &c.

Among all my felicities I count it not the meanest, the li∣berty which you are pleased to give me of stiling my self, what I most truly am, &c.

And find occasions more and more to testifie what I am, and shall ever be, &c.

Sir, if you will permit me to imploy my soul thus, you may still enjoy him, who is, &c.

I am preparing to forsake all the affairs of the world to entertain you, and testifie how much I am, &c.

You know very well that I am but a rude Courtier, but my words carry truth with them, while I affirm, that I am from my soul, &c.

To his Mistriss recover'd from an Ague.

Madam,

YOu may very well admire to receive a Letter from one whom long before this time you might have imagin'd to have been dead: a Patient which the Doctors gave over, and who himself acknowledges no Physick could have cured, but that of your fair presence; which carried such a soveraignty with it, that my Ague presently left me, and nature in spight of my disease, took strength to her self and rais'd me up in my bed, to make this clear acknowledgment of cure to your Beauty. Madam, I now find my self rid of that distemper, and am per∣swaded I shall sooner for the future, suffer under the violence of a Feaver, than of a shivering Cold. I could not but express my scars to you, with my thanks, hoping that you will take care to preserve what you have again created. Be pleas'd to interest your affection for my safety, and to defend a thing, whom your goodness hath made so dear to you, as to be ever,

Madam,

&c.

To his retired Mistriss.

Lady,

YOu carry your eyes like one of those that wear a Veil: not a look of yours but preaches chastity; and you are so con∣firm'd in a general contempt of manking, that if Fortune her self should come to present you with a Husband, you would scarce go out of your Closet to meet him in your Chamber. You speak of nothing but Religion and Cloisters, and all your entertainment, is discourse of mortification. Lady, not to dis∣semble my thoughts to you, I much fear, that a beginning like yours, so full of restraint, will afterwards be followed with a progress of too much liberty; and instead of the precise de∣mureness that you pretend, some Servant or other will read a new Heresie in your face. I shall not at this time send you stu∣died Oaths or Protestations. I know some Moons must go about before you will acknowledge the error wherein you live. For the present I shall only desire you to take care of your health, if not for your own, yet for the common good of those that love you; of which number he desires to be the first, who pre∣sumes to honour himself with the Title of,

Madam,

&c.

To his Mistriss, being disoblig'd by her.

LAdy, I did always expect this favour from your ordinary goodness, that I might promise my self that you would have a little kindness for me; 'tis true that I was pre-inform'd of your humor, but I could hardly believe it; or that you would disoblige those that shall do you service and friendship. I would not now complain of you, but that I should give you advantage by my silence that I had not discovered the subtle∣ties of your deceit; which is so malicious, that I have at once stript me both of love and hatred: and I am now impatient, till I have acquainted those that yet profess their service to you, how that of all the Ladies I ever knew, you are the most un∣worthy of affection. In the mean space I beseech you to believe, that those endeavours which you have employ'd to disoblige me, have absolutely taken away my will and desire to be,

Lady

&c.

To his Mistress, acknowledging the kindness of her Letters.

LAdy, I am no less oblig'd to you for your Letters then for your entertainments, & though I have not judgment enough to censure their goodness, I am not so unfortunate, as not to tast of their sweetness; I must entreat you to belive me, and not to forbear to make me happy with them: You know not but that I may be-come a Ciceronian, being instructed by your elo∣quent Copies; which if I cannot reach to my self, I will at least shew them to those, that shall render them excellent by their imitation. For certainly, without flattery, all nature had need put her self into action, to find out your equal. Lady I I do with all seriousness acknowledge, that it is too great an ambition for me, either to stile my self your Scholar, or your Servant.

To excuse to his Mistress his too easie believing of false Reports,

LAdy, I am impatient till I see you, that I may between your hands abjure all false opinions. Onely be pleas'd so to dis∣pose your self, that you may accept of my recantation. By my

last letters, you might perceive that I had let in some false re∣ports had almost poison'd the fair soul of my belief: but as soon as I receiv'd the characters of your hand, and perus'd the simplicity of that naked truth, wherewith you may put my suspicion to flight, I soon came to my self. I was ever confi∣dent, whatever false rumour divulg'd, that a person of your noble deportment, knew how to preserve your self in the greatest contagion: and that ye could run no other peril in those adventures, but that of being importun'd. You express in your Letter some weak conjectures concerning me: I per∣ceive we were both tainted with the same imperfection. Lady, such jealousies, though they are dangerous if dispers'd, yet are the greatest confirmations of future love. It was no great mat∣ter which of us chang'd our opinion; It was no great matter which of us chang'd our opinions first. The thick breath is now gone off from the clear Crystal of our then blemish'd af∣fections. I assure you now, that I have suffer'd my self to be perswaded by your Reasons; as for your Objections, they were not worth the confu••ing. Lady, you see, how easily I am cured of this sickness, being wholly dispos'd to believe and obey you; and be to the uttermost of my power,

Lady,

&c.

To his Mistriss thanking her for the acceptance of his Service.

