Page:The English humourists of the eighteenth century. A series of lectures, delivered in England, Scotland, and the United States of America (IA englishhumourist00thacrich).pdf/150

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136
ENGLISH HUMOURISTS.

and written with an eye suspicious towards posterity. That dedication of Steele's to his wife is an artificial

    TO MRS. SCURLOCK.

    Sept. 1, 1707.

    "Madam,—
    "It is the hardest thing in the world to be in love, and yet attend business. As for me, all who speak to me find me out, and I must lock myself up, or other people will do it for me.
    "A gentleman asked me this morning, 'what news from Lisbon?' and I answered 'she is exquisitely handsome.' Another desired to know 'when I had last been at Hampton Court?' I replied, 'it will be on Tuesday come se'nnnight.' Pry'thee allow me at least to kiss your hand before that day, that my mind may be in some composure. Oh Love!

    "A thousand torments dwell about thee,
    Yet who could live, to live without thee?"

    "Methinks I could write a volume to you; but all the language on earth would fail in saying how much, and with what disinterested passion, "I am ever your's,

    "Rich. Steele."
    Two days after this, he is found expounding his circumstances and prospects to the young lady's mamma. He dates from "Lord Sunderland's office, Whitehall;" and states his clear income at 1025l. per annum. "I promise myself," says he, "the pleasure of an industrious and virtuous life, in studying to do things agreeable to you."
    They were married, according to the most probable conjectures, about the 7th inst. There are traces of a tiff about the middle of the next month; she being prudish and fidgetty, as he was impassioned and reckless. General progress, however, may be seen from the following notes. The "house in Bury-street, St. James's," was now taken.

    TO MRS. STEELE.

    "Oct. 16, 1707.

    "Dearest Being on Earth,—
    "Pardon me if you do not see me till eleven o'clock, having met a school-fellow from India, by whom I am to be informed on things this night which expressly concerns your obedient husband,

    "Rich. Steele."

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