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SINCE I came to this City, I have lear∣ned the Art of making Watches; which I exercise not for Lucre, but to comply with a Precept of the Alcoran; wherein also I find no small Diversion, it being a Relief to Melan∣choly to be in Action.
Should the Ecclesiasticks of the Latin Church, be made sensible that I practise a Mechanick Trade, they would think me a Scandal to their Profession, since I wear the Habit of a
Clerk. They esteem it next door to Sacri∣lege, for a Gown-Man to condescend to the La∣bours of the Laity. They would pull my Cas∣sock over my Shoulders, should they catch me in this Honest Crime; forgetting, that the Pri∣mitive Professors of their Religious Orders, got their Bread by making of Baskets.
The Box I send thee, contains some of my Merchandize; being designed as Presents for some of the Ministers of the Port, and my o∣ther Friends at Constantinople. I desire thee to take Care in sending it safe, that the Watches may receive no Damage by Water.
It is reported here, That the Emperour is Sick; thou wilt do well to inform me of the Truth. I hear also, That Prodigies have been lately seen at Vienna, which the French inter∣pret, as Fore-runners of his Death, and Signs of approaching Desolations in Germany. I am not credulous of all Things, which the Vulgar say on such Occasions. Yet I cannot deny, but that the Angels who preside over King∣doms and Empires, may be the Monitors of Mankind, and by raising unusual Spectacles in the Elements, may warn Mortals of future Alterations. This was the Opinion also of thy Country-man Josephus, who says, That immediately before the Destruction of Jerusa∣lem, there was a Voice heard in the Templs of Solomon, supposed to be uttered by Angels, say∣ing, Arise, let us go hence; as if the Guardian Spirits of that City, were then forsaking their Charge.
In this Place not long ago, were seen Three Suns together, or at least the Appearance of so many. This the Superstitious construed as an Omen of ill Luck. While the Court-Flatterers said, they represented the Duke of Orleans, the Prince of Condi, and Cardinal Mazarini, who now have united their Interests, after a long Time of Animosities and Misunderstand∣ings. I look upon this Apparition, to be only a Natural Production, resulting from the Re∣flexion of the Sun-beams on a bright Cloud. It is easie to solve such Phaenomena, without a Miracle. Yet some, I confess, have the Stamp of a Supernatural Power in their very Front. I my self once saw Two mighty Armies mar∣shall'd in the Air, who acted all the Bloody Tragedies of War, and made Arabia deaf with the Noise of their Artillery; yet, not a Cloud at that time to be seen. But I remark'd no extraordinary Event to follow it. 'Tis hard to trace the Omnipotent in such Mysterious Works, or learn the Drift of Providence.
I desire thee to use thy utmost Diligence, to penetrate into the Designs of the Court where thou residest. 'Tis an Honourable Post, to serve the Greatest Monarch in the World. Be Faithful and Vigilant, so may God and the Grand Signior heap greater Favours on thee. Adieu.
Paris, 21st. of the 8th. Moon, of the Year 1644.