CLASSICS
MEDIAEVAL
LETTERS
LIFE,
AND
PHILOSOPHY
EPICUREAN
OF
NINON
L'ENCLOS
DE
The
Beauty of the
Century
Celebrated
Seventeenth
OVERTON
ROBINSON"
EDITION
TRANSLATION
AND
CHICAGO
THE
LION
PUBLISHING
MCMIII.
CO.
COPYRIGHTED
1903
BY
W.
H.
OVERTON
CONTENTS
NINON
OF
LIFE
L'ENCLOS
DE
PAGE
I
CHAPTER
de 1'Enclos
Ninon
Standard
a
as
I
II
CHAPTER
Considered
as
a
Parallel
5
CHAPTER
of
Youth
Ninon
III
1'Enclos
de
12
CHAPTER
The
Morals
of
IV
Period
the
20
CHAPTER
Ninon
and
Count
V
26
Coligny
de
VI
CHAPTER
The
"Birds"
of the
Tournelles
32
VII
CHAPTER
of Her
Effect
Mother's
Death
CHAPTER
Her
Increasing Popularity
38
-
VIII
45
"
IX
CHAPTER
Friendships
Ninon's
52
X
CHAPTER
Some
of
Ninon's
Lovers
59
------
XI
CHAPTER
Ninon's
Lovers
(Continued)
67
---...
V
27
*J
"*-" ":-v
"t--
r*S
9
CONTENTS
PAGE
XII
CHAPTER
Villarceaux
The
Affair
76
-
XIII
CHAPTER
The
Marquis
Sevigne
de
-
CHAPTER
A
XIV
Family Tragedy
XV
Environments
Bohemian
Remarkable
Old
LETTERS
JQO
....
XVI
CHAPTER
A
91
....
CHAPTER
Ninon's
84
-
Age
no
THE
TO
MARQUIS
DE
SEVIGNfi
PAGE
INTRODUCTION
II
Love
Why
Hi"Why
"
"
VII
Women
"
Cold
133
Expect a Quid
Necessity for Love
The
VIII"
Love
IX"
X
128
Spice of Love
Love and Temper
Certain Maxims
Concerning Love
"
VI
Grows
Love
125
The
IV"
V
121
Undertaking
Is Dangerous
Hazardous
I" A
LETTERS
TO
a
138
140
from
Quo
Men
Its Primitive
and
143
Cause.
.
Inclination
Natural
Sensation of Love
The
"
Is
Pro
135
The
"
XII
"
Forms
a
Large Part of
a
an's
Wom-
in Love
XIII"
Vanity Is
XIV"
Worth
XV"
XVI"
XVII"
The
157
Love
Distinction Between
Man
A
a
and
Hfow
to
Women
Love
Is
Be
Amusing
an
162
and
Friendship
Spectacle
165
Fertile Soil for Love
Merit
Are
Motives
Hidden
Understand
Considered
Not
168
in Love
171
of Love
Victorious
and
148
153
Nature
XI
.
175
in Love
the
Flirtation
VI
Difference
179
Between
Real
182
CONTENTS
PAGE
XVIII"
When
Woman
a
Is Loved
She
Need
Not
Be Told
of It.
XIX
Why
"
XX"
186
Lover's
a
Vows
Untrustworthy
Are
188
The
XXI
Half-way House to Love
The
Comedy of Contrariness
"
XXII"
Vanity
XXIII"
Two
XXIV"
An
XXV"
Abuse
XXVIII"
XXIX
XXX
The
"
Love
197
in Woman
200
203
206
Overcome
of Action
213
Constant
Employment
Beauty Is Often of TriflingImportance..
Needs
of Too
is
Resistance
When
XXXI
Often
Freedom
Misfortune
The
"
Is So
Heart
Mere
"
to
Credulity Is Intolerable
Demands
The
XXVII"
of
Virtue
Love
"
195
Obstacles
Irreconcilable Passions
Why
XXVI
Self-Esteem
and
193
Sudden
Only
Opinion and
.
Avowal
an
235
of Monsieur
de
la Sa-
bliere
XXXII
XXXIII"
237
Advantages of
The
"
Once
Heart
A
Knowledge
a
Wounded
No
of the Heart.
.
Longer Plays
"
XXXV"
XXXVI
XL
XLI
Played Upon Like
Impressions Common
The
of
Allurements
True
Discretion
"
XLII
of Resistance
Value
of
the
Indications
to
Keys
All Women.
Are
Essential
Do
Not
Breed
the Better
in Women
Part
Are
265
Women
Women
XLIV
272
of Valor.
Not
What
XLVI
XLVII
XLVIII"
"
Cause
275
Always
Respect
Weak
283
Marshal
"
Opinion
Favors
Why
"
Grows
Love
mond's
XLV"
.
278
Demand
Why
"
268
Love
Guides
XLIII"
258
261
Compliments Among
Is Sometimes
Surface
"
254
Stage Women
Oratory and Fine Phrases
"
Fonder
256
Varieties
"
Be
Grow
Piano
a
The
XXXVIII"
the Heart
Should
Mistaken
XXXVII"
XXXIX
Makes
Heart
of
"
251
Absence
The
247
with
Love
XXXIV
225
231
Pretence.
a
Advice
216
Men
286
Faults
Consider
Inconstancy Is
of
Not
Injustice
'QuarrelsAmong
Friendship Must
de Saint-Evre-
Be
Firm
VII
Rivals
294
298
301
304
CONTENTS
PAGE
Minded.
Among Narrow
Are Very Cunning
Women
L"
Some
and Womerf
Parts Men
Li"The
Play
with
LII" Love Is a Traitor
Sharp Claws
LIII" Old Age Not a Preventive
Against Attack
XLIX
LIV"
Shrewd
A
LV"
Is
Constancy
"
A
But
a
Virtue
Not
309
313
316
318
Scheme
Unusual
an
305
..
321
Ending
Happy
325
BETWEEN
CORRESPONDENCE
L'ENCLOS
DE
NINON
AND
MOND
SAINT-EVRE-
LORD
PAGE
I" Lovers
and
Gamblers
Wrinkles
IV"
Near
V"
VI
VII"
VIII"
IX
X
XI"
XII
the Death
Love
Banishes
Few
People
Age
"
XIII"
Some
Has
as
Old
Much
as
Those
Far
Some
Good
Age
Attention
After
Minds
Than
Marriage?
