Davys, Mary (1674-1732)

Familiar Letters betwixt a Gentleman and a Lady [from The Works]

London

Printed by H. Woodfall

1725

"How much this has mortify'd the Bride Elect, Berina will never guess, because she knows nothing of her Pride and Vanity; but had you seen the Consternation of the Company, and the Looks of the Lady, they wou'd, I dare say, have made the same comical Impression upon your Fancy which they did upon mine."

It is now six whole Days since I left the Pleasures of the Town, and the more agreeable Amusement of Berina's Company, for a lonely Retreat into the dull Country, where Solitude indulges Melancholy, and Time, that used to fly, goes only a Foot-pace. Thought is now my only Companion, and it often diverts me with the pleasing Remembrance of your Promise of an eternal Friendship; but, as human Nature is very frail, it may possibly want the Supports of Correspondence to keep it up: I therefore earnestly sue for a speedy Answer to every Letter I write; which will greatly alleviate my present Disorder, and take off the Edge of my Chagrin. I have often told myself, it is much better never to know a Satisfaction, than lose it as soon as acquainted; since nothing can give a Man a greater Damp than a Reflection upon past Pleasures, when he has no View to their return. How much this is my Case, Berina will easily guess, if she has Friendship enough herself to regret the Absence of a Friend. You will say, I am very spightful, when I have told you, the only Pleasure I have had since I left you, was in seeing one of your Sex mortify'd. Certainly the God of Pride himself has not a greater Share of that Quality than a young Lady with a superior Beauty: She thinks all Mankind born to do her Homage, and despises the tasteless Fool that can resist her Charms. One of this sort lives hard by me, who is a Lady of a good Family, but small Fortune, and has been address'd by a Gentleman of a very good Estate: He (contrary to the Advice of all his Friends) would have made her a Jointure of the greatest part of it; and his Folly in every thing shew'd his Love. She, on the other hand, depending upon new Conquests, repuls'd him with Scorn, and (ungenerous as she was) made him a publick Jest where-ever she came; which at last, from many Hands, came to his Ears, and rais'd one Passion to subvert another. He from thence grew indifferent, and forbore his Visits, resolving to try whether Absence could not do what Discretion had attempted in vain. She finding him cool, thought it the greatest Slur upon her Beauty to lose a Slave, and therefore, by a Female Engineer, sent him a little Encouragement; which he turn'd to the right Use, and made subservient to his Revenge. Have I (said he) offer'd my Heart and Estate to one, who has, in return, made me ridiculous; and instead of common Civility for my Love, used me with Revilings and Contempt? Believe me, Madam (said he) you shall be a Sharer with me in something; and since you have refus'd what I would so honourably have given you, it is but reason I send back part of what you have forc'd upon me. While he was thus expostulating with himself, a Relation of hers came in, and told him, he had at last prevail'd with the Lady to comply; which our revolted Lover seem'd pleas'd at, and desir'd the next Day might end all Disputes. A speedy Preparation was accordingly made, and the whole Country, for two or three Miles round, invited to this Wedding: They obey'd the Summons, and were punctual to the Hour; where, after a little time waiting for the Bridegroom, he came booted and spurr'd, with a grave elderly Genwoman, whom he brought to the young Lady, saying, Madam, here is a Person come to teach you Good-nature and Manners; when I hear you are a Proficient in both, you may possibly hear farther from your humble Servant. In the mean time, be a good Girl, and mind your Lesson; I am going from home for some time, and shall be glad, at my return, to find you improv'd. Which said, he paid a Compliment to the Company, and took Horse at the very Door. How much this has mortify'd the Bride Elect, Berina will never guess, because she knows nothing of her Pride and Vanity; but had you seen the Consternation of the Company, and the Looks of the Lady, they wou'd, I dare say, have made the same comical Impression upon your Fancy which they did upon mine. How happy are you and I, who have made the strongest Resolves against the Follies of Love! Be sure, Berina, keep your Friendship inviolate, and you shall find I will keep my Promise, in never desiring more.
(pp. 265-7)

Impressions

Searching in C-H Lion

Text from The Works of Mrs. Davys: Consisting of, Plays, Novels, Poems, and Familiar Letters. Several of which never before Publish'd, 2 vols. (London: H. Woodfall, 1725). <Link to ECCO>

06/21/2013