A Victorian Valentine with a faux-18th-century flavour
As I was one Morning coming down Stairs, a Gentleman, in a great deal of Confusion, ask’d me if my Name was not Stonecastle, and if I was not Author of the Universal Spectator; on my telling him that I was, with a trembling Hand he gave me a Paper, and with a faltering Voice desired me to insert it in my very next Journal, for his Life depended on it; then made a low Bow, and retir’d: I have granted his Request by publishing the following Advertisement, and hope it will be of Service to him.
STOLEN or STRAY’D on Monday the 5th Instant, in the Evening, at Vaux-Hall; a large Old-Fashion’d Heart, let round with several Antique Jewels. Viz. Constancy, Truth, Sincerity and Good Humour, with a small Parcel of Wit fix’d in the Middle, and secur’d with Gold; Whoever may have it in Possession, is desir’d to advertise where the Owner may call, and have it restor’d.
N.B. A tall young Lady in Purple is violently suspected, and is therefore desir’d to peruse this Advertisement; and if guilty, to take Means of doing the injur’d Owner Justice. It can be of no Use to her, unless the Gentleman who lost this Heart instructs her how to manage it.
Gentleman’s Magazine Vol. 8 June 1738: p. 299
Mrs Daffodil wishes all of her readers the happiness of loving and being loved on this Valentine’s Day.
However, if any of you are feeling jaded about the holiday, you may read about vinegar valentines and the consequences of sending them at this compendium of comic-valentine catastrophes.
Mrs Daffodil invites you to join her on the curiously named “Face-book,” where you will find a feast of fashion hints, fads and fancies, and historical anecdotes.
Mrs Daffodil Digresses 