University of Virginia Library

Epistle XXI. To Velius Cerelis.

by the Same. [Mr. Henley]

I Deplore the sad and unhappy Fate of the Sisters of Helvidius! Both expir'd, just after the Delivery of a Daughter. I am touch'd with a sensible, tho' not an extravagant Sorrow at it; and think it a severe Lot, that two young Ladies of great Honour and Character, are taken away by the Fruitfulness of Nature in the Bloom of Years. I am in Pain at the Infelicity of the Children (Orphans from their Nativity) as well as that of their very worthy Husbands, and much likewise in a private Concern at it. For I preserve a constant Value, even for the Memory of their deceas'd Father, as my Pleading and Books have testified. One only of his Children now survives; the sole Prop of a Family, that lately rested upon more Supports. Yet my Uneasiness will be extreamly softned, if Fortune shall keep him at least healthful and Secure; and equal to such Ancestors. I am the more anxious for his Safety and Conduct, since he is left alone: You know the Tenderness of my Soul in Point of Affection, and the Power of my

Fears, so that you will be less surpriz'd, that I have the greatest Alarms, where my Hopes are the most sanguine.