Note 152 — Chapter I · THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

“Monsieur, si vous estiez aseuré de la prudence et discrétion que vous dictes estre en moy, vous ne prendriez peine de m’escripre courte ne longue lettre, car ou deux telles vertuz consistent, une n’a lieu: qui servira de briefve response à tout ce que m’escripvez. De mon vouloir, il est tel, sans jamais changer propos, que je seray telle que je doibz estre, et que ne m’estimez estre si bonne par vostre lettre; ouy bien autant qu’il me sera possible, et quelque jeune d’aage que je soye, si cognois je bien que en suyvant ces deux devant dictes vertuz, l’on ne se peult desvoyer. Quant à l’audience que me demandez, je ne puis, et ne veulx; et, sans plus m’escripre, à Dieu prenez en gré et ne vous desplaise.” (La Fleur de toutes joyeusetez).

[Here is the letter of a woman of the old style: “Sir, if you were assured of the prudence and discretion you say are in me, you would not waste your time writing letters, whether long or short, for where two such virtues are conjoined, a letter is but vain: which will serve as a brief response to all you write to me. My will is such that I am firmly resolved to be good, as I ought to be, though from your letter you do not think I am; ay, so far as lies in my power: and though I may be young in years, yet know I well that in seeking after the two aforesaid virtues one cannot go astray. As to the interview you ask of me, I cannot and I will not; and, without writing further, I pray God you may take it in good part and not be huffed.”]