The Journal to Eliza and Various letters by Laurence Sterne and Elizabeth DraperSterne, Laurence
General
The Journal to Eliza and Various letters by Laurence Sterne and Elizabeth Draper
Sterne, Laurence
Draper, Elizabeth, 1744-1778; Novelists, English -- 18th century -- Correspondence; Sterne, Laurence, 1713-1768 -- Correspondence
I have written, also, to Mr. Abraham Walker, pilot at Deal, that
I had dispatched these in a packet, directed to his care; which
I desired he would seek after, the moment the Deal machine
arrived. I have, moreover, given him directions, what sort of an
arm-chair you would want, and have directed him to purchase the
best that Deal could afford, and take it, with the parcel, in
the first boat that went off. Would I could, Eliza, so supply
all thy wants, and all thy wishes! It would be a state of
happiness to me.—The journal is as it should be—all but its
contents. Poor, dear, patient being! I do more than pity you;
for I think I lose both firmness and philosophy, as I figure to
myself your distresses. Do not think I spoke last night with too
much asperity of ****; there was cause; and besides, a good
heart ought not to love a bad one; and, indeed, cannot. But,
adieu to the ungrateful subject.
I have been this morning to see Mrs. James—She loves thee
tenderly, and unfeignedly.—She is alarmed for thee—She says thou
looked’st most ill and melancholy on going away. She pities
thee. I shall visit her every Sunday, while I am in town. As
this may be my last letter, I earnestly bid thee farewell.—May
the God of Kindness be kind to thee, and approve himself thy
protector, now thou art defenceless! And, for thy daily comfort,
bear in thy mind this truth, that whatever measure of sorrow and
distress is thy portion, it will be repaid to thee in a full
measure of happiness, by the Being thou hast wisely chosen for
thy eternal friend.
Farewell, farewell, Eliza; whilst I live, count upon me as the
most warm and disinterested of earthly friends.
YORICK.
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LETTER VI.
MY DEAREST ELIZA!
I Began a new journal this morning; you shall see it; for if I
live not till your return to England, I will leave it you as a
legacy. ’Tis a sorrowful page; but I will write cheerful ones;
and could I write letters to thee, they should be cheerful ones
too: but few, I fear, will reach thee! However, depend upon
receiving something of the kind by every post; till then, thou
wavest thy hand, and bid’st me write no more.
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