To the same — LET. XXXV.

SIR, J have received your incomparable Book: in the which (af∣ter a long and tedious perusal) my Grammer could finde no con∣struction, nor my Logick common sense. This is not the first time that that poor Wit hath strayed so. He hath been this long time ridiculous without being facetious, and hath been a laughing-stock to the vul∣gar, and an object of pitty to the wise. The late Monsieur — did use to call him the greatest enemy that ever Reason had, between Cales and Bayonne; and said, he was a fool in two Sciences, and in four Languages. Neverthelesse, if our friend shall think him worthie of some traces of his pen, let us indulge him that exercise, with this pro∣visoe, that he be not violent, and that he put not himselfe to a heat; that (if it please him) he do not deal seriously with him, or arm him∣selfe at all points, against an Adversary that deserves not any encoun∣ter but with pins. As for the — you wrong your selfe, for to mis∣trust the moderation of my spirit. In the estate that I have ordered and setled it in, I have lesse passion then the King of the Stoicks, and IPage  43 must be excited for eight dayes together, to the crueltie of hearing any man whatsoever, for one half an houre▪ It is not my intention to write against Monsieur — but to discourse with him; and I have not so little wit, but that I can distinguish his person from his cause. He hath obliged me with so good grace, and spoken of me in such high language and sumptuous terms, that I cannot doubt of his re∣spect, or his affection towards me. And he shall likewise see my re∣sentment of it, through the whole file of my discourse; wherein I am resolved to temper my self so discreetlie, that if I perswade him not to my opinion, I shall not make my proceedings odious; and if I do not rest satisfied with what he faith, I shall contradict him but ob∣liquely, and with a kind of Biasse, which shall not be distastful unto him. This will be (perhaps) the first example of modestie, that hath been heard of among the disputants of this age; and we will demon∣strate to those of that side, who talk outragiouslie in Problems of small importance; that the altercations of honest men are without choler, and that generous enemies live better together then malicious Burghers. For the rest Sir, I desire you to continue the pains that you have begun, and to send me wherewith, J may fortifie all the Ap∣proaches that are liable to assault and batterie. I shall feare nothing, being strengthned with so powerful succors; and you will justifie my cause if it be good, or give it a colour of justice, if it be not so. See what an enterprise it was in you to love me: You could never have conceived a more pernicious design for your selfe. It will repent you more then once, and you will renounce at anytime (I am sure) the sory purchase which you have made in the acquaintance of a trouble∣some man. Neverthelesse, he is one that is most affectionatelie