To the Chevalier Dubois, at Malta

My suit is granted, my dear Dubois; I am free from my vows, and again with my Zilia. Oh, my friend, how chang'd my situation! I fear giving way to the transports of my soul, lest some envious stroke of fortune should dash the cup of joy from my lips. At present, indeed, all is smiling: my lovely Indian received me with all the expressions of the most lively friendship, mixed with a soft confusion, which indicated something more.

As soon as we were alone together, I may now, my dearest girl, says I, without offence, venture to mention that passion which I once scarcely dared breathe even in secret. Zilia blushed. All the pleasure you can derive from that liberty, replied she, will be ever yours, if that will make you amends for the pains I have given you. I pressed her hand, with excess of joy; and whilst I still held it trembling within mine, Such a permission, my dearest Zilia, makes me ample amends for all the past evils of my life: I shall now daily have it in my power to remind you of a lover who is no longer disagreeable to you. She recovered herself, and with a sweet smile replied, You will certainly have opportunities enough; but at present it is proper you should pay what you owe to friendship, and not deprive those too long of your company who are so fond of it.

I was ravished with her words; and pressing her hand, which I still held in mine, to my lips, kissed it with rapture. Let them wait, says I, however, while I first pay what is due to love. Whilst I thus express my thanks for this extreme kindness, Oh! teach me, Zilia, how to return such mighty obligations. Mention not obligations, added she; I owe you already more than I can ever pay: but all I have to give is yours, my hand, and my heart.