[17] Calvin had just dedicated to M. de Falais his Commentary on the
First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. The epistle dedicatory
is of the 22d January 1546. The name of M. de Falais--sad example
of the fragile nature of human affections!--was effaced ten years
afterwards from the preface of this Commentary, and replaced by the
name of the Marquis of Vico.
Calvin dedicates to him one of his Commentaries.
[_January 1546._[18]]
[18] _On the back_, in the hand of M. de Falais--'Received the 6th
February 1546.'
MONSEIGNEUR,--Since my written letter, I have changed my mind,
touching the epistle dedicatory of my Commentary, because it is
a great trouble and difficulty to be forced to fill up so many
pages and no more; I therefore send it altogether, nevertheless,
with this condition, that it shall not be printed but by your
command. Wherefore, I enclose it in the present letter, in order
that Vendelin[19] may not have it but from your hands. Should it
not appear fitting that I address it to you, I shall make a new
one, on being advertised to that effect. As for the rest, do not
be astonished if I speak with brevity of you, for I would fear to
touch some thorns in entering further on the subject. But according
as circumstances will bear it, we can, should it so please God, on
a second impression, discourse fully and say all that there shall
be need for. Howbeit, I would greatly desire, if it might so please
God, to be with you for three or four days, to confer by word of
mouth rather than by writing. Possibly it is folly on my part to
think that my presence can be of any service to you. But why so?
while the power may be wanting, affection makes me speak thus. These
wishes, however, are more easy to form than to fulfil. So let us be
content with what God gives us.
[19] Printer in Strasbourg.
Yesterday we had news here of the defeat of four thousand English by
five hundred light horse. But it is from France.[20]
[20] The French were then besieging the town of Boulogne, occupied
by the English. The peace between the two rival monarchs of France
and England, was signed the year following.--De Thou, lib. i. ii.
Monseigneur, after having humbly commended me anew to your kind
favour, and that of Madame, I pray always our Lord that he would
uphold you in his glory.
[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]