The secretary of ladies. Or, A new collection of letters and answers, composed by moderne ladies and gentlewomen, collected by Mounsieur Du Bosque. Translated out of French by I.H. Nouveau recueil de lettres des dames de ce temps avec leurs responses. English Du Boscq, Monsieur. 1638 Approx. 217 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 143 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A20892 STC 7267 ESTC S109959 99845589 99845589 10498 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A20892) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 10498) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1094:14) The secretary of ladies. Or, A new collection of letters and answers, composed by moderne ladies and gentlewomen, collected by Mounsieur Du Bosque. Translated out of French by I.H. Nouveau recueil de lettres des dames de ce temps avec leurs responses. English Du Boscq, Monsieur. Hainhofer, Jerome. Glover, George, b. ca. 1618, engraver. [14], 272, [2] p. Printed by Tho. Cotes, for William Hope, and are to be sold at the signe of the Vnicorne in Cornehill neere the Royall Exchange, London : 1638. Attributed to a Du Boscq. A translation of: Nouveau recueil de lettres des dames de ce temps avec leurs responses. Translator's dedication signed: Ierome Hainhofer, patritius Augustanus. With an additional title page, engraved, signed: G. Glo: [i.e. George Glover] fecit. With a final imprimatur leaf. 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Women -- Early works to 1800. 2006-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE SECRETARY OF LADIES . OR , A new collection of Letters and Answers , composed by Moderne Ladies and Gentlewomen , Collected by Mounsieur Du BOSQVE . Translated out of French by I. H. LONDON , Printed by Tho. Cotes , for William Hope , and are to be sold at the signe of the Vnicorne in Cornehill neere the Royall Exchange . 1638. TO MY LADY the Countesse of DORSET , Governesse to the DVKE of YORKE . Madam , YOur pardon , if it bee presumption , my selfe but newly admitted , to preferre others to your service . 'T is a sinne I could not be drawne to commit , but to avoyd a greater . So I conceive each Casuist rankes the breach of vowes : which would bee my obliquity , should I offer at any other Altar these first fruites of my poore endeavours . The French Collector ( so hee s●iles himselfe ) presents these Letters to the world with a French familiar confidence : Ra●ing them sufficiently accomplisht to merit entertainement . His courage cannot cure my feare , knowing they must passe the censure ( at least if you daigne them a view ) of one ( then hee conceits his worke ) far more accomplisht : and not being ignorant , that this English habit , made by a stranger to the tongue , more to the Courtly dresse , may much blemish their native beauty : My comfort is without wracke of reputation , they may want some of their originall ornaments ; but could I hope your approbation to trifles hardly worth your eye , I durst bee bold , this would procure them more grace , than they have lost by their Translator . But , Madam , t is too much , I dare not begge it ; my most ambitious prayer shall bee , regarding my unworthy sacrifice , you would vouchsafe not to disdaigne i● . Reserve your acceptation for more deserving straines ; your prayse for those that more directly tend to ki●dle flame of piety : Your not r●j●cting those will proove a sufficient pasport , and helpe them travel the Brittish world without affront , or enemy : where I am confident there does not breath such a schismaticke to civility , that , in so triviall a point , will not wave his opinion , to one that governes his hopes . In which beleefe I devote these papers to the fate you please decree them . My onely intent in exposing them was , to give some testimony of a thankfull heart : If I have mist the way , it cannot bee denied I had a will to finde it ; and mist nothing but fit meanes to informe the world that I am , Madam , Your most humble , and devoted servant , Ierome Hainhofer , Patritius Augustanus . The Authors Dedication TO MADAM DE PISIEVX . Madam , I Should peradventure have made some difficulty to offer you any booke but this , fearing to demand an unjust protection , or to make you a present unworthy of your selfe : But th●se Ladies which I tender you are so accomplisht . I could not cherish the least feare to produce them , without sinning against their merit , and the judgement you know to make in things of valew . Neverthelesse how perfect soever they be , they acknowledge a necessity of your approbation to appeare in the world : And , that if this good fayle them , all their faire dresses , and ornaments can gaine them a reputation but imperfect . Behold them then in posture to doe the homage they owe you , and to learne from your mouth what credit they may hope from others . Behold the wonders of our age , which come to reverence the rare qualities that France admires in you : And to consult the oracle which must declare their good , or bad fortune . Confident they are to disp lease none , if they be but so happy to please you , and that by the generall esteeme you are in , your judgement shall bee the rule to all others . Receive them Madam , as creatures whom the report of your name and vertue hath acquired , And that will not shew themselves abroad with your passe : Refuse not your favour to these faire unknowne , which enter not into the world , but to vindicate the honour of dames , and to make it appeare that Letters are not the peculiar heritage of one sexe ; and that men are out , when they va●t themselves sole Monarchs in the Empire of the sciences . For my selfe , Madam , who doe but lend a hand to their enterprise , I confesse I am ravisht to see them fall into your armes , and that besides the lustre of their owne beauty , they shall borrow that of yours , to render them pleasing as your selfe , to all that have eyes , and reason . I cannot cease to commend their choyse , seeing it must be imagined , Noble as you are , you will be taken with their courage : and while they travaile in a designe so glorious , I assure my selfe you will second their endeavours , And that your countenance , approbation , and spirit , shall bring them more than halfe their victory , and triumph , Thus hopes Madam , Your most humble , and most obedient servant , Du Bosque . An advertisement to the Reader , by a friend of the Collector . BE not astonisht to see this Collection come out in print , hee that hath tane the paines , to make it had reason to thinke that after you had read the letters of so many ingenious men , you would take it well to see these offers of women . There is no colour to say it will becomes their sexe : for i● it be not amisse that they are able to m●ke a complement , you must not thinke it strange that they can write one . T is the principall subject of these Letters , which are not confused nor shufled together , as many others which the vulgar esteeme good . They are not treatises , nor orations ; they are no deepe discourses wherein there is nothing smels of a Letter , but Sir your servant . But it is not needfull● to witnesse these good , that I make others appe●re ill . I will onely say that if the●e bee any who cannot yet consent that Gentlewomen should write , I assure my selfe this book will convert them ▪ where they shall 〈◊〉 so many things of worth , they shall 〈◊〉 ●ompeld to renounce their ignoranc● 〈◊〉 ●nvy , for by one of these names I 〈◊〉 call the cause of their error , which I would farther oppose if these Ladies had need of my Apology , but they defend themselves better by neglect , than those 〈◊〉 deserve . And I will content my selfe to say , that if this age hath seene many that write with approbation of all the world upon the most important matters Religion , and morality , wee need not make it such a marvell that they can endite good letters , seeing they can make good bookes . But it is time to finish this advertisement ; and I vow I am to blame to detaine the reader from the booke it selfe , where he shall receive much more satisfaction , than I am able to promise . THE SECRETARY of LADIES . The first Letter . She prayes her to returne to Pari● , and bring her in dislike with the Country . MAdam , provided you have a just opinion of your owne merit , you cannot faile in that you o●ght to have of our griefe : Remember your selfe onely of the pleasure your presence brings us , to comprehend what your absence takes from us ; and you will easily averre that the losse of so great a good is no lesse worthy of our teares , than the possession of our joy . Those that have the knowledge of your rare qualities , cannot be ignorant of our cōplaints : they may judge the effects by their cause . Consider next , if there bee any among us , that doe not make vowes for your returne , since it must restore alacrity to all your acquaintance . And to tell you of our feare as well as our desire , would it not be a wonderfull change , if you should accustome your selfe to live among Barbarians , and being capable of the best company , confine to perpetuall solitude , Remember , t is two months since we have lost you ; and if this terme seeme long to us at Paris , it cannot be short to you in the Country . But this is not enough : weigh in your minde that these two moneths you have not seene this faire City , whereof the sole remembrance is sufficient to render other places undelightfull . I thinke you doe not so much love the deserts , that though our happinesse consist in your returne , wee should have no ground to hope it : After all this if you have lost the desire to come backe to Paris , it is because you have lost your memory , for not to affect a returne , you must wholly forget that you have beene there . Finally , never was promise better kept , than that wee made you , not to take collations in our walkes : Your faire Dutchesse is so exact in the point , shee would make a conscience in the hottest season to drinke fountaine water ; shee hath no minde to quench her thirst , being afraid to bee refresht : Albeit shee might lesse incommodate herselfe without breaking promise , shee dares not so much as thinke of it without scruple . To bee entirely fai●hfull to you , she will admit neither interpretation , nor dispensation . Hasten then your returne , and if you have yet any feeling of pitty , shew it to so many that doe petition you . Write so much as you please , your letters may asswage our evill , but never cure it ; our sadnesse is measured by your absence . Neverthelesse , we can assure you , that if it diminish our delight , it doth not our affection : especially that which I have to be Madam , Your most humble , &c. The first Answer . She Answers , that besides the losse of their conversation , she is vext with that of the Country : and that she will never make vow of solitude while she can hope the honour of their company . MAdam , I must begin my Letter where you end yours , to assure you that I have too great an opinion of your good will to thinke it can diminish in my absence . I beleeve that my returne will not augment your friendship , but your joy : And that it will render you more contented , not more affectionate : do not imagine I speake this out of the good opinion I have of my selfe , but for that I conceive of your constancy ; if I should judge your desire by my merit , I should have little cause to lament you : And if you had no other apprehension of mee , than I have of my selfe , you should bee without regret , as I am without vanity , I must then , that I may beleeve you , surveigh my selfe by another measure : and ought to thinke that if indeed you have any greife , t is because I want the blessing of your company and not you mine ; your charity doubtlesse gives you this feeling , and did I take it otherwise , I should declare no lesse presumption , than you doe courtesie ; say what you please I am farre more worthy , than you , but it is of compassion ▪ and wish in that we are separated the cause of our sorrow were but equall . The advantage lies on your side in being at Paris , where the greatest discontent may finde diversion , and the sickest soule expect some remedy : I on the contrary , am in a wilde Country , where all familiarity is a punishment . I am deprived of yours , and tired with theirs who are impertinent , and importune . I have a double cause of paine , the privation of a great good , and the sufferance of a great ill . You cannot be so unhappy at Paris , where I left you in company good enough to make you forget mine : meane while , that I meete with none here , which make me not sigh for yours . Be it so then , that when you thinke on mee it bee not without griefe , this cannot equall what I suffer for so many excellent Dames , I alone loose many , and all you but one alone . I ought to reckon the causes of my sorrow so many as you are most accomplished Ladies : or rather so many as are the lovely qualities which each of you possesseth . Now if we measure the greatnesse of displeasure by that of the object , judge how much I suffer , by what I have lost , And you will grant that I have reason to seeke my consolation where you are . Is there then any appearance to feare that I should enure my selfe to the Country , or to thinke that I can forget you . Never imagine I meane to make a vow of solitude , while I dare hope the honour of your company . I entertaine my selfe but too much with this good fortune , whereof having at present lost the possession , I thinke it would bee advantagious to have also lost the memory . Neverthelesse , oblivion is a remedy too injurious : I have too much courage to consent to buy my content at the price of ingratitude ; I had rather be unfortunate than faulty , I beseech you beleeve it , and continue your prayers for my returne . It must needs bee , that either you are not in the state of grace , or that your petitions are unjust , seeing they obtaine so small successe . I could wish that fasting , and abstinence from your walkes might remedy this ; And that you should bee depriv'd of every pleasure , that I might the sooner obtaine that of your company , which I desive to possesse with as much passion , as I have to bee all my life , Madam , Your most devoted , &c. The II. Letter . She entertaines her with a certaine stupide fellow , who is no otherwise happy , but in being ignorant . MAdam , I must needs entertaine you with this fellow of whom you write unto me . I wish he might be content , I thinke he has no reason so to be : hee is not happy but because hee is ignorant , nor hath hee a quiet soule , but because it is insensible . It is no great marvell that hee is without disturbance , seeing hee is without knowledge . T is not to be counted a miracle , if those that are blinde doe not ●eare lightning ; If they trembl● not like others , they are not therein the more happy : On the contrary I suppose they would have a good sight , yea on condition to have it sometimes dazled . You will tell mee I have read the booke you esteeme so much , and that my Letter bewraies it : well , think what you please , I beleeve there is no more danger to borrow a good thing from a booke we like , than to gather fruite from a tree of our owne : We do not reade them meerely for pleasure , but partly for use . But to returne to our man ; I protest I desire not such a good fortune ; I love better the restlessenesse of your Spirit , than the tranquillity of his , I speake of those noble cares which knowledge bringeth forth ; and of that moderate feare which serves but to awake the soule , and not to trouble it . The happinesse of these people whereof you write unto mee , is like to that of men asleepe , their spirit is quiet , because it is not capable of disturbance . I must make you laugh as I conclude this Letter at a comparison , which perhaps you will judge a little too high for mee . It seemes that men may bee set safe from the blowes of misfortune , as from those of thunder , by being very high , or very low ; but in both these , albeit , the safety be equal , the glory is not . I had rather scape a tempest being on the mount Olympus , then in a cave . And to talke like your booke ( the onely one that can make mee guilty of theft . ) I would rather choose to be above , then below affliction , and be thereof uncapeable by reason , rather then stupidity . I conclude this then , beseeching you to speake no more of that matter , & not to pleade against your owne Interest , in quitting that of great Spirits . You have thereof too great a share to renounce . And if I defend them , I doe but praise a good which you possesse , and I desire . I wish as many good termes to expresse my thoughts upon this subject , as I have desires to serve you , and to witnesse on all occasions how much I am , Madam , Your most affectionate , &c. The second answer . She endeavours to proove that those that have the least spirit , have also the least molestation . MAdam , write what you list for great spirits , it seemes to mee they have more glory , then happinesse . And that it is difficult to have great splendor and little care . It is true they are much esteemed which outshine others : Notwithstanding I thinke that with all this advantage , they may be compared to the bush in holy Scripture , which had much brightnesse , but yet was full of thornes . There are indeed many sharpe points under these glorious rayes : There are many cares which knowledge encreases , rather then cures . Let us speake freely , and not suffer our selves bee charmed by this same faire appearance . As those that have a feaver would willingly be lesse sensible that they might bee lesse tormented , so I beleeve the miserable would wish their knowledge diminished , for to diminish their affliction . In this we may speake of spirits , as of the senses , the most delicate do soonest feele . Phisicke likewise , and Philosophy doe in the same manner heale the unfortunate and the diseased . The one stupifies the sense , without which there is no sorrow : the other endeavours to withdraw the attention , without which there is no sadnesse , whence you may learne that the most ignorant are the least unfortunate . I deny not but there are some which lift them selves above misery , and doe surmount it ; but I thinke these are very rare : I see few that do resemble you . And to tell you who they are , which put themselves to most paine , I beleeve they are neither the great nor the little , but onely the indifferent . Mee thinkes disquiet formes it selfe in the soule , as clouds doe in the Aire : The Sunne sometimes drawes up vapours , which afterwards it can hardly disperse ; and these middling Spirits precipitate themselves into those cares , from which they can never get free , whiles great spirits overcome discontent , and the lesser know it not , the middle sort are intangled therein . So Christianity , reprobates the Luke-warme , from hope of Salvation , and morality rejects them in point of civill felicity . These then are they which have cause to complaine . And whose understanding seemes to mee unlucky , since it onely serves to leade them into many Labyrinthes , but not to conduct thē out . Have I not then reason to thinke that those which have lesse spirit , have lesse paine ? If there bee so few which vanquish affliction , is it not sufficient that I follow the path most beaten , and content my selfe by ignorance to be below evil , not being able by Iudgement to lift my selfe above it . Since the felicity of the lowest wits is true , I care not tho it be lesse glorious then that of great sages . If it be not as noble , sure I am t is no lesse pure , no lesse reall . I speak in this my wishes , not my being , for albeit I am without wit , I am not without perturbation . I suffer the misfortune of those who have but little knowledg , and am deprived of their advantage , you know it well enough , and I doubt not but if you endure my dispo●ition , t is for my affections sake , and the desire which I have to be , Madam , Your perfect servant . The third Letter . Shee complaines that men doe sometimes fall in love with those that deserve it least , and that the deformed are very often more happy then the faire . MAdam there 's no neede goe into Africke , to arrive at a Country of Monsters , our own produces but too many to seeke elsewhere objects of wonder . In fine this young man hath marryed the old woman , T is a choyce worthy of shame for himselfe , of envy for many , of admiration for all , we are young , and it is to us a strange thing to see that in our dayes , she hath found a fortune so prodigious , in the decline of hers , And that any should fall in love with her , Albeit shee wants the three goods , which are thereof the ordinary cause , for she is neither faire , nor rich , nor young . I do not doubt but she hath experience , sure I am she hath age enough to get it : but I cannot cease to admire that any man could fancy her with all her knowledge . If she deserved to be sought unto , it was like some Sibil , I meane to be consulted , not beloved , I thinke she is more fit to teach , then to please , and more worthy to have Schollers then Suiters , what will they say of Lidian ? will it not seeme that he had more charity then love , & that he tooke her not , but out of meere pitty to succour old-age . If strangers finde them together , they will take her for his mother , not his wife . I doe not yet tell you all , I protest I cannot . Nature gave her nothing amiable , which old age could take from her . Time cannot ravish away those goods shee never possest . All it could doe , is onely to make her more aged , not more ill favoured . She is rather an old deformity then , woman . It might well deprive her of strength , but not of beauty . It hath toucht nothing but her haire , and by this she is a gainer , since of red it is become white , I speake nothing but truth , although I write in choller . But I ought so to proceede , and there is no appearance of reason to approve , that the deformed should be sued to , and the faire slighted . Must they which want all merit , enjoy so much good fortune , and our Belinde be forsaken ? I know well the custome is ancient , and that this disorder hath been begunne before our age . It is no newes that fortune should be sparing of her favors where nature hath been prodigall of hers , but this imports not much nor doth it lessen my despight . The examples I have read in story affect mee not so much as that of Belinde . Albeit , we know that death is inevitable , we omit not to lament our friends departed . And tho we be certaine of this truth , that it is a fate ordinary to persons most deserving , It ceases not to be irke some to us . This is the cause of my distemper : and I thinke there is none that hath a thought contrary to mine , if he know the merit as well as the misfortune of faire Belinde . You know the affection which I beare her , and I wish some meanes to testifie unto you , That which I have to remaine , Madam , Your most obedient , &c. The third Answer . Shee shewes that this Marriage will be more happy then is thought . And sends her a paralell to the newes she had received . MAdam I finde the choise of Lydian as worthy of praise , as you depaint it full of blame . You ought not to be so spightfull to him , nor envious to her he loves . To desire Belinde should be happy . It is not needfull Bumante be not so . You may wish good to the one without harme to the other . By your discourse it should seeme Fortune hath not wherwith to please both , and that she can give nothing to the old which shee takes not from the young . You will change your opinion , If you consider what is necessary for Lydian . Hee hath neede of a governesse as well as of a wife : and seeing they are both obliged to enjoy their goods in common , their marriage shall have of all sorts . He hath for her , riches , and beauty , she hath for him wisedome , and age . He looketh upon that in her , which least perisheth in al others , I meane the qualities of the soule , rather then those of the face . It often happens that time effacing the faire feature , effaces from our soules affection bred by beauty . T is there that he is exempted from inconstancy , and shall never be subject to repent . But in what humour did you write this Letter : you say that Numante is imperfect without touching the good she injoyes . Hath shee not Prudence , and Vertue ? And without these two qualities , what will all the rest availe us ? I should like an Angell better under a visage something deformed , then a devill with all the beauty of the world . Her conversation is pleasing , and profitable , hee will become an honest man in her company ; and if others cease to be Mistresses after their marriage , this shall then beginne , see the advantage he shall get , and then judge if you have reason to finde fault with the Wife , or blame the Husband . But I must returne you like for like in matter of newes : and make you see by these , that wee also are in a Countrey of Monsters . We have a Woman in our County , whom all the world esteemes lovely : And which neverthelesse is farre gone in affection to a certaine man , without any cause imaginable , more then Lydian can pretend for Numante . Hardly hath he a face like others , and I thinke were he found among a company of Apes he would be taken for a brother : consider well all his p●rts , it is impossible to finde any which merit patience , so much does he want those which may procure Love ; meane time he is happie , albeit he deserve it not ; but it is time to finish this , w ch is enough to shew you , how many have cause to complaine of fortune , and I especially , since she hath alwayes beene so contrary to me , that till this present I could never finde any good occasion to serve you , or to expresse how much I am Madam Your most affectionate , &c. The fourth Letter . Being derided by some for saying to a greater personage then her selfe I Love you : she labours to prove that this forme of speech is good . MAdam , I am not afraid to write unto you againe that I love you ; and those that accuse me of ignorance , because I use this word , can never cleere themselves , they know no more the lawes of Phylosophy , than those of civility , the word Love expresses respect , better than that of feare . And I know not why men take it ill , since God himselfe is contented with it , when he sayes that we should adore him , he sayes also that wee should Love him . I say more he contents not himselfe to permit , but he commands it . T is strange to see how farre the vanity of man extends : which is not satisfied with the same termes that God would have us employ , to expresse the respect we owe him . Are we equall unto him , if wee say wee Love him ? or have men reason to demand more of one another than God himselfe demands of them ? but leave wee these divine arguments , there are enough humane , feare may well be without Love , but Love never without feare ; slaves may feare and yet not Love , but children cannot Love , and not feare : T is shallow to say that the word Love imports equality ; children are not so great as their Parents , albeit they Love them . The least may Love the greatest , for men may Love God. I thinke also that this manner of speech doth not displease you : since you like to be beloved , you should not loath to heart it ; finally doe not beleeve that I honour you the lesse for saying I Love you . This fashion of expression , shewes the excesse of my affection , not of my boldnesse . I love you then , and am more than any person of the world , Madam , Your honourer , The fourth Answer . Shee prooves that wee may not say to greater persons we Love them , but we Honour them . MAdam , I saw your Letter in the hands of Celinde , who hath commanded mee to answer it : otherwise I had hardly beene able to resolve upon it . I doe love my opinions so well that I would maintaine them with dispute . I abandon them freely to every assailant , and finde more relish in peace , than glory . If I could overcome you I should like better it should be by my respects , than my reasons , this victory should be more agreeable to my duty , and my humour . If I thought to displease you , I would desire your Cousin to dispense me the labour : and should assuredly beleeve my obedience blameable . I would not endanger the losse of your friendship to defend a word or a sillable . I am not so blinde to violate the lawes of civility to maintaine those of Grammar . I could likewise tell you that you should not put your selfe in choler against one that hath no intent to disquiet you : and which had never blamed this forme of speech , if she had thought you would have undertaken to defend it , but since in your letter you have toucht so neere the quicke , as to make my opinion passe forridiculous , suffer me in a few words to make it appeare reasonable . It seemes to me then that speaking to those above us ; it s better to say wee honour them , than to say onely we love them . I thinke it would make the Court laugh heartily , if one should say to the Queene in a Complement , Madam I love you . It may be this would passe in another Country , or in another age : but seeing we ought to accommodate our language to those that live with us , there is no reason to reigle our civility by that of Pharamond or of China . I am not much taken with Proverbes , excepting those of Solomon , but yet I must tell you I like that which counsels to live , as few doe , but to speake with the most , wee ought not to doe as others , but to speake like them : our actions we must conforme to reason , but our words to custome . T is a vanity to play the Philosopher upon every name , to see if it doe well expresse the nature of the thing , we ought in this rather to follow use than argument , but I am content to employ both the one and the other to cleere our difficulty ; as for use t is plaine enough on my side , and now let us see if reason be contrary . Is it not true that wee ought to entertaine great persons with discourse witnessing our submission . And I leave you to thinke if this word imploying reverence , be not fitter for this than that of love , or friendship , since when a Nobleman sayes I love you : A vassall cannot reply as much without treating him like an equall , what difference should there then be betweene the Complements of the high and the low , and wherein should the Language of Authority be distinguished from that of obedience ? that which they say for fathers , may be said for all others on whom we depend . Love doth never ascend which shewes not onely that Children doe not returne as much love as they receive from their Parents ; but also that they ought not to say they love them , but when Parents promise affection , Children must offer obedience ; this Complement must not remount to the spring , not that we are not obliged to love them , but our love in this place must expresse it selfe by the mouth of feare . And whereas you say that God commands we love him , and a word which pleases him should not displease men : I will answere onely , that in the same place he commands also that wee adore him , and that he requires feare as well as love ; or I may cite one Law for another . If God will that we love him , he wils also that we honour our Parents . It seemes to me there is great difference betweene the honour we owe to him , and that we render unto men ; he requires our consciences , and demands rather the motions of the heart , then the words of the mouth : he hath no neede of any man , but wee have neede one of another , he craves the service of the heart , and men want that of the hand ▪ he desires not our actions , except , because they proceede from love ; and men oft times seeke not affection , but onely for the profitable effects which it produceth , say what you list wee draw more service from slaves , which feare without love , then from those which love without feare Love doth often aspire to equality , but feare doth alwayes containe within respect . Men therefore are to seeke that which is most assured , whilest God loves nothing in us , but that which is most noble . This is the reason that speaking to those of higher degree then our selves , t is better to say we honour them , then , we love them ; this Complement doth more please , and the terme of respect doth better expresse our dependance than that of love or friendship . I could pursue this matter , and bring many other reasons to maintaine my cause , but it sufficeth me to shew that it is not so ridiculous as you describe it . I neede not so many proofes , t is enough that I have custome on my side , since our language , and civility , doe absolutely depend thereupon , but to finish this Letter , I must make you a complement according to reason , and not according to your humour , and while you say to others that you love them , I assure you that I honour you . Never change your fashion of speech : I am well content that you love mee onely , and shall therefore respect you in the quality . Madam Of your most humble , &c. The fifth Letter . Shee professeth how timorous shee is to displease her , adjoyning that if shee write seldome she feares to be deemed unthankefull ; if often , importune . MAdam , the desire I have to please you , is so tyed to the feare of all successe , that I perceive my selfe alwaies obliged to beg your pardon , be it that you heare much newes or very little from me . If I write rarely to you , I feare to be ingratefull , if frequently , troublesome . Neverthelesse , if I must needes be guilty , I should hope a more easie remission of the first then second crime . I beleeve you will sooner excuse a want of power then of will. It is true that the desire depends upon our liberty , but the effect commonly upon Fortune , you know it well enough ; and therfore the consideration of your goodnesse ministers me more assurance , then my owne defects doubt . I freely confesse my inability , to write good Letters ; but I thinke t is more acceptable to have an affection to doe you service , then eloquence to offer it . And what imports it in this occasion , to violate the Lawes of Rhetorique , provided wee observe those of friendship . I had rather passe faithfull , then able . It troubles me little tho your opinion be bad of my judgment , so it be good of my affection , and the desire I have to be , Madam , Your , &c. The fifth Answer . She replies , that she doth ill to distrust acceptance whether she write , or not . MAdam , it must needes be , that you have an ill opinion of my humour , seeing you are so much afraide not to bee able to satisfy it . Albeit it shold be crosse to all others , I would endeavour to render it conformable to yours . In this my inclination strayes not from my duty ; and pardon mee if I tell you , you know mee not , since you feare me . If you were well acquainted with the opinion I have of your merit , you could not faile in that you ought to have of my observance . I can assure you that all the thoughts of my soule are so submisse to those of yours , that t is impossible but you should content me . If you write often , I take it for an effect of your courtesie . If rarely , I attribute your silence to your employments and affaires . Moreover , you cannot be unthankefull to a person that never obliged you , nor troublesome to her which adores all that you approve , you have too much courage to want wil , and too much power , not to produce the effects may witnesse it , but why doe you handle me in this sort by your Letter ? you thanke me for a good turne which I make you but desire , and you have not yet received . And you write to mee with so much civility , that you make me in case not to be able to returne just thanks for yours , and then you say further , that you want not onely occasions to gratifie mee , but words to shew the desire you have to do it . Thinke what you list , certainely I see none that can expresse themselves with a better grace : and if you be not satisfied with your own discourses , and writings , beleeve it , your opinion is singular . For my self , I finde them so agreeable that besides the content I have to understand by your Letters that you love mee , I finde my selfe all joy , reading the sweet language you employ to assure me thereof . I want an equall pen to praise yours , and therefore content my selfe to averre the excellence , without endevouring to describe it : I apprehend the goodnesse of it , but cannot expresse it . Iudge then if your feare bee reasonable ; since mine is onely this , not to receive newes from you so frequently , as I wish , and not to give you evidence enough how much I am Madam , Your most &c. The sixt Letter . She acknowledgeth that it is sufficient to suffer her Letters , without doing her the honour to desire them . MAdam , I received no lesse astonishment then joy , when I learn●d by yours , that you desire mine . I thought your sufferance honor enough , could not aspire to be requested . You tell mee that to make you happy I need doe no more but write . If it be so , I shall so overlade you with number , that you shall soone have cause to complaine your felicity , insupportable . It shall not be long ere you forbid mee that you now command . If there be as you say no more to doe to dispell sicknesse , you neede henceforth never distrust the losse of health , but take heede the remedy be not more troublesome then the disease . I know well enough what I ought thinke of it : if I should beleeve it , I should be no lesse simple , then you covetous . I acknowledge no lesse kindnes in your letters then in your entertainement , but however , it shall not trouble mee to write unto you , since you command it , provided that you promise me an answer , I shall be glad to send bad Letters to gaine good ; but if in mine you cannot finde vivacity enough to content you , I hope at least that you shall observe a great affection to serve you , and to be all my life Madam , Your , &c. The sixt Answer . She assures her that shee cannot heare from her too oft . MAdam , I know not why you say the care I have to heare from you , does no l●sse astonish , then content you . This desire in no wise deserves your admiration , seeing t is long since that I have made you understand it : nor your joy , since it can procure you nought but trouble , you should not marvell , if I demand some witnesse of your remembrance : It cannot be , but you have forgotten the request I made you , when I was at Paris , and I acknowledge that you have yet neede be sollicited , to doe a favour that you have promised . Not able to enjoy your entertainement , you must not wonder , if I demand your Letters ; And if seeing my selfe depri●ed of so great a good , I have recourse to the only remedy of my losse T is a favour so great , that the possession , in stead of quenching , encreases the desire . Finally let it not trouble you to restifie your friendship , and seeke no more proofes for one that is wholl perswaded . However I could say in your behalfe , that you should not be simple to beleeve it , nor I over covetous to affirme it ; for t is a truth , which is enough to free you from error , me from flattery . I delight to speake of what you wish , and I owe you ; I have neither praise enough for your merit , nor thankes enough for your courtesie , nor can I ever satisfie the one , or the other , but by the extreame desire I have to be Madam , Your , &c. The seventh Letter . She saith that the society of the Countrey is insupportable , and that shee lesse feares their contempt , then their importunity . MAdam , I can no more , I am at point to lose my reputation , or my health , whether I suffer these troublesome clownes , or tell them the distaste their ignorance merits . It seemes my Castle is like the Pallace of Apollidon , where a world was still seene enter , and goe out by troupes , my resolution is set , I had rather it were a Desert , then a Court. I wish that they who have no qualities requisite for society , had at least an inclination to solitude , but their humor imports me nothing , I had rather satisfie my owne , then the civilities of the Countrey ; to what end should I give them contentment at my owne cost , and live alwaies in constraint to acquire the reputation of being courteous ? I see no recompence for the paines I should take : and whatever happen , I will no longer play so troublesome a part . The comparison is not amisse , since to please them I disease my selfe no lesse , then those on a Theater to content the spectators , who straine themselves both in voyce and gesture : I must renounce this confusion , and reading , or dreaming passe the time . I know there be ●ad boo●es , but t is an easier matter to shift a bad Auther t●en bad company Books doe not importune us against our will , how dangerous soeverthey be , they are unmoving enemies , which cannot come at us , if we seeke not them . If they vex us , we may cast them away , or teare them ( if we list ) they cannot complaine ; it is not so with these petty Sirs , which never cease prating , t is not so easie to make them silent as to shut a Booke . I thinke it bett●r not to see them at all , then to seek occasions to suffer them . I am resolved what to invent for fashions sake to keep them off : I will make it be noised abroad that I am sicke . and and so I shall quickely be , if I suffer them continue their visits , t is better I suppose to seeme , then to be so : better to deceive then anger them ; to oblige them to lament , then to complaine of me , but whatever happen , if my device succeede not , I like their neglect better then their officiousnes : and had rather put them in a humor of rayling , then complement . The greatest ill I feare , is their company : and I shall alwayes have more patience for the effects of their hatred , then for those of their good will , see my resolution : which it it seeme to you unreasonable , give mee the meanes to vanquish it , and you shall quickely perceive , that I have not yet any designe contrary to that of obeying you , and testifying by all meanes possible that I am perfectly Madam Your , &c. The seventh Answer . She counsels her to straine her selfe a little , to suffer company lesse agreeable , and that shee betray no contempt , for feare of receiving it . MAdam , never complaine of the Countrey you are in : if there be affection without civility , here is civility without affection . I should rather choose a freedome somewhat rude , then dissimulation with all the sweetenesse of the world . As there is no paint can make mee love deformity ; so there is no supplenes , nor cunning can make me suffer scorne . Change then your resolution , if you have taken that not to be seene . T is better to receive displeasing complements , then expose your selfe to publicke displeasure . Remember your selfe , that if we must seeke the approbation of few , we must flye the detraction of all , wee owe our opinions to truth , our countenance to opinion , for their fashion of living , or discourse , you may laugh at them in your sleeve , provided outwardly you seeme to approve them . I beseech you consider that the subject of your choller would serve for recreation to many others ; who would goe to seeke in the Countrey that which you there thinke insupportable , without doubt you will be thought of a bad humour , if you cannot with patience suffer those that offer you their service . If they tender not their duty with a good grace , take their affection , and make sport at their ceremonies accept their purpose , and laugh at their discourse , otherwise you will passe for unthankeful , and uncivill , know you not also that Christianity bindes us to support the weakenesse of our neighbours ? and since they love you , you ought to tolerate them , both by reason , and religion . Charity obliges you thereto as well as Pleasure . It is no small matter to gaine the affections of people ; and therefore wee should be carefull to leave a good smell where we come . This is my advice , and since you doe me the honour to demand it , I hope it shall not prove distastefull , but you will take it for a testimony of the affection I have to be Madam Your , &c. The eight Letter . Shee complaines of the disorders at Paris , and prefers the dive●sions of the Country to those of the Court. MAdam , for the newes I receive of the change of states and Provinces , I can returne you none but that of the fall of leaves , and change of seasons , I meane for great matters , I can only send you little . Thinke not for all this I complaine of the place where I am , if the remembrance of your company occasions mee some griefe , that of your distractions lends me no envy , when I consider you in the disorders at Paris , I cannot but lament you : Perhaps you do as much for me , and esteeme my condition more worthy of pitty then yours , but I assure my selfe you would change your opinion , had you tarryed some while in the countrey ; you should find that the Country life hath pleasures more solid , then that of the Court , & that nature there gives us true contentments , whiles Fortune elsewhere makes us but taste those that are imaginary , it happens oft that the happiest at Court , resemble those that run after an inchanted Hare , they see alwaies what to hope for , seldome whereof to rejoyce ; this is not to be happy , but to be abused . Insomuch that taking away the errour of Courtiers , you take from them all their delights . Those which shew them the truth of their misery , doe them no lesse hurt , then if they awakt them from a pleasing dreame . But it is not you that neede be entertained with this discourse ; I know well enough you have no thoughts but very reasonable : And if you stay at Court , t is not because you finde much sweetenesse there ; but because you are enured to suffer the troubles , and incommodities that are inseparable , when you call me back to Paris , tel me not that it is to enjoy the allurements there to be found , to make me returne , it is enough to know that you are there , but for your company , which renders every place delectable , I could say that the Conntrey is the object of my desire , Paris of my patience . I stay in the one by inclination , in the other by constraint , this is as much as I can say of it . And now I thanke you for all the particularities that you have taught me , whereof the exchange will still be after the old fashion : I meane instead of good deedes , you get from mee nothing but bare words , and a very simple assurance , but very true , that I am Madam Your , &c. The eight Answer . She replies that the recreations of the country are not more solid , but more grosse , not more innocent , but more rude . MAdam , be not so violent against the delights of Paris , they are more worthy of your desire , then your contempt , you are in the wrong to raile against those pleasures , no lesse innocent then reall . And I can hardly beleeve that you speake in good earnest : but rather to shew the goodnesse of your wit , then the truth of your opinion . T is then to your letter , not your intent I answer . I esteeme you too capeable to give , and take delight in company , to thinke you have made a vow of solitude , and that this designe would prove contrary to your owne humour , as well as our wishes . I should thinke it strange that you should fall in love with the Countrey , after you have thereof restified so much horrour , you say that the recreations there found are more solid : I should rather say they are more dull . Your pleasures are not more innocent , but more salvage . It must needes be that you have no memory , since you have no sorrow ; but whatsoever you say , I thinke it be not so : and