Deterville to Zilia.

I had set out, adorable Zilia, with a firm resolution to forget you, as the only relief to pains which were insupportable. I hoped a long absence might work this miracle; but, alas! the resentment which tenderness inspires, is soon stifled by its own principle. I am returned more enamoured, though with as little hope as ever.

In spite of the faint glimmerings which Aza's infidelity had kindled in my mind, my situation gives me more reason than ever to complain. But, notwithstanding your cruel manner of thinking, I still have no power to fly from you: The engaging manner in which you bind me, by the tender friendship you offer me, has such influence over my soul, that though the bounds you prescribe appear a species of ingratitude, yet I must own, that to make any complaint would be unjust; at the same time that I submit to the severity of your laws, my heart dares still to hope they may, in time, be softened. Pardon my distraction and my sincerity.

I express what my heart feels, and cannot help pleasing myself with these illusive prospects, or being sorry when my reason convinces me of the folly of them. It is true, it sometimes makes me blush for a moment, but soon the ideas of a happy futurity take place, and I triumph over my misfortunes. This is my weakness; I confess it; and though it so much mortifies and degrades me, yet does it raise the glory of the daughter of the Sun.

When I am with you, fair Zilia, a look from you will recal the respect that is your due. My desire to please you will be stronger than any other, and will be the rule of my actions; united to you, only by the pure feelings of the soul and similitude of mind, we shall have nothing to fear from those disgusts which the passions too oft en bring along with them; our calm and quiet days shall flow on in perfect tranquillity, like a perpetual spring, when all things seem to start afresh out of the hands of Nature.