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Sir,
I Have received with your Let∣ter the Dissertation of Monsieur — in Print; but to write my o∣pinion thereof, would be too dan∣gerous an enterprise. J never mean to doubt of the certainty of his do∣ctrine; and too bad construction was made of me at the beginning
of our commerce for to adventure farther in that way. It sufficeth me to confesse that J was lost in all probability, had it not been for your protection, since even under that, J could hardly be secure. This is a Buckler that hath been pierced in a thousand places, and (to speak freely) hath served me rather for a shew, then defence. My great Ad∣versary (as you call him) would faine have made an example of your poore Suppliant, and shewed that he did not either believe that you did love me so deerely, or that he did not much regard the persons whom you so loved. Neverthelesse Sir, If J had been of a quarrelsome humour, that matter (perhaps) would not have been so appeased; and men would perswade me, that my person onely was injur'd, my
Assertions being as firme & as sound as they were before the battery. But let the field be his, seeing he cannot endure an encounter, that J say not a resistance; and J doe willingly yeeld him all the advantages of this action. He chose rather to take me, then receive my submission, and preferr'd a trophey before an ho∣mage. Neverthelesse, J am resolv'd not to alter my condition or forget my wonted civility. Yet J doe make a stand at the very same bounds that he hath leapt over, and give respect to that Character, which he hath violated; J speak of your Love and good opinion, which are more precious to me then my writings or my reputation, and which J cannot disesteem where∣soever J meet them. Sir; there will be alwaies in the world Oppres∣sours
and men oppressed, & J must be one of the Innocents that must suffer the persecutions of a Herod. But there is nothing so hard that love cannot digest. J pardon (for your sake) all my injuries and suffe∣rings, withall my heart, & am con∣tented to be ill intreated, as long as J give evidence that J am
Sir
Your, &c.
Balzac. 10. Sept. 1636.