Age
Life Is
Still Exists
337
342
347
349
359
in France
It Is Without
Joyous When
Letter to the Modern
.
357
"
XVIII"
.
344
Superiorityof the Pleasures of the Stomach
Let the Heart
XV"
Speak Its Own Language
of Youth
The Memory
XVI"
I Should Have
XVII"
Hanged Myself
XIV
.
340
de Mazarin
Consolations
Taste
Off
339
Duchesse
More
Resist
333
335
Charleval
Diminish
Love
331
Loved
Have
of Wisdom
of La
Demand
Does
We
of Monotony
After
Why
"
Mark
of De
Weariness
Stomachs
"
a
Hopes Are Worth
The
"
Are
the Death
On
Those
to Remember
II" It Is Sweet
HI"
Something in Common
Have
Leontium
VIII
Sorrow
362
364
367
369
37i
373
379
NINON
L'ENCLOS
DE
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
INTRODUCTION
The
lived
ever
she
Ninon,
known,
was
seventeenth
the
undisputed
of
For
the
Louis
age,
declaring that
when
XIV.,
tinguished
dis-
most
men,
nobleand
eighty-five
was
the
was
her
doing
and
she
she
held
writers,
shrine
her
even
of
the
statesmen,
before
she
princes,
queens,
of
woman
years
of
hearts
for
1'Enclos,
de
seventy
France;
bowing
readers
beautiful
most
warriors,
renowned
years
the
over
American
to
that
woman
Mademoiselle
or
was
sway
scientists
remarkable
most
century.
men
homage,
the
presented
is here
first time.
the
as
life of
inner
marvel
of
beauty
to
his reign.
How
great
so
preserved
she
and
an
brilliant
most
her
biography,
and
new
facts
in the
in
the
and
of the
men
has
the
est
greatin
is told
century,
entirely re-written,
been
added
"Letters
United
the
to
translated,
secret
side
her
do
that
not
pear
ap-
compilations.
pathology
objects,
to
incidents
and
French
vigne," newly
time
which
celebrated
Her
attracted
and
age,
extraordinary
her
and
States,
of the
appearing
constitute
female
aspirations,
IX
Marquis
de
the
for
the
most
Sefirst
markable
re-
heart, its motives,
ever
penned.
With
INTRODUCTION
the
unveils
At
depicted
early
an
the
of
friends
are
charged
up
men
have
reserved
the
essential
a
age
man."
and
de
of
the
she
death,
her
seventy
rights
created
character
and
for
herself,
says,
while
was
twenty
years
later,
her,
by
the
as
"a
place
preserving
tice
injus-
to
by
things
and
women,
that
right
to
I
will
moment
claimed
privileges
Chateauneauf
sex."
assumed
the
frivolous
the
this
tween
be-
announced
most
of
from
"
will
qualities.
human
themselves
time
that
to
suddenly
"
until
submit
account
to
From
men,
own
the
to
letters
inequalities
the
to
that
notice
ninity,
femi-
mirror.
a
she
qualities;
the
the
"I
and
of
these
distribution
her
:
reads
refused
deliberation,
heart
mysteries
perceived
and
unfair
due
After
she
human
hidden
in
as
age
sexes,
an
the
who
one
every
herself
unmasks
carefully
most
and
see
she
hand
unsparing
all
the
the
be
of
years
tained
main-
she
exercised
the
all
male
sex,
Abbe
distinguished
in
all
ranks
grace
of
trious
illusof
her
LIFE
NINON
OF
CHAPTER
Ninon
write
TO
the
woman
Ninon
as
is
when
essential
the
as
be
observed.
or
fancy,
It
wanting,
arrive
at
has
but
are
for
excuse
a
pattern
oppressor
or
charity
may
that
the
for
mandments
Com-
Ten
the
all, particularly
them
selected
important
of
to
predilection
environment
and
it so,
may
is
judgment
and
end
the
common
of
they
hence,
the
versy
contro-
the
this
the
poor,
him
Ninon
transgressed
to
grasping
his
though
even
rigid
refuse
Sabbath
1'Enclos
one
1
of
the
and
rule
accept
to
as
breaker,
tyrant,
money
maker,
personal
tity
chas-
These
insist
canonization.
de
mankind,
of
sense
; who
the
morality,
monger,
although
the
matter
have
conduct
human
entitle
upon
most
repudiate
who
others
of
stand
reached.
been
of
the
it, though
that
opinion
Fortunately
there
will
many
the
a
with
do
incur
of
the
and
a
is to
is conventionally
ten
training
to
who
one
is purely
perhaps
remarkable
so
violating
precept
something
have
of
of the
one
of
1'Enclos
de
violates
guilty
Standard
a
of those
whoso
that
as
biography
^nimadyepsions
jlfigma,
I
1'Enclos
de
L'ENCLOS
DE
may
have
precepts
sistently
perof
the
NINON
Decalogue,
she
is
because
her
faithful
of
only
not
in many
more
Another
as
model
a
violations
is the
kind,
on
of
sixth
the
but
XIII,
was
private
a
in her
in
refined
she
Agrippina,
the
might
deliberate
the
Decalogue,
birth, held
of noble
of
no
France, either
the
person,
its,
retiringin her habfriendships,delicate
and
reign
of
Louis
conversations, and
wisdom,
philosophy,
and
Messalina,
an
ability.
intellectual
Had
as
of her
of
and
her
of
under
manners
for
eagerly sought
sacrifice
establishingher
account
liaisons
her
of
government
or
studiously
observed.
