"Sir,
"The gentleman begs your pardon, and frighted you out of fear of frightening you; for he is just come out of the smallpox."
"Mr. Bickerstaff,
"Your distinction concerning the time of commencing virgins[50] is allowed to be just. I write you my thanks for it, in the twenty-eighth year of my life, and twelfth of my virginity. But I am to ask you another question, May a woman be said to live any more years a maid than she continues to be courted?
"I am, &c."
Aug. 15, 1710.
"Sir,