4

see the Huntman when the pursuit is over-when the game
is won-see him careless and indifferent-turn from it
to seek animation and pleasure in other objects.
Thus my chere amie, instead of being disheartened, I am
quite charmed with the impediments and difficulties
beset my path--They will prolong my pleasures; for I am just
as sure when{, tied? tired} with these pleasing difficulties, to { ?}
the object of my wishes, as the cat is who plays with the mouse
before she eats it. For after all, Julia Clifton is too sensible
a woman to suppose a man admitted { in, on ?} the terms I am
and after such a declaration as I have made-is to always
play the part of l'ami de Maison--The stipulations
of this treaty, are like those of all other treaties-appearing
one thing and meaning another--friendship! pure platonic
affection! fine things indeed--they sound quite angelic,
but { ?} very well for mortals, yea verily
very much for even such un pauvne diable or myself.
For my part I wish nothing more of your lovely sex-
but a sweet girl, call} me her friend--her brother, and
talk of her pure platonic affection--I shall get as much
as the fondest lover ever { ?}.
You do not deserve it--yet I have a great
mind to tell you a most important and precious
secret--one that were it to bought -- you are not rich
enough to purchase--
It is this; that modesty and { ?} constitute
the greatest sham of your sex, not only in the eye
of good, pious folks, but in the eyes even of the
greatest libertine--The most mercenary courtesan
were she to consult why her interest would form
that modesty and { ?} would be more
profitable, than all her wanton and { ?}
{acts?}.