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

To Monsieur Balthazar, Coun∣cellour of the King, and Treasurer Generall of Navarre. LETTER XIX.

SIR, I never deliberate upon your opinion, nor ever examine any mans merit, when you have once told me what to beleeve. But yet, if I should allow my selfe the libertie to do otherwise, I could but still say, that I find Mon∣sieur de—well worthy the account you hold him in, and my selfe well satisfied of him, upon his first acquaintanee. By further conver∣sation, I doubt not, but I should yet discover in him more excellent things, but it is no easie matter, ever to bring us together againe: For, he is a Carthusian in his Garrison, and I an Her∣mite in the Desart; so as that which in our two lives makes us most like, is that which makes us most unlikely ever to meet: yet I sometimes heare Newes of him; and I can assure you, he is but too vigilant in looking to his Charge; hee hath stood so many Rounds and Sentinells, that it is impossible, he should be without rhumes, at least, till Midsomer. These are, to speake truly, workes of supererogation; for I see no enemy this Province need to feare, unlesse perhaps, the Persian or Tartarian: the very Name of the

King, is generally fortification enough, over all his Kingdome; and as things now stand, Vau∣girad is a place impregnable; that if Demetrius came againe into the world, he would loose his reputatiō before the meanest village of Beausse: but this is one of your politician subtleties, to make Angoulesme passe for a Frontier Towne, and to give it estimation, that it may be envied. Doubt not, but I shall give you little thankes for this, seeing by this meanes you are cleane gone from us, and I must be faine to make a journey of purpose into Lauguedoc, if I ever meane to enjoy the contentment of embracing you, and of assuring you, that I am

Sir,

Your, &c.

At Balzac, 1. March. 1633.