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Saturday 15 February 2014

The Coded Valentine Letter




Since time immemorial, romantic tales have enthralled people by their sweetness, pathos, and tragedy. Today, lovers search for special ways to express on Valentine's Day. Here is a unique coded letter written by a gentleman to his ladylove.


I first read this piece while organising my library, in a book shared decades ago in pre-internet days by one of my good friends - the late Debabrata Singh who passed away recently.

According to legend, the young lady had a very inquisitive and over-protective father who compelled her to show him all her letters. The suspicious father read it without alarm, yet the young lady, armed with a clue, got the real message. Lets see if you can!

Madam,

The great love I have hitherto expressed for you
is false, and I find that my indifference, toward you
increases daily; the more I see of you, the more
you appear in my eyes an object of contempt, -
I feel myself every way disposed and determined to
hate you. Believe me, I never had an intention to
offer you my hand. Our last conversation has 
left a tedious insipidity, which has by no means
given me the most exalted idea of your character;
your temper would make me extremely unhappy,
and if we are united, I shall experience nothing but
the hatred of my parents, added to their everlasting dis-
pleasure in living with you. I have, indeed, a heart 
to bestow, but I do not wish you to imagine it is
at your service; I could not give it to any one more
inconsistent and capricious than yourself, and less
capable to do honour to my choice and to my family.-
Yes, Madam, I trust you will be persuaded that
I speak sincerely; and you will do me a favour
to avoid me. I shall excuse your taking the trouble 
to answer this. Your letters are always full of
impertinence, and you have not the least shadow of
wit or good sense. Adieu! Adieu! believe me, I am
so averse to you that it is impossible for me ever to be
your affectionate friend and ardent lover. 

Did you get it? If you didn't, try reading the first line and then, every alternate line!