Digital Donne: the Online Variorum
The 1654 Prose Letters Letter 38, cont. (p.115) |
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self. They shall therefore ever keep the sin- cerity and intemeratenesse of the fountain, whence they are derived. And as whereso- ever these leaves fall, the root is in my heart, so shall they, as that sucks good affections towards you there, have ever true impressi ons thereof. Thus much information is in very leaves, that they can tell what the tree is, and these can tell you I am a friend, and an honest man. Of what generall use, the fruit should speake, and I have none: and of what particular profit to you, your application and experimenting should tell you, and you can make none of such a no- thing; yet even of barren Sycamores, such as I, there were use, if either any light flash- ings, or scorching vehemencies, or sudden showres made you need so shadowy an example or remembrancer. But (Sir) your fortune and minde do you this happy in- jury, that they make all kinde of fruits use- lesse unto you; Therefore I have placed my love wisely where I need communicate nothing. All this, though perchance you [CW: read] |
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