THE HOUSE WITH ELEVEN STAIRCASES, _19th May 1709_. Do not fear, good Doctor, that I shall ever lose the remembrance of those tender words you spoke in the maze t’other evening. It is not necessary to copy them down for me; for they seem part of some rich painting, whereof the hanging moon and the stars form the background--such a picture as shall ever remain before my view. Yet I thank you for your kind proffer, and, whilst I forbid you, entreat you to know that I am depriving myself of what would be a most valued souvenir. Commend me to madam your wife; and understand that I am most cordially your ever faithful friend to serve you. DR. MARSTON TO ALTHEA SWARTHMOOR[1] BALTCOMB IN LANCASHIRE, _20th May 1709_. Honoured Madam,--I was writing my discourse for the Sunday when the messenger brought your most gracious epistle. Truly a great happiness hath fallen to me! When I declared myself as one whom the power of your presence and the fascination of your glances conquered, I felt the same spirit as is described by the lover in the Canticles--_Turn away thine eyes, for they have overcome me_. In the pulpit I shall next hold forth on the Shulamite and her would-be spouse. A fig for those who fondly believe the Church is meant! ’Tis an idyllic cry of passion betwixt real man and real woman; the preparative for as rich a marriage song as the world ever imagined. Yet, madam, to you alone dare I acknowledge this idea. We are both freed (in mind) from the conventional; but the world is apt to be censorious with those who have strength to think apart from the multitude. Therefore my treatment of the old love-song must be in the usual veil of supposed prophecy. How rarely does it befall a man to have such a friend (if I dare think you my friend) as you! Let me see you soon: I have a thousand thoughts to elaborate--a thousand religious fears to overcome. My poor wife is at present sunning herself among the herbs; she is again threatened with a plethora.--I am, with the truest sense of gratitude and respect possible, your most humble, most obedient and most obliged servant. [1] This letter is the only one preserved. ALTHEA SWARTHMOOR TO DR. MARSTON. THE HOUSE WITH ELEVEN STAIRCASES, _30th July 1709._