LAdy, I am now at last in part perswaded, that I have now two the best fortunes that the earth can afford me; the pos∣session of our virtue, and of your favour. You may say, this language is very fair, and that my friendship speaks like love. I have no other answer to return you, but that as you gain hearts, you have found a way to enter into them, and see what affections they produce. Let me therefore intreat you to behold the violence of devotion; and since I do entitle you my Goddess, be pleas'd to express your self by the effect of so fair a name, in accepting the heart more than the hand, and prizing the character of my sincerity above the value of my oblation. Certainly I should be the most unfortunate a∣mong the living, should you be a severe censurer of my works or words; in both which there is neither power nor elo∣quence:

but had I the one or the other in a perfect degree, I should never be able to shew you, as I would, the desire that inflames me to serve you, and to be

Lady

your, &c.

To his Mistriss, desiring her Picture.

Madam,

I Hope that you will not take amiss the Request that I do now make to you; that you will please to give me your Picture, knowing that I esteem the original more than any thing in the world. That fair Body enliven'd with so much sweetness and perfection, I hold in so great a veneration, that I pant after the shadow thereof. Be pleased therefore to case my impatience by the grant of this favour, assuring your self that I shall place it among the greatest happinesses that could ever befall,

Madam,

Your most humble Servant.

The Reply.

Sir,

THe request that you make to me, to give me your Picture, is so obliging, that I am constrain'd to give my consent; not at all wondring that you have before your eyes the Image of a person that admires you so much; Be pleased to believe this for a truth, in recompence of that favour, which I be∣stow on you, as also that I shall ever continue to be,

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

To his Mistriss, desiring a Lock of Hair from her.

Madam,

YOu need not wonder at that servitude, to which you have reduc'd me; 'tis so pleasing to me, that I do now request from you new chains, by the gift of a Bracelet of your Hair, to tell you how much I shall esteem this favour, your merit or my love are only capable. And as you have the knowledge of my request, so I shall leave you to think of an∣swering my desires, and also of the passion which I have to serve you, being more than ever,

Madam,

Your most humble and obedient Servant,

The Reply.

Sir,

YOur deserts have wrought so strong a perswasion in me to consent to the favor which you request of me, that I send it you in this Letter; I shall not impose on you the silence which you ought to keep in this matter, knowing that your discretion hath prevented my commands. It suffices me to put you in mind, that as these are no common favours, they require secresie from those that receive them. I suppose that you will not forget your self in this particular, while you remember that I am,

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

To his Mistress, an Acknowledgment for being belov'd by her.

SHall I pass over in silence, Fairest, so excessive a happiness? or shall I publish it, to render it more great? I know my silence will honour it most, but by making it known, I shall render it more glorious; for in telling it abroad, I shall eternize the memory thereof. Therefore shall my mouth be always open in the extolling of your favour, my mind wholly taken up with thoughts of you, and my soul always admiring its most perfect object, blessing the day of my birth, for being happy in yours. Your Death shall be my Tomb, desiring no other honor or glory while I live, but the title of,

Madam,

Your most faithful Servant

A Lady to her Servant accusing him of Inconstancy.

Sir,

THey do always tax our sex for being inconstant, but I must now apply that fault to you, I say to you, whose Oaths did give so great a testimony of your fidelity, that I durst not doubt them for fear of injuring my self; though the wind was always the bearer of your love, and not your love, for that you

never had; so that if I blame my self for having believ'd you, I shall praise my self hereafter for imitating you though with some trouble, that I was not your example; for it was most reasonable, that I should have preceded you, as being your Mistress, though now

Your Servant.

To request a Favour from his Mistress.

Madam,

YOu bestow your favours with so much bounty, that though I am averse to beg them, yet the freeness of your curtesie leaves me no other shame, then that which proceeds from my inability of return. I do not use to value the services which I perform to my friends, but you are pleas'd to put such a rate upon them, that I have no other way left, but to vow thus with all respect, to solicite you as long as I live. Believe me, Madam, you have entertained my service so nobly, that I stand in fear of a propension to make motions to you, and to remain still an importunate Beggar, till I have tir'd you into a necessity of yielding to my Request, Though I confess, could I but gain the advantage of being esteem'd, and beloved by you, it is the highest ••light that my ambition covets.

To his long absented Mistress.

Madam,

I Cannot but deplore my misfortune, that Cameleon like, I live onely on the Idea; all the support of my frail life having been for this twelve moneths onely from imagination. I pro∣test Lady, those four Letters which I receiv'd quarter after quarter have with much ado kept me alive; the last you direct∣ed to me, being so short, as if you had confin'd me to the ex∣tremity of so thin a dyet, that your most despised Lovers might in my pittiful Picture, read to themselves Lectures of consolation. Lady, I know at the best, that absent persons cannot entertain themselves but by Letters, yet by as woful experience I find, that there is but small pleasure to hear thus so far off from one another, as we do. For my part, I cannot but complain, and I think I

have more cause than any man living; you know the reality of this my expression: believe me, you have expos'd me to such extremities, that I am now resolv'd to approach you, and to write no more, but act what I have been accustom'd to protest, how perfectly I can be,

Madam,

&c.

