< Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu
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bent on winning the affections of so

charming a fair. In the tumultuous eagerness of passion, reason did not altogether neglect one of her favourite votaries, but asked, to what end could he indulge his affection? was his situation in life such as to justify so early a marriage, deserving as the young lady might be? would not it be prudent to defer his advances until he had made greater progress in the destined pursuits of life?—Honour and humanity said, "Do not irretrievably engage the heart of this lovely and interesting young woman, before you are assured that no impediments may retard, or obstacles obstruct gratification." To these monitors the ingenuity of love answered, "That instead of opposing he would satisfy them all." He was conscious that he possessed talents, erudition, and literary powers, which, if steadily and uniformly exerted,

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