In turning over in my mind the contents of
your last letters, I have put myself into great
agony, not knowing how to interpret them, whether to my disadvantage, as you show in some places, or to my advantage, as I understand them in some others, beseeching you earnestly to let me know expressly your whole mind as to the love between us two.
It is absolutely necessary for me to obtain this answer, having been for above a whole year stricken with the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail of finding a place in your
heart and afFeftion, which last point has prevented me for some time past from calling you my mistress; because, if you only love me with an ordinary love, that name is not suit-
able for you, because it denotes a singular love, which is far from common. But if you please to do the office of a true loyal mistress and friend, and to give up yourself body and heart to me, who will be, and have been, your
most loyal servant, (if your rigour does not forbid me) I promise you that not only the name shall be given you, but also that I will take you
for my only mistress, casting off all others besides you outof my thoughts and afFeftions, and serve you only. I beseech you to give an entire answer to this my rude letter, that I may
know on what and how far I may depend. And if it does not please you to answer me in writing, appoint some place where I may have it by
word of mouth, and I will go thither with all my heart. No more, for fear of tiring you.
Written by the hand of him who would willingly remain
yours, H. R.
your last letters, I have put myself into great
agony, not knowing how to interpret them, whether to my disadvantage, as you show in some places, or to my advantage, as I understand them in some others, beseeching you earnestly to let me know expressly your whole mind as to the love between us two.
It is absolutely necessary for me to obtain this answer, having been for above a whole year stricken with the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail of finding a place in your
heart and afFeftion, which last point has prevented me for some time past from calling you my mistress; because, if you only love me with an ordinary love, that name is not suit-
able for you, because it denotes a singular love, which is far from common. But if you please to do the office of a true loyal mistress and friend, and to give up yourself body and heart to me, who will be, and have been, your
most loyal servant, (if your rigour does not forbid me) I promise you that not only the name shall be given you, but also that I will take you
for my only mistress, casting off all others besides you outof my thoughts and afFeftions, and serve you only. I beseech you to give an entire answer to this my rude letter, that I may
know on what and how far I may depend. And if it does not please you to answer me in writing, appoint some place where I may have it by
word of mouth, and I will go thither with all my heart. No more, for fear of tiring you.
Written by the hand of him who would willingly remain
yours, H. R.