that there is not so much constancy in your spirit , as in your letter . What finde you out of Paris that can so much enchant you ? you meane the chanting of birds ; and do you more esteeme the note of a Nightingall , than those of our musitians ? d' ye love a bagpipe better than a lute ? you see the flocks , you see the shepherdesses runne , you goe a hunting , all this may bee called country pleasure , and after all this you have nothing , but wee have here the same . We see flowers , and eate fruites aswell as you : you have the onely advantage to see them gathered , or rather the disadvantage . I like the comparison of those who say , that if the world be a great body , country villages make the hands , the feete , the nayles , and the haire ; and that the Cities are like the stomacke , which receives all , and possesses those goods which others provide for it . Finally , I know not how you can say , you are in a place of true pleasures , when you are among the miserable . Change then your opinion , and come backe to Paris , where all the world desites you , but more than all the rest of the world , Madam , Your , &c. The ninth Letter . She complaines of the inconstancy of a certaine man , and saith it is ordinary to those of his sexe . MAdam , at length my prophecies are accomplisht , and what I foresaw is come to passe . The man is yet alive , and his affection which ought to live alwayes , dead for ever . So many oathes as hee made of constancy serve but to encrease his crime ; as if hee had not beene guilty enough to owne the quality of unconstant , except hee added that of perjur'd . These chances have not surprised mee , since I alwaies expected them from the very birth of his friendshippe ; and the yeares hee hath worne out in a will to serve me , have wrought mee to no other beliefe . I know well that lightnesse to their sexe is like death to all the world , which arrives to some sooner , to others later , but with a little difference of time is inevitable to all . How could he , being but a man doe a miracle , and remaine constant ? I should have judged it impossible , if I had hoped it . The unavoydable necessity which carries all of his sexe to change , forbids me to reply , or to reproach . This is not the designe obliges me to write : but rather to make him know that being unable to change humour , I have not lost the esteeme I made of his love . My thoughts of him have alwayes beene reasonable , conformd to civility , and vertue , and being able to conserve them without fault , I shall keepe them the rest of my life , but if I preserve so good an opinion of those who have lost affection , judge how much I shall respect those which love mee as your selfe : and if I am not like to remaine constant in the purpose I have to serve you , and to be whilst I live , Madam , Your , &c. The ninth Answere . She shewes that inconstancy is no more naturall to men then women , and reprehends her overcredulous humor . MAdam , it is no great glory to be such a Prophet as you : it is easie to judge that men may change : they are no more immoveable then immortall . Their designes are capeable of alteration , as well as their life : but what say you in this , that men cannot say of women ? Albeit , either Sexe may invent for their advantage , I beleeve that inconstancy is no lesse common to both , then death it selfe . I cannot comprehend , how our resolutions should be lesse light , nor why the opinions of the weaker sex should be more strong . I speake onely for truth , not against you nor my selfe . I know that there are some more constant then many men : but that which I can say of some particulars without flattery , I cannot say of the generall without error . I doe not offend the constant , to maintaine that some are not , how much this is more rare , so much it is more laudable , that vertue is mos● glorious to the practise of which we are least disposed . Many have no lesse paine to be constant , amidst so many occasions to lose it , then to carry a torch lighted , when the winde from every corner offers to blow it out , but I will no longer entertaine you with this subject , I content my selfe to say , that we ought not to reproach all men in general , bnt onely some particulars with inconstancy , he of whom you complaine is of this number , and there is no colourable reason , that finding one culpable , we should judge so of all the rest , your complaint is a little unjust , and I find by reading your Letter , that an angry woman hardly keepes moderation , in venting of her choller : it seemes to me notwithstanding , that you have had leasure to dispose you to patience : and since you alwaies had some suspition , the event should not surprise you , your foresight should diminish your admiration , and your griefe , would you know more cleerely my intention . If you had any conjecture of his naturall maladie , you should have interrupted the tragedy , if I had foreseen his designe , I had prevented him by a generous contempt , not entertained him with sufferance . I had remedyed the ill I knew , not taken pleasure to receive offers of service , which I suspected , I see well enough how you are abused ; you had some doubt of his lightnesse , but no assurance , otherwise I should judge you more worthy to be jeer'd then pittyed . Finally you will needs play the constant , for those that meane nothing lesse . It seemes by your letter that you doe yet hold him in some esteeme , but I know not what merit , you find in a person that does not acknowledge yours . nor can I imagine him guilty of wit that hath slighted his owne good fortune , or able to make a handsome choise , that hath once quitted you . I suppose how it goes ? you are , it may be , of the humour of many , who have the misfortune to be inclined to those who have neither affection , nor desert , and who are passionate for them that are neither amorous nor amiable . I wish I be deceived , and that my prophecies be alwaies false , when they are not to your advantage , they may notwithstanding prove so to you , if you flye the evill I foretell , and if you give no more opportunity to have your goodnes abused by those that know your facility . I speak according to my heart , aswell as according to my duty , and I thinke you will take nothing ill of what I write , seeing all the liberty I use proceeds but from the extreame desire I have to be , Madam Your , &c. The X. Letter . Shee tels what the vulgar thinkes of brave spirits . MAdam , I protest , I shall hardly content you , and albeit all the world discourses of brave spirits , it seemes to me neverthelesse , that they agree not in their description . I will tell you nothing of my opinion but that of others : and will rather assure you what they say of them , then what they are in effect , doe not then abuse your selfe touching my purpose ; I have no other , but to write to you some of the absurdities which they attribute to them , and not to combat them by reason . And I think to set them downe , is enough to confute them , and to shew their extravagancy , sufficient to bring thē in hatred . I will tell you then , that one of their principall maximes is to condemne all , they cannot comprehend : as if their opinion ought to be the rule of our actions , and nothing were reasonable , but what is thereto conformable : by their sayings , the vertue which wise men follow , is b● them accounted , but a Chimera . Religion overthrowes their sense , and with an ignorance and impiety without paralell , they find not onely what to reforme in the providence of men , but also in that of God himself ; in so much that there is nothing divine , nor humane , wherein they find no blemish . I leave you to judge , if it be so , how much this sect should be abhord by those that have soule or conscience . Neverthelesse , t is a misfortune that the novelty of this ( with some dexterity , they observe to establish it ) gaines the beliefe of ma●y , who admire , if they doe follow them . These brave spirits say , that they are bent against none , but bad opinions , and that their chiefe aime is to restore reason , and vertue to their ancient force . Howbeit , they are accused to oppose both the one , and the other , to the end they may the better establish licentiousnesse , and vice . I could say more but I would have my words as innocent as my thoughts . And also I feare to describe them rather according to the errour of the world , then according to the truth of their being . let us leave then what they say of their conscience , to speake of that they see in their countenance , let us quit their actions , to entertaine our selves with their lookes . If they have not faults enough to condemne them , at least they have markes visible enough to make them be knowne . They have certaine deportments , whereby when they would demonstrate the force , they shew but to much the feeblenesse of their soules . If their life fright you , their countenance makes you laugh ; and if they be Atheists in heart , they are Buffons in conversation . You shall see some of these fellowes retire from the company , the ha● puld downe in their eyes , the band out of order , and bigger then ordinary , striking with their feete against the ground . Instead of being ashamed of themselves they perke up and downe every where , and doe not onely make private places the witnesses of their folly , but also the publicke , as the ●ourt , the Exchange , the Walkes , with all their studyed postures they would passe for great persons , never thinking that their apish trickes , doe better resemble madmen , then sages . Neverthelesse , they take them for signes of a brave spirit , and would have their stupidity , passe for vigour , their coldnesse for prudence . They call their silence an effect of that divine ravishment , which is the mother of beautious thoughts , thus they name their defects , and would have their sottishnesse passe for sagenesse . This dazzles but the vulgar , and catches those onely which love novelty better then reaso● . But let us passe on . They offend not onely in the beleife they hold of themselves , but in that they have of others , they seeme displeased , and are distasted even with the best things . Although any speak excellent well in their company , they give , or deny their approbation by a nod , or a smile . These are the judges of our discourse , and our actions . Rarely doe they give a perfect praise : they find that solid spirits are grosse , polished , light , or ignorant . If any good word escape them , as it may happen sometimes by chance , t is strange to heare with what accent they pronounce it . But we have spoken enough of them ; that which they doe to acquire the esteem of the world loses it , they would passe for wise , and are thought extravagant . Never sect was lesse followed th●n theirs : and I thinke they are alone in their opinion , when they think well of themselves . This is what I have to write touching the judgement many make of brave spirits . I pray you beleeve this Letter is none of the least witnesses of my complacency , since not being used to speake of what I know not , I have notwithstanding broken my purpose , to obey you without reserve , and to testify the absolute power which you have Madam , Over Your , &c. The X. Answer . Shee defends great spirits provided they be not impious . MAdam , having well read your Letter , I am much astonisht , that a person like you in reputation for a noble spirit , would blame those that resemble you , giving no other reason , save that their opinions are not conformable to the vulgar . Certainely , if I were to make their apology , I would begin their praise , where you begin their accusation . Ought we not to esteeme their worth , if they had rather do well , then doe like others ? They know that imitation should have ei●s to see if the example be good , or evill ; and that it is not enough to make the blind walke with assurance , that they have guides , if they know not also that these guides know to conduct them , they have reason to beleeve , that it is better ta●e the right way , with a few wise , then wander with a multitude offooles . And to say , that if they be reasonable , it is not after the common manner , and that they are but Ieer'd : I answer They doe no more in this then hath beene done to all the ancient sages , hath not philosophy it selfe appeared ridiculous to the eyes of many ? and have we not alwayes seen , that people are no lesse incensed , when you reverse some sottish custome , then if you had beate downe all their Altars , and rob'd them of their I dols ! Besides the cause of this hate is easie to be found : It is because the middle spirits cannot suffer what is above them : and being unable to raise themselves , they thinke it glory enough to endeavou● the downefall of others . We love resemblance , because we love our selves . It is not misery alone , but ignorance also that seekes comfort in company , and you know that spirits , no more then the eyes , can suffer brightnesse , when themselves are feeble . I confesse that if they be wicked , t is reason they be hated : and if they be enemies to religion , I protest , that I am not onely averse from their sect , but also afraid of it . If wee could love spirit without goodnesse , wee must needes love the devils : seeing they have much more of it then all the Libertines of the time , but if you except this , I am not resolv'd to hate them , because others doe not love them . I must see whether they be innocent or guilty , that I may not abuse my love nor hate , whereof are they accused ? T is said they oppose ceremony , and endeavour to banish it from commerce . In this sure they are not much in the wrong , since oftentimes t is but a Mountebank that sets a falsehood , for a truth . If they have nothing to doe , but with her , I am of their side , what is there oft more troublesome , then that we call Complement ? To what end so many offers of service which we never meane to performe . To what serve all those studied phrases , but enter abuse each other ? and what colour for it , to use the same discourse to every impertinent fellow , & to our honest friends to speake plainely , our civility hath too much dawbing ; and is but a comaedian : she speakes the language of the stage , and plaies a fained part , and say what they list , we are obliged to those which would take away the plaister of dissimulation , and restore freedome to society , candor to commerce . They will tell me , that following the humor of great spirits , we should speake with no lesse Sophistry , though fewer words : I answer , that if there bee no lesse craft , there would be lesse disprofit , and if there be no more reality , at least there would be lesse trouble , wee should be no more non plusd with these Complement . flingers , conversation should be more free , lesse importune . I know t is opposite to the humor of many , to speake after any other moode : but what imports the number of those that are in error ? we must not give over combatting this monster , because it hath many heads . As we may condemne superstition without offence to piety : wee may also oppose unreasonable ceremonie , without engaging true civility ; yon will say to me , perhaps , that if the inventers of these fashions of speech , and living , were in the wrong ; those that follow them are in the right ; that it is dangerous to reverse an established custome ; and that it is oft harder to turne the course , then that of a river . I confesse it difficult but you shall grant me , that it is more noble to undertake it , and more glorious to goe through with it . If none had been so hardy to change untoward fashions , wee should yet be appareld like those Ladies , painted in the Galleries at the Louuer : we should yet weare great sleeves , and fardingals , Let us speake of the customes in carriage , and cloathing , as of that of speech : and let us banish , if we can , from conversation a thousand petty toyes , no lesse tedious , then superfluous , chiefly let us not take it ill , that some endeavour it . Let us march cheerefully in the way that others have plained for us . If we have not courage enough to doe this , let us leave the war to others , and be content our selves to enjoy the frui●es of victory . Although I would not enterprise to force this enemy out of the world , notwithstanding , I wish him expeld . I know we have neede of civility ; but since it depends on our owne judgement , we erre if we make it not lesse irke some . And seeing we toucht matter of apparell , which these great Spirits desire not so over orderly , doe not you finde it strange , to see many like puppets , habiliate themselves , as if they went to make a shew upon the Theatre : This is enough to put Preachers in choller , and Phylosophers into a laughter . But let us not forget that which makes brave spirits most odious : they say they do sometimes dream , instead of discourse in company & that this is aneffect of contempt , or ignorance : that in this they cannot be defended , seeing they are either unable to talke as they should , or jealous not to be understood . Certainely t is for these two reasons that I would commend them : for if they cannot speake have they not reason to hold their peace ? If they can , but cannot bee understood , why should they display their excellent conceptions before sots that know not the price , take their silence how you will , it is very reasonable , since holding their peace , they shew at least , that if they have some defect , they have not that to shew it , and if they have some good qualities , they looke for competent Iudges , whose esteeme is worth meriting , say what they will , when our company is neither fit to discourse , nor able to apprehend , wee must have recourse to fancy , seeing there is no satisfaction to be expected in speech , or attention . All that remaines to speak of , is their apish lookes , which I will not defend , if they be extravagant : I will onely say that if this be bad in them , we must not therefore cease to praise that which is good , we doe not leave the use of Moone-light , for any spots we find in her body : nor doe we feare to gather flowers , though they dwell in the neighborhood of thornes . Finally let them baw●e as long as they will against brave Spirits , I cannot resolve my selfe to find fault with those persons against whom nothing can be said , but that their entertainements are lesse strained , their habits lesse neate , their opinions lesse popular . The XI . Letter . Shee rejoyceth that shee is reconciled with her , and confesseth freely the torment shee indured , during their coldnesse . MAdam , I am angry that you have prevented mee in repairing our old correspondence , there is notwithstanding some justice in it : for since you have beene the first to breake it , t was fit you should be to restablish it . But if I have not begunne , I beseech you beleeve , it was not want of affection , but hardinesse . It seemed to me , that I had no right to demand a favour done mee by courtesy , and taken away by Iustice . T is thus I speake of the honour of your favour , assuring you that I cannot deserve it , that you may have the more obligation upon mee when I possesse it . I will neverthelesse say freely , that if there be nothing in me worth your friendship , I thinke there is nothing that merits your hate . I have imperfection , but no malice . I may be the object of your compassion , but not of your choller . See in what fashion , I feare to loose your love since yet I justifie my selfe , as if I had not already received remission , being onely unfortunate , I beg your pardon , as if I were guilty , which I shall never be in what concernes you , and provided you fall not into error , I feare not to fall into disgrace . It behoves me to retake my courage with my good fortune , and having beene mute so long , that I tel you the paine as well as the cause of my silence . I cannot say how much evill I have endured , during my beleife that you wisht mee no good . I will make a free confession of my thoughts . How angry soever I have bin , my affection hath not beene blotted out of my soule ; it was but a copy of my countenance . I thought my honour lost , if I had not seem'd offended . Never was vengeance like to that which animated mee against you : I floted betwixt desire , and feare to doe you harme , and to speake more cleerely , I never ceased to love you , but onely to expresse it . And so much did it want , that my affection was diminished , that on the contrary , It was like a secret fire not quencht , but onely covered ; and which became the more violent , when it had lesse liberty to appeare . And I will make you see on all occasions , that for what is past , I have never beene lesse then I am Madam Your , &c. The XI . Answer . Shee shewes her her error to be angry upon false roports , and adviseth her not to beleeve too lightly . MAdam I am very glad that you have not ceased to love me , but only to tell me so . Notwithstanding I pray you beleeve that to make me happy , it is not enough to doe me this favour , I must also believe that I possesse it , without which as I should have reason to doubt of it , so also to be ill satisfied , we are not rich in those goods which wee beleeve not to enjoy : nor may we be cald contented for a felicity to us unknowne , tell me not the error , you were in , tooke not away your affection , but onely in appearance not in truth : for if the opinion of being offended , was enough to vexe you what ought I to be , that beleeved my selfe innocent ? I received the greatest injury , since you judged it possible , I should offer it , you could not be in choller , except you were in errour , but I had ground for it , because you had none . I owe you but a purgation , but you owe me a satisfaction , you received wrong , but from my shaddow , but I from your selfe Iudge in this case what I might have done : and neverthelesse I sought to you alwayes with the same affection : there was nothing alterd in mee , but the ordinary alacrity , which I shewed , when we were better agreed . Your countenance was chang'd by misprision , mine by affliction . I complain'd of you , instead of condemning you : & the extremity of my friendship carryed me to the point , to offer you the pardon you ought to seeke . I laboured to vanquish you by submission , rather then by reason , and to tostifie the excesse of my love , before I shewed you the right of my cause . See how farre the feare to lose your alliance hath carryed me ; and put your selfe no more in danger , to lose a good friend for a bad opinion . I beseech you esteeme more my affection , then your oversight , and beleeve when you shall be sicke again of the same disease , I have no more to doe , but undeceive you to make you whole . It s no great matter I aske of you , if to instruct you , be to satisfie . Remember that you have never beene so cruel , as when you have been so credulous , doe not imagine but that there are slanderers : and when you heare ill of me , instead of thinking my actions so , can you not consider they may be false reports ? Is there not as much reason to beleeve mee innocent , as them true ? And what , must I to conserve your friendship , put all liers to death and to eloigne you from error , banish all seducers ? If it were so , your affection would not be assured : it is better finde a remedy more certaine for mee , more glorious for you . Chase away credulity , and I le quit my feare . your friendship will be stable , provided your beliefe be not too light . We need not disarme those that assaile us , when we have bucklers to to defend their blowes . Let the Serpents keepe their poyson , provided , wee bee provided wherewith to heale their sting . If we cannot take malice from our enemies , wee can at least stop our eares against detraction . And to contemne them , is defence enough , this is what I humbly beg , or I must tremble without ceasing , or be assured of the integrity of all that talke with you ; that I may be so , of the opinion you should conceive of my friendship . True , it is you comfort mee a little , when you assure that it was not without constrant , you shewed coldnesse . I am halfe satisfied to know that when you put me to paine , it was not without the first taste , but I shall be yet more glad to see you corrected then punished : and desire no other satisfaction , then to finde you free of errour . Abuse your selfe no more , and thinke it not generosity to be pettish against a person , that knowes not how to give you ground for it . If there be not as much courage in vengeance , as in pardon , yea when one is offended ; how shall wee call the feeling that transports you , upon the bare opinion of an injury ? Thinke of it well for the future , and imagine the price I set upon your friendship , by the care I have tane to preserve it , when you betrayd an indifferency for mine . And after this I beleeve you will not doubt how deepely I am , Madam Your , &c. The XII . Letter . Shee shewes that they are to blame , who blame those that st●ddy , and write . MAdam , I have read her Letter , who takes it ill that women should study . But it seemes to mee that her faire fancies savour nothing of the ignorance she commends : and that she appeares knowing , by blaming those that are . They say wee cannot oppose eloquence , without the helpe of eloquence : wee may say the same of knowledge , which cannot be assaulted but with her owne weapons . Thus shee does when she contemnes this divine quality : since there is not one of her words , which shewes not , she possesses it , doe not imagine that I meane to make an Apology for the knowing , to do it I must be so : and as knowledge cannot be set upon , but by those that have it , so must the same advantage bee had to defend it , you know well enough that I pretend it not , and if I speake for it , t is rather to witnesse the force of my affection , than that of my spirit . At least I am not of so bad a humour as many others , which contemne a good quality , because themselves want it . Moreover I cannot suffer the injury they doe our sexe , to thinke wee cannot be innocent , except we be ignorant . It is a great disposition to doe good , but to know how it must be done : and if knowledge be capeable of presumption , ignorance is not free of error . ●s it not better to contemne ill , then not to know it ; and to va●quish ones enemies , then not to see them ? in this the fable and Philosophy speake in the same fashion : Pallas was not so vitious as Venus , and the Poets that faine the goddesse of love without modesty , have fained her also without knowledge . I assure my selfe you will laugh when you reade this , where I cite passages , as if I would shew my reading . T is zeale transports me to defend a cause , wherein it seemes to me your selfe have interest . I vafue the learned , and wish my selfe to be so , if but , to resemble you , and to testify with more dexterity how much I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XII . Answere . Shee speakes her opinion against the knowing . MAdam , would you have me answer freely to your Letter , and tell you roundly my opinion : I allow a woman so farre knowing , till she come to writing , & making of books , but when she sets upon this , she is in danger oft times , not to gaine the reputation of being eloquent , without losing that of being modest . It is a great misfortune when one affects to become eminent in what ever it be , one becomes so often in another fashion then shee expects , or should desire . I wish that more would thinke of it , that they might moderate the desire of knowledge , which men study for necessity , women for glory . I doe not say then that they are unceapable of arts , or that they cannot penetrate all their secrets , but they ought not seeke a wisedome contrary to that of their sex , nor possesse vertues out of fashion , since renowne depends not on our owne opinion , we must seeke it in the opinion of others , perhaps if many Ladies of quality should undertake to write , they would make the custome bee received : otherwise those that beginne , are more in danger to be mockt , then follow'd . Their designe is like to that of those captaines which cast themselves into the midst of enemies to encourage others to fight ; and then remaine ruin'd , without any succour unfollowed of any , and to say that ignorance is easily seduced , and that it is as capable of errour , as knowledge of vanity ; certainely this cannot be affirmed , but of the most stupid , & the most grosse , how ignorant soever a woman be , she alwayes knowes ill enough , to doe it , if she will. Nature opens her eyes , but too much for the enjoyment of many things , which reason forbids . The most simple have knowledge enough of vice , and vertue , to merit glory in flying the one , and practising the other , but let us leave the vertue of knowing persons , to speake of their conversation . You know how trouble some it is . It seemes that science doth no lesse harme to the soules of many then painting does their faces , this corrupts the naturall colour , and that enfeebles com● mon sense , they rave , when they thinke to discourse , they become all memory , and take paines to amasse much goods , which they know not how to manage . T is pitty to see how sometimes they be bemired , they are but shreds they get ; they speake nothing naturally , without which the richest discourses are irke some . I know well there are some knowing women , which being withall faire , or rich doe alwaies finde approvers : but meane while that flattery praises them in private , truth doth often condemne them in publicke . The XIII . Letter . She affirmes that the Gentleman commended to her merits the title of a good friend , and promises to assist him in his affaires . MAdam , the Gallant you commend to me , seemes so worthy of the title you give him ; and t is with so much justice you call him a good friend that in my opinion he must invent some other word , more significant than this friendship , to expresse his owne , knowing him as I doe , you need not petition me for him ; it had been enough only to have given me advertisement , since he can so well expresse his affection to those that neede it , I shall endeavour to let him see how much I desire his affaires shold prosper . I will take as much paines , as in my own , and more care , for besides the displeasure I should have not to bee fortunate in his behalfe , I shold likewise suffer the misfortune , not to content you , that you may hope for all effects that lie in my power , judge onely that three puissant reasons oblige me to serve him : his owne merit , the justice of his cause , and the force of your recommendation , which would make me undertake a meere impossibility to shew , in doing him some small service , what I would do for you , if I could finde any favourable occasion , to witnesse how much I am , Madam Your , &c. The XIII . Answer . She replies that albeit the affaire recommended to her , should uot succeede , the obligation for her paines could never be the lesse . MAdam , I am not ignorant that you love the person I commended to you , and that to gratifie him it were enough to let you know that hee hath neede of your favour , but if it be sufficient for your friendship to be advertised , it is not too much for my duty to beseech you , as I doe . If prayers bee superfluous , because of the good you wish him , they seem to me necessary , because that I demand it . I cannot make them too humble , if I consider your condition , nor too affectionate , if I regard his merit . The desire I have to see his matters prosper , obliges me to employ all my power of recommendation . If he be worthy the quality of a good friend for all others , I thinke he will esteeme that of your servant for most honorable . I undertake not to complement for him , since he hath no neede of my helpe ; and that I have not in my power too many thankes to tender you , for which I have cause whatever become of this affaire . After you have taken all the paine you can , to give us content , suppose it should not succeede , we shall not cease to be extreamely obliged to you , wee ought not to crave that of you , which depends upon chance ; but we shall alwayes thank you for the favour which depends on yourcare , when we shall be deprived of that which depends upon fortune . After Phisitians have don what they can to cure us , we cease not to be bound to them , albeit their potions prove unprofitable , we must consider that events are not in our owne power : there is nothing but the meanes , and the conduct which is our owne but what neede we feare while we have reason to hope ? there is no likelihood that our right should remaine unknowne , and your paines unsuccesfull , I cannot beleeve it , and am confident , that the end of this businesse shall give mee new cause to serve you and to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XIIII . Letter . She saith that the greatest persons esteeme themselves happy to carry her Letters , because of her that receives them . MAdam , albeit I write often , I thinke you are not much troubled with the reading of my letters , and that the greatest part stay by the way . I am resolved to serve my selfe of all occasions , to prove if any one shall bee lesse unfortunate then the rest . And that I may speede , I will also employ all sorts of persons , and not regard if they be Knights of the holy Ghost , or Marshals of France , provided , I may use them to carry my tidings . The trouble they shall have from me , shall be repaired in the satisfaction to see you : And of what quality soever my messengers be , they cannot thinke themselves vilified when they know the merit of her whom they oblige . I demand not your assent to this , since humility forbids you professe , what truth publisheth to all the world . I only entreate that you suffer it from me , and that you receive it not amisse , if after so much paine I take , & give to send you mine , I have some hope to receive yours . This is that I begge of you , and to beleeve that my greatest contentment is to be able to give you testimonies of my affection . It is true , they are but feeble : but in this I shall be more obliged , if I can expresse a great friendship by little proofes : and by my small services make you see a desire so great as that to be , Madam Your &c. The XIV . Answer . She saith that if persons of quality bring her letters , t is because of the sender , not the receiver . MAdam , I know not if I receive all the Letters you write me . But I can assure you I alwayes receive lesse then I desire . I wish you such perfect health , that I cannot too oft receive the newes , and if you have beene ill , and I not know of it , I should be extreamely displeased , for having beene contented when you were not . I beseech you beleeve it : and to oblige me in this , employ , as you do all sorts of messengers , of what condition soever they be . When they deliver mee your Letters , they all assure me that they are rightglad to obey you , and I should not much wonder at their quality , thogh it were yet greater . I thinke they esteeme it little in respect of the service you deserve , and they desire to performe . I measure their desire by their duty , and I beleeve that having eies , and soule , they have likewise that sense , and respect due to such a one as your selfe . I conceive they would not take such paines to bring me letters , if it were another sent them . They regard her that writes , not her that receives . They oblige me , but serve you . You have reason to forbeare demanding my assent , when you say the contrary , since you know well that duty bids mee deny it , my refuse is just , because your prayer is not . And if civility bindes you to gainesay , at lest let truth make you believe it . T is a humility of a high straine , whereof your Letter is full . You are not content to attribute to others the services done onely to your selfe : but you tell me likewise , that all the proofes of your friendship are feeble . If you thinke so , it is rather for the good you wish mee , then what I merit . You consider lesse what I am worth , then what I neede . Finally , entreate me not to suffer the importunity of your Letters : there is nothing but this forme of speech , which I cannot suffer . You are the object of my consolation , not my patience : entertaine me no more with this word of respect , and remember rather the quality of my friendship , then of my fortune . I wish that this might serve in any thing , to testify the other , give mee onely occasions to shew you the truth of it , and you shall know in what manner I desire to meete those , by which I may be able to make you see how I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XV. Letter . She tels her that one of her friends intends to become religious , and that she is resolved to follow her . MAdam , I must tell you news , no lesse unpleasing to your selfe then me . Mistris Lucinde speakes no more , but of religion , and the cloysters : all her entertainement is the contempt of the world , and she reades nothing but introductions to a devout life . There is nothing to change but her habit , her face , and her soule are done already . She carries her eyes like those that weare the vaile : not a looke of hers but preaches penitence . I know not what her opinion is , but it should not be very reasonable . If she thought it impossible to finish her salvation , but in the cloysters . It may be also done in the world : and as a pearle in the bottome of the Sea , is not debarred the dew that formes it : so though we be at Court , and in company , our soule is as capable of grace . Truely to forsake the world , wee neede but retire our thoughts , and our desires . Our better part may be in Heaven , whiles our grosser part remaines in earth . Though we sometimes see the starres in the bottome of the water , they cease not to be fixed to their spheares . It is but their shadow here below , really they are in heaven . T is so with the just , whose conversation is among the Saints , albeit he live among the profane . But not to dissemble , will you that I tell you the change , which hers causeth in my soule . If she quit not the designe shee hath to forsake the world , I shall mine to tarry there . I tooke indeed some delight therein , but since it was for love of her , she shal carry away the effect with the cause , I must wholly follow her to be content , you will tell me perhaps , this is not to renounce the world , but to seek the world where it is not , that it is an effect of friendship , not devotion : and that to run after her into the cloysters , is not to seeke God , but Lucinde . It imports nothing , it may be having begun to be religious by complacency , I shall be so by affection ; God will touch me more powerfully . A tempest may sometim●s cast us upon a countrey , where afterwards we freely chose to inhabit . A beginning full of constraint , may afterwards be followed by a progresse full of liberty . And what ever come on it , follow her I will. This is my inviolable purpose , and that to be all my life , Madam Your , &c. The XV. Answer . She replies that this new●s doth lesse astonish , then rejoyce her , and that she will make on to quit the world . MAdam , you are deceived if you thinke your Letter hath surprized mee ; it brings me lesse astonishment then joy . The good newes is double which I learne , the change of Lucinde and your owne . As far as I conceive your friendship would carry you along with her , aswell else where , as to a cloyster . Your resolution is good , you neede onely change the cause , doeing that for the love of God , which you intend to doe for the creature . But I bring you newes which perhaps you looke not for , If you be two , I promise you to make the third . It is not new to me to have a great distaste of vanities : I had not stayed so long to abandon them , but for the great griefe I had to lose your company . Now , by Gods grace , all the cords are broken ; and I perceive nothing that hinders the effect of my resolution , after that you have made . Never change it , what ever be said to you . Suffer your selfe to be carryed out of a place where there is neither felicity nor vertue . So I speake of the world , where pleasures are imaginary , misfortunes reall , but grant there be some solid goods , they are alwaies small in respect of those in heaven . If wee believe as wee should , the joyes of eternity , there would be many more that would contemne those of the present . Believe me , and you will avow , that I say , cannot come , but frō one that honors you infinitely , and which is in good earnest , Madam Your , &c. The XVI . Letter . She complaines of the ignorance of the Countrey , and saith that they cannot judge of good bookes . MAdam , there was company with us , when we received the curious book you sent . I wish you had been here , to observe the opinions of the Countrey , they are either grosse , or false . To praise an excellent peece , they content themselves to say , t is very trimme . There was a dame you know , that would esteeme no other book , but the Quadrams of Hibrac . Another made no bones to begge that we received , without giving her self● the patience to stay till we had lookt upon it . T is notwithstanding the first time that ever we saw her ; And judge what wee ought to feare , or hope from such an acquaintance , we must use our selves to this manner of life , since here t is most common . Thinke into what country you have sent honest F. to make lessons of morality . Count it not strange if they give him not the approbation hee deserves , and if hee be no better received in this Countrey , then those that preach the Gospell among Turkes . At least you ought to be assured , that there are two w●ll make a speciall esteeme of him : wee will learne him by heart , my sister , and my selfe . And wee shall finde memory enough to retaine him . If wee have not judgmēt enough to understand him , for my part I finde him so full of choyse things , that not to know all , were to injure the author . That which I find there extraordinary , is that in reading , we meet alacrity with instruction , whereas others do but make us sad . Insomuch that this advantage is gotten , not onely to become more knowing , but more content . This booke corrects the humour , aswell as instructs the soule . And we have either of us given it a name : my sister cals it her schoole , and I , my consolation . There is but one misfortune , which is that we cannot agree , to reade it one after the other , we would have it without ceasing , at the same time , both together . The meaning is we beg another ; and I hope you will excuse our importunity since it proceeds from the esteeme we make of an Author , which you commend so much my eager desire would seeme perhaps importune if it proceeded not from that which I have to approve all that pleases you , and to be in all things , Madam , Your , &c. The XVI . Answer . She replies that even at Paris it selfe , there are not many which judge soundly , of good bookes , and praises the Author of that she sent . MAdam , t is nothing strange if in the Countrey they doe not esteeme good bookes as they should : wee have not indeed many here which can Iudge of them soundly . There is no body that praises not that you received ; and I can assure you , that never was approbation so generall , as that is given it . I speake of that of the better sort , which speake without passion , and without interest . There are some people found , which not being able to know good things , or to suffer their brightnesse , straine themselves to make them ill , but they have gained nothing , but repentance , to have their ignorance , and malice publickely appeare , they have beene constrained to change their discourse , albeit , perhaps they have not diminished their envy . But whatever they utter of it , or would perswade indifferent men , it is profitable to all sorts of humours , and persons . The learned doe there finde content , and the ignorant instruction . Neverthelesse I advertise you of one thing , that whatever esteeme you make of this booke , you ought to prepare a speciall one for him that made it , you desire to see him , and I assure my selfe , you will be no lesse satisfied with his entertainement , then the reading of his writings . You shall observe nothing in his visage , nor his discourse , which smels of that , we call an Author . And you shall not finde in him that ●aturall or affected dulnesse of many , which dreame in the best company , and give no other reason of their silence , but that they compose . These are fitter for a closet , then society , they cannot expresse themselves , but by the pen. He , you shall see , is not of this humour : he speakes yet better then hee writes , and gives the lye to those , who maintaine that the same temperament cannot be proper to both . There is no lesse force in his discourse then judgement in his writings . And above all you may marke in both an extraordinary facility . I speake not of that vitious eafinesse which proceedes from lightnes orindiscretion . I know well that the earth doth easily produce superfluous things , and that of her selfe she beares thornes , and thistles enough . I praise that excellent facility which comes from the strength of spirit , when a man is master of the subject he handles , and good words are joyned with rich thoughts . I will use a sacred example to explaine a profane matter . If holy Scripture saith of the covetous that they are the men of riches , instead of saying that t is the riches of men ; wee may say of certaine Brokers , that they are the men of science , not that they have the science of men , the one , and the other be the slaves of their wealth , & know not how to distribute it with reason . The Authour you shall see is in no wise of this number , let him speake or write , he expresses himselfe with an advantage extraordinary , try him and you will affirme without doubt , aswell as many others that know him , that readinesse , and strength of Spirit , are in him both equall . He is prompt without being light , solid , with out being dull . I will say no more of him , and indeede , it would alwaies be lesse then he deserves , and I beleeve , however more then hee desires . In effect t is a modesty without paralell , but his owne . Never have I heard him speake of his workes , or of himselfe with the least appearance of vanity , you shall judge of him then , when I shall have the honour to present him to you , and that I shall assure you from my owne mouth , how that I am , Madam Your , &c. The XVII . Letter . She thankes her for her approbation , and complaines that her Letters are too short . MAdam , I intend never to present my selfe there where you have spoken of me , nor put my selfe in danger to spoile my reputation , by my presence . You delight to speak to my advantage , and to give me excessive praises : you will get no blame by this , you shall acquire the reputation of one that obliges , if you loose that of speaking truth , my Letter should end here , if I measured him by the length of yours I have beene no longer reading the contents then the superscription . Never feare that yours should be trouble some to me : make them as long as you please , I shall alwayes esteeme them too short . I speake according to the measure of my affection , not of my merit . Since I have nothing worthy of your good will , I cannot receive so small testimonies therof , that I be not for them extreamly obliged , and that they give me not sufficient cause to be all my life , Madam Your , &c. The XVIII . Letter . Shee assures her that shee has alwaies been melancholy since her departure and that shee shall never be merry till her returne . MAdam , I beseech you beleeve that losing you , at the same time I lost my good fortune : and that the day I parted from Paris , was the last of my life , since which time I have scarce had leasure to breathe : & if I have spoken , t was only to complaine . After the persecutions of the Countrey people , sicknesse challenged mee the combat ; as if the torments of the soule , caused by your absence , were not sufficient to overcome me . I must needs confesse to you the error I lived in , in times past , aswell as my displeasure at the present . I thought the countrey would yeeld charmes to drive away my heavinesse ; and that the conversation of the Dames of Burgundy , and Forrests would make me forget those I left at Paris , but I have beene fairely deceived . My disease followes me every where , with so great a displeasure at what I see , that I can finde nothing that contents me . It may be , if I thought lesse on you , I should be more happy . The remembrance of your entertainement renders me that of others unpleasant . and I may say the remembrance of a past good , is to me a present misfortune . In the distaste I am in , whilest I possesse you not , the most able people here , seeme not to me to have common sense . Iudge then how unhappy I am , seeing I am in a Countrey where she that has the best stomacke , can hardly find victuals , where of she would be willing to eate . Wee must not seeke for superfluities , where necessaries are scarse to be found , so farre are wee from procuring ought for pleasure , we can hardly meete with enough to satisfie nature . This is the cause of my misfortune , which afflicts me so much the more , as I know it perfectly , above all when I thinke that at your departure , you promised your selfe somewhat from our province , but it is so unfruitfull that in a whole age it produceth not so much as one good thought , much lesse a good Letter , you will accuse mee of little affection to my Countrey , since I doe thus aver her imperfections ; but I had rather confesse them to ●ne that hath the goodnesse to dissemble them , then to sacrifice her defects to the pittiles publicke . I had rather tell a particular person that she is barren , then let the world see shee can produce nought but monsters . however , I assure you shee furnishes mee with no better reasons to defend her , and I should esteeme her farre more fertile then I say , if shee could afford mee any occasion to shew you how I am heartily , Madam Your , &c. The XVIII Answer . Shee thankes her for her praises and remembrance , and wishes her yet lesse contentment then she hath in the Countrey , that she may come and take it at Paris . MAdam , after the complaints you make in your Letter , I must either yeeld no faith to your words , or some compassion to your misfortune I doubt not but you wish for Paris , but I cannot beleeve that you put the losse of my company in the ranke of afflictions . I have too good an opinion of your spirit , too bad of my own , to think you write of me . Your error would be as excessive , as my good fortune should you speak of me according to your opinion . And to answer this according to mine , I assure you that reading your letter , I am not so much astonisht at the extraordinary testimonies of your friendship , as at those of your approbation , & esteeme . This would occasion me some vanity , if , to humble me , I did not consider , t is your affection speakes , not your opinion , or , to use better termes , your judgement hath beene corrupted by your will. I know those , that doe me the honor to know me , finde freedome , and simplicity enough to merit some part of their favour : but I know likewise there are not good qualities enough in my soule , to deserve so many praises . Iudge then how far I ought to thinke my selfe your obliged , since you are not content to wish me well , and doe me good above my worth , but that moreover you take the paines to speake every where a thousand fold beyond my expectation . If I must pitty you , it shall be more for the ill you suffer in the country , then for the good you left at Paris . I speake of what concernes my selfe , for I doubt not but you have there seene rarities enough , to sad you in al your voyages , but to change discourse I will end this letter in another fashion then I began . If at first I promised you pitty , it seemes to me at present I ought to refuse it , be as melancholly as you list , I wish you more . I shall be very glad that you never find sweetenes in the place where you be able to lessen the sorrow you suffer for Paris , & that you have cause to be displeased at the country , to the end you may be constraned to returne hither for your contentment , aswell as ours . I sweare to you that after I had read your excellent Letter ; I mist there , but onething , which is , that you give mee no assurance of your returne . I should answere you to other matters , but I am constrained to remit this till another occasion . The messenger hastes mee to close this , and affords mee no more time , but to assure you that I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XIX . Letter . She complaines thrt she hath not heard from her so oft as she expected , and saith that all her boldnesse proceeds from affection . MAdam , if I had hoped lesse of your affection , I should have received too much of your courtesie : but I am so much your servant that I finde you owe me more , not having written mee but one Letter in three moneths absence . It is not as you promised me , when I had the honour to bid you farewell . I had parted from you with lesse satisfaction , but for the assurance you gave , to send mee more frequent tydings . I speake boldly : but you may without much paine , put me in state to write you thanks , rather then imputations , which will be , when I shall receive the effects of my expectation , and your promise . I meane , when you shall no longer be covetous of your Letters . It must needes be that either you have an ill opinion of mee , or that you beleeve my griefe lesse then it is , since you contribute so little to my consolation , in so great a losse as that of your conversation . If you think there are other remedies for this besides your Letters , you are in an errour ; if you thinke them the sole remedy , you are without pitty . blame my presumption as long as you list , it is certainely true , that when I consider the affection I beare you , it seemes to me , I cannot too much presume the effects of yours . You delight to gratifie me , but I protest , you shall never doe me so much good , as I wish you , but if you desire to know the cause of such extraordinary boldnes , as mine , not being able to returne you ought , but wishes for effects ; I beseech you beleeve , there is no other then the great affection I have to serve you , and to be , Madam Your , &c. The XIX . Answer . She answers that she is in the wrong , t● to call her covetous of her Letters , since to serve her , she would be prodigall of blood , and life . MAdam , it must needes be that you have but a weak opinion of my friendship , if you think that I seeke not occasions to witnesse the truth of it . If you judge I neglect the meanes to write to you , you offend against my affection : if you beleeve I have none , you doe not complaine but blame me . True it is , our will depends on our selves ; but oft times the effects we employ to shew it , depend on fortune . Any misseadventure , or chance may arrest my Letters by the way : and if it be in my liberty to write to you , it is not alwayes in my power to cause my Letters be delivered . You vexe your selfe against me without reason , and give me cause to be in choller , since you have none , how should I be covetous of my letters , that would not be so of my life , and my blood . I beseech you beleeve this , or the judgement you make of mee , will give mee liberty to make the same of you . And when I receive no Letters from you , I shall be able to thinke , you want not occasion , but memory . If you had a true feeling of my friendship , you would not judge so ill of my remembrance . I never thought you could have deemed so sinisterly of my humour . So while you call me covetous of Letters , I stile you prodigal of reproaches I doe not accuse your boldnes , but your errour . I suffer your freedome , albe it I condemne your choller . Handle me more sweetely another time , and whatever happen , never entertaine an opinion contrary to the resolution I have made to serve you , and to be all my life , Madam , Your , &c. The XX. Letter . She stiles her her goddesse , prayes her to pierce into her heart , and see the affection she cannot expresse . MAdam , though I pray you to thinke of me , yet , I assure you , I have more need of your judgement , then memory to keepe any part in your favour , because your memory represents things , but as they appeare , but your judgement can discover them as they are , doe not content your selfe to be able to gaine hearts , but get the way to enter into them , and see there the affection you produce , be not like the sun , whose heat goes farther then his light and produces gold , and mettals in the earth , where notwithstanding the brightnesse of his rayes , did never pierce , you will say this is a gallant language , and that my friendship speakes like love , but what shold bar it the same discourse , that hath the same excesse ? It knowes no difference , but by the end , not by the vigour : take it not ill then , if I entreate your aide to discover the violence of my affection : and since I title you my goddesse , I beseech you shew some effect of this faire name , regarding my heart more then my hands , my intention , then my sacrifice . Certainely I should be the most unfortunate of the world , shold you judge my friendship by my workes or my words . I have neither power , nor eloquence , but had I the one , and the other , both in a perfect degree , I should not yet be able to shew you as I ought , the desire enflames me to serve you , and to be , Madam Your , &c. The XX. Answer . She saith that she hath more love then knowledge , and that after the effects of her friendship , she does ill to employ words . MAdam , I doe not thinke those who have given you their approbation , can deny you their remembrance . The excellency that is in you begets at the same time desire to conserve , aswell as acquire your favour . I have but one griefe , t is , not to have soule enough to judge the perfections of yours . They say wee must measure love by knowledge , and neverthelesse , albeit I beleeve not to know you perfectly , I cannot imagine that any can love you better , but were it so , It would sad me much , to have no more judgement , that I might have more affection . I thinke I am quite contrary to that you say of the Sunne , my hea●e outgoes my light , my love , my knowledge . Call me no more your goddesse , if you will not have mee call you my idolatresse , you erre to tender so much honour to her that merits so little . Straine not for words to shew you love mee , your deedes have made mee know it ; I shall never see better by the brightnesse of a Torch , then that of the Sunne it selfe . So I compare deeds , and words which doe not equally expresse friendship , t is of the last notwithstanding I must serve my selfe , not having power enough to shew you otherwise how much I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XXI . Letter . She makes a scruple to write , fearing that if her Letters please her , shee should be lesse impatient to returne . MAdam , whatever commandement you make me to write , I protest , I feele a repugnancy to obey . I feare if I give yon any content in absence , lest I slow that which I hope by your returne . I have heard you say , that you finde unparaleld delights , reading my Letters , which albeit , I doe not wholly beleeve , I cannot cease to feare . I imagine with my selfe , that if there you take so much pleasure , you wil have the lesse impatience to see me . And I doubt , least thinking to diminish your griefe I augment my owne . I would not willingly contribute any thing to make my absence lesse unsupportable : yours is to me so , that I cannot enough lament it . And I can tell you , that if your Letters please me , they diminish my sorrow . without diminishing the desire I have to enjoy you . Rather they augment it ; and the contentment I take to reade them , making me thinke on that of your company , increases the desire I have to possesse it . If ever I have the good lucke , I will make my selfe inseparable , that I may no more be obliged as at present , to write to you that which I would more willingly protest , with my tongue , that I am perfectly Madam , Your , &c. The XXI . Answer . She answers that the Letters shee receives , augments her joy , without decreasing the desire to see her . MAdam , albeit without ceasing I demand newes from you , if you write to me , because I desire it , this is not to obey , but oblige me , not an effect of your duty , but onely of your courtesie , however never feare that this should hinder mee to wish your returne , since the entertainment distant friends doe give , and take by Letters , is but a picture of that betweene persons present : you should imagine that though your Letters did yet give me greater content , they would not hinder me to desire that of your presence , to speake truth , A Letter is but a copy , which makes us curious of the originall , a table which augments the desire to see the person represented . This is the effect of yours ; and I can assure you , that if those you write mee be delightfull , there is nothing so true , as that augmenting my joy , they augment the passion I have to bee neere you , and to finde occasions to testifie in what manner I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XXII . Letter . She tels her that nothing can keepe her from writing ; no , not the feaver it selfe , though violent . MAdam , imagine the desire I have to receive your Letters by the care I take to send you mine , having a fit of the feaver to suffer , and seeing the Post ready to part , I resolved my selfe , spight of my disease , to write to you , you neede not demand if my hand shaked , t is not with feare , but with a shivering cold . In this estate I have not beene carefull to write you a long letter , because the Post presseth mee on the one side , the feaver on the other . I must therefore finish , and put of what I have to tell you , till another time . I am threatned my paine will bee more violent , but it matters not I shall endure it patiently , since t is a labour too praise worthy , which I undergoe , to take occasion to testifie to you , how I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XXII . Answer . She feares least for receiving a small satisfaction , she lose a greater , and that having forced her self to write she encrease her d●sease . MAdam , I have not received the joy I expected , by the returne of this Bearer , learning your indisposition by the Letter you did me the honour to write me . I feare least the paines you have taken augment your disease , and that being willing to give mee this satisfaction , you deprive me not of a greater then I can have elsewhere . It is certainely true that the two most happy newes I can receive , are that you love me , and are well . And that I feare most in the world , is the alteration of your health , or friendship , the least suspition of the one , or other , would make mē hate my life . I protest never was Letter so deare unto me , as that you sent maugre your fit : but yet I like better you should take care of your health , then writing . Albeit your tidings extremely re●oyce me , I love your life , better then your letters , I beseech you beleeve it , and employ me in all you please , as , Madam Your , &c. The XXIII . Letter . Shee recommends to him the cause of her friend . SIr , if I had as much ability to serve you , as occasion to trouble you , you should easily judge I valew not my owne interests in respect of yours . But I must in this accōmodate my selfe rather to the condition of ●y fortune , then my disposition : and if you have no proofes of my thankefulnesse , you shall at least of my confidence , past examples doe make me more and more hardy for the future , and instead , that the continuation of your favours ought to oblige mee to a modesty , lesse audacious , I finde they give me more liberty . So it is , Sir , that I have once more neede of the accustomed testimonies of your good will : but to begge with more dexterity , I wil joyn your owne interest with mine , and convince you by your own charity , as well as by the favor you have promised me . I assure my selfe , that the vertue you practise with so much praise , and the justice you exercise with so much integrity , will easily obtaine of you , all I shall demand in behalfe of this bearer . He is no lesse worthy your compassion , then his adversaries your chastisement : I know you will do in this businesse all that justice requires , but besids this . I most humbly beseech you to adde yet for my sake , that sweetenesse wherewith you are wont to receive all those , I recommend to you , and that obliging quality , which interesses you in all that I affect . The obligation I shall beare you in this respect shall hold the place of one of your most speciall favours ; and I shall remember it all my life , aswell as the promise I have made to remaine , Sir , Your , &c. The XXIV . Letter . She writes to her , that her sadnesse i● extreame during her absence . MAdam , I take no care how to expresse the griefe I suffer by your absence , for it were to aspire to an impossibility ; and as I cannot spea●e my contentment when I have the honour to see you , so can I not testify the displeasure I feele , when I am deprived of so great a good fortune , my griefe is as mute as my joy . I wish you could see it ; you should judge my affection by my sorrow , since the one is the cause of the other , and both are extreame . In this case I have no other comfort , but that I receive by reading your Letters . If I had no memory , I should be the most unfortunate of the world . And that which more afflicts me is , that I have no more opportunity , to receive the assurances of your friendship , but onely to send you those of my duty , & the desire I have to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXIV . Answer . She answers that shee hath not merit enough to cause joy in the possessing , or sorrow in the losing . MAdam , your letter makes me more ashamed , then my absence , you melancholly . I have more cause to blush at your praises , then you to be sad at my separation . I cannot beleeve you , without mistaking my selfe , for another ; and to credit your words , I must renounce the knowledge of my selfe . That which you have of mee is very different from your discourse , or at least from truth . I doubt not but you feele some sorrow ; but I care not to measure it by my merit . I have too little to equall the favour I possesse : and I should be no lesse ignorant , then unthankefull , if I should not avow , that you have much more affection to me , then I good qualities to deserve it . If I have any one that makes me so hardy to beg the continuation , t is onely this simplicity you love in me , and which renders you my defects the more suppo●table . T is the only advantage I have to think you love me , and that you permit me to call my selfe , Madam Your , &c. The XXV . Letter . She desires to enter into a Monastery , and prayes her to aide her therein . MAdam , I must needs confesse you my error , I feare that you forget me : I beleeve you wish me well , but I know not , if you thinke on doing it ; and in the number of great affaires , which take up your thoughts , I feare you dreame not on any so small as mine . I have more neede to sollicite your memory , then your will , and am more in paine for your ●emembrance , then your affection , but that I may touch you where you are most sensible , ●he pleasure you shall doe me , may be cald an effect of your charity , aswel as of your friend●hip , I perceive well the endea●ours of my calling : but I can●ot follow it perfectly without ●our favour . I have yet neede ●f humane things , to arrive at ●ivine : and albeit I be neere a ●onasticke life , as the cripple ●● the poole , I want some bo●y to cast me in , upon this occasion . Without which I shall but languish in my desires , and remaine alwaies in a place , where long since I fastned no more hopes . I call the world so , which I should quit with griefe , because I leave you there , did I not consider that one day by Gods grace , wee shall enjoy a longer conversation , then that is promised here below . In which I place all my expectation : and since it is the greatest good of all , I content my selfe to wish it you , to shew the true affection I have to serve you , and to be , Madam Your , &c. The XXV . Answer , She praies her to employ her with more ●●●●●●ence , approves her designe to enter into that course , and offers her aide . MIstris , if you thinke I have forgotten you , never was faith so faulty as yours . It is an injury to both , seeing you must have a bad opinion of my friendship , or I not that I ought to have of your merit . Iudge the consequence , for to want memory , I must want knowledge . We cannot in this separate ingratitude from ignorance . And to examine all things well , I understand not how I can wish you good , without remembring to doe it . this should be rather a sicke desire , then mine ; I have too much affection , to remaine unmooveable : and I can assure you that occasions shall rather be wanting to my wil , then my will to occasions . This would be a thought very vnprofitablē to our friends , if we should remember them alwayes , except at those times they have neede of us . Be then lesse fearefull , and if you will that I assure my selfe of your affection , doubt not of mine . I thinke on you , and you have no neede to sollicite my memory , more then my affection , the first is an effect of the last . True friendship is alwayes attended with remembrance , and those which can forget : were never truely in love , when wee fixe upon a worthy object , wee resemble the covetous , who have no lesse care to conserve then heape up treasure . Insomuch that to beleeve , I entertaine my selfe with you , is to beleeve I love and yet however you consent to the last , you tell mee you doubt the first . In this I know not how to make your faith , and your feare friends . Be for the future more bold to employ me , and think that if ever I want memory , I must be very sicke , the alteration , should be in my temperament , not my friendship . If any disease should take away this faculty of my soule , which onely renders me happy in your absence ; I assure you , I would alwayes have your picture before my eyes . I would employ this remedy every moment , and refresh your Idea at the table . But I hope I shall have no neede of this , to entertaine my selfe without ceasing , with a person that had no defect ; if she had not this to employ mee with ceremony . It s enough to know that our friends want us , to gaine our assistance : we must not be entreated when t is sufficient to be advertised . I have then reason to complaine of you ; and it seemes to me that you have an opinion scarce good enough of my friendship , since you begge the effects with so little confidence . I am very unhappy not yet to have given you cause enough to rely on me , and to use me with more assurance . Remember your selfe onely that if I seek occasions to serve you , you should not feare to give them , my interests are tyed to yours ; and I shall be no lesse obliged when