LETTER XXXIII.

O AFFLICTED lover and forsaken expectant! I have understood that you long to see me; and still preserve your attachment for me. But you ought not to depend on the promise of Beauties; you ought not to set your heart on their assurances.

DISTICH.
“Amongst Beauties nobody ever met with fidelity;
“Nor with any thing but schemes to torment.”

Nevertheless if the lover be sincere and content with behold­ing, what objection is there?

DISTICH.
“When lovers are sincere in their affection,
“What harm though Beauties attach themselves to them?”

Want of firmness will not do; patience is requisite. The moon of my beauty may soon shine from the window; and the tree of my stature may cast its shadow on the terrace.

HEMISTICH.
“Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit.”