The
First
Book
.
LETTER
I.
SIR
,
IT
is
out
of
doubt
,
nothing
of
Alarm
hath
yet
been
apprehended
by
us
from
Paris
.
Neverthelesse
it
is
true
,
that
a
Gentleman
of
quality
inform'd
my
father
,
of
the
Prince's
indignation
,
and
the
complaints
of
the
Queen
his
mother
:
But
the
Queen
is
of
too
great
goodnesse
,
to
have
given
that
rigorous
command
,
which
is
reported
to
us
;
and
there
is
not
much
likelyhood
,
that
the
Prince
should
say
at
Brussells
,
he
would
set
my
house
on
fire
,
if
he
came
with
his
Army
into
Guienne
.
This
burning
would
indeed
somewhat
more
displease
me
,
then
that
which
my
Book
suffered
,
by
the
couragious
Marquesse
d'Ayt●na
,
Houses
,
as
you
know
,
are
not
printed
;
nor
can
there
be
more
copies
of
them
made
at
the
same
time
.
But
I
am
very
averse
from
believing
,
that
those
words
fell
from
the
lips
,
of
the
son
of
Henry
the
Great
;
an
action
of
that
kind
,
would
not
be
the
fairest
part
of
his
History
:
It
is
not
the
manner
of
Eagles
to
stoop
at
Flies
.
We
are
too
inconsiderable
objects
,
for
his
high
and
redoubtable
displeasure
.
And
what
presumption
would
it
be
in
a
man
,
that
is
not
appointed
with
a
hundred
Armes
,
nor
of
strength
enough
,
to
pile
Mountains
one
upon
another
,
to
esteem
himself
worthy
of
the
vengeance
of
Jupiter
,
or
at
least
,
of
one
of
his
sons
?
I
expect
some
of
your
news
by
the
Post
on
Friday
,
and
remain
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
.
1
June
1636.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
IT
must
needs
be
,
that
either
I
did
not
deliver
my self
well
,
in
the
Conference
I
had
with
your
friend
,
or
he
ill
understood
my
intention
.
For
I
desire
nothing
from
Doctor
B.
but
the
honour
of
his
good
opinion
,
which
he
hath
solemnly
promised
me
;
nor
from
the
Sorbonne
,
but
the
enjoyment
of
the
peace
they
accorded
me
,
in
the
most
ample
form
that
I
could
request
.
It
would
be
very
strange
,
if
I
should
be
enforc'd
to
the
further
trouble
of
Negotiation
and
Ambassadours
,
to
treat
that
old
Peace
anew
.
I
believ'd
that
affair
to
be
as
well
dead
at
Paris
,
as
it
was
buried
in
oblivion
at
Balzac
.
The
homage
which
the
Faculty
required
of
me
,
I
have
already
rendred
them
;
and
was
assured
,
that
the
Gentlemen
were
therewith
satisfied
.
Hereafter
let
us
visit
them
as
our
Friends
,
and
cease
to
solicite
them
as
Judges
.
I
conceive
Doctor
B.
repents
himself
,
of
having
treated
me
too
civilly
;
perhaps
he
expected
,
I
should
have
taken
an
attire
of
mourning
,
and
suffered
my
hair
and
beard
to
grow
down
to
my
girdle
,
to
the
end
I
might
have
presented
my self
before
him
,
in
the
fashion
of
an
accused
person
,
and
an
humble
suppliant
.
His
Doctorall
severity
must
not
proceed
so
far
.
And
I
intreat
you
,
tell
your
friend
,
that
it
is
not
reasonable
to
oppresse
people
with
formalities
,
which
are
to
no
purpose
,
and
never
have
an
end
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
June
1636.
LETTER
III.
SIR
,
YOu
are
not
ignorant
,
that
in
the
affair
of
the
Sorbonne
,
I
comported
my self
with
the
docility
and
flexiblenesse
of
a
Novice
:
And
although
I
had
as
much
reason
to
maintain
my
opinions
,
as
they
to
oppose
them
,
yet
I
forbore
to
make
use
of
my
right
,
or
defend
my self
against
my
fathers
.
My
submission
will
possibly
one
day
be
proposed
for
Imitation
;
and
I
would
fain
believe
,
that
for
the
future
I
shall
be
left
to
my
undisturbed
quiet
.
In
former
years
,
I
was
of
the
number
of
those
thirsters
after
honour
,
to
whom
,
both
daies
and
nights
were
rendred
restlesse
,
by
the
desire
of
conquest
.
At
present
,
I
am
altogether
another
person
;
I
love
rather
to
sleep
in
the
silence
and
calm
of
peace
,
then
to
be
wakened
from
my
repose
,
by
all
the
Trumpets
of
Victory
.
Let
us
keep
close
to
the
Pater
noster
,
and
determine
our selves
,
with
the
other
pieces
of
that
nature
:
There
is
none
but
God
,
that
can
speak
fitly
of
God
,
because
there
is
none
but
God
that
knowes
God
;
All
that
men
of
themselves
speak
concerning
him
,
is
no
other
but
stammering
,
incongruity
,
and
soloecism
,
in
the
language
and
science
of
Heaven
.
And
you
are
not
to
learn
,
that
,
De
divinis
,
etiam
vera
dicere
periculosum
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
June
1636.
LETTER
IV.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
much
troubled
to
be
dead
at
Paris
,
provided
that
I
live
at
Balzac
;
the
Letter
I
writ
you
about
eight
daies
since
,
hath
given
you
assurance
of
this
truth
,
whereof
a
flying
report
had
caused
you
to
doubt
.
Though
I
be
not
of
much
value
,
I
perceive
,
you
would
have
had
a
sensible
regret
of
my
losse
;
and
I
am
greatly
satisfied
of
your
affe
n.
The
onely
resentment
I
have
,
is
,
that
your
judgment
doth
not
appear
so
favourable
to
me
,
as
your
inclination
,
and
that
you
refuse
me
that
agreable
fruit
,
which
I
aime
at
in
all
my
actions
;
I
mean
,
the
contentment
of
having
pleased
you
.
You
make
scruple
to
pronounce
upon
the
Letter
,
which
I
write
to
an
Achilles
of
the
cause
,
because
a
Thorsites
of
the
same
cause
hath
told
you
,
that
it
displeased
him
to
whom
it
was
sent
.
I
have
learnt
the
contrary
from
himself
.
And
besides
the
civilities
of
his
Answer
,
he
hath
caused
a
thousand
complements
to
be
made
me
in
person
,
by
a
famous
Hugenot
of
this
Province
.
The
comparison
between
him
and
Hannibal
,
both
of
them
sworn
enemies
of
Rome
,
did
him
honour
,
and
,
I
know
,
was
not
displeasing
to
him
.
The
word
Finesse
could
not
any
waies
disgust
him
;
in
the
place
where
it
is
,
it
signifies
onely
addresse
,
knowledge
,
and
subtlety
.
The
finenesse
of
a
language
,
and
the
finenesse
of
an
art
,
are
termes
of
no
bad
sense
.
And
if
I
had
said
,
that
such
a
Captain
,
by
some
certain
means
,
had
finely
concealed
the
weaknesse
of
his
Town
,
it
must
needs
be
,
that
this
Captain
were
more
rude
then
a
Gascone
,
and
that
his
bravery
extended
to
a
dislike
of
good
reason
and
prudence
,
if
he
took
it
ill
,
that
I
spoke
of
his
finenesse
.
As
for
Hannibal
,
I
am
most
confident
,
he
was
of
no
such
humour
,
he
did
not
account
himself
affronted
,
by
the
recitall
sometimes
of
his
stratagems
and
sleights
;
for
it
was
no
more
,
then
to
intimate
to
him
,
that
he
not
onely
knew
how
to
overcome
his
enemies
;
but
that
he
could
also
overcome
them
by
mockery
and
sport
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
June
1636.
LETTER
V.
SIR
,
THe
objections
of
Paris
are
insupportable
,
and
the
interpreters
of
the
Fauxbourgh
of
St.
German
,
take
all
my
words
to
a
contrary
sense
.
I
perceive
,
that
to
avoid
being
contradicted
,
it
is
necessary
that
I
give
over
speaking
.
If
I
am
so
unhappy
as
to
injure
my
friends
,
when
I
caresse
them
,
reason
requires
,
that
for
the
good
of
civill
society
,
I
change
my
solitude
into
a
prison
,
and
chain
up
my self
for
the
safety
of
my
friends
.
Will
the
world
be
alwaies
thus
unjust
and
impertinent
?
and
will
there
never
be
any
other
,
to
judge
of
the
productions
of
the
soul
,
but
lumps
of
flesh
and
matter
?
I
think
I
cannot
call
them
beasts
by
a
more
civill
expression
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
July
1636.
LETTER
VI.
SIR
,
I
Received
two
of
your
Letters
by
the
same
Post
,
which
gave
me
knowledge
of
some
newes
,
whereof
I
was
before
ignorant
,
and
confirmed
the
relations
of
others
.
I
am
alwayes
of
your
opinion
,
and
particularly
,
concerning
the
King
of
Sweden
-
I
wish
onely
,
that
he
had
not
so
much
of
the
German
in
his
countenance
,
and
that
in
this
great
country
of
faces
(
as
Queen
Margaret
sometimes
called
it
)
he
had
more
brown
,
and
lesse
yellow
;
more
of
shadow
,
and
fewer
rayes
.
And
this
,
to
the
end
that
he
might
neerer
resemble
in
his
out-side
,
Caesar
and
Alexander
.
His
pourtrait
would
please
me
much
better
;
for
as
to
his
actions
,
they
are
all
Greek
,
and
all
Romane
:
And
I
see
nothing
amongst
them
,
that
might
not
become
the
dayes
of
the
Hero's
.
The
Panegyrick
which
was
made
him
,
seems
to
be
obscure
and
intangled
,
&
in
eâ
deprehendas
vitia
degenerantis
Latinitatis
.
The
style
of
this
man
was
more
commendable
twenty
years
agoe
,
he
hath
learnt
to
write
ill
by
writing
continually
,
and
is
grown
a
Jade
in
his
Carier
.
They
that
have
a
greater
stock
of
judgment
then
of
imagination
,
are
not
subject
to
these
inconveniences
;
Their
eloquence
becomes
ripe
without
corruption
of
their
speech
;
And
I
am
well
assur'd
that
the
good
wine
you
tell
me
of
will
never
loose
its
strength
by
age
.
A
thousand
salutes
to
our
dear
friends
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
July
1636.
LETTER
VII
.
SIR
,
I
Do
not
conceive
that
my
exile
must
be
eternall
,
but
hope
to
see
Paris
once
againe
unlesse
you
forsake
it
,
and
Rome
also
if
it
be
thither
that
your
destiny
calls
you
.
But
,
I
beseech
you
expound
me
the
riddles
of
your
last
Letters
,
and
do
not
constrain
me
any
more
to
divine
.
I
have
no
fancie
to
those
reservations
of
prudence
,
which
give
me
much
trouble
,
and
do
you
no
service
.
Our
commerce
is
most
innocent
;
and
being
no
dispersers
of
dangerous
newes
,
let
us
defie
all
informers
,
and
commissaries
,
if
fortune
be
resolved
to
try
you
,
I
wish
it
may
be
by
something
that
may
deserve
your
yeeldance
to
the
temptation
,
With
all
my
soul
,
I
pardon
that
cruel
Goddesse
,
all
the
injuries
she
hath
done
me
,
on
condition
she
will
treat
you
favourably
,
and
have
consideration
of
your
merit
,
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Iuly
1636.
LETTER
VIII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
forward
to
dislike
the
freedome
you
are
pleased
to
use
with
me
.
But
I
beseech
you
,
to
allow
something
to
my
melancholly
,
and
to
bear
with
the
irregularities
of
an
indisposed
spirit
.
I
am
proud
of
the
esteem
you
make
of
my
discourse
,
notwithstanding
I
am
unsatisfied
,
whether
that
esteem
be
reall
,
or
onely
a
means
you
take
,
to
appeafe
the
humour
you
conceive
you
have
provoked
.
Should
you
offer
your
wisdom
to
me
crude
and
undrest
?
perhaps
I
might
find
some
difficulty
to
relish
it
.
But
being
,
as
it
is
,
accompanied
with
so
great
goodnesse
,
there
is
no
Rhubarb
can
have
a
bad
taste
,
with
such
a
mixture
.
I
presage
some
newes
,
that
troubles
me
already
,
but
I
believe
it
advantageous
to
your
benefit
.
The
Secretariship
of
an
Embassy
to
Rome
,
was
the
first
step
to
the
fortunes
of
Cardinall
d'Ossat
.
Yet
if
Fate
have
so
decreed
it
,
you
must
bid
adieu
to
the
Maid
of
Orleans
,
and
the
Epick
Poem
.
I
dare
not
mention
my
own
concernments
.
It
is
certain
,
this
voyage
will
be
destructive
to
many
fair
proposalls
,
that
I
have
made
you
.
I
was
in
full
expectation
to
have
seen
you
here
,
where
I
should
have
constrained
you
,
to
have
passed
the
remainder
of
the
Summer
with
me
.
But
I
am
too
unfortunate
,
ever
to
enjoy
you
;
and
fortune
will
detain
you
at
Rome
,
though
but
on
purpose
to
despight
me
.
Let
me
know
,
if
you
please
,
whether
your
departure
from
Paris
will
be
suddenly
;
and
,
before
you
leave
it
,
take
speciall
order
for
the
security
of
our
commerce
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
August
1636.
LETTER
IX
.
SIR
,
THe
kinsman
of
Vercingentorix
knowes
not
his
own
desires
,
nor
discerns
his
advantages
:
He
is
very
culpable
to
contest
with
you
,
concerning
a
charge
,
which
he
ought
to
re-establish
,
in
favour
of
a
person
of
your
merit
,
although
it
had
been
,
as
he
pretends
,
supprest
.
I
am
very
glad
to
hear
the
change
of
you
remote
employment
,
for
one
neerer
us
,
which
gives
me
hope
to
find
you
at
Paris
,
when
I
take
a
journey
thither
a
purpose
for
a
visite
.
Which
when
I
have
formed
,
I
shall
account
you
in
my
debt
for
another
,
and
think
it
not
impossible
,
to
draw
you
hither
to
eate
of
our
Muscates
,
and
meditate
upon
the
banks
of
our
river
.
The
excellent
Provincial
,
of
whom
you
send
me
newes
,
hath
you
continually
both
in
his
heart
and
mouth
.
The
acquisition
you
have
made
of
this
man
is
most
firme
,
and
you
need
not
doubt
it
.
It
will
not
stand
you
in
much
care
,
travell
,
or
industry
,
to
preserve
him
.
The
amity
of
those
people
whereof
you
tell
me
,
is
of
another
nature
.
It
is
of
little
value
,
and
very
much
trouble
.
What
great
pity
it
is
there
should
be
Asses
,
which
should
require
as
much
guard
and
observance
,
as
Lyons
.
I
esteeme
my selfe
happy
to
be
sixscore
leagues
distant
from
that
sort
of
men
.
And
which
is
more
,
I
account
their
absence
into
part
of
the
revenue
of
my
House
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8.
August
1636.
LETTER
X.
SIR
,
IT
is
rare
that
I
am
mistaken
above
once
,
for
I
give
but
little
credit
to
the
esteeme
of
great
Persons
,
nor
to
the
Testimony
of
the
People
;
so
that
I
am
not
dazeled
with
the
name
and
dignity
of
two
men
whose
strength
and
weakenesse
I
have
been
acquain●ed
with
,
these
ten
yeares
.
The
first
,
is
all
memory
and
fancy
;
for
judgement
,
that
must
be
sought
otherwhere
:
for
in
fifty
Conferences
that
we
have
had
together
,
I
could
never
discover
one
small
glimpse
of
it
:
A
great
personage
in
Greek
,
Hebrew
,
and
Arabic
!
but
no
body
in
the
vulgar
tongue
;
the
sport
of
Cavaliers
and
Ladyes
,
and
a
meere
Doctor
Gratian
to
you
and
me
,
as
often
as
we
desire
the
divertisement
of
a
Comedy
.
The
other
is
lesse
tolerable
,
for
he
will
not
be
flowted
so
familiarly
,
nor
licence
the
company
to
leave
him
,
when
they
desire
;
for
other
matters
,
you
may
take
my
word
that
he
is
but
a
pityfull
Oratour
,
as
I
took
that
of
Monsieur
Malherbe
for
his
Poetry
.
Heretofore
he
endanger'd
my
life
with
three
great
Manuscripts
,
or
rather
three
great
Engines
in
folio
,
whereof
One
was
called
Overtures
made
at
St.
Martin's
after
Easter
&c.
Another
,
at
the
Entry
of
Princes
Governours
,
&c.
And
the
third
,
an
Argument
or
Plea
for
the
King
,
&c.
Monsieur
can
beare
witnesse
of
my
patience
and
the
persecution
of
this
man
.
He
hath
many
times
come
into
my
Chamber
at
breake
of
day
and
never
departed
till
he
carried
night
with
him
.
You
may
imagine
,
if
during
that
time
,
I
could
be
possibly
at
my
ease
,
and
if
I
had
not
had
a
better
market
with
a
fit
of
a
feavour
of
foure
and
twenty
houres
then
with
so
much
Pedantry
and
Fustian
Galimatias
,
as
I
was
enforc'd
to
heare
,
and
must
needs
make
semblance
to
approve
.
Neverthelesse
he
continues
in
the
repute
of
a
man
of
sufficiency
,
acquits
his
charge
well
,
and
is
imploy'd
in
Negotiations
and
Treaties
which
he
brings
to
effect
:
he
hath
a
happy
memory
,
a
lively
imagination
,
and
the
gift
of
impudence
,
even
in
a
degree
more
eminent
then
hath
Monsieur
De.
****
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15.
August
1636.
LETTER
XI
.
SIR
,
DO
not
cause
me
to
languish
in
the
expectation
of
a
good
,
whereof
your
last
Letter
gave
me
a
promise
;
and
send
me
that
Ode
which
must
accomplish
the
felicity
of
a
happy
man
,
and
add
a
Crowne
to
his
other
Crownes
,
to
speake
in
the
phrase
of
our
Monsieur
De
la
Thibaudiere
.
The
stanza's
of
Monsieur
****
are
not
in
my
opinion
,
of
the
excellentest
sort
of
his
productions
.
There
are
some
verses
which
I
cannot
relish
;
but
it
may
be
the
fault
lyes
in
my
palate
.
Is
it
not
strange
that
this
framer
of
stanza's
should
exhort
me
to
adore
that
deity
,
who
hath
so
long
time
derided
both
my
vowes
and
my
incense
?
I
am
not
so
pertinacious
a
Courtier
,
and
I
resigne
all
my
hopes
and
my
pretensions
to
him
.
If
he
receives
good
words
at
present
,
I
have
heretofore
had
solemne
offers
of
love
and
friendship
.
And
if
he
is
told
,
you
shall
have
this
;
oathes
have
been
pass'd
to
me
that
I
should
have
that
and
more
;
yet
nothing
ever
fell
into
my
hands
.
He
that
promises
these
wonders
,
is
very
rich
and
very
powerfull
,
I
do
not
question
it
;
but
I
also
know
,
that
he
understands
not
either
to
judge
of
verse
,
or
acquits
himselfe
of
his
promises
:
insomuch
,
that
unlesse
he
cut
his
purse
,
he
runnes
the
adventure
of
being
but
ill
payd
;
and
if
he
be
not
advertis'd
of
the
good
things
that
are
in
his
verses
,
he
will
never
take
the
paines
to
observe
them
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
August
1636.
LETTER
XII
.
SIR
,
THe
discourse
of
this
Country
hath
been
no
other
for
this
month
,
but
of
the
spirituall
works
of
Monsieur
Godeau
.
I
can
scarce
believe
that
he
has
wholly
forgotten
me
,
and
I
think
that
fai●e
present
will
at
length
be
sent
me
.
However
it
be
,
he
hath
too
great
an
opinion
of
my
patience
,
and
will
not
treate
me
in
manner
of
a
person
of
a
keene
appetite
.
I
am
much
more
forward
and
diligent
then
he
;
for
I
send
you
this
morning
,
that
which
I
understood
but
last
midnight
you
desir'd
to
see
.
You
may
know
by
Monsieur
de
la
Hoguette
that
this
Madam
d'Anguitar
is
no
ordinary
person
.
She
is
extreamely
admired
by
those
that
see
her
;
and
though
she
be
but
seldome
visible
,
and
allowes
the
greater
part
of
her
houres
to
none
but
her selfe
;
yet
her
rare
merit
justifies
her
from
any
ones
exceptions
at
her
solitary
humour
.
She
is
a
light
that
shunns
the
eyes
of
men
and
seekes
obscurity
.
People
speak
not
of
her
but
by
conjecture
and
divination
.
She
meditates
,
she
studyes
,
and
enjoyes
her selfe
in
her
Cabinet
;
yet
she
cannot
alwayes
so
well
shut
her
doore
,
but
fame
finds
an
entry
,
and
reportes
us
the
tidings
.
That
rambling
goddesse
repeates
to
us
continually
some
pleasant
things
which
she
hath
gathered
from
the
mouth
of
this
Sedentary
divinity
.
Whereupon
we
make
our
benefit
;
and
Monsieur
De
la
Thibaudiere
keeps
the
register
.
In
a
short
time
you
shall
see
the
Collection
with
his
Commentaries
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
August
1636.
LETTER
XIII
.
SIR
,
YOur
Letters
are
my
sweetest
consolations
,
and
I
receive
none
,
from
which
I
do
not
find
good
,
eight
dayes
after
.
In
your
paquet
I
met
with
one
of
our
banish'd
friends
,
it
had
been
unript
and
seal'd
again
before
it
came
to
your
hands
.
It
seemes
if
it
had
carried
any
matter
of
danger
,
and
which
smelt
of
the
bad
aire
of
Brussells
from
whence
it
came
,
they
would
not
have
been
contented
,
to
have
onely
open'd
and
reclos'd
it
.
These
curiosities
are
not
at
all
commendable
.
But
I
desire
no
further
light
in
this
businesse
,
and
you
would
disoblige
me
if
my
complaint
come
to
any
other
eares
.
My
proceedings
have
been
misreported
to
you
,
nor
have
I
stript
me
to
my
shirt
,
according
to
your
information
.
Indeed
I
have
changed
the
nature
of
that
fortune
that
fell
to
me
in
partage
,
and
received
mony
in
lieu
of
land
;
but
my
revenue
is
not
at
all
streightned
thereby
.
The
house
which
my
father
built
,
and
would
passe
for
magnificent
at
Paris
,
deserves
to
be
r●tain'd
;
my
brother
is
more
capable
of
the
care
that
it
requires
,
then
I
;
so
he
shall
have
the
propriety
,
and
I
will
partake
of
the
accommodation
with
him
.
I
am
ravished
with
the
esteem
you
make
of
the
Letter
,
to
Madam
d'Anguitar
,
she
hath
caused
copies
of
it
to
flie
throughout
all
Guienne
;
and
I
am
not
able
to
make
it
any
longer
a
secret
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
Septemb.
1636.
LETTER
XIV
.
SIR
,
WIll
you
never
cease
to
be
thus
credulous
to
my
prejudice
?
this
is
the
second
time
that
your
easinesse
has
done
me
injury
:
I
am
wholly
a
stranger
to
that
great
and
intimate
friend
you
tell
me
of
,
and
my
memory
does
not
afford
me
any
representation
or
shadow
of
him
;
if
I
have
ever
seen
him
,
I
took
no
regard
of
him
,
it
was
either
in
a
dream
,
or
in
a
croud
;
or
perhaps
it
was
one
day
,
that
my
sight
was
not
well
clear'd
,
and
I
brought
no
attention
to
the
objects
that
passed
before
me
.
So
it
is
,
that
whether
I
have
forgotten
this
great
and
intimate
friend
,
or
never
knew
him
,
that
his
name
never
came
into
my
memory
,
or
immediately
vanisht
thence
,
I
utterly
renounce
his
friendship
.
You
may
please
to
know
once
for
all
,
that
the
passion
I
have
for
you
,
is
in
no
common
measure
,
nor
such
as
will
permit
me
to
be
in
neutrality
.
I
am
none
of
those
sages
,
that
love
with
so
much
reservednesse
and
circumspection
.
I
approve
sometimes
of
breaches
,
open
declarations
,
and
Ligues
offensive
and
defensive
.
And
if
this
person
were
not
an
incognito
,
but
my
own
brother
,
that
had
attempted
your
mischief
,
I
should
never
be
induc'd
to
pardon
him
,
unlesse
it
were
onely
at
your
intercession
.
I
am
,
SIR
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
Septemb.
1636.
LETTER
XV.
SIR
,
YOu
must
indulge
my
humour
,
that
I
cannot
at
present
be
serious
with
you
.
The
pleasant
newes
of
your
Letter
hath
transported
me
into
such
an
excesse
of
jollity
,
that
it
is
not
in
my
power
to
refrain
smiling
.
You
tell
me
,
you
are
received
by
favour
,
into
the
Academy
of
good
wits
,
and
I
would
fain
understand
,
who
received
the
good
wits
,
that
received
you
?
upon
what
grnund
is
their
authority
established
,
and
whence
have
they
the
approbation
to
be
currant
?
What
are
those
great
personages
,
that
have
done
this
especiall
grace
to
Monsieur
Chapelain
?
from
what
new
discovered
Countries
,
are
these
extraordinary
men
arriv'd
?
who
,
that
they
may
confer
honour
on
Monsieur
Chapelain
,
must
needs
be
of
somewhat
more
worth
,
then
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
of
Perron
,
and
than
Monsieur
the
President
de
Thou
?
Tell
me
yet
further
,
I
beseech
you
,
what
is
that
you
call
,
Director
?
and
that
which
******
?
What
ever
wonders
you
may
relate
me
thereof
,
you
will
scarce
perswade
me
,
and
I
shall
find
a
great
deal
of
reluctancy
,
to
adore
the
rising
Sun
you
speak
of
.
Some
have
given
me
intelligence
of
it
,
as
of
a
fatall
Comet
,
that
threatens
us
,
and
a
terrible
thing
,
and
of
more
dread
,
then
the
holy
Inquisition
.
They
write
,
that
it
is
a
tyranny
,
which
must
be
establish't
over
all
wits
,
and
to
which
it
is
required
,
that
all
makers
of
Books
should
yield
a
blind
obedience
.
If
it
be
so
,
I
am
both
a
Rebell
and
a
Heretick
,
and
intend
to
list
my self
on
the
side
of
the
Barbarians
.
This
is
a
great
word
,
but
most
true
.
You
are
the
only
person
I
can
allow
,
to
be
soveraigne
of
my
liberty
.
And
if
there
be
no
means
to
live
independent
in
the
world
,
I
entreat
you
,
let
me
not
be
enforced
to
acknowledge
,
either
in
Verse
or
Prose
,
any
other
jurisdiction
but
yours
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
Septemb.
1636.
LETTER
XVI
.
SIR
,
I
Crave
your
pardon
,
for
my
over
great
credulity
;
forgive
me
,
I
beseech
you
,
my
fears
and
my
alarms
.
I
am
in
dread
of
all
sort
of
yoaks
,
and
Tyranny
casts
me
into
fear
,
even
in
the
histories
of
Athens
and
Syracuse
.
I
was
ill
informed
of
the
nature
of
your
Academy
;
without
question
,
the
picture
that
was
sent
me
of
it
,
was
not
drawn
after
the
life
.
You
have
done
me
the
kindnesse
to
undeceive
me
;
and
I
well
see
,
this
new
Society
will
be
none
of
the
least
glories
of
the
Kingdom
of
France
;
it
will
raise
jealousie
,
and
perhaps
envy
,
in
Italy
.
And
if
I
have
any
skill
in
drawing
a
Horoscope
,
it
will
in
a
short
space
become
the
Oracle
,
of
all
civiliz'd
Europe
.
I
am
glad
that
Monsieur
the
Keeper
of
the
Seales
,
and
Monsieur
Servien
,
are
admitted
of
it
.
But
I
should
be
also
contented
,
that
some
others
,
which
have
been
named
to
me
,
were
not
;
or
,
at
least
,
that
they
had
no
deliberative
voice
.
It
would
be
well
,
if
they
satisfied
themselves
with
placing
the
chaires
,
and
to
open
and
shut
the
door
.
They
might
be
of
the
Academy
,
but
in
the
quality
of
Beadles
or
lay-Fryers
:
It
were
necessary
,
that
they
made
up
a
part
of
your
body
,
as
the
Ushers
are
part
of
the
Parliament
.
But
it
may
be
,
I
am
mistaken
in
my
latter
newes
,
and
they
which
were
mentioned
to
me
,
have
not
received
the
honour
that
is
reported
;
it
is
probable
,
you
know
better
how
to
choose
.
By
all
means
I
desire
,
that
there
may
be
two
Orders
of
Academicians
,
and
that
you
remember
at
your
first
sitting
,
to
separate
the
Patricians
from
the
People
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
Septemb.
1636.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
received
your
Letter
of
the
twentieth
of
this
Month
,
and
bestowed
the
same
caresles
on
it
,
that
I
us'd
to
the
former
;
I
kiss'd
it
,
as
I
read
it
,
which
is
not
a
ceremony
without
example
;
the
Cardinal
Barronius
performed
that
reverence
to
all
those
he
received
from
the
Cardinal
of
Perron
.
Having
perus'd
it
,
and
done
my
devotions
to
it
,
I
treasur'd
it
up
in
my
Cabinet
.
Concerning
that
other
,
which
I
●rit
to
that
poor
Gentleman
that
is
slain
,
't
is
glory
to
me
,
that
the
Prince
does
not
dislike
it
.
But
all
the
glory
in
the
world
has
not
charmes
enough
,
to
cause
me
to
forget
the
losse
I
suffer
of
that
person
so
dear
unto
me
.
When
he
forsook
Paris
to
run
unto
Death
,
which
awaited
him
before
Mastricht
;
he
came
to
take
his
horse
at
my
lodging
,
where
we
parted
with
tears
and
sorrow
:
Between
us
there
was
a
sworn
friendship
,
of
the
heroicall
ages
;
and
we
intended
to
out-do
Orestes
and
Pylades
.
That
which
I
have
written
of
him
,
and
you
so
highly
prize
,
must
be
no
more
,
then
the
preface
of
our
History
.
What
would
you
then
have
said
,
of
entire
Volumes
,
and
I
know
not
how
many
Decades
I
had
design'd
him
,
if
his
courage
,
which
was
his
ruine
,
had
allowed
me
leasure
to
compose
them
?
Thus
we
propose
mighty
enterprises
upon
Earth
,
and
are
great
undertakers
:
Mais
dans
le
Ciel
on
se
moque
de
nous
,
Preschoit
,
un
jour
,
reverend
Pere
Arnoux
.
But
,
as
of
old
the
reverend
Arnauld
taught
,
Heaven
scorns
our
plots
,
and
brings
our
hopes
to
naught
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Octob.
1636.
LETTER
XVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
extreamly
satisfied
with
your
Letter
,
and
as
much
astonished
at
the
request
which
was
made
me
,
by
our
friend
of
Languedoc
;
not
but
that
I
do
very
readily
accord
it
to
him
,
but
for
that
I
am
of
the
opinion
of
that
honest
man
of
old
,
who
said
,
He
had
rather
have
an
outrage
done
him
,
then
an
injury
offered
to
his
reason
.
I
never
heard
of
so
pleasant
a
scruple
;
and
if
I
did
believe
him
the
Author
of
it
,
I
should
suffer
my self
to
abate
somewhat
,
of
the
esteem
I
have
of
him
.
But
I
understand
,
by
what
head
these
pretty
difficulties
are
brought
forth
,
and
therefore
shall
discover
no
further
to
you
.
Though
the
word
of
illustrious
Stripling
,
or
of
illustrious
young
man
,
or
illustrious
youth
,
may
afford
matter
of
railery
;
you
know
,
't
is
a
condition
of
mirth
,
not
to
be
apprehended
as
offensive
;
as
for
instance
:
The
appellation
of
Salapusium
disertum
,
did
not
put
the
Oratour
Calvus
into
choler
;
and
lepidissimus
homuncio
,
was
not
displeasing
to
the
Poet
Horace
:
So
that
if
our
friend
is
jealous
,
lest
the
name
of
illustrious
Youth
should
stick
upon
him
,
he
fears
what
he
should
rather
desire
,
and
which
a
Roman
would
have
received
as
a
great
piece
of
honour
.
Perhaps
he
never
heard
of
those
grandes
praetextati
,
the
Scholars
of
Cicero
:
They
were
of
greater
age
then
he
,
they
commanded
Armies
,
and
were
Consuls
at
the
same
time
;
and
after
all
this
,
did
not
account
it
an
affront
,
to
be
treated
as
young
men
.
But
what
will
he
say
,
when
he
shall
see
in
the
divine
Jerusalem
,
that
Rinaldo
is
in
divers
places
called
Youth
,
and
even
without
the
additions
of
brave
,
valiant
,
or
illustrious
.
Such
men
as
are
illustrious
,
owe
a
great
part
of
their
glory
to
time
;
but
illustrious
youths
are
indebted
,
for
neere
all
theirs
.
By
consequence
,
those
two
sorts
of
glories
,
are
much
different
,
and
one
is
fairer
then
the
other
;
The
glory
of
youth
is
a
light
,
as
it
were
,
proper
and
naturall
to
it
,
and
which
it
seems
rather
to
produce
,
then
receive
;
the
glory
of
riper
age
,
is
a
light
fetcht
from
abroad
,
either
gotten
or
borrowed
,
which
arises
more
out
of
exploits
and
actions
,
then
from
the
person
;
and
hath
greater
advantage
by
the
length
of
life
,
then
the
noblenesse
of
the
subject
.
But
without
further
Philosophizing
glory
,
it
is
necessary
to
comply
with
the
fancies
of
Languedoc
,
and
to
deal
with
the
world
according
to
its
humour
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
14
Octob
,
1636.
LETTER
XIX
.
SIR
,
MY
words
are
not
so
dear
to
me
,
but
that
I
freely
bestow
them
on
you
,
to
deal
with
them
as
you
please
;
and
my
Stationer
is
not
so
ignorant
of
my
affection
,
but
that
he
might
have
obeyed
you
,
without
expecting
my
answer
;
you
have
therefore
us'd
your
power
over
me
,
with
too
much
moderation
.
There
was
no
necessity
,
to
cause
the
dispatch
of
an
Order
six
score
leagues
,
for
an
affair
,
which
you
might
have
determined
upon
the
place
,
and
whereto
I
should
have
readily
yielded
my
allowance
.
Since
you
have
not
done
it
,
but
spared
to
exercise
your
right
,
I
now
send
you
my
consent
,
together
with
a
declaration
to
you
,
that
my
will
shall
ever
be
conformable
to
yours
,
although
it
may
happen
,
there
may
be
some
contrariety
in
our
opinions
.
Neverthelesse
,
I
cannot
perswade
my self
,
that
the
scruple
you
propound
me
,
is
your
own
,
or
Monsieur
Chapelain's
,
since
you
are
both
wise
with
sobriety
,
according
to
the
precept
of
the
Apostle
.
It
must
needs
be
issued
from
some
head
of
those
Refiners
,
whose
faculty
lies
in
the
destruction
of
things
,
already
finish'd
,
and
are
good
onely
to
raise
difficulties
,
after
resolutions
are
concluded
.
If
it
were
otherwise
,
and
you
the
author
of
this
subtlety
,
I
believe
,
I
should
have
known
your
intention
two
months
since
,
and
you
received
satisfaction
.
But
there
is
no
ground
of
likelyhood
for
this
,
nor
to
accuse
you
,
as
the
enemy
of
your
Spring
,
and
its
Roses
.
I
do
not
imagine
,
that
you
pretend
to
old
age
,
and
that
your
actions
being
infinitely
fair
,
you
would
defalk
the
moity
of
their
beauty
,
and
your
glory
,
which
has
appeared
to
great
advantage
,
for
that
you
perform'd
them
in
the
earlinesse
of
your
youth
.
The
number
of
illustrious
men
is
far
greater
,
then
that
of
illustrious
youths
;
and
Caesar
wept
,
because
he
was
not
illustrious
till
his
manhood
.
Valerius
Corvinus
was
called
Adolescens
,
after
he
had
been
Consul
;
and
Scipio
and
Pompey
,
after
they
had
triumph'd
.
Yet
none
of
them
misliked
the
raillery
of
the
people
of
Rome
,
or
complained
,
of
being
treated
as
young
men
.
Virgil
did
not
think
he
should
offend
the
victorious
Augustus
,
when
he
tearm'd
him
,
as
I
you
:
Hunc
saltem
everso
Juvenem
succurrere
sêclo
,
Nè
prohibete
—
Cicero
speaks
often
of
Brutus
in
the
same
manner
,
and
his
princeps
juventutis
signifies
no
more
,
then
the
illustrious
youth
of
our
discourse
.
He
calls
Hircius
and
Pansa
,
who
were
created
Consuls
the
year
that
Caesar
was
slain
,
duos
grandes
praetextaios
,
which
is
a
title
without
comparison
,
more
liable
to
raillery
then
mine
.
Notwithstanding
we
never
heard
,
that
they
were
scandaliz'd
at
it
,
or
that
any
person
demanded
reparation
on
their
part
.
On
the
contrary
,
Seneca
the
father
,
thought
it
so
good
,
that
he
chose
rather
to
designe
them
by
this
word
,
then
by
their
proper
names
.
In
illo
atriolo
,
in
quo
duos
grandes
praetextatos
ait
secum
declamare
solitos
,
potui
illud
ingenium
cognoscere
,
quod
solum
populus
Romanus
par
imperio
suo
habuit
.
You
,
that
know
all
this
,
and
much
more
,
are
not
,
without
doubt
,
but
the
interpreter
of
some
friend
a
little
too
nice
,
and
you
relate
me
his
conceit
,
and
not
your
own
.
One
of
these
daies
,
perhaps
,
he
will
advise
Don
Garsias
,
and
the
Duke
of
Infantada
,
to
change
their
names
,
because
they
contain
something
of
Garcon
,
and
Infant
.
Prudence
hath
both
its
bounds
,
and
its
excelles
.
This
perpetuall
circumspection
,
is
a
troublesome
vertue
;
and
it
were
better
to
be
a
little
heavy
and
blockish
,
then
to
take
so
much
pains
to
be
wise
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
14
Octob.
1636.
LETTER
XX.
SIR
,
THe
Ode
of
the
Poet
of
nineteen
years
old
is
no
despicable
beginning
.
But
though
you
had
not
sent
me
the
name
of
his
Master
,
I
should
easily
have
conjectur'd
him
,
by
the
greene
coate
which
his
Scholler
bestowes
on
the
goddesse
Flora.
Such
are
the
erroneous
raillaries
of
our
dear
friends
the
followers
of
Caporalli
.
Those
people
are
neither
acquainted
with
the
nature
of
our
Language
,
nor
the
genius
of
our
Poetry
.
They
account
it
a
fine
fancy
to
make
the
fatal
sisters
laugh
,
and
to
place
the
Pattin
of
Venus
upon
Minerva's
face
.
We
dare
not
allow
our selves
that
licence
,
and
should
look
upon
such
entravagancies
as
unsufferable
in
a
novice
.
It
may
be
the
Poet
will
reforme
himselfe
with
the
increase
of
years
,
and
some
charitable
friend
will
direct
him
to
the
better
way
.
If
he
be
apprehensive
,
and
propound
Monsieur
Chapelain
for
his
example
,
whose
style
is
so
chaste
and
orderly
,
't
is
possible
he
may
become
a
very
gallant
man
.
But
if
he
adhere
to
the
advices
of
his
Master
,
he
is
lost
beyond
recovery
.
Let
him
therefore
choose
according
to
his
capacity
,
the
good
or
the
evill
th●t
is
set
before
him
:
for
if
he
continue
in
that
manner
he
has
undertaken
,
I
must
give
him
this
answer
,
that
he
is
likely
to
become
one
of
the
most
ridiculous
Poets
of
our
age
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Octob
,
1636.
LETTER
XXI
.
SIR
,
THe
Letter
which
I
lately
received
from
Monsieur
de
Colommiers
hath
comforted
me
in
a
great
measure
;
and
the
signification
of
the
happy
newes
of
your
returne
,
hath
given
me
assurance
of
a
good
,
whereof
I
began
to
despaire
.
So
that
I
promise
my selfe
the
felicity
of
embracing
you
,
before
I
leave
Paris
and
the
injoyment
of
that
desireable
afternoon
,
of
which
your
ingagement
hath
rais'd
an
ardent
expectation
.
The
benefit
of
it
will
be
,
that
I
shall
returne
into
Barbarie
with
your
benediction
,
which
cannot
but
carry
happinesse
with
it
.
But
you
will
do
yet
somewhat
more
;
you
will
enable
me
to
resist
the
badnesse
of
the
aire
for
a
long
time
;
you
will
fortifie
me
with
preservatives
and
receipts
against
the
Contagion
of
Galimatias
,
Gibbrish
,
and
Solecismes
of
Gascony
,
and
other
like
popular
evills
which
seize
upon
our
great
Lords
,
after
four
months
continuance
in
the
Country
;
I
humbly
thank
you
before
hand
,
for
the
good
you
will
do
me
,
and
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Paris
,
15.
May.
LETTER
XXII
.
SIR
,
TO
satisfie
your
goodness
,
and
give
you
the
account
of
my
adventures
,
I
shall
tell
you
,
that
I
am
happily
arrived
at
my
own
house
,
and
that
I
met
with
neither
War
nor
Enemies
betwixt
Paris
and
Angoulesme
;
the
news
of
the
coming
of
Monsieur
the
Count
de
Brassac
,
had
before
clear'd
the
waies
of
all
bad
company
;
he
is
,
undeniably
,
that
Vir
quis
,
in
the
first
of
the
Aeneids
,
whose
appearance
is
able
to
appease
a
popular
sedition
:
And
you
must
grant
me
,
that
in
his
countenance
he
carries
some
kind
of
resemblance
of
Neptune
,
when
he
growes
in
choler
against
the
winds
.
I
beseech
Heaven
,
that
the
cure
of
our
other
distempers
,
be
of
no
greater
difficulty
then
this
;
and
that
the
Croates
put
us
to
no
more
trouble
then
the
Croquans
.
They
have
done
too
much
for
good
subjects
,
and
too
little
for
Rebels
.
This
is
also
an
effect
of
the
Kings
fortune
.
Under
his
Raign
,
even
wickedness
it selfe
is
innocent
,
and
fury
is
discreet
and
respectfull
.
We
will
treat
of
this
another
time
more
at
large
:
I
have
need
of
rest
,
and
you
are
not
concern'd
with
Politicks
;
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
LET.
XXIII
.
SIR
,
HAnnibal
is
then
at
the
Gates
,
since
the
Enemy
hath
gotten
passage
over
the
River
of
Soame
.
Your
Letter
has
made
me
partake
of
your
inconveniences
,
and
knowing
you
to
be
in
trouble
,
I
cannot
relish
my
own
repose
.
If
the
condition
of
affaires
grow
worse
,
I
do
not
question
but
you
have
choise
of
sanctuaries
.
The
place
that
shall
receive
your
flying
Muses
,
will
be
ever
glorious
by
that
honour
,
and
shall
in
future
ages
be
renowned
for
the
retreat
of
those
illustrious
Guests
.
But
you
must
remember
,
that
in
that
case
,
you
cannot
oblige
any
other
then
my selfe
,
without
doing
me
injurie
;
and
if
there
be
one
glance
of
Peace
on
this
side
the
River
Loire
,
you
will
find
it
more
serene
in
our
Village
,
then
amongst
our
Neighbours
.
I
conjure
you
therefore
in
all
affection
,
to
grant
me
this
favour
which
I
demand
of
you
,
and
come
take
full
possession
of
a
small
Seigneurie
.
The
Pucelle
shall
enjoy
her
intire
liberty
,
and
be
absolute
Mistress
of
the
House
.
I
am
ready
to
meet
you
as
farre
as
Tours
,
unless
you
had
rather
I
should
send
the
Seigneur
Totila
with
my
Caroach
,
for
the
more
convenience
of
your
journey
.
I
expect
your
answer
,
and
remain
,
SIR
,
Yours
,
&c.
Balzac
,
July
1636.
LET.
XXIV
.
SIR
,
I
must
know
my selfe
better
.
I
have
not
so
well
deserv'd
of
fortune
,
as
to
hope
the
happinesse
of
seeing
you
here
;
and
I
confess
it
no
small
presumption
,
to
have
flatter'd
my selfe
with
such
a
thought
,
but
you
know
that
great
passions
are
sometimes
inconsiderate
,
and
alwaies
credulous
.
They
that
have
forward
desires
,
fall
into
dreams
,
although
they
do
not
sleep
.
Pardon
me
therefore
what
I
have
transgress'd
,
and
live
still
at
Paris
with
more
quiet
and
sweetness
,
then
the
state
of
the
times
,
and
the
face
of
affairs
seem
to
promise
you
a
month
longer
.
For
the
Marotte
or
trifle
you
speak
of
(
so
you
are
pleas'd
to
term
the
design
of
your
Poem
)
I
have
a
greater
esteem
of
it
,
then
of
any
Scepter
whatsoever
.
I
am
farre
from
advising
you
to
abandon
that
enterprise
which
you
have
attempted
with
the
vowes
and
applause
of
all
France
.
Nor
will
I
be
so
cruell
an
enemy
to
Posterity
,
as
to
stifle
Heroes
and
Heroesses
in
their
Cradle
.
Seek
another
Counsellour
of
your
Parricides
,
and
do
not
believe
that
I
approve
what
hath
been
inspir'd
you
by
your
evill
Angell
;
I
am
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30.
Aug.
1636.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
Two
dayes
since
,
I
receiv'd
the
Book
of
Monsieur
Hensius
,
which
was
Printed
by
the
Elzevirs
.
It
is
bigger
by
a
third
part
then
the
Manuscript
that
was
shown
you
.
Notwithstanding
,
it
contains
nothing
in
all
that
bulk
to
our
purpose
,
nothing
which
I
could
not
defeat
with
advantage
,
if
I
were
a
person
inclinable
to
quarrel
,
and
did
not
preferre
my
repose
above
my
reputation
.
But
I
do
not
resent
matters
so
deeply
,
and
have
less
thirst
after
glory
then
some
have
imagined
.
It
is
not
my
design
to
assemble
the
people
,
and
make
pastime
to
the
spectators
.
And
though
I
may
pass
for
a
Craven
in
the
Country
of
Latin
,
I
shall
not
be
accounted
a
less
honest
man
at
the
House
of
Ramboüillet
.
You
have
goodness
enough
to
conserve
that
happiness
you
gain'd
for
me
there
,
I
mean
the
esteem
of
the
two
divine
Persons
.
And
remember
them
upon
opportunity
,
that
in
the
quality
of
one
sick
and
afflicted
,
I
do
at
least
deserve
so
much
friendship
,
as
to
be
pittied
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Novemb.
1636.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
I
Had
not
so
great
apprehensions
of
fear
for
my
Paquet
,
as
for
you
.
It
was
a
long
time
before
I
heard
any
tidings
of
it
,
and
I
began
to
be
jealous
of
your
welfare
.
We
drink
your
health
here
solemnly
with
the
Marquiss
of
Montaufier
.
And
there
wanted
nothing
either
in
our
Cups
,
or
our
Wishes
,
that
might
make
you
as
sound
and
flourishing
,
as
Marc
Anthony
,
and
Dolabella
.
It
must
be
acknowledg'd
that
this
Marquiss
is
a
Cavalier
of
great
worth
,
and
very
deserving
of
your
affection
and
esteem
.
As
for
me
,
I
expect
extraordinary
performances
from
him
,
and
that
which
was
told
me
a
while
since
of
the
late
Monsieur
his
Brother
,
seems
of
good
conceit
.
That
Madam
his
Mother
did
not
begin
her
teeming
but
with
a
Hero
,
that
she
might
at
length
content
her selfe
with
bringing
forth
a
Man
.
But
I
adjoyn
thereto
,
That
she
hath
been
very
happy
to
succeed
twice
in
so
high
and
difficult
an
enterprise
.
I
have
lost
the
Sonnet
that
consecrates
the
memory
of
the
deceased
,
and
which
you
bestowed
on
me
at
Paris
.
Be
pleased
to
oblige
me
with
a
Copy
,
and
make
me
partaker
of
some
of
your
other
rarities
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Angoulesme
,
18
Novemb.
1636.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
SInce
you
will
have
it
so
,
that
I
must
be
indebted
to
the
honest
Camusat
,
for
the
Present
you
sent
me
,
you
must
do
me
the
favour
to
return
him
many
thanks
.
It
is
fitting
that
good
man
be
admitted
of
our
Society
,
and
become
our
Flantin
;
for
it
would
be
somewhat
too
much
,
to
term
him
Manucio
.
That
Plantin
so
famous
for
his
understanding
in
his
Profession
,
and
the
impression
of
the
great
Bible
,
was
otherwise
wholly
ignorant
of
the
Latine
Tongue
.
He
did
,
indeed
,
make
semblance
of
skill
in
it
,
and
his
friend
Justus
Lipsius
,
concealed
that
secret
very
faithfully
till
his
death
.
He
writ
him
Letters
in
Latin
,
but
in
the
same
Paquet
he
sent
him
the
interpretation
in
Dutch.
Martial
makes
frequent
mention
of
a
Bookseller
Triphon
,
and
Quintilian
intreates
his
care
in
the
Edition
of
his
Book
,
by
an
express
for
that
purpose
.
Perhaps
ours
is
not
inferiour
to
theirs
,
and
your
testimony
is
sufficient
to
perswade
me
to
all
good
opinions
of
him
.
Be
pleas'd
to
send
me
the
name
,
that
Cavalier
Marin
bestowed
on
him
;
for
I
am
so
unhappy
as
to
have
forgot
it
,
and
,
as
I
remember
,
it
afforded
no
small
pleasure
to
my
fancy
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
Novemb.
1636.
LET.
XXVIII
.
SIR
,
THe
Princess
Julia
is
doubly
admirable
,
both
in
her
person
,
and
in
your
Verse
.
But
I
am
much
afraid
she
should
induce
you
to
prove
,
inconstant
to
the
Virgin
of
Orleans
,
and
that
the
living
will
cause
the
dead
to
be
forgotten
.
You
must
take
heed
of
drawing
the
reproach
of
so
great
infidelity
upon
you
,
and
remember
that
there
lies
a
vow
upon
your
design
,
and
by
consequence
his
Holiness
himselfe
,
according
to
the
opinion
of
most
Divines
,
is
not
able
to
discharge
you
from
it
.
As
for
my selfe
,
I
spend
my
leasure
after
my
ordinary
custome
,
I
meditate
all
day
,
and
would
believe
not
without
success
,
because
you
are
satisfied
therewith
.
If
Heaven
would
bless
me
with
that
great
benefit
of
health
,
I
should
endeavour
to
content
you
after
another
manner
,
and
my
spirit
being
at
liberty
,
its
elevations
would
be
farre
more
strong
and
vigorous
,
notwithstanding
you
bestow
the
term
of
Sublimitie
upon
the
last
composition
of
mine
you
receiv'd
.
But
in
conclusion
,
behold
a
passage
not
unpleasant
.
You
request
my
permission
to
dispose
of
a
sheet
of
Paper
in
your
hands
,
and
will
not
touch
my
Trifles
without
solemn
licence
,
you
,
that
have
soveraign
power
to
dispose
of
my
life
and
fortunes
.
Either
you
are
ignorant
of
that
power
,
or
dissemble
it
;
in
plain
terms
,
you
are
too
ceremonious
,
and
too
great
a
formalist
,
for
a
man
on
this
side
the
Mountaines
.
A
Florentine
bred
up
in
the
Court
of
Rome
,
could
have
done
no
more
.
Without
question
,
saying
to
me
,
con
lic●nza
,
you
would
have
the
echo
answer
,
con
authorita
.
To
finish
my
Letter
in
the
language
of
the
Country
of
Complements
,
Vo
signoria
è
Padrone
;
although
I
am
in
all
the
rigour
of
truth
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Decemb.
1636.
LETTER
XXIX
.
SIR
,
THe
urgency
of
business
has
drawn
me
by
force
out
of
my
repose
.
I
have
been
in
my
travel
,
almost
these
five
weeks
;
at
present
I
am
in
the
Province
of
Limosni
,
where
I
receiv'd
your
Letter
of
the
six
and
twentieth
of
the
last
moneth
,
and
that
excellent
Poem
you
did
me
the
favour
to
send
in
company
with
it
.
It
was
opened
in
the
inchanted
Closet
,
and
by
Madam
Desloges
.
I
was
made
choise
of
to
read
it
,
and
I
can
assure
you
without
flattery
,
there
was
no
Stanza
that
wanted
acclamation
,
and
most
of
them
had
their
applause
redoubled
.
That
which
we
read
of
Monsieur
de
Grasse
,
is
also
highly
esteemed
.
Do
me
the
favour
as
to
assure
him
of
the
fidelity
and
constancy
of
my
passion
.
I
believe
him
of
goodness
enough
to
compassionate
my
afflictions
,
and
not
to
require
of
one
incumbred
with
the
multitude
of
affairs
,
all
the
civilities
that
a
man
of
leasure
can
render
him
.
Without
answering
to
the
Postscript
of
your
Letter
,
I
would
have
you
understand
,
I
have
no
more
remembrance
of
my
objections
,
and
am
well
satisfied
with
your
answers
.
It
is
time
to
go
on
seriously
with
the
great
Work
;
You
must
dispute
the
place
with
Virgil
,
unlesse
it
be
that
you
honour
Antiquity
,
and
bear
respect
to
your
Predecessour
;
in
which
,
though
your
worth
may
give
you
the
priority
,
your
modesty
will
induce
you
to
follow
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Lambertie
,
10.
Decemb.
1636.
LET.
XXX
.
SIR
,
I
Infinitely
value
the
the
person
of
our
friend
,
and
I
should
desire
his
alliance
with
passion
;
but
it
will
be
difficult
to
accommode
matters
to
effect
it
.
The
young
Ladie
's
head
is
full
of
her
great
lineage
.
She
hath
been
shewn
the
name
she
wears
amongst
those
Illustrious
Names
,
in
the
History
of
the
Cardinall
Bentivoglio
,
and
that
of
the
President
de
Thou
.
And
from
hence
arises
that
haughtinesse
of
speaking
Italian
in
French
Company
,
and
contempt
of
all
kinds
of
Burgess-ship
and
Professions
,
though
cloath'd
in
Purple
,
and
plac'd
upon
cloth
of
Flowers
de
Lys.
Her
Mother
had
thoughts
less
high
,
and
more
favourable
to
the
long
Robe
.
Nevertheless
,
I
can
tell
you
,
she
is
sollicited
every
day
by
divers
persons
of
quality
,
and
in
the
humour
I
left
her
yesterday
,
a
Counsellour
of
the
Grand
Councill
would
not
serve
for
her
Daughter
,
as
twenty
thousand
Crowns
would
be
too
narrow
a
fortune
for
such
a
person
.
At
Paris
,
men
are
poor
with
ten
thousand
Livres
of
Rent
,
but
in
Poitou
and
Xaintonge
,
a
farre
lesse
estate
is
Riches
.
