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

Another to him. LETTER XLIII.

SIR, I am exceedingly well satisfied with the newes you send me; and with the assu∣rance you give me by your Letter of the con∣tinuation of your Friendship. Not that I was afraid, I should lose it, but because it is a plea∣sure, to heare ones selfe called happy; and that one cannot have too many titles for a possessi∣on, which can never be too much valued. I take not upon me to contend with you in Com∣pliments; or to dispute of civility with you, who live in the light of the world; and have whole Magasins of good words. For be∣sides, that I never had any skill of the Cou•…•…; it is now so long I have beene a countriman, that it were a miracle, if I had not cleane for∣got it all. Pardon therefore a rudenesse which I cannot avoide, and seeing I am not able to answer you; give me leave to assaile you, and require you to give a reason of the present state of things: What can you say Sir, of these wretched Flemmins, who shut their Gates a∣gainst good Fortune when she would come in to them? and are in love with their Fetters, and their Keepers? I doe not thinke there be truer slaves in all Asia: and I doe not wonder our Armes can doe no good in their Country, seeing it is a hard matter to take a yoake from

mens heads, who preferre it before a Crowne: and Soveraigntie when it is offered them. Sicke men are then to be despaired of, when they throw their medicines on the ground, and account of Potions as of Poysonings. It is not therefore our fault if they be not cured: wee have active power enough to worke, but it must upon a matter that is apt and disposed. I expect hereupon a Decree from your politi∣cian; and remaine,

Your, &c.

At Balzac 1. Iuly 1635.