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ceeded from gallantry; but I hope. Sir, neithe my conduct nor manners render me a proper object for ill-timed wit or cruel ſport: there is ſomething however, in the latter part of your favour, which promiſes ſincerity, and indicates honour. I cannot, however, approve of a ſudden paſſion which prudence and decorum forbid; notwithſtanding I ſhall be very happy to have the pleaſure of your company any evening, with other friends, provided you will wave a ſubject that requires both time and conſideration before it can be with any propriety introduced, I am, Sir,
Rosina.
To the ſame Lady, after ſome time.
Dear Madam,
You will now give me leave, I hope, to renew a ſubject which, according to your requeſt, I have, with the greateſt difficulty imaginable, endeavoured to ſuppreſs. You have ample proofs, I flatter myſelf, that neither intereſted nor diſhonourable views attend this propoſal. I candidly declare, that I never found my heart in the ſituation it is now. This ſenſibility of love, ſuſceptible of every nice feeling, induces me to announce an utter averſion to thoſe tedious forms of courtſhip, which I hear have often continued, till love itſelf became weary and indifferent. Whether my paſſion is more ardent than common, I cannot