A
moderate
Revenue
is
plenty
in
this
Country
,
and
we
commit
excess
upon
that
which
would
onely
suffice
to
entertain
your
sobrietie
.
You
may
read
an
Epigram
of
Martial's
to
this
purpose
,
in
which
,
what
ever
he
speaks
of
Rome
,
is
clearly
applicable
to
your
City
of
Paris
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Angoulesme
,
20
Decemb.
1636.
LET.
XXXI
.
SIR
,
THe
Letter
I
sent
you
in
favour
of
Roscius
,
is
not
compos'd
of
a
style
sutable
to
the
gust
of
our
severe
friend
.
But
I
considered
in
what
manner
Cicero
us'd
to
deal
with
the
Roscius
of
his
time
.
I
remember
,
I
have
seen
this
treated
by
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
de
la
Valette
,
and
other
great
Lords
of
the
Court
,
as
a
person
of
honour
.
Can
it
be
desired
,
that
Philosophy
should
be
more
stately
,
and
disdainfull
then
Greatness
?
One
action
of
civilitie
which
draws
not
to
a
consequence
,
is
different
from
a
prostitution
every
day
,
to
which
I
am
not
inclin'd
to
abandon
my selfe
.
Onely
for
the
future
,
it
is
requisite
that
my
Complements
be
somewhat
more
rare
.
The
greatest
part
of
my
correspondents
write
me
Letters
to
no
other
purpose
,
but
to
shew
the
answers
;
and
so
I
am
made
the
Martyr
of
their
vanitie
,
and
that
troublesome
reputation
which
you
and
my
other
good
friends
have
bestowed
upon
me
.
Let
us
seek
out
a
remedy
for
this
evill
,
and
take
leave
of
the
World
once
for
all
.
At
least
let
us
make
a
Truce
withall
the
Wits
for
twenty
yeares
,
and
repose
our selves
during
that
space
.
O
happy
rest
!
in
what
part
of
the
world
dwellest
thou
?
and
when
shall
I
finde
thee
?
I
desire
not
but
this
onely
thing
,
though
I
have
need
of
very
many
other
.
I
wish
neither
applause
,
nor
praise
,
nor
glory
,
nor
fortunes
,
nor
dignities
.
Quid
concupiscam
quaeris
ergo
?
Dormire
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
Decemb.
1636.
The
End
of
the
First
Book
.
FAMILIAR
LETTERS
,
OF
M.
de
BALZAC
,
To
M.
CHAPELAIN
.
The
Second
Book
.
LETTER
.
I.
SIR
,
AOu
are
not
weary
of
obliging
me
;
all
my
Letters
give
you
some
trouble
,
and
all
yours
afford
me
benefit
.
The
last
of
the
twelfth
of
this
month
,
is
a
continuance
of
that
commerce
wherein
I
alwaies
gain
advantage
,
and
you
become
the
loser
.
For
,
upon
the
reckoning
,
your
hours
might
be
more
profitably
imploy'd
,
and
on
greater
concernments
.
My
small
interests
cannot
deserve
the
care
you
take
of
them
.
But
what
means
is
there
to
restrain
the
generositie
of
your
mind
?
This
active
wisdom
that
adjoyns
good
deeds
to
good
Counsells
,
transcends
all
the
discourses
of
speculative
Philosophers
,
who
have
treated
of
the
duties
of
friendship
,
You
practise
much
more
then
they
ever
knew
in
precept
.
They
drew
the
Idea
of
perfect
friends
,
and
you
accomplish
the
design
.
I
am
happy
to
be
the
subject
you
were
pleas'd
to
make
choise
of
to
that
effect
,
and
to
gather
the
fruit
of
your
glory
:
wh●ch
I
do
with
all
acknowledgments
of
gratitude
,
and
there
shall
never
be
any
person
more
then
my selfe
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Januar.
1637.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
YOur
scruple
touching
the
affairs
of
England
,
is
not
without
sufficient
grounds
.
As
for
the
term
of
Divine
,
in
the
place
where
it
is
,
it
cannot
give
offence
to
any
.
'T
is
true
,
of
later
times
it
hath
been
so
debased
,
that
I
made
conscience
to
bestow
it
on
Artemie
,
otherwise
Madam
the
Marchioness
de
Ramboüillet
.
Nevertheless
she
may
please
to
consider
,
that
as
there
are
false
Divinities
,
so
there
are
also
true
,
and
she
is
of
this
latter
so●t
.
If
they
of
the
Court
commit
Idolatry
,
we
are
religious
in
the
Village
;
and
she
is
one
of
the
principal
objects
of
the
devotion
of
our
Province
.
But
,
to
clear
this
matter
in
another
respect
;
Are
there
not
some
Heavens
higher
then
others
?
Are
there
not
different
degrees
of
Glory
,
and
Crowns
of
greater
value
?
yet
somewhat
further
of
the
justice
and
injustice
of
Ep●thetes
.
There
is
the
divine
Aretine
,
whose
divinity
is
beyond
my
comprehension
:
But
there
is
also
the
divine
Plato
,
whose
wit
ravishes
the
prudent
Guidricione
w●th
admiration
,
and
whom
St.
Augustine
,
prefer'd
above
all
the
gods
Antiquity
ador'd
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
Januar.
1637.
LETTER
III.
SIR
,
YOur
discretion
makes
you
as
happy
,
as
the
want
of
it
renders
me
otherwise
.
The
greatest
of
my
disadvantages
are
hence
occasioned
,
and
in
earnest
I
stand
as
much
in
need
of
your
prudence
to
deport
my self
handsomely
,
as
I
do
of
health
▪
Such
a
depth
of
melancholly
has
possess'd
me
for
this
fortnight
,
that
I
am
scarce
sensible
of
breath
and
motion
.
There
is
nothing
presents
it selfe
to
my
view
,
but
is
extreamly
offensive
.
Pardon
me
,
I
should
have
excepted
your
last
Letters
,
which
afforded
me
so
much
cheerfulnesse
,
as
serv'd
in
some
measure
to
dispell
the
clouds
of
my
disturb'd
fancy
.
I
received
them
together
with
those
Adviso's
with
which
you
are
pleased
to
favour
me
,
with
all
the
reverence
due
to
every
thing
that
comes
from
you
to
me
.
You
will
finde
in
a
little
Note
by
it selfe
,
what
answer
I
return
to
some
Objections
which
were
sent
me
from
another
hand
.
My
judgment
submits
it selfe
to
reason
,
but
yet
understands
how
to
defend
it selfe
against
sophistry
.
I
am
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
Janu.
1637.
LETTER
IV.
SIR
,
IN
this
miserable
world
,
I
account
petty
Mischiefs
in
the
rank
of
Goods
,
and
am
therefore
less
sollicitous
to
bemoan
your
indisposition
.
There
wants
but
little
to
cause
me
rather
to
congratulate
with
you
,
since
it
allowes
you
ability
enough
to
manage
all
your
affairs
both
of
great
and
less
importance
,
and
is
no
impediment
to
your
composition
of
Rondeaux
,
in
continuation
of
your
Heroick
Poem
.
This
is
an
excellent
languishment
,
and
the
best
qualifi'd
distemper
I
ever
yet
heard
of
;
mine
are
of
a
farre
different
nature
.
The
greatest
part
of
the
time
I
am
equally
uncapable
both
of
action
and
repose
,
either
to
pleasure
others
,
or
satisfie
my selfe
.
I
have
been
harrass'd
with
the
cruelty
of
this
malady
above
a
moneth
,
without
so
much
intermission
as
to
read
the
Treatise
of
Monsieur
de
***
.
For
the
Philosophicall
discourse
,
it
was
taken
out
of
my
hands
the
same
day
I
receiv'd
it
;
and
Monsieur
de
Brassac
,
who
had
possession
of
it
since
,
hath
not
yet
suffered
me
to
see
any
more
then
the
Priviledge
,
and
the
prefatory
Epistle
.
If
he
should
condemn
me
to
stop
there
,
it
would
be
no
great
injury
to
my
patience
.
For
to
tell
you
freely
,
I
have
more
longing
for
the
sight
of
your
Verses
,
then
for
the
Prose
of
those
Gentlemen
.
But
that
is
a
happinesse
out
of
the
way
of
my
Fate
,
since
you
have
not
confidence
enough
in
me
,
to
send
me
one
small
fragment
of
that
admirable
Master-piece
.
I
beseech
you
,
let
not
the
importunitie
of
my
intreaties
give
you
cause
of
distaste
.
My
love
shall
not
cease
to
continue
in
the
same
fervour
,
although
I
have
no
hope
of
succeding
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6.
Febru.
1637.
LETTER
V.
SIR
,
HAving
not
yet
received
any
Newes
from
you
,
I
remaine
unresolved
whether
the
Latine
work
be
Latine
:
Notwithstanding
it
be
the
production
of
an
Author
,
that
esteems
not
himselfe
a
stranger
to
the
Country
of
Cicero
,
and
makes
choise
of
no
bad
examples
for
his
imitation
.
It
is
therefore
injurious
to
accuse
the
Counsellour
you
know
of
,
for
the
father
of
it
.
For
in
my
judgement
,
his
writings
are
of
another
nature
.
His
Verses
have
some
sound
,
and
the
confidence
of
the
age
of
Statius
and
Juvenal
.
But
every
part
of
this
is
empty
,
shallow
,
and
tumid
,
stuck
thick
with
high
words
of
no
significance
;
and
this
harmonious
obscurity
is
oftentimes
the
cause
,
that
the
Readers
suspect
a
Mysterie
,
where
there
is
nothing
but
Bombast
.
The
other
piece
is
of
more
soliditie
,
and
better
contexture
.
This
,
if
you
please
,
may
serve
for
a
universall
Answer
to
all
the
perpetual
impertinencies
,
which
shall
be
spoken
or
written
against
me
,
to
the
end
of
the
world
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
16
Feb.
1637.
LET.
VI.
SIR
,
IT
is
not
possible
,
for
the
clouds
of
my
melancholly
to
become
so
impenetrably
thick
and
gloomy
,
but
that
your
Letters
clear
a
passage
to
let
in
some
glimmerings
of
day
,
and
brightnesse
.
They
bring
with
them
such
small
rayes
of
joy
,
as
prisoners
receive
at
the
opening
of
their
grates
.
The
Epicure
Colothes
,
with
his
great
Mittain
,
wherewith
he
arm'd
himselfe
against
Winter
,
enforced
me
to
laughter
in
the
bitternesse
of
my
pains
;
and
I
think
an
intire
discourse
of
that
strain
,
would
afford
wonderfull
cheerfulnesse
to
poor
calamitous
persons
.
I
acquiesce
in
the
greatest
part
of
those
advices
wherewith
you
are
pleas'd
to
favour
me
.
But
with
your
permission
,
I
shall
offer
my
most
humble
Remonstrances
upon
some
of
them
,
yet
with
no
intention
of
being
opinative
against
you
.
You
know
I
do
not
believe
my
own
opinions
for
good
,
but
when
I
have
perswaded
you
to
allowance
,
nor
have
an
assurance
of
any
truth
,
till
you
confirm
it
to
be
such
.
As
to
the
rest
of
the
Copie
,
instead
of
sending
me
the
places
to
be
review'd
,
it
were
better
to
sprinkle
them
with
a
parcell
of
fair
Asterisms
,
without
other
ceremonies
.
There
will
be
great
pleasure
to
see
the
Grammarians
exercise
their
wits
upon
those
vacuities
,
and
take
much
pains
to
fill
them
.
At
the
worst
,
the
Reader
will
be
drawn
to
a
belief
,
that
they
are
passages
the
Corrector
wanted
skill
to
uncypher
.
'T
is
the
easiest
of
all
remedies
,
and
will
spare
no
small
labour
to
your selfe
and
me
.
I
believe
the
Councill
of
Flanders
would
have
been
half
wild
to
have
incountred
the
like
difficulty
,
because
they
should
be
obliged
to
await
at
Brussells
,
the
resolutions
of
Madrid
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
26
Feb.
1637.
LETTER
VII
.
SIR
,
ALl
the
glory
of
this
Province
is
departed
with
the
Marquess
of
Montaufier
.
He
had
begun
to
civilize
our
Barbarie
,
and
to
bring
Angoulesme
into
repute
.
But
it
is
not
for
us
to
expect
that
happinesse
,
which
the
Court
cannot
enjoy
,
but
by
the
way
,
when
his
honour
calls
him
otherwhere
abroad
.
Being
born
,
as
he
is
,
for
military
action
,
he
has
no
inclination
to
be
detain'd
in
Closets
,
when
his
service
is
necessary
in
the
Campagne
.
He
is
,
in
truth
,
a
Cavelier
whom
I
esteem
infinitely
;
yet
if
by
mishap
,
I
have
not
sufficiently
perswaded
him
of
the
height
of
that
esteem
;
I
beseech
you
to
confirm
the
truth
of
it
by
the
power
of
your
eloquence
,
and
give
him
better
information
then
I
could
imagine
.
There
came
lately
to
my
hand
,
a
Letter
from
our
friend
,
who
was
heretofore
onely
an
Abbot
by
his
name
.
He
certifies
me
,
that
,
at
length
,
the
event
hath
succeeded
the
Prognostick
,
and
he
is
become
as
reall
and
essentiall
an
Abbot
,
as
the
Abbot
of
St.
Denys
,
or
as
he
of
St.
Gall
,
of
whom
the
Gazetts
make
so
frequent
mention
.
It
is
sit
we
express
to
him
our
joy
of
that
news
by
the
next
convenience
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
.
7
March
,
1637.
LET.
VIII
.
SIR
,
IF
some
affairs
had
not
diverted
me
,
you
should
,
eight
dayes
ago
,
have
received
,
what
this
Courtier
delivers
you
.
There
are
about
five
and
twenty
Letters
in
all
,
whereof
the
ten
last
please
me
better
,
then
the
other
;
not
,
for
that
they
have
any
preheminence
of
goodnesse
,
but
because
the
matter
more
neerly
touches
my
heart
;
and
I
have
great
impatiency
,
that
the
world
should
know
,
in
what
degree
I
esteem
your
friendship
,
and
reverence
your
vertue
.
You
have
absolute
power
over
the
whole
collection
,
and
may
at
your
discretion
,
retrench
entire
Lines
and
Periods
.
But
,
I
reserve
,
with
your
favour
,
this
small
parcell
to
my self
,
which
if
your
modesty
should
induce
you
to
diminish
in
the
least
,
I
immediately
forbid
the
impression
,
and
declare
to
honest
Camusat
,
that
I
have
nothing
to
do
with
him
.
Sans
plus
is
an
Italian
idiotism
,
without
question
;
but
it
is
also
French
,
and
very
frequently
us'd
by
the
Cardinall
of
Perron
.
Besides
,
having
no
harshnesse
to
offend
delicate
ears
,
I
may
think
I
have
name
enough
,
to
introduce
the
usage
of
it
my self
.
Trop
plus
,
and
Trop
mieux
,
which
are
often
in
the
same
Cardinal's
writings
,
are
tearms
which
I
leave
to
himself
,
without
ever
being
liquorish
after
them
,
they
seem
to
be
of
so
bad
a
relish
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
17
March
,
1637.
LET.
IX
.
SIR
,
I
Cannot
but
admire
the
industry
,
you
are
pleased
to
bestow
on
a
work
,
that
deserves
it
so
little
.
This
piece
is
nothing
,
but
the
Van-currier
,
to
the
Grosse
of
my
other
compositions
.
And
I
am
in
fear
,
this
paper
of
Satin
,
and
the
Characters
,
dropt
down
from
Heaven
,
will
not
be
suitably
employed
to
their
worth
.
'T
is
yet
to
engage
you
to
a
further
obligation
.
But
howsoever
,
though
I
performed
nothing
more
,
then
to
give
the
world
a
promise
,
of
your
Maid
of
Orleans
,
and
that
my
Book
serv'd
onely
,
to
give
the
world
notice
of
your
Poem
;
I
think
,
it
would
finde
no
bad
entertainment
;
and
the
good
tidings
it
brought
,
would
render
it
agreeable
to
the
curiosity
of
the
ingenious
.
I
am
loth
to
tell
you
,
what
you
must
of
necessity
know
,
that
having
turn'd
over
a
huge
mountain
of
Papers
,
and
made
exact
search
in
all
my
Magazines
,
it
is
impossible
to
find
that
Piece
I
promised
you
:
Without
dispute
,
it
has
either
been
pillaged
from
me
,
by
some
curious
hand
,
or
s●me
despightfull
devill
conceales
it
.
I
cannot
make
you
sensible
,
how
much
I
apprehend
the
losse
of
that
thing
I
intended
should
be
yours
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
May
,
1637.
LET.
X.
SIR
,
I
Perceive
idlenesse
is
a
better
Catholick
then
diligence
.
I
solemnise
holy
Festivalls
with
more
devotion
than
you
;
and
you
are
not
likely
to
receive
Letters
from
me
,
dared
upon
Whitsunday
,
as
I
have
one
of
yours
.
I
acknowledge
,
modesty
is
the
most
amiable
thing
in
the
world
;
and
because
it
is
peculiarly
the
vertue
of
Virgins
,
you
will
not
suffer
the
defect
of
it
in
yours
of
Orleans
.
Yet
there
is
a
magnanimous
pride
,
of
which
Philosophy
does
not
disapprove
,
and
Aristotle
relates
wonders
in
his
Ethicks
.
If
I
have
promised
high
matters
of
you
,
your
performance
will
yet
transcend
my
engagements
.
I
do
not
fear
being
questioned
by
the
Publick
,
and
reproached
for
false
information
.
To
be
surety
for
Croesus
is
not
lesse
hazardous
,
then
to
be
responsible
for
Monsieur
Chapelain
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
April
,
1637.
LET.
XI
.
SIR
,
IT
is
rrue
,
that
being
at
Paris
,
I
sent
a
copy
of
my
last
Book
to
Sedan
:
And
this
,
without
other
designe
,
then
in
pursuance
of
a
customary
civility
,
and
to
avoid
the
complaints
of
a
person
,
that
perhaps
expected
it
.
He
returned
me
for
it
the
complement
,
that
I
shewed
you
,
whereunto
I
thought
my self
obliged
to
answer
.
But
I
fear
,
our
friend
has
made
him
too
particular
a
discovery
,
and
contrary
to
my
intention
:
For
,
though
I
had
seen
the
last
year
,
that
passage
of
his
Latin
Libell
,
for
which
I
am
not
extreamly
beholding
to
him
;
yet
I
dissembled
my
knowledge
,
and
forbore
to
vaunt
of
my
disgrace
;
I
would
not
let
him
understand
my
resentments
of
it
,
lest
I
should
put
him
to
the
pains
of
giving
me
satisfaction
.
I
am
not
ignorant
,
that
satisfactions
are
oft-times
the
seeds
of
second
quarells
;
and
that
a
vain
man
,
yea
one
of
much
modesty
,
is
not
easily
induced
to
unsay
,
what
he
hath
spoken
,
but
with
reluctancy
.
But
what
would
you
say
of
Monsieur
****
who
hath
written
me
a
tedious
long
Letter
,
accompanyed
with
a
Sermon
,
that
would
hold
a
whole
Lent
?
Hostibus
eveniant
talia
dona
meis
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
April
1637.
LETTER
XII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
glad
you
are
well
pleased
with
the
Treatise
of
Monsieur
des
Cartes
,
and
shall
no
longer
question
the
solidity
of
his
doctrine
,
since
it
has
receiv'd
your
approbation
.
I
send
you
with
this
,
his
judgment
on
my
first
Letters
,
stylo
,
ut
aiebat
,
Petroniano
.
My
Latin
will
suddenly
follow
,
all
glorious
,
with
the
Elogies
bestowed
on
it
at
Paris
;
with
which
appointments
,
it
will
not
fear
to
appear
before
the
Manutii
,
having
been
so
highly
valued
by
the
Bourbons
.
You
are
extolled
there
,
according
to
your
merit
;
and
you
may
believe
,
that
if
I
understood
as
many
Languages
,
as
one
of
our
friends
professes
knowledge
of
,
and
they
report
Scaliger
had
skill
in
,
I
should
not
content
my selfe
to
commend
you
in
Latin
and
French
.
The
accuser
of
Cicero
,
since
you
desire
to
know
him
,
is
the
redoubtable
Schioppius
.
He
hath
caused
a
Book
to
be
printed
at
Milan
,
wherein
he
accuses
Cicero
of
incongruity
and
barbarism
.
There
is
but
one
copy
in
all
France
,
and
the
Sieurs
Dupens
did
me
the
favour
to
lend
it
me
,
when
I
was
at
Paris
.
This
injustice
offered
to
Cicero
,
would
be
a
comfort
to
Scaliger
,
if
he
should
return
into
the
world
in
these
daies
.
But
I
expect
the
same
Schioppius
should
shortly
write
another
Volume
,
and
therein
undertake
to
prove
,
that
Cato
was
a
wicked
man
,
and
Julius
Cesar
a
craven
souldier
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
April
1637.
LETTER
XIII
.
SIR
,
I
Did
not
understand
the
extraordinary
merit
of
Monsieur
the
Counsellor
de
—
and
you
are
the
first
that
rated
him
to
me
at
so
high
a
value
.
The
late
Monsieur
de
Malherbe
,
was
one
of
his
particular
friends
,
and
made
sometimes
mention
of
him
,
but
onely
as
a
person
extreamly
curious
,
much
affecting
relations
and
stories
,
a
great
searcher
of
Medalls
and
Manuscripts
,
a
great
professor
of
knowledge
in
strange
Countries
,
a
great
admirer
of
all
the
Doctors
of
the
University
of
Leyden
,
&c.
All
this
in
my
opinion
is
too
little
,
to
make
up
a
grand
personage
.
I
do
not
question
,
but
he
was
also
respectfull
and
faithfull
to
his
friend
.
But
there
is
a
difference
between
the
heroicall
vertues
,
and
those
of
the
meaner
sort
;
betwixt
glory
,
and
a
good
repute
;
and
by
consequence
,
between
Monsieur
the
President
de
Thou
,
and
Monsieur
the
Counsellor
de
—
Your
Letter
concludes
in
the
style
of
an
Oracle
,
and
sets
my
wit
upon
the
rack
.
These
are
your
affronts
of
old
,
and
you
take
pleasure
in
provoking
the
impatiency
of
them
,
that
love
you
.
And
why
,
I
beseech
you
,
so
many
guises
,
so
many
veiles
and
folds
,
to
hide
a
little
secret
from
me
?
You
might
at
first
have
discovered
the
truth
in
its
native
clearnesse
.
But
you
designe
to
make
me
languish
,
and
had
rather
I
should
a
long
time
attend
the
revelation
of
the
mystery
by
the
post
,
or
seek
it
out
at
adventure
,
by
suspicions
and
conjectures
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
May
1637.
LETTER
XIV
.
SIR
,
YOu
know
well
how
to
exercise
mens
patience
,
or
,
to
speak
more
properly
,
to
enrage
it
.
I
have
had
time
and
leisure
sufficient
,
to
study
out
your
Riddle
;
five
Posts
are
return'd
,
since
the
first
proposall
you
made
me
of
it
,
and
none
of
them
afforded
me
any
light
to
it
,
not
so
much
as
one
word
of
your
newes
,
or
concerning
the
honest
Camusat
.
This
begins
to
put
me
in
disquiet
,
and
to
beget
some
of
those
vain
fears
in
my
mind
,
whereof
true
friendships
are
not
unfertile
.
Your
indisposition
of
Rheume
,
is
it
become
of
more
forwardnesse
and
diligence
,
then
ordinary
,
and
has
it
mistaken
July
for
December
?
Can
there
any
other
accident
betide
you
?
Has
Monsieur
the
Duke
of
Longueville
obliged
you
to
follow
him
into
Germany
?
Dii
meliora
piis
—
I
know
Philosophy
is
valiant
,
and
that
your
predecessor
Socrates
,
was
eminent
in
the
atchievements
of
War
.
Yet
I
would
not
have
your
fancy
encline
you
,
to
that
way
of
getting
honour
,
for
I
account
all
the
Spaniards
,
both
of
this
and
the
New
world
,
scarce
worth
the
trouble
,
of
putting
you
onely
into
a
bad
humour
.
I
expect
your
resolutions
of
peace
,
and
entreat
you
of
all
love
,
to
avoid
the
garb
of
Buffe
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
Iuly
1637.
LETTER
XV.
SIR
,
YOur
Letter
of
the
twenty
sixt
of
the
last
Month
,
has
restored
my
spirit
to
its
former
repose
,
by
the
explication
of
your
mystery
;
although
I
had
divin'd
it
before
,
as
Monsieur
the
Commissary
can
bear
me
witnesse
.
I
would
not
be
understood
,
as
to
usurp
upon
you
,
who
are
immediately
inspired
by
the
god
Apollo
;
or
to
endeavour
to
gain
the
repute
of
a
Prophet
,
for
fear
,
lest
that
new
quality
should
draw
with
it
upon
me
,
a
new
persecution
.
I
cannot
have
admiration
enough
,
at
their
depraved
gust
,
that
dislike
my
speaking
of
my self
,
in
an
affair
that
concern'd
no
body
else
,
and
where
I
could
not
mention
any
other
,
without
digressing
from
my
subject
.
Would
they
have
me
talk
of
the
grand
Signior
,
or
the
King
of
Persia
?
or
dilate
my self
upon
the
pedigree
of
Messieurs
de
—
?
I
am
not
fit
to
commend
these
great
Lords
,
in
so
mean
a
manner
,
and
Monsieur
de
—
would
discharge
that
office
better
.
But
I
must
acknowledge
,
that
all
the
obloquies
of
the
inconsiderable
rout
,
do
not
so
much
move
me
,
as
that
word
which
was
whispered
in
your
ear
,
by
Monsieur
the
Keeper
of
the
Library
.
From
whence
I
gather
,
that
to
please
,
and
displease
,
in
this
honest
age
,
are
the
meer
effects
of
fortune
and
hazard
;
wisdome
and
sufficiency
have
no
share
therein
.
And
according
as
the
physick
of
my
Lord
—
hath
had
good
or
bad
operation
,
and
that
he
slept
well
,
or
otherwise
,
he
passes
a
favourable
or
hard
censure
,
upon
whatever
is
presented
him
.
This
breeds
in
me
sometimes
a
resolution
,
to
hate
all
mankind
.
And
if
you
were
not
the
onely
good
and
just
person
,
amidst
this
universall
degeneracie
,
I
should
make
a
second
vow
,
yet
more
solemn
and
religious
,
than
the
first
.
In
my
own
opinion
,
I
never
writ
any
thing
more
modest
or
commendable
,
then
the
Piece
now
in
question
;
and
yet
because
it
is
no
,
declamation
of
the
Palace
,
or
preachment
to
the
Vulgar
,
it
is
sleightly
esteemed
:
Those
that
afford
it
praise
,
do
it
with
a
great
deal
of
indifferency
and
reserve
,
because
they
know
not
how
to
blame
it
,
without
rendring
themselves
ridiculous
:
Yet
I
suspect
some
ill
offices
from
the
Anti-chamber
,
and
forbear
yet
to
condemn
them
of
the
Cabinet
.
Nevertheless●
.
He
will-believe
,
for
the
honour
of
the
Master
,
that
,
that
undeserved
speech
never
fell
from
his
mouth
.
For
if
it
were
so
,
after
all
the
respect
I
have
given
him
,
I
should
have
reason
in
the
same
place
,
where
I
speak
excessively
of
my selfe
,
t'write
him
though
never
so
great
and
powerful
,
Barbaro
,
discortese
,
&c.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
16
July
1637.
LETTER
XVI
.
SIR
,
THe
friendship
of
the
Court
is
never
without
an
allay
of
envy
;
and
if
it
be
true
as
you
tell
me
,
that
I
have
taught
the
greatest
part
of
our
acquaintance
the
faculty
of
writing
,
and
the
use
of
that
knowledge
;
it
is
likewise
a
certainty
,
that
,
the
Schollars
have
wanted
gratitude
to
acknowledge
their
Master
;
and
I
have
made
as
many
unthankfull
persons
,
as
my
instruction
rendred
composers
of
Books
.
These
Gentlemen
never
return
me
any
good
office
,
wherin
there
is
not
a
season●ng
of
concealed
poison
.
I
have
no
inclination
to
that
manner
of
carriage
,
and
my
sinc●rity
is
farre
different
from
such
proceedings
.
I
often
commend
them
for
those
qualities
to
which
they
are
strangers
,
and
thank
them
for
favours
they
never
did
me
;
And
there
comes
not
so
mean
Rimes
,
or
dry
P●ose
,
out
of
their
Paquet
,
b●t
I
assure
them
that
the
Verses
are
Oracles
of
Poetry
,
and
the
Prose
a
Masterpiece
of
Eloquence
.
The
result
is
,
my
goodness
finds
too
bad
requitall
,
and
knowing
to
love
with
so
much
integrity
,
I
merited
greater
happiness
in
friendship
.
I
have
ever
made
it
my
endeavour
to
oblige
and
please
,
but
yet
fail'd
to
meet
with
sutable
retaliation
.
And
taking
my
History
a
little
higher
,
during
the
violence
of
the
most
unjust
persecution
that
ever
malice
rais'd
against
an
Innocent
,
since
the
memory
of
man
;
my
disgraces
afforded
pleasure
to
some
,
others
made
semblance
of
compassion
,
but
none
offer'd
the
least
assistance
or
succour
.
I
alwaies
except
him
from
that
number
whom
duty
binds
me
,
and
my
reproaches
do
not
extend
thither
,
where
I
shall
never
adress
any
thing
,
but
returns
of
thanks
and
acknowledgment
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
July
,
1637.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
IF
the
Collection
of
Camusat
had
been
publish'd
,
the
declaration
of
my
vow
exhibited
there
in
great
Characters
,
had
priviledg'd
me
from
the
task
of
this
day
.
But
it
is
necessary
that
I
suffer
by
the
negligence
of
Printers
,
and
be
constrain'd
to
write
to
Rome
,
since
it
is
not
yet
known
in
this
Country
,
that
I
canno●
write
any
longer
with
a
safe
conscience
.
I
am
fully
determin'd
to
set
my selfe
at
liberty
,
and
not
to
answer
our
Holy
Father
the
Pope
,
although
I
should
receive
a
brief
subscribed
Ciampoli
;
you
will
therefore
oblige
me
(
if
the
publication
of
my
vow
be
not
sufficient
)
to
assure
some
,
that
I
am
sick
of
the
fiftieth
disease
that
hath
surpris'd
me
.
Others
,
that
I
am
at
the
baths
of
the
Pyrenean
Mountains
;
and
the
more
intelligent
,
that
the
Importunate
drive
me
out
of
the
world
,
and
compell
me
to
discontinue
the
commerce
I
held
with
honest
persons
.
I
must
likewise
give
you
further
advertisement
,
That
the
Seigneur
Totila
is
near
his
Marriage
,
and
this
is
another
reason
that
ratifies
the
resolution
I
have
taken
:
for
,
being
destitute
of
hands
,
it
ought
not
to
appear
strange
that
I
gave
over
writing
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
July
,
1637.
LETTER
XVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Crave
your
remembrance
,
that
I
am
already
departed
for
the
Baths
of
the
Pyrenees
,
where
I
shall
continue
the
intire
space
of
two
years
,
although
during
that
time
,
I
will
not
cease
to
write
to
you
after
my
custome
,
from
Balzac
But
,
under
pardon
,
I
cannot
but
esteem
you
rather
severe
,
then
equitable
,
to
give
the
appellation
of
sloath
to
that
necessary
resolution
,
which
I
was
enforc'd
to
take
up
,
that
I
might
at
length
begin
to
live
,
after
forty
yeares
being
in
the
world
.
Were
it
not
a
misery
to
be
the
perpetuall
Butt
of
all
the
idle
Complements
of
France
,
and
to
hold
up
against
all
the
makers
of
flourishing
Letters
?
A
truce
must
of
necessity
be
made
with
honest
men
,
to
avoid
the
complaints
of
them
that
are
not
such
:
And
I
am
constrain'd
to
discontinue
the
commerce
that
was
both
pleasing
and
advantageous
to
me
,
since
I
cannot
use
it
,
without
often
falling
into
the
hands
of
Pyrates
,
and
incountring
a
thousand
mischiefs
.
You
are
the
onely
person
with
whom
I
shall
admit
correspondence
,
and
because
you
desire
it
,
I
will
commu●icate
to
you
my
remarks
on
Seneca
.
By
your
order
,
I
have
again
run
him
over
these
last
three
weeks
,
and
that
both
as
a
Grammarian
,
and
a
Philosopher
.
As
he
takes
Epicurus
for
his
Text
,
I
shall
take
him
for
mine
,
and
my
Commentary
shall
be
neither
too
naked
,
nor
with
overmuch
ornament
.
Philosophy
may
be
decently
drest
without
prejudice
to
her
gravity
.
Liniments
and
fucus
do
not
become
her
countenance
;
but
yet
there
is
a
necessity
of
preserving
her
genuine
colour
and
cleanliness
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
August
1637.
LETTER
XIX
.
SIR
,
I
Attend
the
beginning
of
my
repose
,
from
the
finishing
the
impression
of
our
Collection
.
When
that
is
done
,
the
Decree
must
be
inviolably
maintain'd
,
and
that
troublesome
correspondence
extinguish't
,
which
deprives
me
of
all
my
time
and
contentment
.
It
is
not
onely
Paris
that
persecutes
me
,
Bordeaux
,
Th●louse
,
Aix
,
&c.
do
it
without
mercy
,
without
accounting
the
virtuosi
abroad
,
which
are
also
of
the
party
.
But
when
they
perceive
my
resolutions
in
Print
,
they
will
either
leave
me
in
quiet
,
or
at
least
I
shall
have
good
right
to
remain
so
.
I
am
sensibly
touch'd
with
the
news
of
Madam
d'Andilly's
death
,
and
partake
in
all
the
good
and
bad
success
of
a
familie
that
ought
to
be
so
dear
to
France
,
and
which
was
born
for
the
glory
of
the
French
name
.
But
I
have
an
especiall
pitty
for
our
friend
,
whose
passion
being
unreclaimed
,
he
accounts
he
hath
lost
in
his
wife
,
all
his
Mistresses
,
and
all
the
contentments
of
this
world
.
He
is
,
notwithstanding
,
so
knowing
in
the
doctrine
of
Christianity
,
and
hath
so
many
holy
persons
of
his
blood
about
him
,
that
he
is
in
no
great
want
of
Philosophy
of
the
Stoicks
,
or
any
other
forraign
succour
to
defend
him
against
the
assaults
of
fortune
.
Every
one
discourses
,
preaches
,
and
perswades
in
that
House
,
and
one
Arnold
is
of
more
value
,
then
a
dozen
of
Epictetus
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
14
August
,
1637.
LET.
XX.
SIR
,
THe
Animadversions
I
made
upon
the
Tragedy
of
Herodes
infanticida
,
cannot
come
under
the
appellation
of
a
censure
.
And
there
is
great
difference
betwixt
proposing
of
doubts
,
and
making
positive
resolutions
.
If
the
good
man
Heinsius
has
apprehended
the
matter
to
a
contrary
intention
,
I
am
not
to
blame
,
't
is
his
own
error
.
And
I
am
well
assured
,
that
Justus
Lipsius
,
that
read
Tacitus
heretofore
out
of
the
same
Chaire
,
would
have
answer'd
me
as
an
honest
man
,
and
not
like
a
signor
Dottor
.
In
some
places
he
is
pleas'd
to
term
me
vir
disertissimus
&
maximum
ingenium
;
but
he
has
more
unkind
thoughts
in
his
breast
,
and
has
made
an
ill
construction
of
my
good
meaning
.
It
was
no
design
of
mine
to
take
advantage
upon
him
,
but
rather
to
find
him
exercise
,
to
stir
up
his
acutenesse
,
&
furnish
him
with
the
matter
of
an
excellent
discourse
.
For
,
to
tell
you
a
truth
,
though
I
have
cause
to
complain
of
his
roughnesse
and
intractable
humour
,
he
is
in
my
opinion
,
one
of
the
great
men
of
these
latter
ages
.
A
Poet
,
Orator
,
Philosopher
,
Critick
;
in
a
word
,
the
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
of
the
Greeks
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
August
,
1637.
LET.
XXI
.
SIR
,
ALthough
I
am
well
acquainted
with
your
dexterity
,
in
ridding
your selfe
from
the
trouble
of
importunate
requests
.
Yet
I
have
great
confidence
you
will
not
reject
the
suite
I
now
make
you
.
I
desire
twenty
or
thirty
of
the
Verses
that
please
you
best
in
your
Poem
,
to
the
end
that
I
may
learn
them
by
heart
,
&
rehearse
them
to
the
Ecchoes
of
Balzac
,
and
the
Nymphs
of
Charante
.
For
I
know
you
will
not
allow
them
to
be
carried
to
the
Town
,
and
sung
in
the
ears
of
prophane
Mortalls
.
The
answer
will
be
unsatisfactory
,
that
they
are
all
equally
your
issue
,
and
that
you
have
no
particular
affection
to
any
.
Virgil
had
his
darlings
,
and
so
Lucan
and
Torqua●o
Tasso
theirs
.
They
lov'd
some
place
of
their
Works
above
the
rest
:
They
had
their
Benjamins
and
their
favourites
.
I
expect
the
grant
of
my
intreaties
,
and
cannot
receive
any
excuses
,
although
the
Pucelle
should
come
to
make
them
in
person
.
You
know
I
am
both
dumb
and
paralyticall
,
and
dwell
with
the
Antipodes
,
in
respect
to
all
writers
of
polite
Letters
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
August
1637.
LETTER
XXII
.
SIR
,
I
Must
not
tell
you
,
that
I
bear
a
part
of
your
grief
,
I
should
speak
improperly
;
I
have
such
resentments
of
the
whole
weight
of
your
sorrow
,
as
can
possibly
be
produced
in
a
tender
spirit
,
by
the
perfection
of
friendship
.
Your
troubles
do
as
deeply
affect
me
,
as
my
own
;
and
I
cannot
be
in
capacity
to
afford
you
consolation
,
having
lesse
strength
of
reason
,
and
as
great
a
share
in
the
affliction
.
Losses
and
disgraces
,
are
part
of
the
ingredients
to
every
mans
cup.
Prosperities
are
not
pure
to
the
greatest
favourites
of
fortune
,
and
even
mourning
and
tears
are
to
be
seen
on
the
side
of
victory
.
Calamities
must
,
if
possible
,
be
rendred
insensible
,
and
objects
provided
to
divert
them
,
in
want
of
such
as
might
g●ve
them
cure
.
I
wish
it
were
in
my
power
,
to
supply
you
with
r●dresses
of
that
nature
.
Were
my
Letters
of
sufficient
vertue
,
I
should
be
reconciled
to
that
employment
,
on
which
I
have
bestowed
so
many
maled●ctions
;
and
should
not
say
any
more
,
what
I
have
often
wish'd
,
Vtinam
nescirem
litteras
.
My
affection
observes
no
intervall
of
Holy
daies
,
it
is
ever
active
in
its
duty
;
it
makes
its
appearance
on
the
daies
of
mourning
,
and
consignes
prosperity
to
the
desires
of
other
friends
;
it
abounds
in
heat
,
though
it
be
but
of
small
light
.
You
may
perhaps
be
treated
with
more
complements
,
but
never
lov'd
with
greater
fidelity
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Septemb.
1637.
LET.
XXIII
.
SIR
,
HItherto
your
tears
have
been
just
and
allowable
;
but
if
they
continue
any
longer
,
they
may
so
injure
you
,
as
to
dis-serve
those
persons
,
which
have
a
respect
for
you
.
I
beseech
you
therefore
,
have
a
care
,
lest
your
melancholly
become
habituall
;
it
is
the
heaviest
and
most
stupid
,
or
to
speak
more
favourably
of
it
,
the
softest
and
most
effeminate
,
of
all
the
passions
.
And
if
ever
any
man
had
need
of
life
and
vigour
,
it
is
you
,
who
have
undertaken
a
designe
,
I
believe
,
the
greatest
that
has
been
this
hundred
years
.
But
if
you
should
chance
to
fail
in
your
purpose
,
it
will
not
be
construed
either
inability
or
unfaithfulnesse
,
but
want
of
convenience
and
leisure
.
I
am
affraid
,
that
Paris
,
with
its
complements
,
will
do
the
Maid
more
hurt
,
then
ever
England
did
,
by
all
her
force
of
Arms.
I
am
told
,
that
something
has
passed
unhandsome
,
betwixt
the
Marshall
de
—
and
our
friend
,
who
has
been
menaced
,
although
the
sacrednesse
of
his
person
preserves
him
secure
.
We
are
here
in
a
place
,
where
we
catch
cold
,
whilst
the
Country
you
reside
in
burns
with
excessive
heat
.
May
you
enjoy
a
felicity
pure
and
unmixt
,
and
passe
such
daies
,
as
are
woven
with
the
finest
gold
and
silk
,
that
ever
the
three
Sisters
wrought
,
calm
and
undisturbed
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30.
Septemb.
1637.
LET.
XXIV
.
SIR
,
I
See
now
,
you
are
a
faithfull
promiser
,
and
that
a
man
may
safely
rely
upon
your
word
.
The
fragments
you
are
pleased
to
communicate
to
me
,
is
come
to
my
hands
.
But
to
tell
you
the
truth
,
this
drop
does
but
increase
my
thirst
:
I
burn
with
impatiency
,
to
have
the
sight
of
that
entire
body
,
from
which
so
rare
a
piece
was
taken
:
But
while
I
am
in
preparation
to
court
you
to
that
suit
,
is
it
not
true
,
that
a
hundred
Verses
had
been
of
no
greater
charge
to
you
,
then
thirty
.
If
you
would
have
obliged
me
nobley
,
I
assure
you
,
they
should
be
kept
here
in
great
secrecy
,
neither
will
I
communicate
them
to
more
then
one
person
,
who
shall
also
oblige
her self
by
Oath
,
never
to
remember
any
thing
,
of
that
I
shall
recite
to
her
.
Those
distates
you
mention
,
would
some
thing
trouble
me
,
but
that
you
sufficiently
understand
the
brutishnesse
of
this
age
,
whose
judgment
concerning
good
things
is
yet
worse
,
then
that
of
the
precedent
.
I
j●st
now
came
from
reading
in
Monsieur
de
Thou
,
the
complaints
made
to
him
,
by
the
good
man
Victorius
,
when
he
went
to
visit
him
,
being
at
Florence
;
Querebatur
is
tum
bonas
litteras
in
Italiâ
vilescere
,
habere
se
multa
quae
publico
libenter
daret
,
sed
ea
plerisque
non
tanti
aestimari
,
quanti
conveniret
,
&c.
I
am
of
his
mind
,
that
the
pains
we
take
are
very
ill
bestowed
,
and
that
we
ought
not
to
trouble
our selves
so
much
,
in
making-pastime
,
for
impertinent
and
ingratefull
persons
.
If
some
ignorant
fellow
take
exception
at
the
learned
World
,
in
the
discourse
,
you
may
alledge
those
verses
to
him
:
—
Meritò
cui
doctior
Orbis
Submissis
defert
fascihus
imperium
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20.
Septemb.
1637.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
I
Presume
you
understand
the
designe
of
our
Semicapro
,
to
put
me
into
the
Prelacy
,
which
he
imagines
to
accomplish
,
by
the
credit
and
recommendation
of
certain
people
,
whose
names
and
existence
I
never
yet
heard
of
.
I
send
you
the
two
wonderfull
Letters
they
writ
me
,
to
that
effect
,
which
I
think
you
can
scarce
read
with
a
sober
countenance
;
you
will
there
see
the
management
of
all
bad
policy
,
and
the
whole
Machiavel
of
the
Village
,
to
draw
two
Letters
from
me
,
in
their
own
commendation
.
But
I
am
determin'd
,
and
that
I
assure
my self
,
with
your
allowance
,
to
equall
their
artifice
wtth
cruelty
,
and
to
suffer
their
vanity
to
expire
,
for
want
of
succour
.
If
these
Gentlemen
were
not
comprised
in
my
generall
vow
,
I
should
make
a
particular
one
for
their
sakes
.
They
have
as
little
knowledge
of
me
,
as
I
have
sufficient
of
them
:
And
their
attempt
is
contriv'd
upon
me
by
such
means
,
as
I
am
hardest
to
be
taken
.
It
is
not
in
my
skill
,
either
to
canvasse
for
voices
,
or
beg
any
man's
approbation
.
I
have
forsaken
those
that
were
able
to
give
and
enrich
,
and
shall
not
now
begin
to
court
such
,
as
can
onely
promise
and
abuse
.
You
know
,
Sir
,
I
have
no
ambition
to
raise
a
fortune
;
if
I
had
,
I
should
endeavour
it
all
other
waies
before
.
The
kindnesse
that
our
good
Semicapro
has
for
me
,
and
his
readinesse
to
ingratiate
me
with
my
Lord
—
perhaps
as
sincerely
as
many
others
,
have
restrain'd
him
from
discovering
such
a
number
of
subtle
devices
,
as
you
may
observe
in
the
Letters
I
speak
of
.
For
these
friendly
advices
,
and
all
the
propositions
of
advancement
,
have
in
reality
no
other
aime
,
but
two
answers
.
But
I
here
solemnly
protest
,
they
shall
never
be
Masters
of
their
designe
.
And
if
it
be
requisite
,
I
will
add
to
my
former
Oath
,
all
those
Execrations
of
the
Antients
,
which
you
have
read
in
Aulus
Gellius
.
You
see
the
bad
construction
I
make
of
other
mens
good-will
.
But
I
have
told
you
a
thousand
times
,
that
I
am
infinitely
apprehensive
of
all
injuries
,
that
abuse
my
reason
.
I
most
humbly
kisse
your
hands
,
and
remain
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
28
Septemb.
1637.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
YOur
Letter
represents
the
little
Father
,
as
so
jolly
a
person
,
that
my
displeasure
would
be
more
vehement
,
if
he
had
been
an
experter
Mountebank
,
and
endeavoured
to
beguile
me
with
greater
subtlety
.
'T
is
your
happinesse
,
to
apprehend
things
alwaies
on
the
right
side
;
and
to
proceed
directly
to
truth
.
This
is
no
groundlesse
asseveration
.
We
have
friends
of
lesse
exact
judgment
,
and
you
know
,
the
Writer
of
Politick
Books
,
is
liable
to
be
over-matcht
by
the
little
Father
,
as
well
as
he
that
prints
them
.
I
am
redevable
to
this
latter
,
for
his
good-will
;
yet
I
would
wish
him
,
to
acquiesce
absolutely
in
your
advice
.
He
must
not
permit
the
mediocrity
of
his
reason
,
to
strain
forwards
,
having
learn'd
from
you
or
me
,
the
compasse
it
should
move
in
.
I
do
not
doubt
but
you
are
surprised
,
even
at
the
title
of
the
litle
Father's
Letter
,
and
that
Balzac
l'Orateur
does
not
extreamly
please
you
.
Although
he
cannot
confer
that
quality
on
me
,
without
displacing
Monsieur
de
Colomby
,
who
is
Oratour
to
the
King
,
and
usurping
upon
the
Jacobins
and
Cordeliers
,
who
are
your
most
humble
Oratours
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Octob.
1637.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
THough
I
have
no
very
commendable
eyes
,
yet
I
perceive
,
the
workmanship
of
Mellan
is
far
gallanter
,
and
of
better
conceit
,
then
that
of
the
other
engraver
.
The
good
Camusa●
adds
much
honour
to
my
writings
,
by
the
ornament
of
so
fair
and
ingenuous
figures
.
What
do
you
conceive
in
particular
,
of
that
pensive
and
melancholly
Pallas
?
May
she
not
seem
to
be
plac'd
at
the
entry
of
the
Book
with
her
wand
,
onely
on
purpose
to
defend
it
from
the
fingers
of
the
Sophister
Gorgias
and
Palemon
the
Grammatian
.
That
which
I
have
sent
you
,
is
of
the
style
which
the
Romanes
termed
Attique
,
and
has
not
yet
fallen
into
the
observation
of
our
people
.
Nevertheless
it
was
of
great
renown
,
during
the
times
that
Eloquence
and
Orators
flourish'd
in
the
world
,
and
maintain'd
its
credit
against
Cicero
,
even
in
his
own
dayes
.
If
I
were
minded
,
I
could
send
you
somewhat
more
considerable
,
for
which
I
am
confident
of
your
thanks
;
But
that
must
be
intreated
for
.
I
do
not
intend
to
powre
out
all
my
favours
at
once
,
having
,
besides
,
great
reason
to
complain
of
your
parsimonie
.
You
have
no
commiseration
of
the
indigence
of
my
solitude
,
or
the
barrenness
of
this
Desert
.
For
how
many
ages
are
fled
,
since
I
receiv'd
any
thing
immediately
from
you
?
I
know
no
more
of
the
affairs
of
your
Muses
,
then
if
I
were
the
most
prophane
of
all
the
Barbarians
,
Yet
this
great
neglect
cannot
overcome
my
patience
,
or
shake
that
unalterable
resolution
I
have
to
honour
you
with
passion
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
Octob.
1637.
LETTER
XXVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
resolved
to
free
my selfe
from
the
dominion
of
all
troublesome
passions
,
as
well
for
the
safety
of
my
soul
,
as
for
the
quiet
of
my
life
,
and
interest
of
my
health
.
I
have
been
long
since
of
opinion
,
that
it
is
better
to
suffer
injustice
,
then
to
commit
it
;
and
of
late
have
made
particular
reflection
upon
that
passage
,
Qui
dixerit
patri
suo
,
Raca
,
&c.
Upon
which
consideration
,
I
will
for
the
future
repay
evill
for
good
,
and
begin
to
practise
with
Monsieur
Bourbon
,
to
whom
I
make
the
first
overture
,
without
holding
me
to
the
point
of
honour
,
or
remembring
forepast
actions
.
I
had
intreated
a
Lady
of
our
friends
,
to
relate
him
this
message
,
before
I
knew
of
the
Academies
interceding
in
the
matter
,
or
had
learnt
by
your
Letter
what
forward
progression
he
had
made
,
both
of
his
own
inclination
,
and
by
order
of
the
Company
;
As
to
my selfe
,
I
yet
once
more
assure
you
,
That
what
I
doe
,
is
with
no
other
aime
then
the
satisfaction
of
my
conscience
,
and
submission
to
the
commands
of
God
.
I
seek
neither
Oratour
nor
Poet
;
'T
is
my
Neighbour
,
with
whom
I
would
renew
my
charity
,
and
Petrus
Valens
might
have
found
the
same
readiness
to
reconcliation
,
if
there
had
been
the
like
allowableness
in
the
cause
of
our
discord
.
I
am
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
21
Octob.
1637.
LETTER
XXIX
.
SIR
,
THe
humility
of
your
language
,
is
not
suitable
to
the
most
glorious
Heroess
the
world
ever
knew
;
your
expressions
are
too
excessively
low
for
so
high
a
merit
.
You
seem
to
treat
her
in
the
manner
of
a
young
Girle
,
and
will
not
permit
her
to
discover
so
much
as
her
face
at
the
door
or
window
.
I
cannot
tell
if
such
restraint
will
please
her
,
or
she
will
be
contented
with
all
you
relate
concerning
her
.
Modesty
is
indeed
the
vertue
of
Virgins
;
but
shamefac'tness
does
not
agree
with
the
carriage
of
Amazones
,
and
you
know
that
she
that
came
to
visit
Al●xander
,
spoke
in
no
mean
style
of
her self
.
The
Car
of
our
friend
is
a
very
pleasant
piece
,
and
it
must
be
acknowledg'd
,
he
has
a
genius
of
excellent
and
taking
raillery
.
Onely
,
I
could
wish
he
would
use
some
diligence
to
purifie
his
phrase
.
In
his
writings
,
the
construction
is
many
times
intricate
,
and
neither
things
nor
words
are
put
alwayes
in
their
due
place
.
For
the
Acrostick
Sonnet
,
I
am
much
deceiv'd
,
if
it
be
not
after
the
nature
of
those
of
a
certain
fool
of
the
University
,
nam'd
***
whom
I
have
sometimes
seen
with
the
Author
of
Car
,
and
who
made
that
famous
Epitaph
,
wherein
this
Verse
is
written
in
great
Characters
.
Auae
manes
bien-heareux
de
l'antique
Voiture
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
28
Octob.
1637.
LETTER
XXX
.
SIR
,
WHat
judgement
,
I
beseech
you
,
doe
you
make
of
the
Election
of
our
new
Brother
,
with
whom
I
am
lately
reconcil'd
?
Do
you
believe
he
will
perform
great
services
to
the
Academy
,
and
that
he
is
a
proper
instrument
to
be
imploy'd
with
our
other
Gentlemen
,
in
refining
the
French
language
?
I
have
heretofore
shew'd
you
of
his
French
Letters
which
are
written
in
the
style
of
the
Bards
or
Druids
.
And
if
you
do
not
account
that
,
S'eximer
des
apices
de
droit
,
l'officine
d'un
artisan
,
&
l'imperitie
de
son
art
,
with
other
like
spoils
of
the
old
Romans
,
are
very
precious
in
France
;
he
has
enough
to
fill
the
Louvre
,
the
Arsenal
,
and
the
Bastile
,
After
this
choise
,
I
am
of
opinion
that
our
dear
Monsieur
de
Racan
,
be
design'd
to
correct
the
Dictionary
of
Robert
Stevens
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Novemb.
1637.
LETTER
XXXI
.
SIR
,
YOu
are
so
exact
,
to
acquaint
me
with
the
last
circumstances
of
things
,
that
I
perceive
well
,
you
value
my
contentment
,
and
would
not
have
me
a
loser
by
my
absence
.
My
desires
to
requite
you
,
are
rendred
ineffectuall
through
want
of
matter
,
and
every
thing
is
so
dry
and
barren
in
this
Desert
,
that
I
should
become
totally
mute
,
unless
you
supply'd
me
wherewith
to
entertain
the
commerce
.
Muscardins
is
allow'd
for
current
by
custome
,
although
Muscadins
be
more
gratefull
to
the
ear
,
But
Usuage
must
have
the
prerogative
in
this
as
in
other
things
.
The
word
is
originally
of
Italy
,
and
I
know
not
what
right
we
can
pretend
,
to
remove
a
letter
from
the
middle
of
it
,
it
being
not
of
our
jurisdiction
.
Although
this
Letter
be
somewhat
harsh
,
is
call'd
the
Dog-letter
,
and
in
Muscardins
,
does
but
ill
become
the
little
mouth
of
Monsieur
de
—
yet
it
still
preserves
its
rank
in
the
Alphabet
.
It
has
murmur'd
,
grumbl'd
,
and
snarl'd
,
securely
for
so
many
ages
,
and
is
entred
into
divers
words
,
wherein
it
is
not
lesse
rough
and
unpleasant
then
in
Muscardins
,
without
any
mans
accusation
or
process
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
17
Novemb.
1637.
LET.
XXXII
.
SIR
,
I
Received
much
contentment
from
the
esteem
you
make
of
Monsignor
della
Casa
.
He
is
one
of
my
old
intimates
,
and
the
late
Monsieur
de
Roccellai
,
his
great
Nephew
brought
him
first
to
my
knowledge
.