you present mee the meanes to doe you a good turne , then if I had received one . All that troubles mee in this , is that I cannot benefit you , but by depriving my selfe of your company . But it is better my inclination dispose it selfe to yours , and that humane things give place to divine . I love you so , that I have more regard to what you gaine , then that I lose . Insomuch that since you desire this holy solitude , you shall no longer stay here , but with repugnancy , follow the voyce that cals you , and hearken not to that which laments you , or yet speake to you of the world , I approve your desire , and offer you all the helpe I can bring . It is in this occasion onely , that I will bid you farewell , without daring to complaine , and without expressing other griefe , then for that I cannot follow you . I wish I had the liberty so to do : and I would not onely offer you the favour , but the company , Mistris , Of Your , &c. The XXVI . Letter . She desires her to beleeve , that if she write not , t is want of opportunity not will. MAdam , never feare that I forget you , my soule may sooner be without thoughts , then my thoughts without you , but albeit I employ the better part of my time , to entertaine my selfe about you , I cannot finde any favourable enough to write to you . It seems that fortune is jealous that I bestow all my contemplation upon you ; and that not being able to divert me , at least shee hinders mee to testifie you the truth by my Letters . I most humbly beseech you to beleeve it , and to lament me , rather then accuse me , It is occasion I want , not will. I am more worthy of your compassion , then your anger . Cease not then to send me your news , albeit , you can but rarely receive mine , my silence is no effect of oblivion , but misfortune handle me like a prisoner , on whom we bestow visits , without hope to receive any . If I had more liberty , you should have more proofes of my affection . If you doe but a little remember the past , you cannot doubt it , and during all my silence , I am no lesse then I have beene , though I cannot protest it you so often , Madam Your , &c. The XXVI . Answer . Shee answers that shee can easily hope the honour of her remembrance , since she possesses that of her affection , and that shee is assured of her friendship whatever happen . MAdam , I agree to yours : and since you will have it so , I beleeve that you passe some part of your time , to entertaine your selfe with our friendship , I can easily beleeve the favour of your remembrance , since you deny me not that of your love . We do more oblige persons by affection , then memory , we may thinke indeed on troublesome things , but love only delightfull , since I have some part in your good grace , I beleeve you will give me some in your memory . After a great favour , I may well expect a little one . And if my imperfections cannot hinder you to love me , they shal never hinder you to remember mee . This is my faith , and my consolation . I am none of those who are alwayes in alarme , when people faile of what they owe , or what themselves desire . I doe not regard if you write to me or not , I beleeve that you faile not to serve your selfe of all occasions , whereby I may receive any assurance , I feare more the change of your health , then of your friendship : and wish you were no more subject to sicknesse , then inconstancy . And when I desire you more liberty , It is for your owne satisfaction , and that I might receive more frequent testimonies of your affection . Albeit I should , this would not augment the beleife I have , but onely the pleasure I take to understand it . Your Letters render me more content , but not more constant , nor more then I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XXVII . Letter . She complaines of her distance , that she cannot hope for newes : that shee can neither remember her without griefe , nor forget her without ingratitude . MAdam , since for the future , I dare scarse hope to have newes from you , I must at least send you mine , that you may have compassion on mee , and not render my evill extreame by oblivion . T is that I feare , if your promises did not give me that courage , which my want of merit entirely takes away . Excuse me if I write thus unto you , since the soveraigne remedy of my solitude , is to thinke that you have promised to love me . I hardly know my selfe , when I consider that which not long since I possest . I speake thus according to your measure , and not according to my owne ; since t is but eight dayes for yov ; but a whole age for me ; see to what I am reduced ; I can neither forget you without crime , nor thinke of you without griefe . I must be either faulty , or unhappy . You have too much merit , to let me be able to forget you , and I too little to imagine you thinke on me . Insomuch that I can neither hope without temerity , nor cure my selfe without ingratitude : but my Letter must be confused like my thoughts . I tell you once more , that I know not where I am , when I thinke on your conversation . It hinders me to taste any sweetnesse in all others . And therefore quickely to reapproach you , I intend to give such order to my affaires that in few daies I shall see an end . I shall ever hold them happy enough , provided they be short , and albeit there were crownes to hope for , I would freely quit the pretension , if I must be long deprived of your company , or constrained farther to deferre my returne . There is nothing so true as this , and you ought no more doubt of it , then of the affection I have to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXVII . Answer . Shee replies that if she have not confidence enough , she hath not a just opinion of her friendship , and that she hath n●ither power enough to serve her , nor merit to be worthy of her choise . MAdam , I know not why you have so much desire to hope for my newes : it is lesse difficult for mee to send , then profitable for you to receive . You entreat me in this to doe a thing , whereof I had a purpose to begge your permission . I am much more happy , then I beleeved . I thought my letters troublesome to you , and you tell me they are necessary . I know not how it goes , but assure your selfe , you shall not faile being happy , if your felicity depend on me . You shall never be poore of those goods which I can heape upon you . You must hope● i● with more assurance , otherwise your feare will produce that of some alteration in your friendship . If you be without confidence , you must needes beleeve me without affection , seeing we ought to expect all of that person which hath power , and will , to doe us the good to which wee aspire ; can you beleeve that I have neither the one nor the other , either to send you tydings , or to serve you in what ever it be ? For the tediousnes you suffer in my absence , I conjecture it is not small , no more then the affection you beare me : but I cannot imagine that t is like mine . As I give place to you in merit , you should give place to mee in displeasure , when wee are separated one from the other . If wee ought to measure the greatnes of the losse by that of the cause , It is easie to judge my griefe extreame ; meane while that yours cannot be great , no more then her merit , which is the cause of it . I know not why you tell mee that you cannot hope without being rash , nor cure your selfe , wi●hout being unthankefull , It must either be that I had more perfections to oblige you to remembrance : or you more obligation to have some ground of thankfulnesse ; I have receiv'd no advantage from nature , or fortrne , or if they have obliged mee in ought , t is that the first hath given me a disposition to honour you , the other hath given me occasions to know you . Iudge then if you ought to handle as you doe a person that is in case rather to seeke your● favours , then doe you any . And hath no other advantage but this , that she can perfectly honour you . If you be confused , it must needs be for some other griefe , then that of my losse , And if the remembrance of my conversation , renders all others unagreeable , t is because it troubles you , and puts you into a bad humour . This is that which the ●●nowledge of my defects ought to perswade me , whiles that of your goodnesse shall make mee beleeve what ever you will to my advantage . It is time to finish this letter . Put an end to yonr affaires , if you desire an end of my unquiet , It will last til your returne , which cannot bee so soone as all the world desires , and among others , Madam , Your , &c. The XXVIII . Letter . Shee promises to publish every where the effects of her courtesie . MAdam , as one of your greatest pleasures is to oblige your friends , so one of the greatest I have is to speake of those I have received . I would be no lesse generous , to publish your favours , then you to doe them . I proclaime them every where , so loudly , that there is no body which does not instantly judge , the resent I have of them , and the extream griefe I take , not to be able to testifie you the truth of it , no more then the affection I have to be all my life , Madam , Your , &c. The XXVIII . Answer . She replies that instead of deedes , she can onely have good intentions , and desires . MY deare sister , how much would you deeme your selfe bound to mee for effects , seeing you beleeve your selfe , so much only for desires ? truely you must needs have power to pierce into the affections , as well as to gaine them , to thank me in this manner . I am very glad you have this particular gift , to judge the intention , without helpe of ordinary appearances which may show it . I should hardly be able to shew you mine , by my workes : and I rejoyce you know that by prophecy , which I should be able to demonstrate by experience , without doubt , you had lesse regard to the service you have receiv'd from me , then to ●he will I have to serve you . It is great enough to content those , which can come to know it , like you ; and I thinke it might oblige my friends to doe mee good , if they should consider what I desire them , t is this which obliges you to doe mee so many civilities ; and which renders mee confused , when I thinke that I have yet done nothing , which may evidence to you as I would , in what fashion I am , My Sister , Your , &c. The XXIX . Letter . She comforts her touching the death of M. and shewes that teares are unprofitable for those , that have lost life , dangerous for those that yet possesses it . MAdam , to see how melancholly you be , one would thinke you no more regard your life , then as a thing in which you have no interest . Since you lament those have lost it , why doe you put your owne in danger ? how comes it to passe , you have not as much feare for your selfe , as sadnesse for others ? tell mee not that there are accidents in which teares , and griefe are a just effect of duty . Surely there is more of custome , then reason : and I cannot comprehend why our friends should take pleasure to see that we doe our selves an evill , from whence they can draw no advantage . So I call that of our excessive sorrow , for since wee beleeve them content in the other world , if wee weepe for them in this , our teares are injurious : if it be for our selves , they are mercenary : and for what ever it be , they are superfluous , but if a wise man ought not to have unprofitable passions , how shall hee have any so dangerous ? Pardon me , if I tell you freely , that if you diminish not your griefe , I shall the beleife I had of your spirit , what difference is there betweene you , and one that wilfully precipitates himselfe , onely you kill more cruelly , then ever any did wee accuse of their owne death , take heede least to shew too much pitty to others , you shew too little to your selfe . Remember what you were wont to say touching the death of Lucretia : you thought men could not justifie her murther . And what did she to her body , you doe not to your soule ? doe you thinke that one is lesse homicide that kils himselfe in five dayes , then in an houre ? doe not that with voluntary griefe , shee did with her owne hand . And what is it to purpose , if the weapons wee use to take away life , be visible or not ? if the shortest death bee sweetest , judge what is that , you cause your selfe by a sadnesse too affected ? I know well the losse of our friends doth touch us , I would not remove the sense , but the errour : and if we must give any thing to nature , wee must yet give more to reason , but I correct my selfe , it is not so much nature th●t makes us to weepe excessiuely , as opinion , since there is no time wherin noble spirits shold not aspire to felicity , what shew of reason is there , that to gaine the glory of loving well , a man should racke , and torment himselfe . True it is that passions there are , whereof we forbid but the excesse : but for sorrow , wee should take away the very use it selfe : and not serve our selves of it , but for repentance . In all things else , it is superfluous , and indeede perilous . I doe notwithstanding much admire , if shee bee often Mistresse of our soule , since no body doth resist her : I say more , since wee detaine her spight of those , that offer remedy . Call to minde that shee is unprofitable to the dead , dangerous to the living : and may take life from those that have it , not restore it , to those have lost it : shee pushes into the grave , but never draws back any . And to behold these lamentable effects , take onely your glasse , you may guesse the ill it does your soule , by that it does your face . Never did sorrow doe so much mischiefe as yours , seeing it ruines at once two of the fairest things in the world , your disposition , and your beauty ; judge now if we have cause to complaine , and if your melancholly ought not to be a just cause of ours , think on this , and consider how many you make weepe , whilest you lament but one . You see what I might write , and yet account not my letter necessary . I speake rather to your memory , then your judgement , and this is not to instruct , but call to mind those lessons you give to others , and would be at present usefull to your selfe . I must now say to your soule , as to sicke Phisitians , that shee heale her selfe . But I feare least it be spoken as unprofitably to you , as them , for if the sicknesse of the body takes away knowledge , much more that of the soule . Nevērthelesse I will hope better , and beleeve you will not alwayes take pleasure to hug an ill , whereof you may heale your selfe . At least I thinke you will interrupt a little your teares , if you open your eies to consider her that prayes you , it is Madam , Your , &c. The XXX . Letter . She rejoyces at the newes of her returns , and professes no lesse feeling for her then her owne sister . MAdam , to judge with what con●entment I learnt the newes of your returne , you neede but thinke with what passion I desired it . Chorinde shall witnesse it , and I beleeve that she will not boast , to have shed more teares , or made more prayers then I , during your absence . Let her say what she will , if she be nearer to you by reason of blood , I am , then her , by inclination ; the one is aswell a linke of nature as the other , this is it you shold consider , if you will not make me as unhappy , as I am affectionate in what concernes you . Let her esteeme that quality of sister , I rather love that of my Mistris . I am very glad to be lesse o●kin , and more distanced in blood , to be more neare by our alliance . I rejoyce that nature obliges you to have more friendship for her , that there may remaine more love for me . I have spoken enough of my affection , let us now speake of the griefe it produceth . Verily , if I had not learnd the newes of your returne , my misfortune could no longer linger the possession of this good , without advancing the end of my life . If you againe make such voyages , I will make my will , before I bid you farewel , ●nd , ceasing to see you , will practise the same ceremonies , ●hey doe in ceasing to live . I ●ssure you of it , and this is no esse true , then the affection which I have to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXX . Answer . She assures her of her remembrance , and her returne . MAdam , the onely consolation I have amongst a thousand occasions of sufferance , which present themselves but too much in the Countrey where I am , is the hope I have to see you . And if you aske me of my entertainement , I assure you the best , and most ordinary I have , is the remembrance of yours . T is this which serves me for a counter poyson , after that of many troublesome guests , whom one cannot put off , without making them enemies , nor s●e without enduring a thousand incommodities . You will say , perhaps , I not oblige you much to thinke on you at present . And that if the company here were a little lesse insupportable , I would never dreame of yours . I assure you , there is nothing so sweete in the world can make me forget it , and that I have no lesse sorrow when I am deprived of it , then joy when I possesse it . It is to this happinesse I aspire with extreame passion , and doe all I can to set forward my returne . I hope it shall be no lesse chearefull , then my departure was pensive . You shall be the first to see the effects , as you are to receive the menaces . I say the menaces , not the promises , since all my visits are more worthy your feare , then your hope . It may be you are of another opinion : but if this were not mine , I should yet lesse merit , then I doe the honor of your favour , and the quality , Madam , Of Your , &c. The XXXI . Letter . She professeth that the course displeaseth her , and that shee cannot imagine what delight may therein be found . MAdam , I am in despaire that my opinion is not conformable to yours : and that the same thing is the object of your pleasure , my anger . I speake of the course which you cal the fairest houre of the day , and I the most troublesome . This is my opinion which yet I love not , because yours is contrary , give mee reasons to combat it ; there is nothing I desire so much , as to learne those which make you love it , that I may renounce those which make mee hate it . I much feare not to be perswaded : and albeit your spirit be very powerfull over others , least mine in this occasion , oppose her aversion to your eloquence . I say an aversion , not blinde , like that of many others , who content themselves to say , they are not enclined to such a thing , and will not open their eyes to see the truth they know not . I doe not shut mine , rather I straine my selfe to finde some reasons to make it pleasing . I pry into every corner , without discovering any thing faire , or agreeable . We goe there to see , or to be seene : and for that matter , I have neither vanity enough , nor curiosity , we turne , we behold , we salute three things in my judgement unprofitable enough , or enough trouble some I will not say dangerous , especially speaking to a person that knowes how to preserve her selfe in a greater contagion , and which runs no other perill in this adventure then that of being importuned . T is to you then an innocent diversion , albeit , it may be , it be not so to many others , but suppose it be to all : have we not many better , wherin there is more pleasure , lesse trouble ? is it not better to spend that houre in entertaining of our friends , then to make so many turnes in the midst of noyse , and dust ? This is neither conversation , nor walking , seeing there is too little familiarity for the one , too much confusion for the other . This is my opinion , which perhaps is not conformable to that of many others : but it matters not , I cease not to beleeve it reasonable , although I have not many of my side . I know there are more bad , then good how ever I think the best may be of diverse opinions in such a matter . Howbeit least I make me to many enemies , I had rather say , I take no pleasure therein , then that there is none at all . I would not have my humour serve as a rule for others . I am not vaine enough to claime conformity , nor easie enough to yeeld it . I am not careful to frame my selfe a particular wisedome . And I let you thinke if I desire my aversion overcome , since it deprives me of publicke pleasure , and makes mee hate what you love . I will therefore tell you that I have found the meanes to draw some profit from the course , and to recrea●e my self , albeit it be not in the same fashion with others , it is , that observing the passages there , they put me into an extraordinary veine of laughing , not that this folly is not worthy of compassion ; but I would not make so austere a reflexion , and had rather make sport with it , then complaine , you see how all my mirth consists in deriding that of others ; but I must confesse you the truth , the pleasure which I thus take , does not last long ; I enter insensibly into ●holler : I flote betweene a good , and a bad humour ; I see whereat to be angry , and whereat to laugh , and am betwixt snight , and scorne . And this is the state I fi●de my selfe in , during the course . I know not if reason be of my side , or yours ; but in which soever it be , free mee from errour , or leave it your selfe . It is no great matter which of us change her opinion , so our opinions be reconciled . I cannot endure they should be different , and am resolved to lose , or gaine the victory : At least I promise you to suffer my selfe to be perswaded by your reasons , if you bring me any strong enough . If I am ignorant , I am not indocible . And it is easie enough to cure mee , if I be sicke . I am wholly disposed to beleeve you , as well as to obey you , and to be , Madam , Your &c. The XXXI Answer . Shee answers that her aversion from the course is without reason , and that shee hath nothing to vanquish but her opinion to take delight therin , as well as others . MAdam , seeing it must be ( as it seemes by your letter ) that one of us , renounce her opinion : to observe some justice therein , it will be good to have regard to her that shall lose lesse by the change ; and since there is one houre in the day that displeases you , you shal gaine much if you can find the meanes to make it agreeable . You ought to contribute what you can , to free your selfe from a beleife that hurts you , and makes you find a loathing , where all the world takes a recreation . Let us not dispute so much the noblenesse of our thoughts , as their utility . Let us be happy , if wee cannot be wise : and if it be hard to discover whether our opinions be contrary to reason , let us at least take care they be not contrary to our owne good fortune . To what end should we affect that which opposes our felicity ? t is a misfortune , that instead of correcting we adore our owne imagination . And are to our opinions , as mothers to their children ; loving to those that merit it least . T is a great increase of misery , to see that our thoughtsare not only salse , but likewise sullon , did our dreames depend upon our selves , wee would have none but pleasant . And yet though our thoughts bee at our owne liberty , wee cease not to have them importune , nor lose them without difficulty , for my part I desire not that errour should abridge my pleasures , I had rather it encreased them , and if I must be deceived , I wish it might be pleasingly , doe as much for the course , and strive to finde delight , where your imagination depaints nothing but importunity . I know not why you say , t is neither walking , nor conver●ing : it is both the one and the other , or rather a third pleasure compounded of both , see how many contentments are found therein at the same time . Wee take the aire , wee entertaine , wee mu●e , we may there please the eye , and the eare , and finde the pleasures both of discourse and