You see women every day (even among those we despise with so much reason) who reign with a scepter of iron, treat as slaves men who are attached to them, debase them by force of controlling them.  Well, these are the women who are loved longer than the others.  I am persuaded that a woman of refinement, well brought up, would never think of following such an example.  That military manner is repugnant to gentleness and morals, and lacks that decency which constitutes the charm in things even remote from virtue.  But let the reasonable woman soften the clouds a trifle, there will always remain precisely what is necessary to hold a lover.

We are slaves, whom too much kindness often renders insolent; we often demand to be treated like those of the new world.  But we have in the bottom of our hearts a comprehension of justice, which tells us that the governing hand bears down upon us sometimes for very good reasons, and we take kindly to it.

Now, for my last word.  In everything relating to the force and energy of love, women should be the sovereigns; it is from them we hope for happiness, and they will never fail to grant us that as soon as they can govern our hearts with intelligence, moderate their own inclinations, and maintain their own authority, without compromising it and without abusing it.

XI

Ninon de l’Enclos to Saint-Evremond

Few People Resist Age

A sprightly mind is dangerous to friendship.  Your letter would have spoiled any one but me.  I know your lively and astonishing imagination, and I have even wanted to remember that Lucian wrote in praise of the fly, to accustom myself to your style.  Would to Heaven you could think of me what you write, I should dispense with the rest of the world; so it is with you that glory dwells.

Your last letter is a masterpiece.  It has been the subject of all the talks we have had in my chamber for the past month.  You are rejuvenating; you do well to love.  Philosophy agrees well with spiritual charms.  It is not enough to be wise, one must please, and I perceive that you will always please as long as you think as you do.

Few people resist age, but I believe I am not yet overcome by it.  I could wish with you, that Madame Mazarin had looked upon life from her own viewpoint, without thinking of her beauty, which would always have been agreeable when common sense held the place of less brilliancy.  Madame Sandwich will preserve her mental force after losing her youth, at least I think so.

Adieu, my friend.  When you see Madame Sandwich, remember me to her, I should be very sorry to have her forget me.

XII

Saint-Evremond to Ninon de l’Enclos

Age Has Some Consolations

It gives me a lively pleasure to see young people, handsome and expanding like flowers; fit to please, and able to sincerely affect an old heart like mine.  As there has always been a strong similarity between your tastes, your inclinations, your sentiments, and mine, I think you will be pleased to receive a young Chevalier who is attractive to all our ladies.  He is the Duke of Saint Albans, whom I have begged to pay you a visit, as much in his own interests as in yours.