[FROM KÖNIGSMARCK TO SOPHIA DOROTHEA]
[_July 1692_, from the Camp.]
I am very well pleased that you are for once satisfied with me; but it
seems to me that this does not delight you, for you are always supplying
me with matter for reproaching you; and thus you deprive me of the joy
of being satisfied with you. You complain that your love interferes with
your rest; I am willing to believe it, but this love does not touch your
heart so deeply that you would cut off the slightest pleasures for its
sake. No, no; it is for me to complain: my passion not only troubles me,
but brings me to despair. Oh, God! how I [hate] the places where I know
the amusements are going on; I should much like to see you at the Gate
of Brussels[203] or of Ghent[?] without appearing there myself; rather
than do this you would abandon me and ten other _galans_. You find your
conduct correct; so do I; but I should be beyond despair if mine were
not still more so. I am very well pleased that you have not fallen ill;
it would have left me inconsolable. Although I am not satisfied with
you, you were satisfied with my letter; this fills me with joy; you find
there the unfeigned sentiments of my heart; I thank you very humbly that
you promise me not to give your portrait to the person we know of. Why
do you flatter me so much in your letters, when you think so little of
keeping your promises to me? You assure me that nothing will be
difficult for you, and that you will do everything to please me; this is
very well said, but very ill kept. Alas! you say to me, let us trust
that time will be able to make us happy; but know that time will make me
the most unhappy of mankind. I have not the audacity to say to you what
I already know; but, my dear, I believe that they will force me to leave
you. I cannot finish this letter, what with trouble, sorrow, and anger.
Adieu; do not, at all events, hate me; for, I swear by my God, I do not
deserve it in [any] way on earth.
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Footnote 203:
In July 1692 Königsmarck appears to have paid a visit from the Camp to
Brussels, see the Princess’s letter _ap._ Wilkins, p. 197. (Of the old
gates of Brussels the Porte de Hal now alone remains.)
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