has given him unnumbered torments. Thou,
Jack, who, like a dog at his ease, contentest thyself to growl over
a bone thrown out to thee, dost not know the joys of a chace, and in
pursuing a winding game: these I will endeavour to rouse thee to,
and then thou wilt have reason doubly and trebly to thank me, as well
because of thy present delight, as with regard to thy prospect beyond
the moon.

To this place I had written, purely to amuse myself, before I was
admitted to my charmer. But now I have to tell thee, that I was quite
right in my conjecture, that she would set up for herself, and dismiss
me: for she has declared in so many words that such was her resolution:
And why? Because, to be plain with me, the more she saw of me, and of my
ways, the less she liked of either.

This cut me to the heart! I did not cry, indeed! Had I been a woman,
I should though, and that most plentifully: but I pulled out a white
cambrick handkerchief: that I could command, but not my tears.

She finds fault with my protestations, with my professions, with my
vows: I cannot curse a servant, the only privilege a master is known by,
but I am supposed to be a trooper*--I must not say, By my soul! nor,
As I hope to be saved! Why, Jack, how particular this is! Would she not
have me think I have a precious soul, as well as she? If she thinks my
salvation hopeless, what a devil [another exceptionable word!] does she
propose to reform me for? So I have not an ardent expression left me.

* See Letter VI. of this volume.

*****

What can be done with a woman who is above flattery, and despises all
praise but that which flows from the approbation of her own heart?

Well, Jack, thou seest it is high time to change my measures. I must run
into the pious a little faster than I had designed.

What a sad thing it would be, were I, after all, to lose her person,
as well as her opinion! the only time that further acquaintance, and no
blow struck, nor suspicion given, ever lessened me in a lady's favour!
A cursed mortification!--'Tis certain I can have no pretence for holding
her, if she will go. No such thing as force to be used, or so much as
hinted at: Lord send us safe at London!--That's all I have for it now:
and yet it must be the least part of my speech.

But why will this admirable creature urge her destiny? Why will she defy
the power she is absolutely dependent upon? Why will she still wish to
my face that she had never left he