| Citation |
PG-P.754.070
20 Jun 1754:12,13 (1330)
A Letter from Melinda, giving an Account of her Concealment;
containing proper instructions for preventing a Libertine
Education.
I told you before I left my brother's house, that you
should hear from me as soon as I was settled; and that I
would inform you of the reason of my flight: You have too
much candour and charity to judge too harshly of my
proceedings; which, could you see my heart, you would rather
pity, and condemn me for.
You have often, within these two last years, observed an
alteration in my temper and person: I am no more the
sprightly florid creature, that you used to call the emblem
of health and chearfulness; you saw the change, but did not
guess the cause to be a secret, hopeless passion. I was at
a play; I saw there one of the most agreeable persons in the
world: His dress, his behaviour, every thing was graceful
and easy: The tragedy of Cato was acted; he was attentive,
and seemed to enter into every noble sentiment, where either
the hero or lover was described: His aspect wore the visible
characters of fortitude and virtue. He stood up between the
acts, and turned towards the box where I sat; when I went
out, he made way for me through the crowd: But I never
after saw him in any publick place, nor knew who nor what he
was. But the charming youth had made an impression on my
thoughts, which soon had a very happy effect: I grew weary
of the noisy tumultuous way of living in my brother's house,
and refused sharing in the constant round of diversions that
my sister loved; nor could there be any thing more dissolute
and extravagant, than the manners of this family:
assemblies, balls, gaming---all sorts of riots and
licentiousness. . . [35 lines, she discovers religion
through the bible.] This was the secret language of my
soul, to that invisible power which knew its sincerity:
Thou ruler of the sky, almighty name,
Whose piercing eye discerns my rising thoughts,
Ere they are form'd within my anxious breast;
Thou seest my soul struggling to break the bands,
Which thus detain her captive to the earth:
. . . [5 more lines]
. . . [1 more column of letter.]
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