To Madam de Saintot. LETTER. LXXVI.
Madam,
WHile you thought only to have discovered a little piece of gallantry, you have written the gallant••st Letter in the World: Though I am a great Counsellour, yet am I ex∣treamly puzzl'd to answer it, and must confess you understand the case better then I. I was already satisfy'd you had still the same great wit I have ever admir'd in you, and that of all things you had forgotten only me. But I must withal acknowledge, that I could not have imagin'd you had learn'd to write so well since I saw you last, or that I should ever have seen any thing from you more excellent, or such as I should have been more taken with, then what I had before. This done, fear not but I shall do all that lyes in my power to put off the suit you mention, and though you have sometime commenc'd one very roundly against me; yet I shall not take this occasion to revenge my self. But are you not a wicked Woman to come, and disturb me thus? I was in the sweetest slumber in the World, and I question whether I shall while I live sleep so well again. I am extreamly distracted that you come not to day to the Academy; for you may easily guess for whose sake I came. I shall use all my interest, that they may send a deputation to entreat your presence. But if you would but give me leave, to shew your Letter there, it were enough to raise the wishes of all for your Company. Farewel; I am yours sworn, &c.