way
not
the
the
that
ity,
human-
to
had
to
precept
was
regency
faithful
and
of any
others,
equal importance
as
be
to
the
she
the
spirit,and
if she
of
are
difficultyin
position in
during
than
essential
the
of
in their
personal purity
fact that
official
observance
ways
as
consideration
great
that is serviceable
qualities,which
virtues, and
to
but
much
her
preserved
other
entitled
in their letter
life contains
her
L'ENCLOS
de
been
Catherine
a
glamor
have
Semiramis,
a
covered
of
II,
her
up
a
or
a
even
exalted
multitude
ton,
Lady Hamilpolitical position
a
of gross,
vulgar
practices,cruelties,barbarities, oppressions, crimes,
and
acts
of
misgovernment,
and
have
concealed
her
the
beneath
grandeur of her
spiritttftl-^eformity
tle
mansplendid public vices and irregularities.The
of royalty and nobility,like dipsomania, excuses
multitude
of sins, hypocrisy, and
injustice,and
a
inclines
condone,
the
world
what
in
to
them
overlook, disregard,
is considered
or
small
even
vices,
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
eccentricities of genius,but
magnified
are
and
call forth
people
It is time
which
mountains
into
of well
an
army
to
reform
them
of
viciousness,
sistent
incon-
but
by brute force.
impasse to the further
of the
acts, and
of human
private person
a
meaning
interpose an
spread of this misapprehension
to
consequences
in
and
nature
demonstrate
to
walks
of life,of virtues
possibility,in humble
worth
of those
out
cultivating,and to erect models
be derelict in their ethical
who, while they may
duties, are still worthy of being imitated in other
standards
and
respects. Our
patterns of morality
are
so
high as to be unattainable, not in the details
of the practice of virtue, but in the personnel of the
the
permeated with the
of sanctity; virtuous statesmanship, or proud
odor
vance
politicalposition attained through the rigid obserof the ethical rules of personal purity, are
nothing to the rank and file,the polloi,who
can
never
hope to reach those elevations in this world ;
well expatiate upon
the virtues of Croesus
as
to a
model.
Royal
who
man
will
blood
noble
never
magnificence of
Such
to
extremes
possess
conceited, the mistakes
historyof Ninon
of historyas
pages
all others
the
are
day's
ecstatic
wages,
over
the
Babylonian palace.
no
influence
mere
over
vanities
the
of the
of moralists.
The
which
become
Nabuchodonosor's
ordinary mind, they
the
his
beyond
go
the homeless
expect
or
and
de 1'Enclos
a
stands
out
from
fore
pre-eminent character, be-
stale, whatever
are
their pretensions
standing
through position and grandeur, notwiththat one
admired
in
great qualityso much
3
NINON
women
"
her
While
that
with
connected
stigma,
one
it,
which
and
deserve
the
the
philosophical
justified
her
to
the
its
so
modern
of
trend
all
in
much
pursuing
is
philosophy,
insisted
upon
the
the
as
direction
in
present
her
of
which
life
ardent
an
perabundance,
su-
inasmuch
of
altruistic
that
in
precepts,
course
but
at
in
her
virtues
possessed
and
was
relieve
other
study,
the
She
added
the
close
a
society
others.
she
in
wanting
to
she
principles
Epicurean
precepts,
effectual
can^be
apology
from
entirely
was
"
life.
through
no
memory
purity
womanly
conduct
L'ENCLOS
de
she
disciple
adhesion
unselfishness
day.
ferred
preof
to
CHAPTER
II
Considered
birth
THE
of
by
such
offspring
the
national
body
in
the
attained
possible
her
to
impetus
the
are
It
to
so
models
was
and
souls, the
Ninon
the
of
de
left
arts,
of
is due
intellectual
genius,
to
in
it
tablishing
es-
was
Moreover,
and
guidance,
received
the
an
French
fiction,
poetry
that
productions
its
and
century.
whose
brilliant
formed
master
found
proboth
which
raised
twentieth
of such
so
efforts
rhetoric
standard,
genius
her
auspices
and
or
impress
an
structure.
and
great
excellence
upon
her
life, she
man
impress
an
standard
1'Enclos
for
and
any1
genius
literature,
a
and
movements
than
perfection,
its
tendant
at-
are
shaping
her
lettres,
high
of
century.
under
belles
of
stage
way
substantial
and
and
the
foundation
a
toward
language
drama,
erect
hands
languages,
solid
as
or
princes
seventeenth
day
our
joy
of
military
fine
high
in
a
in
the
that,
the
Deums,
Nevertheless,
successes,
the
and
that
have
in
to
music
earth
on
occupied
more
men
of
alded
her-
not
was
artillery, Te
personages.
she
years
addition
upon
arrival
diplomatic
of
In
of
policies, successful
brilliant
1'Enclos
demonstrations
great
accomplished
Parallel
a
de
salvoes
the
of
ninety
Ninon
other
upon
as
minds
the
ity
mental-
minds,
as
the
Saint-Ev-
NINON
La
remond,
L'ENCLOS
de
Fontaine, Fontenelle, and
fine arts;
and
Moliere,
Rouchefoucauld,
thf
host
a
Great
Scarron, La
in literature
of others
Conde,
Grammont,
de
Sevigne,and the flower of the chivalryof France,
Richelieu
in war,
politics,and diplomacy. Even
unaffected
not
by her influence.
was
frail woman,
exerted
a
by one
Strange power
ness
not of noble
birth, with only beauty, sweetwoman
liant
of disposition,
amiability,goodness, and bril! It was
not
accomplishments as her weapons
and the flame, but the operation
of the moth
a case
de
were
philosophy, the precepts of which
decently, moderately and carefully inculcated; a
ciety
sophilosophy upon the very edge of which modern
is hanging, afraid to accept openly,through too
of
wise
a
attachment
much
drawn
man
leads
him
already
has
1'Enclos
sat
of
the pages
her
into
upon
which
have
happiness and comfort, and
bitter pessimism that often
of
to
a
those
throne,
or
commanded
with
teem
great victories
who
Ninon
suggested, had
been
history would
exploits,and
instead
a
doctrines
despair.
to
As
from
away
converted
ancient
to
would
be
have
an
the
met
army,
of
renown
awarded
to
with
de
her
defeat
inspiration.
Pompey, in his vanity,declared that he could raise
an
by stamping his foot upon the ground, but
army
de TEnclos'
the raisingof Ninon
fingercould bring
a single standard,
all the chivalry of Europe around
without
or
her
at the
their
same
arms
amity.
