there is no other passage of his life which is open to reproach.  I beseech you, sir, to lend the matter your attentive consideration; you will find the character of it as I represent it to you.  He is persecuted on this crime, in a way which is far worse than the offence itself.  If it is likely to be of use to him, I desire to inform you that he is a man brought up in my house, related to several respectable families, and a person who, having led an honourable life, is my particular friend.  By saving him you lay me under an extreme obligation.  I beg you very humbly to regard him as recommended by me, and, after kissing your hands, I pray God, sir, to grant you a long and happy life.  From Castera, this 23 d of April [1580].  Your affectionate servant, Montaigne.

IX.

To the Jurats of Bordeaux.—­[Published from the original among the archives of the town of Bordeaux, M. Gustave Brunet in the Bulletin du Bibliophile, July 1839.]

Gentlemen,—­I trust that the journey of Monsieur de Cursol will be of advantage to the town.  Having in hand a case so just and so favourable, you did all in your power to put the business in good trim; and matters being so well situated, I beg you to excuse my absence for some little time longer, and I will abridge my stay so far as the pressure of my affairs permits.  I hope that the delay will be short; however, you will keep me, if you please, in your good grace, and will command me, if the occasion shall arise, in employing me in the public service and in yours.  Monsieur de Cursol has also written to me and apprised me of his journey.  I humbly commend myself to you, and pray God, gentlemen, to grant you long and happy life.  From Montaigne, this 21st of May 1582.  Your humble brother and servant, Montaigne.

X.

To the same.—­[The original is among the archives of Toulouse.]

Gentlemen,—­I have taken my fair share of the satisfaction which you announce to me as feeling at the good despatch of your business, as reported to you by your deputies, and I regard it as a favourable sign that you have made such an auspicious commencement of the year.  I hope to join you at the earliest convenient opportunity.  I recommend myself very humbly to your gracious consideration, and pray God to grant you, gentlemen, a happy and long life.  From Montaigne, this 8th February 1585.  Your humble brother and servant, Montaigne.

XI.

To the same.