To his Mistriss upon the death of her Brother.

LAdy, The continuance of your melancholy having toucht me so far, as to make me partake of your grief, wonder not if you receive these undeserved lines from me, which I hope will wipe away your tears, if you consider him that in∣treats you to be pitiful to himself; if not, to his youth. Be∣lieve me, Dearest, my sorrows for your self carry more reason with them, then yours for your deceased Brother, which can have no other pretence than custom, and your good nature. Pardon me if I tell you freely, that if you do not decline your grief, I shall abate of the belief I had of your spirit. I know well that the loss of Friends must needs touch us, nor would I remove the sense of mourning, but the error; not the tri∣bute of tears, but the superfluity of them. For though we must give something to nature, let us not take away all from reason; neither doth Nature so much as Opinion prevail over in these extreams of sorrow. Believe me, Fair one, sorrow hath plac'd you too near the grave, that should you look in your glass, you would already conceive your self there: for never did tears deal more cruelly with any than your self; seeing they have mind at once two of the fairest things in the world, the clearness of your disposition and beauty. Judge therefore, whether I have not as much cause to lament with you, as to write to you. At least I hope you will of your sub∣tle thoughts, to consider a little of him, who with tears en∣treats you to consider of your self, as being

Madam,

&c.

To her Servant accepting his Service,

SIR, Since you can so well express your affection to one that needs it, I could not but let you understand how you have prosper'd; with Justice enough you name your self a

Friend, yet in my opinion you might invent some more signi∣ficant word, though it were to stile your self a Lover; for you have already given me such real testimonies of your affection, that I dare entertain you in such a quality. I only wait for a favourable occasion, which may for my excuse, witness the dear and glorious marks which you gave me of your love and account of me, and how much I am already,

Sir,

&c.

The Answer.

LAdy, I am no longer able to keep my words from letting my heart fall upon this paper: your Letter having won me to you in such a sort, that I have no power over my self but what you leave me; the joy I have entertain'd from your lines, having not yet restor'd me to my reason; this may seem strange to you, but I assure you, I find no other reason to be contented to live, but as you are still in the world; and I am therefore only bound to preserve my self, because you are un∣willing to lose me. Your lines sweetly invite me to give you a visit. Fairest, if you will have me to endure your presence, take some more humane form, and appear not in that fulness of splendor, lest I forget what you are, and never cease to do you continual acts of reverence; and when I should speak to you, should overflow with prayers and thanks; conceiving that I may have fortune from others, but glory from none but you. Let me intreat you therefore, when I approach your fa∣vours, that you would give them out by tale, and distribute them by measure, that he may not be too far transported beyond himself, who is,

Lady,

&c.

From a Lady consenting to her Servants Requests.

SIR, I must not wish you good without endeavouring to do it, as far as my weak endeavours will permit me. I have so many affections that I remain unmoveable, so that you may be assur'd, if you can love your self, that you need not to doubt of my endearments to you. Sir, though I cannot be regu∣lar

in observing complements, I shall never be negligent in necessary duties; and so often think of you, that you need not to sollicite my thoughts. True friendship is always attended with remembrance, and they that can forget were never truly in love. When we fix upon a worthy object, we should resemble the Covetous, who have no less care to conserve, then to heap up treasure. All that for the present I shall request you is, that you would be more bold to employ me, and think if I want a memory to accomplish your desires, that I am then on my death-bed. This is the assurance you may expect from her, who is

Your, &c.

To her Servant, resolving not to Marry.

SIR, I am not yet in the mind to change the blessedness of my Liberty for the Purgatory of Marriage: you tell me a Wife is the wealth of the mind; you must except all, all jealousies and dislikes that may happen: Then that she is the welfare of the heart; 'tis so when her youth with beauty, her wit with vertue, have that happy agreement between themselves, so as to command the affections. But Sir, you are not to learn, they have left most of our sex: It were a sin to pry further into their imperfections; the terms you write on being so extreamly opposite. But if I am not deceived in my reading, the learned express, that they weaken the strength, confound the business of our life, empty the purse, with a thou∣sand other feat qualities, which when I meet you next, you shall be sure to hear of. Till when, wishing you the continuance of that quiet, wherein you boast your self to live, I decline this theame of your wiving Letter till our next visit. I bid you farewell, and rest

Your, &c.

To his Mistress, Sick.

Madam,

THough the most fair envy your beauties, and the most perfect your merits, yet are they silenced by your charms; nay, sick∣ness it self is render'd captive by the puissence of your allure∣ments;

though if it wound you now, it is but with the wounds that you have made; and doubtless it hath seiz'd on you, hoping that by possession of your fair body, it may both change its name and nature; so that it is pardonable, both for its love, and for its subtlety. Neither do I believe that it is you, but your rigour that it aims to destroy, be you less cruel, and the disease will asswage; otherwise you will be in danger of your life. Though doubtless the consideration of destroying so many mar∣vels, will stop his designs. Death oft-times make use of love against us; so that he will have a care of your life, as of his keenest weapon wherewith he brings us men under his command, making us willing to yield to his stroak, as the refuge of that misery into which your cruelty oft-times throws us. This I know by experience, as being your Slave.

