This, said he, might be my folly, and my unacquaintedness
with what passion your sex can shew when they are in earnest. But this I
repeat to you, that your mind may be entirely comforted--Whatever I
offered to you, was before you fainted away, and that, I am sure, was
innocent.
Sir, said I, that was very bad: and it was too plain you had the worst
designs. When, said he, I tell you the truth in one instance, you may
believe me in the other. I know not, I declare, beyond this lovely
bosom, your sex: but that I did intend what you call the worst is most
certain: and though I would not too much alarm you now, I could curse my
weakness, and my folly, which makes me own, that I love you beyond all
your sex, and cannot live without you. But if I am master of myself, and
my own resolution, I will not attempt to force you to any thing again.
Sir, said I, you may easily keep your resolution, if you'll send me out
of your way, to my poor parents; that is all I beg.
'Tis a folly to talk of it, said he. You must not, shall not go! And if
I could be assured you would not attempt it, you should have better
usage, and your confinement should be made easier to you.
But to what end, sir, am I to stay? said I: You yourself seem not sure
you can keep your own present good resolutions; and do you think, if I
was to stay, when I could get away, and be safe, it would not look, as if
either I confided too much in my own strength, or would tempt my ruin?
And as if I was not in earnest to wish myself safe, and out of danger?--
And then, how long am I to stay? And to what purpose? And in what light
must I appear to the world? Would not that censure me, although I might
be innocent? And you will allow, sir, that, if there be any thing
valuable or exemplary in a good name, or fair reputation, one must not
despise the world's censure, if one can avoid it.
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