I
have
lately
read
with
diligence
all
his
Writings
in
the
vulgar
tongue
,
and
am
proud
that
it
was
my
chance
to
pass
of
him
the
same
judgement
,
which
you
out
of
an
assured
knowledge
allow
him
.
I
concur
in
your
opinion
of
the
Latine
,
of
the
same
Author
.
The
life
of
Cardinall
Bembo
is
a
very
handsome
piece
,
judicious
,
and
Elegant
.
That
of
Cardinall
Contareni
,
is
longer
,
but
not
so
compleat
,
and
Victorius
himself
,
confess'd
it
stood
in
need
of
being
review'd
to
attain
its
ultimate
perfection
.
The
Italian-Manuscript
,
which
I
intend
to
print
,
is
nothing
inferiour
in
its
nature
to
the
Oration
made
to
the
Emperour
upon
the
restoring
of
Placentia
:
At
least
it
is
so
conceived
by
many
honest
persons
beyond
the
Mountains
;
and
some
think
it
was
so
offensive
to
the
Spaniards
,
that
they
endeavour'd
to
be
reveng'd
on
him
by
the
poyson'd
morsell
that
was
given
him
.
He
that
your
Letter
speaks
of
,
is
one
of
them
,
whose
persons
I
esteem
more
then
their
Books
;
and
when
I
would
represent
his
worth
and
attractions
to
my selfe
,
I
leave
this
quality
out
of
his
Picture
.
Is
it
possible
that
a
man
wholly
unskilful
in
the
Art
of
writing
,
and
whom
the
King
had
not
commanded
to
make
Books
upon
pain
of
his
life
,
should
quit
the
rank
of
an
honest
man
he
held
in
the
world
,
out
of
design
to
gain
that
of
impertinent
and
ridiculous
amongst
the
Doctors
and
Schollars
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
23
Novemb.
1637.
LET.
XXXIII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
afraid
the
dispatch
of
last
moneth
has
mistaken
its
way
and
must
be
retriv'd
in
the
Registers
of
Totila
.
Not
that
these
sort
of
writings
is
worth
the
pains
of
being
preserv'd
,
or
that
it
is
necessary
my
idlenesse
should
be
as
exact
and
punctual
as
an
Embassy
:
But
because
there
is
no
reason
to
refuse
imployments
to
those
that
are
importunate
for
them
,
or
to
spare
such
hands
as
are
never
weary
.
The
Seigneur
Totila
is
desirous
of
businesse
,
and
cares
not
of
what
nature
,
so
it
be
of
my
provision
and
service
.
It
is
great
pitty
he
is
not
retain'd
at
a
salary
by
the
Academy
,
that
he
might
stand
behind
the
Gentlemen
,
Cum
stylo
&
pugill
aribus
,
by
the
side
of
our
honest
Camusat
.
If
you
would
do
him
this
honour
,
I
dare
engage
not
a
syllable
of
your
learned
conferences
should
perish
:
And
I
can
promise
yet
more
,
that
he
is
able
to
gather
such
things
,
whereon
there
is
no
hold
to
be
taken
.
As
particularly
he
might
give
you
relation
of
the
Choler
of
Monsieur
—
,
the
melancholly
of
Monsieur
—
,
the
sowre
aspect
of
Monsieur
—
the
gravity
of
Monsieur
—
,
and
the
shakings
of
the
head
,
and
disdainfull
smiles
of
Monsieur
—
.
A
man
of
all
this
performance
,
is
well
able
to
recover
a
stray
Letter
,
and
if
his
Archives
should
fail
us
,
I
expect
a
miracle
from
his
memory
.
To
be
cleared
of
my
errour
,
I
stood
in
need
of
the
last
clause
of
your
Letter
.
Your
advices
have
perpetually
this
preeminence
,
either
to
confirm
or
redress
mine
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
Decemb.
1637.
LET.
XXXIV
.
SIR
,
YOu
may
happily
as
much
wonder
,
as
my selfe
,
at
that
Libel
,
which
passes
under
my
name
in
the
Netherlands
.
It
is
well
known
,
I
am
reconciled
with
the
House
of
Austria
,
and
in
peace
with
all
the
Soveraigns
of
the
opposite
party
.
I
had
so
little
thanks
for
my
first
Combats
,
that
I
am
not
forward
to
undertake
new
,
and
have
long
since
renounc'd
the
Philippicks
,
and
all
matters
of
quarrell
.
You
may
therefore
confidently
refute
the
news
of
Holland
,
and
averre
that
I
am
not
the
Father
of
that
Brat
that
is
laid
to
my
charge
in
the
Low-Countries
.
But
without
this
express
Declaration
that
I
make
you
,
there
can
be
no
greater
argument
to
assure
you
of
my
innocence
,
then
that
the
purpose
of
it
never
arriv'd
to
your
knowledge
.
This
is
not
the
first
counterfeit
that
ever
was
in
the
world
:
And
since
there
has
been
Pseudo-Philips
,
false
Agrippa's
,
and
false
Baldwin's
,
there
may
well
be
a
false
Balzac
,
probably
some
idle
speech-maker
,
that
forges
Libels
in
the
Provinces
of
Low-Germany
.
The
best
is
,
there
is
a
true
Balzac
upon
his
legs
to
scourge
all
his
Apes
,
and
chase
away
his
Ghosts
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Decemb.
1637.
The
End
of
the
Second
Book
.
FAMILIAR
LETTERS
,
OF
M.
de
BALZAC
,
To
M.
CHAPELAIN
.
The
Third
Book
.
LETTER
I.
SIR
,
I
Find
no
remedy
so
soveraign
to
my
melancholly
,
as
your
Letters
.
That
which
I
received
of
the
fourth
of
this
Moneth
,
hath
performed
the
usual
effect
;
and
methinks
even
your
heart
speaks
each
of
those
lines
to
me
,
I
read
from
your
hands
.
A
friend
of
your
merit
is
a
hapinesse
beyond
value
;
and
I
cannot
comprehend
the
riches
of
my
possession
.
The
onely
defect
is
,
that
I
am
alwaies
remote
from
my
treasure
.
I
injoy
nothing
of
it
but
in
conceit
,
and
by
the
strength
of
imagination
,
which
is
indeed
sustein'd
and
kept
alive
from
one
Post
to
another
,
by
your
most
pr●dent
,
pleasing
,
and
most
obliging
Letters
.
The
last
is
as
absolute
in
these
three
qualities
as
the
rest
,
and
according
to
your
custome
,
declares
in
behalf
of
the
good
Party
.
You
have
pleaded
the
cause
of
Virgil
to
admiration
,
and
I
believe
,
that
,
after
this
,
no
Lucanist
will
be
confident
enough
to
shew
his
head
,
but
every
one
is
ready
to
disown
his
Jargon
,
his
Rodomentado's
,
and
his
mishapen
pourtrait
upon
his
paper
.
For
,
in
earnest
,
it
seems
to
me
,
that
in
their
Verses
,
I
behold
the
deform'd
wreathings
of
their
countenance
they
use
in
composing
them
,
and
the
pains
they
put
themselves
to
,
to
swerve
from
their
own
genius
.
The
greatest
part
of
the
people
of
Leyden
,
are
of
the
sect
of
Lucanists
,
or
at
least
their
Allies
and
Confederates
.
If
they
do
not
imitate
all
the
bad
,
or
perhaps
dangerous
examples
;
yet
they
ordinarily
leave
the
Reader
to
divine
what
they
would
express
;
and
notwithstanding
all
my
industry
and
search
,
I
could
never
yet
attain
to
understand
them
perfectly
.
Possibly
it
may
be
my
fault
,
but
it
may
also
be
sometimes
theirs
;
and
since
Lucretius
and
Horace
,
and
other
honest
men
of
Antiquity
,
have
not
excluded
me
their
confidence
;
certainly
these
might
communicate
to
me
their
secret
,
without
injury
to
themselves
.
They
believe
that
clearnesse
of
expression
,
is
the
language
of
the
multitude
;
and
,
that
to
separate
themselves
from
the
prophane
vulgar
,
it
is
requisite
to
speak
like
Prophets
,
and
not
to
be
intelligible
to
poor
Mortals
,
but
by
the
mediation
of
Grammarians
.
I
cannot
induce
my selfe
to
that
beliefe
,
and
I
am
sure
father
Bourbon
is
of
my
opinion
;
although
,
to
tell
you
freely
,
he
more
then
once
deviates
into
that
bad
tract
,
whereof
he
gave
us
caution
,
and
has
quitted
his
own
Virgil
for
the
Lucan
,
and
Claudian
of
others
.
But
this
I
would
have
taken
under
the
Seal
of
civill
confession
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
2
Janu.
1638.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
MY
curiosity
is
satisfi'd
,
and
you
have
done
me
a
great
civility
,
by
giving
me
so
exact
information
of
the
affair
of
the
Prisoners
.
I
think
it
was
fear'd
,
the
Abbot
had
intentions
of
raising
a
sect
,
and
that
he
might
be
probably
the
leader
of
a
Heresie
.
I
do
not
mean
carnall
and
dissolute
Heresies
,
like
those
of
Luther
and
Calvin
;
but
spirituall
and
severe
,
as
those
Origen
and
Montanus
were
Authors
of
.
I
could
dilate
much
or
this
subject
,
if
our
Letters
could
be
turn'd
into
discourse
,
and
you
were
either
here
,
or
my self
at
Paris
;
Yet
I
will
offer
something
to
this
purpose
.
This
Man
is
indeed
an
extraordinary
person
,
a
great
Divine
,
a
great
Philosopher
,
and
as
full
of
high
speculations
as
I
ever
knew
any
.
He
oftentimes
speaks
things
that
seem
inspir'd
to
him
,
and
to
come
immediately
from
heaven
.
Amongst
others
,
he
assur'd
me
one
day
,
that
he
saw
the
mysteries
of
the
other
life
more
evidently
,
then
I
did
the
affairs
of
this
.
It
is
true
,
the
demonstration
he
brought
did
not
convince
me
,
but
I
believe
,
rather
through
my
incapacity
then
his
fault
.
If
this
man
be
deceiv'd
,
I
acknowledge
the
same
errour
,
and
it
is
great
pitty
for
the
rest
of
us
poor
mortals
,
who
ought
to
humble
our selves
continually
before
the
Throne
of
God
.
I
can
never
be
perswaded
that
he
pretends
to
the
quality
of
Head
of
the
Party
,
or
that
it
was
any
of
his
design
to
broach
Opinions
.
For
no
person
in
the
world
could
appear
more
respectfull
to
the
Holy
See
,
or
better
satisfi'd
of
the
Omnipotence
of
Rome
.
He
is
otherwise
a
great
admirer
of
the
Writings
of
the
late
Monsieur
,
the
Cardinall
de
Berulle
,
and
I
cannot
imagine
what
induc'd
h●m
to
esteem
so
meanly
of
those
of
Father
Seguenot
,
the
companion
of
his
fortune
.
As
to
my selfe
,
I
confesse
his
style
ravishes
me
,
and
I
leave
h
s
Doctrine
to
their
censure
,
to
whom
the
judgement
of
it
belongs
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22.
Janu.
1638.
LET.
III.
SIR
,
OUr
new
friend
is
of
too
nice
a
palate
,
and
that
which
disgusts
him
,
is
neither
harsh
nor
unsavory
.
I
cannot
conceive
his
reasons
to
think
it
strange
,
that
I
said
,
If
I
were
born
a
Swisse
,
I
should
approve
no
other
Government
but
that
of
my
own
Country
;
since
the
supposition
I
make
,
is
to
the
advantage
of
the
Government
of
that
Country
wherein
I
was
born
.
Besides
,
Liberty
and
Master
are
two
words
almost
every
where
oppos'd
,
Non
facilè
libertas
&
domini
miscentur
;
and
in
another
place
,
Res
olim
dissociabiles
miscuit
,
libertatem
&
principatum
.
Whereas
I
affirm
,
the
change
even
of
bad
things
,
to
be
dangerous
;
if
he
consider
the
preceding
words
,
they
cannot
be
understood
of
Religion
.
My
intention
is
of
things
,
purely
civill
and
politick
.
And
is
it
not
true
,
that
in
States
,
there
are
some
pieccs
so
ticklish
and
delicate
,
that
they
cannot
be
touch'd
without
overturning
?
Tender
constitutions
cannot
bear
medicines
,
and
are
incapable
of
curing
;
they
must
be
left
in
the
condition
they
are
found
,
for
fear
of
bruising
when
they
are
stirr'd
.
A
sleight
touch
and
motion
,
even
without
violence
,
or
the
passage
from
one
bed
to
another
,
is
sometimes
mortall
,
to
such
weak
bodies
;
yet
they
are
able
to
endure
a
long
time
,
if
they
be
not
molested
,
but
left
to
the
care
and
conduct
of
Nature
:
Quiet
preserves
them
,
though
in
a
state
of
decay
,
and
amongst
their
familiar
and
accustom'd
maladies
.
Should
they
be
wakened
,
or
turned
onely
from
one
side
to
the
other
,
their
life
being
included
in
their
insensible
drowsinesse
,
that
wakening
and
change
would
prove
fatall
to
them
.
Such
are
the
dangerous
consequences
of
some
alterations
.
When
our
young
friend
has
seen
as
many
Winters
as
we
,
he
will
have
no
better
opinion
then
we
,
of
those
that
go
about
to
reform
the
world
.
Let
him
survey
the
Histories
of
all
Ages
,
and
he
will
perceive
,
that
this
zeal
of
reformation
,
has
given
birth
to
new
disorders
,
instead
of
rooting
out
,
and
abolishing
the
old
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Jan.
1638.
LETTER
IV.
SIR
,
THe
wit
and
judgment
of
Monsieur
de
—
are
without
question
excellent
,
and
his
compositions
have
not
that
Pedantry
,
which
is
so
rank
in
the
greatest
part
of
our
Writers
.
But
it
must
also
be
confes'd
,
that
in
some
places
,
his
expressions
want
vigour
;
and
what
he
oftentimes
presents
in
a
plain
dresse
,
might
be
rendred
far
more
glorious
,
by
a
Pen
that
had
skill
in
ornament
,
I
rather
pardon
him
this
weaknesse
,
then
that
which
makes
him
distrust
fidelity
it self
,
and
fills
his
head
with
suspicions
.
Yet
,
I
think
,
you
ought
not
to
suffer
his
disfidence
and
jealousie
,
to
out-live
their
infancy
,
and
to
gain
strength
by
time
.
As
the
more
discreet
,
you
are
obliged
to
begin
first
,
and
●pen
the
passage
to
his
illumination
.
Since
he
is
sick
,
it
is
most
requisite
,
you
become
his
Physician
,
and
perform
a
cure
on
such
a
person
,
as
deserves
to
recover
.
I
have
here
had
,
for
three
or
four
daies
,
the
company
of
Doctor
—
whom
I
invited
,
for
the
benefit
of
his
assistance
in
my
studies
.
In
this
manner
I
encrease
my
train
,
being
a
Philosopher
of
a
quick
appetite
,
that
cannot
be
contented
with
three
Dates
and
four
Olives
,
for
his
Ordinary
.
I
alwaies
bear
a
spirit
above
my
fortune
,
and
sometimes
act
the
Lord
,
although
there
are
Lords
,
whose
servants
are
beyond
comparison
,
more
wealthy
then
I
;
as
for
instance
,
the
little
Hog
of
—
who
has
a
revenue
of
above
ten
thousand
Crowns
,
to
find
him
a
years
provision
of
Acorns
and
Husks
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10.
Feb.
1638.
LET.
V.
SIR
,
IN
obedience
to
your
order
,
I
have
writ
a
letter
to
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
St.
Nicholas
;
but
I
much
fear
,
it
will
seem
after
the
nature
of
the
Orations
of
Gascoigne
,
short
and
bad
.
There
is
no
question
,
the
third
Part
of
the
History
of
Flanders
,
he
did
me
the
favour
to
send
me
,
is
of
lesse
excellence
then
the
two
first
.
But
to
discover
my
thoughts
to
you
,
I
begin
to
have
a
a
greater
aversion
from
war
.
A
History
,
that
relates
onely
of
Sieges
,
Camps
,
and
Battells
,
cannot
alwaies
please
a
man
,
that
has
but
little
fancy
to
the
military
vertues
.
'T
is
pitty
,
that
rare
Wit
did
not
chuse
France
for
his
Theatre
,
rather
then
the
Low-Countries
,
where
the
frequent
alteration
of
the
Scene
,
would
have
rendred
his
work
more
various
and
delightfull
.
He
m●ght
sometimes
have
retired
from
the
Field
,
to
the
Cabinet
,
and
we
should
have
seen
the
Foxes
of
the
Court
,
amongst
the
Lions
of
Armies
.
This
perpetuall
roaring
of
Lions
,
is
a
Musick
,
with
which
,
I
confesse
,
I
am
not
much
ravish'd
;
Apes
,
Reynards
,
and
other
Animals
,
of
more
subtlety
then
fiercenesse
,
would
yield
me
better
pastime
,
with
their
frisks
and
gambals
.
Puppets
have
their
use
in
the
Commonwealth
,
you
know
it
well
;
but
likewise
you
are
not
ignorant
,
that
while
the
Ape
dances
on
the
Rope
,
that
time
is
taken
to
cut
the
purses
,
of
the
more
attentive
spectators
.
Be
pleased
to
sound
out
this
Riddle
,
since
you
have
employed
me
,
in
the
explication
of
so
many
of
yours
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Feb.
1638.
LET.
VI.
SIR
,
I
Desire
you
to
understand
,
that
such
a
Gentleman
is
distasted
with
me
,
or
rather
I
with
him
.
I
invited
him
hither
upon
the
word
of
my
Stationer
;
but
by
ill
fortune
,
he
appear'd
not
so
well
purifi'd
,
as
the
Letter
of
recommendation
endeavoured
to
perswade
me
.
There
are
certain
vapours
,
which
proceed
from
the
ruines
of
his
nose
,
of
that
noysomnesse
,
that
they
are
insupportable
,
to
the
most
civill
and
yielding
conversation
.
Besides
,
to
tell
you
freely
,
he
is
the
most
savage
of
all
Mortalls
,
and
lesse
capable
of
discipline
,
then
Bats
and
Swallowes
;
which
,
if
Plini's
History
may
be
credited
,
can
never
be
reclaim'd
:
Yet
,
I
did
not
fail
to
treat
him
courteously
at
parting
,
and
to
retrench
something
from
my
poverty
,
to
advantage
his
;
but
with
a
solemn
promise
to
our
Ladies
,
never
to
bring
to
their
sight
again
,
an
Animal
of
so
unpleasing
an
aspect
,
or
a
Pedant
of
that
humour
and
smell
.
Such
people
,
in
proper
speech
,
are
the
plagues
of
the
Commonwealth
.
Cataline
,
Cethegus
,
and
others
,
though
tearmed
so
by
Cicero
,
were
not
plagues
,
but
in
figure
and
metaphor
.
Miserable
are
they
that
come
neer
them
,
without
being
fortifi'd
with
antidotes
and
preservatives
.
Their
infirmity
is
dreadfull
,
and
they
have
this
advantage
from
their
defects
,
that
though
they
be
not
guilty
at
all
of
valour
,
yet
they
cause
all
the
world
to
fly
from
them
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Angoulesm
,
16.
March
,
1638.
LET.
VII
.
SIR
,
IF
prudence
her self
should
write
Letters
,
they
could
not
be
more
absolute
and
judicious
then
yours
.
The
last
I
received
,
is
to
my
infinite
contentment
,
of
this
number
;
and
I
have
read
it
above
a
dozen
times
without
tediousnesse
.
You
might
have
been
an
admirable
author
of
politick
discourses
,
and
't
is
a
great
losse
,
that
your
subject
has
so
much
of
fiction
.
Our
entire
History
would
not
have
cost
you
more
pains
,
than
this
small
parcell
of
it
,
which
you
endeavour
to
adorn
with
falsities
.
And
you
might
have
instructed
posterity
,
instead
of
being
uncertain
,
whether
you
shall
happily
have
time
to
divert
them
.
I
will
hope
for
satisfaction
to
my
desires
,
both
the
one
and
the
other
,
from
your
Pen.
And
I
require
of
you
at
least
,
some
conspiracy
of
Cataline
,
some
Jugurthine
war
,
or
any
other
considerable
member
,
if
it
be
impossible
to
obtain
the
whole
body
.
The
Packet
fo●
Rome
is
not
yet
dispatcht
.
Perhaps
a
fecond
Abbot
de
Rets
,
will
appear
,
to
do
us
the
like
favour
.
I
beseech
you
to
attend
it
with
patience
,
and
not
to
believe
in
the
mean
time
,
that
my
affection
makes
me
sick
.
You
understand
my
intention
in
this
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
16
March
,
1638.
LET.
VIII
.
SIR
,
THe
Doctor
that
acted
Hercules
furens
,
in
your
presence
,
and
the
pipe
you
advis'd
him
to
moderate
his
violence
with
,
in
the
dispute
,
are
very
fine
devices
,
and
which
I
have
a
desire
to
rob
you
of
,
for
one
of
the
Chapters
of
my
Burbon
.
But
is
it
possible
,
that
the
dear
****
should
become
an
impeacher
of
crimes
,
and
a
preyer
upon
confiscations
,
and
that
he
will
live
by
the
death
of
others
.
Certainly
,
after
this
,
Honey
must
lose
its
sweetnesse
,
for
the
taste
of
Gall
;
Sheep
must
turn
Woolvs
,
and
the
whole
frame
of
Nature
be
everted
.
His
onely
justification
will
be
,
to
alledge
that
,
—
Quid
non
mortalia
pect●ra
cogis
,
Dira
fames
,
durisque
urgens
in
rebus
egestas
?
I
cannot
approve
those
foul
and
unhandsom
courses
,
to
sustain
life
;
this
is
not
to
want
Philosophy
,
as
you
say
,
't
is
to
have
no
humanity
.
But
there
is
no
redresse
for
habituall
and
confirmed
maladies
.
Such
wretches
have
made
a
solemn
vow
to
basenesse
,
at
the
Court
,
and
are
not
any
longer
capable
of
vertue
,
honour
,
or
liberty
.
Therefore
I
entreat
you
,
let
the
dear
***
know
,
that
I
have
no
appetite
to
serve
him
in
this
affair
,
and
that
I
receiv'd
the
proposition
with
honour
,
which
Monsieur
the
Commissary
made
me
in
his
behalfe
.
It
were
better
to
betake
himself
to
eat
Cheese
and
Chesnuts
,
in
the
Mountains
of
Avergne
,
then
to
enterprise
such
practises
,
to
subsist
at
Court
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
May
,
1637.
LETTER
IX
.
SIR
,
THe
Letter
of
Seigneur
Jean
Jacques
,
has
afforded
me
extraordinary
pleasure
,
and
I
am
oblig'd
to
your
goodness
for
furnishing
me
with
such
agreeable
divertis●ments
.
His
manner
of
begging
often
brings
to
memory
that
of
Paulus
Jovius
,
who
yet
us'd
to
demand
with
more
confidence
and
carelesness
then
he
.
I
have
read
certain
Letters
of
his
,
of
that
nature
,
indeed
admirable
in
their
kind
.
In
some
of
them
he
protests
,
that
,
if
the
Cardinal
of
Lorrain
do
not
cause
his
pension
to
be
pa●d
him
,
he
will
affirm
,
that
he
is
not
of
the
race
of
Godfry
,
who
bestow'd
the
Arch
bishop-wrick
of
Tyre
upon
a
Schoolmaster
.
In
others
,
he
desires
two
Horses
of
the
Marquiss
of
Pescara
,
and
for
that
effect
,
prayes
him
to
strike
the
earth
with
a
little
more
force
then
Neptune
did
.
In
another
,
to
a
Lady
his
friend
,
he
beseeches
her
to
send
him
some
Preserves
of
Naples
,
for
that
he
began
to
be
cl●y'd
with
his
dayly
food
of
new
laid
Egges
,
&c.
Although
our
friend
have
not
the
gift
of
begging
with
so
much
variety
,
yet
it
must
be
granted
,
he
will
receive
a
sufficient
Dole
,
if
he
to
whom
he
writes
procure
him
a
Canonship
of
Verdun
.
But
I
beseech
you
,
make
me
understand
the
reason
of
Most
Illustrious
,
which
he
gives
him
.
Is
it
because
he
has
a
suit
to
him
;
and
the
Italian
Policy
has
taught
him
in
such
cases
,
trattalo
di
mester
Domine
Dio
,
&c.
The
Poet
Martial
,
who
was
at
least
as
poor
as
the
Oratour
Jean-Jacques
,
terms
a
Roman
Lady
his
Queen
,
because
she
gave
him
good
New-years
gifts
once
a
year
,
and
almost
every
day
a
Dinner
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
April
,
1638.
LETTER
X.
SIR
,
I
was
surpris'd
at
the
discourse
of
the
French
Gentlemen
,
and
I
assure
you
,
I
could
not
own
it
,
till
I
had
with
much
study
recall'd
the
memory
of
things
long
since
past
.
If
I
had
comitted
sacriledge
,
or
a
greater
crime
,
if
such
can
be
,
I
should
not
conceal
it
from
you
,
and
therefore
am
not
at
all
scrupulous
to
confesse
that
,
which
is
more
pardonable
,
and
of
less
consequence
.
It
is
true
,
I
am
the
Author
of
that
discourse
,
which
does
not
enough
fear
the
Thunders
of
Rome
,
and
treats
the
holy
Inquisition
with
too
little
respect
.
But
it
is
likew●se
true
,
that
I
compos'd
it
in
Holland
,
without
design
of
coming
to
the
eyes
of
the
publique
by
printing
,
and
in
an
age
that
might
be
excus'd
for
greater
failings
.
Therefore
having
pass'd
the
space
of
five
and
twenty
years
,
it
may
well
claim
prescription
against
all
sorts
of
accusers
.
Since
that
time
,
the
whole
face
of
Christendom
has
been
often
changed
,
and
all
the
Earth
renew'd
.
The
world
then
was
not
the
world
it
is
at
this
day
:
And
in
truth
,
the
great
Heinsius
cannot
hope
for
much
glory
▪
in
fleshing
himselfe
so
unmercifully
upon
Balzac
in
his
Infancy
,
and
triumphing
with
his
gray
hairs
over
a
youth
of
seventeen
years
old
;
and
who
,
as
then
,
had
no
beard
.
His
cruelty
has
beene
decry'd
by
both
parties
;
and
though
that
continuation
of
Antitheses
,
I
lately
observ'd
in
the
discourse
of
the
French
Gentlemen
,
may
be
tolerable
in
the
composition
of
such
a
schollar
as
I
was
at
that
time
,
and
the
babies
I
then
play'd
withall
,
ought
not
to
disparage
the
Arms
I
have
since
manag'd
;
yet
I
will
not
put
my selfe
to
that
trouble
,
as
to
defend
the
cause
of
my
Child-hood
.
I
committed
a
folly
when
I
was
young
,
and
the
good
man
H●insius
has
told
the
world
five
and
twenty
years
after
that
I
did
it
.
Let
that
judge
which
of
us
two
is
more
culpable
.
I
endeavour'd
to
extinguish
and
suppress
the
fault
,
and
he
would
renew
it
,
and
make
it
perpetuall
if
possible
.
O
violator
of
the
sepulchre
of
an
Infant
half
born
,
or
at
least
unperfect
for
the
birth
!
O
unworthy
,
that
dis●nters
the
dead
!
I
am
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15.
Octob.
1638.
LETTER
XI
.
SIR
,
LEt
us
never
mention
the
—
't
is
the
shame
and
ignominy
of
the
French
name
.
'T
is
a
day
the
Romans
would
have
termed
Scelerata
,
&
we
must
call
it
cursed
.
It
is
fit
Posterity
detest
it
,
or
rather
never
hear
of
it
,
and
that
we
raze
it
,
if
it
be
possible
from
amongst
the
rest
,
of
the
year
one
thousand
—
By
Jove's
command
,
out
of
old
Time's
Record
,
Let
the
three
Sisters
raze
it
,
nor
afford
Its
name
a
place
amongst
things
past
and
done
.
There
are
some
people
,
onely
instruments
of
ill
luck
,
in
whose
hands
the
most
advantageous
opportunities
are
spoil'd
and
perish
.
When
the
design
is
to
raise
sieges
,
or
lose
Armies
,
there
needs
no
more
then
to
imploy
them
.
At
the
same
moment
,
all
Fortresses
become
Acro
Corinthes
;
and
all
the
enemies
,
Alexanders
.
We
may
conclude
,
that
in
every
Country
,
and
upon
all
occasions
,
't
is
more
profitable
to
be
happy
then
wise
,
and
better
to
win
,
though
ignorant
of
the
game
,
then
to
have
the
commendation
of
playing
well
,
and
lose
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
May
,
1638.
LET.
XII
.
SIR
,
FAther
Retavius
hath
sent
me
his
Genethliacall
Oration
,
and
I
have
likewise
receiv'd
another
gratulatory
upon
the
same
subject
,
which
was
pronounced
at
Charenton
.
It
resembles
neither
the
style
of
Monsieur
le
Faucheur
,
nor
that
of
Monsieur
Daille
;
and
hath
nothing
good
besides
the
terms
of
Scripture
,
which
are
woven
into
it
from
the
beginning
to
the
end
.
I
do
not
question
,
but
Monsieur
de
Grasse
is
framing
some
admirable
Sonnet
under
the
shadow
of
his
Orange-trees
,
and
if
there
remains
one
drop
of
good
blood
in
the
veins
of
the
Father
Bourbon
,
he
will
imploy
it
to
the
honour
of
my
Lord
the
Dolphin
.
It
is
not
fit
he
should
suffer
the
Jesuits
to
have
advantage
in
this
,
before
the
Fathers
of
the
Oratory
;
or
that
the
Society
be
esteemed
more
really
French
,
then
the
Congregation
its
Rivall
.
I
have
been
long
since
acquainted
with
the
dowtinesse
of
the
Abbot
you
tell
me
of
.
I
know
how
violently
he
is
transported
in
heat
of
dispute
,
and
since
he
threatned
the
Bastinado
to
a
President
of
the
Grand
Chamber
,
that
came
in
company
with
him
to
visit
me
,
I
have
alwayes
extreamly
dreaded
him
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
19
Octob.
1638.
LETTER
XIII
.
SIR
,
Since
the
King
does
not
approve
,
that
men
should
say
,
Monsieur
the
Dolphin
is
a
Child
of
Wonder
;
can
he
,
in
your
judgement
allow
,
that
our
friend
,
speaking
to
the
Queen
,
should
term
her
,
his
Queen
?
And
is
not
this
familiarity
sufficient
to
give
him
apprehensions
of
jealousie
?
It
is
verily
admirable
,
what
he
sayes
of
Tagus
and
Rhine
,
that
their
Channels
would
have
been
dry'd
up
,
unlesse
they
had
receiv'd
supplies
from
our
tears
;
as
likewise
where
he
beseeches
Monsieur
the
Dolphin
,
to
come
and
visit
Monsieur
the
Chancellour
.
I
do
not
question
,
that
if
Monsieur
the
Surintendant
,
or
even
Monsieur
Cornuel
,
had
given
him
the
summe
of
two
hundred
Crowns
but
he
also
had
been
one
,
whom
Monsieur
the
Dolphin
should
have
been
desired
to
visit
.
This
is
you
see
,
a
man
very
acknowledging
of
favours
which
he
receives
,
and
spares
not
the
visits
of
new
born
Princes
,
where
there
is
opportunity
to
thank
his
benefactors
.
But
when
the
Spaniards
devoured
France
in
their
imagination
,
what
induces
him
to
name
Quercy
amongst
the
principal
objects
of
their
appetite
,
which
is
no
more
then
a
member
of
the
Government
of
Guyenne
?
Certainly
it
was
to
fit
a
Rime
to
Nancy
;
and
this
last
syllable
was
the
cause
that
the
Spaniards
slighted
Burgundy
and
Picardy
,
&c.
to
gain
a
little
corner
of
Gascony
.
In
another
place
,
it
seems
he
had
forgot
that
there
were
Rivers
of
Wine
in
the
golden
Age
,
as
well
as
Rivers
of
milk
;
and
that
Jupiter
who
succeeded
Saturn
,
passim
rivis
currentia
vina
repressit
.
But
,
pethaps
,
he
presum'd
to
alter
the
Fable
,
for
the
better
conclusion
of
his
Period
,
which
you
know
is
no
more
sufferable
in
Poets
,
then
the
falsification
of
holy
Scripture
in
Divines
.
He
is
otherwise
a
very
gallant
man
,
and
makes
excellent
Verses
here
and
there
.
To
tell
you
freely
,
nothing
I
have
yet
seen
upon
this
great
subject
,
transcends
mediocrity
.
And
though
at
the
first
view
,
I
took
the
Poem
of
Monsieur
de
—
for
the
Tables
of
the
Law
,
and
thought
the
finger
of
Heaven
had
not
written
in
greater
Characters
,
yet
I
must
confess
to
you
,
it
did
not
possess
me
with
devotion
,
and
after
I
had
read
it
,
I
found
my selfe
the
same
man
I
was
before
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Novemb.
1638.
LET.
XIV
.
SIR
,
I
Delivered
my
opinion
upon
some
Verses
,
but
you
have
pass'd
your
sentence
upon
the
Poet
together
.
Your
judgments
are
alwaies
the
effects
of
supream
understanding
,
and
you
know
men
as
throughly
,
as
if
you
had
made
them
.
If
Monsieur
de
Saint
Blancat
write
our
History
,
I
could
wish
you
would
lend
him
your
skill
,
so
exact
,
subtle
,
and
piercing
,
for
the
making
such
Elogies
with
truth
,
as
are
usually
placed
in
the
conclusion
of
every
Book
.
This
Historian-Poet
is
not
unknown
to
me
,
I
have
seen
long
ago
,
both
of
his
Prose
and
Verse
,
wherein
he
imitates
two
examples
,
extreamly
dangerous
;
I
mean
,
Tacitus
and
Statius
.
I
believe
your
testimony
concerning
his
Leucate
.
But
if
I
will
believe
my self
,
for
the
beginning
of
a
History
of
our
times
,
I
conceive
it
necessary
,
that
he
change
a●d
reform
his
style
,
before
he
can
resemble
Titus
Livius
.
I
have
the
same
esteem
of
his
Poem
with
you
,
't
is
written
in
a
high
strain
,
saving
that
it
is
sometimes
over-short
,
and
falls
into
the
vitious
extream
.
As
for
instance
,
in
these
two
Verses
,
which
struck
me
with
amazement
at
the
first
reading
,
and
made
me
smile
the
second
:
Ille
ore
horrendum
lituis
respondet
aperto
,
Obscuratque
tubas
vagitu
,
&
tympana
terret
.
Good
God!
what
a
representation
is
this
,
of
Monsieur
the
Dolphin
,
in
his
cradle
!
Me-thinks
I
rather
see
Pantagruel
there
,
or
Garagantua
,
frighting
his
poor
Nurse
,
Heavens
!
what
a
voice
,
that
drowns
the
noise
of
Drums
,
and
renders
the
sound
of
Trumpets
imperceptible
!
This
is
indeed
a
fair
beginning
,
to
speak
,
one
day
,
with
the
mouth
of
Canons
,
Quod
solum
orationis
genus
Principi
concedit
beatissimae
memoriae
Theophilus
.
I
remember
I
have
read
something
of
neer
likenesse
to
this
,
in
Silius
Italicus
,
where
he
speaks
of
Hannibal
,
then
an
Infant
,
and
puts
these
words
into
his
fathers
mouth
;
He
cries
with
some
sort
of
gravity
,
&
I
see
in
his
countenance
the
portraict
of
my
hatred
and
choler
,
which
are
reproduc'd
in
him
,
and
shall
encrease
with
his
years
.
Vagitumque
gravem
,
atque
irarum
elementa
mearum
.
Silius
Italicus
is
very
high
in
his
expressions
,
but
Monsieur
de
Saint
Blancat
is
many
degrees
above
him
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Decemb.
1638.
LETTER
XV.
SIR
,
I
Much
approve
the
Idea
you
have
drawn
,
of
your
austere
and
rigid
History
,
being
not
so
great
a
lover
of
ornaments
and
dressing
,
as
that
I
would
have
them
enervate
virility
.
But
yet
you
must
confesse
,
that
it
is
an
Idea
purely
spirituall
,
which
appear'd
onely
to
you
in
your
Closet
,
and
is
not
to
be
found
in
the
nature
of
things
.
Your
accomplish'd
reading
cannot
produce
me
one
example
of
it
,
in
all
Roman
Antiquity
.
For
I
do
not
consider
,
Quicquid
Graecia
mendax
Audet
in
Historiâ
.
I
have
a
most
confident
assurance
,
you
cannot
do
it
.
Just
now
,
I
ended
the
entire
History
of
Titus
Livius
,
who
seems
to
me
more
eloquent
,
if
it
be
possible
,
then
Cicero
.
As
for
Salust
,
he
manifestly
transgresses
your
maxims
,
and
is
not
contented
to
use
good
language
,
but
he
lends
it
out
to
Marius
,
that
is
,
to
a
Jean
de
Wert
,
and
imployes
all
his
Rhetorick
in
the
Oration
of
an
ignorant
.
The
Commentaries
of
Caesa●
,
and
the
lives
of
Suetonius
,
might
be
brought
in
your
justification
;
but
they
have
not
the
name
of
Histories
,
nor
,
with
your
favour
,
must
,
what
I
say
,
be
tearmed
Controversie
.
For
I
am
in
effect
of
your
opinion
,
and
would
write
an
History
in
the
manner
you
designe
it
,
though
I
have
great
contentment
,
in
reading
that
of
the
draught
of
Livy
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
July
,
1638.
LETTER
XVI
.
SIR
,
MY
intention
was
certainly
mis constru'd
,
concerning
the
Gasconian
Poem
;
I
never
had
any
designe
of
aspersing
it
,
much
less
Statius
and
Tacitus
;
for
although
I
am
of
the
contrary
party
to
them
,
yet
I
esteem
them
brave
&
generous
enemies
;
I
know
those
noble
personages
have
conceits
high
and
magnanimous
,
that
above
half
the
world
is
for
them
,
and
that
being
onely
culpable
of
the
vice
of
their
age
,
they
are
culpable
of
a
vice
,
that
has
a
neer
resemblance
to
vertue
.
It
is
true
,
Naugerius
made
a
sacrifice
to
the
god
Vulcan
,
of
the
Woods
he
had
planted
,
in
imitation
of
Statius
.
But
I
cannot
approve
of
his
cruelty
,
nor
will
I
counsell
Monsieur
de
Saint
Blancat
to
dispose
so
of
his
,
which
I
have
seen
of
the
Impression
of
Tholouse
.
Besides
their
worth
,
wh●ch
is
not
ordinary
,
I
have
a
kind
of
interest
in
them
,
since
I
am
styl'd
there
magni
Balzacius
oris
,
if
,
at
least
,
his
meaning
is
,
that
I
have
the
eloquence
of
Cicero
,
and
hot
the
throat
of
Garagantua
.
I
am
for
the
child
of
a
thousand
vowes
.
All
France
has
apprehended
the
matter
so
;
'T
is
a
word
fram'd
by
the
universall
voice
;
and
without
an
expresse
Edict
to
that
purpose
,
it
will
be
no
small
difficulty
to
make
us
change
our
language
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Janu.
1639.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
I
Return
you
the
Comedy
of
Annibal
Caro
,
which
I
have
just
now
read
over
;
it
seems
to
me
judicious
and
plausible
,
yet
,
I
conceive
,
I
have
seen
better
:
The
morall
part
has
more
of
my
approbation
,
then
the
pleasant
;
and
his
Fool
has
not
given
me
so
agreeable
divertisment
,
as
I
could
have
wished
.
Touching
the
Comedies
of
Ariosto
,
you
tell
me
of
,
I
read
them
in
my
voyage
to
Rome
,
and
do
readily
subscribe
to
the
favourable
judgment
you
make
of
them
.
The
person
that
lent
them
me
,
did
not
value
them
at
so
high
a
rate
,
as
your
friend
of
Paris
.
Certainly
,
if
that
friend
be
marri'd
,
he
will
not
suffer
his
wife
out
of
his
sight
,
but
accompany
her
himself
to
repay
visits
.
A
man
of
that
unmeasurable
jealousie
,
deserves
a
strumpet
for
his
consort
,
and
that
his
servant
should
set
his
Library
on
fire
,
to
teach
him
a
more
moderate
esteem
,
of
what
he
calls
himself
Master
.
I
cannot
believe
,
I
have
any
friends
of
this
humour
;
if
they
were
,
I
should
soon
repent
me
of
their
knowledge
,
and
so
have
given
them
such
testimonies
,
as
I
prize
above
all
their
Books
.
I
speak
onely
of
Inke
,
Paper
,
and
Covers
,
without
reference
to
the
merit
of
the
Authors
,
who
are
not
concern'd
in
this
sort
of
commerce
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
19
May
,
1638.
LET.
XVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
so
well
skill'd
in
the
Greek
of
Florence
,
as
to
understand
distinctly
the
Atticism
of
Annibal
Caro
;
yet
I
have
some
doubt
of
it
,
and
my
confus'd
suspicions
,
are
at
no
great
distance
from
your
perfect
knowledge
.
There
is
something
of
morality
in
the
Comedy
,
that
gave
me
much
contentment
,
though
:
have
at
present
lost
the
remembrance
of
it
.
For
the
rest
,
I
refer
my self
to
you
;
onely
I
conceive
,
the
Cavalier
Marini
must
be
allowed
the
preeminence
of
fancy
,
and
I
never
knew
so
great
a
difference
between
two
Wits
,
as
his
and
this
;
one
of
them
is
all
imagination
,
and
the
other
all
judgment
.
In
the
Verses
of
Annibal
Caro
,
me-thinks
I
behold
the
modest
grandeur
,
and
decent
management
of
a
Common-wealth
;
and
those
of
Cavalier
Marini
represent
me
,
the
luxury
and
profusion
of
Nero.
As
to
Victorius
,
he
is
a
person
I
extreamly
value
,
although
he
be
no
great
friend
to
Ovid
,
and
seems
not
wholly
satisfied
with
the
Latine
of
Virgil.
We
will
examine
this
matter
at
better
leisure
,
and
consider
the
weight
of
those
reasons
,
that
have
induc'd
him
to
such
opinions
.
In
the
mean
time
,
you
may
please
to
understand
,
that
I
expect
the
volume
in
Folio
,
and
have
nothing
but
thoughts
of
acknowledgment
,
for
the
civilities
of
Messieurs
du
Puy
.
Your
jealous
friend
might
do
well
,
to
consult
some
Soothsayer
,
concerning
the
voyage
of
his
Book
:
I
think
he
would
be
in
as
forlorn
a
condition
,
as
the
desolate
Alcyone
,
if
he
should
dream
of
some
unhappy
adventure
,
that
had
befallen
it
.
I
beseech
you
pardon
my
freedom
,
in
treating
such
p●ople
;
the
greatest
honour
I
can
afford
them
,
is
,
to
reckon
them
in
the
number
of
those
,
that
are
sick
of
the
disease
of
Tulips
,
or
of
that
of
Hens
and
Pigeons
.
Although
these
last
are
sometimes
more
profitable
,
and
I
have
had
the
flowers
of
the
one
in
my
hand
,
and
the
young
of
the
other
in
my
dish
.
For
my
own
part
,
I
should
take
great
contentment
,
in
losing
my
Books
in
that
manner
;
and
I
can
say
without
vanity
,
that
those
wherewith
I
have
pleasur'd
my
friends
,
since
I
came
into
the
world
,
would
be
sufficient
to
make
no
small
Library
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
May
,
1638.
LETTER
XIX
.
SIR
,
MY
indisposition
renders
all
my
nights
restlesse
,
and
yours
permits
you
but
small
repose
.
I
cannot
draw
comfort
from
the
resemblance
of
your
sufferings
.
But
I
must
further
advertise
you
,
that
my
daies
are
also
painfull
and
irksom
,
and
I
onely
enjoy
a
few
passable
moments
.
A
life
of
this
kind
,
is
a
great
misery
,
and
I
know
nothing
in
it
,
can
countervail
the
trouble
,
of
sustaining
a
body
so
ruinous
as
mine
.
Long
waking
is
sometimes
without
anguish
but
when
a
man's
pains
never
sleep
,
this
is
indeed
the
state
of
Regulus
,
in
the
hands
of
the
Carthagenians
.
'T
is
to
endure
all
the
racks
and
tortures
of
the
Tyrants
,
your
Letter
mentions
;
't
is
to
live
as
I
do
.
I
am
sorry
,
that
in
all
this
relation
,
there
is
not
so
much
as
one
word
of
Rhetorick
,
and
could
wish
,
my
complaints
were
lesse
Historicall
;
they
proceed
from
a
cause
so
sensible
and
importunate
,
that
I
am
not
able
to
continue
them
,
but
must
of
necessity
,
for
this
time
,
reduce
all
my
matter
to
these
few
lines
,
which
will
assure
you
,
that
I
am
eternally
with
all
my
soul
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
June
1638.
LETTER
XX.
SIR
,
HAving
depriv'd
the
imaginative
Poet
of
judgment
,
I
have
left
him
nothing
now
,
b●t
an
instrument
to
commit
faults
with
.
You
know
,
when
the
Cyclops
was
blind
,
his
great
strength
incumbered
him
,
and
serv'd
onely
,
to
advance
the
danger
of
his
fall
.
Our
opinions
therefore
appear
to
be
the
same
,
though
they
differ'd
in
the
expression
;
and
I
conceive
,
that
the
fancy
alone
,
in
what
degree
of
perfection
it
can
possibly
be
,
is
uncapable
of
being
a
Parent
of
any
thing
,
but
Monster●
,
or
of
treading
in
the
right
way
,
but
by
accident
and
fortune
.
Victorius
is
not
so
debonnair
and
agreeable
,
as
some
persons
I
could
name
;
but
he
has
a
certain
Roman
simplicity
in
his
carriage
,
that
pleases
me
infinitely
;
and
even
his
negligence
has
something
in
it
,
of
grace
and
comelinesse
.
He
is
otherwise
a
man
of
good
blood
,
and
has
ennobled
Pedantry
He
has
employ'd
his
whole
life
,
in
the
instruction
of
youth
,
and
read
publickly
every
day
in
the
Schools
of
Florence
;
some
volumes
of
his
observations
upon
Aristotle
,
Cicero
,
Demetrius
,
Phalerius
,
&c.
are
come
forth
into
the
world
,
with
commendation
of
his
judgment
.
Monsieur
della
Cas●
,
acknowledged
him
for
his
Master
;
Annibal
Caro
consulted
him
,
as
the
Oracle
of
his
Country
;
and
on
this
side
the
Mountains
,
the
proud
Scaliger
styles
him
frequently
,
Clarissimus
Senex
,
and
,
Doctissimus
Victorius
.
To
conclude
,
he
received
visits
from
the
Princes
de
Medices
,
and
Hen●y
the
third
writ
him
a
Letter
,
to
desire
his
friendship
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
June
1638.
LETTER
XXI
.
SIR
,
WHatsoever
information
the
enemy
of
Car
may
have
given
you
,
I
intreat
you
to
believe
my
affections
are
most
constant
and
immutable
.
I
have
alwaies
had
a
particular
esteem
for
Victorius
,
although
I
am
constrain'd
to
confesse
to
you
,
I
do
not
greatly
admire
the
Letters
and
Orations
I
lately
read
.
They
resemble
those
Wines
which
are
not
indeed
corrupted
,
yet
their
worth
exceeds
not
the
rate
of
eight
pence
a
Gallon
,
to
use
the
comparison
of
the
late
Monsieur
Malherbe
.
He
commits
no
solecismes
,
he
is
no
Barbarian
,
but
a
native
Citizen
of
Rome
,
though
a
very
mean
Plebeian
,
and
has
nothing
to
render
him
considerable
,
but
the
place
of
his
birth
.
You
cannot
imagine
what
resolution
is
necessary
,
to
proceed
sometimes
from
one
page
to
another
.
To
read
the
whole
Book
is
no
less
toyl
,
then
to
travail
over
all
the
plains
of
Bordeaux
afoot
,
and
without
company
.
I
do
not
wonder
therefore
,
that
it
is
so
scarce
,
but
rather
should
have
counted
it
prodigious
,
if
there
had
been
two
Editions
.
Some
of
his
prefaces
created
in
me
a
desire
to
read
his
Letters
,
which
nauseated
me
so
much
,
that
I
should
fear
being
sick
,
unlesse
yours
do
restore
my
appetite
.
As
I
do
not
approve
of
Salt
and
Pepper
by
handfulls
,
so
notwithstanding
my
infirmity
and
squeamishness
,
I
am
not
so
superstitious
as
to
dislike
all
manner
of
sauces
,
and
alwayes
to
observe
the
rules
of
a
sick
mans
dyet
.
'T
is
a
health
more
grievous
then
diseases
,
which
obliges
us
to
abstain
from
those
things
which
we
most
affect
.
Cicero
in
divers
places
of
his
Works
,
derides
the
softlinesse
of
such
Orators
,
as
have
neither
strength
nor
vigour
,
and
are
equally
undeserving
both
of
punishment
and
reward
:
We
may
rank
this
person
in
that
number
;
you
would
think
he
expir'd
at
the
close
of
every
period
,
and
had
no
more
life
then
one
just
a
dying
.
In
a
word
,
he
no
wayes
playes
the
Oratour
in
his
Orations
.
But
from
hence
it
must
not
be
concluded
,
but
he
may
be
otherwise
learned
and
judicious
.
And
even
in
this
,
although
I
am
weary
and
harrss'd
with
so
tedious
a
Lecture
;
yet
I
preferre
his
meanness
and
slow
pace
,
beyond
the
loftinesse
and
impetuosity
of
Ciampoli
,
Malvezzi
,
and
many
other
high-flown
wits
on
the
other
side
the
Mountains
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
July
,
1638.
LETTER
XXII
.
SIR
,
IT
was
your
pleasure
,
that
the
sacrednesse
of
Hospitality
should
prevail
above
all
other
considerations
,
and
I
esteem'd
obedience
my
duty
.
No
civility
was
wanting
on
my
part
in
Monsieur
Costar's
entertainment
.
I
had
his
company
here
a
fortnight
,
and
during
that
time
,
you
were
both
the
most
frequent
and
agreeable
subject
of
our
discourses
.
Truth
obliges
me
to
this
testimony
,
that
,
I
never
knew
any
man
have
a
more
resolute
perswasion
of
your
worth
then
he
.
Your
friendship
is
the
highest
aime
of
his
ambition
,
and
unless
you
reject
his
,
I
dare
offer
my selfe
his
surety
,
and
to
be
responsible
for
the
contract
.
Upon
diligent
scrutiny
,
and
sounding
all
the
recesses
of
his
heart
,
I
find
that
in
former
passages
,
there
was
not
so
much
malice
as
bravery
,
and
more
of
accident
then
design
.
But
I
can
assure
you
,
he
hath
an
extream
regret
for
what
is
past
,
and
acknowledges
that
even
Innocence
it selfe
must
be
esteemed
culpable
,
if
it
should
offend
a
vertue
like
yours
.
He
hath
given
me
so
full
satisfaction
therein
,
that
I
have
made
him
a
promise
of
your
love
,
and
judged
it
of
no
necessity
to
require
of
him
such
Remonstrances
,
as
himselfe
,
by
a
Letter
to
you
intended
.
Your
goodness
makes
me
confident
it
will
not
be
unpleasing
to
you
,
to
have
gain'd
a
friend
,
and
lost
an
enemy
.
He
is
,
in
reality
,
a
person
of
great
merit
,
and
has
eminent
accomplishments
both
of
Nature
and
Education
.
But
I
must
not
pass
so
soon
from
an
Apology
to
a
Panegyrick
,
since
I
cannot
heartily
commend
him
,
till
he
be
in
good
opinion
with
you
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
August
,
1638.
LET.
XXIII
.
SIR
,
THough
nothing
is
able
to
astonish
me
,
yet
the
sudden
retirement
of
Monsieur
the
President
is
a
very
strange
and
surprising
adventure
.
I
make
you
no
questions
thereupon
,
nor
will
I
examine
whether
he
were
immediately
inspir'd
by
the
Holy
Ghost
.
Second
causes
have
no
influence
in
this
alteration
,
as
unhappy
success
in
love
,
discountenance
of
Superiours
,
or
some
defeature
of
that
kind
,
which
you
may
perhaps
conjecture
.
His
piety
is
not
occasion'd
by
discontent
,
or
lassitude
of
spirit
:
Neither
is
it
the
issue
of
a
faint
courage
and
despondency
.
Nauscounesse
is
usually
of
those
things
that
have
glutted
and
overthrown
the
appetite
,
and
we
become
weary
of
such
profession
,
which
our
affections
at
first
carried
us
with
most
violence
to
embrace
.
Our
strength
,
if
unthriftily
husbanded
,
grows
enervate
and
languid
,
and
with
that
,
our
spirit
.
But
this
case
affords
no
ground
for
such
conceits
,
The
continuance
of
so
troublesome
an
employment
,
might
perhaps
seem
insupportably
burdensome
to
some
other
mans
shoulders
,
though
strong
and
laborious
.
But
this
person
,
had
a
clear
and
unquestionable
reputation
,
beyond
that
which
his
eloquence
and
admirable
pleadings
had
gain'd
him
at
the
Barre
.
His
resolution
will
possibly
be
variously
interpreted
,
though
to
my selfe
,
I
shall
make
no
other
judgement
of
it
,
but
civill
and
favourable
.
I
would
believe
that
he
was
not
able
to
withstand
the
power
of
Grace
that
drew
him
from
the
world
,
and
that
God
was
vanquisher
in
the
combate
betwixt
him
and
man
.
But
what
moves
him
to
speak
so
much
of
his
faults
and
infidelities
,
in
the
Letter
which
he
writ
to
Monsieur
the
Chancellour
?
I
know
that
was
the
style
of
St.
Francis
;
but
yet
it
ought
not
therefore
to
be
drawn
into
example
,
both
you
and
my self
,
can
sufficiently
testifie
,
that
,
he
never
committed
any
excess
except
that
of
studying
,
and
has
no
debaucheries
,
but
such
as
are
honest
and
vertuous
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Septemb.
1638.
LET.
XXIV
.
SIR
,
THe
dayes
whereon
I
receive
your
Letters
,
are
remarkable
to
my
small
family
,
by
the
serenity
of
my
countenance
.
I
am
not
cheerfull
but
when
it
pleases
you
,
nor
have
I
any
contentment
but
that
which
the
Currier
brings
me
with
your
Packet
.
You
evidence
an
excessive
goodnesse
and
charity
,
in
satisfying
my
importunate
curiosities
so
punctually
,
and
taking
such
particular
care
,
of
a
person
altogether
unprofitable
unto
you
.
Yet
you
conceive
what
you
doe
,
short
and
deficient
,
and
complain
of
the
tendernesse
of
my
conscience
,
that
I
forbear
to
dispatch
you
,
after
your
overthrow
;
for
to
require
of
you
the
news
of
Rambouïllet
Hostell
,
as
you
apprehend
I
did
,
were
it
not
to
oblige
you
to
be
the
greatest
Historian
of
this
Age
,
and
to
send
me
the
relations
of
an
infinite
number
of
excellent
things
that
are
discours'd
every
day
in
that
faire
part
of
the
World
.