To his Mistriss, despairing of her Favour, though unjustly offended against her.

Madam,

WHat avails it you to make me feel your Thorns when I have gather'd your Flower. Why do you blame in words, him whom you have honour'd in effects and blame him without cause, who cannot praise you but unjustly; Moderate your severity, seeing that it offends you more then it hurts me. I have protested a thousand times that I never was faulty, as you thought me; though it was to no purpose, you believing otherwise. It suffices for my satisfaction, that I know the truth, and that I have essay'd, all the ways in the world to make you understand it, though in vain. Adieu most fair but yet too cruel, if you leave me triumphing over the most wor∣thy subject in the world, I leave you vanquish'd by a more faithful Lover.

A Letter of Consolation to a Mistress, upon the death of her Servant.

Madam,

I Believe that if you have been the last who have understood the death of your Servant, that you will be one of the first, and indeed the onely person, who will in your soul celebrate

the sad remembrance of him, a much longer time than any of his Friends: not that his merit doth oblige you, for I well know that all merit loses its esteem in your presence, being so perfect as you are; nor your Piety, though it be a thing natural to you with your other vertues; but only his love, and constancy, as be∣ing both equally incomparable. Neither do I believe, that ei∣ther of these do oblige you at all, for though his love were very great, that could not be otherwise, seeing you were his object, no more than his constancy whatever it were; so that to say the truth, I know not what can urge you to bewail his loss, unless it be the goodness of your inclinations, being as mild and sweet as you are, fair, and consequently full of Piety. I should weep my self, for having the least thought to condemn your tears, yet give me leave to believe, that when you remember that the fires pro∣ceeding from your eyes did help to consume his life, it would make them weep for sorrow. Now what punishment will you im∣pose upon your Beauty, if there be nothing in you that hath par∣taken of the millions of pains which he hath endured for your sake: Certainly you ought to suffer Shipwrack in the Sea of your tears, unless the God of Love have need of you for one of his Altars. Since you are the only Idol, to whom all mortals will present the sacrifices of their Servitude. And as for my self, who have undertaken to succeed to the merits and constancy of your deceased Servant, I will not give assurances in words, for deeds themselves shall always be my sureties. Dry up your tears, stop your sighs. I summon you to this duty, in the behalf of Reason it self, knowing that his Commands are to be obey'd. Madam, when I first put Pen to Paper, I had a design to comfort you, but knowing the greatness of your resolution against all sorts of accidents, I chang'd my intention, to assure you of the love and servitude that I have vow'd to you, under the title of,

Madam,

Your most humble Servant.

Letters.

SIR,

I Know 'tis to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 purpose to dispute of Civilities with you, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 li•••• in the light of the world, and are so well stor'd with the best words to express them. I know too well that the

excellency that dwells in you, begets at the same time desires to preserve, as well as to acquire your favour. I have but one grief, that I have not Soul enough to judge of those perfections that dwell in you, which though I can never attain rightly to conceive, yet I am confident, no man can honour them more, so that should you call me your Idolater, you could not strain a word that could so rightly, as that, express my respects toward you. Sir, Complements are very rare with me, and therefore I request you to believe me, when I say, that they must be very strong cords and dangerous commandments that shall remove me from your service; I know I can never deserve such violent proofs of my obedience: it shall suffice me that I doubt not of your love, as being,

Sir,

Your most devoted Servant.

To his Absent Friend.

SIR,

IF I thought Fortune could be so much our Friend, I should request her to make us inseparable, that I might be no more oblig'd thus to write; since the entertainments that distant friends do give and take by Letters, is but a picture of those between persons presents: for to say the truth, a Letter is but a Copy of that, which makes us more curious of the original; a Glass that shadows to us stronger desires to enjoy the person that is absent. The very lines I receive from you, carrying with them the effects of joy to hear from you, and of a passion to be more near you that I might not still be forc'd to write that to you, which I would willingly protest; and find occasions more and more to testifie what I am, and ever shall be.

To his Friend complaining of Neglect.

SIR,

THE Friendship which you have promised me, and the service which you have protested to me, force me now to demand the reason of your silence. I question not but that you will want no excuse to plead for your self: But I entreat you

to believe, that unless they be very lawful, I shall not cease to complain of you. You do well to lay the fault sometimes upon your urgent occasions, sometimes upon the indisposition of your body: but all this is no satisfaction to me. Confess but your fault, crave pardon, and you shall have it presently granted. This is the way to preserve eternally the friendship of

Your most humble Servant.

The Answer.