silence , but there is enough said of this matter , if reason cannot convince you , I hope you will yeeld to experience . I had rather make you taste that which is delightfull in the course , then to describe it . We will carry you thither , and if you yet go there with your errour , doubtlesse you shal come home sound . You shall be vext at your antipathy to this houre , and grieve the time you employed , not in so pleasing an exercise , I assure my selfe you will thanke me for undeceiving you , and that you will ta●e my care , for one of the least effects of the affection I have to serve you , and to be alwayes , Madam , Your ▪ &c. The XXXII . Letter . Sh● wisheth her much wealth , and saith she is rich in the goods of nature , if poore in those of fortune . MIstris , after the letter you wrote unto mee , I know not what to begge of heaven for you , or what prayers to make , may give you satisfaction . I seare least mine be contrary to yours , and that you should complaine of the felicity which I desire you , tell mee your minde in this , that my prayers may be more confident , and profitable , but whiles I lo●ke to heare from you , I must tell you what I feare , as wel as what I desire . Although you cannot choose but be content , if fortune does her duty for you ; I feare not withstanding least wee have cause to complaine of her blindnesse , who without doubt would averre , she is not rich enough to equall your perfections with her presents , if she had eyes to consider what you are . In which this shall alwayes be your great consolation , to be able to thinke , if shee doe you no good , shee knowes not your worth , how liberall soever she be towards you , shee cannot equall nature , which will alwayes make you merit more favours , then the other can give . I beleeve you will never be so happy as you are perfect , by my advice you should use this thought to sweeten that which makes you melancholly , when you doe not so much consider what you have , as what you want . And indeed if you take but a little paine to regard what you are , your glasse , and your conscience , will hinder you to complaine , the one shewing you the greatest beauty , the other , the purest vertue of the age . Your humility forbids it not , since after you have well knowne your owne extraordinary qualities ; you can conclude no other thing , but that you are specially obliged to him , without whose favour there is nothing faire , nor in the soule , nor face : it will be said I preach , in stead of Complement , but you are so good you will tolerate the liberty of my discourse , because of the affection I have to serve you , and to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXII . Answer , She maintaines that no body shall disoblige her , by desiring her more goods then she hath . MAdam , I am glad that fortune hath no eyes : if she had I should looke for lesse by her election , then now by her blindnesse , and I thinke if men had given her eyes , they had taken away all my hope . If we must measure her favours by the merit of those that receive them , I should yet be poorer then I am . It may be some will say , that if you meane to pray for me , it must be to make mee more wise , and not more rich ; because that having acquired vertue , I shall possesse a good greater then all others , and which fortune can neither give nor take away , but I will not dissemble I will freely tell you what I thinke , I am not of their number which despise riches in appearance , and desire them in effect . It seemes to me that I may wish a little more then I have : and because in this my designes are just , I thinke my desires are so . T is a misfortune to be necessitated : and to be poore with honour wee must vow i● . I suffer poverty , but desire it not . I know well enough what they say of this subject , touching the contempt of riches : but t is onely discourse , practised by no body . Philosophy it selfe in our age would be better lodged then in a tub , and better cloathed then in the dayes of the Cynickes . This is not strange : for as the soule albeit faire hath need of a faire body , because of the Organs whereunto she is tyed , so how eminent soever a vertue be , she hath sometimes neede of the goods of fortune , to make up all her brightnesse . Otherwise though shee hath all her price , she hath not all her luster . You will say that the vertue of the poore breedes compassion , like a faire , miserable ; and indeed it seemes we cannot commend it without complaining . I wish we had not this opinion ; that this errour were not in the soule of so many persons , and that wee lived not in an age , wherein they give more to a person of quality , then a person of merit , but t is better we accōmodate our selves to this error , then oppose it : this will prove to us a wisedome , lesse troublesome , and lesse dangerous . At least for my selfe , I assure you , I shall never fret against those , which desire mee more wealth then I have . If you make prayers for this , they are not contrary to mine . I thanke you for the good you wish mee , and I beseech you beleeve that though I may become more rich , I can never be more then I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXIII . Letter . She prayes her to bring her acquainted with a certaine Lady of worth . MAdam , albeit naturally I have an extreame repugnancy to make requests , I assure you I feele no effect of this aversenesse , when I am obliged to beg your favours , you do them with so good a grace , they leave no other shame , then that of impotency to returne the like . T is the sole displeasure I have in receiving a good turne from you , not to be able to render it . You will thinke I doe not speake this to no purpose , and that I doe not praise your goodnesse , but the more easily to obtaine the effects : but I can assure you , I desire not to handle you in that sort : I have too good an opinion of your friendship , to use the least finenesse in solliciting , when any occasions present themselves to oblige m●e . I hope more in the force of my prayers , then my perswasions , I make my requests with more affection , then art . You know it , and I thinke I tell you nothing you beleeve not , when I assure you I am naturall , there lies my advantage : and if the faire Dutchesse you so much esteeme , be taken with simplicity , I hope mine will please her . I have but this charme can touch her . You see the subject of my Letter , and of the prayer I make you : you promised mee to give mee her acquaintance , and if I demand you this favour , t is onely after you have done me the honour to offer it . When I thinke on the esteeme you make of it , it seemes to mee it should be to misprize your approbation , not to be willing to know a person , which you repute so worthy . Albeit she had but this advantage to be esteemed by you , I could not have a small opinion of a spirit which yours approves . There are many others might help me to this acquaintance : but among al the meanes which present themselves , I shall bee glad to employ the most noble , and for my selfe the most advantageous . If I had more merit ; I should have lesse neede of your favour : but I thinke shee will not examine my defects , and that shee will beleeve what I am by your esteeme . And to say that this is to feare for you , and that she will wonder to finde in mee so few qualities worthy her knowledge , or your recommendation : never imagine that this can hurt you , the opinion shee hath of your merit , shall not diminish by that shee shall have of my imperfections . If the persons of whom you speake to her , have any good qualities , shee takes this for an effect of your choyse , if they have none , shee attributes it to your goodnesse . She can make no interpretation disadvantageous to you . That which she cannot referre to one vertue , she will bestow upon another . You may employ your reputation for great spirits , your compassion for small . T is in this ranke I must place my selfe , albeit to say true , I ought to surpasse the most excellent , if I had as much brightnesse , as affection to serve you , and to testifie that I am entirely , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXIII . Answer . She faith , that she shall be thanked on both sides , for bringing them acquainted and after shewes that she is no way counterfeit . MAdam , you are not a little faulty , if you doe with paine employ me : you cannot deprive me of the occasions to serve you , without taking from me those of contentment . And judge if you ought to have any repugnancy , since I am tyed to you , by the two strongest chaines of the world , inclination , and obligation . The desire I have to doe you some service is aswell an effect of my sympathy , as my duty . I beseech you bel eve it , and especially in an occasion , where my labor will be more honorable to me , then profitable to you . You desire I should bring you acquainted with Mel●ante , and I thinke you demand mee nothing , which to her may not be very pleasing . I shall receive thankes on both sides , and you both shall have a better opinion of my spirit , because of the interest I have in persons that are so rare . Iudge not of her by my report , but by her merit , which is the cause of it , when you have seene her , you will not accuse me to have spoken more then truth : And likewise you shall judge mee worthy of excuse , if I have not exprest all her good qualities , since there is too great a number . I must make her the same complement for you , and refer you both to a more particular acquaintance , which you shall get in time . But you are in the wrong , to say there is nothing amiable in you , but simplicity , if you are simple t is by reason , rather then nature . And if you be without finenesse , t is not by ignorance , but contempt , yours is a noble simplicity , which comes not from want of spirit , like that of many , but onely from an aversion you have to impostures . I hate them so much , that it is impossible for me to suffer them . There is nothing I desire so much , in those I love as a solid honesty , which serves for foundation to al vertues ; and without which there shall never be assurance in society , nor commerce . I seldome see those that are cunning to have much soule , or vertue : if they were really good , or prudent , they would lesse affect the appearance . There are which conceale their vertues by modesty , meane while that others conceale their defects by vanity . But in the end , men take away the vizards , and discover in time what is worthy of blame , or praise . This is my opinion , which I esteeme so much the more reasonable , as it is conformable to yours . Finally , you know if I have cause to make warre with those that are lesse sincere , since there is nothing so contrary to my humor as deceit , and nothing so pure , and naturall as my affection ; but especially that I have to be Madam , Your , &c. The XXXIV . Letter . Shee rejoyces that she is not forgotten , and feares least the number of her Letters be troublesome . MAdam , I must needs say , in the feare I was in , to be blotted from your memory , I have beene very glad to know that your long silence was rather an effect of distance , then oblivion . You will that I interpret it so ; and I assure you I am of the number of those who beleeve easily what they desire . I will not examine if it be truth or civility that speakes . I make no more doubt there hath wanted occasion , not wil , if I have not received your letters . As for mine , I had cause to desire that some had stayed by the way : since if you have received them all , you should have no lesse reason to complaine for the testimonies of my remembrance then I for the silence of yours . Our plaints had been very different you perhaps had lesse desired my Letters , I yours more . But I doe not repent ; I thinke you be not angry at my writing , and since you suffer my affection , your patience will stretch to those effects which shew it : I wish stronger , better to merit what you be to me , and better to testifie what I am to you , that is , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXIV . Answer . Shee assures her that her Letters shall never bee troublesome , and expresses displeasure , that hers were not all received . MAdam , you do me wrong to thinke I can ever forget you , you must have lesse merit , or I lesse knowledge of it . There is nothing so true as the assurances I give you of my remembrance . And you shall have better reason to beleeve , then desire it . This is more true then profitable to you . You are my example , and my remedy : I thinke on you alwayes to comfort and instruct my selfe . You tell me that I have not received all your Letters ; if it be so , I have reason to complaine with thankes , and to esteeme my selfe unfortunate , at the same time , I beleeve my selfe obliged . I should be lesse worthy of this favour , if I had lesse feeling of such a losse . I see my selfe enforced to agree to contrary passions for the same cause , joy , and sadnes . If I rejoyce to know you remember me , it afflicts me , not to have seene all the evidences , as for my Letters you have receiv'd them all in the same day as I conceive , albeit , as you may well see , I write them one after another . I am sorry they were not given you in the time that I desired : But seeing it is thus happened , at least I shall thence draw one great advantage ; It is that henceforth , if you receive none , you will attribute it to my misfortune , which else perhaps you would to my oblivion , never then entertaine an opinion contrary to the purpose I have to honour you : and whether I write to you , or not , beleeve that I am perfectly , Madam Your , &c. The XXXV . Letter . She praies her to assist a friend of hers in some affaire . MAdam , I beseech you at the entrance of this , to remember the command you made mee , when I had the honour to bid you farewell : and you will finde it lesse strange , if I have rather suffered my self to be transported with feare to disobey you : then to importune you by my Letters . I can write you none but ill-composed , but I forbeare not to hope you will suffer them , and after having had patience for a bad conversation , you will not deny it me for a bad Letter , that which yet makes me hope this favour with more assurance , especially in this occasion , is that I write for one who hath wisedome , and vertue . They are two qualities you love , and possesse in a degree so eminent , that even those who have them but in the meane , finde easie accesse , when any occurrent presents it selfe . I assure my selfe this bearer which knowes this truth but by report , shall quickly learne it by experience , when he shall have seene you . I doubt not but you will assist him , and doe beleeve that in obliging him , you will give me new ground to serve you , and to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXVI . Letter . Shee makes her a Complement on the praises she had received . MAdam , you give me approbation for a thing , which hardly deserves patience . I thinke t is rather an effect of your affection , then of your judgement ; and that you have more desire to declare me your good will , then your esteeme . Take heed you offend not , in praysing me after this manner , and that yon make me not fall into the greatest errour of the world , which is to take my selfe to be eloquent . I ascribe so much to your judgement . I should be ready to abuse my owne , to conforme my beleefe to yours , but let us change stile , I thinke it is not your intention , no more then mine , and that when you value me so much , t is rather civility then truth , that speakes . I know you have no lesse ability to discerne my defects , then goodnesse to pardon them . And I doe not desire you to run your selfe into errour , I onely pray you to bring in others , and to say of mee sometimes that which your selfe doe not beleeve . It seemes to me my request is not uncivill , if I beseech you to speake for mee to others , as you use to doe to my selfe . I thinke you would not I should have any other opinion of my selfe : so I take your praise for an honest correction , and doe beleeve that in attributing to mee so many good qualities , you would admonish mee of those I want , and which must be had to merit so high an approbation as yours . This is that which ought to be beleeved by , Your , &c. The XXXVII . Letter . She professes to her the feare shee hath during the thunder , and expresses her griefe for not seeing her . MIstris , wonder not if this Letter be confused , I am yet more in my thoughts , then my discourse : if you know not the cause , I thinke it is enough for your information to tell you it thunders here , they say the storme is past , and neverthelesse my feare is not yet blowne over . This is not written like others in my cabinet , but in the bottome of a cave , whether I descended all trembling , and wrote it with so much disorder , that to reade it onely , will be enough to make you beleeve the truth . I thinke that you are sorry to know me subject to such an excessive feare : but yet doth it seeme that I have more reason to feare thunder , then others have to runne away from Rats , and spiders . After so many sad examples wee have of it , that which is capable of feare , ought to be possest with it , at this most fearefull Meteor , but that this feare may be profitable , it must make us discourse of our owne weakenesse , and the greatnesse of God , which makes all tremble with a vapour , and which employes but an exhalation to fright the proudest . Excuse me if I write to you in this fashion , the apprehension I am in , inspires me with no other thoughts , you shal receive something another time lesse melancholly , but see how far I am distracted , I forgot to answer your Letter , where you tell mee there is no appearance , I bemoane you much , and that you yet hope my returne with more passion ; I have as much affection to your company as you to mine . I wish you knew my thought , without doubt you would change yours . Finally binde me to judge of my griefe , by my love , or rather of the one , and the other , by your merit , which is the object of both . Neverthelesse , I ought not to give my selfe over to the judgement you make of me : for as humility conceales from you the better part of your selfe , I feare least it also hide the affection , they beget in the soule of those which know you as my selfe , and which are as perfectly as I am , Mistris , Your , &c. The XXXVIII . Letter . She complaines of her subtleties . MAdam , albeit I were told of your humour , I could hardly beleeve you would disoblige those that had vowed you service , and friendship , the good opinion I had tane of you forbad mee this beleife , insomuch , that I accused of malice and invention , those that informed me yours , but now I have quitted this error , by the last effects you have made mee receive of your bad disposition ; which are by so much the more unjust , as I have never given you cause to offend mee . On the contrary , I have alwayes exprest to you , that I esteemed you perfectly . T is this which makes your processe the more criminall : and which should carry mee more justly to revenge , if the contempt I make of your deceits tooke not away my purpose . In this minde I would never complaine of you , if it were not for feare to passe for an innocent in your judgement , giving you advantage by my silence to thinke that I discover not your subtleties , and that I yet preserve the affection I promised you . T is this that made me resolve to hazard this writing , to assure you that I am cleane stript of friendship or hatred towards you . My courage makes me uncapable to estee me you , and my goodnesse to hate you : But if my mildnesse obliges me to this moderation , it shall not hinder me to tell you ; that of all the Ladies I have ever knowne , you are the most malicious , and the most unworthy to be beloved . This is all that I can write unto you of this matter , assuring you that your instructions have bin unprofitable , and that those people which have studyed them , have made very bad use of them ; at least have they not made those to speake , which else would hold their peace ? I doubt not , but if they have bin willing to tell you the truth , they have affirmed to you , the little satisfaction they have received from their curiosity . Any finenesse that their wit hath used , innocence hath surpast their craft : so doth shee triumph alwayes , soone , or slow , over lies , and calumnies . I beseech you beleeve that those you have employed to disoblige mee , have absolutely taken away the will , and the desire to be , Madam , Your , &c. The XXXIX . Letter . She entreates a strange Lady to assist a friend of hers goeing out of the Realme . MAdam , I have alwayes beene heard to speake of your merit , with so much zeale that every one hath imagined by the testimonies of my affection , that I had some part in yours You see the reason why M. L. which shall present you this Letter , hath desired to be the bearer thereof , and withall the subject , that hee might receive some reflexion of the friendship , wherewith you ●●ave honoured me . Surely , Madam , I am engaged to him in this occasion , to give me that to write to you , to recommend to you in him the person of one of my friends , though hee be commendable enough of him selfe . I hope you will make him know by your good offices , that I am a little in your favour , and that those hee shall obtaine of your courtesie in my regard shall oblige mee to render you as much service . In the meane time I conjure you to conserve me the honour of your remembrance , with assurance that I wish that of your commands , to make it appeare that I am , Madam Your , &c. The XL. Letter . She entreates him to oblige the bearer if there be neede . SIR , you have used to indebt your friends with so much affection , you will not finde it strange , if I recommend you one of mine , which merits to have a part in your favour . If you afford him any testimonies of the friendship you have promised me , albeit I pretend recompence in helping you to his , I shall alwayes be engaged to you for it , it is of M. L. who shall present to you my Letter , to receive some favours from you , which hee shall the more easily obtaine by his owne merit . I conjure you impart them ●o him , and beleeve they shall ●e set on the score of obligations , which I desire to acquite by my services , which shall shew you that I am , Sir , Your , &c. The XLI . Letter . She writes to an Abbesse , recommends her daughter enterd into religion . MAdam , I can receive in the world , no more satisfaction , my daughter no more glory , then in the testimonies you give the one , and the other of your courtesies . I pray God , Madam , the example of your life , which is a rule to all Ladies living in Cl●ysters , may yet be more specially to her , I recommend you , to what ever condition God doth destine her , this shall be alwayes her great advantage , to have seene so good an houre , and approcht so neare to vertue . I know the Importance of this obligation , and if you make reckoning of any humane thing , I shall take the assurance to protest that I am more then any person in the world . Madam , Your , &c. The XLII . Letter . She conjures her to continue her friendship . MAdam , since I am too unfortunate to be eternally neare you , at least I must make you see I am alwayes there in thought , and that the greatest consolation I have in my solitude is to entertaine my selfe with your rare qualities , and to hope for your newes . I aske them boldly , since you have done me the honour to promise them in your celestiall cabinet , where they doe never tell lies , and where you appeare with so much Majesty , as a Queene upon a glorious throne . I conjure you to this , by those faire houres , which I cannot