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SIR, be not scandalized, nor take exception at my silence. The greatest part of the Let∣ters I writ; are but the paiment of my old debts: and before I answer one, I cast up my reckoning three or foure times. I seldome stay upon matter of compliment, all I can doe, is but to defend my selfe untowardly; I thinke
my selfe sufficiently honest, if I be but indiffe∣rently uncivill; and because I am apt to doe courtesies voluntarily; I expect also voluntarily to receive them; of you Sir especially, who judge not friendshippe by the looke, and knowes that superstition is more ceremonious, then true pietie. The new favours I have re∣ceived from your Muses are to mee as they ought to be, exceeding sensible: yet thinke not, that this makes me forget your former benefits: and that I carry not in minde, that it is you that gave me the first taste of good, and the principles of vertue; you doe but build upon the foundation you laid your selfe; and give estimation to your owne paines. Having beene my guide in a countrie which I know not; it is for your honour it should be belee∣ved, I have made some progresse there, that so it may apppeare your directions are good. Thus your Poeme hath in it a hidden art, which few understand; and I am but the colour of your designe. You enjoy your selfe all the glory you have done me; all the glory you have imparted to mee stayes still with your selfe; and you have found out a way how to praise your self, without speaking of your self: and how to be liberall without parting from a∣ny thing. If you come this Sommer to Paris, I will give you account of an infinite number of things that will not dislike you; and in revenge thereof, I require to heare from you some newes of our male content;
I know not whether you will be able to bring the state into his favour; but this I know, it is no small worke for perswasion to effect, seeing hee is no lesse obstinate in his errours, then you strong in your Reasons. Whatsoever he say of the time; and of the carriage of things; the impunitie with which he triumphs, is a visible marke of the moderate goverment of this Kingdome; and in any country but this; his Head long before this time had paid for his tongue. But I heare he is of so vile an humour, that he is angry for his very liberty; and thinks it is done in scorne, that hee hath not all this while been put in the Bastyle. He valewes him∣selfe to be worthy of an informer; and of Com∣missioners, and thinkes hee hath merit enough to be punisht in state. Let us beare a little with his malady; he is otherwise not evill, nor of evill qualities: It is onely the temperature of his body that is faulty: and if Mounsieur Cytois can purge away his choller, hee shall procure to M. the Cardinall a faithfull servant. I ex∣pect hereupon an Epigramme of your making, and am with all my soule,
Sir,
Your, &c.
From Balzac 4. March. 1631.