Digital Donne: the Online Variorum
The 1654 Prose Letters Letter 38 (p.114) |
|
To Sir H. G. sir, In the History or style of friendship, which is best written both in deeds and words, a Letter which is of a mixed nature, and hath something of both, is a mixed Pa- renthesis: It may be left out, yet it contri- butes, though not to the being, yet to the verdure, and freshnesse thereof. Letters have truly the same office, as oaths. As these amongst light and empty men, are but fil- lings, and pauses, and interjections; but with weightier, they are sad attestations: So are Letters to some complement, and obli- gation to others. For mine, as I never au- thorized my servant to lie in my behalfe, (for if it were officious in him, it might be worse in me) so I allow my Letters much lesse that civill dishonesty, both because they go from me more considerately, and be cause they are permanent; for in them I may speak to you in your chamber a year hence before I know not whom, and not hear my [CW: self.] |
 |