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

To my Lord, the Bishop of Poitiers. LETTER XXVII.

MY Lord, although Mounsieur de—hath promised me to give you assurance of the continuation of my service, yet I cannot forbeare to adde these few lines to his testimo∣ny, and to tell you that which I tell to all the world that your vertue is a transcendent farre above the abilities and cariage of our age. It is a match for antiquitie in its greatest pure∣nesse and severitie. When the Camilli and the Scipioes were not in imployment, they repo∣sed themselves and tooke their ease as you doe; and when I consider sometimes the sweetē life you leade at Dissay, I conclude that all the imployments of the Pallace, and all the intrica∣cies of the Court are not worth one moment of a wise mans idlenesse. It is well knowne that from your childhood you have despised vani∣tie even in her kingdome, and that in an ayre where shee had attractives able to draw the oldest and most reluctant spirits. All the pompe of Rome hath not so much as given you one temptation; and you are so confirmed in a ge∣nerous contempt, that if good Fortune her selfe should come to looke you out, you would scarce goe out of your Closet to meete her in your Chamber. This is that I make such recko∣ning

of in your Lordship, and which I prefer before all your other qualities; for those how great soever they be, are yet but such as are common with many base and mercenarie Doctors, where as this force and courage are things that cannot bee acquired in the noyse and dust of Schooles. You found not these ex∣cellent qualities in the Vatican Library, nor yet got them by reading of old Manuscripts; you owe them indeede to Mounsieur your de∣ceased father, that true Knight without spot or wrinckle; equally skilfull in the art of warre, and in affaires of peace, and that was the Heros of Muret, of Scaliger, and of Saint Mart. I propose not a lesse object for my worship then they did, neither indeede is it lesse, or lesse religious then theirs was; and though you did not love mee as you doe, and though you should denounce warre against me, and become head of a faction to seeke my ruine, yet I should not for all that forbeare to revere so rare a vertue as yours is, but should stil remaine,

My Lord,

Your, &c.

At Balzac 4. May, 1630.