A collection of some modern epistles of Monsieur de Balzac. Carefully translated out of French. Being the fourth and last volume Correspondence. English. Selections Balzac, Jean-Louis Guez, seigneur de, 1597-1654. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A02324 of text S103517 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 12455). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 235 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 144 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A02324 STC 12455 ESTC S103517 99839269 99839269 3675 2240867705

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A02324) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 3675) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 989:16) A collection of some modern epistles of Monsieur de Balzac. Carefully translated out of French. Being the fourth and last volume Correspondence. English. Selections Balzac, Jean-Louis Guez, seigneur de, 1597-1654. Marshall, William, fl. 1617-1650, engraver. Bowman, Francis. [48], 249, [9] p. Printed by Leonard Lichfield for Francis Bowman, Oxford : MD.C.XXXIX. [1639] Translated by Francis Bowman?. With an additional title page, engraved, signed "W. Marshall sculps:": A new collection of epistles of Mons: de Balzac. Cf. Folger catalogue, which gives signatures: pi¹ A-T. With two final contents leaves followed by a blank leaf. Running title reads: The letters of Monsieur de Balzac. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng eebo A collection of some modern epistles of Monsieur de Balzac. Carefully translated out of French. Being the fourth and last volume. Balzac, Jean-Louis Guez, seigneur de, 1639 288 39131 25 0 0 0 0 4 313.05 F The rate of 313.05 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2006-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-02 Sampled and proofread 2007-02 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Balzacum hoc tandem dignemur honore .

Doctarum proemia frontium .

A NEW COLLECTION OF EPISTLES OF MONS : DE BALZAC .

BEING THE Fovrth and last Volume .

Newly Translated .

Non amet hanc Vitam , quisquis me et .

Mar: lib: 1 Ep: ●

— Magnus es Ardalio

Mart. lib: 2 Ep: 7.

OXFORD Printed for Francis Bowman Stationer . 1639.

W. Marshall sculps :

A COLLECTION OF SOME MODERN EPISTLES OF MONSIEVR DE BALZAC . CAREFVLLY TRANSLATED OUT OF FRENCH .

Being the Fourth and last Volume .

Mart. L. 10. Ep. 4.

Non hîc Centauros , non Gorgonas , Harpyasque Invenies : Hominem pagina nostra sapit .

OXFORD , Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD for FRANCIS BOWMAN . MD. C.XXXIX .

To the READER .

THe name of Balzac is not confin'd within the Orbe of one Kingdome : his pen hath made him known unto all that pretend to Eloquence and politer Learning : And had his language been more generall , his worth had been more known . It is then a duty we owe to Virtue to unfold it , when it is contracted within too narrow limits , and to unlock the cabinet and make it communicable , when it is restrain'd from that freedome which is part of its essence and nature . Wherefore some of our own , finding that our Authors language was too narrow for the merits of his works , have rendred some peeces of his in English . Nor did their travailes fall short of their hopes , but successe hath crown'd their endeavours . By the incouragement of their auspicious flight abroad , I made Augury touching the fortunes of this fresh peece , which I now expose to the common light , without the countenance and patronage of any great Name , but guarded only with its own fate : It hath a Genius , and carries the name of Balzac in every page , that is enough .

For know ( Reader ) that he is Master of the pen in France , Pierre Math. Hist. de Hen. 4. Liv. 3. L'Aigle de l'Eloquence Francoise , as one stiles the great Chancellour Du Vair , a touring Eagle , whose strength of wing bears him aloft above the tracts of common flights . I may say of him , with some variation , what Pliny said of Cicero , that of later times , and for his own language , L. 7. nat. Hist. c. 30. solus in toga triumphum meruit , linguaeque lauream , and if the Muses spake French , they would use no other Dialect , than that of Monsieur de Balzac .

Jf thou dost not finde the same thread runne through all his Letters , think it a peece of his Art , to vary the Idea , & character of his speech according to the quality of his subject . Wherefore we finde him sometimes lofty and magnificent , and sometimes grave and moderate : now he is calme and smooth , and anon he thunders and lightens : Here his words fall like haile , and there — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Hom. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . like still and gentle snow , or the silent feet of time . And though they be but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , strictures , and excursions of his pen , yet upon due examination , thou shalt finde they be decoctions of purest Rhetorick ; and take away Monsieur , & vostre tres-humble , they be so many quaint Orations , and discourses politick and morall .

But never did any beauty gaine all suffrages , nor any wit a generall applause . Our Author in his Hermitage , Mart. l. 4. Epig. 32. like that Bee , intomb'd in amber , — Dum latuit , luxit : he shin'd through the vaile of obscurity , wherein he involv'd himselfe : but some owle-eyes could not brook the splendor of his light , though at such a distance and declination ; and he had more Enimies in this solitude to molest him , then the Goute and Stone . It was ever the fate of eminent persons to have Antagonists , and Envie , like the Athenian Ostracisme , ever persecutes the best . A testy Frier , under the name of Philarchus , comes out of his cloister , and raiseth the Hue and Crye after him , as an errand Theefe , and avoucheth that our Mounsieur here , is but a Mountebanke , and a Plagiary , that strutts in borrowed plumes , and makes a great shew with the frippery & brokage of other Authors : — pudet haec opprobria , &c. But Balzac found a learned Apologist , to refute these imputations ; so that this single encounter grew up into a faction , and the Pen-men came so fast into the field , that the Philarkes , and Anti-philarkes divided all France .

There hapned some disgusts between him and Father Garasse a Jesuit , and a man of able parts : But the French King himselfe did so farre tender the studious Repose of Mons. de Balzac , ( that by these altercations he might not be discouraged or diverted from greater Designes ) He interpos'd his Authority to make a Reconciliation , and because it makes for the honour of the parties litigant , I have prefixed here the Kings Act , and their mutuall letters , as I find them at the beginning of Garasse his Somme Theologique .

And now ( Iudicious Reader ) Balzac , stands at thy Tribunall , expecting thy doome : He hopes to finde more Candor , and better dealings in England , the Region of peace , as he calls it , In the 13. letter of this . than among his own : presuming upon the goodnesse of his cause , and thy Iustice , I have adventur'd something upon thy censure . If thou contractest thy brow , it is no single fate , thou condemnest at once a multitude of Dependents , and Admirers of his virtues , and among them , in an humble distance

F. B.
An advertisement of Mons. the KING .

VNderstanding of the bad intelligence , which by the unhappinesse of the times hath grown between Monsieur de Balzac , and the Author of this book , we could not but partake of the discontents of sundry honourable personages ; and judging it very reasonable , that men that continually doe good services to the Commonwealth , and from whom it should expect better yet hereafter , should be divided in wills and affections . We have endeavoured to dispell those clouds by the evidence of truth ; the businesse was not very difficult for Vs , being we were to deale on the one side , with a Religious man , who by the rule of his profession , takes a glory in despoyling himselfe of all interests , and to desire the love of all the world ; on the other side , with a man of a franke and noble Courage , whose discretion guided him to put a difference between the faults of men , and the unhappinesse of the age .

So that We thought fit , to tye again the knot of friendship , which ( by accident ) had been untied . It is commonly an easier taske to reconcile old friends , than to make new ones . Having then happily effected that businesse , We thought that good men , who are ever well affected to the sweetnesse of peace , would gladly receive some authentick testimonies of their good intelligence , and for this purpose , We have got interchangeable letters under their own hands , that confirme the sincerity of their hearts , for to present them to the publike , which cannot be distastfull to any , but to those that are pleased with nothing but disorders and contentions .

IOHANNI LUDOVICO BALZACO . V.C.S.P.

QVòd ad te jam scribo , ( V. C. ) mirari desines , si me , ut Religiosum , & tui amantem esse memineris : & animam , puto , 〈◊〉 manum hanc facile agnoveris , sin minus , saltem ignoveris , quod utrinque gestum est . Nonnihil inter nos longi frigoris fuit , seculi potiùs vitio , quàm nostro . Septennium est , fateor , ex quo mutua inter nos Epistolarum missio interrupta cessavit ; ex hoc silentio torpor , ex torpore glacies exorta : vel patere suis , ut ad to verbis scribat sapientissimus Hebraeorum Doctor dicatque : Eccles. 43. Christallus gelavit ab aqua : sed nôsti quid rei est Christallus , cui precium facit ipsa fragilitas ? vel frangatur , vel indomita glacies benigno tepore solvatur : favent omnia , & tempus , & amicorum vota communium , & imprimis desiderium meum . Nolo retegere quod o diosum est , rixarum inter nos argumenta & fomites ; fatalia ista sunt , & dissolvendis amicitiis nata ▪ In litibus nullus ( ut nôsti ) finis est : dum ▪

— Liticulas lis seminat unica plures . Versiculos ad te extemperaneos & rudes mitto , sed scienti loquor & occupationes meas , & Epistolarem in versu formam ; nihil enim ab Heroico retinet preter pedes , quos habet formica etia cum homine communes , sed quo plures eò pejores . Tibi uni propè datum est Heroicas gravesque literas condere ; soripsit Ovidius Heroidas , sed Balzacus Heroicas . Pluribus abstineo , ne quod

and professe ; Among these severe speculations , you shall see some flashes of wit break forth , which will serve to entertaine you with much delight ; I speak of the French Epistles , for as for his Latine , I reserve them to the judgement of those that doe better understand the beauty and delicacy of that language ▪ I am content to believe that Cicero never entertaind his friends with better grace and contentment ▪ nay , that the very close and compacted stile , and the strong and vigorous expressions which Brutus found wanting in the writings of that great Orator , are here to be found ; But I feare I should detaine you too long , from the pleasure of these novell Lectures , if in commending rare Epistles , I should arrest you any longer , in reading this poore one of mine . Indeed ( my Lord ) for to speak nothing that were unworthy of you ; it were requisite , that Mons. de Balzac would lend me some of the graces of his stile ; or , as he will be ravisht with joy , that I have made choice of you to be the Patron of his writings , he would come himselfe to make the Dedication ; It sufficeth me , if my designe and undertaking for to performe something that might be acceptable to your Greatnesse , doe not give you any distast , and that you believe , that I am sincerely

My Lord Your most humble and most obliged servant IOHN CAMUSAT .
TO MY LORD the Chancellor . My Lord ,

I Have understood of your deniall , for the publishing of a Libell , lately fram'd against me . And though ( perhaps ) the harme that I should have received thereby , would have been but small , yet my obligation unto you , never ceaseth to be great ; and this argueth a speciall care in you of my tranquillity , not to suffer that any , the least noise should disquiet it . I know not ( my Lord ) if this be not to handle with too much nicenesse and tendernes , a man that makes profession of Philosophy ; it were enough that publike Authority should shelter me from the tempest , without exempting me from the wind and dust , and that it would guard my Retrait from savage beasts , without frighting away the flies also , and such importunate Insects . But ( my Lord ) the goodnesse which you reserve for me , extends farther then to ordinary justice . You take not only care for my repose amidst the hurry and tumult of Europe , but you would have the world also shew a respect unto my retirednesse , and that being sequestred from men . J should be also placed beyond the levell and reach of Detraction . Yet this Fiend did pursue S. Hierome even unto the Grotts of Bethlehem , and to the foot of our Saviours cradle , there she found him ( as he relates himselfe ) although he had thought to hide himselfe . If this insolent Thing had no regard of an admirable sanctity , and a place guarded with Angels , me thinks a vulgar innocence , retired within an ill fortified village , must not expect any favourable treaty . But to passe from common conditions to the learned Tribe ; If in all ages , there arose seditious spirits , that rebelled against the Chieftaines of Arts and discipline , and if in the memory of our fathers , it was spoken openly at Paris , that Aristotle was a simple Sophister , J think they deale courteously with me in this Country , if they be contented to call me a simple writer . That great blasphemer of the name of Aristotle ( my Lord ) was D. Ramus , who afterward , though he was a Catholique , was taken for a Huguenot , at the massacre ; And indeed , some did believe that God permitted this to come to passe by a just judgement ; and that the Tutelar Angell of good Letters , took the pretext of Religion , for to revenge the injuries that were done to Reason . There is one this day alive in Germany , a petty Tyrant in Grammer , an enimy of common and generall verities , and an accuser of Cicero ; who ( not long since ) hath put forth some observations , where he preferres a bill against his own Judge , and questions the precedency ever allowed unto that Prince of Latine Antiquity . So that ( my Lord ) the universall consent of all the world , strengthned by a prescription of 18. centuries of years , is not a sufficient title for to warrant the reputation of that Roman , against the prevaricating quirkes of this Barbarian . Indeed , this is a businesse of no good example , but yet since it is so , and that it doth litle availe Virtue , to be consecrated by time , and to be crowned by the people , for to make it inviolable against the practises of some private Humors . There is no reason that I should complaine before so many Worthies , that have bin so ill intreated themselves , and that I should be had in any consideration , where Aristotle and Cicero are not in safety ; an ordinary man should not make moan , for suffering the same destiny , which extraordinary Personages have undergone ; and I cannot with modesty , desire or expect from you , that you should reforme the world for the love of me ; nay , J know ( my Lord ) that this litle disorder , is of some good use in a common-wealth ; and it were to be wished , that malice would busy it selfe thus , about things of small importance , that it might not think of businesses of higher consequence . Those that have hitherto bestowed their pains , in depraving the sence of my words , and in falsifying my works , had ( perhaps ) ere this time , forged mens Testaments , and minted false coines ; And he that now desires from you a priviledge , would have stood in need of a Pardon , it may be , if it had not been for me . It is better by farre , that injustice should exercise it selfe upon my books , than that it should vexe and implead against all that is good and sacred in a civill society ; that unjust men should rather tosse and transpose words , invert and pervert periods of speeches , than remove the bounds of lands , or demolish their Neighbours houses ; To say the truth , this is the most innocent way that vice can imploy it selfe in , and I believe I have not a litle deserv'd from the common-wealth , for keeping at worke these ten years , such an infinite number of idle companions , who ( certainly ) would have been dangerous Commonwealths-men , if they had not chosen rather to have been ridiculous Censors . It is well , that the heat of their braines , is exhaled out this way , and that their intemperance takes this course ; and that to prevent their fury , men give some scope and liberty to their folly . Permit them therefore this exercise ( my Lord ) they cannot choose but make use of their time , which they will imploy farre worse , if you doe not permit them to imploy it thus . Permit giddy Youth to spend their heat and fury upon a senselesse subject , and a dead letter , which is not capeable either of joy or sorrow . As long as these Pen-fencers only beg the Seale of your Authority , be no niggard of the Prince his grace and favour , and abate something of your wonted severity and rigour . If it were anew & unusuall thing , it may be , I should be contented to have the first Libell , which branded me with injuries be suppressed , but since there is now a pretty Library of them , I am in a manner well pleased it should swell and increase , and I take a delight to build me a moniment with those stones , which Envy hath hurl'd at me , without doing me harme . I account it no disgrace to be censur'd by some men , because I account it no credit to be favour'd by them : I intend not to canvasse for voices , nor labour a mysterious secret , whereby I may gaine the generall applause of the world . I have obtained what I desired , ( my Lord ) if I have obtained your approbation , as being derived from an un-erring principle , and from an Jntelligence most perfectly illuminated . God hath bestowed on you , a soveraigne judgement , before the King had committed to your hands , his soveraigne Justice . And you were most powerfull in Reason , before you were so in Authority . J need not have recourse to this , knowing that the other is no way against me , and I estime it more glory to me , to have pleased you , than I would think it satisfaction to have my enimies proscribed by you . Your speeches of me upon every occasion so full of respect , your own pourtraiture that you bestowed upon me a yeare agoe , for a pledge of your Affection , your imparting to me the riches of your writings , I mean those writings , that were animated with the spirit of the State , and were full of the greatnesse of your Master , which seemed to me so farre to transcend the strength and vigor of this age , and so nearly resembling the Roman Majesty . In a word ( my Lord ) each moment of that happy afternoone , which I had the honour to passe away within your closet , are priviledges , which I doe value above that which you denied a Fantasme , or the Successor of Philarchus . I dare not rehearse my other obligations , by which I stand bound unto you . You have herein injoyned me silence , and believe , that your favours would loose something of their purity , if my thanks should still attend them . Neverthelesse you must not stifle in me the intentions of an honest man , or smother the conceptions of gratefull thoughts ; you have debarred me from divulging my acknowledgements , but you shall not debarre me from acquitting that secret part of duty , and from being , ( at least in my soule ) and that while I live

My Lord Your most humble , most obliged and most thankfull servant BALZAC . From Balzac the 1 of Iuly 1637.
A COLLECTION OF SOME MODERN EPISTLES OF MONSIEUR DE BALZAC .
LETTER . I. To Monsieur CONRART . SIR ,

BEing arriv'd home but this morning , I could not before the evening frame an answere to your Letter which you honour'd me with , and was delivered me at my arrivall ; it is so full of baits to feed both the eyes and the understanding , that it were impossible I could refraine from reading it more than once . It is so judicious , and withall so passionate , that J cannot think of it without congratulating with my Country that we have seen Philosophers even in our own language , and those Philosophers such as professe goodnesse as well as wisdome ; the time , you see is now past for to satisfie your desire ; but though the King by the activity of his courage could not render those remedies unusefull , which you expect from my idle meditations ; yet J meane not to act the bold Empyrick of Mountebanke in your presence . It would argue too much impudence to send any drugs and receipts from a country village to Paris , and to undertake the cure of afflicted minds in a countrey of good books and great Doctors . Nay I have seen Sir in your own house ▪ a Magazin of rare instructions & examples , both printed , and in hand-writing . And Justus Lipsius ( had hee been your Neighbour ) might have made a purchase of a Constantia of a stronger and better temper , then her that he hath bestowed among us . Since then the whole masse and mine is in your own power , J cannot perswade my self that you could have desir'd those few Graines that J could furnish you with , and that being so rich your selfe , you were resolv'd to exhaust my poore stock too . Taking view from hence at so farre distance of the estate and affaires of our Frontiers , J cannot distinctly and cleerely bestowe my judgement on them . J am content to carry about me the thoughts of an honest man , & to remove from my mind the disgusts of ill successe with good hopes . J know Sir , that the fairest kingdomes have suffered the vicissitudes of good and evill ; and that the brightest fortune hath some spots & shadowes ; and knowing this , J cannot think strange of any disasters that may happen , or be surprized with the newes of a revolt , or be any thing amazed with losses more than with gaines . Flanders J confesse is advanced pretty farre into Piccardy , and would have given the like alarme to France as France had given it the yeere before . But it may be , they that plunder it freely to day in the field will be to morrow blockt up in a siege ▪ your good Brothers J know will revenge the quarrell , and they that Pillage the Citties of others , will be glad to get them home to save their own habitations against their Ancient subjects . We must then confesse that Antiquity hath wisely term'd the God of warre Communem Martem , that Homer never gave it a fitter Epithet then that . It is certaine that it never favours the same cause long . This is a Fugitive in all Armies , and a starter from all parties , sometimes a Guelphe , and sometimes a Gibellin , sometimes wearing the white scarfe , and sometimes the red . This is too much Sir concerning Publique Affaires . Doe me the favour as to send to M: du Moulin the answere that J have made him , the later words thereof will call to your mind those three verses of our Hierusalem .

