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TO Mademoiselle Du Cambout De Coslin.
Madam,
I Should be unjust to complain of the Rigours of the Inquisition, and the ill usage which I received from her Officers, since they have administred to me the subject matter of this Work, and thereby afforded me the advantage of Dedicating it to you. I should desire, Madam, to make a just use of so favourable an occasion, to have an Eloquence proportionable to my Zeal. I would em∣ploy it in speaking of so many excellent Qualities, wherewith Heaven hath so liberally endued you, which render you one of the most aimable Persons of the World, and cause you to be already admired by all those who know you. In truth there is observed in you a Goodness and Sweetness which Charm, a vi∣vacity and penetration of Spirit which surprise, a Prudence and Discernment, which are not ordinary to Persons of your Age But this, Madam, deserves our astonishment, that you are so accomplished; that to create a just Idea of you, and make your Elogy in few words, it doth not suffice to say that you are the worthy Daughter of two Persons, no less Eminent and Illustri∣ous for their Piety, than for their Birth and Quality.
May Heaven grant, Madam, that your Merit may be fellow∣ed by an uninterrupted Happiness; that your Prosperity may surpass even the measure of your Desires; and that this Book, which I present to you, may be scattered into the most remote Provinces; not so much to instruct People in what passeth in the Tribunals of the Holy Office, as to preserve the memory of your Illustrious name; and serve for an Eternel Proof of that profound respect, wherewith I am,
Madam,
Your most Humble, and most Obedient Servant, D***.