SIR,

YOu do me so great a favour in complaining of me, that I am constrained to give you thanks, instead of taking the least offence at you. This is not because I want excuses to authorize my silence, but the interest that you have in me, which makes me to condemn my self, resolving hence forward, that you shall rather complain of my importunity then of my sloathfulness. Which is the protestatiom of

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

Return of Thanks.

SIR,

I Protest that you have obliged me with a Favour, and that so perfectly, that I must be your Debtor all the dayes of my life. I wish that an opportunity would offer it self for you, to employ me in your service, that I might testifie to you, that since your favours are so extreamly high, there is no extremity which I would not undergo to requite them. This is no com∣plemental discourse, my heart dictates to my Pen all that which I write to you, assuring you once more, that I will long bear in vain the title of

Your most humble Servant.

The Answer.

SIR,

I must complain of the excess of your civilities and curtesies, since our interest consists in a reciprocal friendship. You thank me for curtesies receiv'd from me, as if I were not oblig'd to do them, accustom not your self to such kind of Phrase, and believe that the Language of Complements is unknown to friends. I am in the number of them, and moreover,

Your most humble Servant.

To desire a Curtesie.

SIR, The same of your generosity, hath given me the bold∣ness to require a ••avour from you, to disintangle me from a business, the success whereof depends much upon your autho∣rity. 'Tis true, that I never had the honor to be acquainted with you. But though this be my particular unhappiness, I hope that you will not make any excuse to refuse me the Curtesie which I desire from you, not doubting but that in some other matter I may have the honour to make my self known to you, rather by my services then by my name, since your descent obliges me to remain,

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

The Answer.

SIR,

I have done all what you required of me, with a great deal of satisfaction, and little trouble. Prepare your self to impose commands upon me, that you may not let the passion which I have to serve you lie idle, and you shall discern by my obedience, that I take delight in nothing more, then in making my self appear in all places.

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

On the same Subject.

SIR,

ALthough I am the most unprofitable of all your Friends, yet am I none of the least willing to serve you, and from thence I take the liberty to desire you; to give me a meeting. All that I can say for the first acknowledgement of this favour, is, that I shall eternally remember this savour; and that if I cannot meet with any opportunity to requite so great a kind∣ness, I shall bear my sorrow for it to my grave, together with the title of,

Your most loyal Servant.

The Answer.

SIR,

WHen you desire any service from me, I entreat you to consider whether it be in my power to perform it: that I may be more bold to encounter the blame which my unhappiness obliges you to lay upon me. You shall command, when you please other proofs of my willingness to serve you, desiring nothing more then the title of,

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

To congratulate the good Fortune of his Friend.

SIR,

IF you know how acceptable the news of your good fortune is to me, you would not doubt, but that the joy which sur∣prises me for the same, is equal to yours. Truly I cannot add any thing to it: since it proceeds from the friendship which I have vow'd to you, which is not common since your merit is the object. I would tell you more, if the excess of my joy would give me liberty. It suffices me to assure you, that my content cannot equal the passion which I have to serve you, as being,

Sir,

Your most humble Servant.

The Answer.

SIR,

I Did always believe that you were of so generous a spirit, that you participate in my concernments; But I perswade my self at the same instant of time, that you doubt not of my willingness to serve you, that I may in some measure merit the effects of your noble disposition. This I am urg'd to, not being able further to requite the continual proofs, which you give me of your good will towards me. I entreat you to esteem this for an undenyable truth, as being from my heart and soul.

Sir,

Your most faithful Servant.

To his Accomplish'd Friend.

SIR, If I have hope to be known to after ages, it must be by the honour of your acquaintance; Your reputation at this time, being so just and so general, that 'tis become a verity wherein the Wise agree with the Vulgar. Pardon me Sir, if I presume thus to prevent your command, by this early show∣ing you my ready inclination to obey them: But I am con∣tent that you should give it what name you please, provided you judge well of the effects of my duty, and do me the ho∣nor to believe that I am,

Your, &c.

To his Learned Friend.

SIR, All the riches both of Nature and Art dwell in you, and are of such force, that I acknowledge my inclinations to serve you, carry with them immortal reason; your discourse being so grave, and soild that they cannot be sufficiently listen'd to, for the edification of men that have seen four ages. And for your Letters, in what stile soever you write them

They are always pleasing, if not, most admirably profitable; as if your Spirit had been employ'd from your youth, in perswading of Princes, or instructing of Embassadours. When your Lines are serious, they strain not; when familiar, they are without neglect: like beauties that appear in all fashions, yet allure, whether neatly drest, or carelesly plain. Pardon me Sir, if I lay open my naked soul before you in this simplicity of my ac∣knowledegments, you having so absolutely purchast both my thoughts and affections, that I must need ingenuously confess, that I have nothing left, but to assure you Sir how much I am,

Your &c.

To his Friend at Court.