remember without hoping the continuation of your favours , you have promised mee this grace so solemnely , that if it were a curtesie to make mee hope it , t is ●ow but justice to pay it . I demurd it as a thing you owe me , and which you can no more refuse me , without giving me cause to complaine . I beleeve my hope shall not bee without effect : and that which yet gives mee more assurance , is , that since your affection depends rather on your owne good nature , then my merit , I reckon it will last long : and your complexion being most equall , the friendship you beare mee , shall never bee lessned . I am certaine it shall never have an end , if it dure as long as the purpose I have to serve you , and be , Madam , Your , &c. The XLIII . Letter . She entertaines her upon the departure of her husband , and the retreate of one of her children into the cloysters . MAdam , one that knew lesse then I , the strength of your spirit , would thinke there needed great preparatives of reason , to resolve it against two accidents , which just at a time are united to make you rather an example of glory , then an object of disgrace . I wil then keepe my selfe from condoling you , nor will I enterprize to comfort you , since wee ought not thinke any unhappy , but those that have feeble soules ; and that to say truth there is no accident fastned to the substance of the wise , that which the vulgar esteemes hurtfull , and vexatious , is ordinarily found on the contrary , we may see an example of it in the departure of my Lord your husband , in the retreate of my Lord your sonne into a Monastery , I assure my selfe , there is no body that beleeves not your ressentments most just , but your judgment is too cleare to be surprized by appearances , and not to know in the age we live that vice is in such sort authorized , that we know it no more , but by the traine that followes it , and by the equipage , which makes it triumph , in the adoration of slaves , and flatterers . Vertue hath no more the beauty which Nature gave her . This is that which causeth most men , not trouble themselves how , provided they procure favour . I praise God , Madam , to see your house free from this reproach . This is it which makes me beleeve , that if fortune doe ever reconcile her selfe with vertue , the peace will never be made , but on condition to make my Lord your husband chiefe of the gowne . I am no Sibil , my age , and face , take off the suspition : but if there be prophetique gifts in any soules , and God take pleasure to make beasts speake under the raigne of Lewes the thirteenth , aswell as under that of Pharoah ; I shall boldly foretell the good hap of the state , when it shall use the counsels of M. T. That which he hath done in diverse negotiations , witnesseth that he hath not wanted to so good a master , but a Letter cannot describe his perfections , and I have done but like Mathematicians , who with small points , marke out great Kingdomes . It remaines I tell you that the departure made by my Lord your son , is an action you cannot complaine of , seeing the example of your piety , is perhaps the onely cause of his resolution , this it is forbids mee remember you of a thousand reasons , might be alleaged to sustaine the assault of blood , and nature . for the fruites hee shall bring forth in the Church , and the consolation you shall thence receive , will diminish the displeasures he might leave to a house full of honour , and riches . T is this I hope for his contentment , and yours , sharing as I doe , in all that concernes you , and desiring nothing more , then to witnesse to you that I am entirely , Madam , Your , &c. The XLIV . Letter . She testifies her displeasure , being almost in despaire to see her againe , and that shee had rather speake , then write to her . MY deare Cousin , However I esteeme your Letters , I had rather be in case to speake then write , not that I loathe to entertaine you in that kinde , seeing I have no other meanes : I cease not to thinke on you , but I preferre your presence to your Idea , and will take more pleasure to addresse my prayers to you , then your picture ; I meane to the image of your merits , which never can be blotted from my memory . Your remembrance may give contentment to my soule , but your entertainement to my sense also , and would render my joy more perfect . Any faire thoughts I have of you , I am little more happy then those that have pleasing dreames , when all is done , t is but a fantome that I hugge , and if there be ought better in my dreaming then theirs , t is that I can maintaine it longer . And so I doe alwaies , separating my selfe from company , that I be lesse distracted from the remembrance of yours . I know that absent persons , cannot entertaine themselves , but by the meanes of letters , but it seemes to me , there is not much pleasure to speake so farre off , as we doe , and that the words are very cold we put on paper . For my selfe , I cannot but complaine of it , and I thinke I have more cause then any body , you know it , since there is scarse any likelihood to see you again . This necessity which comforts in other occasions , doth afflict me the more in this , and if I had more hope , I should have lesse torment . I resemble the daughters of Princes , married into strange Countries , which never , or very seldome returne . If their matches be but banishments , so is mine : and though my fortune be not so glorious , it is no lesse unhappy . This is that which troubles me , when I consider , that I cannot re-approach you , and that I must now write , what I have beene accustomed to protest by mouth , that I am perfectly , Madam , Your , &c. The XLV . Letter . Shee professeth her ind●sposition to complement , and makes her new offers of service . MIstris , I keepe my word , and send you a Letter far from Complement , and how should I make them , since tho I know them not , I hate them ? This is the reason you forbad me use them , to satisfie my ignorance , as well as my humor , if I were not extreamely averse from them , your entertainement would be my Schoole to learne . But I must change discourse , least with a Complement I blame it . I am infinitely obliged to you , for so many proofes of your remembrance , and am so satisfied with the Paine you take to write , I can no more expresse my content , then the affection I have to honour you . I sweare to you , the one , and the other is extreame , and my onely displeasure is to have so little meanes to shew it . I am barren of occasions to render you what I desire , but not of desire to encounter those to serve you . I hope if ever any be presented to acquit my selfe in some sort of the obligation I owe you , by the care I will take to make you see , how I am , Mistris , Your , &c. The XLVI . Letter . She complaines not to have heard from her , and expresses the feare she hath to be no longer in her favor . MAdam , t is so long since I received any newes from you , I scarse dare demand it any more . I have cause to thinke it is not onely want of remembrance , but of will that you deprive me of this favor . I should be happy were it onely oblivion , but I doubt t is also contempt . If this be not my faith , t is my feare . But however ; if my misfortune be come to such extreamity , at least take the paines to tell it me : that I may not endure so great a losse , and not weare mourning . T is not long since I perceived by your Letters , that I ought not long to hope the continuance . Especially since I have beene at L. with Madam d● B. It seemes to mee you have taken mee for a stranger . I shall never be so in what concernes you . And beleeve assuredly what ever walk I make , the change of the place shall never be followed with that of my affection , but I must leave this discourse , or rather finish it , in the distrust I am to have no part in your favour , I feare my Complements doe importune you . I end them , and this , which I ought make no longer , having reason to thinke you are no more in humour to reade Letters , then to write . I am so much afraid of it , that I even make a scruple to finish this like others , and I beleeve it is enough to be , without daring tell you so , Madam , Your , &c. The XLVII . Letter . She complaines of her forgetfulnesse , and assures her of her remembrance although she shold forbid it . MAdam , I begge your pardon for my writing , I thinke it be to trouble you , but to make it passe the least part of your time , in reading the offers of a service , so little necessary as mine . I cease not however to acquit my selfe of this duty , and to persecute you yet with my newes , to shew you the extreme griefe I suffer to be deprived of yours . I receive none ; and I feare that sending so few letters , you have not a purpose to shew that mine displease you , it was this , I ought alwayes to thinke , if I had not beene too credulous , when you assured me the contrary , likewise I beleeve that another more bold than I , would pray you to remember your promises , since upon the matter you have at other times made me to hope the honour of your remembrance , but 't is a favour so much above me , I should thinke it a fault to demand it ; and that indeede , I did but dreame , when I thought that I possest it . Neverthelesse since I can no longer be happy by hope , at least I will be so by remembrance . I will consider times past , to comfort me at present ; and though we be not rich , by the goods wee have lost , I will notwithstanding doe a miracle , and make my selfe content by a felicity not in being : all that can afflict me is , that I know not if this will not offend you , and if you grieve not to see me happie , albeit you contribute nothing to it ; perhaps you will take it ill , that an extraordinary merit like yours , should serve for an object to so low a thought as mine , but vexe your selfe at it while you list , I shall very hardly obey you , though you should fall into the humour to forbid it ; to forget your merits , is to me as impossible , as the remembrance of my defects is to you tedious . And albeit the feare of your displeasure , should hinder me to protest by letters , the affection I have to serve you , I cannot deny my selfe to be truely as I am , Madam , Your , &c. The XLVIII . She thankes her for her approbation , and saith that if she had more merit she should have lesse friends , aswell as lesse like in the Countrey . MY deare confident , your prayses doe bring mee more shame , than vanity , they are so excessive , that I cannot receive them , without wronging the knowledge I should have of my selfe , you are too liberall ; and if nature had done so much for me as you say , I should be in case to rejoyce , where as now I am to lament . Certainely I cannot imagine the cause of so an extraordinary an approbation . If it proceede from affection you are in an errour , if from subtlety , you would put me in one . I beleeve there ia a little of the one , and the other ; and that civility mixt with friendship , renders you so prodigall in my behalfe ; I will not abuse it , and the greatnesse of your courtesie shall not hinder mee to see the greatnesse of my defects . This is the way best to acknowledge the favour you doe me , for looke how much I esteeme my selfe more imperfect , I shall esteeme you more obliging , but leave mee the opinion you have of me , to speake of that they have in this Country , know you that if I had more spirit , I should here have lesse credit , and should be in danger to have fewer friends , if I had fewer like ? if I could speake , or write well , I should have qualities not in fashion , and which would not onely be unprofitable but dangerous ; they esteeme them worthy of contempt , not prayse , or imitation : we are in a Country where ignorance is more happy , and more esteemed than knowledge : Vertue is here despised , and worthy persons are constrained to doe as Protestants at Rome ; they are afraid to appeare with their merit , as those with their religion , insomuch that if I were more able , I should be lesse honoured , yet have I cause to thanke God , in that having destind me for the Countrey , he hath given me qualities there esteemed meane , while my defects render me the object of your compassion , here they are that of praise , and admiration , insomuch that I cannot depart hence , without losing my luster . If I quit the Country and come to Paris of admirable , I shall become ridiculous . I am hardly of opinion to goe into a place where are able spirits , that can better marke my defects , than here they doe ; but all these reasons move me not ; the feare not to be there esteemed , shall never be so strong as the desire I have to see you , and to assure you that I am , Madam Your , &c. The XLIX . Letter . She sayes that if she prayse her , it is without flattery . MAdam , what ever I say of you , doe me the favour not to accuse me of dissimulation ; it is not civility obliges me to your prayses , t is that which hinders you to receive them , doth truth displease you , because you are the object ? and must vertue lose the esteeme we owe it , because it lives in you ? This is unreasonable , and I will not be unjust to please you , I want two qualities which are more necessary to slatterers . I have neither wickednesse nor wit. I am too generous , and too ignorant to practise this vicious dexterity ; however I know you are no more capeable to receive , than I to offer it . I should bee farre estranged from my purpose , as well as from yours , and my owne humour , should I endeavour to please you by flattery , I should put my selfe in danger to loose your favour , instead of gaining it by this device . Finally , I tell you my thought , and if you ac●use mee to bee in errour , ●t least accuse mee not of ●eduction . I will speake no●hing , but what I thinke ●hen I publish every where ●s I doe , that the two things ●hich admit not the lest ●omparison are , your me●●t , and the desire it produces ●● mee to serve you , and to bee alwayes , Madam , Your , &c. The L. Letter . Shee accuses his silence , and complaines that shee knowes not whether to write to him . MY deare Brother , I know what reason you have not to bee here , but cannot comprehend wha● hinders you to write . I● your absence bee an effect of your misfortune , your silence is one of your oblivion . And thinke in what displeasure wee bee , since wee must beleeve you want opportunitie or will , if the first wee feare you have no longer libertie , and have cause to lament you : if the second , you have no more affection , and wee have cause to be angry with you , wee are reduced to the straite , either of pitty or choller . So little as you regard us , consider yet into what you plung us . Since beside the griefe wee have not to heare from you , wee know not moreover how to send . If you tell us yet where you bee , wee should have some comfort , but as yet wee can discover nothing of it . So I turne this loose to hazard us , knowing what fortune it shall runne by sea , or land . I must speake freely to you , and tell you that I cannot imagine the cause of so long a silence , especially in a person that would perswade that his affection is extreame . It must needes be that you inhabite some land , where they forget faire women , as easily as here they doe good services . You understand me well enough , and t is enough you know , that Calista doth yet complaine more then Amaranta , and that your Mistresse mixes her teares with those of your sister . Are these two pleasing companions cleane forgotten ? Consider if you be but little guilty , when at the same time , you offend love and friendship . And are no better brother , then faithfull lover . How insensible soever you bee , I assure my selfe , if you reade this Letter with my attention , you cannot but bee toucht . I hope my prayers shall worke some effect , if you regard who makes them , it is , My Brother , Yours , &c. The LI. Letter . Shee complaines of the inconstancie of a certaine Lady , who had in the beginning exprest an extraordinary inclination , and soone after quitted it . MAdam , I know no longer what to thinke of our age , I am of the opinion of those , who have neither hope , nor faith , but in God : that wee give to the world , is too often abused , not to leave us undeceived , would you ever beleeve that Beliana had ceast to visite mee , after the protestations shee made mee in your presence ? had you thought she could live without mee ? and neverthelesse I heare no more newes of her . I have given her many visites , without receiving any . And when I meete her by the way , shee salutes mee with so much coldnesse , as will serve to expresse her ficklenesse . I protest I have beene deceived in her . I never thought so faire a beginning had beene so neere the end , and that so much dearenesse shee made mee at first , should have beene followed in so short a time with neglect . You know how farre my humour is estranged from lightnesse ; but I protest at present , I wish my selfe more facility , that I might bee lesse troubled with hers . My constancy is no lesse importunate , then unjust , since ordinarily it carries mee to those that have it not . I chaine my selfe so strongly to what I love , that it cannot be separated from mee without carrying away a peece . I still behold with griefe what I should behold with contempt . It is true , I doe my selfe all the violence of the world , to lose my prize . But what shall I doe more for her , not being able to returne , I must needes let her goe ; and let the force of reason comfort mee in a chance , where the tendernes of affection would bee without remedy , but let us leave a discourse unprofitable , and irkesome , t is better I entertaine you with my voyage . I have beene in the Countrey , since I saw you , and was never so much vext in so little time . T is a strange countrey where I thinke they would never speake , should you barre rayling . There is no more honesty , then ingenuity : And what ever they talke of the simplicity of the village , I know they are no lesse viciou● there , then in the City , and that all the difference is , they sinne more grosse●y . I have met there but with two sorts of persons , which are to mee equally vexatious , the ignorant , or the envious ; they have all abad wit , or a bad nature . The one know not vertue , the other love it not , judge now if I tooke delight in the Countrey . I know not if they have observed my aversenesse , but I am sure I had all the labour of the world to conceale it . You may tell me I will make my selfe enemies : but for my part , I had rather loose unprofitable friends , then retaine the troublesome . I cannot observe so tedious a pollicy . T is a prudence too laborious , which commands to please the unworthy . I renounce it , say what they will , and henceforth will force my selfe in nothing , if the complacency bee not necessary for your service : I assure you of it with as much truth , as I am , Madam , Your , &c. The LII . Letter . Shee writes that shee had taken paines in the affaires of a Gentleman , before he was recommended to her , and that his merit only had obliged her to it . MAdam , albeit I had no knowledge of the affaires of Mounsieur B. That I have of his person , obliges mee sufficiently to serve him , when I know my friends have neede of mee , there is no neede of prayers , advertisement is sufficient : judge if I can spare my selfe in this occasion : since it is for one you esteeme . You must not doubt , but I doe all my endeavour to obey you , and oblige him , but the businesse was ended , I had already done that for his onely merit , which I would doe for your onely recommendation : it is come too late , I had already done him service , and hee received the favour you demand by your Letter . I have one particular satisfaction , to have prevented your commands , and to have showne you my inclination , before my obedience . Respect obliges mee to call it so , which your courtesie names a prayer . But give what name you please to the effects of my duty , provided you judge of them truely , and doe mee the honour to beleeve that I am , Madam , Your , &c. The LIII . Letter . She prayses her manner of writing , and blames that of many others ; who have no equall stile , and know onely a certaine number of studyed words , not being able to continue . MAdam , I cannot say how much I esteeme your letters ; I had need make as good to expresse their excellence . In what stile soever you write them , they are alwayes pleasing , or profitable . If you treate on subjects of importance , there is nothing so full of instruction , if they bee written with more freedome , there is nothing so full of recreation . Serious they are without strayning , familiar without neglect . Your stile is like those beauties which appeare in all fashions , and still please , whether they bee neately drest or plaine , and to touch that which doth wholly ●nc●ant mee , it is the great equali●y observed as well in your discourse , and writing , as in your manner of life , by which equality I meane not that one should doe , or speake alwaies the same thing , but that the one , and the other be alwaies well . I praise a perfection in you , which is much wanting in many others . There are many which learne some shreads of certaine bookes , and know them by heart to vent them in company , or in their Letters . These take sometimes , but they must not shew often , if they meane to acquire equall glory , they are like to those which sell all their goods for a weekes bravery . Their discourse is flat on some subjects , swelling in others . This is to put a peece of Scarlet upon a tottered garment : t is to shew at the same time theft , and weakenesse : and that they are not onely poore , but unable to use the wealth of others . T is to make their fall so much the more dangerous , as they strove to flye too high wee may maintaine that truth shewes something of Icarus in our sexe , though the fable attribute it onely to men : to speake properly , they are dwarfes upon stilts . T is seene they are little , and would appeare great , we know the vanity of their designe , wi●h the imperfection of their stature . You know of whom I speake , and I would tell you more , had I more time , but I have no more , but to assure you that I am , Madam Your , &c. The LIV Letter . She saith that her letters serve her for copies to learne to write , and that shee desires more judgement to bee more able to imitate . MAdam , you erre to say I have need of patience for your Letters , as well as your entertainement . You must have a bad opinion of mee , if you thinke I have no better of you . Albeit I have not judgement enough to comprehend the goodnesse of yours , I cease not to taste the sweetenesse , with extreame griefe , not to be more knowing that I might bee more happy . I am sure I should draw more advantage from your knowledge , then you from my approbation , and that I should gaine more by your instructions , then you by my prayses . But it weighes not , you neede not complaine much ; if I have not judgement enough to admire the sharpenesse , and delicacy of your Letters , at least I shew them to those that can better judge , and which give you an approbation more glorious then mine . I entreate you beleeve me , and forbeare not to write , albeit there be no body worthy of your Letters . They shall serve mee for copies , and at least you shall gaine this advantage , that if I be happy in imitation , those you shall receive from mee shall bee more polite , and pleasing to you , so much as they shall resemble yours . Perhaps by little and little , I shall become a good scholler in your schoole , and if I take the custome to call you my Mistresse , I shall have new ground to ascribe you this quality , and not onely to stile my selfe your scholler , but , Madam , Your servant . FINIS . 〈…〉 Iune 13. 〈…〉