She
gentlesignal,cause them
and
forget everything but
dominated
the intellectual
6
to
put aside
peace
and
geniuses of
long period during
the
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
which
reigned
lived, and
she
queen, through the sheer
tated
hesishe never
of her personal charms, which
them
over
force
their absolute
as
to bestow
worthy,
she found
whom
those
upon
diously
expressed a desire to possess them, sturegulated, however, by the precepts and
day
principlesof the philosophy of Epicurus, which tosocial relations
is rapidlygaining ground in our
through its better understanding and appreciation.
who
and
Her
life bears
in which
read
we
great resemblance
a
times, who
of ancient
the condition
of
class
to
and,
by
as
Greek
talents, she attained
her
in the social
the first rank
class,her
has
name
posteritywith those of Aspasia and
tium, while the less distinguishedfavorites
down
to
^celebrated
which
of
have
men
hides
from
shared
mediocrity,whether
A
class of this
the
of virtue
kind,
existing amongst
with
Leonof less
degree*
vice.
or
accomplished
inspired distinguishedmen
every
of this
status
a
come
oblivion,
common
of men,
the memory
Ninon
"hetaerae,"
of the French
and
beauty
is familiarized
name
of Aristophanes.
of the order
her
women
"
in translations
del'Encloswas
celebrated
most
tween
occupied a middle station beof marriage and prostitution a
whose
women
ears
our
the
about
the histories
to
ture
singularna-
who
women,
lofty ideals, and
who, otherwise, would
developed the genius of men
have remained
in obscurity,can
be uninteresting
never
or
for
uninstructive
serious
of the
study.
;
indeed, it
They
influence
are
that
7
must
afford
prefigures,or
aims
to
sway
matter
types
proto-
mankind
NINON
the
at
day
present
distinguished.example
prominent in the world,
throne, Ninon
attention
de TEnclos
all
of
are
its varieties
and
It would
Athens,
he
of such
the
of human
of
female
should
discard
and
historical
in
last three
from
them
the
or
all
which
sion
digresancient
centuries.
his mind
when
1'Enclos, and
de
environments
type toward
a
a
under
manners
Europe during the
her character
as
nature
a
upon
the life of Ninon
peruses
fact, apart from
circumstances.
state
in
or
in
class,the
a
peculiarly
engage
for knowledge
whether
be idle to enter
reader
of view
who,
will
observers
amusement,
on
ture,
politics,litera-
government,
a
most
The
in
L'ENCLOS
the fine arts,
and
As
de
from
is
ine
exam-
point
every
trending modern
social conditions.
At
would
first
blush, and
woman
of the
seem
by every
to
a
character
hopelessly lost
sense
feelingof
social
blush, and
to
of
to
shame, and
or
the
of Ninon
de 1'Enclos
irreclaimable
But
control
to
only
circumscribed
most
vidual
indi-
all virtue, abandoned
privateduty.
do not
minds, who, fortunately,
mankind, although occasional
there
intellect,an
narrow
of
the
disorders
at
any
first
narrow
policy of
here
and
indicate that
they are endeavoring to do so.
A
of the settled
are
large majority of mankind
in that of
opinion that every virtue is bound
up
and customs,
our
laws, most
chastity. Our manners
of our
various kinds of religions,
national
ments
sentiour
most
serious opinions,as
and feelings all our
well as our
dearest and best rooted prejudices,
forbid
the dissevering,
of women
in the minds
of any class,
.
"
8
NINON
We
corruption.
L'ENCLOS
de
read
that
Aspasia had some
great
and
amiable
de
qualities;so too had Ninon
many
1'Enclos ; and it is wonthy of consideration, how
far
we
judge candidly or wisely in condemning such
in
characters
Saint
Austin
heathen
treating their
and
gross,
wont
was
adversaries,
deal
to
as
with
those
than
better
no
virtues
of
unparalleled in their magnitude as
virtues
by the operation of the law
his
marry
,
Another
The
there
sister,and
King Cambyses
government,
was
and
on
subjection to
ecclesiastical
domination
France
of
almost
this accusation.
universal
become
the structure
to
upon
in
erected
human
worsening
the minds
it is fast
Moreover,
demand
for
to
fact indicated
by
revolution
in
a
which,
for
incalculable
conditions
the
some
threatening to topple
it. Society can
see
upon
awry,
originate,an
better
and
social condition
to-day,a
ethics,the foundation
has
to
The
clerical,or
societyand
government,
retrograded.
the condition
becoming
social
"
ditions,
con-
into
tamed
to
say
"
of
during Ninon de 1'Enclos' time, and in England
during the reign of Charles II., is startling
evidence
the
is this:
"splendid
same
been
whenever
have
morals
to
man
social
and
these
they have
mediocrity let us
vices," and
tremes.
ex-
forbidding
considered
customs,
built up
been
law
no
of
come
be-
liked.
be
to
a
to
stands, its laws, systems
now
manners
have
permitting
he
as
point
it
as
do
to
grave
world,
law
no
was
his
"splendid
vices," so
There
as
human
of the true
10
number
son,
rea-
down
ing
noth-
of attempts
always proving failures,
status.
lovers of
It is
dawning
humanity,that
LIFE
AND
LETTERS
is
nothing else to be done, but to revert to the
past to find the key to any possiblereform, and to
that past we
are
be
edging rapidly,though, it must
said unwillingly,in the hope and
expectation that
the old foundations
ity
are
possessed of sufficient solidthere
to
The
support
life of
a
new
Ninon
re-modeled
or
de
this very
1'Enclos, upon
for profitablereflection,inasmuch
point,furnishes food
as it gives an
insightinto
be obtained
by the following of
ancient
philosophy which seems
the
and
clash
to
defects
of ages
have
in
of
structure.
the great results
the
to
of intellectual and
demonstrated
its
precepts
of
to
an
have
survived
moral
warfare,
capacity to supply
capable
segregated dogmatic systems wholly inany syncretic tendencies.