Torq . Tasso la Gierusal . Liberata . Amando in te ciò , &c. By loving that in thee , which others feare doth move And envious hate , he seemes thy virtues to approve : And willingly with thee could make a league of love . J beg of you the good favours of that grand Adversary of the Romanists , but yours above all , since J am with all my soule

Balzac . 30. Octob. 1636. Sir Your , &c.
LET. II To Monsieur du MOULIN . Sir ,

COurtesie never denies respect to any man , and thinkes no mans Presents meane but her owne . This was it ( no doubt ) that made You speake of mee in such a high straine and set so great a price upon my booke , which ( indeed ) is but the worst part of your Library . J see you will not alter your course , or forget your ancient civility , for the which J am infinitely obliged unto you . And if some men would needs perswade me that at other times you handle me something rudely , yet I cannot believe you doe it with a hostile hand ; on the contrary , J suppose that in your familiar letters you give a true coppie and character of your selfe , but in actions of Ceremony , men require another countenance & more studied gravity ; otherwise Sir , my nature can beare with my friends , and J am not of so delicate a sense as to complaine of pettie wrongs which J suffer . Besides , that J doe not at all medle with that science of division which teaches to rente our Saviours Coat into 1000 peices , & to implead and cavill against every word of his Testament . This commonly doth rather exasperat mens spirits , than compose affaires , and multiply doubts , insteed of encreasing charity . If J were put to my choyce , J would take a litle lesse of that which puffeth up , and a litle more of that which edifieth . Truth is not the purchase of hot blood , or of incensed choller , or a disturbed imagination . The Labyrinthes of Logick are not the easiest way to heaven , and oft-times God hides him-selfe from them that search him with over-much curiosity . You will avouch ( J am sure ) all that J say , and this too Sir , that the best quarrels prove nought , and of bad consequence , and that the contentions of Doctors prove the murthers of their Brethrens soules , if they tend not to the peace of the Church ; for my part , J can with other vulgar Christians , but wish for it ; but you can with the Worthies of Christian Religion , contribute much towards it , & whensoever you shall preach and teach this , J shall ascribe unto you one of the principall parts of that holy work : But while we expect that this peace be advanced through the grace of God , & that we draw neerer every day one to another , nothing hinders , but that we may maintaine innocent commerce , & traffick in things lawfull . There is no law rightly interpreted that is repugnant to that of Humanity , & doth not accord with the law of Nations . If our opinions differ , it is not necessary that our affections should disagree ; the head and the heart have their severall motions , and actions distinct ; and morall vertue can reconcile & unite what the intellectuall might separate . Love mee therefore still if you please , since you may doe it lawfully , and J believe also , that J may be without scruple , while J live

Sir Your ; &c. Balzac . March 30. 1636.
LET. III. To Monsieur L' HUILLIER Counsellour to the King , and Ordinary Mr of his Accounts . Sir ,

YOU can make men happy , and procure them Sun-shine daies , where , & when you please . Let us speake no more of misfortunes : there is nothing here within but prosperity , since the Ordinary hath arriv'd : and J must recall a language which J have forgotten , since you doe restore a passion to me which J had lost . J thought there was no disposition to any joy left in me , yet notwithstanding from a litle sparke rak'd up in my bosome , you have kindled such an excesse , that J never felt the like ; such inebriations of the spirit , and sober transportments Philosophy hath observ'd in extraordinary successes . There is no way Sir to suppresse or keep this joy conceal'd , & if it be lawfull for me to speake it , my heart is so full and ▪ high that it mounts up to my face . J am like to loose by it all the gravity and demurenes , which J have these many yeares contracted by my melancholy life . And since there is no apparent cause that might stirre such a passion in such a languishing spirit as mine , men may imagine that I paid some Arreres , and that I have received an acquittance patent , but that I call it your letter . They still deceive themselves and take me for another man than I am : for my Interests touch me not so sensibly as my passions doe , and Fortune is not so rich as to present me with any thing that might countervaile the least pledges of your Amity . The world and I , doe not agree in the rate of things that are bestowed & received . That doth estimate them by an Arithmeticall , and I by a Morall proportion , according to which , Sir , all your words to me are weighty and pretious , because all true ; and because Truth cannot be sufficiently estimated in a time when Oracles doe faine , when we have reason to mistrust even Faith it selfe , and when the great Cato should not be taken without caution and security . I doe infinitely cherish those speeches of yours , so full of verity , and preserve them as the titles of a possession , which I passionatly desired before J went to Paris , and which I account for the greatest businesse that I did dureing my abode there . Jn lieu of these , I will forgive Paris for all the unquiet nights , and other mischiefes I suffered there . I complaine no more of its impure aire , or the jangling of bells , or of the justling and dirt of the streets . And though I could not carry away thence but the bare Idea of your entertainment , yet besides that you defrayed the charges of my journey in it , J can live here ( yet awhile ) upon your charges , & feed my thoughts a long time with what I have received from your mouth . Yet J know not whether a provident managing of remnants , may make them last alwaies , or whether old Ideas , doe not at the last fade and vanish out of the memory , or whether an expired felicity may denominate a man still happy . What ever joy your letter sprang in me , yet ( being a marke of your absence ) it doth but advertise me , that I am six-score leagues distant from the Author of my wellfare , and that therefore I can receive but imaginary painted satisfaction , and enjoy but forraine pleasures . You cannot represente unto me the happy houers that I have spent in the closet of Messieurs de Puy , and the fine things that I have heard there , without tacitely upbraiding me with the pensive howers of my solitude , and the gibbrish of my Neighbourhood . In truth Sir , if you know it not , J must tell you , that Balzac is the frontier of Barbary . But one daies journey from hence , ( Monsieur des Cordes can tell you ) the honest Swaines doe not eat bread , or speak French but upon sundaies ; The most understanding men there , believe that Prester-Iohn saith Masse ; and that the snow in the country of the Moores is black , the most gentle and affable find in an innocent word , the tenth part of a lye ; and are offended with the very aspect and silence of a man that passeth by . Are not these the right Antipodes to the lodgings of Monsieur de Thou , and especially of the Gallery , which is not only full of the noblest spoiles of Antiquity , and and of Greek and Romane Treasures , but which is ( otherwise ) inhabited by all the Graces of the present Age , and all the sociable and civill Virtues . Yet notwithstanding these , it might deserve the curiosity of the remotest Nations of the Earth , and invite the inhabitants of Cadiz , and those beyond them , for to see there the great President of Counsels and humane actions , and the grand Doctor of Kings and Common-wealths . But although this famous and learned Head appears not there but by the benefit of paint , yet his memory still keeps its place , and presides in all the Assemblies that happen there . Me thinks , that of Master of the house , He is become the Genius of the place , and inspires all those that speak there , that so they might not speak any thing unworthy of his presence . Indeed this is the cause of my happinesse here , that my poore conceptions give you some content , as you would make me believe ; and that my adventures in print , have the allowance and approbation of those excellent Brothers , my deare and loving Friends . Now Sir , that I begin to grow sober againe , and to recover my selfe from that extasie , which you have cast me into ; take good heed , that you make no doubt of the seriousnesse of my speeches : assure them therefore , if you please , that the favours that I have receiv'd from them , are not let fall , into a barren and ungratefull soule , and that it is impossible to honour Them more perfectly then I doe . You shall doe me the favour also ; as to believe , that you never lov'd a man that could set a higher rate upon your amity , or would be more then I am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac Nov. 23. 1636.
LET. IV. To Monsieur the Abbat of BOIS-ROBERT . Sir ,

SInce my departure from Paris , I have received two Letters of yours , that is to say , two singular Emblemes , or tokens of your goodnesse : for it is certain , if you be not expos'd to the danger of warre , you are ( at least wise ) obnoxious to the cumbrances & molestations of it : and in this plight to have found the leasure to remember me , and to send from the farthest skirts of Piccardy , but a thought as farre as Guyen , is a thing that could not be expected , but from a friend that is extremely sollicitous of those things that he loves . According to your order , I communicated the newes unto my Father , who doth professe himselfe much obliged unto you for it . We doe daily groane for that of peace , and if you send us intelligence of this before Easter , I will answer you with a publike thanksgiving , and with the benedictions of all our Arrierban . That Virgin which your Authors call Astrea , was at other times , courted and ador'd by them ( only ) of the long gowne : now even Gladiators and Pirats think her handsome and comely . J doe not see any man of the sword , but doth at some time of the day mislike and beshrew his own trade . I doe not know whether this be either the Cowardice of the age , or the Impatience of the Nation , or the feare of poverty and famine presented to their imagination ; or ( to speak more favourably of the present occasions ) a christian tendernesse and common sense of humanity ; so vehemently doth all the world desire peace , that I think Heaven cannot send a better Present to the Earth . I think that — should be imployed upon such a pious occasion , and chosen one of the Agents for Coloigue . If he would bring us that excellent Donative of Heaven , he deserved to enter the Academy in triumph , and that Monsieur the President should make the speech himselfe : For my part , J should receive him after such a Negotiation with more respect , then if he came from commanding an Army ; And to tell you the truth , the pacifique Angels doe please me farre better than the destroying Angels . Think it not strange Sir , that the desire of glory is not the passion of Villagers ; and that dreaming ( sometimes ) of the Crabbats , I pitch upon the same thought with the Poet : Impius haec tam culta novalia Miles habebit ? — Barbarus has segetes ? These are thoughts which are bred in my rurall walke , and which spring from lownesse of spirit ; into which I am apt to fall , as soone as I have lost the sight of you . Therefore be pleased to take the paines to fortify me from time to time , and to send me some preservatives against the bad newes which fly about . These would help to entertaine good thoughts , while we expect the conclusion of the Treaty , and make my Neighbours know , that a man cannot be ill inform'd that maintaines intelligence with you , and make them beleeve , that J am in deed what I professe my selfe to be , which is

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 17 Oct. 1616.
LET. V. To my Lord , the Earle of EXCESTER . My Lord ,

HAving not enjoyed my health , or at least having had no leasure at all , since the time that your Letter was delivered me ; I could not any sooner render you thanks for the testimonies of your esteeme and affection , which you vouchsafed me therein . I will not any way seeme to suspect or doubt of a newes that makes for me ; and I doe readily believe , that my works that were sent you from the Queene your Mistresse , have been your welcome-home among your friends . But herein , I doe acknowledge their good fortune , farre beyond my deserts , and the Influences that descend from the Court , beyond all the favours they can receive from a country-village . Those hands so great and powerfull , that gave you this small Present , doe ennoble whatsoever they touch and are able to effect rarer transmutations , than those which Alchymy boasts of ; with their marke , a triviall Fable may passe for ▪ Authentick History , and the Nether-Britton should surpasse the native Frenchman . I have therefore my Lord , no thought of deserving that Elogy , which I owe to so illustrious a circumstance nor doe I mean to glory in the travels , which my book ( as you informe me ) hath made beyond the Rhine . Your name ( being one of its principall ornaments ) is that to which J must owe my fame in those climats , and it was upon your recommendation and credit , that all the Courts in the North , and some of their Schooles too , have entertain'd my books . I doe here solemnely promise you never to abuse this favour , at least wise , never to write any thing of your Iland , that might give any distast in the reading , and that will not testify particularly of you , that I am most intirely

My Lord , Your &c. Balzac . Sept. 20. 1636.
LET. VI. To my Lord the Duke de la VALLETTE , Governour & Lieutenant Generall for the King in GUYEN . My Lord ,

I Doe not mean to tempt your valour , it were precipitate rashnesse to dare it ; yet I shall make bold to tell you , that you have no lesse Art and dexterity in conquering , than in winning men ; and that in you , that which intreats & perswades , hath no lesse efficacy than that which commands and enforceth . Jt doth nothing availe me to shun the world , the better to enjoy my selfe in the desart . Three words from your mouth , make me loose all the freedome I enjoy there ; and J see my selfe surpriz'd in that Sanctuary , in which J thought to save my selfe . J must confesse my Lord , that there is no such absolute independence , over which you cannot claime some power ; that there is none so discontented and averse that you cannot allure , or so wild and disorderly that you cannot tame . Since you have done me the honour as to write , that you have sent me your heart , J should betray very litle skill or judgement in rare and excellent things , if J were not ravisht with such a present , and if J did not esteeme it above all that ambition can desire , or fortune bestow . It may be , the hearts of Giants were more vast , and lesse limited by reason , but the hearts of the Heroes were not more noble , or of any other elevation than yours is of ; and he that speaks of this , speaks of a place hallowed , and purged from all the vices of this age , and where all the ancient Virtues have taken Sanctuary ▪ Loe here , my Lord ▪ what gift you have sent ; after which , I have nothing to wish for in this world , which J have abandoned , since this is the most pure and refin'd part of it ; in which , goodnesse cohabits with power , and greatnesse combines with love ▪ To which J must of necessity , stoope and yeeld ; and my heart were more vile , than yours is generous , if I were not

My Lord Your &c. Balzac Ian. 10 1637.
LET. VII . To Monsieur Drouet , Doctor of Physick . Sir ,

YOur sorrow is too accurate , and studied , to be true ; and an afflicted person that writes such brave things , hath no great need of any thing of mine to solace him . J will therefore forbeare a taske ▪ which I conceive to be so nedlesse ; and will be contented to tell you , that J know how to discover counterfeit sorrows . No man could act a Desperato better than you . Panigarola made not such exclamations when hee preacht , that there will be signes in the Sunne and in the Moone . And it is a pleasure to see you write of the end of the world , of the falling of the starres , and the finall ruine of Nature , & all this , upon occasion of my Niece , labouring of a feaver . This is to give Virgil the lye , that calls your profession a dumb Science . For indeed , to finde so many ornaments & Tropes upon such a vulgar Theme , could not be without having a treasurie of words , and without teaching this Mute , Rhetorick . Yet me thinkes , you should husband and manage this treasure more thriftily , and have more care , than you had , of the modesty of a poore Maid . Are you not afraid to make her fall into vaine-glorie , and marre all the paines of that good Father that guides her conscience ? If J did not furnish her with counter-poison , you would infect her minde , & cast her into a worse maladie than that you cur'd her of . But J haue taught her , that there are a sort of Enchanters that bewitch by commending , and that the wanton Court-ship of Sirens hath allur'd many to their ruines , and filld the Seas with frequent shipwracks . She believes her Glasse , & me too , who are more true to her than you , and who ( without much difficulty ) can rectifie her opinion of herselfe , which you would have strained too high . For my own particular , J cease not to be your debt or for the quaint extravagances & hyperboles , wherein you expresse your Affection towards me ; and for her part , separating your commendations from her name , and considering them asunder , by themselves , she esteemes them as the wealth of a Jewellers shop , which indeed may delight her eies , but she findes nothing there that belongs to her . Receive this complement as from her , if you please , J am meerely but her Secretary in this point , and J shall remaine

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 12. Octob. 1636.
LET. VIII . To Monsieur DE-BONAIR . Sir ,

THE Honourable mention that you were pleas'd to make of me in your booke , is a most singular favour , and I cannot behold my selfe in so faire a seat without some temptation of vaine glory . J know not as yet , whether my testimonie be to be admitted or rejected ; and whether J be an Apocryphall or Canonicall Author ; but since you have cited me , it is not lawfull for me to doubt any more of the good successe of my writings ; and after this , J dare claime a place in the noblest Libraries . It is true , I dare not owne that Title you bestow on me , of the Genius of Eloquence . Besides , that this would be a wrong to Mercury & Pytho , who have for many ages possest the Chaire , and sweyed the Art of Elocution ; it were necessary also that J had the suffrages of all the Preachers and Advocats of the Realme ; and you know Sir , that there is none of them so meane , that doth not perswade himselfe that he is the God of Perswasion , and would very hardly confesse a superiour . J must not therefore entertaine an Elogie which would bee challenged from me by two so great Nations , equally terrible and potent , and J am content to be lesse Prized by you , since J am sure of the same affection ; you shall preserve that for me , if you please , since J am willing to give it its true estimation , and to be really

Sir Your &c. Balzac : 20 Dec. 1635.
LET. IX . To Monsieur HUGGENS Counsellour and Secretary of the Commands of my Lord the Prince of Orenge . Sir ,

I Have received with your Letter the Dissertation of Monsieur — in Print ; but to write my opinion thereof , would be too dangerous an enterprise . J never mean to doubt of the certainty of his doctrine ; and too bad construction was made of me at the beginning of our commerce for to adventure farther in that way . It sufficeth me to confesse that J was lost in all probability , had it not been for your protection , since even under that , J could hardly be secure . This is a Buckler that hath been pierced in a thousand places , and ( to speak freely ) hath served me rather for a shew , then defence . My great Adversary ( as you call him ) would faine have made an example of your poore Suppliant , and shewed that he did not either believe that you did love me so deerely , or that he did not much regard the persons whom you so loved . Neverthelesse Sir , If J had been of a quarrelsome humour , that matter ( perhaps ) would not have been so appeased ; and men would perswade me , that my person onely was injur'd , my Assertions being as firme & as sound as they were before the battery . But let the field be his , seeing he cannot endure an encounter , that J say not a resistance ; and J doe willingly yeeld him all the advantages of this action . He chose rather to take me , then receive my submission , and preferr'd a trophey before an homage . Neverthelesse , J am resolv'd not to alter my condition or forget my wonted civility . Yet J doe make a stand at the very same bounds that he hath leapt over , and give respect to that Character , which he hath violated ; J speak of your Love and good opinion , which are more precious to me then my writings or my reputation , and which J cannot disesteem wheresoever J meet them . Sir ; there will be alwaies in the world Oppressours and men oppressed , & J must be one of the Innocents that must suffer the persecutions of a Herod . But there is nothing so hard that love cannot digest . J pardon ( for your sake ) all my injuries and sufferings , withall my heart , & am contented to be ill intreated , as long as J give evidence that J am

Sir Your , &c. Balzac . 10. Sept. 1636.
LET. X. To Monsieur de RACAN . Sir ,

I Render You thanks for your Shepheardesse ; with whom J enjoyed such ravishing pleasures that the Voluptuous never enjoy the like , and yet so chast and honest , that J think not my selfe bound to make Confession , She hath reviv'd my spirits that were rebated with eager study and tired with distinctions and Syllogismes . J cannot dissemble , J have not this long time Sir , spent a day more happily then when J entertain'd Her . And if J haue thought Her so beautifull in her own simple weeds , & naturall habiliments , without the addition of those helps which serve to embellish & adorne ; what will it be , when She will appeare in the pompe and luster of the Theater ? and when those things that are of themselves so powerfull , will be mended with the help of the voice and the graces of pronunciation ? If J thought She were to come forth suddainely in that Equipage , J would straight begin my journey for to be present at that joyfull spectacle , and to give you the applause which you doe justly deserve . But since you have sent Her me , being yet , warme from the birth , and that Shee must grow up a while and gather strength in your hands , J hope J shall be time enough at Roche to behold her in her glory . J understand Sir , in the meane while , that there is a great contention between the Ladies about the names of Orante , & Oriana , & that they are more ambitious of the scrip and shepheards hook then any thing . It lieth in you to doe them Justice and satisfie their ambition : yet notwithstanding , if youl 'e beleeve me , you must casheere this rurall Equipage , and adapte your selfe to Crownes and Scepters . That active and strong Spirit which doth sweye you , hath too much vigor for to dwell on weaker Themes ; it would break all the furniture of horne-pipes and hau-bois that you should fill it with ; moreover , the countrey and cabbin is not the proper spheare of magnificence , and Shepheardesses must not dance to the sound of a Trumpet . J have therefore chosen for you an heroick subject indeed , and worthy the courage and majesty of your style ; Which style carrieth all the exactnesse of rules , and hath been already used with good approbation by the Masters of Antiquity . But the sport is , to see you dispute and contend with them for their own vitory , and to challenge them at the same carreeres & courses that they have gain'd their glory by . This kinde of Imitation is more noble and hardy then Invention it selfe , and which you are very capable to undertake , How-ever , if you shall stand in need of some aid , I am ready to doe the office of a Grammarian , and to give you the literall interpretation of the Texts of such Authors , which you meane to follow , with a resolution to out-goe them . I know that herein I shall not betray any great care of their reputation , nor doe any good office to any of them . But Sir , there is nothing that I would not doe for you , to whom I confesse infinite obligations , & will be everlastingly

