I am half agony, half hope...

Persuasion is a heart wrenching tale of two people, who were divided by the cruel consequences of the importance placed on social standing and money. And then, 8 years later, after they have met once more, Anne Elliot receives a letter from Captain Wentworth.



This letter is one of the most romantic and heart-felt I have ever come across! (And I am tempted to say in all of literature, but I can't as I haven't read enough for that claim!) 

For anyone who has not read Persuasion, this one letter is worth reading it for! I feel as if I am giving it away for those who haven't, but even so, this will mean a lot more and seem even more wonderful, once placed in the context of the story, when you know what has happened before this. (And also, I just has to post this!)

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago.

Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes?


I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others.

Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
F. W. 


I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."


*sigh...* If I was to have a letter written to me like that, I would be a very happy woman!


Your affectionate friend,