The secretary of ladies. Or, A new collection of letters and answers, composed by moderne ladies and gentlewomen, collected by Mounsieur Du Bosque. Translated out of French by I.H.

The XXXVIII. Letter. (Book 38)

She complaines of her subtleties.

MAdam, albeit I were told of your humour, I could hardly beleeve you would dis∣oblige those that had vowed you service, and friendship, the good opinion I had tane of you forbad mee this beleife, inso∣much, that I accused of malice and invention, those that infor∣med me yours, but now I have quitted this error, by the last effects you have made mee re∣ceive of your bad disposition; which are by so much the more unjust, as I have never given you cause to offend mee. On the contrary, I have al∣wayes exprest to you, that I e∣steemed you perfectly. Tis this which makes your pro∣cesse the more criminall: and

which should carry mee more justly to revenge, if the con∣tempt I make of your deceits tooke not away my purpose. In this minde I would never complaine of you, if it were not for feare to passe for an in∣nocent in your judgement, gi∣ving you advantage by my si∣lence to thinke that I discover not your subtleties, and that I yet preserve the affection I promised you. Tis this that made me resolve to hazard this writing, to assure you that I am cleane stript of friendship or hatred towards you. My cou∣rage makes me uncapable to e∣stee me you, and my goodnesse to hate you: But if my mild∣nesse obliges me to this mode∣ration, it shall not hinder me to tell you; that of all the Ladies I have ever knowne, you are

the most malicious, and the most unworthy to be beloved. This is all that I can write unto you of this matter, assuring you that your instructions have bin unprofitable, and that those people which have studyed them, have made very bad use of them; at least have they not made those to speake, which else would hold their peace? I doubt not, but if they have bin willing to tell you the truth, they have affirmed to you, the little satisfaction they have re∣ceived from their curiosity. A∣ny finenesse that their wit hath used, innocence hath surpast their craft: so doth shee tri∣umph alwayes, soone, or slow, over lies, and calumnies. I be∣seech you beleeve that those you have employed to disob∣lige mee, have absolutely ta∣ken

away the will, and the de∣sire to be,

Madam,

Your, &c.