XXXVIII
Sir,
Lest you think I had not as perfectly forgot you as you glory to have done me, let these lines assure you that, if at any time I think of you, it is with as much scorn as you vainly hitherto may have supposed 't has been with affection. A certain general compassion in me, and pity of poor follies, of which number I take this to be one—a triumph, where there has been no conquest, has persuaded me to let you know this much.
And now, if that you have had so much faith as that you could believe a thing so impossible, as that of my loving of you, would you but reduce yourself to believe a thing so reasonable as that there never was any such matter, you would make me step into a belief that you never yet had the good thoughts of
XXXIX
There was (O seldom-happy word of was!) a time when I was not Mountferrat; and sure there was a time too, when all was handsome in my heart, for you were there (dear princess), and filled the place alone. Were there—O wretched word again! and should you leave that lodging, more wretched than Mountferrat needs must be
J. S.
XL
To T. C.
Though writing be as tedious to me as no doubt reading will be to thee, yet considering that I shall drive that trade thou speak'st of to the Indies, and for my beads and rattles have a return of gold and pearl, I am content for thy sake, and in private, thus to do penance in a sheet.
Know then, dear Carew, that at eleven last night, flowing as much with love as thou hast ebbed, thy letter found me out. I read, considered, and admired; and did conclude at last, that Horseley air did excel the waters of the Bath, just so much as love is a more noble disease than the pox.
No wonder if the Countesses think time lost till they be there. Who would not be, where such cures flow? The care thou hast of me, that I should traffick right, draws me by way of gratitude to persuade thee to bottle us some of that, and send it hither to town. Thy returns will be quicker than those to
