Note 171 — LETTERS TO MADAME DE GRIGNAN[11] FROM 1671 TO 1690. (continued 4)

Madame de Sévigné seems to have adopted, at this moment, the ridiculous reports spread abroad, in regard to M. de Luxembourg. But is it to be credited that a soul like his was capable of such weakness as was laid to his charge? And does it not rather exhibit the common conduct of envy and malignity, which, in the life-time of men of the first order, are incessantly endeavoring to tarnish the luster of their reputation?