You
know
,
that
Dies
unus
expraeceptis
sapientiae
traductus
,
peccanti
immortalitati
anteponendus
est
.
That
is
,
in
the
vulgar
Tongue
,
that
one
day
in
the
Hostell
of
Ramboüillet
,
is
more
valuable
then
many
Ages
otherwhere
;
and
by
consequence
,
the
Acts
of
one
week
in
that
Country
,
considering
the
importance
and
worth
of
things
would
comprehend
more
matter
,
than
there
is
in
severall
decade
of
other
Histories
.
I
understand
such
matter
as
deserves
to
be
known
,
and
affords
both
instruction
and
divertisement
.
In
which
respect
,
I
am
not
minded
to
charge
you
with
the
most
precious
,
but
yet
the
most
weighty
burthen
that
I
know
in
the
world
.
I
desire
but
one
sentence
,
one
half
of
a
period
,
or
one
small
word
,
of
Madam
the
Marchionesse
de
Ramboüillet
,
in
repeating
of
which
,
it
would
be
very
difficult
to
determine
,
whether
the
Mother
of
the
Gracchi
,
were
more
absolutely
Romane
then
she
,
in
regard
of
spirit
and
vertue
.
The
Eloquence
of
that
ancient
Cornelia
,
was
sutably
extoll'd
by
them
of
her
times
.
And
we
must
also
confesse
,
to
the
glory
of
ours
,
that
her
words
are
fram'd
with
no
greater
proportion
of
solid
reason
and
judgement
,
than
they
are
of
modesty
and
honour
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
18
Feb.
1638.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
THe
feminine
Senate
,
that
assembles
every
Wednesday
at
the
house
of
Madam
—
is
,
in
my
opinion
,
an
odde
conceit
.
But
Cato
would
have
termed
it
a
disease
of
the
Commonwealth
,
which
ought
necessarily
to
be
redress'd
;
and
on
such
an
occasion
the
old
Romanes
would
have
sent
to
consult
the
Oracle
of
Delphos
,
what
so
great
a
Prodigie
might
portend
.
If
the
Lady
that
is
President
of
the
Assembly
,
has
,
as
I
am
told
,
made
a
certain
person
,
called
—
a
Denizen
of
Rome
;
there
remains
nothing
for
her
to
do
,
in
my
opinion
,
then
to
espouse
the
Emperour
of
the
little
Houses
.
I
have
long
since
declar'd
my selfe
against
the
Pedantry
of
the
other
Sex
,
and
profess'd
that
I
could
more
willingly
tolerate
a
woman
with
a
beard
,
then
one
that
pretends
to
learning
.
It
is
fit
the
eloquent
Laday
de
—
be
at
least
Atturney-Generall
of
this
Soveraign
Court
;
and
next
her
,
Madam
—
.
In
earnest
,
had
I
authority
in
the
Civill
Government
,
I
would
condemn
all
those
women
perpetually
to
the
distaffe
,
that
undertake
to
write
books
,
that
transform
their
souls
by
a
masculine
disguise
,
and
break
the
rank
they
hold
in
the
world
.
There
are
some
that
passe
their
censure
as
confidently
on
our
Verse
and
Prose
,
as
on
their
Italian
Dresses
and
Needle-works
.
They
scruple
to
say
,
an
Heroick
Poem
,
but
alwaies
call
it
Epick
;
and
there
is
never
any
mention
of
the
Kid
,
but
they
presently
fall
to
discourse
of
the
singlenesse
of
the
subject
,
and
the
rule
of
twenty
four
hours
.
No
more
at
present
,
but
that
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
21
Sep.
1638.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
IN
requitall
of
the
newes
,
of
the
great
World
you
sent
me
,
I
impart
to
you
those
of
our
Village
.
Never
did
Nature
cloath
our
fields
with
more
beauty
,
and
delightfull
verdure
;
nor
were
the
trees
and
corn
more
florid
and
promising
.
The
Sun
does
not
employ
all
those
beams
,
he
did
in
April
the
year
past
,
when
he
burnt
up
the
herbs
in
the
tendernesse
of
their
birth
;
his
hear
is
mild
,
innocent
,
and
supportable
to
the
weakest
heads
.
The
coolnesse
and
dewes
of
the
nights
succeed
in
their
course
,
and
yield
refreshment
,
to
what
would
languish
upon
the
earth
,
without
their
succour
.
But
having
rather
laid
the
dust
,
then
made
it
dirty
,
it
must
be
granted
,
they
contribute
no
small
share
,
to
the
pleasure
of
those
rare
mornings
we
enjoy
.
I
am
very
solicitous
of
losing
the
least
moment
of
them
,
and
precisely
begin
them
,
at
half
an
houre
after
four
,
and
so
continue
them
without
intermission
till
noon
,
during
that
space
,
I
walk
abroad
without
wearinesse
,
and
in
such
places
,
where
I
may
conveniently
sit
at
my
pleasure
.
I
read
Books
,
that
do
not
oblige
me
to
meditate
,
and
my
study
is
with
indifferent
attention
;
for
at
the
same
time
,
I
do
not
cease
to
listen
to
an
infinite
number
of
Nightingales
,
wherewith
our
thickets
are
inspired
.
I
passe
my
judgment
of
their
merit
,
as
you
do
of
that
of
Poets
,
in
the
place
where
you
are
;
and
indeed
,
if
you
are
ignorant
of
it
,
I
assure
you
,
there
is
as
much
difference
between
Nightingale
and
Nightingale
,
as
between
Poet
and
Poet.
There
are
some
of
the
first
,
and
some
of
the
inferiour
Classis
.
We
have
enough
of
Maillets
,
and
—
and
also
some
Chapelains
and
Malherbes
.
The
rest
another
time
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
May
,
1638.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
THe
father
Narni
is
an
Orator
,
whom
I
admired
in
the
Chair
,
but
do
not
so
upon
the
Paper
;
in
the
little
that
I
have
read
of
his
book
,
I
have
observed
very
many
poeticall
expressions
,
and
cold
allusions
,
together
with
certain
fables
intermixed
;
which
,
as
they
do
not
please
me
in
any
place
,
so
I
absolutely
condemn
them
in
Christian
eloquence
.
Besides
all
which
,
I
know
not
who
can
allow
him
,
to
alledge
before
the
Pope
,
and
the
sacred
Colledge
of
Cardinalls
,
Alexander
ab
Alexandro
,
Caelius
Rhodiginus
,
Pierius
Valerianus
,
and
other
like
Authors
,
so
little
deserving
of
the
honour
he
doth
them
,
and
so
remote
from
his
argument
;
in
a
word
,
who
have
nothing
to
do
with
the
grandeur
of
Jesus
Christ
,
and
the
Majesty
of
the
holy
Gospel
.
I
perceive
hence
,
that
the
father
Narni
was
well
born
,
but
badly
enough
instructed
;
and
that
his
defects
proceeded
from
his
Masters
and
his
Books
,
but
that
he
owes
his
eloquence
almost
wholly
to
himself
;
he
speaks
sometimes
in
a
high
and
noble
strain
,
and
even
in
the
Book
,
in
which
there
are
so
many
cold
allusions
,
and
poeticall
expressions
,
and
where
Pierius
Valerianus
is
quoted
,
there
are
some
incomparable
passages
.
I
must
have
a
copy
of
it
,
at
what
rate
soever
;
and
I
will
not
want
one
,
tho●gh
I
be
enforced
to
request
it
of
Pope
Vrban
,
who
heretofore
did
me
the
honour
to
caresse
me
.
It
ought
not
to
seem
strange
,
that
I
have
such
inclination
,
for
an
Oratour
of
my
acquaintance
.
But
there
is
yet
something
more
particular
,
that
justifies
my
passion
:
and
who
would
now
conclude
,
but
there
were
some
domesticall
interests
between
us
?
Neverthelesse
,
it
is
a
reall
truth
,
that
I
am
going
to
tell
you
;
this
good
man
does
so
neerly
resemble
my
father
,
that
the
first
time
I
saw
him
,
I
believ'd
my
father
had
disguis'd
himself
,
in
the
habite
of
a
Capuchine
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Octob.
1638.
LET.
XXVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Earnestly
beseech
you
,
to
have
so
much
pitty
of
me
,
as
to
deliver
me
from
the
torment
of
this
importunate
person
;
he
assaults
me
with
Paraphrases
and
Sermons
,
and
will
not
suffer
me
to
enjoy
the
benefit
,
of
being
a
hundred
leagues
distant
from
him
.
If
you
have
no
skill
in
Exorcism
,
to
chase
him
from
haunting
me
,
I
will
turn
shamelesse
,
and
give
him
some
remarkable
disgust
.
At
least
,
his
qualities
of
Preacher
and
Paraphrast
,
or
even
those
of
Psalmist
and
Prophet
,
shall
not
hinder
me
,
from
signifying
to
him
in
plain
tearms
,
that
I
much
value
his
friendship
,
but
yet
have
greater
love
to
my
own
repose
.
As
for
Monsieur
the
Count
,
I
am
not
so
unjust
,
as
to
honour
him
in
a
lesse
degree
then
I
did
,
because
I
have
no
reason
to
commend
Monsieur
his
brother
:
They
are
two
persons
,
not
onely
distinct
and
separate
,
but
even
opposite
and
contrary
in
all
things
:
One
of
them
is
the
most
courteous
and
civill
,
of
all
men
living
;
and
the
other
has
not
his
equall
,
in
crossnesse
and
morosity
;
so
that
if
the
vertue
of
their
mother
were
not
indubitable
,
no
man
would
ever
believe
them
brothers
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30.
Octob.
1638.
LET.
XXIX
.
SIR
,
I
Am
redevable
unto
you
,
for
the
exact
justice
you
have
rendred
,
in
your
last
Letter
,
to
our
friends
of
antiquity
;
I
have
drawn
particular
instruction
from
it
,
as
from
all
the
precedent
;
and
my
expectation
was
not
greater
then
my
satisfaction
.
But
,
I
cannot
deny
,
The
demand
you
make
me
,
concerning
Monsieur
de
—
has
something
surprised
me
;
he
understands
more
of
my
affairs
,
then
my self
;
and
it
is
fit
he
be
both
most-great
,
and
most-good
,
since
he
beatifies
me
in
my
life-time
,
and
by
his
own
private
authority
.
I
am
all
matter
,
earth
,
and
body
,
and
yet
they
sell
me
about
at
Paris
,
for
a
man
made
up
of
quintessence
.
'T
is
a
favour
done
me
by
my
News-Merchant
,
and
a
vertue
he
is
pleased
to
endue
me
with
:
Neverthelesse
I
believe
,
he
does
not
report
,
that
I
let
my
beard
grow
at
length
,
or
curtail
the
collar
of
my
jerkin
.
I
have
ever
so
much
disapproved
singularity
of
this
nature
,
that
although
I
reverence
the
younger
Cato
,
yet
the
uncleanlinesse
of
his
hands
,
with
his
torn
and
dirty
Gown
,
and
his
locks
horrid
and
incompt
,
are
very
far
from
commending
him
to
my
esteem
.
The
action
of
Monsieur
the
President
,
is
an
heroicall
exploit
,
which
must
not
be
drawn
into
example
,
and
infinitely
transcends
my
capacity
and
endeavours
.
I
have
not
wing
enough
for
so
high
a
flight
;
nor
know
I
how
to
take
ayme
at
things
,
beyond
my
view
and
comprehension
.
But
as
I
am
short
of
those
perfect
ones
,
who
have
no
other
object
of
their
thoughts
,
but
the
felicities
of
Heaven
,
so
I
beseech
you
to
believe
,
that
I
am
more
remote
from
the
number
of
those
hypocrites
,
who
drive
a
trade
upon
earth
with
dejectednesse
and
soure
faces
;
I
have
not
falshood
enough
for
such
carriage
.
I
never
affected
to
appear
better
then
I
am
,
because
I
alwaies
lov'd
my
reputation
lesse
then
truth
.
Had
I
been
capable
of
the
cheat
of
devotion
,
I
had
certainly
found
fortune
more
favourable
,
then
she
has
been
,
and
the
Seigneur
Jean
Jacques
should
have
treated
me
at
this
day
,
with
the
title
of
my
Lord
.
But
in
reality
,
I
prefer
liberty
before
command
,
and
prise
my
quiet
,
more
then
the
dignities
of
others
.
You
should
see
a
clear
proof
of
what
I
say
,
if
they
at
Court
would
take
me
into
consideration
,
and
confer
on
my
silence
,
what
the
Doctors
canvasse
for
every
day
,
by
their
Sermons
;
the
world
should
then
know
,
that
I
am
no
vaunter
of
Philosophy
,
&
you
receive
the
pleasure
of
having
a
friend
,
that
did
in
earnest
refuse
Bishopricks
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
Novemb.
1638.
LET.
XXX
.
SIR
,
I
Will
not
undertake
to
cure
you
,
it
is
enough
that
I
assure
you
,
I
suffer
with
you
,
and
have
as
quick
a
sense
of
your
sorrowes
,
as
of
my
owne
.
The
person
for
whom
you
lament
,
dyed
like
a
Hero
,
and
with
the
glorious
consolation
of
that
antient
Verse
;
He
conquering
fell
,
and
ere
of
life
bereav'd
,
Paid
back
his
foe
the
death
himself
receiv'd
.
But
this
is
that
,
which
,
in
my
opinion
,
obliges
you
to
a
double
grief
;
that
which
augments
the
glory
he
obtain'd
,
renders
more
deplorable
the
losse
which
you
undergo
;
and
a
meaner
valour
had
given
you
a
lesse
measure
of
affliction
.
Yet
in
this
case
,
as
in
others
,
attention
must
be
given
to
the
counsels
of
reason
;
and
it
ought
to
be
remembered
,
that
in
the
ruine
of
the
world
,
which
is
dissolved
piece
by
piece
,
it
is
not
requisite
to
bewail
a
small
portion
,
that
has
hapned
to
perish
a
little
sooner
then
the
rest
.
Coloredo
was
ever
speeding
on
to
the
end
of
his
daies
,
without
the
furtherance
of
Monsieur
de
la
Trousse
;
and
also
Monsieur
de
la
Trousse
,
although
he
had
never
met
Coloredo
.
Death
is
a
necessary
consequence
of
birth
,
and
't
is
our
beginning
should
be
lamented
,
as
being
the
first
step
to
our
end
and
dissolution
.
But
what
presumption
is
this
,
to
preach
befere
the
father
Narni
?
Neverthelesse
,
the
father
Narni
preach'd
before
the
Pope
;
that
is
,
before
him
that
has
all
the
Canon
Law
and
Divinity
in
his
breast
.
I
could
curse
those
Poltrons
,
that
forsook
their
Principall
at
his
fall
,
and
me-thinks
there
ought
to
have
been
four
French
Cavaliers
to
have
covered
him
,
with
the
bodies
of
four
Cavaliers
of
Germany
.
The
brown
Nymph
,
in
my
opinion
,
does
not
render
him
good
justice
,
nor
sing
his
high
valour
in
a
sutable
strain
.
I
am
troubled
for
our
Monsieur
de
Chaudebonne
,
whom
you
call
the
sick-Sage
.
But
wisdom
is
no
more
priviledged
then
valour
;
it
is
necessary
that
even
the
Saints
die
,
before
they
be
Canoniz'd
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Decemb.
1638.
The
End
of
the
Third
Book
.
FAMILIAR
LETTERS
,
OF
M.
de
BALZAC
,
To
M.
CHAPELAIN
.
The
Fourth
Book
.
LETTER
I.
SIR
,
I
Do
not
begin
to
count
my
obligations
to
you
from
this
day
.
All
that
I
possess
of
Hannibal
Caro
,
I
hold
of
your
bounty
,
and
the
same
hand
has
made
me
a
New
years
present
of
his
Translation
of
Aristotle
,
that
formerly
bestow'd
on
me
the
Volum
of
his
Letters
.
So
that
we
onely
continue
our
custome
,
you
give
,
and
I
receive
.
May
prosperity
attend
my
benefactor
,
or
my
bere-factor
,
since
Monsieur
Vaugelas
will
have
it
so
;
and
that
it
is
not
meet
to
interrupt
an
old
friendship
for
so
inconsiderable
a
difference
.
The
Italian
Aeneide
shall
return
to
you
as
compleat
and
sound
,
as
it
left
your
Closet
.
Such
guests
,
when
they
sojourn
under
my
roof
,
never
suffer
any
bad
treatment
.
Of
the
two
Epitaphs
you
were
pleas'd
to
send
me
,
I
conceive
one
is
lesse
blameable
then
the
other
;
but
there
is
neither
of
them
good
,
and
this
is
not
called
writing
in
Latine
.
You
understood
this
truth
before
me
,
but
would
not
declare
it
so
freely
.
'T
is
no
new
observation
to
you
,
that
as
there
are
confident
and
furious
fools
in
the
ga●be
of
wisemen
,
so
there
are
also
sententious
obsurdities
,
that
carry
the
appearance
of
Aphorisms
.
The
World
is
most
frequently
impos'd
upon
by
such
false
lightning
;
and
I
cannot
affirm
,
if
to
avoid
being
of
the
deceived
World
,
it
suffices
to
be
one
of
the
Academie
,
I
am
infinitely
pleas'd
with
the
new
acquisition
it
has
made
of
the
Philosopher
—
;
He
is
,
in
truth
,
a
gallant
person
,
and
is
not
deficient
of
conceit
and
invention
,
though
he
serves
himselfe
most
commonly
of
that
of
others
.
I
say
nothing
of
the
other
reception
,
which
was
made
on
the
same
day
,
least
I
should
seem
to
disparage
the
judgement
of
my
Superiours
,
and
to
give
too
much
liberty
to
my
own
.
There
are
some
Books
,
and
some
wits
,
which
he
cannot
endure
.
He
would
suppress
two
thirds
of
all
Libraries
,
and
the
moiety
of
Universities
.
A
person
of
such
savage
melancholly
,
should
never
dream
of
coming
abroad
out
of
his
retirement
,
and
the
pleasure
which
he
takes
in
despising
all
things
,
ought
to
restrain
his
desires
of
being
any
thing
in
the
world
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Janu.
1639.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
THe
ambitious
thoughts
of
Monsieur
—
in
my
behalf
,
and
the
glorious
offers
he
many
times
proposes
to
you
,
cannot
but
give
you
strange
apprehensions
of
him
.
You
must
excuse
the
heat
of
his
zeal
,
and
make
your selfe
pleasant
with
all
his
splendid
promises
.
Without
question
,
it
is
onely
an
old
Parchment
,
which
they
call
a
Breviate
,
that
was
tendred
me
some
ten
years
since
;
and
the
subscription
of
severall
Let●ers
,
some
whereof
are
from
very
ordinary
hands
,
that
have
carried
him
to
these
extravagant
motions
.
He
imagin'd
,
I
might
with
justice
expect
the
like
favour
that
was
granted
to
an
Advocate
of
Picardy
,
who
is
not
capable
of
returning
any
considerable
services
.
But
herein
I
dissent
from
my
friend
;
having
learnt
a
long
time
since
,
that
there
is
no
Robe
so
becomming
a
Philosopher
as
his
virtue
.
Wherefore
,
Sir
,
after
acknowledgements
to
you
for
the
good
will
you
have
testified
towards
me
in
this
occurrence
,
and
the
sollicitation
you
have
already
begun
;
my
request
to
you
is
,
that
you
would
surcease
the
continuance
of
it
,
and
inform
Monsieur
the
Abbot
—
that
my
appetite
is
not
sutable
to
the
desires
of
my
friends
.
I
find
my selfe
so
feeble
,
and
overburden'd
with
divers
evills
,
that
even
an
other
name
annexed
to
mine
,
would
weigh
me
down
,
and
a
naked
title
,
though
without
charge
or
employment
,
can
afford
me
onely
trouble
and
inconvenience
.
I
would
willingly
have
written
to
Monsieur
—
,
but
I
am
wholly
unprovided
of
matter
to
do
it
,
Neither
my
Rhetorick
,
nor
my
Muses
,
yield
me
any
thing
upon
those
sorts
of
arguments
,
If
I
knew
a
maker
of
Complements
,
and
Marriage-Sonnets
,
I
would
purchase
some
of
his
Merchandize
at
a
Pistol
a
line
,
though
Pistols
also
are
not
made
in
my
Village
.
This
is
to
tell
you
,
Sir
,
I
am
no
longer
able
to
do
it
;
and
you
may
moreover
excuse
me
,
that
there
was
no
great
appearance
,
I
should
perform
civilities
upon
a
subject
of
marriage
,
since
I
fail'd
in
the
duties
of
humanity
,
and
afforded
nothing
to
my
antient
affections
,
upon
occasion
of
the
death
of
Monsieur
de
—
It
is
necessary
therefore
,
for
my
honour
,
that
my
Letters
be
kept
secret
,
to
avoid
offending
such
persons
as
I
respect
;
and
it
is
of
much
importance
,
that
every
one
be
assured
of
my
indisposition
,
to
the
end
,
no
body
may
complain
of
my
silence
.
To
morrow
,
I
will
send
Monsieur
the
Commissary
,
the
Letter
which
you
writ
to
him
;
I
have
opened
it
,
and
find
it
very
judicious
and
discreet
.
But
discretion
is
the
universall
character
of
all
your
writings
,
and
you
are
very
circumspect
in
the
least
actions
of
your
life
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
27
Jan.
1639.
LET.
III.
SIR
,
I
Perceive
,
Monsieur
de
la
Brosse
had
not
intentions
,
onely
to
oblige
me
,
but
to
do
it
gracefully
,
and
after
a
noble
fashion
;
this
is
to
make
two
favours
of
one
,
and
to
understand
the
Art
that
Seneca
teaches
.
But
he
is
better
skil'd
in
other
matters
,
and
I
know
not
,
if
I
told
you
when
I
was
at
Paris
,
that
as
often
as
I
had
the
honour
to
entertain
him
,
I
was
dazled
with
the
raies
and
lustre
,
that
proceeded
from
his
wit
.
At
that
time
,
I
spoke
without
interest
.
It
is
requisite
now
,
that
I
adjoyn
my
acknowledgments
to
my
esteem
,
and
beseech
you
,
to
give
him
assurance
of
both
.
I
am
now
falling
to
work
in
good
earnest
,
for
our
incomparable
Marchionesse
;
and
you
may
tell
him
before
hand
,
that
I
hope
to
relate
some
wonders
,
of
his
Rome
,
and
his
Romanes
.
There
shall
be
perhaps
a
little
Book
,
divided
into
severall
Chapters
,
for
the
better
consideration
of
the
parts
;
and
when
that
is
finished
,
I
must
bethink
my self
of
another
designe
;
for
I
have
a
work
in
my
head
,
which
I
intend
to
intitle
Entertainments
,
and
shall
be
of
a
more
concise
,
and
lesse
oratoriall
style
;
but
yet
such
,
as
shall
not
be
lesse
gracefull
and
pleasing
.
To
authorise
the
title
,
I
have
the
example
of
two
Authors
,
that
have
pass'd
before
me
,
namely
,
Monsieur
the
Bishop
of
Geneva
,
and
our
dear
Monsieur
Bardin
.
who
impos'd
this
name
upon
some
of
their
works
.
It
will
suit
exactly
with
my
book
,
it
being
in
effect
,
the
abridgment
and
extract
,
of
all
the
conversations
,
I
have
had
with
your self
,
and
other
choice
persons
.
I
shall
therein
discourse
,
either
with
my
friends
,
or
concerning
them
,
and
I
think
,
that
disinterressed
commerce
ought
to
be
more
approved
by
them
,
then
Letters
of
complement
,
which
almost
ever
signifie
the
same
thing
.
I
renew
my
former
resolution
,
and
renounce
them
this
last
time
more
solemnly
then
ever
.
Therefore
,
dear
Sir
,
oblige
me
,
by
forbearing
to
presse
me
further
thereunto
;
and
remember
,
that
for
all
others
,
except
you
,
I
am
at
Jerusalem
,
but
passionately
at
Balzac
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
Feb.
.
1639.
LETTER
IV.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
at
all
dismaid
at
the
digression
,
which
you
are
pleased
to
call
terrible
.
The
Tickets
of
other
men
seem
tedious
unto
me
,
but
should
you
write
me
whole
Volumes
,
I
should
account
them
short
.
And
I
have
no
reason
to
complain
,
that
you
dispense
your
favours
so
liberally
,
and
by
handfulls
.
All
that
you
write
is
considerable
,
and
over-payes
the
Reader
's
patience
.
The
greatest
part
of
posthumous
pieces
,
are
either
spurious
,
or
very
unworthy
of
the
name
of
their
fathers
,
to
whom
those
injurious
offices
are
ordinarily
performed
,
if
not
against
their
order
,
at
least
,
besides
their
intention
.
Yet
this
does
not
excuse
the
feeblenesse
and
flagging
style
of
Victorius
;
for
his
Orations
,
which
were
not
written
without
meditation
,
are
more
weak
and
dead
,
if
possible
,
then
his
Letters
,
on
which
it
is
evident
,
he
employed
no
study
or
diligence
at
all
.
The
funerall
Oration
of
Cosmo
,
deserv'd
the
height
and
excellence
of
Oratory
.
But
I
cannot
judge
it
tolerable
,
and
without
doubt
,
he
has
done
injury
to
the
reputation
of
that
great
Prince
,
not
to
say
,
that
he
has
scandaliz'd
his
memory
.
In
truth
,
he
did
deserve
to
have
been
told
,
at
his
descending
from
the
Chair
,
O
indignum
fatum
principis
tui
,
bis
mortuus
est
;
semel
per
morbum
,
iterum
per
te
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
Feb.
1639.
LET.
V.
SIR
,
YOu
write
me
the
most
pleasant
things
in
the
world
,
concerning
the
greater
and
lesser
deities
;
and
the
array
as
Varro
places
them
in
St.
Augustine
,
is
nothing
comparable
to
yours
;
I
esteem
it
,
but
without
any
benefit
or
advantage
.
And
since
all
the
calamities
those
little
gods
can
send
us
,
are
onely
metaphoricall
,
I
continue
in
the
tearms
of
my
last
Letter
,
and
am
resolved
to
be
irreligious
,
rather
then
adore
all
sorts
of
Divinities
.
There
is
,
Sir
,
in
my
opinion
,
a
mean
between
impiety
and
devotion
;
and
a
man
may
abstain
from
blasphemies
,
though
he
do
not
undertake
to
compose
hymns
.
Besides
,
silence
is
sometimes
interpreted
,
an
owning
of
Religion
;
and
they
us'd
to
cry
of
old
,
Favete
linguis
,
in
the
middle
of
their
sacrifices
.
I
have
chosen
this
piece
of
false
religion
,
and
desire
to
hold
my
self
to
it
;
most
of
all
,
for
the
commerce
with
the
Academy
,
and
that
I
have
with
you
,
which
I
should
have
kept
secret
,
lest
the
—
should
think
to
measure
themselves
,
by
the
value
I
make
of
Monsieur
Chapelain
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Feb.
1639.
LETTER
VI.
SIR
,
TO
judge
exactly
,
and
like
a
Master
,
of
the
Comedy
which
you
have
done
me
the
favour
to
send
me
,
it
is
not
necessary
to
be
deeply
learn'd
,
or
to
have
more
knowledge
,
then
I
have
of
Aristotle's
secrets
and
yours
.
I
call
that
new
doctrine
so
,
which
you
disclose
to
your
favourits
,
and
whereof
our
Poets
understand
no
more
,
then
it
pleases
you
to
teach
them
.
Neverthelesse
I
shall
not
forbear
to
declare
my
opinion
,
in
expectance
of
your
determination
,
and
to
tell
you
,
that
the
Supposez
,
as
I
conceive
,
are
far
from
doing
prejudice
to
the
reputation
of
Orlando
,
their
elder
brother
.
If
I
can
judge
any
thing
,
there
cannot
be
a
more
ingenuous
,
handsome
,
or
better
contriv'd
story
,
then
this
;
and
France
never
yet
saw
any
piece
of
this
nature
,
that
deserv'd
to
be
compar'd
with
it
.
It
is
almost
impossible
,
to
bend
the
gravity
of
our
Verse
,
and
suit
it
to
the
familiarnesse
of
ordinary
conversation
.
Neither
do
I
much
approve
of
Prose
upon
the
Theatre
;
and
Verse
without
rhyme
,
in
the
opinion
of
our
friend
de
la
Tournelle
,
have
little
of
life
or
pleasure
.
Unlesse
you
oblige
the
Stage
with
a
Comedy
,
We
are
like
to
have
no
Ariosto
amongst
us
.
But
I
confesse
,
I
never
perused
this
,
but
in
the
bulk
,
and
without
designe
of
strict
examination
.
You
may
please
to
resolve
me
,
if
my
first
view
has
deceived
me
,
and
whether
my
judgment
be
not
erroneous
.
However
it
be
,
the
concernment
is
not
so
great
to
me
,
as
to
require
my
care
:
Good
or
bad
,
true
or
false
,
't
is
almost
the
same
thing
now
adaies
,
and
all
the
world
undertakes
to
judge
,
though
in
truth
,
there
is
nothi●g
so
rare
and
hard
to
be
found
,
as
solid
and
unbiass'd
judgment
.
Perhaps
we
spend
a
whole
day
,
in
the
elaborating
of
one
Period
,
and
when
we
have
distill'd
our
brains
,
in
the
framing
of
a
discourse
,
which
may
possible
be
a
Master-piece
of
Art
,
they
will
believe
they
highly
favour
us
,
in
saying
,
there
are
truly
some
pretty
things
in
it
,
&
the
language
is
not
bad
.
A
man
had
better
devote
himself
to
sleep
,
than
to
tire
himself
in
such
unprofitable
elucubrations
.
And
I
freely
pardon
that
brave
person
,
the
resentment
which
he
testified
against
the
Muses
,
upon
the
like
occasion
:
Ite
leves
nugae
sterilesque
valete
Camaenae
,
Ite
,
sat
est
,
primos
vobiscum
assumpsimus
annos
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
March
,
1639.
LET.
VII
.
SIR
,
THis
paper
serves
onely
,
to
accuse
the
slow
pace
of
your
Letter
,
of
the
eighth
of
this
month
,
and
to
assure
you
,
that
I
subscribe
universally
to
all
that
you
write
.
I
look
upon
my self
as
much
honoured
,
by
the
late
conference
which
you
had
with
the
Marquesse
de
Montausier
;
he
casts
too
many
obligations
upon
me
,
and
the
fresh
proofs
of
his
goodnesse
,
seem
too
disproportionate
to
my
merit
.
One
day
,
perhaps
,
I
may
have
opportunity
to
signifie
unto
him
,
how
gratefully
I
resent
his
civilities
,
and
I
hope
he
will
have
no
cause
to
repent
,
of
having
honoured
a
person
with
his
friendship
,
who
has
so
reverent
esteem
of
his
vertue
.
I
must
further
add
to
this
Ticket
,
the
report
which
one
lately
acquainted
me
withall
,
that
there
passes
a
Libel
at
Paris
,
whereof
some
conjecture
me
the
Author
;
if
it
arrive
at
your
ears
,
you
may
confidently
swear
,
without
fear
of
perjury
,
that
I
intermeddle
not
with
things
of
so
foul
a
nature
:
You
know
how
well
I
love
my
quiet
,
and
how
generally
backward
I
am
from
all
manner
of
writing
;
I
am
so
far
from
supererogating
,
that
I
oftentimes
fall
short
of
my
duty
.
I
use
not
to
lend
my
words
,
or
my
choler
,
in
the
behalf
of
any
man
.
And
he
that
passes
over
injuries
done
to
himself
,
is
not
like
to
revenge
those
of
another
.
The
relation
which
I
have
made
you
of
it
,
is
,
I
think
,
to
little
purpose
,
but
ad
majorem
cautelam
,
and
I
thought
my self
obliged
to
give
it
you
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
17
Novemb.
1639.
LETTER
VIII
.
SIR
,
THe
affair
of
Ariosto
is
,
it
seems
,
in
the
mouth
of
all
people
,
and
has
occasion'd
factions
and
parties
.
For
my
particular
,
I
have
gone
in
that
way
my
reason
suggested
for
the
best
,
without
imagining
that
I
concurr'd
with
you
,
and
I
merit
not
your
thanks
,
for
following
my
own
opinion
.
I
had
no
other
object
but
truth
,
which
,
it
was
said
of
old
,
ought
to
be
chosen
,
with
the
desertion
of
Socrates
and
Plato
,
and
in
whose
cause
we
should
not
scruple
,
to
oppose
,
not
onely
the
apprehensions
of
our
friends
,
but
even
our
own
inclinations
.
Upon
this
consideration
,
I
have
some
hopes
of
the
conversion
of
our
dear
,
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
who
knowes
,
that
Saint
Augustine
hath
written
his
retractations
,
and
that
there
are
some
Lawes
that
are
abrogated
by
others
;
as
also
that
none
hath
the
gift
of
infallibility
,
besides
our
holy
father
the
Pope
,
when
he
speaks
ex
cathedrâ
.
It
is
fit
to
ascribe
glory
to
God
,
who
alone
has
the
possession
of
truth
,
and
is
not
capable
either
of
errors
or
repentance
.
Since
the
Stars
and
Cedars
fall
,
who
is
he
that
can
assure
hims●lf
of
his
stability
?
And
is
there
any
person
so
perfect
,
that
he
has
not
sometimes
a
sense
of
human
weaknesse
?
This
ingenuous
confession
is
almost
as
honourable
as
the
victory
.
In
all
regards
,
an
accommodation
is
better
then
a
duell
;
and
I
had
rather
be
reconciled
with
Ariosto
,
then
be
engaged
in
a
combat
against
his
Knight
.
This
Astolpho
is
a
dangerous
man
,
and
wo
be
to
them
that
incur
his
displeasure
.
As
to
my self
,
I
account
his
friendship
as
a
piece
of
good
fortune
,
and
am
very
proud
of
the
new
testimony
he
has
rendred
me
of
it
.
But
that
sister
of
his
,
that
writes
so
elegantly
,
and
such
good
sense
,
is
verily
worthy
of
that
relation
,
and
,
in
my
fancy
,
a
most
accomplish'd
and
excellent
person
.
Do
me
the
favour
,
Sir
,
to
lend
me
a
dozen
of
your
words
,
to
make
her
the
complement
I
am
obliged
to
offer
;
and
assure
her
further
,
if
you
please
,
that
if
I
were
the
lawfull
disposer
of
that
immortality
,
whereof
you
speak
,
she
should
not
fail
to
have
a
portion
.
At
present
,
my
desire
is
,
that
she
,
and
Monsieur
her
brother
,
may
have
the
sight
of
the
first
part
of
my
discourse
,
upon
Menander
.
It
will
not
likewise
be
unfitting
,
to
communicate
it
to
the
learned
,
Monsieur
de
la
Motte
,
to
the
intent
I
may
know
of
him
,
whether
all
our
French
eloquence
be
any
thing
more
,
then
the
disposition
of
words
,
and
harmony
of
periods
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
April
,
1639.
LETTER
IX
.
SIR
,
YOur
difference
with
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
might
be
the
argument
of
no
unpleasant
discourse
;
&
we
would
entitle
it
,
with
your
permission
,
The
Tryall
of
Ariosto
.
Our
friends
Letter
of
defiance
,
would
be
inserted
in
it
,
which
is
a
piece
of
no
ordinary
invention
;
but
then
,
you
must
be
entreated
to
do
me
the
necessary
favor
,
of
keeping
mine
in
your
hands
,
&
denying
every
body
both
the
sight
and
copy
of
it
.
You
are
indeed
unmeasurable
in
your
diligence
,
and
your
goodnesse
overpresses
me
with
civilities
and
obligations
.
What
prodigious
inclination
is
this
,
to
receive
a
Letter
at
nine
a
clock
at
night
,
and
to
answer
it
at
the
same
time
,
with
so
much
discretion
and
exactnesse
!
I
confess
you
have
all
sorts
of
advantages
over
me
,
and
I
am
not
capable
of
so
great
performances
.
I
will
suddenly
return
you
your
admirable
Italian
,
and
onely
in
the
mean
time
assure
you
,
that
I
am
ravish'd
with
his
Translation
of
the
Aeneids
.
I
conceive
,
we
may
judge
principally
from
it
,
of
the
wit
of
Hannibal
Caro
,
and
of
the
excellence
of
his
Tongue
.
When
I
consider
it
,
in
this
Book
,
I
cannot
but
pitty
ours
,
and
have
very
low
esteem
of
it
,
Nisi
,
quod
ei
deest
de
ingenio
,
ut
ille
ait
,
adderemus
.
I
have
very
many
things
to
say
upon
this
subject
,
but
it
will
be
better
to
reserve
them
for
a
Chapter
of
our
Entertainments
:
And
besides
,
I
am
not
in
a
condition
to
be
pleasant
,
being
weary
and
shatter'd
with
one
of
the
most
cruell
nights
that
I
have
pass'd
a
long
time
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
April
,
1639.
LETTER
X.
SIR
,
IF
I
happen
to
see
that
gallant
person
againe
,
of
whom
your
Letter
makes
mention
,
and
who
is
so
dexterous
in
swallowing
Benefices
of
five
hundred
Crowns
revenue
,
I
shall
contain
my selfe
from
esteeming
him
either
Phocion
or
Aristides
.
The
judgement
of
Monsieur
de
—
pace
tanti
viri
dixerim
,
is
sometimes
right
,
and
not
alwaies
so
.
The
understanding
of
Monsieur
de
—
has
very
narrow
limits
,
and
as
the
first
does
ordinarily
attribute
too
much
to
himself
,
so
does
the
second
set
too
high
a
value
on
the
first
;
whether
it
be
,
that
he
owe
him
some
small
summe
,
for
which
he
payes
him
consideration
in
this
manner
,
or
any
other
less
materiall
interest
that
induces
him
to
such
conceits
.
They
are
both
of
them
strangers
in
that
Country
,
whereof
I
esteem
my self
a
Denizen
,
and
the
little
acquaintance
they
have
with
the
Ancients
,
is
the
cause
that
they
deal
with
so
much
equivocation
and
ambiguity
in
matters
which
concern
the
Moderns
.
If
they
had
onely
taken
the
pains
to
read
the
Apology
of
Apuleius
,
or
that
of
Saint
Jerome
against
Rufinus
,
they
would
have
learnt
,
that
all
subjects
are
not
capable
of
the
same
strength
or
ornament
;
and
have
observ'd
other
manner
of
inequalities
there
,
then
in
my
Discourse
.
I
will
speak
nothing
of
those
knowing
Ladies
,
which
they
have
drawn
to
their
opinion
,
but
onely
this
,
that
I
conceive
my selfe
subtile
enough
,
to
be
able
to
deceive
them
at
the
first
reading
at
least
,
as
well
as
some
bad
Poets
of
the
stage
have
done
.
I
confess
,
it
never
entred
into
my
thoughts
to
choose
them
for
my
Judges
,
and
hence
it
is
that
they
pronounced
so
speedy
a
sentence
upon
a
man
that
did
not
yet
begin
to
plead
.
'T
is
you
,
Sir
,
who
are
the
rule
of
Truth
,
and
it
is
not
possible
for
me
to
doubt
the
certainty
of
your
resolutions
,
so
long
as
I
have
your
voyce
in
my
favour
;
I
shall
not
be
sollicitous
,
to
repair
a
businesse
wherein
the
curious
ignorance
of
some
—
does
rather
make
then
finde
defects
.
This
person
does
me
a
kindness
beyond
my
desires
;
and
I
could
not
believe
,
that
there
was
so
much
freedom
in
the
Country
of
dissimulation
.
I
also
wonder
how
the
most
observant
of
all
Mortalls
,
came
to
quit
his
obsequiousnesse
for
my
concernment
,
and
did
not
rather
in
compliance
with
his
friend
,
pronounce
the
second
moiety
of
equall
merit
with
the
first
.
However
it
be
,
I
shall
not
much
lay
this
unhappinesse
to
heart
.
The
world
is
become
so
delicate
,
and
I
may
say
,
fastidious
too
,
that
it
often
disrelishes
more
commendable
things
then
mine
,
I
cannot
dilate
further
upon
this
subject
,
by
reason
of
Totila's
absence
,
whom
some
affairs
have
taken
from
me
.
I
am
so
infirm
and
helplesse
,
that
wanting
his
hands
,
my
own
will
onely
serve
me
to
assure
you
,
that
,
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
May
,
1639.
LET.
XI
.
SIR
,
YOu
may
most
assuredly
believe
,
that
my
minde
is
in
equall
sufferance
with
yours
;
and
that
I
swallow
a
part
of
that
dust
whereof
you
speak
.
But
besides
this
,
I
am
not
without
my
peculiar
unhappinesses
,
though
I
have
likewise
some
good
news
to
impart
to
you
.
In
requitall
of
the
story
of
your
breaking
up
house
,
you
shall
receive
that
of
the
death
of
three
of
my
Horses
,
and
the
sicknesse
of
the
fourth
.
It
must
needs
be
,
that
either
the
Goddess
Hippona
is
strangely
incens'd
against
me
,
or
some
other
pernitious
Demon
is
grown
envious
of
my
Promenades
,
and
has
design'd
to
force
me
to
go
a
foot
,
and
so
deprive
me
of
the
onely
remaining
pleasure
of
my
life
.
This
inconvenience
is
more
grievous
to
me
then
my
last
,
which
though
it
would
be
perhaps
not
inconsiderable
to
a
man
that
had
both
a
grand
and
little
Escuyrie
;
yet
I
resent
no
more
of
it
,
then
the
present
disturbance
,
and
the
trouble
I
shall
have
to
move
,
till
my
poor
equipage
be
repair'd
.
The
want
of
a
Caroach
is
a
misery
insupportable
,
to
the
condition
wherein
I
am
;
and
though
Philosophy
may
place
it
in
the
number
of
things
superfluous
,
yet
my
infirmity
makes
me
account
it
amongst
the
necessary
.
Having
affirm'd
thus
much
,
I
will
presume
to
tell
you
further
,
that
I
apprehend
more
contentment
,
in
being
extoll'd
in
that
manner
,
then
by
all
the
Elogies
of
the
Academy
.
And
of
those
two
desires
of
Virgil
,
—
quâ
me
quoque
possim
Tollere
humo
,
victorque
virûm
volitare
per
ora
.
I
expound
the
fi●st
,
concerning
a
Caroach
,
which
you
see
he
places
before
a
great
reputation
.
Neverthelesse
,
Sir
,
I
would
not
be
misconceived
,
as
offended
thereat
;
and
that
my
disgust
of
the
last
weeks
actions
,
drawes
these
speeches
from
me
.
Whatsoever
I
have
written
to
you
,
I
beseech
you
to
believe
,
that
I
know
with
what
submission
and
docility
,
I
ought
to
receive
every
thing
,
that
is
tender'd
me
by
my
friends
.
Onely
I
think
,
the
freedome
of
friendship
should
not
exclude
discretion
;
and
that
faithfull
counsell
is
not
us'd
to
be
given
in
publick
.
Therefore
Monsieur
—
might
have
forborn
raising
himself
,
to
be
Monsieur
the
Judge
;
and
rather
thought
,
he
had
been
lesse
attentive
in
reading
the
second
part
,
then
said
of
it
,
that
it
was
of
lesse
strength
then
the
first
,
which
is
onely
a
civill
accusation
of
its
weakness
.
He
has
receiv'd
the
displeasure
of
being
contradicted
by
you
,
and
Monsieur
de
Conrart
,
who
have
observ'd
no
inequality
in
it
;
and
therefore
by
necessary
consequence
,
it
can
have
none
.
But
although
we
should
agree
in
the
acknowledgment
of
his
objection
,
yet
being
,
as
I
am
,
continually
afflicted
and
in
misery
,
I
desir●
rather
consolation
then
counsell
.
Provided
there
be
neither
heresie
nor
incongruity
in
my
writings
,
I
esteem
all
the
rest
,
as
undeserving
the
trouble
of
reformation
.
I
prefer
indeed
a
businesse
accomplish'd
,
before
that
which
is
to
be
done
,
and
is
yet
onely
in
designe
.
Praetulerimque
parùm
fortis
doctusque
videri
,
Dum
mea
delectant
mala
me
,
vel
denique
fallent
,
Quàm
sapere
&
ringi
—
I
have
seen
the
daies
,
wherein
I
had
different
inclinations
;
but
age
and
infirmities
have
wrought
this
,
amongst
other
alterations
in
me
.
I
perceive
my selfe
become
obstinate
and
hardned
,
against
the
greatest
and
most
provoking
injuries
,
which
may
possibly
be
rather
an
effect
of
them
,
than
of
Philosophy
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
24
May
,
1639.
LET.
XII
.
SIR
,
IT
is
not
unquestionable
,
but
Scaliger
may
have
fail'd
in
the
quadrature
of
the
Circle
.
Yet
Casaubon
has
written
excellent
observations
in
his
Exercitations
,
against
the
Cardinal
Baronius
.
Heinsius
also
will
perhaps
afford
us
some
remarkable
discoveries
,
upon
the
New
Testament
,
although
he
be
no
Doctor
of
the
Sorbonne
.
Good
judgment
,
with
understanding
of
Languages
,
and
skill
in
Antiquities
,
are
the
onely
necessary
provision
for
his
enterprise
;
and
if
he
employ
them
with
integrity
,
and
faithfully
,
our
side
will
draw
more
advantage
from
them
,
then
his
own
.
The
handling
of
the
Mathematicall
Sciences
,
is
a
far
different
businesse
,
in
my
opinion
,
since
they
have
no
community
with
the
precepts
of
Morality
;
and
their
mystery
depends
not
,
either
of
the
Greek
or
Hebrew
:
They
require
a
very
abstracted
speculation
,
and
must
be
attended
with
that
subtlety
of
apprehension
,
that
I
conceive
it
not
difficult
to
mistake
the
way
,
in
a
path
so
obscure
and
narrow
.
Yet
I
think
,
a
knowing
and
judicious
person
,
that
has
read
all
the
antient
Fathers
,
and
is
skill'd
in
all
the
tongues
of
the
East
,
may
,
with
successe
,
publish
what
he
has
gone
so
far
to
seek
,
and
taken
up
at
severall
Ports
and
Countries
.
As
to
the
ridiculous
—
he
has
something
too
much
toleration
;
it
is
not
fit
he
be
suffer'd
to
rule
so
absolutely
,
but
must
be
frequently
put
in
mind
of
la
Berne
,
and
perhaps
that
may
make
him
for
the
future
more
wise
.
Monsieur
—
would
do
well
,
to
extend
his
charity
so
far
,
and
try
,
if
the
fear
of
punishment
may
happily
divert
the
effect
.
But
what
prodigy
is
that
you
tell
me
?
Is
it
possible
,
that
a
person
,
that
is
indu'd
with
one
grain
of
common
sense
,
can
prefer
the
Spanish
Poets
,
above
those
of
Italy
,
and
conceive
the
visions
of
one
Lopez
de
Vega
,
to
be
rationall
compositions
.
This
is
it
that
perswades
me
,
there
are
sometimes
false
judgments
made
,
in
the
cabinets
of
the
wisest
,
and
that
there
is
hazard
in
the
issues
of
the
brain
,
as
well
as
in
the
affairs
of
the
world
.
I
appeal
from
this
injustice
to
our
excellent
Marquis
,
who
will
never
mistake
apparences
for
truth
.
But
can
it
be
true
,
that
this
brave
Marquis
should
not
be
treated
answerably
to
his
worth
,
and
that
he
was
design'd
to
encounter
,
with
all
the
fury
and
hardships
of
the
North
,
without
allowance
of
necessary
support
.
I
am
fearfull
of
the
successe
of
th●s
great
courage
,
if
he
fail
of
the
assistance
of
men
and
mony
.
He
apprehends
the
enemy
,
to
be
the
least
considerable
danger
he
can
meet
with
.
Famine
,
and
want
of
provisions
,
are
far
more
dreadfull
,
and
such
as
no
valour
is
able
to
resist
.
I
would
to
God
,
all
the
Spaniards
were
at
the
Indies
,
and
all
the
Imperialists
with
the
Antipodes
:
our
friends
indeed
would
hereby
have
lesse
matter
for
triumph
and
glory
;
but
we
should
be
freed
from
those
fears
,
we
apprehend
for
their
safety
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
June
,
1639
LETTER
XIII
.
SIR
,
I
Repent
me
,
that
I
made
you
any
discovery
of
my
losses
,
since
you
resent
them
so
deeply
.
But
I
receive
great
contentment
,
from
those
evident
testimonies
you
give
me
of
your
affection
;
and
that
my
interests
could
make
any
impression
upon
your
soul
,
which
is
all
Adamant
in
your
own
.
Such
tenderness
is
not
unbecomming
the
strength
of
Hero's
;
and
,
if
they
have
sometimes
lamented
the
losse
of
a
Dog
they
lov'd
,
you
may
certainly
be
allowed
to
condole
with
a
friend
,
for
the
death
of
four
Horses
,
that
were
of
necessary
use
unto
him
.
In
those
daies
,
they
would
have
deserved
four
Epitaphs
;
but
they
are
now
too
well
treated
,
in
that
they
are
sorrow'd
for
by
you
;
and
the
unfained
tears
you
speak
of
,
are
more
glorious
to
them
,
then
a
Bucephalia
,
and
all
the
Grecian
vanity
could
invent
,
to
consecrate
dead
things
to
perpetuall
remembrance
.
I
hope
,
in
a
short
time
,
to
fill
their
places
with
others
,
because
I
cannot
live
,
and
be
without
them
;
and
that
my
weaknesse
is
of
more
reality
then
your
tears
.
When
I
relate
you
my
afflictions
,
I
borrow
no
Rhetorick
,
to
represent
them
in
a
larger
proportion
;
I
am
an
Historian
,
and
make
you
a
faithfull
narration
.
I
cannot
consent
to
you
,
that
the
use
of
the
Caroch
is
but
a
shadow
of
exercise
;
there
is
not
indeed
such
violent
agitation
,
as
in
other
sorts
,
yet
there
is
a
continuall
motion
,
that
contributes
enough
to
the
advancement
of
digestion
.
Besides
,
I
receceive
the
aire
on
all
sides
,
and
my
eyes
a●e
refreshed
with
the
beauties
of
the
field
,
as
often
as
I
discharge
them
from
the
employment
of
reading
.
My
infirmity
makes
me
wish
some
other
carriage
,
of
more
gentlenesse
and
ease
;
and
the
Gestatio
of
the
old
Romans
,
is
exactly
such
,
as
I
stand
in
need
of
.
Were
it
not
to
provoke
the
tongues
of
people
,
I
would
provide
me
a
Pulpet
,
and
cause
my self
to
be
carried
by
men
,
instead
of
being
drawn
by
horses
.
The
person
of
whom
I
told
you
,
and
whose
character
you
have
so
sutably
delineated
,
is
departed
from
this
Province
,
with
the
curses
of
the
whole
world
.
If
the
Tax
be
continued
,
all
this
Country
will
be
turn'd
into
an
Hospital
.
For
my
own
concernment
,
I
have
great
reason
to
commend
his
civility
,
for
that
he
had
a
more
mercifull
regard
,
to
all
such
as
I
recommended
to
him
.
But
I
fear
,
in
a
little
while
,
it
will
be
necessary
to
recommend
my self
,
and
that
Orators
and
Poets
will
not
be
esteem'd
as
priviledged
persons
.
You
well
remember
the
field
that
was
taken
away
from
poor
Virgil
,
and
the
complaints
that
he
makes
thereupon
in
his
Eclogues
.
If
one
that
I
know
,
had
foreseen
this
imposition
six
years
ago
,
his
Letters
should
have
been
dated
from
beyond
sea
,
and
he
would
have
provided
for
the
security
of
his
Peculium
.
However
things
go
,
I
exhort
all
the
world
to
patience
;
but
I
find
every
man
in
the
depth
of
dispair
,
and
cannot
imagine
any
remedy
,
to
our
present
sufferings
,
unlesse
Heaven
appear
by
miracles
for
our
succour
,
to
accomplish
the
good
intentions
of
the
King
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
June
,
1639.
LET.
XIV
.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
minded
to
enter
the
Lists
,
in
the
quarrell
of
the
Rabbins
,
especially
when
I
must
encounter
with
you
for
my
adversary
.
They
are
peeple
,
with
whom
I
have
no
acquaintance
,
and
such
as
,
if
you
please
,
I
shall
believe
more
fools
,
then
your
Letters
represent
them
.
But
,
Sir
,
if
I
remember
,
it
was
not
upon
this
empty
and
trifling
reading
,
that
I
chiefly
grounded
the
learning
of
Monsieur
Heinsius
.
Besides
the
Orientall
Languages
,
which
they
report
him
skill'd
in
,
he
is
of
great
naturall
endowments
,
and
has
exact
knowledge
in
solid
Antiquity
,
and
the
Philosophies
of
old
;
and
yet
further
,
such
sagacity
in
matters
of
Criticism
,
that
his
conjectures
seem
sometimes
to
approach
near
divination
:
Notwithstanding
,
it
is
possible
he
may
decline
in
his
old
daies
.
And
't
is
a
common
word
amongst
his
Orientalls
,
that
Vinegar
is
the
son
of
Wine
,
and
that
Time
begins
to
prey
upon
things
,
as
soon
as
it
has
brought
them
to
their
perfection
.
But
let
us
relinquish
those
Gentlemen
,
the
Rabbins
,
and
give
me
leave
to
desire
some
knowledge
,
of
the
affairs
of
our
friends
.
Be
pleased
to
make
me
understand
,
how
Monsieur
d'Ablancourt
is
at
this
present
employ'd
,
and
if
he
intend
not
a
Panegyrick
,
in
honour
of
his
eminency
,
having
caused
others
to
display
all
their
eloquence
upon
that
subject
.
He
is
a
person
of
sufficiency
,
for
whatever
he
will
undertake
,
on
whom
I
have
bestow'd
my
heart
,
and
my
esteem
,
and
who
must
not
be
forgotten
in
my
Entertainments
.
Let
me
also
know
,
if
Monsieur
—
has
finished
his
Treatise
,
of
Counsells
for
War
,
whereof
you
gave
me
notice
.
There
being
at
this
day
a
Prince
of
Orange
,
and
a
Duke
of
Weymar
in
the
world
,
does
he
not
fear
the
misadventure
of
that
Doctor
,
that
discours'd
of
the
same
matter
in
the
presence
of
Hannibal
,
and
employ'd
all
his
Rhetorick
,
to
make
himself
ridiculous
?
These
Princes
are
indeed
more
polite
,
then
that
Barbarian
was
,
and
our
friend
more
expert
then
the
Sophister
;
and
therefore
I
consent
to
the
continuation
of
his
work
.
I
most
humbly
kisse
your
hands
,
and
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
July
,
1639.
LETTER
XV.
SIR
,
IT
is
infinite
pleasure
unto
me
,
to
see
you
Philosophize
upon
the
argument
of
friendship
;
all
your
subtleties
are
not
less
solid
,
then
delicate
and
agreeable
.
