Adieu.  I am the truest of your servants, who would gain much if you had no more lovers, for I would be the first of your friends despite an absence which may be called eternal.

II

Ninon de L’Enclos to Saint-Evremond

It is sweet to remember those we have loved

I was alone in my chamber, weary of reading, when some one exclaimed:  “Here is a messenger from Saint-Evremond!” You can imagine how quickly my ennui disappeared—­it left me in a moment.

I have been speaking of you quite recently, and have learned many things which do not appear in your letters—­about your perfect health and your occupation.  The joy in my mind indicates its strength, and your letter assures me that England promises you forty years more of life, for I believe that it is only in England that they speak of men who have passed the fixed period of human life.  I had hoped to pass the rest of my days with you, and if you had possessed the same desire, you would still be in France.

It is, however, pleasant to remember those we have loved, and it is, perhaps, for the embellishment of my epitaph, that this bodily separation has occurred.

I could have wished that the young ecclesiastic had found me in the midst of the glories of Nike, which could not change me, although you seem to think that I am more tenderly enchanted with him than philosophy permits.

Madame the Duchess de Bouillon is like an eighteen-year old:  the source of her charms is in the Mazarin blood.

Now that our kings are so friendly, ought you not to pay us a visit?  In my opinion it would be the greatest success derived from the peace.

III

Ninon de l’Enclos to Saint-Evremond

Wrinkles are a Mark of Wisdom

I defy Dulcinea to feel with greater joy the remembrance of her Chevalier.  Your letter was accorded the reception it deserved, and the sorrowful figure in it did not diminish the merit of its sentiments.  I am very much affected by their strength and perseverance.  Nurse them to the shame of those who presume to judge them.  I am of your opinion, that wrinkles are a mark of wisdom.  I am delighted that your surface virtues do not sadden you, I try to use them in the same way.  You have a friend, a provincial Governor, who owes his fortune to his amiability.  He is the only aged man who is not ridiculed at Court.  M. de Turenne wished to live only to see him grow old, and desired to see him father of a family, rich and happy.  He has told more jokes about his new dignity than others think.

M. d’Ebene who gave you the name of “Curictator,” has just died at the hospital.  How trivial are the judgments of men!  If M. d’Olonne were alive and could have read your letters to me, he would have continued to be of your quality with his philosophy.  M. de Lauzun is my neighbor, and will accept your compliments.  I send you very tenderly, those of M. de Charleval, and ask you to remember M. de Ruvigny, his friend of the Rue des Tournelles.