Sir , A most humble , &c. Balzac . 3. Sept. 1633.
LET. XI . To Monsieur de St CHARTRES . Sir ,

THe disorders of a crazie , & ruinous body , and the paines I suffer by it , are the eternall hindrances of my devoir : These also shall be ( if you please ) the ordinary Apologies for my silence . You may believe , that J doe not use to make great preparations for to treat with you , in respect of the familiarity we professe each to other ; and if I could have rendred you thanks sooner for your courtesies , I would not have sav'd the expence of a few ragged lines , so long a time . I have received the Translation of your friend , who doth me more honour then I can deserve . J cannot sufficiently acknowledge the paines that he was pleas'd to take for me , being not ignorant how unpleasing a thing is Dependance . J confesse that it is more than a probable argument of a mans love , to submit himselfe to the fancy of a man that holds no superiority over him . This servitude is irkesome , and so heavy a yoke to good wits , that they have seldome borne it as they should ; and Victorius observes a number of passages of Aristotle , which Cicero did not understand in his translation . And yet to understand an Author aright is not all : things rendred in another language , must retaine the same degree of goodnesse , ( if it be possible ) as was in the Originall : the strong must not be enfeebled , nor the well attired be devested or clad in raggs , nor those that are well mounted be unhorsed , and made to serve on foot . Most Interpreters ( indeed ) deale with books in that manner , and doe violate the lawes of sacred hospitality , towards the Persons of the noblest strangers that they meet with . Commonly they write French after the Latine mode , and Latine after the French ; & J have seen more Authors stript and excoriated , than Authors translated . Jt is by your good favour , that J am not of the number of those Martyrs ; but on the contrary , your Friend hath done me many courtesies which J needed , and furnisht me with a thousand ornaments which J had not of my owne . J am very much obliged unto him in this behalfe , and J owe you also much thanks , for the regard you shew'd to my counsailes , preferring them before your first inclinations . Accomplish Sir , that which you have begun , and let us see a Senator worthy the ancient Republicke , and the age of genuine and legitimate Romans . Jn our time , men doe beare a great opinion of their eloquence : and a certaine Author ( whose name J have forgot ) talkes of the purple of their language , as well as of that of their gownes . I doubt not but you will adorne them : both with the one and the other livery ; And that you will make the driest thornes of thir pettifogging Dialect , look fresh and flourishing againe , if you will take the paines to dresse and manure them . Monsieur Chapelaine followes my counsaile , and thanks me in all his Letters for the friendship contracted between you . Preserve Sir for me that good which I doe for others , and think me not unworthy of it , since that I am withall my soule

Sir . Your &c. Balzac . 4. Nov. 1636.
LET. XII . To Monsieur BAUDOIN . Sir ,

I Received the alarme of your sicknesse : but your Letter did soone settle and compose my mind ; if it be as you write , but an attachment without griefe , J believe that J am not bound to keep much adoe in bemoaning you ; this necessary rest and residence is good for something : it doth ( at least ) priviledge a Philosopher from performing a thousand petty offices , which doe distract a Contemplative life , & which a Civill life doth seem to exact from him , that hath the free use of his leggs . So that in the state that you are in , you doe oblige the Publick in despight of you ; and doubt not , but diverse Nations doe blesse your Goute , that is the cause of your leasure ; since that indeed it doth not handle you rudely , and that I doe ( as others ) reape much profit thereby ; I know not whether I ought to call it good or bad , except my own interest should be more considerable , then the liberty of my Friend . Hereupon , J shall consult with my Morall Philosophy , upon that part which treateth of Duties , which you ( I am sure ) will not have call'd Offices . You shall understand Sir , in the meane while , that I have received the second impression of my Letters , and that my eyes are not so bad , but that I could espie at the first glance , that which they owe unto your care . I should be uncivill ( not to say unknowing ) if I did not render you thanks for this favour , and if that my book ( having received better order and Oeconomy by your hands ) J did not confesse that it is you that did bestow upon 't it s last graces . We must confesse that you are an admirable Chymick to refine that which is grosse and drossy in my writings ; and that you are a great exterminator of our superfluous characters . But J should have been yet more deeply ingaged unto you , if that you had throughly plaid the Aristarchus , and with that hatchet which is so formidable to SS s , which you deem unusefull , you had hewne off my other faults , as well as that of Orthography . This shall be reserved for another time , and for a work of greater consequence , whereof you shall be the Iudge , upon condition Sir , that you shew no pitty or favour in your censures , and that my stile undergoe all the rigor of your lawes , as long as my person be had in consideration , and that J be still

Your &c. Balzac . 25. Oct. 1636.
LET. XIII . To Monsieur de COIGNET Gentleman in Ordinary to the most Illustrious Queene of great Britaine . Sir ,

I Was much discontented that J parted from Paris , without having the honour to bid you Adieu : But it is very difficult to live regularly amidst such confusions , and to be punctuall in a time when all things are out of order . I thought I had done much , that I had not forgot my selfe , being in the place where I was ; and that I did put six score leagues of land between Me and Iohn de Werth . Being able to make but a sorry souldier , I thought that no body had any thing to say to me in Picardy , and that the Kings Army , would not be the lesse compleat for my absence . Loe now Sir , J am arriv'd here , this side of the Loire , busy in fortifying , as well as J may , my village with Philosophy ; and intrenching my selfe against the Enimies with good books . If the tempests which threaten the Frontiers of Bayon arrive at us , we must think of another way of safety , and resolve ( in any case ) to passe the Sea , and goe and dwell in that Region of Peace , and that happy climate where your divine Princesse reigns . But the good conduct and leading of the King her Brother , and the good Fate of France forbid us to harbour any thoughts of despaire ; and the opinions of Sages , that expect a calme and serenity after a storme , are farre different from the Dialect of the vulgar , that think that all stormes are everlasting . It shall be then a visite of complement ( in despight of Iohn de Werth ) that J shall performe , and not a voyage of necessity which J must make ; and I hope my words shall finde no evasion , and that I shall tell you in London that which I say here , that I am entirely

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 20. Sep. 1636.
LET. XIV . To Madam DESLOGES . Madam ,

TAke it not amisse , that I doe much rejoyce at your removall from Paris , since that thereby I doe regaine the glorious beatitude of your neighbour-hood , and that I am now but fifteen leagues distant from Virtue retired : Monsieur d'Auvila did confirme this newes , whereof I had otherwise an intimation formerly ; and he hath farther assured me ( Madam ) of the good successe of your journey , and of your victory in the Chamber of the Edict . Since the guerdon of this conquest lyeth in Aunix , I beleeve it will repent you to have offended the Angoulmois some five years agone . J say it is some pleasure to me to think that you will not digresse anymore out of the roade in contempt of us ; and now shortly will be the time when you will dignify those men with your presence , which doe so passionatly desire to see you . J am not so presumptuous as to alleadge here my own wishes . But me thinks ( Madam ) that the Duke of Rochefoucaut deserves one of your stages ; and if it be so , I have reason to hope to be happy in some houres of the two or three daies , which you cannot deny to afford Him . J was about to send to you — to learne some newes of you : But this excellent Bearer , hath promised me to relate some at his returne ; and you need not be troubled , in that he did forbeare that crude Oration that was provided for you . This is a man ( Madame ) in whose mouth are Temples and Altars erected for you , and who adores you in every word he speaks ; He hath no vulgar conceit of your virtues , and he being also a man of parts , is worthy of that regard you beare to him . I hope he will love me a litle for love of you , and that you will doe so likewise ; and adde this favour to the infinite number that I owe you , and which oblige me to bee more then any man in the world ,

Madam Your &c. Balzac . 7. Oct. 1636.

J send you ( Madam ) the complement which you desire to see ; It was sent ere this , but was not received , because my packet was lost . Since that time , J have never thought of it ; but your curiosity finds out things that are lost , and J am so good a Courtier , that none should have seen it besides your selfe .

LET. XV. To my Lord Keeper of the Seales Seguier , since Chancellor of France . My Lord ,

IF I had not been advertis'd that it was my bounden duty to write unto you , J should not have thought it needfull so to doe . And though J have ruminated as much as any other , upon the choice that the King hath made of your person , I considered it , as one of the felicities of his reigne , and as a generall influence of favour upon all the world . Calling to mind the definition of Aristotle , that calls Justice the good of another , I thought it not so congruous to congratulate with him that must be the Guardian of the lawes , touching a preferment that will put him to a perpetuall care and vigilance . But rather to partake in silence of the common felicity of those people that shall wholly rely upon his watchfulnesse . But my Lord , since custome commands it , and that congratulations from the remotest parts of the Kingdome doe poast towards you , J should be thought unwotthy of that ranke which J hold among your humble servants , if I did not sequester my selfe from the Crowde to deliver you ( apart ) some testimony of my joy , and to make you see , that in places of silence & solitude there be not wanting acclamations for you and affections for the Countrey . I shall therefore make bold to tell you that the joy which seiseth me at this time , is mingled with a kinde of vanitie ; and having accompanied you with my thoughts and eies even unto the place of your Advancement , I doe imagine I have ( in some sort ) conducted you , whether the judgement of the Prince hath advanced you . Wherefore my Lord in your Promotion , I doe rejoyce for the good successe of my Imagination , & take no small pleasure to see my own Divinations verified . Certainly it is a matter of delight to see a Vertue so laborious & active as yours , brought into the most wide and spacious Carreere that Fortune could make choice of ; and this is a spectacle worthie the sight of Heaven , and of the blessed soule of the late Cato of your race . The importance is , my Lord , that you begin in a very good season , for to continue long ; and that you are in the verdure & vigor of your age for to uphold the crazy & decrepit weaknesse of our State . In this Elevation both of Merit and Dignitie , each man will be your Adorer & Votary : But you will give me leave to assure you that none will approach unto you with a purer & more dis-interessed Devotion then mine , and that I am without much pompe and flourish , yet in much sincerity

My Lord , Your &c. Balzac . 1. April 1636.
LET. XVI . To Monsieur de Morins , Counsellour of the King in the Court of the Edict , at Agen. My Lord ,

YOu are noble enough to love a man without any merits , but I were too loose and forlorne if I were so loved , and yet had no sense or regard of it ; and yet you have some cause to call me by that bad title ; and if Monsieur Girard hath not had a care of his friend's reputation , all circumstances condemne me . It is true that my fault was but the omission of a Complement , which had slipt out of my memory ; & yet I avow to you , that this omission is such a sin that hath ( a long time ) burdened my conscience , and causeth such gripes and remorse Sir , that except the same goodnes that hath shewed me favour doe grant me a pardon , I cannot make attonement with my selfe . But I am apt to believe that for the appeasing of my thoughts you will not runne the hazard of your former benefits , and that you will by your perseverance adde to my obligations . Knowing this moreover , that you are a right Honest man ; I must necessarily conclude that you are no Formalist or a man of Ceremonie , and that you doe not tye your selfe to those petty observances & Rites which make the friendship of this Age more perplext and difficult then sincere . If Yours may be gain'd or merited by a true and perfect valuation of your worth , I will not be an unfaithfull Depositary , beseeching you to believe that I am alreadie as much as any man in the world

Sir , Your &c. Balzac Feb. 20. 1636.
LET. XVII . To Monsieur de-Vaugelas Gentleman in Ordinary to Monsieur the Kings onely Brother . Sir ,

I Did read my own thoughts in your Letter ; I subscribe unto all that you have writ unto me , & confesse that in the Elogie of Monsieur Arnold the Abbat , you doe ( indeed ) but give your friend his due , & lend him never a graine . This is ( in truth ) a most accomplish't man , & who at the age of 22 yeares , was reputed wise even by the Italians , that lately thought wisdome was their own free-hold . He hath with his great knowledge mingled much goodnesse : the sharpnesse of his understanding is tempered and allaied by the sweetnesse of his behaviour , and his modestie doth represse and conceale much of his abilities . He never pardons himself , though he doth beare with all humane infirmities in others ; and that Piety which he doth practise , gives respect unto all , but strikes a terror in none . Loe Sir , the testimonie which I adde unto yours : which I would bestow upon an enimie that deserv'd it , but would not upon a friend that wanted merit . His knowledge is attended on by other vertues , and it hath furnisht him with excellent moralitie : for without this , it should be solitarie and of litle use . I tell you nothing of the late experiment I have found of it in your Letter which he wrote unto you : Besides that my best language would be farre below my apprehension of if ; I know withall too well the power of his Rhetorick to contest with it ; since he hath got so many advantages over me , he must needs have that of civility and complements too ; and my silence must not be accounted any more the effect of modesty but of the Eloquence of his Letter . I send it you back because you would have it so , and because you may make some use of it in your Cabinet ; but I shall reserve a coppy of it under your favour , that it may afford some comfort & reliefe to my discontents . I have seen the siedge of Tyre , the Death of Darius , the Voiage of the Jndians , and I have read them with wonder . All these seem to me so good French and so naturall , that it is impossible to pick out any line there , that doth savour of , or shew any affinitie with Latine , or wherein the originall Author hath any advantage above the second . What would you have more Sir , or what sentence can you crave of me ? I have but one word to adde in commendation of your Travels . The Alexander of Philip was invincible , & that of Vaugelas is inimitable . It is that ( to say no more ) that will deserve the affection of your incomparable Marchionesse , and the faire Beavy or Troope that doe often assemble at her House . Monsieur — calls Her a choice and resplendent Court , and the great World refined , and reformed : and saith , that there is no Tribunall so soveraigne that we may not appeale from , unto the Mansion of Ramboûillet . Since I cannot know what kind of work it is that my Stationer shall give you , untill this divine Romane Dame shall passe her censure upon it ; I dare not as yet , declare my selfe for a Book which I must not acknowledge , although I have composed it . It sufficeth to tell you , that I had an ayme to speake French , and to write some Letters which should not put Her to the trouble of deciphering . I did heartily desire that my Designe might take effect ; and I should believe I had not gain'd a litle , by the commerce of many yeares , if what you shall presente her with , in my name , may entertaine her thoughts for a few houres ; the noblest labours of the understanding cannot aspire to a higher blisse than that ; Philosophy her selfe should betray too much presumption to think to take them up wholly and imploy them ; shee cannot claime to be any more than her diversion and by-thought . I shall be very well contented Sir , if I might serve for that purpose handsomely ; & I should boast , after this , that I were ( though in my absence ) very good company . That timorousnesse that did ever possesse me that I could not be so , any other way , and the feare of troubling the serenitie of another mans visage by the sullen cloudinesse of mine , have made me to refrain from all Feasts and Assemblies , and hindred me from bringing heavy looks to those places which I esteeme sacred , & before those eyes which I doe revere . So that it is a pure reverence in me , that I abstaine from acceptable and delightfull conversation , and from the pleasures of those Cabinets that appertaine to them only that be happier than I. And I doe choose rather to adore a farre off with awfull regard , than be importunately , and saucily familiar . I leave it to you to excuse and justifie this timorousnesse which proceeds from respect , not from a Stoicall ferocity . And you will doe me a favour , if that while you represente the best part of your friend , you wil take the paines to excuse the worst . Whereunto , J doe earnestly conjure you , and to believe firmly , that I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 26. Feb. 1636.
LET. XVIII . To Monsieur de la Motte-Aigron . Sir ,

THe Jndian Canes which you sent me were pretty , but you have so embellisht them at Rochell , that I doubt me they are not for my turne . They are not made for a private mans use : They are Emblemes of soveraigne command ; & a bolder Orator then I , would render you thanks rather for your Scepters then your Canes . By what name soever we call them , they are the more precious to me because they came from You , more then for any other consideration ; and though you have not made me rich , yet you have made me very glorious . It is a Maxime in Aristotle that Ambition is no more satisfied with benefits received , then Covetousnesse . But me thinks , he should have added , when it receives from him , from whom it desired to receive : For all sorts of Benefactors doe not farre oblige those that are ambitious of the better sort only . For my part , I should believe that the Presents of Monsieur — would pollute me , & I would be as much asham'd of his favours as I glory in yours . In truth Sir , I have quitted the Countrey & am come purposely to the Towne to shew them . With them , I doe sustaine my old age with credit , and look as trimme as upon solemne daies of Ceremonie . They serve me both for to support and to adorne ▪ for moveables of necessity , and ostentation too . But the worst is , that I have nothing here for to requite so rare a Presente , but the shape and lineaments of a vulgar man , and the sad representation of my own visage . As it were very unjust that I should pretend to beauty : so it is a very solecisme that Philarchus calls me a Narcissus . But there are alwaies foolish passions , and idle curiosities in the world . My friends at Paris would needs urge me to have my Picture drawn , and I to give them contentment , did yeeld my selfe for one halfe-houre to be transcrib'd , & granted them this meager delight . Some Coppies were sent me : one whereof I bestow upon You , supposing that it will not scare you ; & knowing that Affection is a better flatterer yet , than the Painter . This is it that will beare false witnesse for me to prove me faire , and which will allow me a place in the Classe of your Illustrious men . Such a place in your Cabinet , is indeed a high advancement , and which I cannot obtaine but by meere favour ; But that which you have given me in your heart is no lesse precious to me , and I thinke I have good right to the possession , since I am really

Sir , Your &c. Angoulesme 15. Ian. 1637.
LET. XIX . To Monsieur de BORSTELL . Sir ,

I Durst not undertake the great and hazardous voyage , which I did impose upon my selfe some foure years past , without taking leave from our noble Lady . J have therefore sent unto her to beg it , by the man that shall deliver you this Letter ; & that shall bring me back ( if you please ) some directions for my journey , which I beg of you . Being provided of such ammunition , I shall not feare the rigor of February , nor the unconstancy of March , nor the inundations of the Loire , nor the waies of Beausse . I am sure to arrive happily at Paris : where Sir , if you have any busines , J can furnish you with a Sollicitor , who ( though but a sorry one ) is very ambitious to doe you service . Alte non temo , & humili nonsdegno : I neither feare the high nor disdaine the low . You cannot think of any imployment that shall not be very welcome to me ; and though I love sloath and make a profession of Idlenesse , yet I will change my inclination , and of a sedentary man become a Currier ; Except this , I am commonly desirous of privacy , and never bring into the Assemblyes of men but my eyes , and my testimony . There must be Spectators at such times as well as Poets and Actors ; and some that must doe nothing for the interest and honour of those that act . But to the purpose , Sir ; what are become of your Actors of the Low-countreyes . I doe verily think that there is no more Holland in the world , and that the sea hath drowned the famousest part of the Earth . There was never such a dearth of newes ; And the Carthusian Monks doe not meditate with more silence , than they doe wage warre in that Countrey . Jf you are more learned than the Gazettes , J pray impart your knowledge by this Bearer , who hath a chardge to give you an account of many things , and will acquaint you particularly how farre I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac : 18. Feb. 1636.
LET. XX. To Monsieur — the Chiefe Advocate . Sir ,

I Am impatient untill I can hear of the estate of your health , and learne by the returne of my Lacquay , whether your legges be better then they were wont . It is no wonder if they bend under the burden of so many brave things which they sustaine ; and being to carry the counsailes of a whole Province , if they be somewhat incommodated with such a weight . Yet I doe hope well of the wholesomnesse of that Aire which you breath ; and that , being out of the reach of that malignant Iupiter , ( that noisome mildew , J would have said ) which over-runnes the hilles of Angoulesme , you will have the leasure to travell to your breaches , and fortify your selfe against winter . This is a neighbour that doth threaten us upon the Frontiers , and if I can , I will fly from him , as far as Africk . But this remedy is something too farre . Without undertaking so great a voyage , we will endeavour to make resistance as well as we may ; and I am already resolv'd to use all humane industry , to barricadoe my chamber , and to block up all approaches towards it . If I can maintaine it bravely against so terrible an Enimy ; I shall account my selfe no mean Engineer , and shall think my Sconces and Fortifications as regular as those of the Hollanders . After this , this shall be , if you please , the Campe of our riotous discourses and extravagances ; of our peacefull disputations , and all other exercises that an honest man may performe in a chaire ; I doe therefore designe you for it about mid-November , and remaine