You
have
discovered
the
most
secret
recesses
of
your
soul
,
and
it
must
necessarily
be
,
that
you
have
throughly
studied
your
inclinations
,
since
you
are
so
perfect
in
the
knowledge
of
your selfe
.
Certainly
you
know
an
excellent
person
.
And
what
unhappinesse
have
I
,
to
be
separated
from
you
by
so
many
Towns
and
Champians
:
Is
it
the
will
of
Destiny
,
to
keep
us
alwaies
apart
?
Nec
d●bitur
veras
audire
&
reddere
voces
?
These
violent
desires
do
frequently
transport
me
,
and
I
should
undoubtedly
content
them
,
if
it
were
possible
to
see
Paris
without
approaching
the
Court
.
But
I
acknowledge
my
weaknesse
the
obstacle
.
The
great
light
blinds
me
,
and
I
lose
my
breath
in
the
croud
of
the
World
.
I
forbear
to
describe
you
the
desolation
of
our
Village
,
which
has
lately
been
almost
devoured
by
the
Regiment
of
the
Lord
—
.
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
Bois-Robert
,
will
perhaps
give
you
some
relation
of
it
.
I
shall
onely
tell
you
that
this
injury
committed
against
the
Muses
,
might
well
deserve
an
Eclogue
in
the
strain
of
our
friend
Colletet
.
If
you
please
to
offer
him
the
subject
,
I
do
not
question
but
he
will
manage
it
answerably
,
and
readily
lend
me
his
resentments
.
He
has
oblig'd
me
in
many
other
matters
,
and
I
conceive
there
is
nothing
which
I
may
not
expect
from
his
friendship
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
August
,
1639.
LETTER
XVI
.
SIR
,
SInce
the
return
of
the
last
Post
,
I
have
receiv'd
that
which
you
were
pleas'd
to
deliver
to
the
Messenger
,
and
shall
account
it
to
the
number
of
my
former
engagements
.
I
cannot
sufficiently
admire
your
Jesuite
,
his
daring
wit
,
and
the
magnificence
of
his
expression
;
What
Enthusiasm
has
possest
him
?
Without
dispute
,
he
is
one
of
your
great
friends
,
or
at
least
one
that
has
propounded
you
for
his
pattern
;
and
I
am
confident
,
your
Ode
for
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
,
was
his
first
inspiration
.
I
shall
say
nothing
where
I
have
met
with
most
strength
or
weakness
in
his
Poem
,
but
forbear
at
this
time
to
exercise
my
skill
in
Censure
.
Onely
I
assure
you
,
I
never
yet
saw
a
more
happy
imitation
;
and
yet
further
(
which
I
would
have
pass
for
Oraculous
)
that
if
Monsieur
Chapelain
be
the
instructor
of
the
Father
le
Moine
,
the
Father
le
Moine
will
prove
one
of
the
great
Personages
of
these
later
Ages
.
I
mention'd
to
you
,
a
few
days
since
,
the
Letter
which
I
writ
to
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
Bois-Robert
,
concerning
Monsieur
de
—
I
send
you
a
Copy
of
it
inclos'd
,
because
I
deem
it
expedient
,
that
you
should
know
the
whole
History
of
Balzac
,
wherein
I
do
not
doubt
,
but
your
affection
has
made
you
somewhat
concern'd
.
I
am
,
likewise
,
more
perfectly
then
any
person
in
the
world
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
18
August
,
1639.
In
closing
of
my
Letter
,
I
am
told
,
that
Monsieur
—
did
prohibit
his
Troops
to
quarter
at
Balzac
.
But
either
his
commands
had
not
Authority
enough
,
or
his
Captains
were
unmindfull
of
his
orders
.
For
our
Village
was
wholly
sack'd
before
ever
the
Party
approach't
it
.
But
this
injury
must
be
forgotten
as
well
as
many
more
,
and
we
must
rest
satisfied
with
the
little
subsistence
they
have
left
us
to
be
so
.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
read
with
very
great
consolation
,
the
two
Letters
of
our
dear
and
incomparable
friends
.
I
should
have
said
,
with
very
great
joy
,
if
in
the
condition
wherein
I
am
,
I
could
be
sensible
of
that
delightfull
motion
of
the
soul
.
But
I
find
such
drooping
and
languour
upon
my
spirit
,
and
my
body
so
infeebled
with
the
restlesse
nights
I
have
lately
pass'd
,
that
there
is
no
news
of
goodnesse
enough
to
awaken
and
divert
my
melancholly
.
You
may
well
perceive
,
that
if
this
were
not
the
obstacle
,
I
should
dispense
with
my
vow
for
this
time
,
and
not
borrow
your
words
,
though
more
eloquent
then
mine
,
to
testifie
to
those
worthy
friends
,
that
I
esteem
their
Amity
amongst
the
dearest
blessings
of
my
life
.
The
prudence
and
matter
of
that
of
Monsieur
Hobier
,
is
admirable
,
as
well
as
his
style
pure
and
uniform
.
I
think
,
Sir
,
the
definition
of
vir
bonus
,
dicendi
peritus
,
was
made
expresly
for
him
,
and
that
all
his
words
are
mark'd
with
the
character
of
vertue
.
I
have
proceeded
no
further
yet
,
then
his
Preface
,
which
deserves
an
attentive
perusal
;
and
,
wherein
I
have
stay'd
with
pleasure
.
We
will
speak
therefore
another
time
of
the
life
of
Agricola
,
and
at
present
,
to
pass
from
a
part
of
Tacitus
,
to
Tacitus
entire
;
be
pleas'd
to
let
Monsieur
d'Ablancourt
know
,
that
I
have
so
high
an
opinion
of
his
French
Version
,
that
I
am
ready
to
maintain
against
the
Doctor
Heinsius
,
and
the
Jesuit
Strada
,
that
it
farre
excells
the
Latine
,
whereof
they
have
so
closely
affected
the
imitation
.
Had
I
a
Neighbour
of
his
sufficiency
,
we
should
surely
accomplish
considerable
designs
,
and
in
our
learned
walks
imploy
our
Criticism
to
great
advantage
.
But
it
is
not
meet
for
a
poor
Anchoret
to
conceive
such
high
thoughts
,
and
my
maladies
raise
fear
in
all
the
world
.
They
are
indeed
excessively
violent
,
and
I
assure
you
,
you
are
impos'd
upon
by
all
such
as
give
you
any
information
of
my
health
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
Aug.
1639.
LETTER
XVIII
.
SIR
,
YOu
reproach
my
pusillanimity
with
a
very
good
grace
,
and
your
French
seems
to
tell
me
thus
in
Latine
.
Sydera
quis
mundumque
velit
spectare
cadentem
,
Expers
ipse
metûs
?
Quis
cum
ruat
arduus
aether
,
Terra
labet
misto
cöeuntis
pondere
caeli
,
Complosas
tenuisse
manus
?
solusne
remotus
,
Otia
s●●as
ages
?
—
To
which
I
answer
,
that
knowing
my selfe
one
of
the
most
impotent
and
unprofitable
members
of
the
Common-wealth
,
I
cannot
yet
discern
wherein
I
may
be
serviceable
to
the
present
necessity
.
And
neverthelesse
,
If
I
heard
that
you
were
in
danger
at
the
end
of
the
world
,
I
should
immediately
fly
thither
,
either
to
your
assistance
,
or
at
least
to
be
your
companion
in
the
common
ruine
.
Therefore
,
if
my
advice
be
of
weight
with
you
,
you
shall
accept
the
command
of
a
company
of
Cavalry
,
unlesse
you
rather
affect
the
charge
of
Lieutenant
Colonell
,
in
the
Regiment
of
our
excellent
Marquiss
,
I
am
ready
to
to
list
under
your
Ensign
;
and
if
you
forbid
me
,
I
will
play
the
valiant
in
the
same
Tongue
wherewith
you
upbraided
my
cowardise
,
and
tell
you
,
Vtrumne
justi
persequemur
otium
,
Horat.
Epod.
1.
Non
dulce
,
ni
tecum
simul
?
An
hunc
laborem
mente
laturi
,
decet
,
Qua
ferre
non
molles
viros
.
Feremus
?
&
te
vel
per
Alpium
juga
,
Inhospitalem
&
Caucasum
,
Vel
occidentis
usque
ad
ultimum
sinum
,
Forti
sequemur
pectore
?
Roges
tuum
labore
quid
juvem
meo
,
Imbellis
ac
firmus
parùm
?
Comes
minore
sum
futurus
in
metu
,
Qui
major
absentes
habet
.
You
observe
,
how
I
borrow
the
Enthusiasme
of
an
other
,
and
make
my selfe
a
Poet
with
Verses
that
belong
not
to
me
.
The
cause
is
,
for
that
they
better
explain
my
intention
,
then
I
can
do
my selfe
,
and
represent
my
thoughts
to
you
in
their
nakednesse
and
sincerity
.
I
have
nothing
more
to
adjoyn
to
this
,
but
onely
that
you
are
pleas'd
to
make
your selfe
merry
with
saying
,
that
you
have
drawn
much
Constancy
from
my
Writings
;
you
that
have
more
in
your
breast
,
then
Seneca
,
Boetius
,
Lipsius
,
or
the
Keeper
of
the
Seals
,
du
Vaire
,
have
publish'd
in
all
their
Volumes
.
A
friend
of
such
worth
,
is
able
to
uphold
me
with
comfort
against
all
the
injuries
of
bad
times
.
I
have
added
this
Epithete
to
time
but
of
late
,
and
if
Monsieur
—
had
not
taken
assay
of
me
,
I
might
have
still
been
intire
,
and
able
to
have
told
you
,
D'ogni
oltraggio
e
scorno
,
La
mia
famiglia
,
e
la
mia
greggia
il●ese
.
Semper
qui
fur
,
ne
strepito
di
marte
Ancor
turbò
questa
rémota
parte
.
But
I
am
now
enforced
to
change
my
ditty
;
and
were
my
resentments
as
quick
and
delicate
,
as
formerly
,
(
though
some
,
as
I
have
told
you
,
would
perswade
me
they
are
)
I
should
endeavour
to
repay
the
rudenesse
with
such
a
revenge
,
as
should
acquit
my
courage
,
and
afford
our
Province
some
mirth
,
in
the
midst
of
their
distresses
.
But
we
must
comfort
our selfe
with
the
multitude
of
sufferers
,
in
the
same
cause
,
and
admire
the
Heroes
of
other
Ages
,
who
took
care
of
men
of
learning
,
and
protected
them
in
the
generall
desolation
.
Possibly
another
time
,
there
will
be
found
some
,
that
will
judge
us
worthy
of
this
honour
,
and
make
us
objects
of
their
heroicall
generosity
.
You
see
what
course
I
take
to
palliate
our
miseries
,
and
so
,
Dum
careo
veris
,
gaudia
falsa
juvant
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
April
,
1639.
LETTER
XIX
.
SIR
,
I
Have
this
day
received
a
Letter
of
Monsieur
de
—
whereof
I
send
you
a
copy
;
I
could
have
wish'd
lesse
commendations
from
his
Rhetorick
,
and
more
favour
from
his
Captains
:
But
since
his
commands
were
ineffectuall
,
and
Monsieur
the
●uke
de
la
Rochefaucaut
,
was
partaker
in
the
common
saccage
,
it
is
meet
our
Province
should
abate
their
vanity
;
and
I
forbear
to
trouble
you
any
further
,
with
the
lamentable
story
of
our
grievances
.
Having
already
given
you
so
exact
narration
of
my
misfortunes
,
it
is
but
equitable
to
inform
you
,
of
the
good
requitall
I
received
by
this
last
Post
;
't
is
a
Letter
from
Monsieur
Conrart
,
which
makes
me
the
proudest
man
upon
earth
;
and
if
there
be
remaining
any
shadow
of
humility
in
me
,
yet
I
triumph
at
least
within
doors
,
and
keep
holy-day
in
my
Closet
.
To
tell
you
the
truth
sincerely
,
I
never
yet
saw
a
Letter
,
more
ingenuous
,
rich
,
and
noble
:
and
for
that
you
speak
of
it
,
as
if
it
had
never
been
in
your
hands
,
I
thought
my self
obliged
to
send
you
a
copy
of
it
,
to
the
end
it
may
become
the
common
subject
of
our
admiration
and
applause
.
Does
not
this
Gentleman
make
you
recall
to
memory
,
the
first
Nephewes
of
Remus
,
who
were
wealthy
,
without
having
pillaged
the
Gold
of
Asia
;
and
learned
,
before
they
understood
the
Language
of
the
Greeks
:
They
were
,
I
say
,
rich
,
with
their
own
possessions
,
and
learned
with
such
knowledge
,
as
was
peculiarly
their
own
,
and
unborrowed
.
It
must
not
be
suffer'd
,
that
posterity
be
ignorant
of
this
wonder
of
our
age
.
And
if
my
writings
have
that
strength
of
constitution
,
to
survive
the
ashes
of
their
parent
,
(
as
he
is
pleased
to
imagine
in
my
favour
)
he
may
be
assur'd
,
it
shall
never
be
,
without
making
them
bear
some
eminent
testimonies
,
of
the
esteem
I
have
of
his
great
worth
,
and
the
friendship
wherewith
he
has
done
me
honour
.
The
father
Palavicino
gives
me
no
satisfaction
,
concerning
the
Comedies
of
Ariosto
;
and
the
grande
Positivo
,
whereunto
he
requires
our
belief
,
is
more
then
one
degree
above
my
apprehension
.
I
cannot
discover
more
excellency
in
the
great
Poem
,
considered
in
its
kind
,
then
the
Comedies
have
in
theirs
;
and
as
to
the
point
of
regularity
,
you
know
there
is
no
comparison
.
It
may
be
therefore
,
that
Palavicino
is
a
great
Scholar
,
but
this
part
of
learning
lies
out
of
his
road
.
To
be
a
native
of
Italy
,
is
not
a
sufficient
qualification
,
to
create
a
man
Dictator
in
the
Commonwealth
of
Literature
;
witnesse
the
Poet
of
Luca
,
for
whom
Camusat
lately
printed
a
volume
of
Verses
,
which
,
in
my
opinion
,
are
far
short
in
value
,
of
the
paper
of
the
Impression
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
24
Septemb.
1639.
LET.
XX.
From
Monsieur
Conrart
,
to
Monsieur
de
Balzac
.
SIR
,
I
Advertise
you
before-hand
,
that
I
intend
no
excuses
in
this
,
for
my
not
writing
to
you
;
it
is
rather
a
protestation
to
assure
you
,
that
I
shall
give
you
no
further
trouble
in
that
kind
,
but
leave
you
in
repose
,
to
employ
your
onely
care
,
in
advanceing
the
immortality
of
your
own
glory
,
and
that
of
your
friends
.
Neverthelesse
I
have
imagined
,
that
after
a
silence
of
above
a
years
durance
,
I
might
happily
oblige
you
to
the
reading
of
a
few
lines
,
provided
I
did
at
the
same
time
oblige
you
,
to
return
me
no
answer
.
This
is
now
a
favour
which
I
request
of
you
,
with
as
much
passion
,
as
I
us'd
heretofore
to
obtain
your
Letters
;
the
esteem
I
bear
them
,
is
in
as
high
a
degree
as
ever
;
but
I
content
my
desires
with
those
,
which
you
write
to
Monsieur
Chapelain
,
as
well
as
if
they
were
addressed
to
my selfe
,
and
I
have
found
the
device
to
imagine
them
such
,
and
that
I
make
you
all
the
answers
,
which
you
receive
from
him
.
So
that
,
without
losse
of
time
to
you
,
in
regard
of
me
,
or
of
my
prayers
and
importunities
,
we
enjoy
a
mutuall
commerce
,
which
puts
you
to
no
trouble
,
and
affords
me
a
great
measure
of
delight
and
contentment
.
I
have
had
a
sight
of
the
remarkable
judgment
you
pass'd
,
upon
the
Supposez
of
Ariosto
,
wherein
I
am
much
taken
,
both
with
your
equity
,
and
your
addresse
,
and
have
equall
admiration
of
the
profoundnesse
of
your
capacity
,
and
the
politenesse
of
your
wit
.
Never
was
seen
a
Judge
so
well
accomplish'd
,
and
so
little
prepossest
;
nor
a
sentence
more
just
and
better
grounded
.
There
needs
no
rigid
and
severe
decrees
,
to
constrain
it
to
execution
,
every
one
acquiesces
in
it
without
resistance
;
and
even
those
that
accounted
it
their
glory
,
to
have
never
yielded
,
have
thought
themselves
obliged
to
a
ready
approbation
,
of
what
you
ordain
.
I
have
read
,
with
no
lesse
contentment
,
that
handsome
Apology
,
which
is
in
the
keeping
of
Monsieur
Chapelain
;
it
has
been
the
subject
of
divers
Academicall
conferences
;
and
all
that
saw
it
,
after
they
had
survey'd
all
the
perfections
of
it
with
wonder
,
could
find
no
other
fault
in
it
,
but
its
brevity
.
I
assure
you
,
there
was
scarce
one
lecture
of
it
,
but
drew
these
expressions
from
the
Auditory
.
When
will
it
be
our
happinesse
,
to
see
compleat
Volumes
of
such
excellency
,
as
this
Discourse
?
And
why
cannot
we
prolong
the
life
of
this
incomparable
person
,
the
Author
of
it
,
with
the
like
facility
,
as
he
renders
all
those
immortall
,
whose
names
deserve
a
place
in
his
Writings
?
I
had
intended
to
finish
my
Letter
here
,
but
this
last
word
induces
me
,
to
make
a
request
to
you
,
for
a
speedy
sight
of
your
rich
Miscellanies
,
wherein
we
shall
unquestionably
behold
,
all
the
beauties
of
Art
and
Nature
,
in
the
height
of
their
glory
and
lustre
,
and
the
pomp
of
ornament
,
so
delightfully
accommodated
,
with
the
genuine
and
simple
comlinesse
,
that
the
contexture
,
though
of
nothing
but
naturall
and
supernaturall
,
will
appear
most
gracefull
,
without
either
disorder
or
contradiction
.
Eloquence
will
have
there
,
so
dextrously
contriv'd
all
its
force
and
artifice
,
yet
without
making
shew
of
any
,
it
will
notwithstanding
animate
the
whole
body
,
with
such
motion
and
action
,
as
will
ravish
all
the
world
.
Suffer
us
not
to
languish
any
longer
,
in
expectation
of
our
happinesse
;
and
be
pleased
to
believe
,
that
amongst
all
those
that
desire
the
accomplishment
of
it
,
there
is
not
any
more
perfectly
then
my self
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
Sep.
1639.
LET.
XXI
.
SIR
,
YOu
shall
be
no
better
obey'd
,
then
Virgil
was
of
old
,
when
he
sentenc'd
his
Aeneids
to
the
fire
.
I
cannot
be
won
to
burn
your
Letter
,
although
you
should
ordain
me
to
do
it
,
by
an
especiall
clause
of
your
Testament
.
Notwithstanding
,
your
desire
may
prevail
with
me
,
for
secrecy
,
and
the
wise
person
be
suffer'd
in
the
guilt
of
his
folly
,
without
knowing
our
opinions
of
the
action
.
Your
perspicatious
reason
,
has
discovered
the
true
cause
of
his
prodigious
inequality
,
and
the
article
which
you
write
me
concerning
it
,
deserves
to
be
inserted
in
a
convenient
place
.
This
may
be
effected
without
difficulty
,
Suppresso
authorum
&
paraphrastarum
nomine
;
and
you
may
intrust
Monsieur
—
upon
my
interest
.
I
will
not
descend
from
a
Thesis
to
an
Hypothesis
.
I
knew
,
long
since
,
that
man
is
an
Animal
,
compos'd
of
contrarieties
,
and
that
such
a
person
is
reasonable
to
day
,
who
has
no
assurance
of
being
so
to
morrow
.
Some
man
may
have
great
dexterity
and
conduct
,
in
his
affairs
,
as
for
instance
,
the
Marshal
—
and
yet
be
void
of
all
sense
in
his
writings
;
and
another
,
as
the
Lord
Madelenet
,
may
compose
Odes
in
Latin
,
in
competition
with
those
of
Horace
,
and
French
Verse
,
after
the
rate
of
Du
Monin
.
Your
—
affords
an
authentick
demonstration
of
this
truth
,
and
as
far
as
I
can
judge
,
there
is
a
greater
difference
between
him
and
himself
,
then
there
is
between
him
and
another
person
;
I
speak
onely
of
his
Poetry
,
having
yet
seen
but
one
sort
of
his
Prose
,
concerning
which
,
I
must
tell
you
,
that
if
he
choose
me
for
his
example
,
I
am
as
unhappy
as
he
,
of
whom
it
was
said
,
Multas
fecerat
simias
,
nullos
filios
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Octob.
1639.
LET.
XXII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
very
tender
resentments
of
your
losse
,
although
your
gain
could
not
have
promoted
the
conclusion
of
the
War
.
Since
Brisac
has
wrought
no
advantage
to
it
,
I
am
no
longer
of
belief
,
that
peace
is
in
the
power
of
men
;
Heaven
must
of
necessity
become
engaged
in
the
affair
,
and
it
must
be
the
work
of
God
,
and
not
ours
.
Yet
let
us
not
,
in
the
mean
time
,
abandon
our selves
to
grief
,
nor
dispair
of
the
Common-wealth
,
although
after
a
Battle
of
Cannae
.
At
the
worst
,
we
may
save
our selves
in
the
Sanctuary
,
that
Philosophy
has
built
for
us
,
against
the
misfortunes
of
the
world
;
I
mean
,
the
Philosophy
of
Plato
,
for
I
know
you
affect
not
that
of
Chrysippus
;
and
I
accord
with
you
,
in
dislike
of
that
step-dame
of
the
passions
;
(
as
one
tearms
it
)
which
in
order
to
the
designe
,
of
making
a
true
wise
man
,
that
is
,
living
and
sprightly
,
represents
him
no
other
,
then
a
dead
and
insensible
image
.
This
kind
of
Statues
are
more
sutable
,
for
the
ornament
of
the
Porch
,
then
for
the
uses
of
life
;
and
,
as
I
conceive
,
there
is
between
hardnesse
and
softnesse
a
middle
temperament
,
which
is
called
Firmnesse
.
The
Piece
that
this
Post
will
deliver
you
,
contains
something
perhaps
not
impertinent
to
this
argument
.
I
have
some
weak
apprehensions
of
its
beauty
,
by
the
persuasion
of
some
here
that
think
it
fair
;
but
Monsieur
Chapelain
having
not
yet
pronounced
upon
it
,
I
am
wholly
unresolved
in
what
quality
to
esteem
it
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Octob.
1639.
LET.
XXIII
.
SIR
,
LEt
us
leave
the
dead
,
to
the
company
of
those
in
the
same
condition
,
and
suffer
me
to
congratulate
with
you
,
for
your
new
acquaintance
.
I
never
yet
saw
the
face
,
of
Monsieur
the
Embassadour
of
Sueden
,
though
I
have
long
since
had
a
particular
esteem
of
his
endowments
;
and
had
not
he
turn'd
the
Institutes
into
Verse
,
and
publish'd
some
other
pieces
of
the
like
nature
,
I
should
have
yet
had
a
greater
veneration
of
his
worth
.
As
for
his
humour
,
of
affecting
the
behaviour
of
a
stranger
,
I
am
not
much
displeas'd
with
it
;
we
are
all
Barbarians
to
one
another
,
and
there
is
a
sort
of
civility
at
Paris
,
which
I
more
disgust
then
all
the
rudenesse
of
the
North.
The
Poet
of
Luca
,
of
whom
you
have
no
knowledge
,
is
a
—
that
has
made
an
infinite
company
of
Verses
,
at
the
rate
of
a
hundred
for
a
penny
,
as
your
Marin
us'd
to
speak
;
and
all
de
communi
,
in
the
term
of
the
University
.
I
have
not
discover'd
one
grain
of
salt
in
two
or
three
great
Poems
,
which
I
had
the
patience
to
read
.
Whereupon
I
have
bidden
him
Adieu
for
e-ever
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Novemb.
1639.
LET.
XXIV
.
SIR
,
SHould
I
credit
your
Relation
,
I
must
use
much
vertue
to
restrain
me
from
vain-glory
.
My
Writings
deserve
not
the
commendations
,
they
have
receiv'd
at
Ramboüillet
Hostel
,
and
the
honour
bestow'd
on
me
,
seems
more
properly
the
due
of
my
Lord
the
Cardinal
de
la
Valette
.
But
,
in
the
mean
time
,
where
was
the
dear
Monsieur
—
that
constant
and
perpetuall
admirer
of
F.
N.
C.
whose
disposition
is
so
sweet
,
that
hony
and
sugar
are
bitter
in
comparison
?
**********
The
gravity
of
our
other
friend
,
is
also
rare
and
admirable
;
and
I
believe
,
the
Areopagus
never
saw
any
thing
more
sober
and
compos'd
.
Be
pleas'd
,
Sir
,
for
my
sake
,
to
call
my
Consolation
a
Discourse
;
for
,
besides
the
propernesse
of
the
Title
,
and
that
it
is
Oratio
ad
Cardinalem
,
(
there
being
some
much
shorter
in
the
Books
of
the
Ancients
,
especially
in
those
of
the
old
Greeks
)
you
know
,
I
detest
the
name
of
Letter
,
cane
pejus
&
angue
.
Yet
it
is
necessary
the
Muse
of
the
Fennes
have
a
Copy
,
since
you
ordain
it
so
,
and
I
have
no
power
to
disobey
you
.
But
this
must
not
be
drawn
to
an
example
,
and
you
must
bear
with
me
another
time
,
if
la
signora
Principina
,
ò
la
signora
—
write
to
me
,
and
I
return
them
no
answer
.
What
misery
is
this
to
be
oblig'd
,
to
make
Elogiums
upon
all
Books
that
are
publish'd
?
'T
is
certainly
to
be
in
a
worse
condition
in
Prose
,
then
the
Auratus
poeta
regius
was
,
who
did
with
a
good
will
,
what
I
do
by
force
,
and
as
condemn'd
to
.
I
have
with
sorrow
understood
the
death
of
poor
Monsieur
Arnaud
:
He
was
indeed
a
person
of
great
worth
,
and
I
lament
the
case
of
the
Gentlemen
his
Brothers
,
who
are
very
deserving
,
and
for
whom
I
have
ever
had
a
most
sincere
affection
,
but
full
of
respect
and
reverence
.
Shall
we
never
see
a
happier
time
then
this
?
nor
furious
Mars
once
secur'd
in
chains
?
Quem
das
finem
,
Rex
magne
,
laborum
?
I
speak
of
the
Catholique
King
,
for
as
for
the
most-Christian
,
we
know
he
desires
peace
even
in
the
midst
of
Victory
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
Novemb.
1639.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
I
Never
pass
judgement
on
any
thing
,
but
I
sometimes
declare
my
opinion
.
Your
Sonnet
seems
to
me
of
perfect
excellence
,
and
the
Edict
of
fame
,
which
is
executed
by
a
hundred
people
at
the
same
hour
,
is
proclaim'd
,
is
without
question
an
Inspiration
,
for
which
you
are
beholding
to
your
Muses
.
I
would
have
this
understood
,
without
prejudice
to
what
we
shall
say
of
it
at
another
time
.
But
what
means
Seigneur
Jean-Jacques
,
with
his
dreadfull
Title
of
Panglossie
.
If
he
account
himself
Master
of
forty
Languages
,
he
exceeds
Scaliger
by
three
and
twenty
;
and
the
soul
of
Parnassus
must
be
commended
in
the
Tongue
of
Biscay
,
and
base
Bretagnie
.
This
is
to
make
wild
Musick
in
Apollo's
Hill
,
and
to
bring
Barbarians
into
the
Holy
place
,
with
no
lesse
crime
,
then
theirs
that
opened
the
passages
of
Italy
,
to
the
Predecessors
of
the
King
of
Sweden
.
Do
me
the
favour
to
know
of
Monsieur
Conrart
,
if
Monsieur
du
Moulin
has
lately
printed
any
of
his
Sermons
,
for
I
should
be
glad
to
see
his
manner
of
writing
upon
all
occasions
.
I
ever
had
a
great
passion
for
the
merit
of
the
excellent
Monsieur
Conrart
,
and
desire
the
continuance
of
his
favour
,
as
absolutely
necessary
and
essentiall
to
the
conservation
of
my
life
.
Give
me
leave
,
Sir
,
at
least
once
a
year
,
to
request
of
you
some
news
concerning
Monsieur
,
de
St.
Cyran
,
Monsieur
le
Maistre
,
and
the
unfortunate
—
.
I
extreamly
resent
the
losse
of
our
poor
Camusat
;
and
't
is
an
Article
that
I
had
forgotten
in
my
former
.
He
had
a
great
portion
both
of
honour
and
vertue
,
and
had
he
grown
old
in
his
Profession
,
he
would
have
restored
it
to
its
primitive
glory
.
But
Books
must
also
one
day
perish
,
as
well
as
those
that
print
them
:
Debemus
morti
nos
nostraque
.
I
most
humbly
kiss
your
hands
,
and
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
Novemb.
1639.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
ALthough
at
present
,
I
want
the
assistance
of
Totila
,
I
shall
not
forbear
to
write
to
you
in
as
good
a
fashion
as
a
weak
hand
and
a
bad
pen
will
suffer
me
;
and
to
let
you
see
my
intentions
in
the
least
disorder
I
am
able
to
represent
them
.
Be
pleas'd
then
,
Sir
,
That
I
thank
you
with
my
uncomely
writing
,
for
the
fair
present
you
have
conferr'd
upon
me
.
I
mean
the
Robe
of
a
Consolatour
,
wherewith
your
favour
has
invested
me
,
and
rais'd
me
as
it
were
a
statue
between
those
of
Seneca
and
Plutarch
.
These
dignities
are
indeed
very
dear
unto
me
,
because
they
assure
me
the
esteem
of
such
a
person
,
who
possesses
reason
in
a
soveraign
degree
,
and
so
is
consequently
free
from
errour
in
his
judgements
.
But
is
it
possible
,
that
you
have
discover'd
a
Vittoria
Colonna
at
Paris
,
and
that
that
Marchionesse
of
whom
we
never
heard
before
,
is
equall
in
merit
to
her
of
Rome
?
It
is
no
longer
questionable
,
after
you
have
affirmed
it
,
and
we
must
reverence
her
excellent
qualities
for
the
future
,
and
acknowledge
the
justice
and
favour
she
has
done
us
in
the
affair
of
Phylarque
.
To
confirm
her
in
her
opinion
,
I
desire
she
may
have
my
Apology
,
in
the
form
as
I
lately
revis'd
it
.
But
,
Sir
,
my
principall
ambition
is
to
satisfie
you
alone
,
whose
least
scruples
give
me
more
trouble
,
then
all
the
declared
hostilities
of
all
the
Doctors
and
Academies
of
the
world
can
do
.
You
may
judge
from
hence
,
if
I
esteem
and
allow
the
curiosity
of
Monsieur
de
Scudery
,
who
intends
to
rank
you
amongst
his
Illustrious
persons
.
I
onely
desire
that
he
would
be
careful
of
placing
you
with
sutable
companions
.
For
besides
the
great
Poet
,
which
I
acknowledge
you
to
be
,
I
account
you
also
an
eminent
Counsellor
of
State
,
Secretary
,
and
Ambassadour
;
in
a
word
,
a
person
most
accomplished
in
all
things
:
And
I
never
give
any
other
Character
of
you
,
to
those
that
demand
of
me
,
who
that
perfect
friend
is
I
have
at
Court
,
and
of
whom
I
make
all
my
glory
.
Et
haec
non
animo
adulatorio
&
ad
aulicas
artes
composito
dicta
sint
.
Jure
tuo
habes
testem
,
qui
si
sciens
fallat
,
&c.
The
rest
another
time
,
for
at
present
I
am
able
to
proceed
no
further
,
but
remain
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Decemb.
1639.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
but
ill
affected
with
the
deportment
of
the
Italian
Paricide
;
and
the
Muses
Balzacides
doe
no
lesse
distaste
it
,
then
the
Putean's
.
The
pious
offices
which
he
renders
to
the
memory
of
his
friend
,
gave
me
infinite
contentment
,
and
I
have
testified
as
much
.
But
I
cannot
endure
that
he
should
drive
a
Trade
with
them
.
It
must
needs
be
,
that
he
has
little
knowledge
of
our
Court
,
since
he
addresses
himselfe
to
Schollars
to
be
his
Soliciters
,
and
to
gaine
him
kindnesse
from
a
man
they
never
see
.
He
is
yet
more
strangely
mistaken
in
the
choise
of
his
subject
.
For
you
may
believe
,
that
if
he
escape
being
derided
for
his
Panglossie
,
he
will
at
least
receive
but
little
thanks
for
this
.
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
may
willingly
bear
with
his
Panegyricks
,
and
pay
him
for
some
of
them
;
but
he
is
not
concerned
in
a
Funerall
Oration
,
for
people
that
he
never
heard
of
.
It
seems
,
the
famous
T●pler
is
come
back
to
drink
at
Paris
,
and
that
he
could
not
be
long
absent
from
the
center
of
his
Luxury
,
I
beseech
you
,
Sir
,
let
me
know
from
him
,
where
Monsieur
Maynard
is
,
for
whom
my
curiosity
is
uncessant
.
If
you
also
happen
into
the
company
of
Monsieur
de
la
Pigeonnier
,
you
will
infinitely
oblige
me
by
desiring
of
him
,
the
Manuscript
Works
of
the
late
du
Vivier
,
which
are
in
his
hands
.
I
think
he
will
not
refuse
you
;
and
if
you
will
do
me
the
pleasure
to
send
them
hither
,
I
shall
return
them
with
speed
,
and
before
he
can
imagine
they
are
gone
so
long
a
journey
.
This
du
Vivier
had
a
pretty
way
of
raillerie
,
and
because
it
may
be
thought
I
had
some
share
in
his
death
,
I
believe
my selfe
obliged
to
perform
some
duty
to
his
memory
.
He
writ
me
word
by
the
Messenger
from
Blois
to
Paris
,
that
he
had
lost
his
Father
,
and
that
himselfe
should
infallibly
follow
,
unlesse
I
comforted
him
for
that
affliction
.
I
was
negligent
,
after
my
custome
,
and
rendred
him
not
the
office
he
required
at
the
time
appointed
.
As
for
him
,
he
made
good
his
word
,
and
the
following
Messenger
,
by
whom
I
intended
my
answer
,
told
me
the
person
to
whom
I
addressed
it
,
was
no
longer
of
this
World
.
Behold
a
fatall
sloathfulnesse
,
and
which
may
give
warning
to
all
people
that
write
to
me
in
that
manner
,
for
I
know
at
length
I
shall
become
incorrigible
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15.
Decemb.
1639.
LETTER
XXIX
.
SIR
,
YOu
may
be
assur'd
by
my
former
Letters
,
that
I
have
received
yours
,
and
that
the
Elogium
of
your
Marchionesse
is
not
lost
;
if
it
were
she
,
that
sent
you
so
many
Notes
,
they
might
be
tolerated
with
patience
.
But
the
persecution
of
the
other
is
insupportable
,
and
I
swear
unto
you
,
I
would
never
have
said
a
good
word
of
her
,
if
I
had
known
she
did
so
perpetually
assassinate
you
with
her
Writings
.
I
should
have
begun
long
since
to
deplore
your
fortune
.
The
—
would
needs
heretofore
play
with
me
at
that
sport
,
but
I
was
more
valiant
then
you
,
and
acquitted
my selfe
of
her
couragiously
.
She
made
a
thousand
false
thrusts
,
and
I
received
a
whole
Bushell
of
Tickets
,
but
without
losing
one
jot
of
my
dumbe
gravity
.
This
is
the
way
to
treat
Ladies
of
that
kind
,
whether
they
be
Muses
or
Fairies
;
or
,
which
you
love
better
,
Sybils
.
You
see
my
old
practice
,
I
am
ready
to
do
worse
in
case
of
necessity
:
'T
is
not
because
I
am
full
of
imployment
,
but
for
that
I
am
so
discontented
,
and
weary
with
the
continued
torture
of
my
maladies
,
that
I
know
not
on
which
side
to
turn
my self
.
I
am
in
great
fear
for
Piedmont
,
that
is
,
for
you
,
and
a
little
Nephew
I
have
there
,
who
may
possibly
be
troden
down
in
the
croud
.
Our
friends
are
of
great
worth
,
but
the
Princes
of
Savoy
must
not
be
neglected
;
and
there
being
brave
spirits
on
both
sides
,
I
apprehend
a
terrible
slaughter
,
unlesse
Heaven
avert
it
.
I
am
proud
of
the
good
opinion
that
Monsieur
Spanheim
has
of
me
;
for
he
is
a
person
whom
I
infinitely
esteem
.
If
there
be
any
thing
of
his
abroad
,
besides
the
two
Books
which
I
have
already
seen
,
I
beseech
you
inform
my
Stationer
of
it
,
and
let
him
send
them
.
Otherwise
,
I
never
make
any
uncivill
request
,
nor
desire
to
see
that
which
is
kept
secret
.
Hence
it
is
,
that
I
mortifie
my
curiosity
with
my
discretion
,
and
am
contented
to
know
,
that
Monsieur
le
Maistre
can
make
nothing
but
what
is
rare
and
excellent
.
You
are
wholly
silent
concerning
my
affections
,
I
meane
,
Monsieur
Conrart
,
and
Monsieur
Menage
.
Be
ple●s'd
to
let
t●em
know
,
I
have
still
the
same
passion
for
them
,
and
be
confid●ntly
assur'd
,
that
I
am
more
perfectly
then
any
other
in
the
world
,
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Decemb.
1639.
The
End
of
the
Fourth
Book
.
FAMILIAR
LETTERS
,
OF
M.
de
BALZAC
,
To
M.
CHAPELAIN
.
The
Fifth
Book
.
LETTER
I.
SIR
,
I
Saw
yesterday
the
Duke
of
Rochefoucaut
,
who
told
me
many
things
,
and
amongst
the
rest
,
that
your
Signora
Vittoria
takes
the
little
man
we
know
,
for
a
little
fool
:
It
is
the
more
likely
to
be
true
,
because
the
number
of
that
Order
is
very
great
;
and
yet
it
may
not
be
so
,
because
the
Court
oftentimes
condemns
a
man
,
for
a
wry
mouth
,
or
one
simple
look
.
I
understand
from
the
same
Author
,
that
Moses
saved
,
was
the
delight
and
passion
of
Monsieur
and
Madam
of
Liancourt
.
Besides
,
I
have
received
the
book
of
Holstenius
,
and
the
Tyrannique
Love
of
Monsieur
de
Scudery
;
by
the
reading
of
which
,
I
must
confesse
to
you
,
I
am
still
warm'd
and
agitated
.
'T
is
true
,
there
are
some
few
things
in
that
piece
,
which
I
could
wish
he
would
alter
,
and
himself
may
take
notice
of
them
;
but
the
rest
are
in
my
opinion
incomparable
,
which
move
the
passions
after
a
strange
manner
,
which
make
me
shed
tears
in
despight
of
me
,
and
are
the
cause
,
that
the
Kid
and
Scipio
are
no
longer
my
favourits
;
perhaps
it
is
,
because
we
ordinarily
judge
,
in
favour
of
things
and
persons
that
are
present
,
and
forget
what
is
past
.
However
it
be
,
I
shall
not
be
displeased
,
that
Monsieur
de
Scudery
understand
,
he
hath
done
what
he
would
with
me
,
and
hath
taken
me
down
from
my
altitude
of
Philosophy
,
to
range
me
amongst
the
common
croud
.
But
I
beseech
you
,
Who
is
that
gallant
person
,
whom
you
call
Monsieur
Sarrasin
,
and
who
calls
himself
,
Monsieur
d'Arbois
?
The
name
pleases
me
,
as
well
as
the
remembrances
,
and
I
yet
honour
the
memory
of
that
precious
liquor
,
which
I
sometimes
prefer'd
before
that
of
Spain
or
the
Canaries
.
Setting
aside
raillery
,
Monsieur
Sarrasin
is
an
excellent
Doctor
,
and
distributes
many
things
after
a
most
agreeable
sort
.
I
will
be
beholding
to
you
for
the
rest
,
if
you
please
,
and
understand
from
you
,
Qui
genus
,
unde
domo
,
quibus
aut
mihi
venit
ab
oris
.
I
could
hartily
wish
he
had
the
same
sentiments
for
me
,
I
have
for
him
;
there
wants
but
little
,
that
I
do
not
this
very
hour
demand
his
friendship
;
I
,
who
otherwise
am
far
enough
from
searching
out
acquaintance
.
But
this
will
one
day
happen
,
my
minde
so
gives
me
,
and
I
shall
willingly
lay
hold
of
an
occasion
,
to
let
him
know
,
what
esteem
I
have
of
h
s
deserts
.
But
would
you
think
it
possible
,
that
Monsieur
the
Duke
de
Rochefoucaut
had
never
heard
speak
of
our
Monsieur
de
Peiresk
?
and
that
many
other
,
not
ignorant
or
barbarous
people
,
know
him
no
more
then
he
?
You
see
by
this
,
his
reputation
was
good
,
but
that
it
was
the
Italian
Signieur
,
who
enterprised
to
make
it
great
;
and
that
his
Panglossie
was
rather
an
effect
of
his
own
solicitations
,
then
a
voluntary
devoy●●
,
made
known
to
the
people
.
I
would
the
Duke
of
Weymar
could
find
as
good
a
friend
,
and
who
would
take
as
great
a
care
of
his
memory
.
It
was
he
who
ought
to
have
been
celebrated
,
in
those
forty
tongues
,
and
who
merits
the
name
of
Hero
,
which
we
have
given
so
good
cheap
,
and
which
title
many
people
unworthily
hold
of
our
grace
.
I
speak
not
here
of
his
first
marvails
,
nor
intend
to
compile
his
History
.
But
I
demand
of
you
,
if
the
History
of
Alexander
himselfe
,
is
imbellished
with
a
fairer
year
then
that
,
in
the
circle
of
which
he
gained
three
Battles
,
took
three
Towns
,
and
made
prisoners
three
Generalls
?
Yet
my
muse
hath
revealed
to
me
,
he
wronged
himself
,
by
performing
so
much
in
so
short
a
time
;
for
he
put
a
fallacy
upon
death
,
who
believed
him
older
then
he
was
,
taking
the
last
fifteen
months
of
his
life
for
an
entire
age
,
because
in
stead
of
counting
the
Time
,
death
reckoned
the
Victories
.
You
see
,
I
have
a
little
elevated
my
style
,
in
the
end
of
this
Letter
,
and
have
somewhat
forgotten
that
plain
familiar
way
,
we
have
obliged
each
other
to
keep
in
our
privacies
;
but
you
are
much
more
faulty
in
that
then
I
,
and
inform
me
by
all
the
Courriers
,
of
things
which
seem
extreamly
studied
;
if
they
have
fallen
negligently
from
your
quill
,
at
least
they
have
been
collected
with
much
care
,
and
the
art
of
your
expressing
them
,
is
nothing
inferiour
to
the
sense
.
Suffer
this
protestation
which
I
make
betwixt
us
,
and
know
,
there
is
not
any
person
in
the
world
I
esteem
so
much
as
you
,
or
any
who
is
so
perfectly
as
my self
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
8
Jan.
1640.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
DO
not
give
your self
the
trouble
hereafter
,
of
answering
my
questions
,
and
resolving
my
doubts
;
I
should
be
very
sorry
,
the
profit
and
honour
I
receive
,
should
incommode
you
.
Write
me
,
if
you
please
,
but
a
single
monosyllable
,
and
treat
me
as
briefly
,
as
the
Lacedemonians
did
Philip
,
I
shall
be
satisfied
;
provided
you
signe
that
syllable
,
and
it
contain
newes
from
you
.
Your
last
,
of
the
21
of
the
past
month
,
brought
me
abundance
,
for
which
I
return
you
my
acknowledgments
,
and
desire
you
to
believe
,
that
if
a
little
favour
is
capable
of
obligeing
me
,
I
must
needs
have
a
perfect
recognisance
,
of
that
fair
profusion
you
are
pleased
to
enrich
me
with
.
The
Tomb
of
the
Duke
de
Weymar
,
is
worthy
of
himself
and
you
;
and
of
the
three
verbs
you
have
noted
,
I
am
of
your
opinion
for
the
last
,
against
the
two
competitors
.
Je
tracay
seems
to
me
more
warlick
,
then
j'
ebaucheray
,
and
is
lesse
historicall
then
je
fonday
;
that
holds
forth
enough
,
and
the
other
,
it
may
be
,
would
too
much
.
The
invention
,
as
to
the
rest
,
is
incomparable
,
to
say
,
that
the
last
victory
of
the
great
Gustavus
,
was
carried
by
the
Duke
of
Weymar
,
and
that
he
died
in
persuit
of
an
Empire
,
is
in
four
words
to
consecrate
his
memory
,
and
to
endowe
him
with
the
most
compendious
and
highest
praise
,
he
could
receive
.
Since
you
are
of
opinion
,
that
the
reading
of
the
Apology
,
would
not
be
altogether
disagreeable
to
your
excellent
Marchionesse
,
I
shall
cause
a
new
copy
of
it
to
be
written
out
,
and
will
send
it
you
so
soon
as
it
is
perfected
.
Make
me
understand
,
I
beseech
you
,
what
that
ridiculous
mode
means
,
of
certain
people
,
that
at
mid-day
,
and
when
no
cloud
obscures
the
Sun
,
cause
themselves
to
be
serv'd
with
Torches
.
And
tell
me
,
if
you
please
,
which
pleases
you
best
of
de
la
point
du
jour
,
or
du
point
du
jour
;
and
whether
you
approve
the
pronounciation
of
Paris
,
which
cuts
in
two
the
Monosyllable
,
ëu
j'ay
ëu
ila
eü
,
and
which
renders
Rome
and
Lionne
as
they
are
writ
,
when
all
France
besides
pronounce
them
Reume
and
Lioune
.
As
for
the
other
affairs
,
do
not
at
all
marvell
,
at
the
judgment
I
made
of
the
piece
,
which
made
so
much
noise
in
the
world
;
I
onely
read
it
once
over
,
and
in
haste
;
but
I
must
confesse
to
you
,
it
touch'd
me
sensibly
.
Therefore
I
yet
persist
in
my
opinion
,
that
Monsieur
—
is
a
great
Poet
,
and
—
a
most
important
Grammarian
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Jan.
1640.
LETTER
III.
SIR
,
HOw
great
are
your
goodnesse
,
and
your
justice
!
and
how
signall
a
pleasure
have
you
done
me
,
in
not
signing
the
condemnation
of
the
man
of
Champagne
?
What
you
have
writ
me
upon
that
subject
,
is
drawn
out
of
the
most
subtle
reason
,
et
ex
ipsius
visceribus
veritatis
,
as
the
Gentlemen
our
Masters
say
.
It
is
most
certain
,
our
Courtiers
take
too
much
licence
,
and
stretch
their
jurisdiction
a
little
farther
then
they
ought
;
If
they
cannot
bear
with
our
young
Doctor
,
who
hath
sacrificed
to
the
Graces
,
in
what
fashion
would
they
treat
the
rude
Heinsius
,
if
it
should
please
him
to
enter
into
the
Cabinets
?
with
what
hisses
would
they
persecute
the
base
Crassot
,
and
the
unpurified
Demsterus
?
Who
would
be
able
to
save
from
the
lash
,
poor
Frederic
Morel
,
and
Theodore
Mareile
,
those
●wo
famous
Anti-Courtiers
,
who
at
every
turn
,
fall
from
the
clouds
into
the
mire
,
and
speak
a
language
so
far
from
being
common
and
intelligible
,
that
it
is
scarcely
human
or
articulate
:
Those
two
were
unpolished
and
rude
,
and
yet
had
the
value
set
upon
them
,
of
an
unfashion'd
Diamond
;
the
rough
hardnesse
of
their
shell
,
concealed
many
good
things
,
whilst
the
fair
outside
of
our
refined
Writers
,
covers
nothing
but
froth
and
wind
.
Speak
your
conscience
to
me
,
have
you
a
greater
esteem
for
the
remaining
ruines
of
Queen
Margaret's
Court
,
and
the
Princesse
of
Conty's
,
or
that
which
is
issued
out
from
the
School
of
Scaliger
or
Lipsius
?
For
my
own
part
,
I
love
the
Pedants
in
Greek
,
better
then
the
Pedants
in
French
;
and
the
knowing
youth
of
this
Gentleman
ought
to
be
preferr'd
,
before
the
aged
sufficiency
of
—
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
LETTER
IV.
SIR
,
YOu
have
made
a
happy
alteration
,
in
the
Tomb
of
the
Duke
de
Weymar
,
't
is
worth
an
Aegyptian
Pyramid
,
and
the
Eagle
ready
to
fall
under
his
blowes
,
is
not
a
change
of
small
importance
.
I
have
sent
me
the
Translation
of
the
Parasite
,
which
is
barricado'd
with
such
a
company
of
bad
Verses
,
that
I
was
in
a
mind
to
have
arrested
my
curiosity
there
,
without
passing
farther
.
He
is
certainly
a
rare
fellow
,
to
elect
and
pick
out
himself
,
for
the
Guardian
of
the
French
Honour
,
and
the
abaser
of
the
pride
of
Italy
.
En
Cor
Zenodoti
!
en
jecur
Cratetis
!
I
am
sufficiently
perswaded
of
the
merit
of
Monsieur
de
Petrese
;
but
I
spoke
to
you
of
his
reputation
,
and
you
know
well
,
that
there
is
a
certain
donum
famae
,
that
all
learned
men
do
not
possesse
,
and
which
renders
those
who
enjoy
it
,
not
onely
considerable
to
the
Nobility
and
Gentry
,
but
to
the
common
People
and
Artizans
.
I
have
not
reviewed
the
book
you
sent
me
,
but
neither
do
I
think
the
first
judgment
I
made
of
it
,
was
precipitated
;
at
the
least
,
I
have
a
kindnesse
for
the
Author
,
and
conceive
he
is
not
enough
regarded
;
he
hath
,
I
know
not
what
,
of
grave
and
noble
in
him
,
which
extreamly
pleases
me
;
I
speak
of
his
person
,
and
not
of
his
first
writings
,
in
which
,
I
acknowledge
,
he
hath
too
much
played
the
Captain
:
But
who
is
he
that
hath
not
his
failings
,
and
his
tricks
of
youth
?
There
is
not
that
thing
in
the
world
we
can
praise
,
without
exception
,
and
all
men
generally
have
need
of
grace
.
Shall
I
see
nothing
of
our
dear
Monsieur
de
Silhor's
,
to
quicken
my
appetite
?
and
shall
I
never
hear
the
good
newes
,
that
fortune
at
length
hath
some
remorse
,
for
ill
treating
his
vertue
?
I
expect
the
relation
of
this
with
some
impatience
,
as
I
shall
the
occasions
of
letting
you
know
,
I
am
passionately
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
16
Feb.
1640.
LET.
V.
SIR
,
I
Interest
my self
very
much
,
in
the
praises
Germany
bestowes
upon
you
,
and
congratulate
the
good
successe
of
your
Sonnet
;
I
am
resolved
to
quote
it
every
syllable
,
in
a
Chapter
I
am
now
studying
.
And
that
you
may
know
,
your
friend
is
a
Weymarian
,
as
well
as
you
;
I
must
let
you
understand
,
that
that
Hero
,
a
little
before
his
death
,
made
an
enquiry
after
me
and
my
studies
,
with
such
care
,
as
well
testified
,
he
attended
somewhat
from
them
:
Monsieur
Feret
his
Secretary
,
a
person
of
much
worth
,
writ
this
in
a
Letter
to
Monsieur
Borstel
,
from
whom
I
heard
it
.
I
never
saw
in
Italian
the
conspiracy
of
Giovan
in
Ludovico
Count
of
Triesque
;
but
assure
you
,
the
French
Translation
of
it
is
a
piece
,
I
do
not
much
admire
,
and
the
Epistle
is
but
coorse
.
I
am
now
far
entred
into
the
quarrel
of
Annibal
Caro
,
but
have
nothing
changed
my
first
sentiment
,
and
I
still
esteem
him
an
honester
man
,
then
his
Antagonist
,
though
perhaps
the
other
may
be
the
greater
Clerk
.
No
Grammarian
I
ever
yet
saw
,
hath
that
addresse
and
force
of
this
Modenois
,
either
in
this
,
or
in
the
Commentaries
he
made
,
upon
Aristotle's
Poetiques
;
yet
it
must
be
acknowledged
,
he
sometimes
sins
through
his
too
much
subtlety
,
and
that
he
is
an
enemy
of
mankind
,
who
cannot
bear
the
merit
or
reputation
of
another
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
March
,
1640.
LET.
VI.
SIR
,
WHatever
inclination
the
party
you
know
of
,
hath
to
slandering
,
I
cannot
choose
but
think
him
a
brave
boy
,
nay
,
a
gallant
man
,
since
he
is
now
enriched
with
a
beard
;
if
I
love
him
not
with
that
sacred
friendship
I
have
for
you
,
at
the
least
I
can
afford
him
such
a
passion
,
as
shall
nothing
incommode
me
,
and
yet
extreamly
satisfie
him
.
I
will
put
him
in
the
number
of
Mountebanks
,
of
Perfumers
,
Viollists
,
makers
of
Ragousts
,
and
all
those
Artificers
of
pleasure
,
which
are
virtuosi
in
Italy
,
and
who
,
as
you
know
,
Delectant
Copetane
,
non
amantur
.
That
generation
of
people
were
banished
from
Sparta
,
but
were
esteemed
amongst
the
Sybarites
;
and
for
my
particular
,
I
regard
them
,
because
I
have
need
of
mirth
,
and
am
not
displeased
.
I
have
no
obligement
to
love
them
,
because
I
desire
to
love
few
.
They
are
the
cure
of
my
distempers
,
and
the
cause
I
suffer
not
out
of
my self
;
at
the
least
,
they
spare
me
those
alarums
,
which
ordinarily
torture
true
friendship
.
For
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
he
is
alwaies
himself
,
that
is
,
alwaies
a
most
excellent
person
;
and
if
at
any
time
it
hath
been
said
,
Nature
was
never
greater
then
in
little
things
,
let
us
convert
that
to
the
advantage
of
his
Tickets
,
and
prefer
them
before
Volumes
of
Asiatique
Authors
.
I
desire
from
you
the
continuation
of
his
favours
,
and
intreat
you
to
assure
him
of
my
service
.
There
are
few
persons
in
the
world
I
esteem
so
much
as
him
;
but
amongst
those
few
,
you
are
alwaies
to
be
excepted
.
The
Metamorphosis
was
lately
sent
me
,
which
I
read
without
much
attention
;
but
in
that
tumultuary
view
I
had
of
it
,
I
remarked
many
gallant
things
,
and
perhaps
the
obscurity
of
certain
passages
in
it
,
proceeded
onely
from
my
carelessnesse
in
the
perusall
.
I
say
nothing
to
you
of
the
invention
of
the
fables
,
but
for
the
manner
of
expressing
them
,
it
seems
a
little
too
far
strained
,
and
puts
me
in
mind
of
that
antient
Oratour
,
who
could
not
give
the
good-morrow
without
a
figure
.
