A gentleman asked me this morning, 'What news from Lisbon?' and I answered, 'She's exquisitely handsome.' Another desired to know when I had been last at Hampton Court. I replied, 'It will be on Tuesday come se'nnight.' Pr'ythee allow me at least to kiss your hand before that day, that my mind may be in some composure. O love! A thousand torments dwell about thee! Yet who would live to live without thee? Methinks I could write a volume to you; but all the language on earth would fail in saying how much, and with what disinterested passion, I am ever yours. TO HIS WIFE _He proposes an outing_ Lord Sunderland's Office, 19 May, 1708. Eleven o'clock. Dear Prue,--I desire you to get the coach and yourself ready as soon as you can conveniently, and call for me here, from whence we will go and spend some time together in the fresh air in free conference. Let my best periwig be put in the coach-box, and my new shoes, for it is a great comfort to be well dressed in agreeable company. You are vital life to your obliged, affectionate husband, and humble servant. TO THE SAME _His greatest affliction_ 12 _Aug._ 1708. Madam,--I have your letter, wherein you let me know that the little dispute we have had is far from being a trouble to you; nevertheless I assure you, any disturbance between us is the greatest affliction to me imaginable. You talk of the judgement of the world; I shall never govern my actions by it, but by the rules of morality and right reason. I love you better than the light of my eyes or the life-blood in my heart; but you are also to understand that neither my sight shall be so far enchanted, nor my affection so much master of me, as to make me forget our common interest. To attend my business as I ought, and improve my fortune, it is necessary that my time and my will should be under no direction but my own.... I write all this rather to explain my own thoughts to you, than to answer your letter distinctly. I enclose it to you, that upon second thoughts, you may see the disrespectful manner in which you treat Your affectionate, faithful husband. TO THE SAME _Four characteristic notes_ I From the Press, one in the morning, 30 _Sept._ 1710. Dear Prue,--I am very sleepy and tired, but could not think of closing my eyes till I had told you I am, dearest creature, Your most affectionate and faithful husband. II Bloomsbury Square, 24 _Dec._ 1713. Dear Prue,--I dine with Lord Halifax and shall be at home half hour after six. For thee I die, for thee I languish. III 16 _Feb._ 1716-17. Dear Prue,--Sober or not, I am ever yours. IV Thursday, 3 in the afternoon, 2 _May_, 1717. I had a very painful night last night; but, after a little chocolate an hour or two ago, and a chicken for dinner, am much more at ease. TO THE SAME _The natural slave of beauty_. 20 _June_, 1717.