PARIS, January 7, 1669.
It is as true that I did not receive an answer to the letter in which
I gave you life, as that I was in pain, lest, with the best intention
possible to pardon you, I had unintentionally killed you, being little
accustomed to wield a sword. This was the only good reason I could
assign to myself for your silence. In the mean time you had written,
though your letter had never reached me. Allow me still to regret the
circumstance. You always write pleasantly; and if I had wished to
lose any portion of your correspondence, it would not have been that
letter. I am glad you approve of the marriage with M. de Grignan; he
is a very good man, and very gentlemanly--has wealth, rank, holds a
high office, and is much esteemed and respected by the world. What more
is necessary? I think we are fortunate, and as you are of the same
opinion, sign the deed I sent you; and be assured, my dear cousin, that
if it depended on me, you should be first at the entertainment. How
admirably well you would act your part! Since you left us, I have heard
no wit equal to yours, and I have said to myself a thousand times,
“Good heavens, what a difference!” War[10] is talked of, and it is said
the king will take the field in person.
[10] It was a vague report. No idea was yet entertained of
breaking the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, concluded only seven
months before. But it was in contemplation to interfere in the
quarrel between the Count Palatin and the Duke of Lorraine, and
force the latter to lay down his arms.