But
what
will
you
say
of
the
other
party
,
who
enjoynes
me
to
read
a
much
larger
piece
,
but
of
a
far
lesser
merit
;
he
may
as
soon
perswade
me
to
dig
in
a
Mine
,
as
oblige
me
to
it
;
you
know
the
rest
,
and
I
remain
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
.
15
March
,
1640.
LETTER
VIII
.
SIR
,
IN
earnest
,
your
Sonnet
is
one
of
those
noble
pieces
which
command
attention
,
and
which
are
esteemed
more
the
renth
time
,
then
the
first
.
I
was
never
acquainted
with
all
its
excellencies
till
this
day
.
I
am
very
farre
from
the
comparison
of
the
coal
,
with
which
you
are
pleased
to
smut
it
,
and
much
fear
I
shall
want
words
rich
enough
to
ennammel
it
;
yet
I
shall
not
fail
to
enterprise
that
,
though
I
have
onely
Lead
to
set
it
in
.
And
be
pleased
to
know
,
(
without
pretending
to
thanks
for
it
)
there
is
no
work
of
mine
in
which
you
shall
not
be
seene
on
the
right
hand
,
and
on
the
left
;
The
Copy
you
did
me
the
favour
to
send
me
,
is
most
exquisite
,
and
that
way
of
writing
pleases
me
much
more
then
the
way
of
some
other
Ladies
,
famous
for
their
Letters
:
they
preach
and
declaim
a
great
part
of
the
time
,
and
their
Letters
in
folio
are
no
other
then
grosse
bodies
ill
animated
;
in
lieu
of
which
,
all
in
this
peice
is
full
of
spirit
,
and
which
smels
not
of
the
lamp
.
By
what
I
understand
,
our
Gentleman
of
Rome
means
to
change
his
name
into
as
many
shapes
as
ever
Tabarin
changed
his
Hat
;
and
by
consequence
he
will
alwayes
be
idem
&
alter
?
he
might
with
as
much
decency
run
naked
through
the
City
,
as
commit
such
a
piece
of
folly
;
and
if
he
had
any
charitable
friend
by
him
,
he
would
catch
him
by
the
throat
,
rather
then
let
him
go
out
into
the
streets
so
bedawbed
with
Names
and
Lordships
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
March
,
1640.
LETTER
VIII
.
SIR
,
I
Agree
with
you
,
that
Castelvetro
is
a
Grammaticall
Philosopher
,
who
seeks
after
truth
with
addresse
,
and
imployes
reason
to
the
best
advantage
.
Nevertheless
,
he
sometimes
drives
it
on
too
farre
,
and
I
could
reprehend
him
more
justly
in
certain
things
,
then
he
has
done
my
friend
.
'T
is
the
Seigneur
Anniball
whom
I
term
so
,
and
I
conjure
you
to
employ
your
Agents
of
the
street
of
St.
Jacques
,
to
procure
for
me
his
Aeneids
in
quarto
,
together
with
his
Dialogues
of
Speron
Sperone
,
because
I
want
them
all
.
Monsieur
the
Duke
de
la
Rochefaucaut
,
told
me
of
some
new
Work
of
Monsieur
Des-Cartes
.
I
am
much
troubled
concerning
him
,
having
heard
nothing
of
him
a
long
time
,
and
the
father
Mersennus
,
is
to
blame
for
his
silence
.
The
late
Monsieur
the
Marshall
de
Schomberg
,
shew'd
me
sometimes
the
Letters
of
Madam
de
Liancourt
,
which
he
bedew'd
with
his
tears
in
the
reading
.
I
did
not
remember
to
request
a
Copy
of
them
.
He
would
have
been
ravish't
in
making
me
the
present
,
and
we
should
now
have
been
comparing
them
with
those
of
Vittoria
.
In
the
design
I
have
to
treat
of
our
language
,
Prose
and
Verse
,
and
our
honest
men
,
and
witty
women
,
I
should
have
been
glad
to
alledge
some
word
or
line
of
hers
;
and
this
perhaps
would
be
the
onely
fit
manner
of
making
her
worth
known
unto
the
world
hereafter
.
Apage
enim
Authores
Faeminas
,
ipsa
quamvis
divûm
Regina
ita
de
se
loquatur
apud
divinum
Poetam
,
Author
ego
,
&c.
I
expect
your
resolution
,
whether
the
Duke
of
Weymar's
Verses
were
Dutch
,
French
,
or
Latine
,
and
remain
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
April
,
1640.
LETTER
IX
.
SIR
,
THe
incomparable
Monsieur
de
la
Thihaudier
,
has
now
left
me
to
my
former
solitude
,
after
the
injoyment
of
a
weeks
happinesse
,
during
which
time
,
I
received
your
Letter
of
the
twenty
sixt
of
the
last
moneth
,
for
which
I
beseech
you
to
lay
aside
all
jealousie
;
for
he
neither
saw
the
superscription
on
the
outside
,
nor
understood
the
least
syllable
within
it
.
I
am
not
one
of
those
that
make
a
secret
of
every
thing
,
and
much
lesse
of
those
that
divulge
Mysteries
.
Though
my
freedom
be
directly
opposite
to
the
servitude
of
Courtiers
,
yet
I
desire
it
should
be
discreet
,
and
not
injurious
to
my
friend
or
my selfe
.
This
advertisement
,
may
,
if
you
please
,
serve
for
all
,
and
you
may
sleep
in
assurance
as
to
this
particular
.
If
for
the
future
you
do
not
look
upon
me
as
a
Confessour
of
the
short
Robe
,
your
diffidence
of
my
taciturnity
,
will
accuse
you
of
doubting
the
power
of
Philosophy
over
the
minds
of
men
.
But
,
Sir
,
you
have
sent
me
so
lively
a
Portraiture
,
that
I
could
easily
beare
the
want
of
the
Original
,
if
he
should
save
himselfe
the
trouble
of
coming
hither
.
He
is
at
present
a
quarter
of
a
league
from
Niort
,
with
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
Lawardin
.
Monsieur
de
la
Thibaudier
tells
me
,
he
has
mountains
of
Collections
,
and
that
he
reads
no
Author
,
either
ancient
or
modern
,
without
making
Observations
upon
him
.
Being
judicious
and
pol●e
,
I
doubt
not
but
he
will
one
day
impart
you
some
of
the
rarest
things
in
the
world
.
The
Metamorphoses
of
the
Crown
Imperial
,
and
the
Celestial
Lionness
,
have
sufficient
grounds
and
resemblance
,
and
the
first
cannot
be
made
for
any
other
then
the
King
of
Sweden
;
nor
the
second
,
but
for
Madamoiselle
Paulet
.
But
the
invention
which
is
in
hand
,
is
not
so
exact
as
might
be
imagined
.
The
Sun
may
be
Rivall
to
all
Shepheards
,
as
well
as
to
Daphnis
;
and
a
Lover
of
all
Shepheardesies
,
the
same
manner
he
is
of
Phillis
.
I
do
but
half
explain
my selfe
,
because
I
want
leisure
to
say
more
.
Yet
I
believe
you
understand
me
well
enough
,
and
our
opinions
will
be
nothing
different
.
I
am
without
reserve
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
April
,
1640.
LETTER
X.
SIR
,
THe
favours
of
Monsieur
the
Count
de
Fiesque
,
are
no
new
things
to
me
.
It
is
long
ago
that
he
took
pleasure
to
oblige
me
;
and
he
was
one
of
the
first
Protectors
of
my
writings
Even
at
Rome
it self
,
where
the
Monkish
faction
exercises
its
Tyranny
,
and
threatens
the
Inquisition
to
those
that
are
not
of
their
judgement
,
he
declar'd
himselfe
openly
for
oppressed
truth
against
triumphant
calumnie
.
He
is
therefore
interessed
in
my
Cause
;
and
as
one
of
our
friends
of
times
past
,
said
,
Me
pariter
servat
,
judiciumque
suum
.
I
am
extreamly
oblig'd
to
him
for
this
noble
constancy
,
and
beseech
you
,
Sir
,
to
testifie
my
acknowledgements
unto
him
;
to
which
you
may
add
,
if
you
please
,
that
I
have
a
perfect
esteem
of
his
valour
.
I
take
valour
here
,
in
the
most
large
and
comprehensive
signification
,
and
include
in
this
one
word
,
an
infinity
of
excellent
qualities
,
naturall
and
acquir'd
,
civill
and
military
.
But
this
is
not
a
place
to
make
his
Elog
e
in
;
we
shall
one
day
find
one
more
publique
and
eminent
to
declare
our
gratitude
.
I
am
also
much
obliged
to
Monsieur
L'Huillier
,
in
cujus
sanctissimâ
memoriâ
exul
aut
etiam
damnatus
ad
bestias
,
libenter
acquiescerem
.
I
doe
in
a
manner
comfort
my selfe
of
all
my
misfortunes
,
when
I
consider
the
goodnesse
which
this
dear
friend
has
for
me
.
He
affords
me
the
honour
of
his
love
,
and
he
may
be
assured
,
he
has
not
a
more
faithfull
and
passionate
servant
in
the
world
,
then
my selfe
.
Monsieur
the
Abbot
de
la
Rochefoucaut
,
has
one
of
the
Messieurs
d'Esprit
with
him
,
who
does
me
the
favour
to
give
me
a
visit
sometimes
of
three
or
four
dayes
.
I
have
found
report
mistaken
in
the
worth
of
this
person
,
and
he
is
so
knowing
and
judicious
,
that
his
abilities
have
but
few
equalls
.
He
is
otherwise
a
great
admirer
of
vertue
,
and
speaks
of
you
as
is
fitting
to
be
heard
favourably
of
me
,
although
he
should
not
otherwise
tell
me
the
finest
things
in
the
World
.
I
know
no
person
more
worthy
to
be
the
elder
Brother
of
him
that
is
with
Monsieur
the
Chancellour
,
whose
merit
is
likewise
generally
approv'd
of
all
the
Court
.
Madam
,
the
Marchioness
de
Ramboüillet
,
is
more
liberal
of
her
favours
to
me
then
I
deserve
.
I
remember
well
my
engagements
to
her
,
but
I
desire
a
little
respite
,
being
otherwise
incumbred
and
overcharged
.
I
shall
ever
bewail
the
death
of
Monsieur
de
la
Valette
,
and
Philosophy
wants
remedies
to
comfort
me
.
Time
it selfe
is
not
able
to
do
it
,
because
he
goes
about
the
work
too
slowly
;
and
so
I
shall
pass
the
remainder
of
my
life
in
sorrow
and
regret
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
May
,
1640.
LET.
XI
.
SIR
,
I
Think
the
modesty
of
Madam
de
Liancourt
,
which
you
praise
so
much
,
was
not
greater
then
your
humility
.
You
speak
almost
in
the
strain
of
young
novices
.
This
would
be
good
in
a
general
Confession
,
at
the
feet
of
a
Father
of
the
Oratory
;
but
to
write
to
me
,
that
you
have
no
merit
,
and
that
't
is
I
that
set
a
value
upon
you
,
cannot
be
receiv'd
without
an
incivility
to
the
publique
,
in
flattering
a
particular
person
.
I
pray
God
pardon
you
,
my
dear
Sir
;
yet
a
superfluity
in
your
Complement
may
be
suffer'd
for
this
time
,
although
in
the
judgement
of
Monsieur
de
—
,
it
be
not
any
where
allowable
but
at
Table
,
where
I
agree
with
him
,
that
Entertainments
are
of
the
essence
of
good
cheere
,
I
confesse
the
conversation
of
this
Gentleman
pleases
me
wondrously
,
being
mixed
of
the
world
and
books
.
He
brings
in
such
a
proportion
of
serious
and
jest
,
as
serves
exactly
to
keep
the
mind
,
betwixt
loosnesse
and
study
,
in
the
agreeable
mean
that
partakes
of
both
.
If
I
had
known
,
his
Letter
would
have
been
troublesome
to
you
,
I
should
have
hindred
him
from
writing
;
but
I
conceiv'd
,
that
twelve
lines
of
your
style
every
day
,
would
not
put
you
to
much
pains
.
Besides
,
to
tell
you
true
,
the
sending
of
Spanish
gloves
to
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
pleas'd
me
so
well
,
that
I
was
desirous
to
see
a
Ticket
more
of
the
same
aire
.
Monsieur
de
Thou
has
sent
Monsieur
Girard
the
relation
,
of
the
death
of
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
de
la
Valette
;
he
desir'd
to
be
interred
at
Tholouse
,
in
a
Church
,
where
the
bodies
of
three
Apostles
,
and
many
Saints
,
are
repos'd
.
I
observe
in
it
also
divers
other
evidences
,
of
a
true
piety
;
and
this
I
confesse
it
is
,
wherein
I
find
some
consolation
.
At
least
it
is
the
onely
comfort
I
will
admit
of
,
in
so
great
a
losse
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
LET.
XII
.
SIR
,
THe
last
Post
made
me
rich
,
and
you
have
been
liberall
,
as
well
of
your
own
presents
,
as
of
those
of
another
.
The
Letter
of
Monsieur
Silhon
,
to
Monsieur
the
Cardinall
Bentivoglio
,
is
very
full
of
admirable
conceits
;
it
afforded
me
not
onely
divertisement
,
but
instruction
,
and
his
judicious
reflections
,
upon
the
most
eminent
places
of
the
Italian
Book
,
are
Master
pieces
of
an
absolute
workman
.
You
would
proceed
from
liberality
to
magnificence
,
if
you
could
often
make
me
the
like
presents
;
and
they
should
be
better
received
here
,
then
the
platform
of
the
building
of
Monsieur
de
—
.
What
a
strange
sight
is
this
,
and
what
is
the
meaning
of
this
republican
,
to
raise
his
vanity
from
the
structure
of
his
house
,
knowing
it
was
a
crime
in
one
of
old
,
to
have
built
his
a
story
higher
,
then
that
of
his
neighbours
?
Madam
Desloges
had
informed
me
before
,
of
this
important
newes
,
and
told
me
more
,
that
this
Builder
was
of
great
note
in
his
Country
,
and
very
powerfull
with
his
Master
.
We
shall
see
what
he
desires
of
me
,
for
there
must
needs
be
a
Letter
with
the
Pacquet
;
and
he
protests
to
Madam
Desloges
,
that
he
has
writ
me
divers
others
,
which
notwithstanding
never
came
to
my
hands
.
You
surprise
me
strangely
,
in
telling
me
,
that
the
old
Doctor
,
whom
we
have
alwaies
so
much
lov'd
,
is
but
a
refined
cheat
;
he
preaches
nothing
else
,
but
fidelity
,
freedom
,
and
sincerity
;
I
know
,
that
oftentimes
deceits
are
practis'd
that
way
,
and
some
people
commend
truth
,
to
the
end
they
may
lie
with
lesse
suspicion
.
I
know
there
will
be
alwaies
Pharisees
in
the
world
,
alwaies
Salusts
and
Seneca's
,
who
will
hide
corrupt
manners
under
fair
speeches
.
O
vita
fallax
,
abditos
sensus
geris
!
Or
if
you
will
,
with
Cicero
,
Frons
,
&
oculi
persaepe
mentiuntur
,
oratio
verò
saepissime
.
We
must
observe
the
carriage
of
this
gallant
man
for
the
future
;
and
beware
,
that
his
finesses
take
not
advantage
of
our
simplicity
.
Be
pleased
to
send
me
your
opinion
of
an
Italian
Author
,
called
Davila
,
who
has
writ
the
History
of
the
Civill
Wars
of
France
:
Is
he
comparable
to
the
Antients
,
as
I
have
been
told
?
is
his
language
pure
,
and
his
mind
dissinteressed
?
are
his
Politicks
solid
and
judicious
,
&
c
?
All
this
,
Sir
,
in
the
familiarity
of
your
ordinary
style
,
and
without
any
meditation
.
I
have
received
newes
of
our
good
Monsieur
Maynard
,
who
will
be
here
in
few
daies
,
if
he
be
a
man
of
his
word
.
In
the
mean
time
,
oblige
me
with
the
delivery
of
a
Letter
to
him
,
from
Monsieur
the
Commissary
.
Of
many
Verses
wherewith
he
has
feasted
us
,
I
send
you
ten
,
which
are
not
indeed
of
the
lofty
strain
,
but
such
,
whose
style
seems
to
me
very
sweet
and
naturall
.
To
Phillis
afflicted
.
THink
not
(
fair
mourner
)
I
can
e're
be
tir'd
,
To
see
that
sorrow
which
so
sweet
appears
.
What
Artemisia
could
be
more
admir'd
,
Or
wash
a
Tomb
with
such
becomming
tears
?
May
curses
that
Philosophy
pursue
,
Which
with
tame
precepts
shall
your
grief
subdue
.
All
your
regrets
and
sighs
so
gracefull
are
,
And
force
my
heart
by
their
victorious
charms
.
Those
clouds
of
sorrow
are
both
bright
and
fair
,
And
love
from
them
takes
more
triumphant
arms
.
I
most
humbly
kisse
your
hands
,
and
am
with
all
my
soul
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
May
,
1640.
LETTER
XIII
.
SIR
,
THe
Post
has
faithfully
acquit
himself
,
of
all
that
you
entrusted
him
with
in
my
favour
,
for
which
I
confesse
a
new
engagement
to
you
;
but
more
eminently
,
for
the
two
most
prudent
,
most
exact
,
and
,
according
to
your
custome
,
most
obliging
Letters
.
The
gift
of
Urbanity
,
which
you
congratulate
to
Monsieur
de
la
Thebaudier
,
will
be
undoubtedly
pleasing
to
him
.
I
have
sent
him
your
Letter
,
but
I
had
neer
forgotten
to
thank
you
for
it
on
my
own
part
:
And
surely
,
Sir
,
it
is
fit
I
do
,
since
I
am
as
much
interessed
in
it
,
as
he
;
and
you
therein
amplifie
my
small
merit
,
with
your
accustomed
exaggerations
.
I
am
very
sensible
of
these
testimonies
of
esteem
,
because
they
are
also
evidences
of
love
,
and
the
heat
where
with
your
words
are
animated
,
is
too
naturall
to
come
other
whence
,
then
from
your
heart
.
But
,
Sir
,
what
are
the
intentions
of
our
dear
Monsieur
Esprit
?
his
civilities
fill
me
with
confusion
;
he
either
mocks
me
,
or
is
good
and
generous
even
to
excesse
,
as
well
as
Monsieur
his
elder
brother
,
who
is
not
contented
to
excuse
the
poverty
of
the
Village
,
but
also
mis-imployes
his
good
language
,
in
commendations
of
the
bad
cheer
,
wherewith
he
was
received
.
I
treated
him
onely
in
the
fashion
,
of
the
good
man
in
the
Georgicks
:
Qui
dapibus
mensas
onerabat
inemptis
.
and
made
him
no
other
complement
,
then
that
in
the
same
Author
;
Aude
hospes
contemnere
opes
&
te
quoque
dignum
,
&c.
Notwithstanding
,
he
would
have
the
whole
family
charg'd
with
all
these
favours
,
which
are
so
empty
and
leight
,
and
whereunto
onely
his
acknowledgment
gives
a
a
body
.
How
easie
is
it
to
oblige
persons
,
that
act
by
noble
principles
!
'T
is
I
,
Sir
,
that
am
infinitely
accountable
to
them
,
for
their
generous
affection
;
and
since
I
am
destitute
of
all
means
to
declare
my
gratitude
,
by
my
actions
.
I
conjure
you
to
assure
the
two
brothers
,
which
are
at
Paris
,
that
I
love
,
esteem
,
and
honour
them
all
three
perfectly
.
I
return
you
the
catalogue
of
Italian
books
,
wherein
I
see
not
any
thing
of
value
.
Is
this
the
rich
Library
of
the
curious
book-merchant
?
I
much
pity
the
hard
hap
of
his
widow
,
if
she
be
such
as
she
is
represented
to
me
;
and
if
I
were
one
of
those
Grandees
,
that
lov'd
the
husband
so
well
,
I
would
not
suffer
her
to
perish
for
want
of
relief
.
But
they
are
of
that
sort
of
people
,
who
think
,
they
give
all
,
when
they
give
shadowes
and
appearances
;
and
had
rather
go
to
the
obsequies
of
the
dead
,
then
assist
,
to
the
upholding
of
his
ruinous
family
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
May
,
1640.
LET.
XIV
.
SIR
,
I
Have
a
perfect
esteem
of
the
merit
of
Monsieur
—
but
I
confesse
,
his
book
lesse
pleased
me
at
the
second
,
then
it
did
at
the
first
reading
.
You
shall
know
the
reasons
of
my
sentence
,
if
we
happen
to
meet
once
more
in
our
lives
;
and
it
shall
be
on
the
side
of
that
fair
bed
,
wrought
with
Tulips
,
where
we
will
treat
of
this
matter
,
and
severall
others
,
if
Heaven
hear
my
prayers
.
Et
me
fata
unum
patiantur
degere
mensem
,
Anspiciis
,
Capelane
,
tuis
.
I
am
confident
,
the
Bulls
you
speak
of
,
will
not
be
the
cause
of
this
voyage
,
although
he
that
makes
the
Briefs
at
this
day
,
has
said
these
twenty
years
,
that
I
was
not
unworthy
of
the
favours
of
the
King
,
sed
haec
fuere
;
and
he
obliges
me
too
much
,
to
leave
me
to
my
repose
and
liberty
,
which
I
prefer
above
all
,
that
greatnesse
is
able
to
give
me
.
I
find
that
true
every
day
,
which
you
write
me
of
Davila
,
and
the
frequent
concurrence
of
my
judgment
with
yours
,
gives
me
great
cause
of
glory
.
I
onely
adjoyne
to
it
,
that
it
is
a
great
shame
to
our
Nation
,
to
be
instructed
of
their
own
affairs
from
a
stranger
,
and
that
France
has
not
yet
been
the
mother
of
a
French
Historian
.
I
have
seen
a
second
Lapidary
on
the
Duke
of
Weymar
,
which
I
cannot
commend
,
though
it
be
ascribed
to
a
person
whom
we
love
.
That
which
you
tell
me
of
the
other
is
most
true
,
his
eloquence
is
wholly
founded
upon
common
places
,
and
has
nothing
at
all
of
Cicero
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Yours
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
June
,
1640.
LET.
XV.
SIR
,
I
Should
not
think
my selfe
in
my
wits
,
if
I
did
not
extraordinarily
esteem
those
Messieurs
that
bear
that
name
by
way
of
excellency
.
But
further
also
,
considering
my
obligations
to
them
,
if
I
lov'd
them
not
,
(
permit
me
to
tell
you
in
Latine
)
Mihi
robur
&
aes
triplex
,
circa
pectus
esset
.
The
strength
that
Philosophy
confers
on
us
,
being
not
contrary
to
the
tendernesse
into
which
humanity
softens
us
,
I
make
it
my
glory
to
be
one
of
those
tender
and
sensible
ones
,
that
have
alwaies
their
hearts
wounded
,
and
their
souls
captiv'd
to
incomparable
vertue
.
When
I
have
discover'd
it
in
any
place
,
no
ceremony
or
complement
is
able
to
restrain
me
,
The
possessors
of
it
cannot
quit
themselves
of
me
at
their
pleasure
,
and
there
is
a
necessity
of
loving
,
that
joyns
me
inseparably
to
the
thing
,
that
I
account
amiable
.
Our
Monsieur
Esprit
de
Verseüil
,
and
yours
of
Paris
,
shall
not
doubt
of
this
truth
,
and
they
shall
one
day
see
,
that
I
do
not
content
my selfe
with
a
secret
resentment
,
but
make
profession
of
my
gratitude
.
It
seems
you
have
shown
all
our
friends
the
Letter
of
Monsieur
de
—
He
would
be
very
much
mistaken
,
if
he
thought
,
I
would
raise
me
a
Trophie
of
the
praises
that
he
gives
me
,
and
be
still
greedy
of
those
Viands
,
whereof
I
surfeited
long
ago
.
You
need
not
fear
lest
his
profusion
make
me
slight
my
vow
,
and
bring
me
new
desires
to
write
Letters
.
It
was
with
much
Religion
,
that
I
said
vae
literis
,
and
pronounced
a
curse
upon
my
ancient
Trade
.
And
in
case
you
doubt
of
it
,
I
confirm
all
the
maledictions
in
this
place
,
that
I
have
so
often
and
solemnly
bequeath'd
unto
it
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
June
,
1640.
LETTER
XVI
SIR
,
ALl
that
I
receiv'd
of
yours
,
and
the
Roman
Frenchman's
,
has
satisfi'd
me
above
measure
.
Although
his
mind
be
famished
with
Benefices
,
and
sick
of
Ambition
;
yet
he
has
otherwise
amiable
and
deserving
qualities
.
Let
us
not
exact
more
of
poor
mortalls
,
then
the
proportion
of
their
fortunes
will
allow
.
It
is
not
a
crime
to
be
no
Philosopher
:
All
of
that
profession
have
not
equally
abandon'd
matters
of
interest
.
There
have
been
some
that
have
made
as
importunate
supplications
as
this
,
that
have
receiv'd
denials
and
affronts
,
and
insinuated
into
the
favour
of
the
Pages
of
the
Syracusan
Tyrants
.
I
took
delight
in
all
the
Papers
which
he
sent
me
,
and
should
have
taken
much
more
,
it
they
had
not
oblig'd
me
to
the
return
of
answers
.
We
have
to
do
with
an
urgent
man
,
and
who
understands
not
what
it
is
to
give
.
He
lends
onely
upon
usury
,
and
trafficks
in
Prose
and
Verse
,
in
the
one
and
the
other
Tongue
.
He
is
so
rigorous
in
the
observation
of
punctualities
,
that
he
will
never
be
woo'd
to
pardon
my
omistions
.
Yet
I
must
beseech
a
little
expectation
from
him
,
and
some
of
his
mercy
in
consideration
of
my
infirmities
.
He
that
told
you
the
other
day
,
that
he
had
not
aes
triplex
circa
pectus
,
may
notwithstanding
have
it
circa
frontem
.
For
,
indeed
I
see
no
other
remedy
to
defend
my selfe
from
these
favours
that
are
done
me
,
which
I
esteem
cruell
,
and
should
be
happier
in
the
neglect
and
oblivion
of
all
the
world
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
YOur
last
Letter
has
taught
me
nothing
new
,
it
onely
confirm'd
me
in
the
high
opinion
I
had
of
the
strong
constitution
of
your
soul
.
Neverthelesse
I
discover
through
it
a
very
excellent
and
commendable
infirmity
;
I
mean
that
tenderness
whereof
you
tell
me
,
which
renders
you
sensible
onely
of
the
losses
which
you
suffer
of
your
friends
.
These
are
such
,
Sir
,
as
in
these
dayes
are
accounted
none
;
and
how
many
people
are
there
on
every
side
of
you
,
that
had
rather
have
lost
eight
hundred
friends
,
then
eight
hundred
crowns
;
they
value
them
no
more
,
then
they
do
men
in
Turky
,
that
are
to
be
sold
;
and
I
know
some
,
that
would
easily
forego
their
most
dear
and
faithfull
intimates
,
at
fifty
crownes
a-piece
.
O
curvae
in
terris
animae
&
coelestium
inanes
!
In
stead
of
requiring
consolation
,
you
ought
rather
to
rejoyce
in
the
possession
of
the
vertue
,
which
is
contrary
to
that
ignoble
vice
,
and
congratulate
your
health
in
the
time
of
a
Pestilence
.
I
am
fully
satisfied
,
that
the
ruines
,
upon
which
the
antient
Sages
held
themselves
immovable
,
would
not
be
more
dreadfull
to
you
,
then
them
,
and
that
you
could
behold
with
a
countenance
,
no
lesse
serene
and
unfrighted
,
all
the
Shipwracks
and
burnings
,
and
other
hostilities
,
wherewith
fortune
enterprises
upon
Philosophy
.
I
would
gladly
continue
this
Discourse
,
and
acquit
my self
of
what
I
promis'd
you
by
the
last
Post
;
but
my
attendance
on
a
great
company
with
me
,
will
not
afford
me
leasure
.
I
am
confident
,
you
will
allow
the
excellent
wit
and
language
of
Monsieur
the
Duke
de
la
Rochefoucaut
,
as
also
that
of
Monsieur
the
Prince
of
Marsillac
his
son
,
to
be
sufficient
and
lawfull
causes
,
of
referring
you
to
another
time
.
Yet
I
must
not
end
here
,
without
telling
you
,
that
I
received
about
three
hours
since
,
a
rich
present
from
Monsieur
de
la
Menardiere
.
All
that
I
could
do
since
that
time
,
was
,
to
read
the
discourse
at
the
entry
of
the
book
,
wherein
I
confesse
,
betwixt
the
strength
of
his
reasoning
,
and
the
solidity
of
his
doctrine
,
I
perceiv'd
so
quick
and
glorious
appearances
,
and
in
so
great
number
,
that
I
yet
remain
dazled
with
them
.
Did
I
yet
practise
the
writing
of
Letters
,
I
would
not
fail
to
testifie
to
him
,
the
resentments
I
have
of
so
dear
a
favour
.
But
it
is
possible
,
I
shall
one
day
render
him
some
more
considerable
act
of
my
gratitude
;
and
I
hope
,
that
after
I
have
studied
his
book
,
it
will
furnish
me
wherewith
to
alledge
it
.
Par
verò
mumus
ne
à
nobis
unquam
expectes
,
praestantissime
Capellane
,
sed
si
per
egestatem
nostram
referre
gratiam
non
licet
,
ingenui
saltem
animi
erit
profiteri
per
quem
profecerimus
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
June
,
1640.
LET.
XVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
solemnly
renounc'd
Hyperbole
;
't
is
a
rock
,
which
I
look
〈◊〉
upon
without
trembling
,
and
fear
more
then
Scylla
and
Ch●●●dis
.
Yet
you
think
,
I
take
pleasure
to
fall
upon
it
,
and
that
I
am
more
then
ever
the
hyperbolicall
Doctor
.
I
perceive
well
,
Sir
,
where
the
occasion
lies
.
I
shall
be
in
combat
all
my
life
,
with
your
perpetuall
humility
,
and
there
is
need
of
a
processe
to
make
you
receive
your
due
;
I
will
not
cease
to
tender
it
to
you
,
in
the
best
coine
I
am
able
,
and
shall
not
scruple
to
perform
that
justice
,
to
the
most
faithfull
of
my
friends
,
which
I
rendred
to
my
most
enraged
adversaries
.
Monsieur
Costard
will
without
doubt
be
transported
with
joy
,
for
the
receit
of
the
excellent
present
you
sent
him
,
and
you
shall
not
fail
of
his
thanks
;
which
notwithstanding
I
shall
know
sooner
from
you
,
then
from
him
,
because
there
is
no
commerce
from
hence
to
Niort
,
and
the
fifteen
leagues
that
separate
us
,
are
lesse
favourable
to
our
entertainments
,
then
the
distance
of
a
hundred
'twixt
Angoulesm
and
Paris
.
All
your
fears
give
me
not
lesse
disquiet
,
then
they
do
you
.
But
I
hope
,
the
God
of
Hosts
will
be
on
our
side
,
to
the
end
of
this
Campagne
.
It
may
be
,
the
excellent
Hymns
will
prevail
with
him
,
and
then
I
doubt
not
,
but
the
Prince
of
Monsieur
Chapelain
will
obtain
greater
favours
from
him
,
then
he
of
Monsieur
Faret
.
Battels
are
not
alwaies
fought
at
the
times
of
appointment
,
and
I
have
observ'd
in
the
Histories
of
all
ages
,
that
the
great
events
which
determine
the
fate
of
great
affairs
,
do
happen
lesse
frequently
,
according
to
designe
,
then
by
accident
and
occasion
.
Our
enterprises
here
below
,
are
derided
from
above
;
and
we
are
but
the
engines
and
actours
of
pieces
,
that
are
composed
in
heaven
;
Homo
histrio
,
Deus
verò
poeta
est
:
He
is
,
Sir
,
a
soverain
Poet
,
and
you
cannot
refuse
the
part
,
which
he
appoints
you
to
bear
in
the
Scene
.
It
is
meet
we
comply
to
his
orders
concerning
us
,
and
submit
our selves
to
the
direction
of
his
providence
.
Neverthelesse
I
dare
promise
you
this
time
,
that
you
shall
have
no
need
of
your
supream
vertues
;
and
my
genius
prompts
me
,
that
your
Muses
shall
yet
a
long
time
sing
the
triumphs
of
Monsieur
de
Longueville
:
These
are
the
vowes
which
are
made
for
him
and
you
,
by
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
July
,
1640.
LET.
XIX
.
SIR
,
YOu
are
the
last
of
the
good
and
magnanimous
,
and
if
there
be
yet
any
generosity
upon
earth
,
we
ma●
say
boldly
,
it
is
lodged
in
your
breast
,
and
discovers
it
se●●●n
your
words
.
Those
which
you
have
written
to
Monsieur
Costard
,
in
answer
to
his
Letter
,
have
so
wholly
satisfied
me
on
every
side
,
that
I
know
not
which
most
to
esteem
,
either
the
prudence
and
freedom
that
have
dictated
them
,
or
the
wit
and
courage
that
breathe
in
them
.
They
would
even
reclaim
Tigers
to
civility
,
and
to
inchant
Dragons
.
Quid
fiet
de
homine
,
ut
Romani
loquebantur
,
humanissimo
,
cui
est
consuetudo
cum
mansuetioribus
musis
?
Non
obtusa
adeò
Costardus
pectora
gestat
.
I
doubt
not
,
but
for
the
future
,
he
will
be
one
of
your
great
admirers
,
and
knowing
you
,
as
he
does
,
bestow
his
heart
upon
you
,
which
is
one
of
the
most
noble
and
constant
,
that
I
know
.
I
account
myself
happy
,
in
having
contributed
something
to
this
incomparable
friendship
.
Being
both
of
you
of
such
eminent
worth
,
it
was
requisite
to
the
glory
of
either
,
that
you
should
be
no
longer
indifferent
.
I
have
yet
seen
no
more
,
then
the
Epistle
of
our
friend
,
wherein
I
was
ravished
,
to
see
the
Verses
which
he
cites
from
you
.
This
is
term'd
,
Praesenti
tibi
maturos
largitur
honores
,
Ornandasque
tuum
per
nomen
suscipit
artes
.
Do
me
the
reason
of
a
most
humble
acknowledgment
,
for
the
other
,
wherewith
he
begins
his
discourse
,
with
that
excesse
of
gratitude
,
pro
ingratissimâ
mihi
olim
gratiâ
.
If
one
had
given
him
the
Consulship
,
what
would
he
not
have
said
?
For
one
Panegyrick
that
Ausonius
made
,
he
would
have
made
a
dozen
;
and
if
Domitian
had
offer'd
him
the
honour
of
a
dinner
,
he
would
have
flouted
the
feasts
of
Jupiter
;
he
would
have
said
,
He
scorn'd
his
Nectar
,
and
had
no
need
of
his
Ambrosia
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
July
,
1640.
LET.
XX.
SIR
,
SInce
the
Letters
which
you
write
me
,
are
benefits
which
I
receive
,
and
those
I
return
you
,
are
the
acknowledgments
which
I
render
;
you
may
well
perceive
,
that
it
concerns
me
not
to
leave
you
one
onely
moment
in
doubt
,
of
the
gratitude
of
my
soul
.
The
happinesse
is
,
you
are
neither
a
hard
friend
,
nor
a
proud
benefactor
.
Although
I
should
fail
,
your
indulgence
would
seek
reasons
,
to
justifie
my
offence
,
and
you
would
accuse
,
not
onely
the
Post
,
Totila
,
and
Rocolet
,
but
also
fortune
,
the
stars
,
and
destiny
,
rather
then
believe
me
culpable
.
You
need
not
doubt
,
but
I
am
much
interessed
in
the
great
newes
of
Germany
,
and
intend
to
make
a
bonefire
for
my
own
particular
,
as
soon
as
your
Prince
shall
have
deserved
those
of
the
publick
;
I
pray
Heaven
he
may
become
the
Liberatour
of
Christendome
,
and
that
I
be
his
Prophet
,
and
you
his
Historian
.
But
indeed
,
if
a
man
may
be
a
Prophet
and
a
Poet
,
at
the
price
you
speak
of
,
they
are
charges
of
a
very
cheap
rate
,
and
the
places
of
the
Sages
did
not
cost
more
,
in
the
time
of
Cleobulus
and
Bias
,
when
there
needed
no
more
to
have
one
,
then
to
have
said
,
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
or
some
such
like
quodlibet
.
If
Monsieur
Menage
does
me
the
honour
of
a
visit
,
I
will
receive
him
with
open
arms
,
and
my
hermitage
shall
be
ever
esteemed
glorious
,
for
the
receit
of
such
a
guest
.
I
have
no
knowledge
of
the
Abbot
of
Aubignac
,
nor
ever
heard
of
his
Question
of
a
dozen
hours
long
,
neither
can
I
tell
who
are
those
Candidati
tam
infeliciter
ambitiosi
;
you
will
oblige
me
,
by
giving
me
a
little
light
herein
.
If
any
one
have
done
you
injustice
,
I
will
declare
it
to
just
posterity
;
and
the
Judges
that
shall
condemn
my
friend
,
shall
not
be
lesse
execrable
,
then
those
which
acquitted
the
enemies
of
Cicero
;
Cum
nempe
violatae
Religionis
reus
,
Religioni
&
Legibus
illusit
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
June
,
1640.
LET.
XXI
.
SIR
,
WHat
is
the
designe
of
your
Rheum
,
to
set
upon
you
in
the
month
of
July
,
and
not
to
be
contented
to
make
war
against
you
,
in
the
midst
of
winter
,
which
is
the
true
time
of
its
Campagne
,
ut
optimè
&
ingeniosissimè
scribis
?
You
may
with
reason
reckon
it
,
with
the
other
prodigies
,
which
we
have
lately
seen
,
and
those
that
are
still
in
beeing
.
And
since
your
flegme
has
such
an
extraordinary
inundation
,
you
may
be
suffered
to
accuse
the
starrs
,
and
complain
of
the
dispensations
of
Nature
.
As
for
me
,
let
Rivers
forsake
their
Channels
,
and
overswel
their
banks
as
long
as
they
please
;
let
the
Dog-star
die
with
cold
,
if
he
will
,
and
let
it
freez
and
snow
upon
our
harvest
;
I
know
,
the
worst
evill
is
already
past
,
and
the
succeeding
disorders
will
ever
be
more
supportable
to
me
,
then
the
first
.
But
,
Sir
,
you
are
good
company
for
a
sick
person
,
and
it
must
be
confess'd
,
that
the
clouds
of
your
rheum
,
do
nothing
at
all
disturb
the
serenity
of
your
minde
.
Could
any
man
speak
better
of
the
affairs
of
Germany
,
and
the
peregrinations
of
your
Theseus
?
or
with
more
humanity
accuse
the
miscariage
of
our
new
brother
of
the
Academy
?
Is
it
possible
for
earnest
and
jeast
,
to
be
more
agreeably
tempered
upon
the
farewel
of
Monsieur
de
Colomby
to
them
,
or
upon
the
curses
that
he
bestowes
on
the
present
age
,
and
the
small
understanding
there
was
,
between
him
and
Tacitus
,
even
at
the
time
of
their
greatest
familiarity
?
You
become
what
person
soever
you
please
to
act
,
and
there
is
an
equall
mixtu
e
of
prudence
in
all
your
performances
.
I
have
seen
within
a
few
daies
,
a
man
whom
you
much
prized
to
me
,
in
two
very
different
postures
:
And
at
the
conclusion
of
his
Poetry
,
which
pleas'd
me
extreamly
,
I
fell
by
misfortune
upon
these
Verses
,
which
made
me
sick
at
heart
,
and
wherewith
I
am
somewhat
conscientious
to
sully
white
paper
.
Cum
spueret
vestrum
alteruter
gravis
exquecrearet
,
Plurimus
&
raucâ
conspergeret
omnia
tussi
;
Nulla
horrescentis
vultu
asper
signa
dedissem
,
Cuncta
ferens
,
vos
aetatis
namque
ante
tulistis
Plura
immunda
meae
,
cum
cultûs
nescius
infans
,
Foedarem
toties
in
canis
humida
strata
.
As
I
would
not
have
a
Poet
bear
too
much
upon
the
wing
,
and
be
alwaies
soaring
above
the
clouds
,
so
neither
would
I
have
him
suffer
himself
to
fall
into
the
dirt
,
and
much
lesse
into
some
other
matter
more
unclean
.
Fracastori●s
descends
and
abases
his
course
,
when
he
pleases
;
but
this
man
creeps
and
wallowes
in
these
six
verses
,
as
if
he
took
pleasure
in
ordure
.
I
do
not
know
Monsieur
Hedelin
any
more
,
then
I
knew
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
Auhignac
;
but
I
shall
be
forward
to
begin
our
acquaintance
,
by
the
way
which
you
have
mark'd
me
out
.
You
must
therefore
do
me
the
favour
,
to
send
me
the
pro
and
con
,
and
believe
me
alwaies
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
August
,
1640.
LET.
XXII
.
SIR
,
I
am
happy
in
being
beloved
of
you
,
and
I
would
not
change
this
good
fortune
,
for
that
of
all
the
favourites
in
the
world
.
This
is
indeed
a
magnificent
speech
,
but
the
loftiness
of
my
words
is
neither
without
reason
nor
example
.
Your
Horace
goes
beyond
them
,
when
instead
of
the
favour
of
Kings
,
he
appropriates
even
Royalty
to
himselfe
,
and
sayes
,
he
is
more
happy
then
the
King
of
Persia
,
by
a
lesse
enjoyment
then
mine
.
With
how
great
goodnesse
have
you
receiv'd
the
trouble
which
I
put
upon
you
?
How
many
souls
receive
light
from
your
fire
?
And
what
is
it
that
you
do
not
for
a
man
,
that
can
only
requite
you
with
vowes
and
wishes
?
You
cover
me
,
Sir
,
with
shame
and
confusion
,
and
I
know
not
how
to
answer
your
last
Letter
,
but
with
bowing
my
head
,
and
laying
my
hand
upon
my
mouth
.
This
religious
posture
must
serve
me
instead
of
the
thanks
I
owe
you
,
and
of
those
I
should
tender
you
for
the
savour
of
those
excellent
persons
which
you
have
ingag'd
to
undertake
our
affaires
.
I
am
not
more
yours
then
I
was
before
,
quid
enim
perfecto
addi
potest
?
But
I
am
,
as
I
conceive
,
more
then
any
person
in
the
world
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
Aug.
1640.
LETTER
XXIII
.
SIR
,
I
Send
you
here
with
the
Letter
of
a
gallant
man
of
my
acquaintance
,
which
he
desired
might
be
communicated
to
you
;
and
I
must
tell
you
,
he
is
perswaded
upon
my
words
,
that
he
is
a
Master
Artist
at
writing
of
Letters
.
It
is
therefore
a
just
judgement
of
God
,
that
I
am
now
persecuted
with
the
impertinences
which
I
formerly
commended
,
and
that
my
flattery
reaps
the
thornes
which
it selfe
had
sown
.
He
seeks
occasions
to
write
to
me
,
and
when
he
cannot
devise
any
,
he
purveys
for
them
abroad
in
all
the
world
.
He
also
injoyns
me
to
return
him
an
answer
,
upon
I
know
not
what
penalty
;
and
requires
,
besides
all
this
,
gratiam
celeritatis
,
as
if
it
were
a
businesse
of
expedition
.
He
shall
have
neither
one
nor
other
,
neither
answer
nor
diligence
.
I
will
preserve
the
liberty
wherof
he
would
bereave
me
;
and
if
he
proceed
to
molest
me
,
make
another
oath
more
solemn
then
the
first
.
What
an
imprudence
is
it
,
to
exact
golden
Letters
of
his
friends
,
to
demand
of
me
Rhetorical
flourishes
,
and
cosi
va
discorrendo
,
to
the
intent
he
may
read
me
in
assemblies
,
and
make
a
Proclamation
of
our
secrets
?
You
can
testifie
for
me
,
that
I
am
farre
from
ingaging
in
the
Trade
of
a
Declamer
,
which
I
shall
ever
studiously
avoid
.
I
beseech
you
let
me
know
,
who
that
person
is
which
takes
himselfe
for
Scipio
Africanus
,
and
treats
his
friend
with
the
name
of
Laelius
.
His
presumption
certainly
deserves
severe
punishment
,
and
I
doubt
not
but
one
of
these
dayes
,
the
fancy
will
be
in
his
head
to
prophane
the
names
of
Agrippa
,
Mecaenas
,
and
Hephestion
,
in
bestowing
them
upon
some
miserable
scoundrel
,
to
whom
himselfe
will
be
Augustus
and
Alexander
.
That
Vida
,
whom
we
esteem
so
much
,
and
in
whose
favour
Scaliger
the
Son
hath
written
,
Qui
de
Hieronymo
Vida
aliter
sentit
quàm
de
summo
ac
perfectissimo
Poeta
nugas
agit
.
This
Vida
,
I
say
,
is
the
true
Author
of
the
villany
you
have
seen
.
It
is
in
the
Poem
which
he
addresses
,
Gelelmi
Vidae
&
Leonae
Oscasalae
Manibus
.
But
we
must
leave
all
other
matters
,
&
give
you
a
recital
of
the
Heroical
enterprise
of
a
gallant
man
,
which
pass'd
through
this
Country
,
and
is
going
in
quest
of
Truth
,
and
good
Wine
,
by
Sea
and
Land
.
To
this
effect
,
he
designs
a
Pilgrimage
to
Monsieur
Des
Cartes
,
in
imitation
of
that
of
Apollonius
to
Hiarchas
:
Nevertheless
he
will
put
off
truth
,
and
Monsieur
des
Cartes
to
the
next
year
,
and
not
pass
the
Sea
this
Campagne
.
But
his
other
design
deserves
the
knowledge
of
the
whole
world
.
He
departed
from
Paris
on
purpose
to
come
and
see
the
Sun
rise
and
set
at
Balzac
,
and
so
forwards
,
to
eat
all
the
Melons
and
Figs
of
Gasconie
;
and
from
thence
to
take
the
way
of
Languedoc
,
and
keep
the
Vintage
of
Frotignac
.
Alexander
had
never
so
rare
a
thought
:
The
Conquest
of
the
Indies
is
nothing
in
comparison
to
this
expedition
,
and
you
must
be
more
sparing
hereafter
in
relating
to
me
the
voyages
of
your
Theseus
.
You
must
further
know
,
that
his
first
speech
to
me
,
was
concerning
you
,
in
such
manner
as
I
would
have
all
the
world
speak
;
and
this
introduction
has
so
well
pleas'd
me
,
that
although
he
had
drawn
after
him
,
Maenades
,
Sileni
,
Asses
and
Panthers
,
I
could
not
have
shut
my
Gate
upon
this
extraordinary
train
.
As
I
had
finish'd
my
Letter
,
he
that
is
the
subject
of
it
,
came
hither
upon
the
Gallop
,
and
gave
me
a
second
visit
,
matutinam
,
siccam
&
sobriam
.
But
yet
I
must
tell
you
,
that
this
sobriety
is
not
without
some
consideration
of
interest
;
and
that
he
did
not
forbear
his
breakfast
,
but
for
fear
it
might
be
prejudiciall
to
a
great
dinner
which
attended
him
at
Angoulesme
.
So
that
even
his
abstinence
has
intemperance
for
its
object
,
and
is
nothing
at
all
agreeable
to
that
of
the
ancient
Fathers
in
the
Desert
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
14
Aug.
1640.
LETTER
XXIV
.
SIR
,
THe
great
importance
is
to
know
,
that
I
am
your
Favourite
;
for
it
is
most
certain
you
are
a
King
;
and
if
you
will
not
believe
me
,
hear
the
Oracle
that
tells
you
.
Rex
est
qui
posuit
metus
,
Et
airi
mala
pectoris
;
Quem
non
ambitio
impotens
,
Et
nunquam
stabilis
favor
Vulgi
praecipitis
,
movet
;
Qui
tuto
positus
loco
,
Infra
se
videt
omnia
.
If
you
desire
any
more
,
behold
,
Sir
,
a
second
Oracle
,
or
the
confirmation
of
the
first
.
Mens
regnum
bona
possidet
Nil
ullis
opus
est
equis
,
Nil
armis
&
inertibus
Telis
quae
procul
ingerit
Parthus
,
cum
simulat
fugas
:
Rex
est
qui
metuit
nihil
.
There
is
nothing
herein
which
is
not
proper
to
you
,
and
you
are
the
Soveraign
next
Monsieur
de
Longueville
.
But
it
is
true
,
this
Noble
affection
gives
you
some
disquiets
,
and
you
feare
all
the
blowes
for
so
dear
a
person
,
which
you
would
contemn
if
they
were
directed
against
your selfe
.
The
Sonnet
of
the
Italian
President
,
and
the
Letter
of
the
Cavalier
of
twenty
years
old
,
are
very
agreeable
to
my
palate
,
and
you
have
obliged
me
with
a
feast
of
two
so
rare
presents
.
But
how
many
lustres
are
gone
?
I
had
almost
said
,
Ages
,
wherein
we
have
seen
nothing
of
your
Muses
.
I
know
well
,
that
Carmina
proveniunt
animo
deducta
sereno
.
And
there
is
scarce
any
thing
but
Vowes
made
in
a
Tempest
.
But
yet
you
might
have
put
those
vowes
in
rime
,
and
told
us
in
Musick
,
that
singing
could
not
be
exspected
from
you
in
your
present
estate
.
As
for
me
,
nothing
disturbs
me
from
my
Trade
.
Neither
pain
of
body
,
nor
affliction
of
mind
,
hinder
me
,
from
sending
you
almost
by
every
Post
,
something
of
my
workmanship
.
My
Enthusiasm
being
past
,
and
my
last
Latine-Letter
sent
,
some
have
assur'd
me
,
that
it
was
an
incomparable
piece
.
Behold
,
a
great
word
for
a
Courtier
,
not
very
familiar
with
your
Apollo
,
and
a
Doctor
in
the
vulgar
tongue
.
I
have
not
so
much
faith
,
as
to
believe
my self
presently
a
Roman
Citizen
,
because
a
Provinciall
told
me
so
;
't
is
you
,
Sir
,
who
must
clear
me
up
this
truth
,
and
if
you
please
to
associate
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
St.
Nicholas
,
in
the
judgment
of
this
important
affair
;
I
send
you
a
new
copy
to
be
delivered
to
him
.
He
is
,
without
doubt
,
rerum
nostrarum
acerrimus
&
integerrimus
judex
,
possidetque
in
supremo
gradu
,
ut
Magistri
loquuntur
,
facultatem
judicatricem
.
Do
me
the
favour
,
to
observe
and
mark
all
the
faults
,
to
the
end
I
may
correct
them
;
for
it
is
a
dangerous
thing
to
speak
a
dead
language
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
Septemb.
1640.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
I
Have
much
exclaim'd
against
the
delayes
of
messengers
,
and
truly
not
without
cause
,
since
they
depriv'd
me
of
an
extraordinary
contentment
,
and
hinder'd
me
from
the
enjoyment
of
Monsieur
Menage
;
his
Book
would
have
made
Justus
Lipsius
jealous
,
and
put
Lambin
in
dispair
.
It
astonishes
me
,
and
I
am
confident
,
satisfies
you
,
though
you
expresse
nothing
thereon
,
to
leave
me
the
entire
liberty
of
my
judgment
.
It
is
true
,
I
have
a
great
inclination
for
this
grandis
praetxtatus
.
But
if
I
were
his
profest
enemy
,
I
should
confesse
,
that
his
subtleties
are
very
solid
,
and
his
doctrines
exquisite
;
he
drawes
out
of
fountains
,
remote
from
the
common
roads
,
and
which
the
people
have
not
yet
soyled
.
But
who
would
think
,
that
in
criticall
questions
,
and
those
upon
the
Heautontimorumenos
of
Terence
,
there
were
any
room
for
courtesie
and
offices
of
friendship
?
and
that
I
should
see
my self
amongst
so
many
Authors
and
Scholiasts
?
It
seems
he
did
not
reprehend
me
in
t●e
beginning
,
but
with
a
foresight
of
rendring
his
commendations
of
me
lesse
suspected
in
the
conclusion
,
nor
correct
me
,
for
taking
the
conception
of
Hercules
for
his
birth
,
but
to
the
end
he
might
say
,
that
the
faults
which
I
commitate
common
to
me
,
with
the
infallible
Heinsius
.
You
are
too
good
,
Sir
,
and
know
the
way
of
gratitude
too
well
,
to
leave
me
in
areer
in
this
particular
,
and
there
are
no
words
but
yours
,
that
can
sufficiently
expresse
my
resentments
.
Be
pleased
to
grant
me
them
,
in
this
occasion
,
and
preserve
me
that
precious
friend
,
in
the
same
manner
as
you
bestow'd
him
on
me
.
But
must
I
not
hear
,
that
you
are
returned
into
the
way
of
the
Hostel
,
of
Monsieur
the
Ambassadour
of
Sueden
,
and
that
you
are
a
better
Courtier
in
Summer
,
then
in
Winter
?
Visit
that
excellent
person
,
and
become
his
Confident
.
You
may
possibly
see
that
incomparable
History
,
which
he
keeps
prisoner
so
many
years
,
for
there
are
neer
thirty
past
,
since
the
Author
of
Infanticida
writ
to
him
,
in
these
remarkable
words
:
Ita
munus
molestissimum
sustinuisti
hactenus
,
ut
quaecunque
in
Republicâ
jam
restant
,
aliud
agendo
sustinere
possis
;
&
quod
fidem
superat
,
tanquam
in
otio
absolutam
patriae
Historiam
occupatissimus
scripsisti
.
Quam
qui
olim
legent
,
obstupescent
,
salvo
Taciti
splendore
&
augustâ
Majestate
dici
aliquid
floridius
potuisse
.
I
have
read
his
Book
,
de
jure
Belli
&
Pacis
,
which
is
of
very
great
learning
;
and
a
long
time
since
his
Mare
Liberum
,
and
lately
two
Tragedies
,
and
some
other
sacred
Poems
;
but
I
have
lost
the
volume
of
his
Verses
,
printed
at
Leyden
,
which
I
would
gladly
regain
:
He
has
also
compos'd
divers
other
pieces
,
whereof
I
beseech
you
to
give
my
Stationer
a
catalogue
,
to
the
end
,
I
may
want
none
of
the
works
of
this
great
personage
:
I
have
a
particular
esteem
of
all
that
comes
from
him
,
and
besides
the
solidity
of
his
learning
,
the
strength
of
his
reasoning
,
and
the
graces
of
language
,
I
observe
therein
a
certain
character
of
honesty
,
which
perswades
me
,
that
excepting
our
Religion
,
from
which
he
is
unhappily
a
stranger
,
he
may
be
confided
in
,
for
all
other
things
.
You
do
very
much
honour
to
my
extravagance
,
in
calling
it
Enthusiasm
,
and
I
did
not
take
my self
to
be
of
so
jolly
an
humour
.
'T
is
onely
in
your
presence
,
that
my
melancholly
leaves
me
in
repose
;
and
had
not
I
been
to
write
to
Monsieur
Chapelain
,
I
should
not
have
so
much
as
remembered
the
voyage
of
the
new
Bacchus
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Septemb.
