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Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 9 by Samuel Richardson
page 50 of 379 (13%)


LETTER XV

TO THE EVER-HONOURED MRS. HARLOWE


HONOURED MADAM,

The last time I had the boldness to write to you, it was with all the
consciousness of a self-convicted criminal, supplicating her offended
judge for mercy and pardon. I now, by these lines, approach you with
more assurance; but nevertheless with the highest degree of reverence,
gratitude, and duty. The reason of my assurance, my letter to my papa
will give; and as I humbly on my knees implored his pardon, so now, in
the same dutiful manner, do I supplicate your's, for the grief and
trouble I have given you.

Every vein of my heart has bled for an unhappy rashness; which, (although
involuntary as to the act,) from the moment it was committed, carried
with it its own punishment; and was accompanied with a true and sincere
penitence.

God, who has been a witness of my distresses, knows that, great as they
have been, the greatest of all was the distress that I knew I must have
given to you, Madam, and to my father, by a step that had so very ugly an
appearance in your eyes and his; and indeed in the eyes of all my family;
a step so unworthy of your daughter, and of the education you had given
her.

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