dangerous fever,) will be all you will have occasion to stand.

I beg you will not too much hurry and discompose yourself. It is
impossible he can be in town till Monday, at soonest. And if he resolve
to come, I hope to be at Mr. Smith's before him.

I am, Madam, with the profoundest veneration,

Your most faithful and most obedient servant,
J. BELFORD.



LETTER XII
MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
[IN ANSWER TO HIS OF AUG. 17. SEE LETTER X. OF THIS VOLUME.]
SUNDAY, AUG. 20.


What an unmerciful fellow art thou! A man has no need of a conscience,
who has such an impertinent monitor. But if Nic. Rowe wrote a play that
answers not his title, am I to be reflected upon for that?--I have
sinned; I repent; I would repair--she forgives my sin: she accepts my
repentance: but she won't let me repair--What wouldst thou have me do?

But get thee gone to Belton, as soon as thou canst. Yet whether thou
goest or not, up I must go, and see what I can do with the sweet oddity
myself. The moment these prescribing varlets will let me, depend
upon it, I go. Nay, Lord M. thinks she ought to permit me one interview.
His opinion has great authority with me--when it squares with my own: and