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To Madimoiselle de Rambouillet. LETTER XXIII.
MADAM,
I am very far from having any thing to object against your Pru∣dence, since it is accompany'd with so much Goodness, and that it is not less employ'd for the advantage of others then your own. I must confess I should have been very much troubled to be the first unfortunate man that you should have given over for such, and that you should have exercis'd on me the apprentiship of that dis-compassionate Vertue which never yet could claim any acquaintance with your Generosity. And whereas those actions which are not perform'd without danger are of greater esteem then others, it cannot be expected there should be always security for do∣ing well, and you are, Madam, in my opinion, particularly ob∣lig'd to be tender of the unfortunate, since that to change their condition you need apply nothing but words. Those I have had the honour to receive from you, have wrought on me the effect you could imagine, in so much that I have not since known any affliction save that of being unable to express the resentment I have of them. There is nothing so certain, Madam, as that when you are pleas'd not to be cross, you are the most accomplish'd person in the world; and Goodness, which is so delightful wherever it is found, is much more adorable in you, where it is better attended then ever it was in any one. You had long ere this met with my most humble thanks for what you are pleas'd to have for me if I had had the feast favourable opportunity to send them you: and I put this Letter into the hands of Fortune as a forlorn, though I per∣ceive not how it shall passe through so many difficulties and fires, wherewith we are encompass'd. And yet I believe it will not be so unhappy as to miss you, meerly because it is directed to you, and that you must needs receive it through the assistance of that good fortune, which you say you have in things of small consequence: I should here take occasion to acquaint you with divers that are of great, and which I could wish within your knowledg; but I conceive it is your desire I should be discreet as well as your self, and that I should not write any thing, that mightlye open to censure.