The complete letter-writer; or, Polite English secretary

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Page 168 - It was but this very morning that he had obtained her parents' consent, and it was but till the next week that they were to wait to be happy. Perhaps...
Page 174 - Sickness is a sort of early old age : it teaches us a diffidence in our earthly state, and inspires us with the thoughts of a future, better than a thousand volumes of Philosophers and Divines. It gives...
Page 173 - YOU formerly observed to me that nothing made a more ridiculous figure in a man's life than the disparity we often find in him sick and well ; thus one of an unfortunate constitution is perpetually exhibiting' a miserable example of the weakness of his mind, and of his body, in their turns. I have had frequent opportunities of late to consider myself in these different views, and, I hope, have...
Page 128 - ... to pardon, if you consent not to, the imprecations of the deserted, which just heaven no doubt will hear. " May my Lady Dorothy (if we may yet call her so) suffer...
Page 129 - ... much declined by fair ladies, old age : may she live to be very old, and yet seem young, be told so by her glass, and have no aches to inform her of the truth : and when she shall appear to be mortal, may her Lord not mourn for her, but go hand in hand with her to that place where we are told there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage, that being there divorced we may all have an equal interest in her again.
Page 171 - Nothing is worth your looking back; and, therefore, look forward, and make (as you can) the world look after you. But take care that...
Page 147 - Of grateful evening mild ; then filent night With this her folemn bird, and this fair moon, And thefe the gems of Heav'n, her ftarry train : But neither breath of morn, when me afcends With charm of earlieft...
Page 142 - ... ever unassisted ; that the wanderer may at length return after all his errors, and that he who implores strength and courage from above shall find danger and difficulty give way before him.
Page 142 - ... remembrance of our original intention, and quit the only adequate object of rational desire. We entangle ourselves in business, immerge ourselves in luxury, and rove through the labyrinths of inconstancy, till the darkness of old age begins to invade us, and disease and anxiety obstruct our way.
Page 230 - The prince shows me a distinction beyond any merit or pretence on my part ; and I have received a present from him of some marble heads of poets for my library, and some urns for my garden.

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