THE ROCKS, Wednesday, June 1, 1689.
Paulina is too fortunate in being your secretary; she learns, as I told
you, to think, and express her thoughts, by seeing how you express
yours. She is learning the French language, which most women are
ignorant of, but you take the trouble of explaining words to her, which
she would not understand; and by instructing her in so many subjects,
you relieve your own head and mine. The tediousness of dictating is not
equal to the fatigue of writing; and my mind is never at rest, but when
I know yours is so. Persevere, then, in instructing your daughter so
properly, and in affording so great a relief to yourself and to me.
When you are assured of my being in perfect health, you do every
thing that can be done, which is to dread its interruption. This too
sometimes engages my thoughts, and not finding any of those little
inconveniences with which you are acquainted, I say with astonishment,
I must, however, expect that this happy state will change; and I
conclude, that I ought, as upon all other occasions, to submit to the
will of God, and believe, that in inflicting ills upon me, he will give
me patience. I will therefore enjoy my present lot.