Thomas Beddoes to an Unknown Correspondent, June 1793
A letter in which he informs his friend of his attachment, admirably describes the emotions of an honest and feeling heart. ‘I know not, whether I am taken for one insensible to women: I should think that such persons must have viewed me at a distance, and have been prevented, by the exterior roughness, from perceiving the internal susceptibility of impression.’ After this introduction he proceeds, with an ardour which would surprize a superficial observer of Dr. Beddoes’s character, to avow to his friend a passion, which any woman might feel proud to have inspired. The approaching return of the family to Ireland, appears to have accelerated the declaration of his affection. The avowal was made shortly before their departure, and the suit of a man of worth and intelligence was not rejected.
Published: Stock, p. 94