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 18. Oct. 1636.
LET. XXI . To Monsieur De MAURY . Sir ,

YOu have sent me a Presente which was extreamly deare and welcome to me , and which J must highly prize , both for the manner of sending , and the matter sent ; the Affliction which you paint out and emblazon , is so Christian , that all the Ioy in the world is not able to countervaile it ; and you complaine in such a learned forme , that we must forbid men to comfort you , least you should cease complaining . J am , you know , but a simple French Doctor ; yet J doe now and then , make excursion into the Latine Countrey , and take a view of the Frontiers . But this is too litle for to know the just valew of your Muse , and to give you the commendation that you deserve . You have an ancient Roman neere you , that can distinguish between the Native , and the Forrainer ; and makes it Religion to confound the modesty of the age of Augustus , with the intemperance of succeeding times . He hath a smack of the primitive Poetry , which the Spaniards had not yet vitiated , and made immodest ; and of that pure Latine , which the Declamators had not yet corrupted with nice subtilities . He it is , that can give you ample and just commendation , & can make a just estimate of the riches of your stile : For my part , J can but testify unto you my deep apprehension of your courtesies in this behalfe , and assure you that J will be while I live

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 23. Oct. 1636.
LET. XXII . To Monsieur De MONDORY . Sir ,

YOur Letter was to me an old novelty , and J received it but in the begining of December , though it had been at my house since August : To unfold this ridle , J must tell you , I am newly return'd from a long voyage , and that I found your Letter here at my arrivall . You may believe , that the name of a man that is deare unto me , did , at first encounter of my eye affect me with joy ; and that it is no small satisfaction and contentment to me , to see that I hold a place in a memory , that is so occupied and fully fraught as yours . This is to lye downe among a bed of Roses , when I lye among so many brave Poems , and rare discourses which you containe , is a walking Library . And if it be lawfull to tell out the rest ; to be the friend of Monsieur de Mondory , is to be a Favorite of a thousand Kings ; for indeed you doe so lively represent unto us the majesty and magnificence of former ages , that we must confesse that your representations , are the glorious Resurrections of those Princes , which you doe personate . And things being thus , take it not amisse that in my answere I must contradict you . You cannot compare the bonnet of Herod with that of Mons. the Advocate — without doing some injury to Royall dignity , and avileing their Purple and Diamonds ; without doing your selfe a bad office , in lessening , and obscuring in me thereby ( if you could ) the great Idea which I conceiv'd of you , the day that I saw you with that Bonnet . But you may be pleased to humble your selfe ; you cannot deface or blotte out of my memory that first impression and Image of majesty which you there left ; and J cannot figure you in my thoughts , but with a commanding accent , and the eloquence of a Master , farre transcending that inferior Rhetorick , which works but by intreaties and remonstrances . Yet J speak not this , as though J would alwaies consider you under the name and shape of another ; or that I beleeve , if that you should quit the Theater , you would be out of all imployment in the world . The Letter which you were pleas'd to write unto me , doth sufficiently witnesse , that Eloquence is your naturall endowment , and that without borrowing from any , you can traffick in very good things of your own . Suspect not then that I should recant to your prejudice , after this new occasion of extolling you . On the contrary , J am ready ( if need be ) to adde something to my former testimony . I have many reasons to respect you , and J think I may doe it with the license of our severest Schooles . Since that having reform'd the stage , and purg'd it from all obscenity , you may glory in this , that you have reconcild Comedy with — Pleasure with Virtue . And though for my part I stand in need of recreations , yet since I desire not to enjoy but those that are cleanly and which doe not violate honesty , I doe ( with the common voice ) give you thanks for the care you have taken , to provide fit remedies , and Antidotes against Melancholy , and other untoward passions . But farther , calling to mind that you proposed my contentation sometimes , for the end of your action , and that you aimed oftentimes at me alone , I were ungratefull if I did not confesse that I am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac 15. Dec. 1636.
LET. XXIII . To Monsieur LE. GVAY . Sir ,

YOu had an intention to performe an act of Humility , when you did dedicate your Poem to me ; for to expect protection from a man that is not reckoned of the world , and light from a name so obscure as mine , you could not ( sure ) forget your selfe in this sort . The same virtue which obligeth the Saints to acknowledge Superiors where ever there are men , hath carried you to this depth of lowlinesse , and you have chosen an unhappy man , for to bestow honour upon , that you might loose that , which you would faine bestow . I must confesse , that no man ever commended his neighbour more Christian-like , and doth more decline the trade of those Mercenaries , who sell their testimonies and credit to any , that have wherewith to requite them . These are Hucksters of Poetry and Rhetorick ; that prostitute to the first commers , even those whom you stile the Kindred of the Gods & Daughters of Iupiter ; and make Pegasus a very hackney of commendation , ( as I may so say ) for all the world . You have a heart of a farre better mould then theirs ; and though men consider not as they ought , the graces ces and elegancies of your Muse , we must notwithstanding infinitely commend their noblenesse and generosity . I confesse for my part , that J am a debtor to them as farre as any , and that J know not how to requite in any measure , the favours that I have received from them . Yet notwithstanding , J forbeare not to loade my Porter with a pretty grosse ▪ bundle ; not pretending thus to acquit my selfe , or thinking that I am hereby lesse then before

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 1. April 1636.
LET. XXIV . To Monsieur De SILHON , Musqueteer of the Kings Company . Sir ,

HAving your person in great admiration , I cannot misprize or undervalue your friendship . The faire tokens whereof , which I have receav'd in the Letter , that you were pleas'd to write unto me , have obliged me so farre , that I confesse that I owe you already that which you are pleas'd now to promise me . I will tell you but this , that if Princes could bestow health and vertue , I should be a more sedulous Courtier then I am , and should stand in more neede of your testimony and the recommendation of your friend . But truly in the case that I am , my desires are so feeble , and my passions so cold and languid , that I could hardly bee perswaded to take up a Crosier , if I found it on the earth . Though Philosophy doth not teach , that wee must seeke for happinesse out of the wheeling Orbe of the Court ; my owne lazinesse would cause me to apprehend it as a fortune , under whose weight J should perpetually groane and not a place of any ease ; and J doe lesse esteeme of a place of Government that might cumber me , then a field of liberty that may solace me . Jf you goe any time into Gascony , and doe me the honour to take my house in the way , you will verify what J say to you ; and avouch , that if J were as well cured of all maladies as that of Ambition , I had not many wishes to commence . Jt is true that some company ( like that of Monsieur your Brother ) is wanting unto me ; and if this were added to my Hermitage , J durst contend with Jupiter for happinesse . This is a speech of Epicurus which Seneca doth alleadge , but which I doe mean to apply better then it was by the Author ; since Bread and Beare ( which this Philosopher made the two Elements of soveraigne Good ) are not so rare or so good , as those excellent Instructions and perfect honesty , which I should finde and injoy in the person of my friend . I doe charge you to assure him , that I doe ever honour and esteeme him infinitely , and for your particular , you may believe , that you cannot affect a man that could be more sincerely then I am ,

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 19. Dec. 1635.
LET. XXV . To Monsieur De la Fosse . Sir ,

YOu judge too seriously of my Recreations & beare too high an opinion of my Essayes . It is no Roman Cittizen that you thus respect , it is a Barbarian disguised . I haue drawn some rude lineaments and mishapen figures , and you would allow them for just works and exact Pieces . Your Eloquence herein doth favour me , but alters me not a whit . You are powerfull in language , but I am hard of perswasion ; and I have learnt from a mous Author , that to give things honourable appellations doth cost us nothing : And I see well that Illustrious & Excellent which you grace me with , doe signifie ( except by way of Civility ) but things vulgar and meane . It is true Sir , that J doe adventure sometimes to coppy out good Originalls . J have an eye as much as possibly I may , to ancient examples , and I doe scarce seek them beyond Terence or this side Livy . But these are but idle Speculations ( perhaps ) and impotent desires which leave an infinite space betweene my abilities and my Idea ; if it be so , as I feare it is , Monsieur de Priesac doth heedfully observe this distance & pittieth in his soule the vaine attempts & rashnesse of my pen . Yet he is so good & loveing , that he will not , I should learn this distastfull truth from him ; and loves rather to commend a fault , then discover it , in a man that is deare to him . He hath written such polite things to me , and in such abundance , that I dare not send forth any replie after his answer , least I should be undone by so unequall a comparison . I must not attempt this great Designe , for the successe thereof must needs be unlucky , though I should make use of Auxiliaries and demand succours of all the Latinists of our Province . You shall tell him then , if you please , that I doe acknowledge the advantage his style hath over mine , and I think it no disparagement that I must still owe him what I shall never be able to pay him . You are kind enough yet Sir , to assure Monsieur Habert the Abbat , & Monsieur de la Chamber , of the constancie of my service ; and how impatient I am , that the world doth not yet know , in what regard J hold their vertues . It sufficeth me that they accept and allow of my affection , and that they testifie it unto you with a nod . For to desire Letters & not tickets from them , were to be ignorant of the present condition of their life , and the homage that they performe to our Monarch , who best deserves it . J have received some Verses from Monsieur D' Espesses , and you send me some more of other mens , together with a Letter , which my Servant left to grow stale upon the Table in my chamber . You will doe me the favour as to deliver him my Packet , & readily take so much paines for my sake : who will account my selfe happy to be made your Agent in these parts , and be able to expresse that none is more intirely

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 3. Ian. 1637.
LET. XXVI . To Monsieur D' Espesses Counsellour of the King in his Counsaile of State . Sir ,

YOU make me ( truely ) to languish , & it is more then foure months , since J have expected our Translation : J call it ours , because you made it in my Chamber , and on my paper ; and J might call it mine too , by a rule in the Law , which doth adjudge the surface to goe along with the profunditie ; but that J remembred the exception of the Emperour which he adds in favour of excellent Artizans . Nobis contrà videtur , meliùs esse Tabulam ▪ cedere Picturae : Ridiculum enim est picturam Apelli● vel Parrhasií in accessionem vilissimae picturae cedere . We must not urge a man that is intent upon more important affaires . Yet when your leasure serves , be pleas'd to perfect that same Translation , & try if our language can expresse Terence in that noblenesse of style , and the Character of Scipio and Laelius , which the Roman Nation observe to be in it . Jn the meane time Sir , to have the more colour to demand of you , I send you here a small gift ; some Verses which I received lately from one of my friends in England , who doth chardge the Muses of the Low-Countreyes with the making . You are in some sort interessed in 't , seeing they question the credit & trueth of an Author who among you , is cryed for Indubitable ; and seeme to thwart your judgement of him , as concerning the certainty of his Testimonie . But ( in good sooth ) the Flemmings have reason to require such a scrupulous and punctuall truth in our newes : They who are the most fabulous Historians of this Age , and for the most part , truck away nothing but Apocryphall Relations . By changing the proper names only in their Verses , we might retort all their Sarcasmes upon them-selves ; wee could speake truely of their Gazet , what they have falsely written of ours ; and tell them farther , that that which they deride so , is well esteem'd all over by the most ingenious Nation of the world ; It is certaine that the fine wits of Rome doe admire the acutenesse and apposite expressions therein ; and Monsieur the Abbat of — upon his return from Italy did assure me , that it was pronounc'd in the Academy of the Humorists , that each section of the Parisian Gazet was worth a Chapter in Florus , or Valerius Maximus . They are Sir , as you know , Epigrams in prose : and the determination of so famous a Tribunall , is a sufficient Countermure against the assaults of this new Poem . I would desire you to impart it to Monsieur Gaulmim , and some other grave Judges of Latin learning . That we may know the gust of your great world , and what we are to believe in the Provinces . The Description of the Bureau d' Adresse , The Custome House in Paris . Lib. 12. M●ta . seemes to me to have been drawn upon the plaine , or modell , of that Palace which Ovid hath erected to Fame . But you will make us upon this , & all the rest most large and learned Observations ; and I doe promise my selfe to receive from you at once , both a Translation and a Commentary . I am perfectly

Sir Your , &c. Balzac . 25. Nov. 1636.
LET. XXVII . To the same . Sir ,

Since I wrote my Letter , it comes to my head that for a Counter-cuffe to the Gazeta Parisiensis , we might send to the Low-Countrey-men , Historia Hispana , and fill it with Comicall sport enough . First we must make it to be the incestuous Off-spring of the Giants , begotten upon their own sister Fame , for the high and mighty lies wherewith it doth abuse the credulity of the simple ; and ( in truth ) the naturall pride of that Nation which appeares , even in the wandring Begger in extreamest misery ; and those Rhodomontades which to them are so proper and usuall , that their very complements reteine a smack of them , are worthy of so Illustrious an Extraction , and to descend in a direct Line from Enceladus and Mimas , and Briareus . This premis'd Sir , and enricht with your art , I would have this monstrous Issue gaine upon the beleefe of the Jndians & the Cockneyes of Europe , that the beginning of the universall Monarchy promised to Spaine will betide just the next yeare , which is the climactericall yeare of all other States ; that God's will is , that there should bee but one Monarch upon earth ; & that the Pope himself for his better accommodation , doth mean to resigne Rome to him , & exchange it for the Arch-Bishoprick of Toledo . That the Battle where the King of Sueden was slaine , was the last sigh of dying liberty ; that this Prince was no such thing as we took him to be ; and for those atchievements of his , which we entertain'd with such wonder , nothing was performed without the help of Magick , by vertue only of some charmes , & characters , and the assistance of the Powers of Hell , which at last were found too weak against the House of Austria . That to the end that second causes and humane meanes might concurre with the Designe of Providence , forreine affaires doe seeme to comply of them-selves to this great change . That the King of England is not so brave , but that he would be contented to be a Feudatary of the King of Spaine ; and if it goes to the worst , that there will not be wanting some Gun-powdermen to make him caper in the ayre with his whole Realme . That the cinders of the Holy-League , and the remainder of the Huguenot Party begin to flame a new in France by the bellowes and Libells of St Germains ; that they have bargain'd with some secret Engineers , who have undertaken to fortify Rochell in one night . That Duke Charles must be revenged upon Nancy , and that he doth hold Paris already in extremity ; that if there be not a Spanish Garrison already in Turin and Casall , there will be one , when it shall seeme good to his Catholike Maiesty , and when the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua , shall be received into his favour . That he will none of Venice or Amsterdam , because that an Illuminatée of Madrid , and a Sybille of Naples have assured him that the Sea will one day swallow up these two great Citties ; and the losse of his Spaniards that should be their Commanders , would be a cause of great griefe unto him . That he had long since chastis'd the Rebells of Holland , if some considerations of state had not hindred him from it . But let him preserve that land of contradiction , for a Fencing-schoole for his owne Subjects , to keep them from idlenesse , and to breathe them by continuall exercise . That for the rest , if the world will not be so easily conquered , hee hath in his coffers wherewith to buy it . And hereabouts , this Daughter of Fame and Enceladus her Brother , must raise her tone higher , and out-bid her first figure or number ; shee must with one dash of the pen make more gold , then the Sun can make in a thousand years ; she must make the windes laboure , and force the Ocean to groane under the new Fleet , which according to her computation , must arrive every moneth punctually at Lisbon and Sivill ; she must make a discovery ( if needs be ) of the third Indies , & find out all the hidden mines there ; not those within the Demaines of Anti-Christ excepted , & cause them to be guarded by those evill Spirits , which S. Augustin cals ( for this reason ) Incubones Thesaurorum , &c. Behold Sir , a rude draught of a work which expects from you its consummation and perfection , which you might soone finish , if your Poeticall fancy should once seize you . Here is matter ( you see ) for an excellent Irony , and wherewith to continue it to a hundred verses and more , though the Comoedy did affect you ne're so litle , especially when you shall adde forme and fashion to the stuffe which I presente you with , who am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 27. Nov. 1637.
LET. XXVIII . To Monsieur de Couurelles . Sir ,

I Cannot write unto you but tumultuarily ▪ my hands and head are so full of businesse , that being to take a journey to Paris , I am bound to bid farwell to the Clergy , the Nobility , and the Commons . It is now foure yeares that I have deliberated upon this voyage , and being at last resolv'd , I am like by your favour to be better accompanied then I did expect , Comes facundus in via , &c. I think I may give this attribute to your Book , after the Elogy which you vouchsafe me therein : and if I had not already taken part and declared my selfe for the Author of the Flandrian History ( who is one of my good Lords and friends ) J should have entred blindly into a new faction , which ( as it seems ) you doe abette and patronize ; But Sir , you will not take it amisse that I professe constancy , and that this second Author , hath not wonne my first affection . This evening I shall begin to entertaine him , and to tast of those delicacies whereof you were pleas'd to make an Essay . These will not be painted Cates , I am sure , nor Pageants of good ; no nimble juglings and impostures practis'd upon the eye and imagination , as most part of those things are , that come from that Country . There is no imposture so finely contrived , as to be able to cheat so cautious a judgement as yours . And I will follow you , whether soever you shall please to lead me , ( I mean still to except matters of faith ) and J believe you will not be offended with such an exception , since the lawes of friendship will allow it me , and since I never cease to be most affectionatly

Sir Your &c. Angoulesme March . 8. 1636.
LET. XXIX . To — Sir ,

MY willingnesse to relieve afflicted men , deserves not the thanks which J have reapt thereby . This is a passion which on my part doth but produce fruitlesse desires , and which cannot by you be had in any estimation , but out of a superlative noblenesse in you . In that J have given harbor to a man that was persecuted , J did but that which the Law of Nations required of me , and what I would not have denied to the misfortunes of an — or a Spaniard . If you take this to mind , and become my debtor , you doe assume the interest of all mankind , and acquit the honour of the whole world ; for my part , J am twice rewarded for an act , which J thought was sufficiently rewarded in the doing , and for which I expected neither honor nor acknowledgement . You see Sir , that I am not privy to your secrets , and if you were obliged hereby , it was by an innocent and blindly ignorant man . For the Cavalier , touching whom you aske some newes ; I believe that he hath prevented me , as being unwilling that any other then himselfe should be the Historian of his adventures . He will ( no question ) write unto you , what hath hapned unto him in the Refectory of the — Fathers , and the notable advantages he hath gotten over a Gladiator of the long gowne . J am not troubled a whit that he hath got him some credit in so good a place , and gain'd the reputation of a man of valour . Yet , J must tell you , that his credit is dearer unto me then my own interest ; and that if he have not the mind to dispute , it is not my desire he should turne for my sake . He may be my friend at a cheaper rate ▪ and I can content my selfe with the calmenesse and tranquillity of his passion , not needing that it should break forth and appeare through noise and jangling . Many men ( you know ) never doe a good turne , but that they may have occasion of upbraiding . Poverty is more tolerable then such Creditors ; & there are some Patrons of such harsh dispositions , that I would choose persecution before their succors . Upon our first meeting , I will declare my selfe more particularly to you , and in the mean while , rest

Sir Your &c. Paris May 3. 1631.
LET. XXX . To my Lord the Bishop of ANGOULESME , chiefe Almoner to the Illustrious Queene of great Brittaine . My Lord ,

