Our companions consented that I should withdraw to write to the above
effect.  They can make nothing of the characters we write in; and so I
read this to them.  They approve of it; and of their own motion each man
would set his name to it.  I would not delay sending it, for fear of some
detestable scheme taking place. 
                                     Thomas Belton,
                                     Richard Mowbray,
                                     James Tourville.

Just now are brought me both yours.  I vary not my opinion, nor forbear my earnest prayers to you in her behalf, notwithstanding her dislike of me.

LETTER XVI

Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. 
Wednesday, may 3.

When I have already taken pains to acquaint thee in full with regard to my views, designs, and resolutions, with regard to this admirable woman, it is very extraordinary that thou shouldst vapour as thou dost in her behalf, when I have made no trial, no attempt:  and yet, givest it as thy opinion in a former letter, that advantage may be taken of the situation she is in; and that she may be overcome.

Most of thy reflections, particularly that which respects the difference as to the joys to be given by the virtuous and libertine of her sex, are fitter to come in as after-reflections than as antecedencies.

I own with thee, and with the poet, that sweet are the joys that come with willingness—­But is it to be expected, that a woman of education, and a lover of forms, will yield before she is attacked?  And have I so much as summoned this to surrender?  I doubt not but I shall meet with difficulty.  I must therefore make my first effort by surprise.  There may possibly be some cruelty necessary:  but there may be consent in struggle; there may be yielding in resistance.  But the first conflict over, whether the following may not be weaker and weaker, till willingness ensue, is the point to be tried.  I will illustrate what I have said by the simile of a bird new caught.  We begin, when boys, with birds; and when grown up, go on to women; and both perhaps, in turn, experience our sportive cruelty.

Hast thou not observed, the charming gradations by which the ensnared volatile has been brought to bear with its new condition? how, at first, refusing all sustenance, it beats and bruises itself against its wires, till it makes its gay plumage fly about, and over-spread its well-secured cage.  Now it gets out its head; sticking only at its beautiful shoulders:  then, with difficulty, drawing back its head, it gasps for breath, and erectly perched, with meditating eyes, first surveys, and then attempts, its wired canopy.  As it gets its pretty head and sides, bites the wires, and pecks at the fingers of its delighted tamer.