Eloisa : $b or, A series of original letters — Jean-Jacques Rousseau — John Shaqi
Eloisa : $b or, A series of original letters
Jean-Jacques Rousseau · en
I snatch the first moment, my dear cousin, in obedience to your
commands, to render an account of my proceedings. I am this instant
returned from my visit to Lord B---- who is not yet able to walk
without a support. I gave him your letter, which he opened with
impatience. He shewed some emotion whilst he was reading; he paused;
read it a second time, and the agitation of his mind was then more
apparent. When he had done, these were his words: _You know, Sir, that
affairs of honour have their fixt rules which cannot be dispensed
with. You were a witness to what passed in this. It must be regularly
determined. Chuse two of your friends, and give yourself the trouble
to return with them hither to-morrow morning, and you shall then know
my resolution._ I urged the impropriety of making others acquainted
with an affair which had happened among ourselves. To which he hastily
replied: _I know what ought to be done, and shall act properly. Bring
your two friends, or I have nothing to say to you._ I then took my
leave and have ever since racked my brain ineffectually to penetrate
into his design. Be it as it will, I shall see you this evening, and
to-morrow shall act as you may advise. If you think it proper that I
should wait on his lordship with my attendants, I will take care to
chuse such as may be depended on, at all events.
Letter LX. To Eloisa.
Lay aside your fears, my gentle Eloisa; and from the following recital
of what has happened, know and partake of the sentiments of your
friend.
I was so full of indignation when I received your letter, that I could
hardly read it with the attention it deserved. I should have made fine
work in attempting to refuse it: I was then too rash and
inconsiderate. You may be in the right, said I to myself, but I will
never be persuaded to put up an affront injurious to my Eloisa.----
Though I were to lose you, and even die in a wrong cause, I will never
suffer any one to shew you less respect than is your due; but, whilst
I have life, you shall be revered by all that approach you, even as my
own heart reveres you. I did not hesitate, however, on the week’s
delay you required: the accident which had happened to Lord B----, and
my vow of obedience concurred, in rendering it necessary. In the mean
time, being resolved agreeable to your commands to employ that
interval in meditating on the subject of your letter, I read it over
again and again, and am reflecting on it continually; not with a view,
however, to change my design, but to justify it.