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SIR, my Philosophy is not of so little huma∣nity, but that I grieved exceedingly at the reading of your Letter, and was touched to the very quicke, for the death of—yet seeing he is happier then they that mourne for him; and that he hath left the world, in an age when he yet knew it not; I thinke it no wise∣dome, to be obstinate in an ill grounded sor∣row,
or to account that an evill to another, which is the greatest good, could have happen∣ed to my selfe. Christianity will not let me say, Optimum non nasci, Bonum vero quam citissime interire: but it hinders me not to believe, that one day of life, with Baptisme, is better then a whole age of iniquity. I write this letter to you from—whether I am come to lodge, after I had entertained my Lord—untill n•…•…ght. I conceived, there was some ne∣cessity, to deliver him your Letter with all speede; and therefore I exposed my person to all the injuries of an incensed sky; and ventu∣red to make a voyage, that would have frighted a stouter man then my selfe. By this you may know that I count nothing difficult, which re∣flects upon any interest of yours; or which con∣cernes your contentment; and I love you so much, that I should not say so much, if I had more craft in me then I have. But my good Nature exceedes al other considerations of vul∣gar Prudence; and I would not keepe you from knowing what great power you have over me, though I knew before hand, you would abuse this power. For other things, I am very glad to heare, you beginne to grow sensible of the charmes of musicke, and that Consorts are in reputation with you. Yet I have seene the time, when your eares were no learneder then mine, and when you made no great difference be∣tweene the sound of Lutes, and the noyse of Bells. See what it is to frequent good compa∣ny; and to live in a Country of neatenesse. I
that stirre not from the Village, know no other musicke, but that of Birds; and if sometimes I heare a more silver sound; it comes from those noble Animals, which Mounsieur Hein∣sius praiseth so much: and which by Lucians saying, serve for Trumpets in the Kingdome of the Moone. I give you a thousand thankes for your newes; but specially for the last: it is certaine, that the choice of Mounsieur de Be∣lieure to be Ambassadour for Italy, is a thing will be generally well liked; men talke won∣ders already of his beginnings: of the readinesse and Vivacitie of his Spirit, of the force and stay∣•…•…dnesse of his Iudgement, besides some other excellent qualities of his Age, from which we may hope for much. And for my selfe, who am one, that love my Countrie exceedingly; I cannot but exceedingly rejoyce, in this new fruitefulnesse which comes upon him, at the latter end of his old age. It doth me good to see famous deceased men, to live againe in their excellent posteritie; and I doubt not of the good successe of a Negotiation, where a Belieure, a Thou, or a Sillery, is imployed. These were our Heroes of the long Robe; and the Princes of our Senate: and now their children (that I may continue to speake Latine, in French) are the Princes of our youth, at least they are names more happy, and that portend more good to France, then the name of—and no doubt, she will have cause to thanke M. the Cardinall, for respecting races, that are so deere unto her: and for stirring up in the Kings
the old inclinations, of the Deceased King his Father. I fall a sleepe alwaies, when I am tal∣king with you, and am rather in case to make ill dreames, then good discourses: and so I take my leave of you, my deare and perfect friend, as I also am to you, as much as possibly can be,
Your, &c.
At Balzac 4. Octo. 1634.