CCXI sociable letters written by the thrice noble, illustrious, and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

CXXXIV.

MADAM,

YOu were pleased in your last Letter to tell me, that you had Heard of the Seven Wonders of the World, but you had onely Seen that which might be accounted the Eighth, which are those Books I sent you; But, Ma∣dam, it is a greater VVonder to me, that you would take the Pains to Peruse them, than it was that I should VVrite, or Vvast so much Paper, for Girls are alwayes Busie to no Pur∣pose, they will take delight to scratch a Coal upon a VVhite VVall, or Ink with a Pen up∣on Paper, whenas they account it a Torment to be Taught a Fair Hand-writing, or the Art of Limning; and in my Opinion, there is no bet∣ter Argument for Free VVill, than to Observe how Opposite Constraint and Inforcement is to the Nature of Mankind; But when I Consider, that Mankind for the most part Will what is VVorst, and most Hurtful for themselves, or their Kind, I then am apt to think Mankind are Predestinated so to do, otherwise it were strange that Mankind should VVilfully Hurt them∣selves, when they have that which is call'd Rea∣son, which Informs them, that that which they VVill, is Hurtful for them, or to them. But as for my Books, you might think I have been

bound to the Profession of a Scrivener, not to VVrite an Intelligible Hand, but to make VVast Paper, for they being paid for the most part by the Sheets, and not by the Letters, put as few Letters in a Sheet of Paper as subtilly they can, leaving a Large Space betwixt every Line, and they make their Letters as Big, and Broad as they may, as not to Mis-shape them, also with Large, and Long Flourishing Scratches; but my Paper Book is an Advantage to you, who pay nothing for the VVriting, but your Sight, although Sight, indeed, is more worth than Pluto's Riches, for it is the most Curious, Glo∣rious, and Pretious Jewel in Nature's Treasury; But, Madam, lest I should Doubly or Trebly Tire your Sight, as with my Books, and then with this Tedious Letter, I take my leave, and rest,

Madam,

Your Ladiships most faithful Friend and Servant.