TO LADY LETTER IV. FROM HER DECEASED DAUGHTER. IN the abodes of the blessed, encompassed by never-ending delights, and possessing all that can gratify an immortal soul, to thee my beloved mother, remembrance fondly recurs. Thy immoderate grief for my untimely death, has induced me to offer this consolation from the mansions of the just. Yes, my ever dear, my still respected and venerable parent, not even the joys of Heaven, though far far surpassing the most brilliant idea that mortal imagination can form, will ever erase thy loved image. I am often by thy side; I listen to thy fond complaints, and, when you lament me as dead, I am more with you and I delighted in bestowing on him the title of husband: you beheld our mutual affection, and approved it. When he went abroad to take possession of the property of his deceased uncle, in your presence we plighted vows of constancy, and swore to sanctify the union of our hearts, by joining our hands immediately on his return. Alas! our promised happiness was destined only to be viewed at a distance! His return, so ardently hoped, so fondly expected, was to me the mandate which cut off my dearest hopes, and doomed me, in the spring-time of life, to an early grave. Unlooked for circumstances detained him longer than was expected; the pernicious climate preyed on his constitution, but hoping that the cheering breeze of his native land would restore him to health, in his letters he forebore to mention his indisposition, and only express ed the pleasure he expected in a re-union. How were my sensations wound up! How vibrated every nerve in fond expectation, when the arrival of the fleet was announced! How cruelly then were my hopes dashed to the ground, on beholding him carried in, pale, emaciated, and death-like! Heavenly Father, the shock was more than electric! I would have fainted, but despair gave me strength, and springing forward, I gazed on him in silent agony. Raising his head with difficulty, he fixed his glassy eyes upon me, and extended his feeble arms: I sunk into them: He faintly uttered, Sophia, farewell! and straining me to his bosom with the grasp of death, breathed out his soul!-You tore me forcibly from the much-loved corpse: I was not delirious: my grief was silent, but deeply rooted. I complained not, for I felt that I would soon again behold my beloved Horatio. Your affectionate cares were again exerted to rescue me from the tomb; but Nature had done her utmost, and the grave of my soul's husband was opened to receive me. O Evelina, how shall I describe the overwhelming bliss which burst upon me at my soul's emancipation! The first object that met my wondering sight was Horatio! not as I last beheld him, in the agonies of death, but blooming in immortal youth! A white garment, dazzling as the sun, encircled his graceful form; two azure wings waved on his shoulders, and supported him in the air on which he floated. In a moment we rushed together; our spirits mingled their ætherial essences, and for some time I beheld not the glory of the scene around me. The most ravishing melody, poured from golden harps, joined by the voices of angels, welcomed me to the skies. Our parents met me with songs of joy: I was conducted to the third Heaven, into the presence of the the Most High. Here all is unutterable: I dare not, if you could understand, reveal more. One day you and your beloved partner will share with me the joys of Heaven. The innocence and virtue of your lives, with your humble faith, secure this for you. I have been permitted this indulgence, in order to soothe your immoderate grief for my death: Accept, then, thankfully, the consolation sent you from heaven; recollect, this is no common epistle from a fellow D |