SIR,

YOU seem to have so persum'd your self with the sweet∣ness of the Court, that you cannot admit of the profaneness of a Village. Such a rudeness is the errand this Letter car∣ries with it; but be pleas'd to accept of it, as you know the keight of my ambition is bounded in such rural presents; neither should I dare to presume thus, were I not perswaded that you allow me this liberty, which otherwise I should never take. But I am confident you delight to gratifie me, and to do me thè same good that I wish to you. If you desire to know the cause of such extraordinary boldness in me, I beseech you to believe there is no other, then the great affection I have to serve you, and to be,

Sir,

&c.

To his Friend, upon the renewing of their Correspondence.

SIR, To be separated from a man so dear to me as your self I do believe I could not live in the fortunate Islands, and having till I embrace you no other way of traffick but by Let∣ters, I am extreamly angry with my self, that you have preven∣ted me in returning our old correspondence. Though I must ac∣knowledge there is some justice in it, for since you were the first that broke it, 'twas fit you should be the first to reestablish it: I write thus of the honour of your favour; assuring you notwithstanding that I could no way deserve it. Therefore Sir, give me leave to beg your pardon for my neglect, if I

were guilty, which I shall never be in any thing that concerns you: and to make it more clear to you, I never ceas'd to honour you; but onely not to express it, was like a secret fire not quench'd but cover'd, which became the more violent when it had less liberty to appear; Wherefore Sir, be confident, that I shall make you see upon all occasions, for what is just that I will never be less then I am

Your, &c.

A Familar Return of Thanks.

SIR,

THis negligence of my stile be pleas'd to esteem one of the marks of friendship between us. Gratitude is one of a poor mans vertues. This is the best Rhetorick you could ex∣pect in so few Lines; and so I would renounce the world, and all its promises, if a mortal could do so, to express my self but truly thankful to you for your exquisite favours. The expedition of this messenger would permit me no further at this time, but onely to set my hand to this protestation, that I love you ex∣ceedingly, that I honour you, and am as much as any man can be in the world,

Your, &c.

To his Friend, inviting him into the Country.

SIR, I will not send you studied complements, I know you are born in a Country of good words; I am here among Thorns and Thistles, among people that are naturally affected with dulness, and dream in the best company, such as can give no other reason for their silence, but that they are entreated not to speak; in so much, that you may walk our Village, and hear nothing but whistling; and which is a miracle, our Coridons are here arrived to such a height of wilful ignorance, as if they held their Lands by no other Tenure, but that of never speaking to the purpose. I should be quite out of heart, if I had not your promise to relie on, that you will suddenly give me a visit, to witness what I am like to suffer this long vacation, except I enjoy your company; I wait for you as for a blessing, and if you come not hither next week, I proclaim to you, that I am no longer,

Your, &c.

To his sick Friend.

SIR, The news of your sickness hath so alter'd my health, that I may count my self a sharer in your misfortunes. Really it hath so much griev'd me, that the sorrow which I sustain, is more then the fever which you endure. Do you therefore take courage, if you will that I should be in good health. You know how much I am interested in your con∣cernments. In a word, I assure you, that if you do not quit your bed, I shall be forc'd to betake my self to mine. These are the absolute protests of,

Sir,

Your, &c.

A Letter of Resolution.

WHY thus in Cynthia's sports do you delight, And take from Loves all their due and right; Yield brightest, and his sweetest pleasures try, Whose fires in funeral flames can onely die. May I not live, if all things plead not sin; I wonder what strange sear doth keep thee in. Though with Diana thou dost seem to vie, Trust me, thy face doth give thy words the lie; More sit for Venus thou then her wilt prove, There's no Religion, sweet, but that of Love. Were the Gods kinde, and to my love agreed, With eyes unwilling thou these Lines should read. When shall I thee embrace intranc't, and lie Languishing wrapt in Loves sweet extasie. If Arts will not avail, then Arms Ile move, And so my longing besome force thy love, Yet us Loves warfare better will become. Soft breathings best please love, not the sierce Drum; If that thou wilt I can more gentle be, Lay shame aside, and yield thy self to me: Either thy self into my arms resign, Or I must fall, for I have vow'd thee mine.

To his Mistress, desiring Enjoyment.

TEll me cruel fair one, why, When I ask you still deny; You thereby unkind do prove, Both to Nature and to Love; Nature when she gave that eye, That hand, that lip, that majesty: Surely then she did not mean, Here riches should be onely seen, And not enjoy'd; were not each sense A Sharer of your excellence? Shee'd wrong her self, and so destroy Mankind by making you so coy. Oh then yield, and let me find That y'are thankful if not kind; Cupid in your bosomes snow, Losing his Shaft, unbent his Bow; And woo'd his Mother, since he shot So long and wounded not. Your eyes henceforth might be his Darts, With which he slew so many hearts, She did; but with all gave you skill To heal again, as well as kill; She gave your eyes power to enflame A breath with all to cool the same; You are just to use that breath, To be a Sentencer of death; Nay, you are impious, if you are Less merciful then you are fair: And by denying needs must grant, That you are proud or ignorant. Where Women truly know their price, 'Tis pride not vertue makes them nice. Let us Lucinda henceforth twine With close embraces. Let us joyn Lip unto lip, and reap the pleasure Of true Lovers without measure; Till our Loves are by wonder grown

From two bodies into one. Yield Lucinda thy consent, That from our true and just content; Others may a perfect rule obtain How they should love, how be belov'd again.