11
CHAPTER
Youth
of
always
her
parents
of
been
large,
at
Ninon
with
line,
the
to
the
rather
eminence;
himself
cestor,
an-
the
reer
ca-
did
and
constancy,
of
head
a
to
up
to
has
example
the
be
new
piety, an
it is
of; the
individual
pinnacle
highest
be
derogatory
by conditions
always,
to
contrary,
and
will
followed,
12
of
always
and
path
thinks
one
no
manner
any
proud
surrounded
the
lust,
even
in
as
whose
conquerors,
violence,
justice, and
glory,
an
mighty
on
matter
as
decency,
as
with
ignominy,
and
of
ignoble origin
an
own
follow,
the
as
himself
of
novelty
to
ment.
mo-
pleasantly.
unwavering
her
regarding
case
strewn
of
of
with
end
his
remark
the
her,
least
for
truly
tained
at-
by
the
hewing
to
herself
have
dynasty.
or
In
the
in
justifiesus
for
matter
a
who
of
was
1'Enclos,
out
until
follow
was
de
laid
she
in
loved
he
is
pursued
not
are
What
1615.
family,
route
genius
his
it is said
as
So
the
history, Napoleon
in
niche
of
in
world
the
by
has
she
as
all persons
station
and
force
By
her
To
over
called
Paris
at
what
or
were,
rank
"Ninon,"
or
born
little consequence.
original
TEnclos
de
familiarly
was
celebrity
a
Ninon
1'ENCLOS,
de
ANNE
III
the
considered
idea
that
out
devoid
of
can
elevate
human
be
all
power
regarded
badge
of
suc-
stretched
cess
This
to
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
the
cover
is the universal
of its attainment.
means
where
custom
has been
success
well
a
being relegated to
oblivion
merited
as
unworthy of consideration
of warning or for any
either as lessons
purpose.
Our youth are very properly taught only the lessons
failures
attained,the
of
success.
father
that Ninon's
It is in evidence
was
a
man
gentle-
connected, through his wife,
of no
de Raconis, a race
the family of Abra
an
repute in the Orleanois, and that he was
and
of Touraine
with
mean
accomplished gentleman occupying a high position
in society. Voltaire, however,
declares that Ninon
had
no
claim
the rank
to
of her
notice, and
any
a
parentage
mother
that
was
This
that of
distinction ; that
obscure
too
father's
her
higher dignity than
no
of such
deserve
of
professionwas
of the lute.
teacher
a
to
from the remarkable
likely,
proficiencyacquired by Ninon, at an early age, in
the
is not
account
of that instrument.
use
It is
that Ninon's
equally certain, however,
were
not
of many
his skill as a
man
may
less
have
obscure, and
that
her
accomplishments, one
performer on the lute.
induced
Voltaire
talents for his
to
father
of which
A
mistake
ents
parwas
a
was
fact which
one
of his
regularprofession.
Ninon's
as
opposite in sentiments
parents were
and disposition
of the earth.
Madame
as the Poles
de 1'Enclos was
a prudent, pious Christian
mother,
who
endeavored
to inspireher
daughter with the
same
pious sentiments which
pervaded her own
heart.
The
fact is that the mother
attempted to
13
NINON
de L'ENCLOS
life,a prodaughter for a conventual
fession
one
at that period of the highest honor, and
that led to preferment,.notonly in religiouscircles,
of society. At that time, conventual
but in the world
and monastic
dignitariesoccupied a prominent
place in the formation of public and private manners
and if not regarded impeccable, their
and customs,
in state
valuable
always considered
opinions were
the securityof
of the greatest moment,
even
matters
her
prepare
and
thrones, the welfare
depending
With
laudable
object
sometimes
judgment,
their wisdom,
upon
this
of nations
peace
and
cisions.
de-
view, Madame
in
de
carefully trained her daughter in the holy
she hoped to conexercises of her religion,to which
secrate
TEnclos
her
with
impasse,
an
of the
be
to
Most
the
High,
insurmountable
her
when
obstacle, in the
in the
even
parent
temples
imagined her
the
of the Saints,"
"Lives
met
contemplation of saintly
imbibing inspirationfrom her "Hours,"
in
absorbed
things,and
an
mother
fond
the
But
herself, who,
Ninon
budding
life.
entire
or
Introduction
"An
in vogue
Holy Life," a book very much
period,the child would be devouring such
romances
books
as
Montaigne, Scarron's
in accordance
with her
Epicurus, as more
at
to
a
that
profane
and
trend
of
mind.
Even
at
those
mastered
life,not
the
early
authors, and
in accord
it excluded
and
of twelve
age
with
the idea
crushed
of
out
had
years,
laid out
a
she
course
had
of
good mother's ideas, for
stood,
religionas commonly underher
the
14
sentiment
of
maternity,
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
age, it is instinctive and
meaning.
This
beginning
beaten
path should
in
them,
based
not
all young
nearly
crowning glory to which
female children aspire,although
that
at a
tender
knowledge
upon
of its
of
departure from
Ninon's
the
surprise,for
all the young
open their hearts to ideas that spring
in
and passions,and anticipate
the sentiments
from
imaginationthe parts they are to play in the tragedy
or
comedy of life.
and
the moralist
It is this period of life which
educator
justlycontend should be carefullyguarded.
to
It is really a concession
environment, and a
dation
tacit argument
against radical heredityas the founthe character
and disposiwhich
rest
tion
upon
is the mainspring of his
of the adult, and which
It is impossible to philosofuture moral
conduct.
phize
ourselves out of this sensible position.
In
woman
the
of
case
not
be
of
matter
there
Ninon,
of undoubted
a
her
was
mother,
a
and
exemplary piety,
trainingof her only
virtue
followingthe usual path in the
child and making a sad failure of it,or at least not
tude.
making any impression on the object of her soliciThis
intentions
that
however,
was,
:
coming
Ninon's
her
not
trainingwas
from
another
due
too
the mother's
to
weak
quarter.
to
overcome
It has been
said
opposite as
the Poles in character
Ninon
and
and
disposition,
was
suspended like a pendulum to swing between
two
of which
had to prevail,for there
extremes, one
was
no
midway stopping place. It may be that the
discipleof heredity,the opponent of environment
that
father and
mother
15
were
as
NINON
will
de L'ENCLOS
perceive in
the
of his view
of
favor
Ninon
swung
result
humanity.
from
away
strong
a
Be
that
the extreme
of
as
extreme
of her
father.
young
mind, nothing difficult ;
accepted his ideas
no
was
as
mental
on
the
pleasanterand
it may,
pietyrepresented
by her mother, and was
caught at
monotonous
by the less intellectually
There
in
argument
the
other
ideas
conflict in the
contrary, she
less conducive
Too
she
to reason,
pain and discomfort.
young
ed
perceived a flowery pathway, followed it,and avoidthe thorny one
offered her by her mother.
