But we need not infer that they were inspired by living damsels or by the Muses.
"Oh ye Gods why should my poor resistless Heart Stand to oppose thy might and power-- * * * * * "In deluding sleepings let my eyelids close That in an enraptured dream I may In a rapt lulling sleep and gentle repose Possess those joys denied by day."[1] [Footnote 1: Quoted by Wister, 39.] Cavour said that it was easier for him to make Italy than to write a poem: Washington, who was also an honest man, and fully aware of his limitations, would probably have admitted that he could make the American Republic more easily than a love song.

But he was susceptible to feminine charms, and we hear of Betsy Fauntleroy, and of a "Mrs.
Meil," and on his return to Mount Vernon, after Braddock's defeat, he received the following round robin from some of the young ladies at Belvoir: Dear Sir,--After thanking Heaven for your safe return I must accuse you of great unkindness in refusing us the pleasure of seeing you this night.

I do assure you nothing but our being satisfied that our company would be disagreeable should prevent us from trying if our legs would not carry us to Mount Vernon this night, but if you will not come to us tomorrow morning very early we shall be at Mount Vernon.
S[ALLY] FAIRFAX ANN SPEARING ELIZ'TH DENT Apparently Washington's love affairs were known and talked about among his group.

What promised to be the most serious of his experiences was with Mary Philipse, of New York, daughter of Frederick Philipse, one of the richest landowners in that Colony, and sister-in-law of Beverly Robinson, one of Washington's Virginian friends.

Washington was going to Boston on a characteristic errand.