1640.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
I
Pardon
our
friend
his
pedantry
,
if
he
be
assur'd
of
the
Prelacy
,
and
has
City-security
for
it
.
He
,
neer
whom
he
would
be
placed
,
has
sometimes
the
outside
and
appearance
of
an
honest
man
,
but
the
bottom
of
him
is
a
certain
cheat
.
'T
is
a
folly
to
depend
upon
any
thing
from
him
,
though
after
protestations
,
both
by
word
and
writing
.
My
indefagitable
Scribe
has
laboured
for
you
this
week
,
and
will
by
all
means
have
you
see
my
last
Latine
,
because
it
seems
to
him
well
writ
.
I
do
not
oppose
his
will
,
since
it
costs
me
nothing
but
consent
,
nor
complain
of
the
pains
he
puts
himself
to
.
Let
him
kill
you
therefore
with
this
so
often
recocted
crambe
,
provided
you
do
not
cease
to
be
otherwise
in
health
,
and
that
it
cause
not
the
return
of
your
rheume
.
Never
did
any
businesse
finde
more
protection
,
then
that
which
I
recommended
to
you
,
and
we
are
principally
indebted
to
you
for
the
good
successe
.
You
have
obliged
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
to
contract
his
gravity
in
my
favour
,
that
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
that
never
speaks
without
perswading
.
You
may
perhaps
think
,
that
I
am
providing
him
an
accurate
complement
hereupon
;
I
had
indeed
once
resolved
it
,
but
I
lately
read
in
my
Stoick
Philosophy
,
that
a
wise
man
ought
to
have
a
friend
,
to
the
end
,
he
may
not
want
one
to
sacrifice
his
life
for
,
if
need
be
.
So
that
upon
this
ground
,
it
is
apparent
,
that
neither
you
nor
he
are
yet
fully
discharged
towards
me
.
You
have
not
yet
been
solicited
to
Marty●dom
,
and
since
you
owe
me
your
life
and
your
blood
,
can
you
account
to
me
a
visit
in
a
coach
,
and
a
dozen
words
?
I
presume
,
you
did
not
expect
this
anti-complement
,
and
will
confesse
,
that
I
do
not
take
things
after
the
common
biasse
.
This
it
is
to
be
one
of
Zeno's
disciples
,
and
to
have
commerce
with
those
lofty
soules
of
Antiquity
,
whose
very
extravagances
are
noble
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30.
Septemb.
1640.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
I
Cannot
tell
,
if
I
should
at
present
admire
the
Oration
of
my
Lord
della
Casa
;
but
it
is
true
,
that
I
did
formerly
admire
it
,
and
had
a
design
of
publishing
it
with
Notes
of
my
own
making
.
This
desire
is
not
yet
pass'd
,
and
I
beseech
you
to
procure
a
very
correct
Copy
of
it
,
to
the
end
,
that
when
I
send
you
mine
,
you
may
,
by
comparing
them
,
judge
which
of
the
Manuscripts
is
the
better
.
In
my
opinion
,
this
Florentine
was
perfectly
judicious
.
He
had
seen
the
Idea
of
the
highest
Eloquence
:
and
I
cannot
agree
to
the
sentence
of
Monsieur
Guyet
,
who
wholly
condemns
his
Latine
.
Onely
I
think
,
the
advantage
is
on
the
side
of
the
Tuscan
,
which
is
more
free
and
naturall
.
I
have
review'd
my
second
Apology
,
and
shall
send
you
them
both
to
be
presented
from
me
,
to
Madam
the
Marchioness
de
Sable
.
I
think
it
will
be
convenient
,
to
make
the
Dedication
of
them
to
her
:
And
though
there
are
many
points
of
Learning
treated
therein
,
above
the
ordinary
capacities
of
Women
;
yet
my
address
cannot
be
reproved
,
being
made
to
one
that
transcends
the
generality
of
that
sex
.
Besides
,
I
have
a
great
example
to
justifie
the
action
;
and
you
may
possibly
have
observ'd
,
that
Diogenes
Laertius
,
directs
his
speech
to
a
Lady
of
his
time
,
in
the
Lives
which
he
has
written
of
the
Philosophe●s
.
Notwithstanding
,
he
speaks
not
onely
of
their
actions
,
and
manners
,
but
also
of
their
sects
and
opinions
.
Our
other
incomparable
Marchioness
shall
likewise
find
a
ready
obedience
from
me
.
I
will
publish
the
vertue
and
atchievements
of
her
Fathers
,
and
her
brave
Romans
;
and
I
hope
she
will
be
satisfi'd
with
something
more
then
my
forward
compliance
to
her
commands
.
If
I
were
capable
of
joy
,
I
should
have
received
it
very
sensibly
from
your
last
approbation
.
You
are
in
effect
almost
the
onely
man
whom
I
desire
to
please
,
and
I
am
ready
to
say
,
that
omnes
cogitationes
meae
ad
te
referuntur
,
&
in
te
consumuntur
.
Therefore
I
conjure
you
to
love
me
,
if
you
would
have
my
sad
life
sustain'd
yet
longer
by
any
comfort
,
and
believe
not
that
I
labour
either
for
Fortune
or
Glory
.
You
are
the
onely
end
of
all
my
pains
.
But
there
is
yet
one
thing
which
I
would
obtain
of
you
,
that
when
I
send
you
either
my
Latine
or
my
French
,
you
would
not
advertise
me
of
my
faults
.
Not
for
that
I
think
my selfe
infall●ble
,
or
you
incapable
to
c●rrect
me
.
But
because
I
am
not
solicitous
about
my
errors
,
and
do
not
take
things
so
much
to
heart
as
I
have
done
formerly
.
If
a
solecism
escape
f●om
me
,
I
think
I
should
now
let
it
runne
as
farre
as
it
pleases
,
without
putting
my selfe
to
the
trouble
of
overtaking
it
.
'T
is
a
favour
therefore
of
chance
,
if
I
make
any
thing
considerable
at
t●e
first
attempt
.
I
am
.
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
8
Octob.
1640.
LET.
XXVIII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
obtain'd
at
length
,
what
I
desired
so
passionately
,
I
mean
an
authenticall
Declaration
of
my
favour
with
you
.
I
possess'd
the
thing
formerly
,
but
I
wanted
the
Title
.
Now
I
am
provided
of
a
necessary
Piece
to
justifie
my
possession
,
and
let
any
one
hereafter
adventure
to
dispute
it
with
me
.
But
do
not
think
,
Sir
,
that
I
account
it
in
the
number
of
Goods
honest
and
unprofitable
.
I
find
in
your
friendship
,
pensions
,
benefices
,
offices
,
dignities
,
and
generally
all
the
advantages
that
favour
can
expect
from
Royalty
;
since
I
find
in
it
wherewith
to
slight
all
those
graces
,
and
having
made
me
a
present
of
your selfe
,
what
did
ever
Hephestion
receive
from
the
King
his
Master
,
that
was
comparable
to
what
you
have
bestow'd
on
me
?
You
must
either
confess
that
you
know
not
your selfe
,
or
agree
with
me
in
this
truth
,
and
that
there
is
no
rationally
ambitious
man
,
that
is
not
of
my
opinion
.
But
since
we
are
upon
the
Chapter
of
excellent
friendship
,
is
that
of
Monsieur
Silhon
,
in
as
high
a
degree
of
heat
towards
me
,
as
I
left
it
at
Paris
.
If
it
be
so
,
as
I
cannot
doubt
it
,
I
am
doubly
happy
,
and
I
beseech
you
to
assure
him
,
that
he
has
not
a
more
faithfull
servant
then
my selfe
.
As
for
you
,
dear
Sir
,
I
have
no
more
to
say
to
you
,
only
do
me
the
honour
to
believe
,
that
in
receiving
you
,
I
give
my selfe
to
you
,
and
could
wish
I
were
of
some
value
,
that
you
might
not
be
wholly
a
loser
in
the
change
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
&c.
Balzac
,
19
Octob.
1640.
LETTER
XXIX
.
SIR
,
I
Have
receiv'd
so
great
contentment
from
the
Letter
which
your
friend
writ
you
,
as
was
incapable
of
addition
by
a
second
complement
.
I
did
formerly
apprehend
the
inconvenience
of
this
excess
,
like
that
of
two
dinners
on
a
day
;
and
you
know
,
that
there
is
satiety
even
of
the
best
things
.
He
is
indeed
a
very
gallant
person
,
and
agrees
with
your
description
.
Oftentimes
what
he
speaks
,
deserves
to
be
alleadged
.
But
is
there
no
means
of
obtaining
of
the
Ingenious
answers
which
he
recited
to
you
?
it
is
indifferent
to
me
,
whether
they
come
from
deliberation
,
or
are
delivered
upon
the
place
;
whether
they
be
born
in
the
company
,
or
brought
from
home
,
provided
they
be
ingenious
.
It
is
not
of
true
jeasts
,
that
the
Poet
said
,
Turpe
est
difficiles
habere
nugas
,
Et
stultus
labor
est
ineptiarum
.
'T
is
of
those
Equivocations
you
know
of
,
and
other
studied
fooleries
,
which
bad
Buffoons
fetch
as
farre
as
the
end
of
the
World
.
I
am
an
enemy
to
sowre
faces
,
and
affected
gravity
;
and
therefore
I
leave
you
to
consider
,
if
my
thoughts
agree
with
yours
concerning
the
Ambassadour
.
Fruatur
,
per
me
,
superbiâ
Titulorum
.
Ad
populum
phaleras
;
ego
te
intus
,
&
in
cute
,
novi
.
What
are
his
intentions
,
with
his
Arminian
Divinity
,
and
Schism
upon
Schism
?
I
could
wish
he
were
cur'd
of
this
malady
,
quem
sacrum
jure
nomines
;
and
that
some
good
Angell
would
reduce
him
into
the
right
way
.
The
Chancellour
of
Sueden
,
who
does
not
trouble
himselfe
with
controversie
,
ought
to
perform
this
good
office
,
and
injoyn
him
upon
penalty
,
of
being
ill
pay'd
by
his
States
,
to
discover
the
Treasure
which
he
hides
;
I
mean
the
History
which
he
keeps
secret
.
Be
pleas'd
,
Sir
,
to
know
of
him
,
what
is
his
judgement
concerning
that
of
Father
Strada
,
and
let
me
know
yours
,
upon
all
the
Spanish
Comedies
;
for
those
which
I
have
seen
,
have
much
displeas'd
me
.
I
render
you
a
thousand
thanks
for
your
excellent
Verses
,
which
are
besides
,
prudent
;
and
speak
you
not
onely
a
Poet
,
but
a
Polititian
.
You
have
found
out
the
delicacy
of
a
Sonnet
and
this
is
a
perfect
body
,
whose
parts
are
all
admirable
.
I
envie
you
that
meditation
de
l'Empire
,
and
facin
de
regner
.
Had
not
you
regard
to
the
sacra
fames
auri
of
Virgil
,
and
an
other
passage
in
Aristotle
,
which
he
alledges
of
one
Jason
,
Qui
nisi
regnaret
,
sibi
esurir●
videbatur
.
I
never
yet
saw
any
thing
of
so
happy
conceit
,
nor
so
happily
express'd
;
I
congratulate
with
you
for
it
,
and
am
more
then
ever
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
Novemb.
1640.
LET.
XXX
.
SIR
,
I
Am
very
ill
satisfied
with
the
proceedings
of
the
shee-Pedant
,
as
our
friend
Thibaud
terms
her
;
if
she
did
not
give
order
to
her
Gentleman
to
lye
,
he
has
ly'd
of
his
own
head
.
I
have
been
long
since
distasted
with
the
husband
and
the
wife
,
and
think
,
I
should
lose
the
words
which
I
should
spend
upon
them
;
therefore
I
am
glad
of
the
right
I
have
,
to
blot
them
out
,
and
imitate
the
revenge
of
Virgil
,
who
punished
those
of
Nola
in
this
manner
,
and
put
Ora
jugo
where
there
was
Nola
jugo
.
Sed
de
his
hactenus
,
Masculo
&
Faeminâ
,
marito
&
conjuge
,
paedagogis
.
You
are
very
injurious
,
to
desire
Monsieur
—
to
write
to
me
;
he
would
do
me
no
pleasure
,
in
being
perswaded
by
you
:
For
though
his
Letters
are
admirable
,
yet
it
will
be
necessary
,
that
I
give
answers
to
his
admirable
Letters
.
Monsieur
—
has
shown
me
four
long
sheets
of
his
.
If
she
should
treat
me
in
that
manner
,
would
you
condemn
me
to
do
the
like
?
Truly
,
you
are
a
strange
person
!
I
bestow'd
my self
upon
you
,
and
my
soul
is
joyn'd
to
yours
;
and
would
not
you
have
me
keep
my
fidelity
,
and
do
not
you
consider
,
that
all
other
communication
would
be
reproach'd
to
me
?
Beasti
me
with
your
judgment
,
upon
my
Lord
della
Casa
,
and
the
approbation
wherewith
you
authorise
my
designe
.
I
will
undertake
the
work
with
all
speed
,
and
will
not
forget
what
I
owe
to
the
incomparable
Marchionesses
.
If
you
see
Monsieur
Menage
,
I
entreat
you
tell
him
,
that
the
German
Gentleman
,
recens
Papinii
Commentator
,
pass'd
by
this
way
yesterday
,
to
see
me
;
and
spoke
of
him
and
his
works
so
advantageously
,
that
it
is
beyond
the
power
of
my
rhetorick
,
to
add
any
thing
to
his
Elogy
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Yours
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
Novemb.
1640.
LET.
XXXI
.
SIR
,
I
Remain
your
favourit
,
during
your
good
pleasure
,
and
I
hope
,
I
shall
never
do
any
thing
to
forfeit
that
title
.
But
,
if
you
please
,
do
not
take
me
for
a
follower
of
Chrysippus
,
for
if
you
do
,
you
will
have
cause
one
of
these
daies
,
to
accuse
me
of
lightnesse
,
and
to
brand
him
with
apostacy
,
whom
you
once
termed
novice
.
You
will
see
in
my
second
apology
,
how
I
have
quitted
the
Cassock
I
had
taken
,
and
in
what
manner
I
had
been
rebellious
against
the
old
Stoicall
fathers
.
Yet
I
conceive
,
if
I
remember
well
the
words
of
my
Letter
,
I
spoke
plainly
of
that
proud
Philosophy
,
without
much
declaration
for
any
side
.
I
am
indeed
of
a
Sect
more
gentle
,
or
,
to
speak
truer
,
I
am
of
all
Sects
,
&
nequid
tibi
dissimulem
,
sine
lare
&
familiâ
in
Philosophiâ
vagamur
,
&
cum
nostro
Flacco
,
Nulliùs
addictus
jurare
in
verba
Magistri
,
Quo
me
cunque
rapit
tempestas
,
deferor
hospes
.
Our
friend
's
Latin
seems
to
me
very
handsome
,
but
his
flattery
is
insupportable
;
and
as
that
honest
man
of
antiquity
,
exclaim'd
against
Homer's
Jupiter
,
because
he
favour'd
the
Barbarians
,
so
this
new
Author
displeases
me
,
because
he
sooths
up
such
people
,
as
are
not
worth
his
pains
.
The
Letter
I
writ
to
Monsieur
Heinsius
,
was
neither
long
nor
short
,
and
therefore
there
must
be
something
more
in
that
,
that
was
told
you
.
For
the
German
whom
I
mentioned
to
you
the
other
day
,
called
Joannes
Fredericus
Gronovius
,
had
the
like
discourse
with
me
;
and
I
know
not
,
if
some
officious
unknown
person
,
has
been
disposed
to
make
himself
pleasant
with
him
and
me
.
Mascardi
is
dead
,
and
we
shall
all
die
as
well
as
he
.
But
was
he
so
eloquent
as
you
speak
of
?
I
have
seen
nothing
of
his
making
,
except
some
Academicall
Orations
,
which
were
shown
me
some
fourteen
or
fifteen
years
since
,
and
I
confesse
,
that
I
found
his
Italian
Prose
as
poeticall
,
as
that
of
Ciampoli
.
A
thousand
services
to
Monsieur
de
Voiture
,
and
all
our
other
friends
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
24
Novemb.
1640.
LETTER
XXXII
.
SIR
,
I
Should
be
more
sick
then
you
,
if
informing
me
of
bad
newes
,
you
did
not
likewise
give
me
hopes
of
better
for
the
future
:
But
you
are
in
the
mean
time
in
your
bed
,
and
the
Physitians
give
your
rheume
the
appellation
of
a
Rhumatism
.
For
the
love
of
God
,
dear
Sir
,
have
a
care
of
your
health
,
whereof
I
have
more
need
for
my
life
,
then
of
my
own
,
and
consider
me
in
your
person
.
Would
not
that
superstitious
course
of
diet
do
prejudice
,
to
the
noblenesse
and
gallantry
of
nature
?
and
do
you
think
,
the
humours
would
not
revolt
against
an
abstinence
,
that
endeavours
to
bring
them
into
absolute
subjection
?
I
do
not
approve
such
rules
of
living
,
except
for
such
decayed
bodies
as
mine
,
which
are
incapable
of
all
action
,
and
overwhelm'd
with
the
least
burden
.
Since
you
are
not
in
the
like
condition
,
you
ought
to
take
an
honest
liberty
,
and
indulge
your self
sometimes
a
more
geniall
fare
;
I
conceive
,
your
blood
would
by
that
means
become
more
pure
and
clear
,
and
that
all
the
seditions
in
the
Microcosm
,
would
be
appeas'd
and
temper'd
thereby
.
But
,
Sir
,
you
speak
very
pleasingly
of
your
malady
,
your
rheumatism
is
eloquent
,
and
every
thing
flourishes
in
your
hands
.
This
gallantry
which
is
mingled
with
your
pains
,
is
an
infallible
signe
to
me
,
of
your
approaching
recovery
,
although
you
had
not
otherwise
given
me
assurance
of
it
;
and
it
cannot
be
said
,
there
are
any
sick
people
of
so
jolly
an
humour
.
Monsieur
the
Duke
of
Rochefoucaut
,
did
me
lately
the
honour
of
a
visit
,
and
intermitted
for
some
hours
the
great
fishing
he
had
,
in
our
fair
Rivers
,
that
washes
five
or
six
of
his
Teritorries
,
which
contain
twelve
large
leagues
of
our
Country
.
You
were
mentioned
in
our
conference
,
with
all
the
elogies
and
admiration
,
due
to
a
supream
vertue
.
He
brought
with
him
a
Lady
of
his
kindred
,
whom
I
had
a
little
before
complemented
,
for
a
present
which
she
sent
me
.
I
imagin'd
,
you
wo●ld
not
be
unwilling
to
see
the
Letter
which
I
writ
to
her
,
and
that
the
soft
and
delicate
style
,
will
not
be
lesse
pleasing
to
you
,
then
the
sublime
.
But
the
main
is
,
to
know
,
if
a
Rustick
is
able
to
distinguish
of
delicatenesse
,
and
without
mistaking
one
for
another
:
It
is
your
part
to
clear
this
doubt
:
In
the
mean
time
,
I
expect
with
impatience
the
newes
of
your
health
,
and
am
with
all
my
soul
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
10
Decemb.
1640.
LET.
XXXIII
.
SIR
,
I
Have
been
ravish'd
with
joy
,
at
the
evidences
of
your
recovery
;
but
you
ought
not
to
have
attempted
so
much
already
,
and
should
have
managed
better
this
first
favour
of
Nature
.
Four
lines
would
have
been
enough
,
to
have
quieted
my
minde
,
and
given
me
the
information
I
desired
.
But
you
know
not
how
to
keep
measure
,
when
there
is
occasion
to
oblige
;
and
you
account
your
favours
defective
,
unlesse
they
exceed
.
How
few
friends
are
there
like
yours
!
and
yet
fewer
Philosophers
,
that
are
able
to
retain
contentment
of
minde
,
in
the
afflictions
of
the
body
,
and
losse
of
estate
!
I
know
such
a
Monsieur
—
that
would
have
murmured
against
St.
—
for
lesse
then
a
rhumatism
;
and
the
dammage
of
eight
hundred
crownes
,
upon
the
calling
in
of
mony
,
hath
rather
inconvenienc'd
,
then
troubled
you
,
which
would
have
put
Seneca
into
a
fret
,
though
inconsiderable
to
his
fortune
.
You
may
enquire
concerning
this
of
Dion
,
and
he
will
assure
you
,
that
there
is
a
great
difference
between
the
flourishes
of
Theory
,
and
the
decretory
weapons
of
Experience
;
between
a
Sage
upon
the
paper
,
and
a
Sage
upon
occasions
.
But
yet
,
Sir
,
I
conceive
,
this
ought
not
to
render
you
disaffected
towards
others
,
nor
your
force
hinder
you
,
from
having
pitty
on
the
feeble
and
infirm
.
You
must
suffer
men
to
hope
,
and
desire
still
at
this
day
,
as
they
have
hop'd
and
desir'd
ever
since
the
beginning
of
the
world
.
And
though
covetousnesse
be
not
of
so
great
antiquity
,
yet
you
must
remember
,
that
you
live
not
in
the
heroicall
times
,
but
in
the
dregs
of
the
year
,
sixteen
hundred
and
forty
;
and
that
heretofore
,
one
of
your
predecessors
was
commended
,
for
shewing
that
favour
to
the
world
,
which
he
would
not
allow
to
himself
.
Monsieur
—
pretends
to
the
Prelacy
:
What
is
there
you
find
so
strange
and
criminall
,
in
his
pretensions
?
are
they
not
the
same
,
with
those
of
the
greatest
part
of
the
Preachers
at
Paris
,
who
do
not
much
attend
to
the
Greek
Ecclesiasticall
History
;
nor
the
example
of
St.
Isidore
of
Pelusium
.
The
worst
I
see
in
it
,
is
,
that
he
has
discovered
himself
to
a
mocker
,
and
declar'd
his
designe
with
more
freedome
,
then
the
hypocrisie
of
the
Court
permits
.
But
is
he
not
in
the
bottom
of
such
stuffe
,
as
Patriarchs
and
high
Priests
are
made
of
?
and
do
not
you
remember
,
that
in
the
place
where
he
is
,
there
is
not
so
poor
a
Surplice-wearer
,
but
has
an
eye
upon
the
Papacy
,
and
p●ayes
to
God
for
the
triple
Crown
.
Has
he
not
at
least
as
handsome
a
name
,
as
the
Signieur
de
Simeonibus
,
whereof
he
makes
mention
in
his
Letter
,
and
which
I
dannot
remember
without
laughter
?
Does
not
he
well
deserve
a
title
,
in
partibus
infidelium
,
since
he
is
so
desirous
of
a
Diocesse
,
that
any
would
be
welcome
to
him
?
This
ambition
does
not
prejudice
civill
society
,
and
may
be
suffered
in
a
mean
vertue
.
He
may
have
it
,
without
hating
his
Prince
,
without
violating
friendship
,
and
without
being
either
a
bad
Frenchman
,
or
a
bad
Roman
.
And
therefore
,
Sir
,
though
you
handsomely
reproach
my
indulgence
,
I
shall
crave
the
liberty
to
continue
it
,
I
know
not
how
to
declaim
against
so
many
imperfections
,
purely
human
,
seeing
such
a
world
of
monstrous
and
grosse
crimes
I
should
have
to
combat
,
if
I
would
undertake
to
be
a
Reformer
.
Quod
ad
Eminentissimum
Bentivolum
attinet
.
You
have
all
the
reason
in
the
world
to
blame
me
,
and
I
confesse
,
I
am
the
most
rustick
Provinciall
betwixt
this
and
Paris
.
Neverthelesse
,
since
you
have
already
performed
the
complement
,
to
which
I
was
oblig'd
,
I
shall
rest
there
.
I
am
not
able
to
add
any
thing
to
the
perfection
of
what
you
do
,
and
will
onely
tell
you
,
that
they
are
happy
faults
whereof
you
are
the
amender
.
I
wish
to
heaven
,
you
would
as
liberally
acquit
me
of
the
rest
of
my
debts
,
It
would
be
a
charity
worthy
of
your
riches
;
and
I
leave
you
to
imagine
,
if
my
creditors
would
have
cause
to
complain
of
their
payment
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Decemb.
1640.
LETTER
XXXIV
.
SIR
,
ALl
was
very
agreeable
in
your
Letter
,
till
the
conclusion
;
but
that
bad
tail
has
stung
me
,
and
I
have
much
fear
of
that
newes
,
which
would
afflict
you
to
the
utmost
,
if
true
;
be
it
the
will
of
heaven
it
prove
false
,
and
that
your
friend
be
rather
victorious
,
or
at
least
that
he
be
living
.
Life
is
a
recruit
,
whereby
Marius
regain'd
the
power
which
he
had
lost
,
and
our
admirall
the
Armies
which
were
defeated
.
Having
that
left
,
there
is
something
remaining
to
requite
all
losses
;
the
unfortunate
of
this
year
,
may
be
the
happy
men
of
the
next
:
Et
durare
ac
semet
rebus
servare
secundis
,
is
the
most
sure
maxime
,
and
greatest
policy
I
know
,
in
the
instability
of
human
affairs
.
You
see
how
I
preach
at
a
venture
,
and
answer
to
what
you
have
not
told
me
,
or
at
least
in
such
manner
,
as
to
understand
it
;
I
must
expect
the
explication
by
the
next
Post
.
You
might
as
well
have
specified
the
misfortune
which
you
apprehend
,
since
there
are
many
sorts
of
them
;
but
in
stead
of
making
me
partaker
of
your
fear
,
you
have
put
me
into
all
fears
imaginable
.
Eight
daies
will
either
cure
or
confirm
my
trouble
.
In
the
mean
time
,
it
is
fit
we
enjoy
our
good
fortunes
,
as
well
as
we
can
possibly
,
and
get
some
Poet
,
to
make
a
Soterion
of
thanks
to
Heaven
,
for
the
recovery
of
your
health
.
You
cannot
doubt
,
but
it
is
very
dear
to
me
,
and
that
I
vehemently
desire
the
preservation
of
a
life
,
by
which
my
own
is
principally
supported
.
If
I
had
lost
you
,
I
should
not
have
known
what
to
do
longer
in
the
world
,
I
should
have
been
in
worse
estate
,
then
widowes
and
orphans
,
and
gone
to
eat
my
heart
in
the
deserts
of
the
Thebaïs
.
Ipse
meum
cor
edens
,
hominum
vestigia
vitans
.
But
let
us
leave
these
bad
presages
,
and
meddle
wi●h
nothing
that
is
grievous
,
though
in
detestation
of
it
,
upon
such
a
holy
day
as
this
.
We
are
now
in
the
declining
of
a
year
,
during
which
,
your
vertue
has
been
exercised
with
a
thousand
assaults
of
fortune
,
and
yet
remain'd
impregnable
.
May
it
please
God
to
make
the
succeeding
more
favourable
to
you
,
and
that
I
have
fewer
occasions
to
admire
the
greatnesse
of
your
courage
.
Be
you
absolutely
happy
in
your self
,
and
I
shall
be
so
by
reflection
;
for
I
never
separate
my
interests
from
yours
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
The
End
of
the
Fifth
Book
.
FAMILIAR
LETTERS
,
OF
M.
de
BALZAC
,
To
M.
CHAPELAIN
.
The
Sixth
Book
.
LETTER
I.
SIR
,
I
Suffer
with
the
tenderness
of
women
,
and
your
actions
speak
the
strength
of
Philosophy
.
I
acknowledge
my
weaknesse
in
extreamitie
;
but
I
thought
you
had
known
it
long
since
,
&
that
this
vicious
virtue
of
my
soul
could
not
be
hid
from
him
,
that
ought
to
have
seen
the
bottom
of
it
.
Neverthelesse
you
improve
it
admirably
,
and
make
excellent
discourses
upon
the
divinity
of
your
late
sickness
.
I
pray
Heaven
,
Sir
,
that
you
be
no
more
a
Prophet
at
that
rate
,
and
that
the
inspirations
from
above
,
may
possess
you
by
wayes
more
sweet
and
easie
.
The
agitation
that
torments
the
Sybille
of
Virgil
,
and
the
pains
she
takes
to
deliver
her selfe
from
the
violence
of
the
spirit
that
seizes
her
,
gives
me
very
unquiet
thoughts
;
&
it
were
better
to
remain
in
a
state
less
rais'd
&
lofty
,
that
were
also
more
gentle
and
serene
.
The
person
that
you
know
better
then
I
,
gave
himselfe
the
trouble
to
come
bid
me
adieu
,
before
he
left
Paris
,
and
made
me
solemn
protestations
of
his
friendship
.
I
have
observ'd
in
him
by
experience
,
whatsoever
you
had
written
of
him
to
me
before
,
and
find
in
him
a
deep
judgment
,
and
a
great
appearance
of
vertue
;
so
that
I
am
throughly
perswaded
of
his
worth
and
honesty
,
and
that
he
receiv'd
injustice
in
the
character
that
was
formerly
given
of
him
.
It
is
possible
you
may
have
changed
him
,
and
that
he
was
converted
by
your
good
example
.
I
know
you
have
made
many
metamorphoses
of
the
like
nature
,
&
quos
probos
non
inveneras
,
probos
fecisti
.
I
cannot
tell
,
if
the
dispatches
you
have
done
me
the
favour
to
send
over
the
Mountains
,
will
have
a
happy
voyage
:
If
they
have
not
,
I
am
already
comforted
,
and
the
disorders
that
appear
on
all
sides
,
will
cause
greater
mischiefs
then
this
.
I
dare
not
speak
any
more
to
you
of
the
continuance
of
my
maladies
,
and
the
emptiness
of
my
purse
,
though
I
still
grapple
with
my
pains
.
God
grant
that
the
first
moneth
of
the
year
,
be
the
beginning
of
a
better
age
.
But
I
fear
I
shall
never
again
see
health
or
good
times
;
and
did
not
your
incomparable
friendship
,
give
me
some
comfort
in
this
world
,
I
would
rather
go
out
of
it
this
day
,
then
to
morrow
,
if
it
were
the
will
of
Him
,
to
whom
all
creatures
owe
submission
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Angoulesm
,
4
Jan.
1641.
LETTER
II.
SIR
,
I
Am
asham'd
to
tell
you
,
that
my
indisposition
hindred
me
from
writing
to
you
by
the
last
Post
,
for
methinks
I
scarce
ever
speak
of
any
thing
else
.
There
being
onely
this
cause
that
could
make
me
fail
in
my
duty
?
you
must
allow
me
to
use
it
in
my
justification
.
I
should
be
sick
at
this
present
for
any
other
cause
,
but
I
am
bound
to
free
you
from
those
inquietudes
,
my
silence
would
raise
in
you
,
if
the
Post
should
make
two
returns
,
without
bringing
you
any
newes
of
me
.
You
may
therefore
be
pleas'd
to
understand
,
that
I
have
receiv'd
your
dispatch
,
with
the
Letter
of
Monsieur
Conrart
,
which
could
not
but
be
welcome
to
me
in
the
afflicted
condition
wherein
I
languish
.
There
came
also
a
third
in
company
,
whereof
I
knew
almost
all
the
contents
before
,
and
yet
did
not
conceive
my
knowledge
very
great
.
Sed
nihil
hoc
ad
Andromachen
,
and
our
friend
has
not
understood
me
.
I
did
not
desire
any
news
of
those
Antipodes
in
manners
,
as
Seneca
calls
them
,
that
turn
day
into
night
,
and
night
into
day
,
as
was
the
custome
of
Queen
Margaret
in
our
times
.
I
would
onely
have
learnt
something
of
certain
stranger
Princes
,
who
,
as
I
am
told
,
made
use
of
Torches
as
well
by
day
as
night
,
out
of
an
humorous
and
mysterious
ceremony
.
The
fire
that
was
carried
before
the
Roman
Emperours
,
as
a
mark
of
Soveraignty
,
whereof
as
I
remember
,
there
are
extant
but
three
Testimonies
in
all
Antiquity
,
namely
two
in
the
History
of
Herodian
,
and
the
third
in
the
Poem
of
Corippus
,
has
a
neer
resemblance
with
this
of
my
present
enquiry
.
But
likeness
and
identity
are
different
things
;
and
it
is
disputable
,
whether
it
were
a
Torch
,
or
a
chafer
of
coals
,
or
a
lamp
,
that
was
so
carried
in
state
.
If
there
be
any
such
proud
fools
,
that
would
be
treated
as
Gods
or
Idols
,
let
us
leave
them
to
burn
day-light
as
long
as
they
please
,
and
make
no
further
search
into
the
repertories
of
Paris
,
which
afford
us
nothing
new
.
Our
Monsieur
Conrart
is
alwaies
an
admirable
person
,
I
know
not
if
it
be
possible
,
to
find
so
many
excellencies
any
other
where
,
as
I
see
in
every
thing
of
his
.
Since
he
is
pleas'd
to
serve
me
in
my
Complement
to
Holland
,
I
accept
his
offer
,
and
promise
him
,
that
I
will
not
often
abuse
his
courtesie
upon
the
like
occasions
,
you
can
testifie
for
me
,
that
semper
invitissimus
scribo
.
I
am
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Jan.
1641.
LET.
III.
SIR
,
LEt
us
suspend
our
judgements
for
a
time
,
and
not
condemn
the
Parricide
upon
the
disposition
of
a
Pedant
.
Possibly
this
man
may
have
visions
,
and
has
not
read
what
he
believes
he
did
.
Nor
is
it
improbable
,
that
he
has
ill
understood
his
Brother's
meaning
,
or
put
the
innocent
words
upon
the
rack
,
to
make
them
signifie
what
he
pleases
.
'T
is
the
ordinary
vice
of
Grammarians
,
such
as
he
is
,
quorum
proprium
est
malè
interpretari
,
&
à
mente
Auctorum
saepius
aberrare
.
As
for
my self
,
Sir
,
who
have
known
long
since
,
and
think
I
have
express't
as
much
somewhere
,
that
there
is
no
Saint
in
Heaven
,
but
has
been
asperss'd
with
unjust
calumny
upon
earth
;
I
do
not
receive
all
sorts
of
testimonies
indifferently
;
and
before
I
can
believe
the
evill
that
is
cast
upon
a
person
I
love
,
I
must
see
it
clearly
,
and
search
it
with
my
fingers
.
Yet
I
am
not
ignorant
of
the
corruption
of
mankind
,
nor
do
I
desire
to
answer
,
for
the
honesty
of
all
the
Doctors
.
But
to
imagine
that
all
our
Societies
are
full
of
—
and
—
is
beyond
my
skill
;
and
I
could
not
do
it
,
though
I
should
be
accus'd
of
more
then
rustick
simplicity
,
and
call'd
the
ignorant
amongst
the
great
wits
of
the
Academy
.
Your
Jesuite
of
Thoulouse
,
is
a
person
of
rare
merit
,
and
I
esteem
his
dozen
of
Verses
you
have
favour'd
me
with
,
above
all
that
I
have
seen
of
—
this
ten
years
.
Here
is
strength
,
wit
,
and
clearnesse
;
'T
is
an
absolute
Poem
,
and
has
all
the
requisites
of
Art
and
Rule
.
He
delivers
all
that
could
be
express'd
in
vulgar
Prose
,
but
in
such
a
manner
,
that
the
Muses
themselves
could
not
have
spoken
better
,
if
they
had
made
use
of
the
mouth
of
Horace
and
Virgil.
You
have
much
obliged
me
in
copying
out
that
passage
in
the
Life
of
Monsieur
de
Peiresk
,
that
concerns
your selfe
and
me
.
The
Historian
has
done
me
right
,
in
regard
of
my
affection
,
to
place
me
near
you
.
This
is
to
make
two
favours
of
one
.
I
could
wish
he
had
touch'd
one
word
of
our
friendship
,
&
erat
huic
locus
,
and
that
in
the
succession
of
Malherbe
,
he
had
not
forgotten
your
Lyrick
Poetry
.
I
know
he
understands
the
mystery
of
writing
,
and
his
Latine
is
of
the
best
age
,
so
that
he
will
do
great
honour
to
the
memory
of
his
friend
.
I
beseech
God
comfort
you
with
some
good
news
from
Germany
.
I
tremble
at
the
onely
reading
of
what
you
write
me
thence
,
and
unlesse
fata
viam
invenient
,
I
cannot
tell
how
your
Heroe
can
save
himselfe
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
Jan.
1641.
LET.
IV.
SIR
,
YOur
discourses
are
according
to
your
custome
,
prudent
and
Philosophicall
;
and
there
is
scarce
a
small
word
escapes
from
me
in
writing
to
you
,
but
returns
me
many
periods
of
excellent
instruction
.
You
treat
the
stupid
and
obdurate
sect
of
Stoicks
,
as
they
deserve
,
and
yet
do
not
bend
the
tendernesse
of
other
more
mild
Philosophy
,
so
low
,
as
to
lament
the
death
of
Lampreys
,
Hens
,
and
Parrots
,
ut
olim
Crassus
,
Honorius
,
aliique
non
pauci
ridiculae
memoriae
mortales
.
We
do
not
say
with
Virgil
,
Nec
doluit
miserans
—
Refute
him
by
himselfe
,
and
say
,
Sunt
lachrymae
rerum
,
&
mentem
mortalia
tangunt
.
I
am
not
exempt
from
such
apprehensions
as
afflict
you
,
concerning
the
uncertain
condition
of
the
affaires
of
War
.
Be
pl●as'd
therefore
to
let
me
know
what
newes
you
have
received
,
and
suffer
me
not
to
be
consumed
in
my
own
feares
.
Oblige
me
also
,
by
recommending
me
to
Monsieur
the
Bishop
of
Grasse
,
and
assure
him
,
he
has
not
a
more
faithful
servant
then
me
,
nor
better
perswaded
of
his
incomparable
worth
.
If
there
be
any
of
his
new
Poetry
abroad
,
I
beseech
your
goodnesse
to
intercede
for
it
in
my
favour
,
who
am
most
passionately
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Feb.
1641.
LETTER
V.
SIR
,
THough
the
Greeks
have
a
proverb
,
that
offends
the
sons
of
the
gods
,
yet
I
do
not
believe
,
that
the
Counts
of
Dunois
of
former
times
,
were
more
honourable
persons
,
then
the
Duke
of
Longueville
,
of
the
present
.
The
last
miracle
,
whereof
your
Letter
gives
me
relation
,
made
me
tremble
in
the
reading
;
my
imagination
is
still
unsetled
,
and
I
fear
for
them
that
are
escaped
,
as
if
I
saw
them
yet
in
hazard
,
and
amidst
the
difficulties
of
the
passage
.
Without
question
,
Sir
,
Heaven
has
some
extraordinary
designe
for
your
Prince
.
Men
are
not
lesse
frequently
deceived
in
their
fears
,
then
in
their
hopes
;
and
I
have
observed
in
the
Histories
of
all
Ages
,
that
great
forces
have
almost
ever
performed
but
little
,
and
such
as
were
inconsiderable
,
very
much
.
Nil
desperandum
Teucro
duce
&
auspice
Teucro
,
—
Cràs
ingens
iterabimus
aequor
.
But
you
must
remember
,
that
Teucer
made
this
Oration
amongst
his
cups
;
and
likewise
observe
,
that
't
is
from
the
banks
of
Bacchara
,
(
which
the
Latinists
of
Germany
derive
by
Etymologie
from
Bacchi
ara
)
that
the
Nectar
Rhenanum
is
gather'd
,
which
may
perhaps
have
fill'd
your
Army
with
Enthusiasm
.
But
,
Sir
,
you
return
me
the
title
of
Philosopher
,
with
too
great
humility
,
I
cannot
accept
an
honour
,
whereof
I
am
so
undeserving
,
nor
suffer
you
to
call
me
your
Book
,
who
are
to
me
both
a
Library
and
an
University
.
If
you
provoke
me
further
,
I
will
term
you
my
Tripod
and
my
Oracle
,
and
treat
you
as
Apollo
,
or
at
least
as
a
Prophet
,
and
a
man
inspired
by
some
deity
.
But
,
out
of
raillery
,
you
know
the
high
esteem
I
have
of
your
great
capacity
,
and
the
reverence
I
bear
to
all
that
you
pronounce
,
ex
cathedra
;
I
use
this
word
,
because
you
many
times
send
me
the
advices
of
others
,
for
your
own
.
And
though
I
very
much
prize
the
wit
and
eloquence
of
our
acquaintance
,
yet
I
do
not
acknowledge
them
for
Judges
and
Soveraigns
.
Since
you
are
curious
to
know
,
who
the
father
Teron
is
,
whom
I
believed
,
you
had
known
better
then
my self
,
I
shall
tell
you
,
that
he
is
a
Poet
of
seventy
five
years
old
:
Soon
after
the
birth
of
the
King
,
he
compos'd
two
Poems
of
little
Verses
,
which
they
call
Glyconiques
;
and
the
late
King
,
upon
the
favourable
applause
that
was
given
them
,
commanded
Molin
to
translate
them
;
they
are
entitled
,
Les
Couronnes
,
and
Les
Dauphins
,
and
were
printed
at
Paris
,
the
Latin
on
one
side
,
and
the
French
è
regione
.
These
two
works
are
indeed
very
commendable
,
and
I
am
assured
they
will
find
your
approbation
.
I
have
seen
other
things
of
his
,
wherein
I
observ'd
an
excellent
genius
;
but
I
know
,
that
he
is
otherwise
enclin'd
to
idlenesse
,
and
a
workman
,
that
of
all
the
world
,
loves
his
own
trade
least
.
I
had
good
store
of
other
newes
to
requite
you
with
,
and
but
for
this
diversion
,
you
had
not
been
discharged
at
so
cheap
a
rate
.
Monsieur
de
Thou
,
who
turned
out
of
his
way
,
to
do
me
the
honour
of
a
visit
,
had
the
patience
to
relate
them
four
and
twenty
hours
together
,
which
were
so
pleasing
and
agreeable
,
that
they
seem'd
to
me
scarce
four
and
twenty
minutes
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
Feb.
1641.
LETTER
VI.
SIR
,
YOur
diligence
depends
not
upon
that
of
the
Poste
,
nor
upon
considerations
of
the
season
.
Whatever
his
speed
be
,
and
the
Sun
approach
or
be
more
remote
from
you
,
I
alwaies
find
my
reckoning
,
and
receive
tidings
from
you
at
the
end
of
the
week
;
for
which
,
Sir
,
I
return
you
a
thousand
remerciments
,
and
for
an
infinite
number
of
other
goodnesses
,
whereof
I
perceive
manifest
testimonies
in
all
your
Letters
.
You
had
formerly
declar'd
your
resentments
of
my
losses
;
but
indeed
they
were
such
,
as
were
not
much
apprehended
by
me
;
and
unlesse
you
had
recall'd
them
to
my
remembrance
,
by
ma●ing
your self
a
sufferer
in
them
,
they
had
been
utterly
defac'd
out
of
my
memory
.
I
have
,
I
thank
God
,
but
little
temptations
to
covetousnesse
;
and
't
is
almost
without
trouble
or
study
,
that
I
contemn
that
,
which
the
greatest
part
of
men
adore
.
So
that
my
vertue
has
nothing
of
merit
,
and
being
not
engag'd
in
combat
,
cannot
in
reason
expect
the
reward
of
Crowns
and
triumphs
.
I
bestow
a
thousand
curses
every
day
,
upon
that
person
,
that
molests
you
,
and
extreamly
bemoan
your
poor
Muses
,
that
are
scar'd
and
inquieted
,
with
litigious
wranglings
atd
chicanry
.
Sunt
hae
quidem
litterae
,
sed
litterae
illitteratissimae
,
as
our
Pliny
terms
them
.
I
understand
so
little
in
those
matters
,
that
I
could
never
recommend
a
processe
,
without
committing
a
thousand
incongruities
,
and
mistaking
one
thing
for
another
.
As
for
you
,
Sir
,
you
will
not
be
in
hazard
of
such
inconveniences
,
whose
skill
and
capacity
is
universall
.
But
I
wish
you
a
more
honest
employment
,
and
more
worthy
of
the
noblenesse
of
your
wit
.
I
know
not
,
if
the
discourse
that
I
send
you
,
will
be
happy
enough
for
that
purpose
;
but
I
hope
,
you
will
neither
disapprove
the
sense
,
nor
the
words
and
contrivance
,
and
that
you
will
not
take
it
ill
,
that
I
endeavour
to
oblige
a
man
,
that
relates
wonders
of
you
in
all
places
where
he
comes
;
he
may
peradventure
be
one
of
those
,
that
we
shall
make
good
by
our
kindnesse
and
benefits
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
24
Feb.
1641.
LETTER
VII
.
SIR
,
I
Know
not
what
it
is
in
my
writings
,
that
deserves
your
applause
and
esteem
;
but
I
know
,
that
all
that
I
write
pleases
you
,
and
that
you
read
my
words
with
eyes
,
capable
of
all
the
illusions
of
friendship
.
She
is
the
fair
and
innocent
inchantresse
,
that
gives
me
this
power
over
you
;
't
is
her
Magick
,
that
renders
me
the
onely
person
in
the
world
,
that
can
over-rule
your
judgment
.
And
hence
it
is
,
that
that
person
,
that
is
able
to
observe
blacknesse
in
the
Milky
way
,
and
imparity
even
in
the
body
of
light
,
will
take
no
notice
of
my
spots
and
blemishes
.
Since
it
is
your
pleasure
to
make
me
happy
,
it
is
not
fitting
I
be
too
curious
,
in
examining
the
causes
of
my
good
fortune
,
or
seek
to
enlarge
the
meannesse
of
my
worth
,
which
would
upbraid
you
,
with
the
bad
foundation
of
your
love
.
Rationem
faelicitatis
nemo
reddit
.
But
what
appearance
is
there
,
that
without
any
designe
or
intention
,
I
should
have
uttered
a
line
,
which
were
worthy
of
your
Heroe
.
He
deserves
such
commendations
,
as
are
carefully
chosen
,
and
not
to
be
spoken
of
without
study
.
You
must
be
as
solicitous
of
his
glory
,
as
well
as
of
that
of
his
fathers
;
and
your
Trumpet
would
better
befit
him
,
then
our
Reeds
.
Absit
itaque
ut
tam
illustrem
materiam
familiari
dicendi
genere
&
extemporaneitate
nostrâ
violemus
.
The
danger
you
tell
me
,
our
perfect
friend
has
been
in
,
makes
me
tremble
,
and
my
imagination
is
hurt
with
all
the
instruments
of
Chirurgery
,
and
the
cruell
remedies
you
speak
of
,
I
wish
him
an
absolute
recovery
;
and
the
Senate
and
people
of
Parnassus
,
who
have
so
great
obligations
to
him
,
must
wean
for
him
,
as
well
as
for
Princes
,
the
lives
of
gold
and
silk
,
whereof
I
have
heard
so
frequent
mention
,
and
pray
,
as
for
their
true
benefactor
;
De
nostris
annis
tibi
Jupiter
augeat
annos
.
I
should
be
glad
to
see
the
six
verses
of
the
Poet
,
Perewig'd
with
Icicles
;
and
the
Duell
of
the
Horatii
and
Curiatii
,
or
any
thing
else
that
passes
through
your
Territories
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
March
,
1641.
LET.
VIII
.
SIR
,
YOur
processe
continues
too
long
,
and
your
Muses
are
injuried
,
with
the
delaies
of
the
Palais
.
Such
a
suit
would
have
made
me
hate
the
world
;
and
though
I
am
a
man
of
peace
,
yet
I
should
not
dread
a
military
expedition
so
much
,
as
the
trouble
of
your
cause
.
Neverthelesse
,
your
Philosophy
will
secure
you
;
and
having
both
to
combat
with
your
interiour
resentments
,
and
defend
your self
against
a
visible
adversary
.
Zeno
will
crown
your
moderation
at
the
same
time
,
and
Justinian
adjudge
you
the
victory
.
The
Verses
of
the
Poet
with
the
ratling
beard
,
are
such
as
you
judge
them
,
and
accord
with
your
opinion
.
The
conclusion
of
the
Ode
,
to
Monsieur
de
Bullion
,
is
better
then
the
beginning
,
but
the
Amphitrite
is
quite
contrary
,
and
falling
from
its
first
height
,
is
onely
supported
upon
two
bad
leggs
;
for
it
would
be
too
severe
to
call
it
monstruous
,
and
to
say
of
it
,
as
of
other
divinities
of
the
Sea
,
that
,
Definit
in
piscem
mulier
formosa
supernè
.
The
Wood
is
handsome
,
but
not
of
perfect
beauty
,
in
my
judgment
;
and
I
see
something
beyond
,
whether
the
strength
of
the
Poet
did
not
reach
.
The
communicating
of
all
these
rarities
,
would
deserve
a
formall
acknowledgment
;
but
you
have
long
ago
commanded
me
,
to
say
no
more
of
your
favours
,
then
that
I
receiv'd
them
.
The
first
discourse
that
I
sent
you
of
eloquence
,
shall
be
suddainly
follow'd
with
a
second
,
wherein
I
speak
of
the
critick
Longinus
,
and
of
his
Treatis●
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
whereof
the
severall
parts
deserve
consideration
.
'T
is
a
subject
wherewith
I
am
much
affected
,
and
have
great
inclination
to
it
in
my
fancy
,
though
I
dare
not
pretend
to
the
enjoyment
of
that
high
Queen
of
souls
.
Hanc
qualem
neque●
monstrare
,
&
sentio
tantum
.
Concerning
the
word
,
whereof
I
desired
your
opinion
;
't
is
to
deride
me
,
to
refer
me
to
my self
.
Pronounce
upon
it
,
I
beseech
you
;
for
't
is
the
Court
that
must
give
Law
to
the
Village
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
March
,
1641.
LET.
IX
.
SIR
,
YOu
cannot
imagine
the
indignation
I
have
,
against
your
persecutors
,
and
the
pity
I
bear
for
poor
vertue
,
when
fraud
drawes
her
before
the
Tribunall
of
Iudges
.
There
ought
to
be
nothing
for
you
,
but
Crowns
and
rewards
,
and
so
eminent
probity
as
yours
,
might
even
deserve
to
be
respected
by
malice
;
but
if
malice
should
do
that
it
ought
,
it
would
be
no
longer
such
;
the
Woolves
will
never
be
really
reconciled
with
the
Shepheards
flock
.
And
't
is
the
order
,
or
rather
the
confusion
of
the
things
of
this
world
,
that
there
be
Tyrants
of
all
degrees
,
grand
,
mean
,
and
little
;
some
to
afflict
the
publick
,
and
others
for
the
torment
and
scourge
of
particular
persons
.
I
just
now
writ
to
Monsieur
de
la
Nauue
,
not
as
I
ought
,
but
as
I
was
able
,
in
the
midst
of
my
distempers
.
I
conjure
him
both
by
alliance
and
friendship
,
to
take
charge
of
your
interests
as
of
my
life
;
and
I
assure
my self
,
you
will
find
him
not
indifferent
in
the
businesse
.
But
how
am
I
mistaken
,
in
imagining
,
that
any
body
will
consider
me
,
when
the
proposall
is
touching
your
service
?
Your
name
is
cherish'd
and
respected
of
all
the
earth
,
and
Monsieur
de
la
Nauue
,
who
is
a
man
perfectly
honest
,
will
look
onely
upon
you
,
in
the
good
justice
he
will
do
you
.
I
have
endur'd
a
fit
of
more
then
thirty
hours
,
and
all
the
respite
that
I
can
obtain
from
my
anguishes
,
is
onely
enough
to
entreat
you
to
believe
,
that
I
am
,
as
of
old
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
March
,
1641.
LET.
X.
SIR
,
I
Perceive
I
must
contest
no
longer
with
you
,
about
the
worth
of
my
words
;
they
shall
be
rated
at
what
value
you
put
upon
them
,
and
be
accounted
handsome
,
since
they
please
you
.
I
would
onely
desire
,
they
were
as
strong
,
as
by
your
favour
they
are
gracefull
,
and
that
I
had
the
faculty
of
healing
with
my
words
,
as
well
as
,
in
your
belief
,
I
have
that
of
praising
;
I
would
not
deny
so
easie
remedies
at
this
time
,
but
prepare
them
with
all
the
skill
,
whereof
I
am
capable
,
to
the
end
they
might
operate
more
effectually
,
against
the
feavour
of
your
friend
.
It
should
also
be
permitted
,
to
make
experience
in
my
own
person
,
and
the
Physitian
undertake
the
cure
of
himself
:
But
there
is
no
medecine
,
for
such
old
and
obstinate
maladies
as
mine
;
't
is
here
,
that
the
rhetorick
of
Demosthenes
,
yea
and
the
magick
of
Zoroaster
,
would
manifest
the
weaknesse
and
impotency
of
their
Art
.
There
will
certainly
come
better
times
then
these
,
and
we
shall
be
well
one
day
,
at
least
at
the
day
of
the
Resurrection
,
cum
mortale
hoc
nostrum
induet
immortalitatem
,
&
in
gloriâ
resurgemus
,
by
the
grace
and
mercy
of
our
Lord
.
I
think
I
sent
you
my
opinion
,
of
the
Verses
of
the
Lyrick
Madelenet
;
for
the
others
of
raillerie
,
whereof
you
speak
,
I
have
no
curiosity
to
see
them
.
The
raillery
of
this
man
,
alwaies
seem'd
to
me
so
cold
and
flat
,
that
it
was
not
possible
for
me
to
laugh
at
it
;
and
if
I
were
in
the
place
where
you
are
,
and
a
necessity
lay'd
upon
me
to
commend
them
,
't
is
so
hard
for
me
to
go
against
my
knowledge
,
that
I
should
rather
die
at
that
instant
.
I
am
astonished
at
what
I
hear
,
of
Doctor
Palemon
;
I
believ'd
that
he
liv'd
onely
in
spirit
,
and
that
he
was
so
perswaded
of
the
immortality
of
the
soul
,
whereof
he
speaks
so
much
,
that
he
held
no
longer
commerce
with
his
senses
:
But
I
perceive
,
he
is
one
of
those
hypocriticall
Philosophers
,
who
contented
themselves
with
discoursing
of
vertue
,
and
never
took
further
pains
to
follow
it
.
It
may
please
God
to
give
him
better
thoughts
one
day
,
and
possibly
he
has
permitted
the
publication
of
the
secret
of
this
brave
man
,
to
the
end
he
may
hereafter
make
him
a
great
Saint
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
4
April
,
1641.
LETTER
XI
.
SIR
,
TO
lose
nothing
in
this
bad
age
,
't
is
the
onely
security
to
possesse
nothing
,
If
you
have
suffered
great
losses
,
't
is
because
you
had
great
riches
;
Magnae
opes
,
amicissime
Capellane
,
magnae
jacturae
locum
faciunt
.
Quid
verò
inter
opes
majus
&
praestantius
veris
&
bonae
fidei
amicis
?
I
will
believe
the
person
you
lament
,
worthy
of
your
tears
;
and
although
his
merit
be
sufficiently
problematicall
in
the
judgement
of
the
people
:
Yet
I
know
the
people
is
but
a
bad
esteemer
of
worth
,
and
their
aversion
is
many
times
,
as
unjust
as
their
love
.