I Have seen in a Letter that you have written to Monsieur — that my name is not unknown unto you , and that J have some share in your good Graces ; this is a favour which I owe to your courtesy only , and I dare not believe , that my more then small deserts , could have acquir'd me such an inestimable good as that . I cannot justly enjoy it , if you would not admit of that perfect devotion and reverence which J offer you , and which I were bound to pay to your Virtue , though I should never reflect upon your Dignity . You have at first boording , ingaged my observance . It will be ( my Lord ) an incredible contentment unto me , to enjoy that happy entertainment and discourse which you have done me the honour to promise me . And J am confident , that I shall still depart thence a better man , and more learned , though my inclination be never so untoward , and unapt for good purposes , & my memory never so slippery to retain the impression of faire Ideas . But I begin to fear that your Flock should in the mean while languish for you , and that the interests of France , will crosse and oppose themselves against the wishes of our Province . The feare of that was it , that caus'd me to send to England a Book , which I did heartily desire , I could have presented to you there , togither with the Author . He is one of the great Votaries of that great Cardinall Perron your Unkle : He doth celebrate his memory without intermission , and adores his learned Reliques . He doth glory in being his ghostly sonne ; and , you will not ( I am sure ) make any difficulty , to avow this spirituall alliance that is between you and him , being joynd with the condition , that he desires to live in all his lifetime ; which is to be

My Lord , Your &c. Balzac . 20. Dec. 1636.
LET. XXXI . To Monsieur De — Sir ,

I Write unto you with a heart wounded with sorrow , and make my moane to you , for the sinister opinion , that you have conceiv'd of me , upon the first evill report that was suggested to you concerning me . J thought I had given you a sufficient assurance of the smoothnesse and plainnesse of my soule , that you should not have so easily doubted of it , and entertaine a beleefe so injurious to amity , before you had communicated your jealousies to your friends , and made them cleere enough . You know Sir , more then any other , that my passions are not close and reserved , but I carry my soule still in my forehead . When I was not as yet , so farre your servant as now I am , I did not use much Artifice , and dissimulation to perswade the contrary ; and thence you might have deduc'd an infallible conclusion , that if J had chang'd my inclination , J would not have deceived you with new protestations of fidelity . I doe therefore religiously protest unto you , that honouring you with that zeale as I doe , you could not inflict a greater punishment upon me , then the forfeiture of your favours . But moreover , I doe sweare to you by all that is sacred in the world , that I have committed nothing that might deserve such a cruell punishment . After this me thinks you might be confirm'd in the truth , but pardon me if I tell you , you should have been so before ; and that I doe extremely wonder , that a weak and grosse calumny , should quite ruine and deface in your thoughts , the good impressions , which J thought I had left there . J cannot hinder mens mis-constructions of me , or binde Interpreters from doing violence , and putting my words upon the rack , to make them depose things which were farre from my intentions . Sophisters make use of a true proposition to inferre an erroneous conclusion ; and Pettifoggers still cite the Law , to authorise their injustice , & yet none will taxe Truth to be the cause of Error , or Law the mother of injustice . I cannot warrant , but my own thoughts ( which are sound and innocent ) not those of my adversaries , which are full of malice and rancor . J am responsable for the things that J have written , and ready withall to maintaine them . But all the visions and fancies of men are not in my power . Every man can make a nimble and subtle decipherer of another mans intentions . The same picture , according to severall lights and postures , may have severall representations ; and oftentimes there is a great difference between a Text and the Commentaries , the meaning of the Author and the Criticismes of Grammarians . I said that I knew some strange insufferable humors , and no way fit to possesse and sway free-borne men . Therefore I said , that a man , whom J doe infinitely esteeme and honour was of that humor . Loe here Sir , ( not to say halfe of what I think of it ) a conclusion very unworthy a Logician , and which is as farre from common , as from my particular sense . Indeed it was not you , that deduc'd it , yet you should not have entertain'd it at second hand ; and if it did not seeme to you to be palpably false , yet you might have demurr'd a while , and suspected it ; you have done your selfe wrong and me too , in conceiving so bad a thought of your own merit and my fidelity ; in expressing that you have some distrust of your self , who are of no mean value , and but very litle confidence in me , whose freenesse is something worth . I have but litle skill in fallacies , and a mean Jugler may sometimes gaine credit with me ▪ neverthelesse , I should never have been thus surpris'd and deluded , and when you have wrote to me in a dozen Letters at least , that you knew some men that wrote pernicious Books , and maintain'd Hereticall Propositions ▪ I did not yeeld to such an imagination that this did reflect upon me ; and when you sent a Lackey into this Province , I did not forbeare to send you commendations by him . You see that I am stung , and therefore am sensible . If your love were not deare unto me , I could well-enough beare your neglect of me ; and if my zeale to you were not strong , I should endeavour to solace my selfe , after your ill intreating of me . But because I love , I would be requited with love ; and I cannot brook to be taxt with a fault , which I thought did not deserve so much as suspition . Sir , I am upon the point to publish a new Volume of Letters , where there be some which I have written unto you , and others , where I make mention of you , as your virtues did oblige me ; and where will be one also , wherein ( as some would perswade you ) I am injurious to you . How I pray , can all these agree ? can I be both your friend and your foe at once ? can I blow with the same mouth , both hot and cold ? can the literall sence favour you , and the allegoricall injure you ? can I doe you wrong , when J must needs wrong my selfe ? shall I give an occasion of distast by ambiguous termes , where I must make my selfe ridiculous by apparent contradictions ? This was it Sir , that was suggested to your credulity , and which you did not reject at first acquaintance , as J had reason to expect from your good discretion . These were the false surmises which were brought before you , wherein you found more semblance of truth , then in the sincere protestations which J made to you . I cannot conceive ( knowing that you have continued your friendship towards me , and that I too have not lost my reason ) how you could imagine , that I intended in a bravery to disingage you , and by those aukeward spirits which I had knowne , I aim'd directly at you , and might not designe some other as well . J know a great many of the Gascons , and as there be some of them very moderate , so also there be others that are not so . I know some of Provence and Corsica , and J am not ignorant of their naturall gentlenesse ; I know some Spaniards , and I know how agreeable is their Yoake with that which they call Castiga-vellacos .

Lastly you may believe that I have not travel'd blindfold , and I had in vaine conversed with men , if I had not endeavour'd to know them ; and yet in this particular , men would faine make all my acquaintance to be terminated in you , and that I have pardoned a thousand Humorists in the world ( to whom my proposition might be applied ) for to violate you . They surmise , that having an aime to wound some body , I made choice of one of my chiefest friends for my marke ; and that I have murmur'd closely and in darke language , that He is rough and violent , whom J proclaime every where , and with loud accent , so completely wise and noble . I will not cite unto you mean testimonies , for the confirmation of this truth . I can alleadge My Lord , the Duke of — and My Lord the Count of — of whom is here question made . They know both of them , how farre J am your servant , and with what fervency J did maintaine your honour , and interests , on a time when occasion was presented . J am willing to believe that your other friends , might serve you in some steed in some other encounters , but in this here , all the whole company ( J except no man ) was mute . There was not any there , but my selfe that spake strenuously in your behalfe , concerning those things that did reflect upon you ; and the boldnesse of my affection carried me so farre , that the Lords , whom J now nam'd unto you , did give me a publicke testimony , and professed , ( though with a litle disgust ) that I was too good a friend to make a Courtier of I am therefore something aggrieved at this time , to be requited thus with obloquie , where I thought I had deserved thanks ; to have preserv'd my fidelity inviolable towards you , and now to be accused of treachery ; to be the only man in your defence on that occasion , whereof you have cause to boast , and now to be the onely man of whom you complaine . I doe not use to value my services which I performe to my friendes , and I am content to stand up for them manfully , without making unto them an account of my prowesse . Moreover Sir , this betraies griefe , more then presumption , and may bee term'd defending , rather then upbraiding ; These are resentments which accompany innocence that is offended ; and which your facility ( abused by the malice of another ) doth force from my heart against my will . I will not conceale it from you , you have made a deep wound in it , it makes me think in all my dreames of the injustice which I suffer at your hand , & you had utterly lost any friend , that had been lesse firme then my selfe , by putting him to such a hazard . Wherefore Sir , for all the revenge that I desire for the injury which I have received , take it not amisse , that I give you this Advice , that you give lesse credit hereafter to another , and more to your selfe ; that you would be more jealous of those opinions that you have conceived upon your first acquaintance of a businesse , and lesse affected to the rumours of the Citty , which are not grounded upon any solid foundation . You should consider the place from whence these quaint Newes have travelled ; weigh the circumstances of the thing , examin by what spirit the accuser was led thereunto : and not examine His person onely , and passion , and interests , but also the deservings of the party accused , his manner and behaviour of life , and his former actions : suspend your judgement at leastwise , untill time shall give you a more exact and particular information of businesses ; otherwise you shall never want disquiet & vexation , and you should thus but feed upon suspicion and distrust , which are very unwholsome viands . Men must not send you relations of whatsoever an undiscreet friend or some rude sturdy servant , or such and such a neighbour shall report unto — they must have more care of the tranquillity of your minde ; and likewise for your part , you must not sweare unto the testimonies of all the Informers , that have a plot upon your credulity , and take pleasure in the paine and exercise which they put you unto . If you allow an open gate for all tales and suggestions to enter in , they will throng into your house apace , and first come , first heard . To day , they will inform you ( and perhaps with specious colours too ) that your Privado's doe divulge your secrets ; & to morrow that your Domesticks doe rob and rifle you ; and at last that all the world is your enimy , & all private conferences are but conspiracies against you . I conjure you Sir , for your owne peace , not to give so much credit to those things which doe no way concerne Religion , nor to abandon your selfe to those Relators , who pretend to dispell melancholly , when they are fit for nothing but to whisper follies into your eares , and to calumniate with a good grace : make a distinction betwixt the fraudulent Arts of Parasites and the freedome of ingenious men ; betweene those that adore Fortune , and those that regard nothing but Vertue . For my part , I declare freely unto you that if Monsieur the — were rais'd againe , and would commit his omnipotency to your hands , I should not doe that to regaine your favour . what I doe now performe in regard of our friendship . At leastwise I should be more stern & stubborn ( then I am ) in my displeasure , and more obstinate in seeking to you , & lesse sollicitous of the event of my seeking . But I have not yet the skill to complie with the times , and to be still on Fortunes side ; I professe such an austere honesty & goodnes that is not of the present times . I would take a pleasure to be a companion of my friend in exile , and be his fellow-prisoner , I would runne under his Ruine to beare it off , when I could not help him to stand fast & subsist . Your Fortune being so well established as it is , doth not require any such proofe and triall of fidelity . But it is certaine that you cannot desire of me any experiments of love so hazardous , but I would willingly undergoe them with pleasure , for your sake , and testifie unto you that I am ( beyond comparison ) more then all my Informers

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 7. Iune 1633.
LET. XXXII . To Monsieur de Serizay . Sir ,

THere is no way to beare any longer with the contumacy of your silence . I have sent this messenger of purpose to make you speake , and to tell you ( though with some distaste to you ) that you have lost your memory ; & that is no lesse then the third part of your soule . So that there remaine but the Vnderstanding & the Will , wherein I have ( perhaps ) some nook & seat . You have promised me wonders and perform'd just nothing ; you did owe me a visit immediatly after your voyage to Sainctes , and since that , you might have gone to Rome and come backe againe . You see here great cause of discontent ; neverthelesse I am so facile , that if you would but bereave your selfe of the pleasures of the Court for three or foure daies , I would seale you a generall Pardon for all that is past , & account you as honest a man as ever I did before . While I expect this reasonable satisfaction which you cannot deny me , be pleased to acquaint my Lord the Duke of Rochefoucaut that Monsieur de Nantes is extremely troubled , that he cannot receive the honor which he would willingly pay him by comming to visit him in these parts . He expects this morning some tidings from my Lord the Duke of Espernon for to render himselfe where he shall appoint him to finde him ; and I looke upon him as upon a blessing which I expect to loose every moment . If he were not preparing to Masse he would signifie unto him his discontents himselfe , and the earnest desire he hath to make his Sonne one of the Luminaries of our Church . He finds the businesse so farre advanced , that there will be no great difficultie to effect the rest , and that his Extraction is so happy , that a litle cultivation will produce rare & excellent fruits . Doe me the favour as to deliver to Monsieur his eldest Sonne the Panegyricke fram'd for the King of Sueden , together with the Letter which I wrote the last summer to poore — . This is not to recommend unto him the memory of her : I know that She is infinitely deare unto him : nor to put him into any affright ; for men of his sort doe apprehend nothing but dishonour . I desire onely that hee should see that my poore judgement doth sometimes jump with good understandings , and that J had the honour to be his Rivall in one passion that he hath harbour'd . If you doe not send me by my Man the Discourse of — garnished with Notes and Commentaries , I shall have a new cause of quarrell ; and doe not you thinke that I betake my selfe to Monsieur — for them , this is an Oracle ( indeed ) that is alwaies ready to answer , but I feare me , that you have not alwaies devotion enough to consult with him . Adieu Sir , I am absolutely

Balzac : 30. May. 1633. Your &c.
LET. XXXIII . To Monsieur Habert , Abbat of Cerizy . Sir ,

I Beleeve that you will not be offended with a petition that this Bearer shall commence unto you in my behalfe . Your goodnesse carrieth you so farre as to love your Persecutors ; and you have entertain'd so favourably my first importunities that I stand not now in feare of making motions . If you had given me the repulse at first , you had taught me the Vertue of discretion , & provided better for your own quietnesse . But the force of example is dangerous : the evill doth suddainly insinuate & grow familiar , and treads oft that way , which it was wont to measure . So that I think that I have now some colour of justice to torment you ; and it is habituall unto me to abuse a thing , when I have not found difficulty enough to make me use it with moderation . I shall continue Sir , an importunate Begger till you forget to bee generous : and doe not doubt , but I knowe how to make use of a good so diffusive , and beneficiall , as is your Amity . You shall travell to day for the good of my estate , because there is a Councell ; and to morrow for the good of my soule , because there is a Sermon ; that I may acknowledge you my friend , for my spirituall as well as temporall good , and that you may receive my thanks , both in this and the other world . That which you are to pronounce with gracefulnesse of Action , & cannot well be communicated in writing , hath notwithstanding already given me infinite delight upon paper . I have never seen our Mysteries illustrated with so much light of eloquence , nor Reason so successefully imployed in the service of Faith , nor Christian Morality better season'd , to make it relish well in profane palates . But in this particular , J would faine be lesse beholding to you , that J might have the more freedome , and be able to assure you ( without any supposition of engagement , or signe of acknowledgement ) that I admire all your Muses universally , both the politer and the severer ones ; both those that can compose Hymnes and Anthems , and sing the praises of our Saviour Christ : and those that can resolve Problems , and deale in Christian learning . J bid you good day , and remaine with all my soule

Sir , Your &c. Paris 29. Apr. 1636.
LET. XXXIV . To Monsieur De GAILLARD . Sir ,

BE of good courage , and start not at the opening of my packet ; I doe assure you before-hand , that it is not my Ghost that talkes to you , & that the Letter that I write unto you , doth not come from the other world . The rumor which was scattered concerning my death , hath not killed me ; and I am yet , ( since it is the pleasure of God ) a witnesse of his works , and an Adorer of his power . I have ere this , received the alarme of the like newes ; but J am no longer credulous to dreams and presages ; my soule doth not labour with those popular infirmities : and I doe consent with that Grecian , that all the wishes of enimies , all the imprecations of Poets , and all the false bruits of Fame , are not able to bring on our destiny one houre the sooner . There is a Gentleman in Gascogne , who is Chronicled to have been slaine in the Battle of Yury ; & he is yet very well notwithstanding , and means to live long . J am Sir , of the same humor too , and confesse to you , that J doe not much hate my life , though J have litle cause to love it . Your Stationers indeed , did not beleeve this : they have handled me as though I had been dead indeed , and have imagined withall , that they be my rightfull Heyres ex asse , having seiz'd upon the first papers of mine that they could meet with . J am something apprehensive of this injury , and it should grieve me if Monsieur — should be the Author of it ; because J should then endure it with more impatience yet . To say truth , if this be not to wound & violate ( downeright ) the law of Nations , it is ( at least ) to deflowre and taint it : and you will confesse with mee , that it could not bee pleasing unto me , that the — should be publisht without asking my consent thereunto . Had it been so , J should not have been ( perhaps ) very averse , and J should have desired him only to alter something for my sake , and something for his owne . For though his understanding be passing good , yet you know well , that our Grammarians doe not allow his stile for regular ; and though their scruples be ill grounded , yet they must be considered . That which I would faine have changed , and where I thought I had some small interest , was one word , which my ancient Enimy had already miserably mangled ; and which , ( not wanting spirit and life in its naturall place ) doth resemble those delicate plants , which dye as soone as they be transplanted from their own banks . But remedies come now too tardy . J must comfort my selfe against this , as well as other injuries . This is but dallying to former wrongs ; and such pinches should well be borne with , by a man that never useth to complaine of Treasons and Assassinates . For your satisfaction Sir , let it suffice that I have a perfect knowledge of your wisdome and Honesty , and that I would trust you with my life , my honour , and my fortunes . If J had had so base a thought as to suspect you in this dealing , J should believe that J were bound to doe penance for my suspition . J know that you are every way virtuous , and my firme friend , as I am very really

Sir Your &c. Balzac 10. Jan. 1634.
LET. XXXV . To the same — Sir ,

I Have received your incomparable Book : in the which ( after a long and tedious perusall ) my Grammer could finde no construction , nor my Logick common sence . This is not the first time that that poore Wit hath strayed so . He hath been , this long time ridiculous without being facetious , and hath been a laughing-stock to the vulgar , and an object of pitty to the wise . The late Monsieur — did use to call him the greatest enimy that ever Reason had , betweene Cales and Bayonne ; and said , he was a foole in two sciences , and in foure languages . Neverthelesse if our friend shall think him worthy of some traces of his pen , let us indulge him that exercise , with this proviso , that he be not violent , and that he put not himselfe to a heat ; that ( if it please him ) he doe not deal seriously with him , or arme himselfe at all points , against an Adversary that deserves not any encounter but with pinnes . As for the — you wrong your selfe , for to mistrust the moderation of my spirit . Jn the estate that J have ordered and setled it in , I have lesse passion then the King of the Stoicks ; and J must be excited for eight daies togither , to the cruelty of hateing any man whatsoever , for one halfe an houre . It is not my intention to write against Monsieur — but to discourse with him ; and I have not so litle wit , but that J can distinguish his person from his cause . He hath obliged me with so good grade , and spoken of me in such high language & sumptuous termes , that I cannot doubt of his respect , or his affection towards me . And he shall likewise see my resentment of it , through the whole file of my Discourse ; wherein I am resolved to temper my selfe so discreetly , that if I perswade him not to my opinion , I shall not make my proceedings odious ; and if I doe not rest satisfied with what he saith , I shall contradict him but obliquely , and with a kind of Biasse , which shall not be distastfull unto him . This will be ( perhaps ) the first example of modesty , that hath been heard of among the Disputants of this age ; and we will demonstrate to those of that side , who talke outragiously in Problems of small importance ; that the altercations of honest men are without choler , and that generous enemies live better togither then malicious Burghers . For the rest Sir , I desire you to continue the paines that you have begun , & to send me wherewith J may fortify all the Approaches that are liable to assault and battery . I shall feare nothing being strengthned with so powerfull succors ; and you will justify my cause if it be good , or give it a colour of justice , if it be not so . See what an enterprise it was in you to love me : You could never have conceived a more pernicious designe for your selfe . It will repent you more then once , and you will renounce at any time ( I am sure ) the sorry purchase which you have made in the acquaintance of a troublesome man . Neverthelesse he is one that is most affectionately

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 20. March . 1634.
LET. XXXVI . To Madam DESLOGES . Madam ,

