John Keats to Fanny Brawne
Jul. 24th, 1819
My sweet girl,
Your letter gave me more delight than anything in the world but yourself could do; indeed, I am almost astonished that any absent one should have that luxurious power over my senses which I feel. Even when I am not thinking of you I receive your influence and I feel a tenderer nature stealing over me. All my thoughts, my unhappiest days and nights, have, I find, not cured me of my love of beauty, but made it so intense that I am miserable that you are not with me... I never knew before what such a love as you have made me feel was; I did no believe in it; my fancy was afraid of it, lest it should burn me up. But if you will fully love me, though there may be some fire, 'twill not be more than we can bear when moisterned and bedewed with pleasure... I would never see anything but pleasure in your eyes, love on your lips, and happiness in your steps.
I would wish to see you among those amusements suitable to your inclinations and spirits; so that our loves might be a delight in the midst of pleasures agreeable enough, rather than resources from vexations and cares.
Yours for ever,
John Keats