like a furnace, but glows steadily with equable and radiant heat--wedded
love ensues this passionate commingling. But the pair remain what they
were at first, simple, naked, unashamed, unshameful, with all things
displayed, even to the very aspirations of the secret soul, in blessed
sympathy, in union blessed and to be blessed.

Such, I say, may be, and indeed is, the case with many honoured, wedded
pairs observed by me. Such, I thank God, has been my own lot, since that
day when, after long tribulation, I took Virginia into my arms and held
her to my breast. But of that, and of her, I dare write no more. Judge
me favourably, reader, for her sake; and so farewell.

LUCCA, October 20, 1741.

[Mr. Strelley lived, I believe, until the spring of 1759, and was buried
behind the altar of San Romano. His house, now a hospital, is still
intact, and may be visited by the curious, as it was by me.--M. H.]