Riddle from Emma (Jane Austen)

In Jane Austen's book Emma, she mentions the following riddle (Chapter IX):

My first doth affliction denote,
Which my second is destin'd to feel
And my whole is the best antidote
That affliction to soften and heal.--

The answer to the riddle isn't given. I've tried to guess the answer, but can't think of anything. Help!

P.S. The text of the novel can be found here.
http://promo.net/pg/query.html

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Jacques Kilchoer
Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.

[Boris B]

Warning! Possible spoiler below!


... But only if I'm right ...


I think they answer is [whisper] love. Your first love is an affliction, but the wholeness of love heals it. Of course, I'm probably wrong, since I don't know why your second love would feel your first. Too badski.

[aseymayo]

How about bleeding-heart?

Bleeding is the affliction.
Heart is the second that feels.
Together they name a flower -
These riddles are made up by heels!

Thank you Boris and aseymayo, but I don't think those answers are what the author of the riddle have in mind. Here's the best answer I've come up with so far (after thinking about it again :)

My first doth affliction denote,

leak, because tears are a leak from your eyes.

Which my second is destin'd to feel

coeur, the french word for heart.

And my whole is the best antidote
That affliction to soften and heal.--

leak-coeur, or liquor. When you're unhappy, the answer is to get drunk!

Somehow that doesn't seem like a Jane Austen sentiment though.

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Jacques Kilchoer
Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.

[Missy2U]

No Jacques, it doesn't, but hey - it works for me!

[Boris B]

Okay, I guess I understand the riddle better now. My best guess is a brand name of a line of prepared foods ... Hungry Man.

[Fretful Porpentine]

Here's the real answer, courtesy of the Jane Austen Info Page. (But I warn you, you're not gonna like it.)

http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/emmchrad.html

[Boris B]

I like it! Do you think I could get a doctor's prescription for this affliction?

Thank you, FP.
(The sound you hear is me striking my forehead with my palm.)

I can't believe it was so obvious and I missed it!

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Jacques Kilchoer
Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.

[pluto]

Wow! Way to go Fret!! Good answer!!


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Strangers have the best candy.