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you for them, as the effects of an undissembled love ; then, let me tell 

 you, Sir, that I will really endeavour to live up to the character you 

 have given of me ; if there were no other reason, yet, for this alone, 

 that you, that love me so well, and always think what you speak, may 

 not, for my sake, suffer by a mistake in your judgment. 



And, Sir, I have ventured to fill a part of your margin, by way of 

 paraphrase, for the reader's clearer understanding the situation, both 

 of your Fishing-house, and the pleasantness of that you dwell in. And 

 I have ventured also to give him a copy of verses, that you were 

 pleased to send me, now some years past; in which he may see a 

 good picture of both ; and so much of your own mind too, as will make 

 any reader, that is blest with a generous soul, to love you the better. 

 I confess, that for doing this you may justly judge me too bold : if 

 you do, I will say so too ; and so far commute for my offence, that, 

 though I be more than a hundred miles from you, and in the eighty- 

 third year of my age, yet I will forget both, and next month begin a 

 pilgrimage to beg your pardon ; for I would die in your favour ; and 

 till then will live, Sir, 



Your most affectionate Father and Friend, 



LONDON, 

 April 29tk, 1676. 



Dovedule. 



