_The_ Marchioness de Merteuil _to the_ Viscount de Valmont.
I do not like to have scurvy jests added to bad actions; it is not
agreeable to my taste or manner. When I have cause of complaint against
a person, I do not ridicule, I do better; I take revenge. However well
pleased you may be with yourself now, do not forget it is not the first
time you have applauded yourself beforehand; and singular, in the
hope of a triumph that would escape from you, at the instant you was
congratulating yourself on it. Adieu.
_Paris, Dec._ 6, 17—.