Date: 1722

"I say, thus it is with me while I see him; and in his absence I am entertained with nothing but your endeavors to tear this image from my heart and, in its stead, to place a base dissembler, and artful invader of my happiness, my innocence, my honor."

— Steele, Sir Richard (1672-1729)

Date: 1722

"Had I spirits left to tell you of his actions, how strongly filial duty has suppressed his love, and how concealment still has doubled all his obligations, the pride, the joy of his alliance, sir, would warm you heart as he has conquered mine."

— Steele, Sir Richard (1672-1729)

Date: March 24, 1729

"The Fish in Innocence secure, / Once tempted by the Bait; / Pursues and snaps the treach'rous Lure, / And meets her certain Fate: / So Virgins when to Love betray'd, / Indulge the pleasing Pain; / The Passion does each Sense invade, / They ne'er are free again."

— Coffey, Charles (d. 1745)

Date: 1739

"How looks the Wretch / Whose Heart cries Villain to itself? I'll not / Endure its Batt'ry."

— Brooke, Henry (c. 1703-1783)