IT is now three Months that I have expected Monsieur d' Auvila , that I might be informed of the state of your health : But haveing lately understood that it is not so currant as I could wish it , and mine being not so firme , that J could adventure upon a journey , J have dispatched one towards you to learne the truth thereof . It will be an incredible ease to my mind , if I finde that it was but a false alarme , or that your sicknesse by this time be over-past . J doe hope for one of the two ( Madame , ) because J doe passionatly desire it ; but J beseech you to beleeve that it is long of my crazie body that J am no sooner clear'd of my feare , and rid of the paine it put me to ; and that you doe not see me in person in steed of the Messenger that I have sent . He hath in charge to presente you with my fine Cuts or small Ingravery , which J have newly received from Paris ; J thought meet to send you this dumbe visit that it might not oblige you to any compliment that might put you to trouble ; you doe receive ( indeed ) more troublesome ones , sometimes ; And if the sullennesse of my countenance , be an object of bad presage , you will confesse that the perpetuall silence that doth accompany it , is a great commodity : at leastwise it can never be offensive to you , since it leaves you still at quiet , and demanding no ceremony from you , it must perplexe you lesse then the Antiquities and Originals of La Marche , and Limousin . Finally Madame , it lyeth in you to preserve your bounties for me ▪ and maintaine me in my possession . I know that Monsieur d' Aillé is of infinite value , and I believe I cannot loose him , since it was you that gave him me ; you have too good a hand to doe any thing that should not last , and there is no accident that can menace and shake that friendship , whereof virtue is the cause , and you the Mediatrix . I esteeme that of this rare Personage as a treasure , and J would be well pleased that he should know by your means , that J admire the Eloquence of his Dogmaticall & peaceable Divinity , though J doe not subscribe unto the Doctrine of his polemicall writings . J most humbly kisse your hand , and remaine

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 16. Ian. 1637.
LET. XXXVII . To Monsieur de — Sir ,

TAke pitty on a man that hath not the leasure to live , that is alwaies busy and alwaies sickly , whom a thousand griefes seize upon in his chamber , and a thousand persecutions throng upon , from without . Monsieur de — knowes it well that I am no dissembler , and will testify unto you ( I assure my selfe ) that in the state that I am in , I can but admire those letters , to the which I should frame an answere . I avow unto you Sir , that it cost me some paines to decipher them : But yet I doe not complaine of my travell , which found most happy successe . J have discovered infinite rarities under the riddles of your Scribe , and I did not mistake the Graces , though He had begrimed them all over . I send them back to you , since it is your request ▪ and yet notwithstanding I cease not to deteine them ; my memory is not so unfaithfull , but it preserves the better part of your faire compositions , as well as of your excellent conversation . It is certaine that this gave me some gusts and appetites , which I never had , before you came hither . I am not good , Sir , but by your goodnesse , & if I have any degree of holy heate in me , it is neither proper nor naturall unto me , J have it from your communication . You are at this day one of those Authors whom I cite still with a grace and an Emphasis : I doe arme my selfe with your reasons against the enimies of Truth , & you are all my French Divinity . What a harvest might be reapt ( think you ) of devout meditations , and Spirituall Treatises from lesse seed than are your Discourses and Letters ? A man might extract from them more sapp and juice then from many Quadragesimall Sermons of Spanish Postillers ; and were they but a litle amplified , they might serve for compleat Apologies of Christian doctrine , and solid refutations of unsound Philosophie . Your acquaintance then , is no small purchase , & J owe you more than vulgar thanks for it . But since you desire none other but my edification : insteed of minting fastidious complements for you , J will labour to put your wholsome counsailes in practise . J will become a good man if J can , that you may be celebrated in my works , being not contented with words . The curing of a disease doth sufficiently proclaime the soveraignty of the remedy ; and it is a farre better way to magnifie your stile by performing actions of vertue , which it doth propose as its end , then to cry out Euge at every period . There is no hopes to goe beyond this . Remember me if you please in your Sacrifices , that is , love me effectually , after your way , since J am after mine , and that very sincerely

Sir , Your , &c. Balzac . 30. Decemb. 1636.
LET. XXXVIII . To Monsieur Girard , Officiall of the Church of Angoulesme . Sir ,

YOur favours have exhausted my thanks . I cannot choose but acquaint you that I doe repossesse my old pieces againe , and that your Love is still ingenious in obliging those whom you affect . I doubt not but that that Courtesies that I have received from Monsieur de — are the effects of your testimonies of me ; & I must ascribe all the contentment that I have received thereby to your preparation and induction . There is no subject so vile and meane but gaines price by your estimation . You have found the trick or secret to make objects swell beyond their proportion ad infinitum ; and to stampe a man Illustrious , though of a very abject condition . I came to know him by the civilities of — , which are farre different from the bravado's of — . Are not these the most tyrannicall Spirits in the world ? that should say that I could hinder , that any Bookes should bee written or published , at a hundred leagues distance ? that is , that I should maintaine an Agent in all the Printing-houses of France , that should prevent the publication of Antiphilarkes . These Messieurs that have handled me in such a sort , that fire and poison would seeme to an Italian too gentle tortures to revenge their cruelty , are , at this time , offended ( forsooth ) that I should be furnished with so much as a buckler , and that I should be offred a Sanctuary . They demand a reason of me why a man , whom I never knew , should take compassion on Innocence opprest , & could not endure the noise & insolence of their false triumphs . which J should not doe neither , deare Friend , if I would give vent & liberty to my griefe , & that Nature suffer'd not in the suppression of so just complaint . And yet J must continue to doe her violence & deserve the approbation of Monsieur our Prelate . J beg from you his good favours , and desire you both to believe that J am affectionately

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 20. March 1633.
LET. XXXIX . To the same : — Sir ,

IT is not your Will that I sollicite , but your Memory . For amidst the presse of businesse of the whole Province , which you doe willingly take the charge of , mine happily may slip out of your memory without your fault . The importance is , to commence it with an opinion that it is feasible , and with a resolution to carry it ; for if reason be urged timorously , and if a man doe not descend streight from generalities to particulars , a thousand journeies unto the — will not bee worth one ; and we should but take much paines to litle purpose . Monsieur de — shall pardon me , if J doe not find my selfe either hardy , or strong enough to undertake the worke which he hath done mee the honour to designe me for ; and for such a taske , a more peaceable and happy retreate , and a more practis'd and expert quill then mine , are requisite . J have used my hand and minde to write but toyes , & things un-necessary . For the future , I purpose not to write any workes of supererogation , but what the Church prescribes , and God doth reckon as meritorious . I am extremely troubled at my Cousins mischance , and the burning of his Study . Hee cannot choose but be very sensible of this losse ▪ since it was the chiefest part of his wealth , and thereby saw the Issues of his brain perish before his face , without being able to redresse it . This must be his comfort , that he is young and laborious , & that Fortune cannot ravish from him those true goods which he is Master of . The losse of a vessell is not valued , if the Pilot be saved ; and Captaines have been seene to triumph after the losse of many Armies . Miser & nudus Imperator invenit exercitum ▪ Our Advocate is more cruell then the Warre , & more severe then Iustice : He hath slaine in his Letters my Lord the Marshall of — & my Lord the Duke of — , who are yet alive to pardon him . Tell him ( if you please ) that he doe not trafficke any more in such newes , for he will be reckoned among the fabulous Authors else , and men will taxe mee for bad intelligence . I know well that he is not surety for the newes that flyes abroad , but he is answerable for the asseveration wherewith he doth recommende them unto me ; and hee must talke of something that is not knowne , or at leastwise with the cautious forme of the Poets , when they say , ut fama est , ut perhibent , si credere dignum est . I bid you good even , and remaine perfectly

Sir Your , &c. Balzac . 4. Feb. 1634.
LET. XL. To the same — Sir ,

YOur friend doth not well to take the Alarme , since it is not J that gave it him . I was never used to promise but with an intention to performe ; & those that have soveraigne power over me , have not power enough to make me falsify my word . As for those idle Contemplators that talke according to their fancy , concerning the occasion of my Voyage ; I doe not think it any part of their office to render an account of my actions ; I ever thought that the liberty of going & comming was tolerated as lawfull in this Kingdome ; and when a man departed out of Paris , he was not bound to publish a Manifesto , to make it knowne to all the world . It is not without reason that Monsieur de Silhon doth much esteeme the eloquence of Maffaeus . The late Monsieur Scaliger , who was none of the best friends the Jesuits had , did so before him ; and see here one trace of his pen concerning it , in one of his Letters . Maffaeus ille quisquis est vir eloquentissimus est , ambitiosae tamen magis quàm castigatae facundiae . Hee commends him ( you see ) though not without exception , yet in my judgment without envy ; since in this particular the most Intelligent of the Society concur with him in the same opinion , & namely the Historiographer of the Low-countrey-warres , who in his Dialogues , speaks of him thus ; though it be in the person of another : Miratus sum florem & numeros Orationis . Dixi Scriptorem mihi videri non huius aevi , sed è veteri illo Ordine & quidem Patricio Historicorum . Nihil uspiam incultum neglectumque ; concinna perfectaque omnia ; nisi fortè eo peccat , quòd nihil peccat , nam & ingenium Scriptoris anxium apparet interdum , & dictio videtur exquisita adsonum , eumque simili modulatione crebrò fusum . Quare monui ut orationis culturam saepius libentiusque dissimularet , nec verba ita trajiceret quasi complementa numerorum . I am yet in the same state , that you left me in at parting , but that I have still the same malady though not the same consolation . My Ague visits me every night , though ( indeed ) not in the same pompe and ceremonie as it used , when its accesses were regular . But yet , it doth still handle me rudely , and J doe much feare the consequence of this custome . Come Sir , and exorcise this evill spirit out of my body , by the infusion of some mirth into my minde , & think not that I can receive any true joy , being so farre distant from you . I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 7. Apr. 1634.
LET. XLI . To the same — Sir ,

SInce it is impossible to withstand it , I have sent you the Letter , that you desired to see . But you shall read it ( if you please ) to your own eares only , that it may not awake Envie . And that some Philarchus doe not over-heare you . Loe here withall , the three lines of Cardinall Bentivolio's Letter , which you did so often demand of me , and which J can no longer deny you without incivility . Di nuovo prego V. S ria a ' ringratiar , &c. I doe againe intreat you to thanke Monsieur Balzac in my name , and by the same opportunitie to make him an ample testimonie of my great affection towards his deserts ; & tell him this withall , that no pen doth more discourage me then his , for J see too well how farre it doth surpasse mine . I must confesse that in this particular , to doe mee grace he hath been unjust to himselfe , and that the same motion of humility that prompts Princes of his ranke and parentage to wash poore mens feet , hath moved him to use me so respectfully ▪ Neither doe J pretend to take a pride in it ; but yet I think , it will not be denied , but that I may derive some comfort from it . And ( indeed ) it seemes that the goodnesse of this brave Worthy , would needs make me amends for the malice of my Adversaries . These few lines doe weigh downe the swelling Volumes of my Opponents , and I shall use no other refutation of all that hath , or shall be written against me . For the present Sir , I am not of that man's opinion who censures that passage , La noire mere des estoiles ; the Poet that so stiles the Night , is not so bold & rash as the Grammarian supposeth , that reprehends him . And if this be as he saith , a * * A Dialect spoken in Gascoigne different from the French and of neer affinity with the Baskish language which is spoken in Biscay . Gasconisme , Tibullus was a Gascon when he said , Ludite , jam Nox jungit equos : currumque sequuntur Matris lascivo sydera fulvachoro . The Night there is mother of the starres ; as in another Poet the Nurse of them . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Nox , aureorum furva nutrix syderum . Our Man writes to me oft enough , but he puts me to hereafter in all his Letters ; & doth ever promise what he never performes . Neverthelesse I doe believe , that Hee will certifie me by the first Poste touching the event of that busines which makes you so anxious , and I will not fayle to impart unto you the newes , as soone as ever the Carrier bringeth them . I am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac : 20. Iuly . 1632.
LET. XLII . To Madamoisell de CAMPAGNOLE . My deare Niece ,

YOu did not well , that you did not keepe that floury Chaplet , which J had the favour to receive from your Lackey ; the winter would not have budded but for you , and by consequence you should have better valued this favour , and managed your Roses more sparingly . They should have been bestowed about your temples , for an honour to its pregnancy , and not have been bestowed on an Hermit : for this were to hide a miracle . J see well your drift herein , you would needs be liberall in a time of scarcity ; and loose your owne right , that you might please my passion with something ; which is so much affected with true and lively floures : Which J doe terme so , because the other , which men doe so much esteeme , having not any odour which animates , are in my judgement but faire pictures , or specious carkasses . But J beseech you to resolve me one scruple that doth trouble me ; and ease me of my perplexity . Tell me , was this because there be some already , or because there be some yet left ? are these remainders , or fore-runners ? was it the last spring that was tardy , or the new that is hasty and forward ? loe here a Problem worthy to be discussed by the Philosophers of your Sexe , and it would not be amisse to propose it to Her whom you speak of , for to have her resolution . I professe , that if she be very expert , she is a very dissembler , for I could never discover her to this houre . Shee hath such a heavy dull apprehension , that a man had need interpret twice or thrice over what ever he speaks to her . It were easier to converse with a deafe woman , and I would choose rather to make my selfe understood by a Cornet , then to be my own Interpreter . Yet if this stupidity be without malice , it is more tolerable then malicious cunning God permits himselfe to be intreated , ( sometimes ) by a simple thumping of the breast , and often rejects eloquent and loud prayers . It is a miserable light , that , whose glory and luster flowes from vice only , and yet is not offensive to great men . A good Beast is of more worth than a bad Angell . This is the upshot of all ( my deare Niece ) that you must lay a foundation of Bounty , upon which it is allowed you to raise a Structure of other virtues , that are more high , and more glorious . You did not stand in need of this lesson , but I would needs fill up my paper , before I would put a period , and tell you that J am

Balzac . 15. Dec. 1637. Your &c.
LET. XLIII . To Monsieur the Abbat of Bois-Robert . Sir ,

THe world is full of darstardly friends , but you are none of this world . You can love dareingly and resolutely ; and J see that my injuries are ( commonly ) more apprehended by you , then by my selfe ; neverthelesse I am much vexed with the language which you received from Messieurs the — These are men , that doe understand too well the points of honour , for to give me any satisfaction ; and for my part , I carry so much goodnesse about me , as to demand nothing from them but my life . J never beleev'd that their Superior had promised me nothing . Jf he hath left them no other debts to pay but this , they have great cause to commend him for his good providence and thrift . Jn the mean while , J cannot dissemble my sorrow to you for his death , nor forget to tell you , that in all his ill carriages towards me , he hath never done me a greater affront then this , to dye . If J had had some particular Revelation concerning it , or if he had advertised me thereof by the Spirit of Prophecy , which is spoken of in his Elogy , he should have seen his prating long since condemned , and should not have carried away into the other world , that great opinion of sufficiency , which his Fraternity did sooth him with . For the other extravagant Doctor , which you mention , it would not be acceptable to God almighty , that J should undertake his reformation ; it were needfull to create him anew , for to amend him ▪ Jt were no mean enterprise but to examine his book , and to make a breviary of all the absurd things therein contained . J would choose as soone to be condemned to be a Scavenger for the streets of Paris , and to carry away all the dirt out of that litle world . His impertinencies are infinite , and would puzzle a better Arithmetician then I am to calculate them , and he that would goe about to count them , Conterâ ancora in sùl'ombroso dosso &c. Will count the Trees on top of shady Appennine Assoone : or waves , when windes doe chafe the curling Brine .

Jf this Bearer shall stand in need of recommendation to the Councell , J doubt not , but knowing his name , and what a share J beare in his interests , you will effectually assist him for love of me , who am more then any man in the world ;

Sir , Your , &c. Balzac . 30. Ian. 1629.
LET. XLIV . To the same — Sir ,

I Am ( ever this Month ) confin'd to my bed , where I received your Letter directed from Roan . To read there the continuation of your sicknesse , could not ( you must think ) be any assuagement of mine . J bestow a thousand curses upon the waters of Fórges , for impairing your health . Propertius hath not been more liberall , or bestowed more upon the Baiae that kill'd Augustus his Nephew . But a maine difference is , that this man was a Poet , and did but act griefe : but I am truly afflicted ; and true friendship doth really suffer more , then flattery can personate . J am very sorry that — hath not demean'd himselfe towards you so well as he should have done ; and if you have resolv'd upon his ruine , I doe not mean to step in between him and it , and undertake his protection . I doe ever side with all your passions without premeditation ; and that man that doth not please you , hath no allurements so powerfull , as can render him pleasing to me : neverthelesse if this mans offence were veniall , and your justice could be satisfied ; J would adventure to beg his pardon , and would become his surety , that he should willingly undergoe all the punishments that you would inflict upon him , to regaine your favour . There are some businesses betweene us , that force me to dissemble a litle , and doe not permit an apparent rupture , if there come not from you an expresse order to the contrary . But being once freed out of this turmoile , if he be so unlucky as to offend you againe , I declare unto you that I doe even now renounce him ; and J had rather forget my obligations to him , then to carry affections repugnant to yours . Your Cousen is too generous to oblige ( so nobly ) a man whom he never knew ; and J had rather beleeve , that his esteeme of me , is but the consequence of your love , then to imagine it to be an apprehension of any merit in mee . J doe purpose a voyage beyond the seas the next year ; If J take ship at Diepe , as J hope to doe , J shall not faile to goe and kisse His hands at Röan ; & to make him see that the Monster , that Father Goulu speaks of , is a tame Beast , ( at least ) and capable of knowledge . If J did exceedingly rejoyce at the newes , when a Canonship was bestowed upon you , J forgot how farre this Dignity was below your deserts . It sufficeth me , that I give you some testimony that I am not sorry for it ; and that J consider it ( as in the croude ) among other Benefices that shall fall upon you ; knowing that some few mens lives ( that be not yet dead ) are the onely obstacles to your Virtues . J expect by the first Post , some better newes concerning your health , and ever remaine with all my soule

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 10. May 1634.
LET. XLV . To the same . Sir ,

YOur last message did give me exceeding content , & though I am well assured of your affection towards me , yet I take a singular delight to read in your Letters that you love me . These be words , whose fragrancy time cannot weare away ; and which will be as pleasant to me many years hence ▪ as when they were first spoken . I am ( indeed ) ravished with your last protestations : But I rejoyce with you the rather , for the felicity of this new age , since you are in part the cause of it , and that by your suggestions , Monsieur — doth purpose to allot a considerable Tenement of lands for the releefe of poore and disconsolate Muses . We shall see this year Sonnets , and Odes , and Elegies enough . The Almanack doth promise wonderfull plenty , and Parnassus must not yeeld lesse then it did under the Pontificate of Leo the Tenth . For you Sir , if you believe me , you shall never take pen in hand againe , but in case of necessity , and only that commerce may not decay . Hitherto you have been a Horace , now you are a Mecenas ; and if we doe not celebrate you ( every Scribler of us ) and addresse our Works , both in prose and verse to you , you have just cause to indict us of ingratitude . For my part , I would willingly both live and dye under your patronage ; and I doe provide an Oration for you in genere demonstrativo ; wherein ( at first salute ) J shall astonish the world with this great prodigy . That you are both a complete Courtier , and a perfect Friend . Since you would absolutely have it so , that J come to Paris , it is to you , that J shall make my most frequent resorts to doe my respects ; and it is in your Cabinet that I shall ( by your good leave ) redeeme the time , which J have lost in the Country , but we must give place ( a while ) to the anger of stormeing Iove ; or to speak the language of men , we must permit it to raine and freeze in Beausse ; and not goe to out-brave the month of February . J have no great need to dye out of too much dareing . My health is still very infirme and unconstant ; and if J did not take incredible care , ( I say not to preserve my person , but only to continue my sleepes ) you had lost me a great while since . Since J am wholly yours , you will allow me the use of this word , and take it not ill , that J reckon my selfe in the number of those things , that are not to you indifferent . You have infinitely obliged me in assuring Monsieur the Count of — of the continuance of my zeale and fidelity . J have made him so eminent and publike a marke , that as J can never recant it , so can he never suspect it . I omit a thousand things that I should tell you of : but this will be imploiment for the next weeke : and I am forced to conclude that I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 10. Feb. 1632.
LET. XLVI . To Monsieur de Savignac . Sir ,

