to losing it; when it is further from us, we dream of finding it.  So we must just take things as God sends them.  For my part, I would cherish the hope of seeing you without mixing in with other feelings; and look forward to holding you in my arms next month.  I wish to believe God will allow us this perfect joy, although it would be the easiest thing in the world to mix it with bitterness, if we so desired.  All that remains, my very dear one, is to breathe and to live.

The Prince of Orange and England

The Prince of Orange has declared himself protector of the religion of England, and has asked to have charge of the education of the young Prince.  It is a bold step, and several of the English nobility have joined him.  We are all hoping that the Prince of Orange has made a mistake, and that King James II. will give him a good beating.  He has received the Milords, confirmed the attachment of those most devoted to him, and has declared entire liberty of conscience.  But we understand that the King of England has united all his people round him, by affording a greater degree of religious liberty.

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What shall we say of this English nation?  Its customs and manners go from bad to worse.  The King of England has escaped from London, apparently by kind permission of the Prince of Orange; the Queen will arrive at St. Germain in a day or two.  It is quite certain that war will be declared against us soon, if indeed we are not the first to declare it.  We are sending the Abbe Testu to St. Germain to help in establishing there the King and Queen of England and the Prince of Wales.  Our King of France has behaved quite divinely to these Majesties of England; for to comfort and sustain, as he has done, a betrayed and abandoned king, is to act in the image of the Almighty.

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It is good news that the King of England has left this morning for Ireland, where they are anxiously awaiting him.  He will be better there than here.  He is travelling through Brittany like lightning, and at Brest he will find Marshall d’Estree with transport and frigates ready.  He carries large treasure, and the King has given him arms for ten thousand men; as his Majesty of England was saying good-bye, he said, laughing, that he had forgotten arms for himself, and our King gave him his own.  Our heroes of romance have done nothing more gallant.  What will not this brave and unfortunate King accomplish with these ever victorious weapons?  He goes forth with the helmet and cuirass of Renaud, Amadis, and our most illustrious paladins, supported by unexampled generosity and magnanimity.

Old Age