Nevv epistles of Mounsieur de Balzac. Translated out of French into English, by Sr. Richard Baker Knight. Being the second and third volumes

To Mounsieur du Pleix, the Kings Historiographer. LETTER. XXIX.

SIR, since the time that persecution hath broken out into flames against mee, I never received more comfortable assistance then from your selfe, and I account your strength so great, that I cannot doubt of the goodnesse of a cause which you approve. You were bound by no Obligation to declare your selfe in my be∣halfe, and you might have continued Neutrall with decencie enough, but the noblenesse of your minde hath passed over these petty rules of vulgar Prudence; and you could not en∣dure to see an honest man oppressed, without taking him into your protection. This is to shew mee too much favour in a Kingdome where Justice is no better than Mercenary, and where paiment comes not, but after long solli∣citing. I know well that the soundest part is of my side; and that my state is not ill amongst the wise; but on the other side, there are so many opposites on the By, make warre upon mee; that I am ready to leave my selfe to the mercy of the multitude, and to be perswaded by the number of my enemies, that I am in the wrong. It is therefore no small Obligation I am bound to you in, that you have preserved the libertie

of your judgement amidst the altercations and factions of passionate men, and have taken the paines to cleare a truth, which is to mee of great advantage, and was to you of small importance. I doe not desire that men should count me lear∣ned; this qualitie hath often troubled the peace of the Church; and they are not the ig∣norant that make Schismes and Heresies. And lesse I pretend to the art of well speaking; ma∣ny bad Citizens have used this as an instrument to ruine their country, and a dumbe Wise∣dome is much more worth than an ill minded eloquence. That which I desire, and which would trouble me much to have taken from me is honesty; of which onely I make profession, and without which wee are never able to at∣taine salvation, where with all the Greeke and Latine of our Books we may incurre perdition. Mounsieur Gyrard, a man you dare trust, and one that hath never borne false witnesse, will answer for me concerning this last point. Hee hath seene my soule to the very bottome, and can assure you without deceiving you, that I am no lover of vice; and if you desire assurance that I am an extreme lover of vertue, hee will enter into bond for me that I am,

Sir,

Your, &c.

At Balzac 12. Aug. 1630.