Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
ORIGINAL INSCRIPTION: TO DR. BURNEY
Oh, Author of my being!-far more dear
To me than light, than nourishment, or rest,
Hygeia's blessings, Rapture's burning tear,
Or the life-blood that mantles in my breast!
If in my heart the love of Virtue glows,
'T was planted there by an unerring rule;
From thy example the pure flame arose,
Thy life, my precept,-thy good works, my school.
Could my weak pow'rs thy num'rous virtues trace,
By filial love each fear should be repress'd,
The blush of Incapacity I'd chace,
And stand, Recorder of thy worth, confess'd:
But since my niggard stars that gift refuse,
Concealment is the only boon I claim;
Obscure be still the unsuccessful Muse,
Who cannot raise, but would not sink, thy fame.
Oh! of my life at once the source and joy!
If e'er thy eyes these feeble lines survey,
Let not their folly their intent destroy;
Accept the tribute-but forget the lay.

CONTENTS
- LETTER I. Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER II. Mr. Villars to Lady Howard
- LETTER III. Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER IV. Mr. Villars to Lady Howard
- LETTER V. Mr. Villars to Lady Howard
- LETTER VI. Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER VII. Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER VIII. Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER IX. Mr. Villars to Evelina
- LETTER X. Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER XI. Evelina in Continuation
- LETTER XII. Evelina in Continuation
- LETTER XIII. Evelina in Continuation
- LETTER XIV. Evelina in Continuation
- LETTER XV. Mr. Villars to Evelina.
- LETTER XVI. Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
- LETTER XVII. Evelina in Continuation

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