EIther I have not well interpreted my selfe or Monsieur de — hath not well understood me . I doe ever value the merits of Madame d' Anguitar , and if it must be , that I must ( by a second act ) confirme that testimonie which I have given of Her , I am ready to declare my selfe a new , and to commende once more a Lady that is so praise-worthy . It is true , that for the interest of her Honour , it will be some thing materiall , to understand the cause that made my intentions to be mis-construed , and that I leade you to the very source of this jealousie ; Whereas , it seem'd to certaine Cavaliers , my friends , that I did too much approve of her singular humour , and frequent retirings , one of the most eloquent of them took a fancy to publish his dislike in this point ; and to write a reproachfull Letter unto me in the name ( as he saith ) of the whole Corporation of Honest men . Wherein he proclaimes open warre against me in their name , as though I had conspir'd against faire Society ; and calls me the Common enemy ; the universally jealous man , the Tyrant to both sexes . He doth imagine that it is my intent to shut up in Prison all faire and delectable things , for to punish curious eyes . He cryes out , that I would faine abrogate the sweetest lawes of this Realme , and bring in the cruelty of that custome in Spaine , where honest women are mewd up in cages , and honest men adore but doores and windowes . From Madrid , he passeth to Constantinople , and tells me in a great rage , that I am good nothing but to be a Counseller of the great Turk , for to advise him to raise the walls of the Seraglio higher , & to double the Guard of the Sultana ; Then he doth accuse me for a thousand mischiefs and takes me for Him that invented the iron grates , the locks , the vailes & maskes : & for the Author of all those things that oppose his intrusion & saucy curiosity . Insomuch that he imagines that I must render him a reason of the secrets and difficulties of all riddles , of the darknesse of all ancient Oracles ; of the Allegories of Poets ; and of the Mysteries of all Religions . To make answer to farre lesse then this , it behooved me to study a long Apologie ; & ( as ill luck was ) when I received his Letter , I was not in the humour of making Books . Wherefore Sir , I professe to you truly , I chose rather to yeeld than defend my selfe ; and abandon my Maxims to the verbosity of my good friend , rather then maintaine them with the expence of so many words as he did plye them with : But if I be not deceaved , there is a good deale of difference betweene my Maximes & the praises of Madame d' Anguitar ; and he must take heed of confounding in the designe that I have , that which I distinguish'd in the * * See this Letter in the supply to the second part of his Letters . Let. XVIII Letter which I wrote unto Her . To say that She is one of the Perfections of the world , is an immoveable truth , for which I would fight all my life time : But to say that such Perfections must be sequestred from the eyes of men , is ( I suppose ) a problematicall opinion , which I may revoke without prejudice to my own constancy , or to the worth of these Perfections . But on the contrary , most will bee apt to believe , that this will be sufficient amends , and just satisfaction for the injury I did them , in condemning them to Solitude and Retirednesse ; & will call it their revoking from exile , and releasing out of bondage . Thus Sir , I preserve still my first Designe ; and my commendations remaine whole and intire among the ruines of my Maximes . Nay out of their demolitions , Trophies might be erected to the honour of Madame d' Anguitar , and a Theater built , where Shee might be gazed upon , by those that can but divine and guesse at Her ; and that the Desart might no longer have such advantage over the Citty . This is not then to rebell against her Vertues , but to wish Her a more spacious Empire , and a greater number of Subjects then She hath had ; nor to goe about to eclipse her light , but to adjudge , that Shee should issue forth out of the cloudes , for the benefit and comfort of the Vniverse . I pitty those Criticks that take it otherwise ; and am sorry that Monsieur — is fallen upon a thought so far distant from mine . He might have understood me well enough , without putting me to the paines of interpreting my selfe ; and might have seen ( moreover ) that though in this occasion I would not at all consider the interests of another , yet I should have considered my owne at least . Doth he imagine that I could have been perswaded to spoile at one dash , one of the dearest Issues of my Braine ? and to bereave my selfe of the acknowledgements of one of the greatest Personages of the world , who thinks Herselfe in some measure beholding unto me ? I am no such Enemy to my selfe , or so prodigall of the good that I have acquir'd . I doe not mean to throwe dirt upon that piece , where I have bestowed so many and so rich Colours ; and believe not you , that I would have razed out ( being thereunto intreated by none ) those words that did no way dislike me ; you that know how Heliodorus denied to doe the like , though earnestly sollicited thereunto , by a whole Councell . If you doe me the honour as to make a journey to morrow to Balzac , I will tell you more ; though negociating with an understanding so serene as yours , I think I have spoken enough already concerning it . This is

Sir , Your &c. Balzac 26. March 1637.
LET. XLVII . To Monsieur Chapelain . Sir ,

I Am newly out of a fit of an Ague ; and though the shaking & tossing be past , yet it is not yet calme . My head is so numb'd , and deafned with yester-daies tempest , that I am for no reasonable use ; and in the estate that J am , I am not fit for any Society . Neverthelesse there is no way to put off so just an office as this to another time , and ( though with hazard of incongruities , and offending against Grammer rules ) you must receive from me these three or foure ragged lines . You have obligations upon me , both new & old , which cannot by me be sufficiently acknowledged . I am asham'd to be beloved so much and deserve it so litle ; and if you be not contented with an honest Heart , I can offer you nothing worthy so noble and pure affection as yours . The last Letter which you did me the honour to write unto me , hath given proofe thereof beyond all question ; and J have kist each line thereof as so many traces or footsteps of the golden Age , and so many pictures of the sincerity of the old World . Your counsells are most wise and loyall , and I would most punctually render them obedience , if J were in case to doe it . But besides that it is impossible to appease and conjure downe Envy , & that I am too weake to grapple with it : Physitians doe prohibite all study and labour of the spirits ; and tell me , that I cannot meditate one halfe an houre , without running the hazard of never meditating more . So that Sir , it is more expedient that my cause should perish then J ; and that I should be beaten at Paris in my absence , then that I should die here in person . You will ( no doubt ) be of my opinion , and since the occasion ( which is presented ) of dying , is none of the most glorious : you will not take it amisse if I make some more use yet of my life , to be

Sir , Your , &c. Balzac . 30. Ian. 1632.
LET. XLVIII . To the same — Sir ,

YOU doe wrong to that Passion or regard which I beare towards you , to call it Civility . It deserves a better name then that ; and we are not acquainted in the countrey with those vertues , countenance and Shew . I deale very seriously with my friends , and I speak nothing but what I meane to make good ; & by the principles of ancient Philosophy , I doe think that a Complement doth as much oblige me as a Contract . Think not then that I deale with you out of Common places : they are the true motions of my soule , which I shew you , and if I could exhibite my very soule , you would confesse , that the expressions of my tongue are farre inferiour to the Idea by the which they were fram'd . It is you alone Sir , that can content those that demand satisfaction , and make my interests even what please you . J have neither liberty nor election when J see the bent of your desire . Teare , burne , scatter the ashes of my Books in the wind ; I doe submit them to all the rigour of your justice ; Tibi in me , meaque aeterna authoritas esto . You are no more my Counsellour but my Soveraigne , and by consequence , deale not with me by Arguments & Remonstrances , but impose Laws upon me and prescribe Commands . You shall never finde a more docile and supple nature then mine , no not if you went to seek in Asia , that countrey of perfect Slaves . Neverthelesse , I think that my Humility will not take off the edge of persecution , but on the contrary , it will make my Adversaries to swell and grow insolent : But I have comforts ready at hand against all the ill fortunes which I expect . In this , I desire onely the glory of obeying you . It is enough for me that I have shewed that friend-ship can doe more with me , then Tyranny , and I would acknowledge your Jurisdiction , when I might decline all Other . J am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac ▪ 20. Iuly . 1632.
LET. XLIX . To the same — Sir ,

HItherto I have beheld ( without disturbance ) all the assaults of my enemies ; and they have but scratcht some lines of my Books , & at most have call'd to question some things of small consequence . But now that they wounde me in the tenderest part of my heart , I professe to you , J begin to have some resentment ▪ I cannot forgive them the injury they have done me , to raise jealousies and make a breach betweene vs Two . And I have conceived such indignation against this imposture , that it is impossible I should write unto you soberly and moderately . If J doe not exercise vindicative justice , there is no reason J should desire it . That which doth most of all trouble me is , that I doe runne after a Fantasme , and that I knowe not whom to lay hold upon . And truly , if there were any meanes to discover this honest Secretary that was bestowed on me without my knowledge , I think it were very just to pay him his wages . How ever , here is a man that would gaine a name by such an occasion ; & doth pronounce against him that terrible Arrest . Ligno pereat qui fumum vendidit . These men should be made an example ; and whereof a civill Society ought to be quickly purg'd . They are the most dangerous Theeves of all , that rob us of our friends : which be goods , that should remaine ours , after the losse of all other . J confesse , that J have many infirmities , and am subject to erre a thousand waies , but J am not capable of an offence of that high nature that J am charg'd with ; and the goodly Letter , which you sent me a coppy of , carries neither my stile nor my Genius ; neverthelesse , your faith hath betrayed a weaknesse , and you have staggerd a litle upon the opening of this false packet . Assure your selfe Sir , if J have forfeited your good Opinion and favour , that J would not out-live so smart an Affliction ; and you may believe , that J doe not rashly hazard a thing so precious as that . J make not onely Sincerity and Zeale the companions of my Friendship ▪ but Discretion also and Respect . The Persons whom J love , are to me almost in the same degree of veneration , as those things which J adore : I approach them not but with awe , which accompanies Religion ; and it is certaine , that I am so fearfull to offend them , that ( least J should distast them with my sullennesse ) J doe force and faine smiles when I am most sad . You shall know more of this in the progresse of my life ; and avouch , that I know how to practise those maxims , which J hold , and approve my selfe , with courage and constancy

Sir Your , &c. Balzac . 1. March 1632.
LET. L. To the same — Sir ,

SInce I have arriv'd here , I have received the Letter , which you did me the honour to write unto me ; which is , a continuation of your courtesies and bounty , and an entrance upon a commerce , where I must take all , and you give all . While I expect to make benefit of your Prose , I feast upon your verses , which have disrelisht all that I took for excellent before . I never saw boldnesse more discreet , courage better maintain'd , or sweetnesse lesse effeminate . These are Sir , worthy Harbingers of your Damsell . But you doe her wrong to seeme to doubt of her good Fate , and doe not beleeve the auspicious omens that appear'd at her Nativity , which promise long life . If you have patience enough to consummate this work , all the rest is sufficient : your naturall wit is strong and pregnant ; you have the perfection of Arts ; your Cabinet is a Magazin of ornaments and riches , to adorne the Subject . What more is wanting to you ? Be not nice any longer : you are condemn'd to goe forward with it ; except you meane to quit one passion for another , and abandon Poetry for the Politicks : wherein ( to tell you the truth ) J believe you will prove admirable . I am of your opinion , that fifteen hundred verses at one breath , goe farre ; and that it would not be amisse , to set more reasonable bounds to every Book . But touching all this , you may consult with Vida & Fracastorius ; and if they be not of the same opinion , Scaliger may be the super-numerary . Our Doctor saith , that he hath not so much need of counsell as of aide , and since things past , fall not under deliberation , it is no time now , to know whether he hath err'd ; he desires you only to teach him how to deny it with some faire probability ; to perswade the people that Pericles is not fallen , though the people saw it . For my part , J am confident of the good successe of all your enterprises . Haveing found the bel motivo in favour of the Poet Marini , there is no such Monster which you cannot shape and make handsome ; and without doubt , you have such precious Oyle , that one drop thereof is sufficient to blanch a Moore . It is

Sir Your &c. Balzac 1. Aug. 1632.
LET. LI. To the same — Sir ,

MY silence is not the effect of Sloth ; and you may believe that it is against my will that J deprive my selfe of the contentment that J took in entertaining you . The reasons that obliged me to silence , were more just then J wisht they had been ; and a troublesome Defluxion which fell upon my eyes hath fail'd to charge you with a blind friend : For in that case , I think you could not have chosen but to have been my Guide ; and I did already make account to learne to sing , that J might chante your Poëme . But ( by the great mercy of God ) J recovered my eye-sight yesterday ; and you are freed from the sad office , which my distressed Fortune might have requir'd from your good nature . Now that I doe speak , and doe not rattle in the throat ; J must give you an account of the voyage that J made ; and I must tell you with as much ceremony and eloquence as heretofore , that I have been to meet the Court as farre as Cadilliac . I had the honour there , to doe my respects to my Lord — . But His sicknesse , that took him the very day that he arriv'd thither , and mine , which would waite no longer to attach me , did force me to take my way back to my Village ; where I found your messages , and my coffers . I render you once more , most humble thanks , for the care you took to keep them for me ; and since you are pleased that J make use of you , with such familiarity , you must permit my thankfull acknowledgement thereof . The newes you wrote unto me , concerning the sicknesse of — was told me at Bordeaux , when I was there ; and J sweare unto you , J have not slept a good sleepe since . This is as good a man as ever I was acquainted with , and I doe mainely esteeme him ; because I know him to the very heart : where ( without faineing ) I have found nothing , but what was noble , and ( I dare speak it ) magnanimous . J know that his ou side hath been displeasing to many ; But men must not alwaies , be judged by the lineaments of the face , and that aversation is unjust , which springs only out of deformity . J doe much wonder that two words which I have written to my Stationer , being halfe a sleepe , are floune out of his shop already . I assure you I am no — nor doe not use to put on severity in reading these kinds of Relations . But ( in-truth ) this here , did give me much content ; and though I meet with some passages that might be altered without any harme , & where a decorum was not so exactly observed as it might have been ; neverthelesse ( to speak in the generall ) the invention , to my thinking , was handsome , the narration neat and smooth , and the stile all savouring of the Court and Cabinet . When you have read it , I will think of it , as you shall pronounce the sentence ; in the mean while , J use the liberty allowed in points not yet decided ; and the interim , that you are too good to agree with me , untill you have made the truth manifest unto me . For the Dutch Orator , remember ( at least wise ) that J spake nothing but touching his phrase , for J doe infinitely esteeme his learning and judgement . Be pleased therefore to manage this petty secret according to your ordinary prudence ▪ since J am so unfortunate , that I cannot utter one word , but it will straight finde strange Glosses and Commentaries , and that there be people so charitable , as to stirre up warre against me , and create me enimies in all parts of the world . J have never received the Letter of Monsieur de — neither did I need them to assure me of his love . I know that he is good and noble ; wherefore relying hereupon , it sufficeth me to understand that he is well ; and it is not materiall to me , whether J learne this from him or from you . J forgot to tell you that J received from Monsieur the Duke of — many caresses & favours ; he hath used me like some great Personage , or mighty Signor ; and I have been his Favorite the space of foure daies . I desire no more , nor doe I labour to promote my good fortune any farther . I am content to bound it Sir , with the fruition of your good favour , and J am most affectionately

Sir , Your &c. Balzac 1. Dec. 1632.
LET. LII . To the same — Sir ,

I Have returned no answere to your Letter , in regard J have been cumbred ( lately ) with some domestick affaires , which would allow me no leasure to write ; it is your Prerogative , to be able to intend severall things at once : you injoy a spirit so calme , that you can read a Dialogue in Plato , and dispatch a dozen businesses too at once , with a resolve to dye an houre after . For my part , one object is enough to imploy me , and it is impossible for me to reconcile Recreation and Businesse . That which you tell me of Monsieur — is true . The Letter which he wrote unto me is an abridgement of all his Books ; and J cannot returne answer to it , though J would , but by the messenger that goes the next year from Angoulesme . But though it hath been told you , yet be pleased not to believe it , that this Letter offends me , or that mine hath given any offence . Only upon occasion of one litle word , he took a hint to sport it after his ordinary manner , and to make a new shew of his old manner of boording . We must be indulgent to our friends mirth , and give way ( a litle ) to their jolly humor . Nay , a man ought not to doe his enimy all the discourtesies he can ; and to be very sensible of a wrong , is to adde weight and measure to it . Satisfy your selfe , J pray , touching my spirit by these maximes of peace ▪ and feare not that any man can raise my passions to an humor of contention . A thousand Chartells cannot tempt me to one Duell , and J can be more coward , then the Hott-spurres of the times are quarrelsome . J feare not their strength , nor subtlety , but J feare my owne trouble , and I doe infinitely love my Rest : Honour it selfe would seeme unmanerly to me , if it came to disquiet it . And I would faine passe for an Jncognito even in my owne Province , and my owne Village . You cannot believe how much J am fallen out with the world , and how distastfull J am to my selfe . What was wont to tickle and please me , hurts me . An Almanack and an History I esteeme alike . Those simple termes of stile , phrase , and period , are so harsh to my ears , that they make my head ake . If it were Gods will , that I should be sentenced to loose my good or bad Reputation , J would resigne it ( with all my heart ) to any that would desire it ; and J have a desire to change my name , that J might not any more share in any thing that is spoken of Balzac , nor interesse my selfe either in the praises or dispraises that are bestowed on Him . Js not this Sir , a pretty resolution ? & which J should long since have undertaken . This is almost the panoplie of that Philosopher , that patiently took a boxe on the eare in a publike place at Corinth . He professed he had a helmet to ward future blowes , that if any should chance to give him another boxe , it might fall on an iron face and not his . Apply this how you please ; As for my part , I doe but laugh at Rhetorick , and all its Tropes ; and have nothing to doe with that Art , which hath created me so many vexations . J am with all my soule

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 10. Ian ▪ 1632.
LET. LIII . To the same . Sir ,

GOd doth beset me on all sides ; and sends me afflictions by troopes : To comfort me for the decease of Monsieur de — newes is brought me of that of Monsieur de — So that J begin to make a conscience to love you , since my Friendship is ( in a manner ) fatall to whomsoever J give it ; and that I possesse nothing but I loose it in a moment . But there is no need of doing bad offices about you , or to affright you with any Planet , whose malignity ( J hope ) you are able to correct . I passe it over therefore , to tell you , that as long as Monsieur de — was here , I performed my part with wonderfull assiduity , so that I was astonisht at it my selfe . We have had long and particular discourses upon all good subjects , and by consequence , you may believe that You have not been forgotten . J never preach well , but when you are my Text. As J prize nothing more justly then your love so I praise nothing more willingly then your virtue ; and this subject pleaseth me so well that I never want words , if I doe not want Auditors . Yet I doe not pretend to engage you hereby . To reck on you in the number of Illustrious men , is only to leave you in your own seat ; & and to say that the Damsell will be your work , is to say , that Pallas will issue out of the head of Iove . She is at this time the sweetest hope and expectation of honest leasure ; She is the desire of the Cabinet & will be the great labour of the French Muses . I haue threatned ( this long while ) a voyage to Paris ; which I intended of purpose to see it ; and I hope to surprise you both together , one day when you expect me not . But remember Sir , that even your Purpose is a vow ; and that you can have no such Dispensation , that can take away all scruple , if you have a tender conscience and will believe some Divines ( that I can name ) concerning it . I cannot conclude my Letter before J acquaint you , that J am ravished with the good opinion you beare towards my Nephew . J ascribe more to your predictions then to them that make Horoscopes and calculate nativities ; & the conjectures which your good judgement doth suggest , are more certain then those which They derive out of their Art . My Sister is so proud of the testimony you gave her , that she would have return'd you a Complement , if she durst adventure to speake to you . But her respect did check her desire , and I have promised to excuse her silence ; which ( I know ) you will pardon , because it will save you the paines to reply . we desire Sir , the continuation of your good admonitions to this gallant man ; and doubt not , but a glance or caste of your eye now & then , will edifie him much . I think you should consider him as something that concernes you . For my part , I make no difference between your affection and mine ; and I am without all reservation

