ke myself still dearer to him. My fortune was indeed much beyond
his; and as I was always in the company of my relations, he was
forced to discover his inclinations, and declare himself to me by
stories of other persons, kind looks, and many ways which he knew
too well that I understood. Oh! Mr. Bickerstaff, it is impossible
to tell you, how industrious I have been to make him appear lovely
in my thoughts. I made it a point of conscience to think well of
him, and of no man else: but he has since had an estate fallen to
him, and makes love to another of a greater fortune than mine. I
could not believe the report of this at first; but about a
fortnight ago I was convinced of the truth of it by his own
behaviour. He came to give our family a formal visit, when, as
there were several in company, and many things talked of, the
discourse fell upon some unhappy woman who was in my own
circumstances. It was said by one in the room, that they could not
believe the story could be true, because they did not believe any
man could be so false. Upon which, I stole a look upon him with an
anguish not to be expressed. He saw my eyes full of tears; yet had
the cruelty to say, that he could see no falsehood in alterations
of this nature, where there had been no contracts or vows
interchanged. Pray, do not make a jest of misery, but tell me
seriously your opinion of his behaviour; and if you can have any
pity for my condition, publish this in your next paper, that being
the only way I have of complaining of his unkindness, and showing
him the injustice he has done me. I am

"Your humble Servant,
"The unfortunate
"STATIRA."

The name my correspondent gives herself, puts me in mind of my old
reading in romances, and brings into my thoughts a speech of the
renowned Don Bellianis, who, upon a complaint made him of a discourteous
knight, that had left his injured paramour in the same manner, dries up
her tears with a promise of relief. "Disconsolate damsel," quoth he, "a
foul disgrace it were to all right worthy professors of chivalry, if
such a blot to knighthood should pass unchastised. Give me to know the
abode of this recreant lover, and I will give him as a feast to the
fowls