But
however
it
be
,
the
King
of
Sweden
is
dead
,
and
so
is
the
Duke
of
Weymar
?
and
if
a
man
out-live
War
and
Combats
,
he
comes
at
last
to
dye
in
Feasts
and
Triumphs
.
Let
us
look
upon
all
men
as
lost
,
or
ready
to
be
so
,
and
account
every
hour
of
our
life
for
Climactericall
.
Let
us
expect
bad
news
by
each
Post
,
and
conclude
,
that
the
onely
means
to
avoid
being
afflicted
,
is
to
be
none
of
this
world
.
In
effect
,
Sir
,
we
must
either
see
others
perish
,
or
perish
our selves
;
and
therefore
,
what
unreasonable
delicateness
is
it
,
to
be
in
love
with
life
,
and
not
to
be
able
to
endure
the
appendances
that
accompany
it
?
and
what
profit
is
it
to
bewail
an
evill
,
whereunto
all
the
world
cannot
afford
a
remedy
?
I
have
long
since
left
the
Stoicks
their
insensibility
;
yet
am
not
in
the
contrary
extream
.
I
remember
a
Rime
rhat
begins
thus
,
Thy
tender
pitty
makes
me
pitty
thee
,
&c.
and
flouts
the
good
nature
of
one
of
our
friends
.
As
I
do
not
approve
the
heart
of
steel
of
Zeno
,
and
his
eyes
of
Pumice
;
so
neither
can
I
commend
those
that
were
turn'd
into
fountains
,
in
the
Regions
of
Metamorphoses
,
or
at
least
became
blear-ey'd
all
the
rest
of
their
lives
.
This
softnesse
cannot
befoll
a
soul
of
that
firm
constitution
as
yours
;
so
that
you
will
not
fail
to
maintain
your
place
between
the
two
extreams
,
where
there
is
honest
and
assured
contentment
.
Your
Predecessour
,
Monsieur
de
Malherbe
,
will
tell
you
,
that
King
Priam
,
King
Francis
,
and
himselfe
,
were
comforted
;
and
that
it
is
permitted
to
every
one
to
doe
the
like
.
'T
is
very
true
as
you
tell
me
,
that
the
Princes
do
at
length
become
weary
of
the
Warre
,
and
that
the
Caducei
of
my
Lords
the
Nuntio's
,
will
have
the
virtue
to
separate
the
Combatants
,
who
are
so
exasperated
and
cruelly
animated
against
one
another
.
If
his
Holinesse
be
the
Author
of
this
great
good
,
he
will
receive
as
many
benedictions
as
he
bestowes
,
and
the
Orator
Jean
:
Jaques
,
shall
be
commission'd
to
make
him
an
ample
Remerciment
in
the
name
of
all
Christendom
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
April
,
1641.
LET.
XII
.
SIR
,
ACcording
to
your
custome
,
you
set
a
value
upon
all
that
I
write
,
and
find
a
perfection
in
things
that
scarce
reach
a
m●diocrity
.
'T
is
friendship
that
disguises
objects
to
you
,
and
makes
you
mistake
appeearances
for
truth
.
I
was
indispos'd
when
I
writ
to
Monsieur
de
la
Nauue
;
and
if
there
were
any
thing
in
my
Letter
that
deserves
your
esteem
,
it
ought
to
be
rather
ascrib'd
to
fortune
,
then
to
me
,
who
contributed
no
more
then
a
good
intention
.
This
,
indeed
is
so
pure
,
that
I
will
not
deny
but
it
merits
your
allowance
;
and
you
must
,
at
least
,
consider
it
as
an
honest
and
generous
inability
,
which
having
nothing
but
desires
to
give
,
will
never
be
accus'd
of
sparing
them
.
As
for
the
praises
which
are
burthensome
to
your
modesty
,
I
besceech
you
to
believe
,
that
they
are
neither
amplifications
,
nor
common
places
.
I
am
so
throughly
perswaded
of
your
vertue
,
that
when
I
render
the
like
testimony
of
it
,
I
imagine
that
I
am
holding
up
my
hand
,
and
swearing
before
a
Judge
.
If
the
Demon
of
Socrates
did
report
you
,
all
that
pass'd
in
your
absence
,
you
would
know
,
that
I
never
speak
of
you
,
but
I
am
transported
,
and
that
in
this
I
imitate
the
Sybills
,
who
delivered
their
predictions
with
fury
.
Concerning
the
other
part
of
your
Letter
,
I
declare
unto
you
,
that
I
will
not
undertake
to
plead
the
cause
of
the
accused
;
and
that
I
neither
justifie
nor
condemn
at
the
first
sight
.
Yet
I
know
,
that
all
the
witnesses
against
him
are
not
so
faithfull
as
I
,
and
that
the
greatest
part
of
advices
,
are
like
Heroick
Poets
,
who
upon
a
small
foundation
of
truth
,
build
a
prodigious
structure
of
Lyes
.
How
many
wicked
minds
,
are
there
,
that
wish
an
eternity
of
the
Warre
,
that
are
onely
fit
to
break
friendships
,
to
hinder
reconcilements
,
and
to
cherish
and
improve
the
seeds
of
hatred
.
But
the
businesse
must
be
further
cleared
,
and
our
judgments
suspended
till
then
.
I
know
not
what
to
say
concerning
Monsieur
Conrart
,
but
onely
that
old
word
,
which
I
have
repeated
so
often
,
I
shall
live
and
dye
in
my
ingratitude
.
He
is
excessivly
obliging
,
and
unlesse
I
have
your
assistance
,
to
acquit
me
from
so
many
engagements
,
I
confesse
I
am
insolent
;
and
I
yield
him
up
my
words
,
which
are
the
onely
goods
of
a
poor
Rhetorician
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
May
,
1641.
LET.
XIII
.
SIR
,
YOu
remember
what
the
Crow
said
of
old
upon
the
Capitol
,
Est
bene
non
potuit
dicere
,
dixit
erit
.
She
is
in
the
same
note
at
this
day
;
and
therefore
let
us
hope
well
for
the
future
.
Let
us
judge
favourably
of
our
affairs
in
Germany
,
and
not
imagine
,
that
the
fortune
of
our
Army
is
dead
,
with
its
first
Generall
;
at
least
,
let
us
content
our selves
with
present
losses
,
and
the
miseries
that
arive
every
hour
.
Calamities
come
fast
enough
,
without
being
anticipated
by
our
fears
;
as
it
also
continues
to
long
,
although
we
take
no
pains
to
preserve
it
in
our
memories
.
I
expect
the
book
of
Monsieur
de
la
Chambre
,
with
much
zeal
and
devotion
,
since
we
are
now
entred
upon
the
holy
week
;
without
doubt
,
he
has
made
some
new
discoveries
touching
the
Passions
,
for
he
long
since
design'd
them
an
argument
for
his
pen
,
and
told
me
,
he
would
treat
of
them
,
as
a
Physician
,
and
in
another
way
then
that
of
Aristotle
.
He
has
a
wit
piercing
and
confident
,
and
a
style
not
unpleasing
.
When
I
was
at
Paris
,
he
gave
me
a
view
of
a
great
store
of
his
exeellent
Merchandises
.
So
that
to
do
well
,
he
needs
understand
no
more
,
then
to
make
a
good
choice
,
wherein
the
goodnesse
of
his
judgment
will
secure
him
from
errour
.
But
,
I
beseech
you
,
who
is
the
Author
of
the
French
Verities
,
that
did
me
the
favour
to
send
me
his
books
?
The
same
day
I
receiv'd
them
,
they
were
taken
from
me
by
a
friend
;
so
that
having
not
yet
read
them
,
I
cannot
tell
you
my
opinion
of
their
worth
.
In
the
mean
time
,
be
pleased
to
let
him
know
,
that
I
am
obliged
to
him
for
his
present
,
and
give
him
all
the
thanks
I
am
able
.
I
am
more
troubled
for
the
health
of
our
dear
Monsieur
,
the
Abbot
of
Bois-Robert
,
then
for
my
pension
.
If
by
your
credit
and
his
,
it
happen
to
be
paid
,
this
little
succour
will
come
conveniently
,
to
repair
some
breaches
of
the
last
year
:
But
I
ought
to
thank
none
but
you
and
him
for
it
,
since
you
will
procure
me
a
thing
,
which
was
not
so
much
in
my
thoughts
as
to
ask
it
.
I
was
formerly
yours
by
abundance
of
titles
,
but
I
shall
moreover
be
now
so
,
by
that
of
your
most
humble
Pensioner
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
12
May
,
1641.
LET.
XIV
.
SIR
,
SInce
I
every
day
receive
new
testimonies
of
your
affection
,
I
am
obliged
to
expresse
my
acknowledgments
as
often
.
Did
I
not
readily
embrace
them
,
I
should
be
an
enemy
of
mine
own
happinesse
.
Your
tender
inclinations
are
the
fountains
,
from
whence
I
continually
draw
comfort
to
my
miseries
.
But
the
condition
of
Monsieur
de
Feuguiere
,
renders
him
incapable
of
receiving
any
.
I
did
not
write
you
such
words
,
as
that
I
consented
with
the
people
,
in
that
which
concerns
his
reputation
;
for
I
could
never
favour
the
injustice
that
has
been
done
him
,
by
some
persons
mis-informed
;
yet
I
am
glad
,
that
I
have
given
occasion
for
an
apology
of
a
dozen
lines
.
You
defend
his
life
more
vigorously
,
then
I
related
you
his
death
;
and
having
most
judiciously
alledged
the
examples
of
many
illustrious
unfortunate
persons
,
't
is
infinite
pleasure
to
see
,
how
roughly
you
deal
with
the
Beast
of
many
heads
,
and
interest
almost
all
persons
of
honesty
on
your
side
,
against
her
.
Every
drop
of
blood
that
remains
in
the
veins
of
the
old
Jesuit
,
is
clear
and
sprightly
,
and
even
his
declining
is
full
of
lustre
and
glory
.
But
is
it
not
strange
,
that
the
name
you
know
of
,
should
be
as
essentiall
in
Verses
,
as
those
of
the
Saints
in
the
Testaments
,
and
that
it
must
be
thrust
into
all
compositions
,
whether
good
or
bad
,
and
to
the
purpose
or
otherwise
?
I
am
confident
,
he
will
be
the
first
,
that
will
deride
these
extravagances
;
and
as
he
deserves
infinite
commendations
,
so
he
desires
,
that
the
praises
bestow'd
on
him
be
not
ridiculous
and
impertinent
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
LETTER
XV.
SIR
,
I
Have
read
your
Letter
of
the
two
and
twentieth
of
the
last
month
,
not
onely
with
joy
but
profit
,
and
have
already
provided
those
prospectives
of
your
invention
,
which
I
intend
to
use
upon
opportunity
of
time
and
place
.
It
is
indeed
sometimes
good
,
to
be
a
creature
lesse
reasonable
;
and
too
curious
providence
gives
us
trouble
,
by
adding
the
evills
of
our
imagination
,
to
those
which
really
afflict
us
.
But
,
under
your
pardon
,
Sir
,
I
do
not
believe
you
one
of
those
,
that
use
to
be
sick
by
anticipation
;
and
to
what
end
were
your
philosophicall
reason
,
which
corrects
common
apprehension
,
unlesse
it
enabled
you
to
contemn
all
that
,
which
others
fear
,
hope
,
admire
,
&c.
I
have
at
last
received
the
excellent
Book
of
Monsieur
de
la
Chambre
,
and
am
now
about
the
middle
of
it
;
I
could
wish
it
were
as
great
a
volume
,
as
Calepin
,
to
give
me
a
more
durable
contentment
.
I
protest
to
you
,
I
never
read
any
thing
with
greater
pleasure
,
or
that
affected
me
more
sensibly
.
Some
others
have
heretofore
furnish'd
us
with
pieces
of
brokage
,
and
disguised
translations
;
but
he
presents
us
with
a
true
and
perfect
Originall
.
And
if
all
the
parts
of
Philosophy
were
made
French
in
this
manner
,
non
esset
cur
Graeciae
suos
Platones
,
Xenophontes
,
&
Theophrastos
invideremus
.
I
know
not
how
I
came
to
omit
Aristotle
here
;
whose
acutenesse
I
also
observe
in
it
,
and
his
methodicall
style
,
so
necessary
to
the
inquiry
and
clearing
of
truth
.
In
my
opinion
,
the
Latin
of
Celsus
is
not
more
gracefull
,
then
his
French
;
Imò
verò
tersam
&
elegantem
dictionem
,
ipsae
gratiae
videntur
mihi
iis
manibus
formâsse
quibus
,
ut
vos
vos
Poetae
vultis
.
Dominae
veneri
ministrant
.
As
for
my self
,
I
would
willingly
say
something
to
our
Heroesse
,
upon
the
subject
of
the
Bruti
,
Scaevolae
,
Camilli
,
Fabritii
,
Scipiones
,
Catones
,
Caesares
,
&
Mecaenates
;
but
this
requires
more
cheerfulnesse
,
then
I
am
owner
of
.
And
unlesse
you
entreat
your
God
of
spirit
and
light
,
to
dispell
those
clouds
and
sadnesses
that
oppresse
my
soul
,
all
that
's
there
will
languish
with
more
night
and
darknesse
,
then
is
imaginable
in
caves
and
dungeons
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
15
June
,
1641.
LETTER
XVI
.
SIR
,
IT
seemes
,
the
great
discourse
has
been
displayed
at
Rambouillet
Hostel
,
and
you
had
courage
enough
to
read
it
,
as
well
as
Monsieur
de
Voiture
patience
to
attend
it
.
This
is
indeed
too
much
already
,
and
I
dare
not
believe
the
rest
,
nor
imagine
,
that
I
merited
those
acclamations
you
speak
of
.
Those
Ladies
are
for
the
sublimity
of
eloquence
,
and
cannot
relish
the
meannesse
of
mine
;
Demosthenes
is
a
more
agreeable
Author
to
them
,
then
I
,
and
they
have
rather
applauded
the
Text
then
the
Preacher
.
I
have
considered
what
you
write
me
of
the
ironical
Doctor
,
and
I
shall
one
of
these
daies
know
,
An
fit
deploratae
salutis
,
aut
ad
meliorem
frugem
redire
possit
.
In
the
mean
time
,
I
will
communicate
to
you
,
what
I
lately
read
of
Florent
Chrestien
,
who
was
almost
of
our
mans
humour
;
Adeò
ut
adoloscentiae
annos
nondum
egressus
,
Ronsardum
ipsum
jam
tum
insigni
laude
florentem
,
mordaci
&
amarulento
Poemate
lacesseret
;
quam
aetatis
intemperantiam
summus
ille
vir
,
quâ
erat
animi
magnitudine
,
non
modo
contempsit
,
verum
etiam
doctissimi
adolescentis
ingenium
exosculatus
,
in
amicitiam
illum
avidissimè
recepit
.
The
difference
between
them
is
,
that
this
has
pass'd
his
fiftieth
year
,
and
his
obloquie
is
a
disease
,
and
not
youth
;
neverthelesse
,
it
is
possible
he
may
be
converted
,
and
perhaps
will
translate
some
of
our
pieces
,
or
make
us
honourable
amends
in
some
other
fashion
;
we
shall
see
the
event
.
I
heard
a
report
,
that
the
Lord
Paul
Fiesque
is
at
Court
,
and
that
he
undertakes
the
affair
of
the
Peace
;
If
so
,
I
shall
hope
good
successe
,
for
he
is
an
Angel
in
negotiations
,
and
not
a
man
;
and
I
believe
,
all
the
world
cannot
afford
another
person
so
pliable
,
dextrous
,
and
intelligent
,
as
he
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
14
June
,
1641.
LETTER
XVII
.
SIR
,
I
Am
of
late
become
deaf
to
the
bruit
of
applause
,
and
insensible
of
all
the
allurements
of
glory
.
Yet
I
have
very
quick
resentments
of
friendship
,
and
it
is
that
which
makes
somethings
pretious
to
me
,
which
otherwise
in
themselves
I
should
look
upon
as
indifferent
.
Therefore
the
praises
of
strangers
do
no
longer
please
me
as
formerly
.
I
call
them
of
strangers
,
with
distinction
from
yours
,
whereof
I
am
never
glutted
,
tam
gratum
est
à
te
laudari
.
All
the
relish
that
I
finde
in
the
elogies
of
others
,
proceeds
from
the
seasoning
that
you
give
them
.
'T
is
not
Monsieur
de
Thou
that
describes
Florent
Chrestien
so
graphically
,
but
one
of
his
friends
.
Scevola
nempe
Sammarthanus
in
aureolo
Elogiorum
libello
,
digno
,
me
judice
,
omnium
Bemborum
&
sadoletorum
invidiâ
.
But
are
you
serious
,
when
you
speak
of
Ronsard
,
and
give
him
the
title
of
Grand
?
or
is
it
onely
out
of
modesty
,
and
to
oppose
his
greatnesse
to
your
tenuity
?
As
for
me
,
I
esteem
him
not
great
,
except
in
the
sense
of
the
old
proverb
,
Magnus
liber
,
magnum
malum
;
and
I
have
declared
as
much
in
one
of
my
latin
Letters
,
which
you
suffered
to
passe
,
without
making
any
opposition
.
Since
the
thing
is
done
,
there
is
no
place
left
for
denial
;
and
Monsieur
de
Malberbe
,
Monsieur
de
Grasse
,
and
your self
,
must
come
into
the
number
of
small
Poets
,
if
he
be
allow'd
to
passe
for
great
.
I
dare
not
presume
to
give
so
much
trouble
to
Monsieur
the
Abbot
of
Bois
Robert
,
who
could
not
bear
it
,
without
notable
prejudice
to
his
health
.
Oblige
me
therefore
to
tell
him
,
when
you
see
him
,
that
provided
he
recover
,
and
God
preserve
me
so
dear
a
friend
,
I
will
no
more
lament
my
particular
unhappinesses
,
or
those
of
the
times
.
If
he
should
hereupon
offer
to
make
me
a
complement
of
two
lines
,
I
conjure
you
to
restrain
him
from
it
by
violence
,
and
do
not
suffer
,
that
I
become
the
occasion
of
a
second
malady
,
which
would
add
nothing
to
the
assurance
I
have
already
of
his
affection
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
1
July
,
1641.
LETTER
XVIII
.
SIR
,
SO
long
as
you
preach
in
this
manner
,
I
shall
take
great
pleasure
to
be
of
your
parish
;
and
you
need
not
fear
I
will
ever
complain
,
that
Monsieur
Curat
is
too
tedious
.
All
that
you
say
is
extreamly
handsome
,
and
the
little
Astyanax
smiles
,
not
onely
on
his
father
Hector
,
when
he
is
going
to
die
by
the
hand
of
Achilles
,
but
also
upon
Vlysses
his
executioner
,
as
he
casts
him
headlong
from
the
Tower
.
Nor
does
the
Swine
make
good
chear
onely
in
the
tempest
,
whilst
men
are
at
their
prayers
and
vowes
;
but
at
the
same
time
the
knife
is
put
to
his
throat
,
he
knowes
not
whether
he
be
tickled
or
hurt
.
O
free
and
naturall
Philosophy
!
much
lesse
artificiall
and
dissembled
,
then
that
of
the
Philosopher
Polemon
!
We
professe
one
sort
,
as
you
say
excellently
,
that
was
discover'd
for
the
ruine
of
all
others
.
Let
us
follow
its
maxims
,
and
the
doctrine
of
the
Gospell
,
and
we
shall
have
compassion
of
all
Sects
and
Sectaries
.
I
read
with
joy
that
article
of
your
Letter
,
wherein
you
speak
of
Monsieur
the
Abbot
de
la
Victoire
,
and
am
infinitely
pleased
with
the
renovation
of
that
society
.
Nobile
certè
par
,
sed
utinam
per
Balzacium
impar
.
Besides
the
affection
I
bear
him
,
there
is
scarce
a
Prelate
in
all
our
Hierarchy
,
of
whom
I
set
a
higher
value
.
His
ordinary
communication
is
,
in
my
opinion
,
beyond
the
meditated
speeches
of
most
of
our
Gentlemen
.
Live
happy
,
and
pitty
the
condition
of
your
friend
,
who
am
destitute
of
the
enjoyment
of
either
of
you
here
,
and
cry
uncessantly
to
the
Trees
and
Rocks
,
as
heretofore
,
Frustrà
revocabere
votis
.
I
am
with
all
manner
of
respect
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
.
12
July
,
1641.
LET.
XIX
.
SIR
,
I
Have
told
you
a
thousand
times
,
and
tell
you
this
once
more
,
that
you
alwaies
discover
reason
in
whatever
place
it
is
hidden
.
I
know
not
what
opinion
Cicero
had
of
glory
,
in
the
books
that
he
made
;
but
I
am
confident
,
Praise
is
worth
neither
more
nor
lesse
,
then
as
you
rate
it
;
you
have
set
it
at
a
just
price
,
and
not
onely
the
rigour
of
Philosophy
,
but
even
Christian
humility
,
might
dain
to
taste
it
of
your
preparation
.
I
think
,
he
on
whom
people
cast
their
eyes
,
for
instructor
to
the
Prince
,
is
the
same
whom
they
desire
to
employ
,
in
the
negotiation
of
the
Peace
.
These
thoughts
do
him
no
injury
,
and
the
destination
,
that
judges
him
worthy
of
so
high
and
important
affairs
,
ought
not
to
displease
him
,
though
he
have
no
designe
to
undertake
them
.
My
judgment
herein
shall
alwaies
conform
to
his
.
And
be
it
,
that
he
go
to
Collen
,
or
lodge
in
the
Palace-Royall
,
or
keep
himself
in
his
Closet
,
I
will
believe
,
he
could
not
possibly
do
better
then
he
will
chose
to
do
.
Monsieur
de
la
Mothe
ie
Vayer
,
has
taught
me
many
things
,
whereof
I
was
ignorant
,
and
confirm'd
me
in
some
that
I
knew
before
.
There
cannot
be
a
work
more
rich
and
absolute
then
his
,
and
he
has
infinitely
obliged
me
with
his
present
.
I
beseech
you
to
assure
him
,
of
my
acknowledgments
for
this
favour
,
and
preserve
me
in
his
good
opinion
.
You
see
,
Sir
,
it
is
by
you
,
that
I
entertain
commerce
with
honest
men
;
and
I
am
priz'd
by
them
,
onely
according
to
the
esteem
you
make
of
me
.
But
there
can
nothing
be
added
to
my
gratitude
,
for
your
goodnesse
,
and
I
am
more
perfectly
then
any
person
in
the
world
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
25
July
,
1641.
LETTER
XX.
SIR
,
YOu
may
write
to
me
in
haste
,
as
long
as
you
please
,
and
bestow
what
appellation
you
will
upon
the
things
,
you
do
me
the
honour
to
send
me
.
Divina
responsa
,
propositiones
aeternae
veritatis
;
and
if
there
were
any
terms
more
noble
,
I
should
employ
them
upon
this
occasion
.
It
is
certain
,
that
a
genius
and
judgment
,
are
the
two
essentiall
parts
of
a
Poet
;
and
I
rest
satisfied
,
with
all
that
you
have
told
me
thereupon
.
But
having
submitted
my self
intirely
to
your
authority
,
you
would
have
me
a
little
content
my
reason
.
Permit
me
therefore
to
read
Ronsard
again
over
,
for
upon
the
last
reading
,
I
thought
him
rather
the
matter
and
beginning
of
a
Poet
,
then
one
accomplish'd
;
and
in
the
fire
wherewith
his
imagination
was
heated
,
there
was
much
lesse
of
flame
,
then
smoak
and
foot
.
You
know
the
fancy
of
the
late
Monsieur
de
Malherbe
,
that
blotted
out
a
whole
Volume
with
his
own
hand
,
and
did
not
pardon
one
syllable
;
I
do
not
approve
his
rigour
so
universall
.
But
if
all
the
Sonnets
,
all
the
Franciade
,
and
all
the
Odes
were
lost
,
I
think
,
I
should
not
need
much
comfort
against
my
sorrow
.
I
have
written
in
Latine
to
Monsieur
Silhon
,
what
I
conceived
both
of
the
one
and
the
other
;
I
mean
,
of
the
Martyr
and
the
Tyrant
,
Ronsard
and
Malherbe
.
Be
pleased
for
my
sake
,
to
read
that
part
over
again
,
and
send
me
your
opinion
of
it
,
to
the
end
I
may
know
if
mine
be
right
,
and
I
may
hold
me
to
it
.
I
am
ravish'd
with
the
second
article
of
your
Letter
,
and
cannot
sufficiently
commend
the
judgment
,
prudence
,
and
magnanimity
,
which
you
manifest
in
the
Treaty
,
whereof
I
made
the
overture
.
I
hope
the
successe
will
be
happy
,
and
that
you
will
have
no
cause
,
either
to
reproach
my
credulity
,
or
repent
the
confidence
you
have
put
in
me
.
God
forbid
,
I
should
have
a
designe
to
deceive
you
;
I
have
all
the
morall
assurances
that
can
be
had
,
of
the
faith
of
another
.
And
if
I
were
not
certain
,
that
I
bestow
a
try'd
friend
upon
you
,
I
should
not
be
so
forward
,
to
be
the
instrument
of
the
new
friendship
,
which
I
propose
you
;
if
any
evill
ever
come
of
it
,
Dii
in
me
convertant
.
I
am
passionately
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
August
,
1641.
LET.
XXI
.
SIR
,
I
Am
not
very
healthfull
,
and
yet
you
must
know
,
that
amidst
my
grief
,
I
have
been
guilty
of
an
infidelity
,
(
agnosce
verba
tua
amicissime
&
elegantissime
Capellane
)
for
I
have
burnt
with
another
fire
then
yours
;
you
will
discover
it
in
the
Letter
I
writ
to
Monsieur
Menage
,
which
is
full
of
passion
.
Be
pleased
to
tell
him
,
that
I
have
answer'd
him
in
the
vulgar
language
,
for
the
same
reason
that
Statius
,
being
to
speak
of
Lucan
,
durst
not
venture
to
do
it
in
heroick
Verse
:
Ego
,
saith
he
,
non
potui
majorem
tanti
authoris
habere
reverentiam
,
quàm
quod
laudes
ejus
dicturus
Hexametros
meos
timui
.
I
fear'd
as
much
for
my
Latine
,
and
did
not
think
it
worthy
to
be
oppos'd
,
to
that
of
his
excellent
Letter
;
although
in
the
Apostill
,
I
forgot
my self
more
then
once
,
and
deliver'd
both
Prose
and
Verse
in
that
Mistresse
of
Tongues
;
but
according
to
my
custome
,
more
out
of
caprichio
,
then
designe
.
Since
he
is
as
earnestly
desirous
,
to
see
his
name
in
my
Letters
,
as
Cicero
was
to
see
his
,
in
the
Histories
of
Luceius
,
and
borrowes
his
words
,
Ardeo
cupiditate
incredibili
nomen
meum
&c.
to
signifie
his
intention
;
I
beseech
you
to
tell
him
,
that
I
love
him
so
well
,
that
though
I
abhor
every
thing
that
is
called
a
Letter
,
I
will
for
his
sake
print
a
Volume
;
Et
quidem
brevi
,
ut
primo
quo
que
tempore
compos
fiat
voti
non
ambitiosissimi
.
You
have
no
cause
to
wonder
,
that
I
am
a
sworn
confederate
,
of
the
excellent
persons
you
speak
of
.
Were
it
your
pleasure
,
I
would
side
with
my
enemies
,
if
I
have
any
yet
remaining
.
And
how
can
it
be
,
that
I
should
not
esteem
goddesses
upon
your
recommendation
,
who
am
ready
at
your
instance
,
to
compose
Hymns
upon
the
Harpuies
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
22
Aug.
1641.
LETTER
XXII
.
SIR
,
YOu
ever
make
the
two
hardest
parts
of
the
argument
,
and
leave
me
onely
the
pains
to
draw
out
the
consequence
.
Let
this
glorious
liberty
flourish
,
and
let
us
dethrone
all
Tyranny
in
the
affairs
of
Philosophy
.
You
speak
admirably
,
that
our
reason
ought
to
yield
obedience
to
nothing
but
reason
,
and
that
Authority
is
a
yoak
,
which
Religion
onely
has
right
to
impose
upon
the
judgments
of
men
.
Upon
these
considerations
,
I
shall
take
the
freedome
,
to
dissent
sometimes
from
the
Paradoxes
of
Zeno
,
to
debate
the
opinions
of
Aristotle
,
and
to
question
the
maxims
of
Aristippus
,
especially
when
he
speaks
Latin
,
to
a
man
that
understands
it
not
.
For
the
Letter
of
Monsieur
—
which
I
send
you
,
I
had
much
ado
to
arive
at
the
end
of
it
,
it
seemed
longer
to
me
then
the
Ecclesiastes
,
the
Proverbs
,
and
the
book
of
Wisdom
;
yea
,
then
that
stupendious
volume
,
wherein
he
treated
of
the
Universe
,
and
the
properties
of
all
Plants
.
Is
it
possible
,
that
a
man
should
write
Letters
of
supererogation
,
to
another
man
that
he
knowes
not
?
and
that
the
same
man
should
have
an
imagination
,
strong
enough
to
perswade
himself
,
that
he
knowes
that
man
,
and
that
he
received
Letters
from
him
,
and
the
History
of
the
Cardinal
Bentivoglio
,
and
communicated
his
own
with
him
.
Without
question
,
this
is
one
of
my
Antipodes
,
and
of
a
contrary
nature
to
the
negligent
person
,
that
never
writes
Letters
when
civility
requires
it
,
or
his
affairs
urge
it
,
or
even
necessity
seems
to
enforce
it
;
I
had
almost
slipt
a
great
word
,
nor
when
Monsieur
Chapelain
appoints
it
,
which
is
more
powerfull
with
me
,
then
necessity
it self
.
But
you
say
nothing
of
Monsieur
l'Huilier
,
who
is
an
antient
Roman
disguis'd
,
and
makes
Elogies
,
of
neer
resemblance
with
those
of
Ovid
;
I
would
gladly
see
them
at
the
end
of
the
life
of
his
friend
,
Monsieur
du
Peiresk
,
with
all
the
pomp
and
gallantry
of
the
Impression
.
I
had
delivered
your
three
Italian
Books
to
Monsieur
Girard
,
if
he
had
taken
my
house
in
his
passage
,
according
to
his
promise
:
But
I
hear
,
he
was
necessitated
by
his
occasions
,
to
go
another
way
.
He
will
not
be
backward
,
to
enjoy
the
honour
of
your
company
,
and
verifie
all
that
I
have
said
or
written
of
him
,
at
several
times
.
I
have
added
five
or
six
Verses
to
the
last
Latin
Letter
,
which
I
writ
to
Monsieur
Maynard
,
wherein
you
will
perceive
,
that
I
spend
all
my
gall
against
the
old
Court
of
Rome
,
to
the
end
I
may
take
away
all
ambiguity
and
equivocation
.
Scis
enim
iis
temporibus
Poëtae
objectum
esse
,
quod
Agamemnoni
maledixisset
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
25.
Aug.
1641.
LET.
XXIII
.
SIR
,
THe
pains
which
I
endure
,
make
my
complaints
perpetuall
;
there
is
nothing
of
the
Comedian
in
the
relation
I
make
you
of
them
;
and
there
passes
not
a
day
,
but
I
have
cause
to
exclaim
against
Physick
,
which
affords
me
no
redresse
.
You
may
judge
from
hence
,
if
those
that
send
me
kind
Letters
,
have
reason
to
require
answers
from
me
in
the
same
strain
;
and
if
the
complement
which
I
sent
you
,
for
the
great
—
is
not
more
then
he
ought
to
expect
,
considering
his
quality
,
and
my
distempers
.
But
if
he
be
distasted
at
it
,
the
repose
and
silence
I
shall
enjoy
,
will
comfort
me
,
for
the
losse
of
a
talkative
and
ambitious
friendship
.
Neverthelesse
,
I
will
not
yet
condemn
him
;
and
its
possible
,
he
may
become
one
of
your
converts
,
for
there
is
scarce
any
that
approaches
you
,
but
is
made
an
honester
man
by
it
.
I
am
obliged
to
Monsieur
the
Counsellour
of
Tholouze
,
for
his
Latin
traduction
.
You
may
be
assured
by
that
,
of
the
richnesse
of
your
Verse
,
since
he
returns
you
nothing
but
gold
for
them
,
and
four
words
for
one
.
I
never
heard
before
of
that
learned
Dutch
Lady
,
and
I
confesse
,
I
am
surprised
with
her
Epigram
:
There
is
in
it
both
sense
and
Latin
,
and
the
Roman
Sulpitia
could
not
have
made
a
better
,
upon
the
equivocall
translation
of
Astrea
.
As
for
her
Hebrew
,
I
humbly
kisse
her
hands
.
But
is
it
also
true
,
that
Madam
—
undertakes
to
play
the
Rabbin
,
and
that
she
studies
the
Talmud
,
instead
of
saying
her
Oraisons
?
Truly
this
is
excellent
,
and
she
will
triumph
over
the
Italian
and
Spanish
of
other
Ladies
.
The
History
of
Monsieur
Grotius
will
be
handsome
unquestionably
,
and
his
Politicks
cannot
be
bad
.
I
have
seen
a
book
of
his
composing
,
de
Antiquitate
Reip.
Batavicae
,
after
which
I
held
him
capable
of
all
things
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
30
Aug.
1641.
LETTER
XXIV
.
SIR
,
YOu
receive
this
from
the
Monsieur
Girard
,
whom
I
so
often
promised
you
,
and
who
came
on
purpose
to
Balzac
to
have
his
pasport
,
being
not
willing
,
as
he
said
,
to
present
himself
before
you
,
without
one
of
my
Letters
.
I
will
not
here
repeat
his
,
because
I
do
not
distrust
your
memory
;
nor
tell
you
any
thing
new
of
him
,
having
left
him
in
perfect
health
,
the
last
time
I
saw
him
.
I
will
onely
tell
you
,
that
he
seemes
to
me
deserving
of
your
friendship
,
and
that
in
this
transaction
,
I
give
you
not
much
lesse
then
I
demand
of
you
.
Good
men
are
so
rare
,
that
sometimes
it
is
difficult
to
find
half
a
one
in
a
whole
Nation
.
I
see
a
great
deal
of
complacency
and
politenesse
on
every
side
,
but
I
can
scarce
discover
any
strength
or
solidity
.
Notwithstanding
,
this
person
is
no
rough
Diamond
,
he
has
been
cut
with
so
much
art
,
and
by
the
hands
of
so
great
a
Master
,
who
looks
upon
him
,
as
one
of
his
principall
pieces
of
workmanship
,
that
you
cannot
but
acknowledge
,
the
fashion
well
worthy
of
the
matter
.
If
you
had
not
believ'd
me
upon
my
word
,
I
could
have
produc'd
you
severall
great
witnesses
,
and
alledged
St.
Augustine
,
Aristotle
,
and
the
Count
Balthazar
;
that
is
,
in
the
vulgar
tongue
,
Monsieur
de
Lysieux
,
Monsieur
Silhon
,
and
Monsieur
de
Voiture
.
After
all
this
,
your
approbation
is
necessary
,
without
which
,
the
deposition
of
a
Father
of
the
Church
,
the
soveraign
reason
of
the
Lycoeum
,
and
the
extream
delicacy
of
the
Court
,
are
not
sufficient
confirmations
of
an
honest
man
.
His
dear
brother
is
my
daily
comforter
,
and
I
cannot
expresse
to
you
the
advantage
that
I
receive
,
from
his
ingenious
amity
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
6
Septemb.
1641.
LET.
XXV
.
SIR
,
MAy
I
believe
,
that
my
melancholly
is
propheticall
,
and
that
my
Grace
speaks
Greek
;
that
my
praises
made
the
iron
face
of
the
Epicure
Colotes
blush
,
and
that
my
Letters
received
the
applauses
of
a
company
,
that
assembles
twice
a
day
,
to
hisse
at
all
the
rest
of
France
?
Since
you
have
solemnly
affirm'd
it
,
there
is
no
room
for
incredulity
;
and
I
dare
not
suspect
the
least
part
of
untruth
,
where
your
credit
is
concern'd
.
But
these
fine
things
please
me
no
further
,
then
you
approve
them
.
It
is
certain
,
they
had
their
birth
in
pain
and
sorrow
,
amongst
complaints
and
sad
faces
.
In
that
miserable
condition
,
from
which
I
am
but
seldom
free
,
I
do
not
fail
of
comfort
,
as
often
as
I
contemplate
your
Idea
,
and
think
of
your
affection
,
and
that
of
Monsieur
de
Voiture
.
Be
pleased
to
assure
him
,
Sir
,
of
the
vehemency
and
constancy
of
my
passion
,
and
that
I
esteem
him
in
all
Languages
that
he
speaks
,
and
that
my
note-books
are
full
of
the
excellent
things
,
which
he
has
told
me
.
I
must
acknowledge
,
that
the
thanks
you
intend
to
render
in
person
,
to
Monsieur
Menage
,
is
a
favour
suitable
to
your
goodnesse
,
which
is
so
industrious
,
in
seeking
new
waies
and
manners
to
oblige
me
.
I
shall
make
good
my
engagement
,
you
need
not
scruple
it
.
But
I
must
crave
your
assistance
,
to
render
the
volume
more
uniform
,
and
the
return
of
some
of
my
Letters
in
your
hands
,
which
may
be
communicated
to
the
publick
,
without
profaning
our
mysteries
.
As
I
apprehend
,
you
ought
to
content
the
passion
of
Monsieur
the
Ambassadour
,
who
desires
your
Pucelle
,
too
violently
to
be
refused
;
she
will
not
be
in
danger
of
her
honour
,
with
so
vertuous
a
person
;
and
what
means
have
you
to
resist
that
,
furtim
,
clàm
,
precariò
,
dummodo
potiar
.
I
am
eternally
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
16
Septemb.
1641.
LETTER
XXVI
.
SIR
,
I
Am
much
obliged
to
you
for
those
things
,
for
which
,
according
to
your
custome
,
you
make
excuses
.
After
an
entertainment
,
that
might
befit
Anthony
and
Cleopatra
,
you
are
ashamed
of
your
good
cheer
.
As
for
me
,
it
gave
infinite
contentment
;
and
could
I
do
it
honestly
,
and
without
incivility
,
I
would
conjure
you
,
to
persecute
and
annoy
me
alwaies
in
that
manner
.
The
royalty
of
reason
could
not
be
more
stoutly
maintained
,
against
the
usurpation
of
authority
.
And
notwithstanding
your
endeavour
,
to
hide
and
represse
the
power
and
vigour
of
your
eloquence
,
yet
there
breaks
from
you
such
rayes
and
evidences
of
it
,
as
did
of
courage
and
manhood
from
Achilles
,
when
disguis'd
in
the
habit
of
a
virgin
.
Thus
we
repay
the
censures
,
which
the
vulgar
passe
upon
us
;
and
neither
the
respect
of
number
,
nor
the
continued
series
of
Ages
,
nor
the
good
fortune
of
Sects
and
Schooles
,
are
able
to
misguide
us
in
our
sentence
.
That
which
you
say
of
the
soveraignty
of
Reason
,
and
the
seat
of
her
Empire
,
of
her
dresses
and
attendants
,
and
the
Grotto
whither
she
retires
,
&c.
What
is
all
this
,
Sir
,
but
to
proclaim
a
truth
magnificently
,
and
to
attire
your
Queen
with
purple
and
cloth
of
gold
.
But
to
passe
from
the
Throne
of
this
Queen
,
to
her
Chariot
of
Triumph
;
that
is
,
from
your
Prose
to
your
Verse
,
wherein
your
Virgin
transcends
the
splendour
and
glory
,
of
all
conquerours
of
the
other
sex
,
and
is
no
lesse
beholding
to
your
Pen
,
than
her
own
Sword
.
In
requitall
of
your
French
,
I
have
sent
you
some
Latin
numbers
,
which
your
Letter
told
me
you
desired
;
but
instead
of
six
Verses
,
which
I
formerly
mentioned
,
you
may
perceive
them
multiplyed
to
thirty
.
Perhaps
they
will
please
such
as
know
the
Court
of
Rome
,
as
you
do
,
and
have
seen
the
ambitious
poverty
of
its
Courtiers
,
where
there
is
choice
of
Cavaliers
of
five
or
six
sorts
for
attendants
,
at
the
rate
of
a
Julio
a
piece
by
the
day
;
with
which
miserable
pittance
,
they
quiet
their
eager
appetites
.
But
,
as
I
conjecture
,
that
which
will
least
displease
you
,
is
my
Bacchus
Laborans
,
who
does
no
longer
remember
that
he
was
once
a
conquerour
,
and
the
three
goddesses
that
accompany
him
.
One
,
half-learn'd
,
and
that
never
heard
but
of
Priapus
,
or
at
most
of
Vertumnus
,
will
haply
wonder
to
see
Venus
in
the
place
,
that
he
thinks
belongs
to
them
;
but
not
you
,
Sir
,
who
have
shown
me
,
Hortos
olim
tutelae
Veneris
assignatos
,
Plauto
&
Plinio
testibus
:
&
meministi
etiam
illud
Naevii
.
Coquus
edit
Neptunum
&
Venerem
&
Cererem
.
Pisces
nempe
,
olera
,
&
panem
.
I
forbear
to
speak
any
thing
of
Neptune
,
because
we
are
more
then
twenty
leagues
distant
from
the
Sea
.
The
tongue
of
du
Moustier
has
already
discharg'd
all
its
venome
against
me
,
and
he
has
nothing
now
to
do
,
but
to
enjoy
the
fruits
of
his
old
malice
.
But
you
remember
,
Sir
,
the
place
that
designes
him
;
for
me-thinks
I
speak
innocently
,
that
the
pourtrait
of
Phylarque
was
drawn
,
by
the
Painter
of
Heroes
and
Heroesses
,
since
he
styles
himself
amongst
other
titles
,
the
Painter
of
the
King
and
Queen
.
If
these
words
are
injurious
,
I
have
no
understanding
in
quarrells
or
injuries
.
And
I
would
ask
of
Socrates
himself
,
what
is
calmesse
and
moderation
,
if
this
be
not
wholly
such
.
He
that
term'd
him
heretofore
an
Artificer
,
and
his
Closet
a
Shop
,
us'd
him
more
rudely
.
But
as
he
made
himself
pleasant
in
appearance
,
with
his
resentments
of
that
reproach
,
so
shall
I
do
really
with
his
despair
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Octob.
1641.
LETTER
XXVII
.
SIR
,
YOu
see
,
I
do
not
promise
true
Diamonds
,
with
designe
of
putting
fals
upon
you
;
and
that
I
need
not
fear
the
threats
of
that
sentence
,
so
often
thundred
out
by
Petrus
Valens
,
in
the
Chair
of
Boncour
;
Qualem
commendes
etiam
atque
etiam
aspice
,
ne
mox
Incutiant
aliena
tibi
peccata
pudorem
.
Neverthelesse
,
Sir
,
I
must
assure
you
,
that
the
glory
of
my
judgment
is
not
so
dear
to
me
,
as
that
of
my
friend
;
and
that
I
affect
Monsieur
Girard
more
then
you
believe
,
upon
his
own
peculiar
merit
,
rather
then
the
recommendation
of
others
.
He
is
a
person
of
extraordinary
value
,
and
you
will
understand
him
further
,
in
the
progresse
of
your
commerce
.
But
I
am
glad
of
the
happy
meeting
of
Monsieur
l'Huilier
,
in
that
first
conference
,
whose
name
rejoyces
me
,
in
what
place
soever
of
your
Letters
I
meet
it
.
As
for
the
fat
person
,
I
will
believe
,
that
he
spoke
to
you
in
earnest
,
and
without
fiction
;
and
therefore
you
may
please
to
tell
him
,
that
he
shal
be
more
then
once
in
the
Volume
,
that
I
am
purposely
composing
for
Monsieur
Menage
;
He
shall
likewise
have
a
room
in
my
Latin
,
and
in
my
Discourses
:
And
if
he
loves
me
onely
for
putting
him
in
print
,
I
think
this
will
be
enough
to
satisfie
his
vanity
,
and
by
consequence
to
redouble
his
affection
.
I
could
wish
also
,
that
you
would
do
me
the
favour
to
certifie
Messieurs
de
Maire
,
with
the
help
of
some
kinde
of
Trunk
,
(
for
I
dare
not
request
this
trouble
so
frequently
)
that
I
honour
and
esteem
them
infinitely
.
They
are
persons
that
have
given
me
high
testimonies
of
their
friendship
,
and
from
whom
I
have
received
a
thousand
civilities
.
And
you
know
,
that
the
Muses
,
are
the
daughters
of
Jupiter
,
&c.
and
that
,
A
brave
and
generous
vertue
makes
them
hate
,
Above
all
other
faults
,
to
be
ingrate
.
He
,
of
the
two
brothers
that
is
styled
the
Cavalier
,
is
a
Poet
,
and
understands
Latin
,
in
the
subtlety
and
delicacy
of
it
.
I
remember
the
ingenious
observations
he
made
,
upon
many
passages
in
the
Poets
,
which
I
had
never
consider'd
.
I
importune
you
,
Sir
,
to
love
,
not
a
little
,
as
mild
natures
do
,
but
violently
,
and
with
all
your
power
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
20
Octob.
1641.
LET.
XXVIII
.
SIR
,
BY
the
last
Post
,
I
received
the
discourse
and
the
Verses
,
you
were
pleased
to
send
me
;
I
have
a
great
obligation
to
you
for
them
,
but
yet
a
greater
,
for
four
lines
I
read
in
your
Letter
,
then
for
all
besides
in
the
Packet
.
You
were
scrupulous
,
of
letting
it
come
into
my
hands
,
and
there
was
a
great
combat
hereupon
,
between
your
inclination
,
and
your
engagement
.
These
words
,
Sir
,
are
infinitely
obliging
,
although
they
should
not
be
true
;
but
being
most
certainly
so
,
they
affect
me
very
sensibly
,
and
I
declare
unto
you
,
that
I
am
sufficiently
comforted
for
all
my
afflictions
,
by
the
preference
that
you
give
me
above
all
the
world
,
in
the
honour
of
your
friendship
.
That
which
the
famous
Drinker
told
you
,
hath
freed
me
from
my
jealousie
and
unquiet
;
for
as
affection
is
ingenious
to
presage
ill
,
and
ever
concludes
to
the
worst
,
I
did
already
apprehend
something
more
fatall
,
then
a
rheume
.
I
was
in
fear
,
that
our
friend
was
gone
a
longer
voyage
then
he
promised
;
or
,
if
you
please
,
that
I
speak
lesse
vulgarly
,
I
misdoubted
,
that
Menander
,
the
maker
of
Epigrams
,
was
gone
to
finde
Menander
the
writer
of
Comedies
;
I
mean
onely
of
his
death
,
for
God
forbid
that
I
should
assigne
him
the
same
place
of
residence
in
the
other
life
.
The
ninteenth
of
this
month
is
past
,
and
four
daie
would
have
brought
him
from
his
own
house
to
Balzac
This
is
a
cause
of
new
trouble
,
unlesse
he
come
speedily
,
or
make
me
understand
the
reason
of
his
delay
.
The
inclemency
of
the
season
is
an
excuse
too
allowable
to
detain
him
.
And
though
I
passionately
desire
to
see
him
,
yet
I
know
not
,
if
I
ought
to
wish
a
person
so
dear
to
me
,
expos'd
unto
all
the
injuries
of
an
intemperate
aire
,
and
that
at
the
age
of
neer
sixty
yeers
:
he
should
sleight
the
menaces
of
the
god
Perewig'd
with
Icycles
,
&
Winter
with
his
ratling
beard
,
which
another
Poet
calls
,
The
god
of
old
age
.
My
Stationer
lately
sent
me
a
Treatise
of
Monsieur
de
Priesac
,
wherein
I
have
observed
a
great
number
of
rarities
.
Whatever
he
delivers
of
his
own
invention
,
is
alwaies
good
;
and
he
appropriates
so
handsomely
,
that
which
he
borrowes
from
antiquity
,
that
it
is
hard
to
distinguish
the
forrain
from
the
native
.
His
style
is
otherwise
noble
,
and
he
has
nothing
of
the
barbarity
of
our
Provinces
.
But
besides
all
this
,
it
must
be
confess'd
,
that
he
improves
his
art
to
admiration
,
and
that
as
often
as
he
has
occasion
to
use
the
Civill
Law
,
he
does
it
in
such
manner
,
that
the
most
dry
and
thorny
pieces
,
become
flourishing
and
glorious
in
his
hands
,
and
that
even
they
read
him
with
delight
;
qui
voluptatis
tantum
causâ
legunt
,
and
have
gust
for
nothing
but
Romances
.
As
soon
as
you
meet
him
,
I
beseech
you
assure
him
of
my
humble
service
;
and
moreover
,
if
you
please
,
that
my
esteem
and
my
affection
are
two
separate
things
;
and
't
is
not
for
love
of
him
,
that
I
commend
the
Book
of
his
that
was
sent
me
.
I
should
be
glad
to
see
the
oratoriall
Prose
,
of
Monsieur
de
St.
Blancet
;
he
has
both
wit
and
confidence
,
and
si
peccat
,
imitatione
tantum
peccat
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
29
Novemb.
1641.
LETTER
XXIX
.
SIR
,
YOu
never
make
any
excursions
,
but
you
perform
the
most
graceful
&
exact
courses
in
the
world
;
or
,
to
speak
better
in
your
own
figure
,
you
never
preach
,
without
the
extream
edification
of
your
auditors
.
Non
apta
tantum
ad
persuadendum
dicis
,
verum
omnino
persuades
,
neque
usquam
à
te
nisi
melior
&
doctior
,
&c.
If
Totila
were
here
,
I
would
proceed
further
,
and
after
my
fashion
,
examine
your
reason
,
and
all
the
anti-reasons
that
counterfeit
and
act
it
.
But
with
fortune
for
you
and
your
reason
,
I
employ
my
own
bad
hand
,
which
is
soon
weary
of
my
service
.
You
are
,
Sir
,
to
me
,
not
onely
in
the
place
of
Augustus
and
Mecaenas
,
but
also
of
Agrippa
,
Asinius
Pollio
,
Messala
Corvinus
,
and
all
the
rest
of
that
gallant
and
learned
Court
.
Therefore
if
you
approve
my
compositions
,
that
approbation
alone
does
Crown
me
;
and
I
shall
say
to
you
,
as
to
one
of
those
great
ones
,
Quod
fi
me
Latiis
vatibus
inseres
,
Sublimi
feriam
sydera
vertice
.
Quam
verò
,
ut
de
Latiis
taceam
,
inepti
sunt
populares
nostri
?
And
how
groundlesse
are
the
suspicions
of
—
when
he
is
jealous
of
your
enterprises
,
and
imagines
himself
worthy
of
your
envy
.
I
have
no
remembrance
of
the
Letter
,
out
of
which
he
takes
occasion
of
such
regret
.
But
this
is
an
affair
of
great
importance
,
both
in
respect
of
himself
,
and
his
Antagonist
.
There
are
more
opinionated
fools
,
in
the
little
houses
,
besides
these
discoverers
of
plots
and
designes
.
Neverthelesse
,
since
we
are
obliged
to
give
every
one
as
much
satisfaction
,
as
we
are
able
;
if
,
I
say
,
the
people
talk
so
,
or
the
report
runs
,
instead
of
speaking
affirmatively
,
you
may
believe
it
a
sufficient
qualifying
,
to
satisfie
the
suspitious
.
For
,
as
you
know
,
the
greatest
part
of
reports
are
not
free
from
falshood
,
and
many
things
are
told
me
every
day
,
that
are
not
true
.
I
am
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
24
Novemb.
1641.
LETTER
XXX
.
SIR
,
MY
friendship
is
ever
inconsiderable
,
and
although
it
were
not
troublesome
,
yet
it
is
so
barren
and
unprofitable
,
that
it
cannot
be
esteemed
of
any
value
,
but
by
one
that
is
wholly
dis-interessed
from
it
.
But
as
for
yours
,
how
infinitely
precious
is
it
!
I
dare
not
engage
my self
into
a
matter
,
so
vast
and
spatious
;
and
it
suffices
me
to
tell
you
;
as
I
am
wont
,
that
it
is
the
onely
joy
of
my
life
,
and
all
the
delight
of
my
soul
.
So
that
although
I
move
not
out
of
my
own
jurisdiction
,
and
am
forc'd
to
deliberate
concerning
the
journey
of
a
league
,
I
shall
become
man
enough
,
to
creep
as
far
as
Paris
,
for
the
onely
desire
I
have
to
see
you
;
where
I
will
appear
on
a
suddain
in
your
chamber
;
and
break
out
of
the
cloud
with
these
words
,
Coram
quem
diligis
adsum
,
with
a
designe
too
of
continuing
some
time
with
you
;
but
absolutely
incognito
,
and
without
discovering
my self
to
any
other
whatsoever
.
Then
it
shall
be
,
that
we
will
survey
all
the
graces
and
beauties
of
the
Virgin
,
to
our
wish
;
and
I
wil
give
him
cause
that
shal
write
your
life
,
to
inform
posterity
,
that
a
poor
Paralytick
went
from
the
River
of
Charenta
,
on
purpose
to
hear
the
melody
of
the
Swan
of
Seine
.
Is
it
not
true
,
Sir
,
that
the
History
of
the
Man
of
Calis
,
is
not
very
excellent
?
And
do
not
you
believe
,
that
I
have
more
esteem
and
passion
for
you
,
then
he
had
for
Livy
.
He
that
I
term'd
the
vertuous
man
,
appear'd
such
to
me
,
the
day
that
I
gave
him
that
title
;
but
another
time
,
I
shall
possibly
call
him
by
another
name
,
because
he
may
appear
in
another
shape
,
or
I
look
upon
him
with
other
eyes
.
So
it
is
,
that
I
will
not
warrant
my
courtesies
,
or
undertake
to
make
good
any
thing
,
except
what
I
say
of
you
.
Non
enim
hic
prolixus
laudator
,
sed
juratus
testis
Balzacius
est
.
The
divers
employments
that
Monsieur
Girard
has
for
his
Master
,
are
without
doubt
nothing
,
but
the
jealous
and
treacherous
persons
,
of
whom
you
complain
,
and
who
have
detain'd
him
from
giving
you
a
second
visit
.
His
brother
,
to
whom
,
with
your
consent
,
I
shew
all
your
Letters
,
has
not
fail'd
to
represent
him
your
discontentments
,
and
the
diffidence
which
you
have
taken
as
unjustly
against
your selfe
,
as
you
expresse
it
agreeably
and
with
applause
.
The
rigour
of
the
weather
hinders
me
from
saying
more
to
you
at
this
time
;
for
this
winter
kills
me
,
and
I
am
ready
to
choose
my
habitation
in
the
fire
.
I
call
it
not
onely
rough
and
troublesome
,
but
cruell
,
unmercifull
,
Scythian
,
Swedish
,
and
Norwegian
:
If
it
continues
thus
,
I
shall
be
constrained
to
take
my
leave
of
you
,
till
the
mid
spring
of
the
next
year
.
I
am
passionately
,
SIR
,
Your
,
&c.
Balzac
,
28
Decemb.
1641.
The
End
of
the
Sixth
Book
.