Listings for Reader:
Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh
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Samuel Richardson : Clarissa (volumes 1-4)
[From ed. notes:] '[Samuel Richardson's] correspondence with Lady [Dorothy] Bradshaigh began in the following manner: -- A lady, calling herself Belfour, wrote to the author of Clarissa, after reading the first four volumes, acquainting him that a report prevailed, that The History of Clarissa was to end in a most tragical manner, and, expressing her abhorrence of such a catastrophe, begged to be satisfied of the truth by a few lines inserted in the Whitehall Evening Post. -- Mr Richardson complied with her request; in consequence of which many letters passed between them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa (volume 5)
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh (as 'Mrs Belfour') to Samuel Richardson (letter undated):] 'Just as I was sending this to the post, your fifth volume came to my hand [...] I long to read it -- and yet I dare not. But I have a kind friend who will first look it over [...] [he] is willing to save me pain, though at the expence of suffering it himself. If I find the dreaded horrid act is not perpetrated, I will promise to read it [...] 'O, Sir! I have been prevailed upon to read a part of your story [i.e. Lovelace's drugging and rape of Clarissa], that I thought would have torn my heart in a thousand pieces. You have drawn a villain above nature; and you make that villain a sensible man, with many good qualities, and you have declared him not an unbeliever. Indeed, Sir, I am more out of conceit with your scheme than ever; it must do harm, indeed it must. What will any villain care what becomes of a Clarissa, when he has gained his horrid ends, which you have taught him how to gain [...] it is too shocking and barbarous a story for publication [...] Blot out but one night, and the villainous laudanum, and all may be well again.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa (final 3 volumes)
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh (as 'Mrs Belfour') to Samuel Richardson, 11 January [1748/9], on completing reading of final three volumes of Clarissa:] 'I have, Sir, with much pain, much greater than you imagine, gone through your inimitable piece [...] It must be acknowledged by every body a noble work [...] 'I once intended to point out, and take notice, as I went along, of what I thought particular beauties, but they came so thick upon me, that I found it would be an endless piece of work [...] Besides, I am conscious I have not strength of judgement for such an undertaking; more especially at present, being every way weakened by reading your most moving relation [discusses responses to text (including copious weeping and disturbed sleep) further].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Book
Seneca : Morals ('twentieth chapter')
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh to Samuel Richardson, 29 October 1749:] 'O Sir! how I regret your want of time! As I lately read the twentieth chapter of Seneca's Morals, I thought of and pitied you, and every one who is tied to business, and pitied the world for the loss it sustains by your being so constantly engaged.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Book
: The Spectator No. 476
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh to Samuel Richardson, 29 October 1749, in discussion of her view that his characters Anna Howe and Clarissa Harlowe would have been made happy by marriage:] 'Here I cannot help giving you the Spectator's opinion upon a married state, so agreeable to my way of thinking: "I am verily persuaded, that whatever is delightful in human life, is to be enjoyed in greater perfection in the married than in the single condition." -- No. 476, vol. vii. I am verily persuaded so too; for which reason I [as author] would have married Clarissa.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Unknown
: 'The wise son of Sirach'
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh to Samuel Richardson, in undated letter:] 'I have lately very often put the question to myself, whether I would chuse to live my time over again, if I had it in my power [...] I am positive I would rather advance than retire, tho' my days have been happy. I have a pleasing view before me, thanks to you, Sir, Seneca, the Spectator, and the [italics]wise son of Sirach[end italics], which last I have just read, with much greater attention than I ever did before, and think it is the most beautiful and instructive, as well as the most entertaining piece I ever met with in the course of my divine studies.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Lady Bradshaigh Print: Unknown
: "Confessions"
[Dorothy, Lady Bradshaigh to Samuel Richardson, on reading 'confessions,' 16 December 1749:] 'I have read many of them over, and have been so puzzled, that I knew not what I was guilty of, and what not, till, at last, I threw them all aside, but that most excellent one, in our Common Prayer, in which I hope I have not erred. You will smile, Sir, when I tell you (being taught early to think confession a duty) that finding a paper belonging to a pious christian with her sins marked, I copied it, and confessed them as my own, thinking I did right.'
