Broadsides; Chapbooks; Street literature -- Great Britain
“Why have you left me, and deprived me of those pleasures of beholding
the most charming face that nature ever made? How shall I find words
to express the passion you have inspired me with? Since the day I
first beheld your form I have felt the sharpest pangs of love, which
have worked me up to the utmost pitch of distraction. But, alas! such
a shock I felt as is impossible to express. The dearest object of my
heart is locked in the embrace of Robert E---- that vile monster and
decoyer of female innocence. Oh! never should I have thought that
after so many pleasant hours we have passed together, and promises
pledged on either side, that you would have slighted me in the manner
you have, and find your heart callous to one who adores you, and even
the ground your angelic form walks upon. Oh, my adorable angel, do not
forsake me and the welfare of yourself; drop all connection with that
vile deceiver, R. E., and once more reinstate me to that pleasure which
none but lovers know. My fluctuation of fortune shall never abate my
attachment, and I hope the day is not far distant, when I shall lead
you to the altar of Hymen. Oh! soon may the time arrive when I may
call thee, dearest Mary, my own. Oh! my dearest angel, consent to my
request, and keep me no longer in suspense; nothing on my part shall
ever be wanting to make you happy and comfortable. My engagement will
expire in two months from hence, when I intend to open a shop in the
small-ware line, and your abilities as a seamstress and self-adjusting
crinoline maker, with the assistance of a few work girls, shall be able
to realize an independence; and, moreover, I will indulge you in all
things needful in the marriage state, and show my regard for you by
cleaning your shoes, lighting the fire every morning, buying crumpets,
new butter, and so forth; besides, my dear Mary, we will live merrily
upon beef-steak, oysters, and other tasty articles necessary for our
conjugal happiness, and upon my bended kness I pray for it, and may
earthly friendship and confidence, with truest love, continue to the
end.
“You are the first, I freely own,
That raised love in my breast,
Where now it reigns without control,
But yet a welcome guest.
Ah! must I drive the cherub hence,
In sorrow to regret,
And will you join to foster me,
And me no more neglect.”
“Most adorable Mary,--I have to repeat my former request, that is, quit
R. E.’s company, and place yourself under the protection of me, only
in whom you will find all the comfort that wedded life can bestow.
“I remain, dear Mary, yours till death,
“JOHN S----
“P. S.--Favor me, my angel, with an answer by return of post; if not, I
shall start off directly for Liverpool, and embark for America.”
THE YORKSHIRE KNIGHT, OR THE FORTUNATE FARMER’S DAUGHTER, IN THREE
PARTS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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