Thus she striveth to indite, That can love but cannot write.

In every Line, here may'st thou understand, That Love hath sign'd and sealed with his hand. These cannot blush although thou dost refuse them; Nor will reply, however you shall use them. O modesty! dist thou not me restrain? How would I chide thee in this angry vain? Pardon me dear if I offend in this, With such delays my love impatient is. I needs must write till time my saith approve, And then Ile cease but never cease to love. Tears, thou know'st well my heart cannot abide; How I am angry when I least do chide: Too well thou know'st what my creation made me; And nature too well taught thee to invade me. Thou know'st too well, how, what and when, and where, To write, to speak, to sue, and to forbear; By signes, by sighs, by motions, and by tears, When vowes should serve, when oaths, when smiles, when prayers. If any natural blemish blot my face, Thou dost protest it gives my beauty grace; And that attire I'me used most to wear, That's the most excellent of all you swear. Or if I wake, or sleep, or stand, or lie, I must resemble some one Deity. But Sweet Diana what strange fears have I, That am confirm'd how men can swear and lie? As with an ague I do shiver still, Since to this paper first I set my quill. What blots so e're thou seest, my tears did make; And yet these tears do weight of words partake. If I do erre, you know our sex is weak, Fear proves a fault when Maids are forc'd to speak.

Could I my soul into thy brest convey, It might like purity to thine display. I should not then come short of any trick, Which makes thee prettily appear love sick; But all my thoughts are innocent and meek, As the chaste blushes on my Virgin cheek: For till this blush, I never did espy The nakedness of an immodesty. Disguise not love, but give thy self to me, I cannot write, but I could die for thee,

A Letter from a Lady with Child.

WHen thou dost see my Letter, dost thou know Whether 'tis my right hands Character or no? Why should I write, I feel a present fear, That I must write more then a Maid should dare. Oh! should I make it to my mother known, Needs must it make m'asham'd what thou hast done. No outward symptome shews my grief, yet I, Wretched, past help of any medecine lie. Think but how weak I am, when I scarce these Can write, or turn me in my bed with ease; How I do fear lest that my Nurse should spie One Letter interchangeing coloque. Then hastily I leave my words half fram'd, My Letter straight is in my bosome cramm'd; The name of Marriage with shame abash't, My pale wan cheeks with glowing blushes quash't. Fond man what glory hast thou won, Or praise, a Virgin thus to have undone? As once an Apple did Atlanta seize, Th'art now become a new Hippomanes. O be not angry quiver-bearing Maid, That I'me loves patiently by youth betray'd; 'Tis now too late, let thy rage be exil'd, And spare the Mother of, but for the Child. He had a face and years too fit for play, A treacherous face that stole my heart away. Who whil'st I sung for Love is all things mind,

Upon my amorous lips did kisses bind Both them, and each part else did please him well; But chiefly when to loves choice sports, he fell; But whither hath my Pen transported me, Thus to discourse to th'Queen of chastity. Sweet Sir. You sware by these same brests of mine To me, and by thrice three Maids Divine, You'd celebrate the Himeneal rites, And in my arms spend all your youthful nights. This was a Language you were us'd to say When we were acting our delicious play; And when of me your last leave you had took, You sware an oath upon my lips, your book, That you would back return with winged speed To save my name from scandal of the deed; With patience Sir your coming I attend, Until you come receive these Lines I send.

A Perswasive Letter to his Mistress.

SWeetest, but read what silent Love hath writ With thy fair eyes, tast but of Loves fine wit, Be not self will'd; for thou art much too fair, For death to triumph o're without a•• heir; Thy unus'd beauty, must be tomb'd with thee, Which us'd, lives thy Executour to be; The Flowers distill'd, though they with Winter meet Lose but their show, their substance still is sweet. Nature made thee her seal, she meant thereby: Thou shouldst Print more, not let the Copie die; What, hast thou vow'd an aged Maid to die? Be not a fool; Lovers may swear and lie. Forswear thy self, thou wilt be far more wise To break an oath then lose a Paradise. For in the midst of all Loves pure protesting, All Faith, all Oaths, all Vows should be but jesting: What is so fair that hath no little spot; Come, come thou mayest be false yet know'st it not. I wish to you, what hath been wish'd by others, For some fair Maids by me would have been Mothers; Pardon me not, for I confess no error;

Cast not upon these Lines a look of terror, Nor vainly Lady think your beauty sought For these instructions are by Loves self wrought; Venus her self my Pen to this theam led, And gives thee freely to my longing bed. I saw thee in my thoughts fair beauteous Dame When I beheld the eyes of fame I lov'd thee, ere I saw thee long ago, Before my eyes did view that glorious Shew. Imagin not your face doth now delight me, Since seen, that unseen did invite me. Believe me, for I speak but what's most true, Too sparingly the world hath spoke of you; Fame that hath undertook your worth to blaze, Plai'd but the envious Huswise in your praise; 'Tis I will raise thy name, and set thee forth, Enjoy thy riches, glorifie thy worth; Nor with vain scribling longer vex my head To fancy love, but leap into thy bed.

