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LETTER IV. To * * *
SIR,
I Am extremely glad that the Proposals which Monsieur de Bethune has been order'd to make to the Pope, have been judg'd reasonable. I shall exceedingly wonder, if his Holiness does not hasten on his Part, to determine this Affair, as he is oblig'd in Interest, considering what ill Effects may happen upon his neglect of it. If his Ma∣jesty's Councel had been six Months ago such as it is at present, we had taken wholsome Resolutions here much earlier, and so Matters might have ended according to all our Desires: But then it was impossible. What gives me the greatest disturbance is, that we loose a sine Opportu∣nity of advancing the Interests of Religion, all long of this unfortunate Affair, to which, I hope, Heaven will put a speedy Conclusion. I can positively assure you, that nothing shall be omitted for the future, to rid us fairly of it, no more than I shall be wanting in my own particular, to testifie to you upon all Occasions, that I shall be ready to serve you, who am,
SIR,
Your most Affectionate Brother, RICHELIEU.
St. German in Laye, Octob. 23, 1624