Familiar letters. Vol. I. Written by the Right Honourable John, late Earl of Rochester, to the Honble Henry Savile, Esq; and other letters, by persons of honour and quality. With letters written by the most ingenious Mr. Thomas Otway, and Mrs. K. Phillips. Publish'd from their original copies. With modern letters, by Tho. Cheek, Esq; Mr. Dennis, and Mr. Brown.

IF it be a Crime in me, Madam, to love, 'tis your fair Self that's the oc∣casion of it; and if it be a Crime in me to tell you I do, 'tis my self only that's faulty. I confess, 'twas in my Power to have forborn writing, but I am satis∣fy'd I cou'd never have seen you, but the Language of my Looks wou'd have dis∣closed the Secret; and to what purpose is it to pretend to conceal a Flame that will discover it self by its own Light? In my mind there's more Confession in disor∣dered Actions, frequent Sighs, or a com∣plaining Countenance, than in all the Artful Expressions the Tongue can utter; I have been strugling with my self this three Months to discover a thing which I

now must do in three words, and that is, that I adore you; and I am sure if you'll be just to your self, you cannot be so un∣just to me, as to question the reality of this Discovery, for 'tis impossible for you to be ignorant of the Charms you possess, no body can be rich, and yet unacquainted with their Stores. And therefore, since 'tis certain, you have every thing wonder∣fully engaging, you must not take it ill that my Taste is as curious as another's, I shou'd do an injury to my own Judg∣ment if it were not; I am not, Madam, so vain as to believe, that any thing I can act or utter shou'd ever perswade you to retain the least kind regard, in recom∣pence of the pain I suffer; I only beg leave and liberty to complain: They that are hurt in Service, are permitted to shew their Wounds; and the more gallant the Conquerour, the more generous is his Com∣passion. I ventur'd last night to faulter out my Misfortune, 'twas almost dark, and I attempted it with greater boldness, nay, you your self (cruel and charming as you are) must needs take notice of my disor∣der; your Sentences were short and re∣proving; your Answers cold; and your Manner (contrary to your usual and pe∣culiar

sweetness) was severe and forbid∣ding, yet in spight of all the Awe and chill Aspect you put on, you must always ap∣pear most adorable too,

MADAM,

Your most lost and Ʋnfortunate humble Servant.