Letter XXIV. To a Lady

On the folly of persons in the world about duels.

Annecy, i$th May, 1612.

My dearest Daughter, — Your last letter has given me a thousand consolations, and also to Madame N., to whom I have communicated it, having seen nothing in it which could not be shown to a lady of that kind, and one who cherishes you so holily. But I write to you in haste, as I must get ready a despatch for Burgundy.

My God! dearest daughter, what shall we say of these men who esteem so much the honour of this miserable world, and so little the beatitude of the other? I assure you that I have had strange troubles of heart, in thinking how near to eternal damnation this dear cousin was placed, and that your dear hus-

• The allusion is, perhaps, to some reminder of the presence of God.

band would have led him thither. Alas! what sort of friendship — to help to carry one another towards hell! We must pray God to make them see his holy light, and to have great compassion on them.

I see them truly with a heart full of pity, when I consider that they know that God merits to be preferred; and yet have not the courage to prefer him, when occasion requires, for fear of the words of the evil-minded.

Still, that your husband may not rot in his sin, and in the excommunication, I send him this note for confession and absolution. I pray God to send him the required contrition. Well, then, rest in peace; throw your heart and your wishes into the arms of the heavenly Providence, and may the Divine blessing-be always amongst you. Amen.