Sir Richard Steele to Mary Scurlock

Sir Richard Steele, (1672-1729) Irish writer. Pseudonym of Isaac Bickerstaff. Sir Richard Steele was an essayist, dramatist, journalist, and politician, was knighted in 1717. His works include: "The Funeral" (1701), "The Lying Lover" (1703), "The Tender Husband" (1705), and "The Conscious Lovers." This is a letter to Mary Scurlock in August, 1707. They were married shortly after the letter was written. He wrote her over 400 affectionate and often witty letters which she sold very profitably after his death.

1707
Smith-street
West-minster

Madam,

I lay down last night with your image in my thoughts, and have awak'd this morning in the same contemplation. The pleasing transport ith which I'me delighted, has a sweetnesse in it attended with a train of ten thousand soft desires, anxieties, and cares.

The day arises on my hopes with new brightnesse; youth beauty and innocence are the charming objects that steal me from myself, and give me joys above the reach of ambition pride or glory. Believe me, Fair One, to throw myself at yr feet is giving myself the highest blisse I know of earth.

Oh hasten ye minutes! Bring on the happy morning wherein to be ever her's will make me look down on Thrones!

Dear Molly I am tenderly, passionately, faithfully thine,

Richard Steele