<p>J. BELFORD. <SPAN name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"></SPAN></p>
<br/>
<h2> LETTER XXXIX </h2>
<p>MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ. SATURDAY, MAY 20.</p>
<p>I am pleased with the sober reflection with which thou concludest thy
last; and I thank thee for it. Poor Belton!—I did not think his
Thomasine would have proved so very a devil. But this must everlastingly
be the risk of a keeper, who takes up with a low-bred girl. This I never
did. Nor had I occasion to do it. Such a one as I, Jack, needed only, till
now, to shake the stateliest tree, and the mellowed fruit dropt into my
mouth:—always of Montaigne's taste thou knowest:—thought it a
glory to subdue a girl of family.—More truly delightful to me the
seduction- progress than the crowned act: for that's a vapour, a bubble!
and most cordially do I thank thee for thy indirect hint, that I am right
in my pursuit.</p>
<p>From such a woman as Miss Harlowe, a man is secured from all the
inconveniencies thou expatiatest upon.</p>
<p>Once more, therefore, do I thank thee, Belford, for thy approbation!—A
man need not, as thou sayest, sneak into holes and corners, and shun the
day, in the company of such a woman as this. How friendly in thee, thus to
abet the favourite purpose of my heart!—nor can it be a disgrace to
me, to permit such a lady to be called by my name!—nor shall I be at
all concerned about the world's censure, if I live to the years of
discretion, which thou mentionest, should I be taken in, and prevailed
upon to tread with her the good old path of my ancestors.</p>
<p>A blessing on thy heart, thou honest fellow! I thought thou wert in jest,
and but acquitting thyself of an engagement to Lord M. when thou wert
pleading for matrimony in behalf of this lady!—It could not be
principle, I knew, in thee: it could not be compassion—a little envy
indeed I suspected!—But now I see thee once more thyself: and once
more, say I, a blessing on thy heart, thou true friend, and very honest
fellow!</p>
<p>Now will I proceed with courage in all my schemes, and oblige thee with
the continued narrative of my progressions towards bringing them to
effect!—but I could not forbear to interrupt my story, to show my
gratitude.</p>
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