Page 186
To Mounsieur de Sainte Marte. LETTER XVII.
SIR, I am paid for my paines before hand, and looke for no greater recompence than you have already made mee. My ambi∣tion should be very excessive, if it were not fully satisfied with your excellent Verses: and if I did not thinke my selfe happie to be honou∣red by a hand, which crownes none but Sove∣raigne heads, and travells not, but about tri∣umphall Arcks, and publicke Monuments. I have long since knowne, that all excellent things grow in your Garden; and that the La∣tine eloquence, which is but borrowed by o∣thers; and a stranger every where else; ought with you to be accounted as your patrimony: but I knew not till now, that this rare quality, is accompanied with so perfit a courtesie; and that a man so worthy of his name, and that addes new glory to that of the great Scavola, could admire any other mens wonders, besides his owne. I will doe all that possibly I can, to deserve this your favourable judgement, and not to make you sorry for being deceived to my advantage: but howsoever, if I be not able to preserve your good opinion by my merit; I hope at least to merit your favour by my affe∣ction, and to make you see that I truely am,
Your, &c.
At Balzac. 2. Sept. 1630.