A better pen than mine may do her fuller justice.  Thine, I mean, O Lovelace!  For well dost thou know how much she excelled in the graces of both mind and person, natural and acquired, all that is woman.  And thou also can best account for the causes of her immature death, through those calamities which in so short a space of time, from the highest pitch of felicity, (every one in a manner adoring her,) brought he to an exit so happy for herself, but, that it was so early, so much to be deplored by all who had the honour of her acquaintance.

This task, then, I leave to thee:  but now I can write no more, only that I am a sympathizer in every part of thy distress, except (and yet it is cruel to say it) in that which arises from thy guilt.

One o’clock, Friday morning.

LETTER VIII

Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq. 
Nine, Friday Morn.

I have no opportunity to write at length, having necessary orders to give on the melancholy occasion.  Joel, who got to me by six in the morning, and whom I dispatched instantly back with the letter I had ready from last night, gives me but an indifferent account of the state of your mind.  I wonder not at it; but time (and nothing else can) will make it easier to you:  if (that is to say) you have compounded with your conscience; else it may be heavier every day than other.

***

Tourville tells us what a way you are in.  I hope you will not think of coming hither.  The lady in her will desires you may not see her.  Four copies are making of it.  It is a long one; for she gives her reasons for all she wills.  I will write to you more particularly as soon as possibly I can.

***

Three letters are just brought by a servant in livery, directed To Miss Clarissa Harlowe.  I will send copies of them to you.  The contents are enough to make one mad.  How would this poor lady have rejoiced to receive them!—­And yet, if she had, she would not have been enabled to say, as she nobly did,* That God would not let her depend for comfort upon any but Himself.—­And indeed for some days past she had seemed to have got above all worldly considerations.—­Her fervent love, even for her Miss Howe, as she acknowledged, having given way to supremer fervours.**

* See Letter I. of this volume. ** See Vol.  VIII.  Letter LXII.

LETTER IX

Mrs. Norton, to miss Clarissa Harlowe
Wednesday, Sept. 6.

At length, my best beloved Miss Clary, every thing is in the wished train:  for all your relations are unanimous in your favour.  Even your brother and your sister are with the foremost to be reconciled to you.

I knew it must end thus!  By patience, and persevering sweetness, what a triumph have you gained!