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To Lord Viscount Fondville.

My Lord,

I AM the last man in the world to whom it was necessary to apologize for an intention of entering into a state which, I have experienced, is productive of such exquisite felicity.

My daughter's choice is perfectly free; nor shall I ever do more than advise her, in an affair of such consequence to herself; but, from what I know of her character, think it highly improbable she should approve the pretensions of a man, who professes being above those tender affections which alone can make happy sensibility like hers.

Allow me to take the liberty of observing, in answer to the latter part of your

Lordship's letter, that there are few ranks which Lady Julia Mandeville has not a right to fill. I am, my Lord,

Your Lordship's most Obedient and devoted Servant, Belmont.

Don't come to Belmont, I charge you; I shall have this invincible Lady Julia seduce you too. Besides, I have some reasons why I chuse our attachment should not yet come to a crisis; till when, I will take Lady Belmont's advice and be prudent: obey in silence; let me have no more sighs till the milder influence of the Heavens dispose me to be gracious. I am always in good humour in Autumn; your fate may possibly be determined in little more than a month: ask no questions;

suspend your passion, or at least the outward expression of it, and write to me in Amico. Adieu!