Congratulations on his convalescence--uncertainty of prospects
in Germany--confidence in the all-powerful protection of God.
FROM GENEVA, _this 19th of October 1546_.
MONSEIGNEUR,--I believe that you have received my last letter, by
which you will have understood that yours had been delivered by
Alexander, but somewhat tardily. I give thanks to our good Lord
affectionately for the news which Madame has communicated to me of
the recovery of your health. I hope that it may please Him, who has
begun so well, that in the spring you will feel yourself so nimble
that you will not know how to restrain your merriment, so as to
make up for past time. We shall look for that, and for all else, as
it shall please him of his infinite goodness to allot, having good
expectance that the rage which the Court of _Malines_ has vented
upon you will pass off in smoke.[82]
[82] The confiscation of the property of M. de Falais had been
pronounced by the Court of Malines. That decree had been submitted
to the confirmation of the Emperor.
I believe that it will soon be time to sound a retreat for both
camps.[83] I pray God so to direct the whole that the upshot may
prove for the advancement of his own honour. I am better pleased
that he makes war upon that unhappy tyrant with his own hand, than
otherwise. For if we were to attempt anything of importance, I
should always fear the fatal consequences of the presumption. We
have never yet heard what has become of that harebrained fellow,
the Count de Buren,[84] whether he has passed on with his army, or
whether he has been driven back. Howsoever it may be, _it is not the
multitude nor the arm of flesh that can prevail_.
[83] The sentence which put the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave
of Hesse to the ban of the Empire, 20th July 1546, was the signal
for war in Germany. The Imperial army, and that of the Protestant
Princes, observed one another for several months, on the banks
of the Danube, without the one being able to obtain any decisive
advantage over the other. But the troops of Charles the Fifth were
decimated by want and sickness while there was an overabundance in
the camp of the confederates.
[84] Maximilian d'Egmont, Count de Buren, a valiant and adventurous
captain. He brought a powerful reinforcement to Charles the Fifth
from the Netherlands, and he executed that difficult operation with
the most happy success.
Master Valerand is returning; you shall know better from him the
whole state of your affairs. Howbeit, I see no other means, unless
you yield somewhat on your side, until God opens up a better. You
will know who this bearer is, and his purpose in going to you.
Because I believed his determination to be right, I have not desired
to turn him back from it.
To conclude, Monseigneur, after my humble commendation to your kind
favour, I shall pray our good Lord to have ever his hand stretched
out to guide you by his grace.
Your servant, humble brother and entire friend,