A modest Lover desiring an Aunt's Favour to her Niece.

Good Madam,

I have several times, that I have been happy in the Company of your beloved Niece, thought to have spoken my Mind, and to declare to her the true Value and Affection I have for her. But just as I have been about to speak, my Fears have vanquish’d my Hopes, and I have been obliged to suspend my Purpose. I have thrown out several Hints, that I thought would have led the way to a fuller disclosing of the Secret that is too big for my Breast, and yet, when I am near her, is too important for Utterance. Will you be so good, Madam, to break way for me, if I am not wholly disapproved of by you; and prepare her dear Mind for a Declaration that I must make, and yet know not how to begin?——My Fortune and Expectations make me hope, that I may not on those Accounts be deemed unworthy: And could I, by half a Line from your Hand, hope, that there is no other Bar, I should be enabled to build on so desirable a Foundation, and to let your Niece know how much my Happiness depends upon her Favour. Excuse, dear Madam, I beseech you, this Trouble, and this presumptuous Request, from

Your most obliged and obedient Servant.