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 25. May 1633.
LET. LIV. To the same — Sir ,

I Know not how to presente my selfe before you : though my conscience doth acquit me , some appearances condemne me ; and you see my fault , but know not my affaires ; I have had variety of them ever these three months which have strangely exercised me ; and whereof I am yet so weary that I must have a great while to recover my selfe . All that I can , is to use my Idlenesse well , and to make something of my Leasure . Now that I have got it in possession againe , I meane not to be disseised of it : If it be possible , I bid eternall farwell to all contracts , transactions , & Aquittances . These are ornaments of our language which must not ( in my opinion ) enter into your Poems . You have more care of the chastity of your Damsell then to violate her with these villanous termes ; & this were of a Virgin to make a Strumpet of her . But I can never obtaine that small favour of you , or prevaile so much as to see here ( at least ) the first hundred verses that doe concerne her . I doe preserve carefully all those things that you have sent , and never produce them out of my Treasury , but to impart them to choice Wits . The invention of your first Metamorphosis is ingenious . Ovid had swell'd up and dilated that subject which you have contracted and pressed together . But the importance is , that in this litle , you appeare great ; and I behold you intire in every parcell . The second part doth please me no lesse yet then the first , and I hold that Lionnesse happy that hath heaven for an Amphitheater , and hath been placed there by such a hand as yours . You make her jarre so well and tunably ; and her roaring is so sweet and melodious in your Verses , that there is no Musick comparable . Those of — doe not flow in such numbers . Longeque pulchrius spectaculum est , & dignius oculis eruditi , videre nobilem illam feram , quàm miserum & febriculosum Annaei Lucani Simium With the last Letter I received Bembus which you sent me . In truth he is not so well polished and digested as those Authors in the Library of Monsieur — . But all tattered & confused as it is , I can assure you , it likes me infinitely . J never love luxury , & am nothing curious for gay cloathes . The beauty of Chariclea did shine through her ragges ; and your Marini hath made a Sonnet , wherein he tells us , how he fell in love with a canting Doxie . J thanke you therefore for Venus and the Graces ( though ill attired ) which J met with , in your Books , and remaine

Sir , Your , &c. Balzac . 3. Iuly . 1633.
LET. LV. To the same — Sir ,

I Entertaine your commendations like ill gotten goods ; the fruition whereof is sweet , although unjust . It is some honour to me to have so excellent a Flatterer as you are ; and I suffer my selfe willingly , and take a pleasure to be deceived by a man that can doe it so neatly . J think ( indeed ) that the Verses which you have seen , are not bad in their kinde ; but J think withall , that this is the shortest of all kinds . I durst not engage my selfe in a wider carreere ; my strength serves but for a short tugg ; and I walke at the foot of your Parnassus ; but I should want breath , if J should attempt to mount the top . You doe ( indeed ) Sir , bear the name of a great Poet , & succeed equally in all sorts of Verses ; and though you speak with extreame modesty of the last work , which you sent me : I doe not find that it oweth any thing to the fairest Pieces that you have shewed us . There is no stanza that hath not its particular value ; nor no Piece but is remarkable for some beauty . But that which did chiefly relish with me was the Prayer which you direct to Apollo ; and that admirable Musick , ( which proceeding out of the clouds ) heals your malady in a trice . This is not the effect of ordinary Poetry ; it is a fit of that divine rapture and furie , which Plato hath acknowledged ; and which the first Poets were sometimes possessed with . Send me such Presents often , if you would have me rich in my Poverty ; and have good company in my solitude . But above all , love me well , if you would have me happy ; and assure your selfe , that no man in the world is more then I am

Sir , Your &c. Balzac . 9. Aug. 1634.
LET. LVI . To the same — Sir ,

I Know that you love me , and I know that you are in health , but this is not enough ; I must learne something more concerning it ; and you must tell me some newes of your brave Meditations . Doth the Girle wage warre , or doth she keep at home in the countrey with her Father ? Doth Charles grow soft in the embraces of the faire Agnes , or doth he quit Love for honour ? In what state are the affaires of England ? How doth Hire and Potho ? What doe your Achilles and Ajax ? are you for a battle or for a siedge ? Jam nunc minaci murmure cornuum Perstringis aures , jam litui strepunt : Audire magnos jam videor duces ▪ Non indecoro pulvere sordidos , &c. See questions enough at once ; but you are not bound to answere to them punctually , and provided , that you satisfie me in one Article , you have to deale with a man of a facile disposition , who will not be rigorous for the rest I am now more a Hermit then ever ; and for having here a litle Court but two daies onely , I had the Megrim by it for three weeks . Tranquillity & silence Sir , is a precious thing ; and if Epicurus had some reason to complain of his very friends that they did break his head with their applause & acclamations : what must be said of the bawlings and exclamations , of a mans enemies , of the first & second part of Philarkes of their times . Those that write , are subject both to the one and the other persecution . But for my part , I avow to you , that hitherto Complements have done me more harme then injuries . I use none towards you Sir , for fear you should complaine of me in the same manner ; and J am content to tell you , that I am without complement , that is , intirely

Angoulesme 1. Sept. 1634. Your , &c.
LET. LVII . To Monsieur de Sithon . Sir ,

YOU shew a sort of humility that is not sufferable ; and though it be the proper stile of Saints to talke of their vilenesse , and their nothingnesse ; yet to reject all testimonies indifferently , that come from another , is in my opinion rather a contempt of our neighbor than a modest conceit of our selves . I am no flatterer , but J praise or dispraise , according as J am perswaded of the merit of things , or their default ; & if I talke often of the great lights that you have , whither in sacred or prophane Learning , it is because I have been dazled therewith . Your three Discourses doe please me infinite ; ly and I am very well pleased that mine did not displease you : But I am the more glad that you are of my opinion touching the putting downe quite of all Answers , Replies , Defences , Apologies , and the like . Since I have but laughed at the attempts of a Legion . I doe not meane to complaine of the insolence of a Carbine ; A man were better to pick out an enimie ; and this here , may fight all alone , if it please him : It is not fit to shew anger against a man that deserves pitty , nor to loose patience upon an occasion so obscure , that it were hard to make it appeare . You send me no newes concerning the affaires of Italy , and I am very desirous to heare some . It hath been told me that Monsieur Maynard hath not appear'd in Paris , though Monsieur de Mailles be arriv'd thither . He will ( perhaps ) be staied a longer time . If it be so , my Affection is so farre ingenious as to torment my spirit . I stand in feare ( for his sake ) of all the dangers both of sea and land . I doe apprehend at once that he is fallen sick by the way , and that he is lead captive into Barbary , and that the Spaniards have surprised him . That which must comfort me in this distraction is , that a good spirit doth passe undauntedly through all ; and that they were the Poets his Predecessours that made wings for Daedalus . How ever you will confesse , that if Epigrams be current among the Millamois , and that he wants but 2000 of them for his ransome , hee hath wherewith to satisfie them without dammage to himselfe . In truth , I am sollicitous touching this my deare friend ; and you will oblige me , if you will be pleased to send me a relation of his Adventures , when you shall come to know them . I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac . 30. Dec. 1636.
LET. LVIII . To Monsieur GERARD Secretary to my Lord the Duke of Espernon . Sir ,

HAppy are those actions that fall under your Pen and History . Since you doe extoll one mans idlenesse even to the envy of the world , and so farre , as to propose it for an example , what Will you talke of the life of the Suedish King , and other Miracles of our age ; if you will take them in hand ? The mischiefe is , that those , that have heard you , shall see me ; and you have set me at so high a rate , that J cannot hold after it , but upon your credit , & by my own absence . If Monsieur the Duke of — passeth by Balzack , the legend that you have fram'd of me , will at first dash loose that probability that it carried ; and I shall be no more that famous Hermit , that hath been related and described unto him by an officious Impostor . Jn vaine will he seek among my papers the fine things that you have promised him ; and it will repent him ( perhaps ) that he turned out of the rode , for such a sad spectacle that J shall exhibit him . In any case Sir , I will present my selfe ; and if hitherto you have deceived him , yet you shall acquit your selfe of the name of Cozner , when you shall assure him on my behalfe of an inviolable fidelity , and hearty acknowledgement . These are qualities which I possesse in a soveraigne degree ▪ and which I preserve for him in the bottome of my soule . But the passion which I beare to his Honour , must not be still kept as a secret ; and , J will at length professe , what I have this long while ador'd in particular manner . Doe me the favour , as to tell him thus much , and beleeve withall , if you please , that I am

Sir , Your , &c. Balzac . 30. May 1635.
LET. LIX . To the same — Sir ,

I Love no kind of quarrelling , much lesse with my friends . But it is a thing worthy pitty , that a man should receive continuall wrong , and yet must not open his mouth to complaine , but he shall be censur'd for a troublesome and untoward fellow . I know the eager spirit of that man that speaks so loud , when my interests are in agitation . I know he is carried with the hot vapours that exhale from that sulfury veine , which ( you say ) lyeth about his heart . But you will confesse notwithstanding , that the bottome of this heart is not bad . His lavishnesse proceeds from a faire spring , and in acts of friendship an inundation is better then drouth . J forgive the intricated zeale , incident goodnesse , and impetuousnesse of a man that cannot love with moderation . Wee must doe him some right , and not hate his passion , though we approve it not ; for my part , I doe permit it , but not imploy it ; and though he tells me , that he hath a fierce Satyre to come forth to kill our messer , if he doe not save himselfe in the litle Cottage ; J give him thanks for his good will , but J desire him to deliver the Satyre into my hands , and for this purpose only , that none might see it . You shall finde in my packet some latine compositions that were sent me , and particularly , the later Teares of S. Peter , which have been commended unto you . In my judgement , ( and I think you will subscribe to it ) he is too subtle , and shewes too much punctuality in delineting a true Penitent . Nature doth not speak thus , nor its passions either , which are the daughters of nature , as subtleties are the wantons of Art . S. Peters sorrow is admirably well expressed by Grotius ; and these foure verses of his , which I remember , doe weigh downe the foure hundred that J have sent you . Quae me recondet Regio ? quâ maestum diem Fallam latebrâ ? quaero nigrantem specum Quâ me sepeliam vivus ; ubi nullum videns , Nulli videndus , lachrymas foveam meas . Are not these worthy of the Heroicke times & purest Antiquity ? the rest of the Discourse is animated with the same Genius ; and is a lesson for Orators , that sorrow must not be elaborate , or at leastwise must not betray any studied care . I leave your Brother to relate newes ; he hath in charge to informe you of all occurrences , and therefore I have nothing to say , but that I am

Sir Your &c. Balzac 15. Iun. 1636.
LET. LX. To Monsieur De la Mothe Le Vayer . Sir ,

MY spirits have been so dull and heavy these three daies , that it is beyond imagination . Never did any man loose the relish of all Books and Arts as I did ; and hence you may gather that that which you sent me , was very delicate , when it procur'd an appetite to a languishing man . You have strangely altered me in a moment : my soule is touched to the quick ; and you have made it so hungry after knowledge , that I have no mind to any thing but to your Philosophy . If you will set up a Sect , J am ready to enrole my selfe , at least wise I will subscribe willingly to that franke doctrine , which maintaines its liberty against the usurpations of Aristotle ; and is contented to acknoledge lawfull power , but not to be slave to the Tyranny of one particular man . I speak Sir , as J believe : Doubtlesse your work will last , and to give you your full due , J must give it in your own language : noble an act of the Soule , is not the weakest argument we have of its immortality ; and if any shall hereafter take in hand this subject , he will be beholding to you for this new argument , which your modesty would not permit you to make use of . Certainly there were no reason nor colour , that the off-spring should be of a better condition then the mother , and that those productions which must encounter Time , and conquer Fate , should flow from a corruptible principle . But since J have sped so well in my first sollicitations , J desire not to stoppe there . This good successe doth encourage me to redouble them , and in the name of all the Learned to begge yet more worke of the same vigour . Though J should performe no other office in the common-wealth of Learning then this , J were not an unusefull member ; and this will be ( one day ) honour enough for me , when it will be said , that I gave the counsaile for those labours which you have undertaken . Acquire for me Sir , this reputation , that J may adde it to that which I would gladly deserve all my life time , which is to be

Balzac . 29. March 1637. Your &c.
LET. LXI . To Monsieur de — Sir ,

THe Discourse which you did me the honour to send me , is full of an infinite number of good things ; and none can deny but your friend is both learned and judicious . Neverthelesse I doe not think that he will find in that place whither he goeth , that approbation which he promiseth to himselfe : I think that ( for his speaking Latine after the French manner ) his meaning is better then his expression ▪ He is not alwaies so regular as I would desire ; and his words doe sometimes doe wrong to his thoughts . True it is , that in these times we are very nice and delicate in the purity of expressions . We can brooke no stile that is licentious be it never so litle ; and whatsoever is not after the garbe of the Court is accounted barbarous . This is not , that I am of the opinion of Monsieur de — that said that the good man Iudgement could never passe beyond the Garond ; and that He was put into such a fright at Blaye , that he durst not adventure any farther . When he spake this , he forgot ( sure ) that Monsieur de Pibrac , Monsieur de Montagne , and the Cardinall d' Ossat were Gascons ; and their solid judgements which are admired to this day over all Europe , doe sufficiently refute that poore jest which passeth among some for excellent . It is certain that Reason is common to all Countreys , and consequently is of that , where they say Adieu-sias , as well as when they say Dieu vous conduisse . It is confin'd to no place , and we may finde subtlety among the Switzers , and stupidity among the Florentines ; but indeed , for the language , it is not all alike : without question in some places , they speak better then elsewhere , and whereas a Courtier of Rome did tast some thing of Padua in the Histories of Titus Livius , it is not impossible to observe in the writings and conversations of your men some tincture of their Province . Ever and anon , you shall observe them to let slip vousist for voulust , fausist for falust , cousin mien , & ie suis esté a Thoulouze , which marre all good speech : and their allarent , donuarent armarent , have runne over their banks , & come as farre as our countrey . The late Monsieur de Mal herbe hath told me often that he did what possibly he could for to correct the dialect of Monsieur de — & purge it of Gasconisme , but could never bring it about : so difficult is it , to wipe off our naturall staines , and utterly to weare out the badge of our Countrey . Neverthelesse for all this , neither the Patavinity of Titus Livius , nor the Gasconisme of some of our times , doe hinder them from being reputed Eloquent ▪ And for one petty fault , either of use or of Grammer , I condemne not those works which in all other respects , are excellent . To satisfy your desire , I have sent by Monsieur de — the Letters of Monsieur Heinsius , one whereof preceded my Dissertation , the other followed his answer . Now that I have furnished you with these two Letters , to entertaine you a while ; be pleased not to take it amisse that I take leave of you , and all the world for two years . I am forbid to write any thing for so long a time , and this is an oath that J have taken by the order of my Confessor ; and upon good and waighty considerations . I hope God will give me the grace to observe it : Nec mihi scribendi veniet tam dira cupido ; And you will not ( J am sure ) tempt me to sinne , and provoke me to break that silence which J have sworne to . But though you should solicite me a thousand times , and assault me every day in two or three languages , I am resolved to be inexorable , and not to be moved with that happy abundance of your words . Jf you terme me uncivill , and expostulate with me in the words of your Poet , Vnde îstam meruit non faelix charta repulsam ? Hostis ab Hoste tamen per barbara a verba salutem Accipit , & Salve modiis intervenit armis ; Respondent & saxa homini . J will make answere with an audible voice both to your Poet and You , that Religion must sway Civility , and that a lesser duty must yeeld to a greater . Finally if there be an absolute necessity , that we have some commerce with each other : in this case , I will choose rather to make a journey then write a letter , and expose my selfe to the hazard of shipwrack by going to see you , then violate my Faith by writing to you . Adieu then untill the year of 1639 , which we will begin ( by Gods grace ) by the renewing of our ancient Trafick . Is is

Sir , Your &c. Balzac : —
FINIS .
A TABLE OF THE LETters ( as they lye in order ) which are contained in this Volume . TO Monsieur Conrart Let. 1. Pag. 1. To Mons. du Moulin . let . 2. p 7. To Mons. L'Huillier . let . 3. p. 11 : To Mons. the Abbat of Bois-Robert . Let. 4. p. 19. To my Lord the Earle of Excester . Let. 5. p. 23. To my Lord the Duke De la Valette . Let. 6. p. 26. To Mons. Drovet ; let . 7. p. 29. Te Mons. De-Bonair . let . 8. p. 33. To Mons. Huggens let . 9. p. 35. To Mons. de Racan . let . 10. p 38. To Mons. De St Chartres let . 11. p. 43. To Mons. Baudoin let . 12. p. 47. To Mons. De Coignet . let . 33. p. 51. To Madam Desloges . let . 14. p. 54. To my Lord Keeper of the Seales Seguier &c. let . 15. p. 57. To Mos. De Morins . let . 16. p. 61. To Mons. De Vaugelas . let . 17. p. 63. To Mons. De la Motte Aigron . l. 18. p. 70. To Mons. De Borstell . let . 19. p. 74. To Mons. the chiefe Advocate . let . 20. p. 77. To Mons. De Maury . let . 21. p 79. To Mons. de Mondory . let . 22. p 82. To Mons. Le Guay . let . 23. p. 87. To Mons. de Silhon . let . 24. p. 89. To Mons. De la Fosse . let . 25. p. 93. To Mons. D'Espesses . let . 26. p. 97. To the same : let . 27. p. 101. To Mons. de Couurelles . l. 28. p. 108. To — let . 29. p. 111. To my Lord the Bishop of Angoulesme Let. 30. p. 114. To Mons. de — let . 31. p. 117. To Mons. De Serizay . let . 32. p. 133. To Mons. Habert Abbat of Cerizy . let . 33. p. 137. To Mons. De Gaillard . let . 34. p. 141. To the same . let . 35. p. 145. To Madam Desloges . let . 36. p. 150. To Mons. de — let . 37. p. 153. To Mons. Girard . let . 38. p. 157. To the same . let . 39. p. 160. To the same let . 40. p. 164. To the same let . 41. p. 167. To Madamoisell de Campagnole . let . 42. p. 17● . To Mons. the Abbat of Bois-Robert . let . 43. p. 174. To the same . let . 44. p. 178. To the same . let . 45. p. 182. To Mons. de Savignac . let . 46. p 186 To Mons. Chapelain . let . 47. p. 194. To the same . let . 48. p. 197. To the same . let . 49. p. 200. To the same . let . 50. p. 204. To the same . let 51. p. 207. To the same . let . 52. p. 213. To the same . let . 53. p. 217. To the same . let . 54. p. 221. To the same . let . 55. p. 225. To the same . let . 56. p 228. To Mons. de Silhon let . 57. p. 230. To Mons. Gerard Secretary to the D. of Espernon . let . 58. p. 234. To the same . let . 59. p. 240. To Mons. de la Mothe le Vayer . let . 60. p. 240. To Mons. de — let . 61. p. 243.
Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
Notes for div A02324-e290
Notes for div A02324-e1900
Notes for div A02324-e3460