Monsieur
de 1'Enclos was
an
Epicurean of the
advanced
most
type. According to him, the whole
of human
ethics
philosophy of life,the entire scheme
evolved
from Epicurus, could be reduced
to the
as
four following canons:
First
That pleasure which
produces no pain is
to
"
to
be
embraced.
Second
to
be
That
"
pain which
produces
no
pleasure is
avoided.
Third
That
pleasure is to be avoided which prevents
a greater pleasure,or produces a greater pain.
Fourth
That
which
averts
pain is to be endured
a greater pleasure.
greater pain, or secures
The
last canon
is the one
that has always appealed
to the religioussentiments, and
it is the one
"
"
a
which
has
enabled
patientlyto the
the happiness
most
of
reward
an
army
of martyrs
to
excruciating torments,
Paradise, the pleasure
for
submit
to reach
plated
contem-
enduring the frightfulpain.
The
reader
can
readily infer, however, from his
dailyexperiences with the human
family,that this
as
a
16
NINON
de
L'fcNCLOS
yieldingas a willow ; her complexion of
a
dazzlingwhite, with large sparklingeyes as black
as
reigned modesty and
midnight, and in which
and voluptuousness. Her teeth were
love, and reason
mobile
her smile most
like pearls,her mouth
and
She was
the
captivating,resistless and adorable.
of majesty without
personification
pride or haughtiness,
and
possessed an open, tender and touching
countenance
which shone friendshipand affection.
upon
Her voice was
soft and silvery,her arms
and
hands
for a sculptor, and
all her
superb models
movements
and
an
gestures manifested
exquisite,
natural
which
made
her conspicuous in the
grace
crowded
most
in her
drawing-room. As she was
to be until her death
at the
youth, so she continued
incredible fact but so well
age of ninety years, an
attested
reliable writers,
by the gravest and most
who
testifyto the truth of it,that there is no room
elegant and
for doubt.
but
to
the
same
Ninon
attributed
it not
to
miracle,
any
her
philosophy, and declared that any one
might exhibit the same
peculiaritiesby following
We
precepts.
testimony
who
intimate
were
friends
and
of
with
have
it
him, that
at
the
of the
men
age
most
of her dearest
one
eighty-nine years, inspired one
beauties of the English Court
with
of her
of twelve
person
years,
immoderate
were
admiration
of the greatest renown,
18
and
of
her
at
the
the
age
famous
an
ardent
far
developed
the object
so
that she
doubted
un-
writers,
followers, Saint-Evremond,
beauties
most
contemporaneous
of
The
the
on
was
on
the
beauty
tachment.
at-
part of
is
em-
LIFE
their
in
balmed
AND
works
LETTERS
either
as
model
a
for
the
,
world,
In
or
she
is enshrined
as
the
heroine.
fact
Ninon
men
had
poetry, and
in song,
the
tutors
as
of the age, who
in
vied
mind
embellishingher young
learning and accomplishments
with
with
guished
distin-
most
one
all the
mance
ro-
another
graces,
possible for the
Her
human
native brightness
mind
to contain.
and
active
mind
absorbed
everything with an
almost
supernatural rapidity and tact, and it was
not
their peer, and her quallong before she became
ities
of mind
reached
far beyond theirs in its
out
so
insatiable
longing, that she, in her turn, became
their
tender
tutor, adviser
and
consoler,
friend.
19
as
well
as
their
CHAPTER
The
Morals
EXAMPLES
by
and
in
small
degree,
called
"beaute
the
rights
of
nobility
silently advancing
been
and
followed
was
which
misgovernment,
well
as
in
men
by
degraded
French
the
the
upon
idol
was
perative
im-
an
moral
sanity,
of
just succeeded
had
usurpations
of the
appeared
of
no
sometimes
beauty
remnants
some
of
personal
relations.
Richelieu
Cardinal
as
of
but
learned
music,
philosopher
new
a
not
are
remarkable
was
salvation
the
sexual
the
in
decency
the
for
a
played
dis-
century,
in
she
when
time
a
1'Enclos
them
personal
diable,"
de
talents
twentieth
of
a
preservation
the
the
languages,
of
and
at
stage
the
in
necessity
and
de
Accomplished
proficient
social
precocious
made
she
uncommon.
and
the
Period
Mademoiselle
uncommon
application
the
of
of
the
IV
the
royal prerogatives
and
the
during
people,
the
oppressed
and
rank
every
kingdom,
and
of
on
had
which
preceding
long period
the
dating
consoli-
in
reigns,
unexampled
impoverished
order
every
ceasing only
of
with
the
Revolution.
The
he
great
had
Cardinal
intended,
political system
manhood,
and
minister
it is to
had
be
had
hoped
built
worse
; for
his
practically destroyed
left society without
20
a
guiding
than
clericoFrench
star
to
LIFE
the
cement
LETTERS
of sand
rope
subject the
AND
master
minds
them
had
Unable
spun.
nobilityto
the
among
ecclesiasticism
domination,
had
he
succeeded
in
to
its
stroying
de-
royal prerogatives
which
it could control
with
less difficulty.Public
maxims
of government,
connected
as
they were
with private morals, had debauched
the nation, and
plunged it into a depth of degradation out of winch
Richelieu
and
by
augmenting
his whole
of clerical
entourage
not
extricate
riot of
single individual.
theologicalmorality.
The
whole
body
of the
middle
class
could
was
a
attendance
and
merit
and
honorable
occupation
of citizens
a
French
nobilityand
reduced
were
to
a
formers
re-
It
the
servile
of advancement
only means
and reward.
Every species of industry
in these classes was
aged;
sedulously discourthe motive
of honorable
competition for
no
pursuit or
things,being withdrawn,
on
was
the court,
as
left them
the
but
the
frivolous
duties,
the
degrading pleasures of the palace.