Best Wishes from a Lady.

Most worthy SIR,

Unto your Noble blood 'TIS no adition to think you good, For your demeanor bears that equal part Y' have won the love, not envie of the Court; Having observ'd the forms and laws of state; Gaining mens emulation not their hate. With such a noble temper you divide The difference 'twixt formality and pride; Thus your indifferent actions are as far From being too common, as too singular. Whilst in your nature those two Suns arise, The attributes of beautiful and wise. Give me now leave, to wish that you may be As clear from others envy, as y'are free From the desert. But here I must not cease, May no rude chance invade your blessed peace To your chast thoughts, I wish as chast a mate

Blest in her dower, in beauty fortunate. May all the happiness Heaven can confer, Be acted on your lives fair Theater. And may I live to see you thus possest Of these good wishes, that flow from the best

Of your most entire Servant.

A Letter of Acceptance from his Mistress.

I am not angry, wo can angry be With him that loves a Mistress? Love is free; But you have further aim, and seek to do, What Jove defend, I should consent unto. I know that too much trust hath damag'd such As have believed me in their love too much. Leda when she ne're dreamt of God nor Man, Jove did surprize her, shaped like a Swan. But you'r a Wag, I'me certain by the signes You make at Table in the meats and wines; How you can wanton, when your eye advances It's brightness against mine, darting sweet glances; How you can sigh, yet by and by can grace With an angelick smile, your cunning face? You are too manifest a Lover. Tush, At such known sleights I could not chuse but blush. Yet am I not incenst, couldst thou but be As loyal, as th'art amorous to me In the loves just ways; for if thou seekst to climb, My wisht for bed, at the appointed time; When Saffron Hymen hath concluded quite Such covenants as belong to th'nuptial rite; I shall inter pret kindly every sign, And moralize them in my being thine,

Taffy to his Mistress.

MOdest Shentle, when her but see The great laugh her made on me, And fine wink that her send

To her, came to see her friend; Her could not shuse py Cot apove, But he was intangle in her love; A hundred ofttimes her was about, To speak to her, and have her out: But her peeing a Welsh man porn, And therefore was thank her would her scorn; Was fear, put think nothing better, Then put her love into a Letter; Hoping her will not ceptions take Upon her love, for Country sake. For say her be Wilsh man, what ten By Cot they all be Shentlemen; Was descend from Shoves none Line, Par humane, and par divine; And from Venus that fair Coddes, And twenty other shentle Poddies. Hector stout, and comely Paris, Arthur, Prute, and King of Fairies, Was her none Cosin, all a kin, We have the Powels issue in. And for ought that her can see, As cood men as other men pee; But what of that, Love is a knave, Was make her do what her would have; Was compel her to write the rhime, That ne're was write before this time; And if she will not pitty her pain, As Cot shudge her soul shall ne're write again. For Love is like an ague fit, Was bring poor Welsh-men out of her wit, Till by her answer her do know, Whether her do love or no. Her has not pin in England long, And con no speak the English tongue, Put her is her friend and so her will prove; Pray send her word if her can love.

Superscription for the Drol∣ling-Letters.

TO the most gracious Queen of my Soul.

To the most illustrious Princess of my Heart.

To the Countess Dowager of my Affections.

To the Lady of my Conceptions.

To the Baroness of My Words and Actions.

To the Spring-Garden of all pleasure and delight.

To the Peerles Paragon of Exquisite Formosity.

To the chief of my Heart and Affections.

To the Empress of my thoughts.

To the Lady, and Mistress of my thoughts and service.

To the Lilly-white-hands of my Angelical Mistress,

These present.

To the Compleat Mirrour of Beauty and Perfection.

To the ninth Wonder of the World.

To the most Accomplish'd Work of Nature, and the A∣stonishment of all Eyes.

To the Fair Murdress of my Soul

To the Rose of pure Delight.

To the Choise Nutmeg of Sweetest Consolation.

To the most Flourishing Bud of Honour.

To His Most Sacred Angel, Mistress &c.

To Her who is Day without Night, a Sun full of Shade, a Shade full of Light, Mistress, &c.

To the Atlas of her best Thoughts and Affections, Her

Dearly beloved M. L. Broom-man in

SOUTHWARK,

These.

Subscriptions.

MAdam,

Your Gally, Gally, Gally-Slave,

Madam,

Your Always burning Salamander.

Madam,

Your Continual Martyr.

Madam,

Your poor Worm, that must of necessity die, if trod upon by the foot of your disdain.

Madam.

Your Captive, willingly fetter'd in the Chains of your beauty.

Madam,

The Vassal of your Severest Frowns.

Madam,

The Most Loyal Subject to Your Imperial Power.