After I have said all this, I believe it will be in vain for me to declare I am not in love, and I am afraid that I have showed some imprudence in talking upon this subject, since you have declared that you like a friend that has a heart in his disposal.

I assure you I am not mercenary and that L30,000 have not half so much power with me as the woman I love." THE HON.MRS.HOWARD TO JOHN GAY.
Richmond Lodge, July 22nd, 1723.
"I have taken some days to consider of your _wheat-ear_, but I find I can no more approve of your having a passion for that, than I did of your turning parson.

But if ever you will take the one, I insist upon your taking the other; they ought not to be parted; they were made from the beginning for each other.

But I do not forbid you to get the best intelligence of the ways, manners and customs of this wonderful _phenomene_, how it supports the disappointment of bad ale, and what are the consequences to the full enjoyment of her luxury?
I have some thoughts of taking a hint from the ladies of your acquaintance who pray for matadores, and turn devotees for luck at ombre, for I have already lost above L100 since I came to Richmond.
"I do not like to have you too passionately fond of everything that has no disguise.

I (that am grown old in Courts) can assure you sincerity is so very unthriving that I can never give consent that you should practise it, excepting to three or four people that I think may deserve it, of which number I am.