Next
to the king, the women
naturally became
the first objects of their effeminate
devotion; and
it is difficult to say which
soonest
were
corrupted
in the arts of adulation,
by courtiers consummate
or
and
unwearied
in
their
exercise.
The
sovereign
rapidly degenerated into an accomplished despot,
and
the
into
women
intriguers and
coquettes.
Richelieu
had
in subjecting the
indeed
succeeded
State to the rule of the Church, but Ninon
was
destined
to play an
important part in modifying the
evils which
afflicted society,and at least elevate its
From
the methods
tone.
she employed to effect
21
NINON
this change, it may
similbus
curantur,"
in
agent
valuable
be
a
and
that
suspected
the Hanemannic
equivalentto
was
L'ENCLOS
de
case
the
maxim
:
remedy
"Similia
strange applicationof
a
of moral
decrepitude, however
it may
effective
tive
cura-
a
be
in
physical aiM
ments.
of the twentieth
world
The
it is in material
and
aims
this
earth
pains
in
the
a
limit its
of
means
of Hell.
pains and
avoiding
rewards
Future
up
or
ures
pleasof
fering
suf-
misfortunes
the
and
as
objects
of the
great hereafter,
the
stoicism
as
to
problematic enjoyment
of Paradise
with
refuses
progress,
the
to
century, bound
of
problematic
punishments
right living.
longer incentives to virtue or
of every
kind is
The
acts
only drag upon human
that great political
maxim, the non-observance
now
of which
has often deluged the earth with
blood;
no
are
"Sic
say:
tuo
utere
So
use
It is
a
ut
alienum
thine
as
own
conventional
reality,but it has
and
equity and justice,
in
which
non
laedas," which
is to
bor.
injure thy neighof contract
one
principle,
not
become
to
a
great
doctrine
of
it is inculcated
tional
by our educaof the purely religto the exclusion
ious
systems
idea, and the elimination of religiousdogma,
tends to oppressive restraints,is carefully
fostered.
There
is another
why men's minds are
from
the purely sentimental
moral
impelled away
insisted
doctrines
is
by sectarianism, which
upon
ecclesiasticism run
tion
riot, and the higher the educadelve into the secret
the deeper we
motives
of
that class of mankind, the deceptive outward
apreason
22
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
of
history,
which
glorious systems
is,that the greatest and most
the wisest and most
of government,
powerful
liberal statesmen,!
of rulers, the greatest and most
originated ini
heroes, and conspicuous conquerors,
the pages
dominate
pearances
of which
violations
of the
Decalogue,
and
kingdoms
which
have
founded
been
ecclesiastical ideas, have
of time,
sands
as
be bywords
to
From
the
same
is observable
sciences.
all sunk
have
or
those
nations
upon
beneath
become
so
and
strictly
the
ing
shift-
degenerate
objectsof derision.
viewpoint,a strange phenomenon
and
in the
world
of literature,arts, and
The
brightest, greatest geniuses,whose
works
are
pointed to with admiration; studied as
models
and
standards, made the basis of youthful
education, imitated, and even
over
wept
by the
sentimental,
in their
private lives,persons of
the most
depraved morals.
Why this should be the
to conjecture,the fact
case, it is impossible even
only remaining that it is so. Perhaps there are so
of morality,that humanity,
different standards
many
of the eternal bickering consequent
weary
upon
were,
the conflicts entered
for
made
they find
and
peace
take
To
curious
into for their enforcement, have
themselves
interpretationwhich
less difficult to observe, and find more
"
pleasure in following.
a further
direction,it is j
step in the same
that
in the
their whole
works
of the severest
never
new
lives of the
spent
the
a
Saints, those
earthly existence
penance,
and
flesh, the tendency of demoniac
in
the
direction
of
23
Sabbath
in
who'
abstinence,
mortifications
influence
of
was
breaking, pro-
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
and
covetousness,
fanity,idolatry,robbery, murder
itself to the fullest extent
but always exerted
of its
in attacks
-chastity.All other visions
power
upon
in the hair-shirted,
absent
and self-scourgings
were
sensual
brought out nothing but sexual idealities,
temptations.
far to seek.
finds
egress
and
to
be
its creation
of
and
for this
peculiarityis not
is dominant
What
in the minds
always
favorable
when
a
opportunity is presented,
the very thought of unchastity as something
avoided, leads to its contemplation, or
in the form
virtue
of temptation. The
chastitywas
violations
The
reason
the
studied
were
its numberless
its observances
law, and
one
from
every
permissible and
point
and
of view,
forbidden
itations
lim-
expatiated upon to such a degree; that he
who
escaped them
altogether could well attribute
of some
the result to the interposition
supernatural
the protection of some
celestial guardian.
power,
One
is reminded
of the expression of St. Paul:
"I
known
had
not
not
covet."
lust had
Lord
piety led
According to
excessive
tended
relations
to
the law
not
Beaconsfield's
to
sexual
Ninon's
propagate
said
:
opinion
thou
shalt
was,
that
disorders,
philosophy,
immoderation
in
whatever
the
sexual
rigidlyeliminated, and chastityplaced
the same
plane and in the same
upon
grade as other
moral
precepts, to be wisely controlled, regulated,
and
She put all her morality upon
the
managed.
in equalizing
same
plane, and thereby succeeded
corporeal pleasure, so that the entire scale
of
human
acts produced a harmonious
equalityof temwas
24
CHAPTER
Ninon
IT
brilliant
its precepts
the
sides,
who
Richelieu,
with
and
waited
philosophically
but
Gaspard,
Count
Chatillon,
who
the
Count,
not
care
It is
was
more
of
a
she
person
than
disposed
both
could
Voltaire
that
the
by
early
not
likely
that
object.
the
of
court.
violent
young
Due
de
The
sult
re-
passion
for
fact
did
resist, in
yielded
but
Ninon
of
Ninon's
if this
ners,
man-
manhood.
by Cardinal
repeated
of
the
to
family, charming
bloom
26
tion,
situa-
passion,
tender
therefore
and
Richelieu,
the
afterwards
a
amuse
rather
worthy
assiduous
she
to
physically perfect specimen
enjoyed
than
the
distinguished
alleged by
Retz,
a
conceived
resist, and
to
and
Ninon
which
man
young
her
of
accept
for
Coligny,
de
paid
that
was
de
in
object appeared
That
to
of the
sentiments
felt the
Ninon
displeasure
courtiers
training
and
be
being
affairs, and
state
of
could
gallantries
and
women
inclination
through
the
his
preferred
with
themselves
object that
incurring
without
worshiped
meshes
Beloved
women.
an
by
followed
the
in
caught
as
the
surrounded
assiduously
other
in
trained
and
who
for
all
on
maiden
a
being
spread
idolized
meddle
avoid
to
net
same
even
for
society
Coligny
de
Epicurus,
of
philosophy
a
Count
and
impossible
was
V
be
submitted
charms
true,
it is
through
LIFE
policy
and
not
AND
from
LETTERS
affection
any
Cardinal.
