For I will see these papers.
But may be, said he, they are tied about your knees, with your garters,
and stooped. Was ever any thing so vile and so wicked?--I fell on my
knees, and said, What can I do? What can I do? If you'll let me go up
I'll fetch them to you. Will you, said he, on your honour, let me see
them uncurtailed, and not offer to make them away; no not a single
paper?--I will, sir.--On your honour? Yes, sir. And so he let me go up
stairs, crying sadly for vexation to be so used. Sure nobody was ever so
served as I am!
I went to my closet, and there I sat me down, and could not bear the
thoughts of giving up my papers. Besides, I must all undress me, in a
manner, to untack them. So I writ thus:
'SIR,
'To expostulate with such an arbitrary gentleman, I know will signify
nothing; and most hardly do you use the power you so wickedly have got
over me. I have heart enough, sir, to do a deed that would make you
regret using me thus; and I can hardly bear it, and what I am further to
undergo. But a superior consideration withholds me; thank God, it does!
--I will, however, keep my word, if you insist upon it when you have read
this; but, sir, let me beg of you to give me time till to-morrow morning,
that I may just run them over, and see what I put into your hands against
me: and I will then give my papers to you, without the least alteration,
or adding or diminishing: But I should beg still to be excused, if you
please: But if not, spare them to me but till to-morrow morning: and
this, so hardly am I used, shall be thought a favour, which I shall be
very thankful for.
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