It is certain,however,
statesman's
attention
had
the
influence among
desired
he
to
charms.
her
could
utilize to
leash.
Abbe
of the
new
beauty
rebellious
that
possess
imagined
he
in
nobles
his
the Abbe
close to the Cardinal,
Eminence
be
her growing
to
uncle, and
stood
could
to
not
his
His
to
great
tool that he
Raconis, Ninon's
suggested
that the
nobility,and
actions if
Boisrobert,her friend,who
had
great
a
was
keep
the
called
French
her
control
She
been
for
that the charms
used
to
advantage
in
accordinglysent for her at first
he had
her he
seen
through curiosity,but when
hoped to control her for his personal benefit.
his
Although occupied in vast projects which
to
a
activityalways conducted
great genius and
state
affairs,and
he
.
happy issue, the great
affections
had
man
of his human
nature,
the
renounced
not
his intellectual
nor
He aimed at everything,and did not
gratifications.
his dignity. Every day
consider anything beneath
him engaged in cultivating
saw
a taste for literature
of every day were
and art, and some
moments
set
it came
to the
apart for social gallantries.When
of pleasing and attractingwomen,
art
have
the
we
de Retz
for it,that he was
word
of Cardinal
not
Perhaps it is only inferior
always successful.
tion.
minds who possess the art and the genius of seduc-
The
under
with
were
in order
intriguingAbbe,
the influence
and
of his master,
the great honor
done
fixed the eyes
of all
her
by
to
a
man
bring
to
charm
upon
Europe, prepared a
27
Ninon
her
whom
series
NINON
I/ENCLOS
de
of gorgeous
fetes, banquets and
the
Rueil.
But
and
refused
palace at
Ninon
entertainments
not
was
hear
at
in the least
sighs of the
Hoping to inspirejealousy,he affected
great man.
de Lormes, a proceeding which
to love Marion
gave
portuniti
Ninon
great pleasureas it relieved her from the imoverwhelmed,
to
of the Cardinal.
Richelieu gave
follow
to
her
Whatever
Ninon
and
Count
de
have
Cardinal
and
end
left Ninon
in her
been
of it was,
own
the
that
in peace
way.
relations
between
Richelieu, it is certain that the
Coligny
was
the two
lovers, in the first intoxication
their love,
lovers and
not
was
her
eternal
swore
all new
It
devices
own
may
and
to
the chase
up
The
the
first sentimental
constancy,
believed
process
possibleto
long, however, before
that the first immoderate
graduallylost
a
ment,
attach-
Ninon
of
mon
com-
tain.
mainceived
per-
transports of love
their
activity,and by applying the
precepts of her philosophy to explain the phenomenon,
to regard love by its effects,as a blind
came
which
the policy of
mechanical
it was
movement,
to ennoble
men
according to the conventional rules
of decency and honor, to the exclusion of its original
meaning.
After coldlyreasoning the matter
out
to its only
legitimateconclusion, she tore off the mask covering
could not reach
a
metaphysical love, which
or
satisfythe light of intelligenceor the sentiments
and
emotions
her to possess
marvels
poetry and
of the
as
of
romance.
heart, and
little realityas
magic,
To
and
which
the enchanted
to
tles,
cas-
depicted in
became
a
finally
monsters
her, love
28
appeared
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
pleasure to be gratified
by indulgence like all other pleasure. The germ
of philosophy already growing in her soul, found
natural;
essentiallyunnothing in this discovery that was
natural.
the contrary, it was
on
essentially
clear to her logicalmind, that a passion like
It was
ing
love produced among
different effects accordmen
to different dispositions,
humors, temperament,
stances,
circumeducation, interest,vanity, principles,or
without
time, founded
being, at the same
substantial
than a disguised,
anything more
upon
though ardent desire of possession,the essential of
fire disapits existence,after which
it vanished
as
pears
through lack of fuel. Dryden, the celebrated
English poeticand literarygenius,reaches the same
opinion in his Letters to Clarissa.
Having reached this point in her reasoning, she
advanced
considered
the unequal
a step further, and
division of qualitiesdistributed
the two
between
She perceived the injustice
of it and refused
sexes.
to abide by it. "I perceive,"she
declared, "that
lous,
women
are
charged with everything that is frivothe right
and that men
to themselves
reserve
I shall
this moment
essential qualities. From
to
thirst,and
mere
be
a
a
desire
for
man."
growing out of the ardour of a first love,
which is always followed
by the lassitude of satiety,
of regret,
far from
tears
so
causing Ninon
any
nerved her up to a philosophy different from that of
it impossible to judge her
and makes
other women,
be considered
She can
not
standard.
a
by the same
fantasies and whims,
woman
subject to a thousand
All this
29
NINON
a
Her
custom.
and
of the wisest
she
proprietiesof position
concealed
trifling
thousand
and
L'ENCLOS
de
of the
men
her
in the
her
maintaining
noblest
raised
lived, and
the
became
morals
period in which
instead
their rank
to
category
those
as
same
of the
of
intriguing
coquettes of her age.
It is not
improbable
sufferingattendant upon
a sufferingalluded
only the intercourse
of
medium
experience of the
ments,
decay of such attachplate
by those who contemthe sexes
through the
her
that
the
to
of
sentiment,
poetry and
had
considerable
At an
determining her future conduct.
early age, following upon her liaison with Count
she adhered
Coligny, she adopted the determination
of her life,of retainingso much
to during the rest
only of the female character as was forced upon her
ing
by nature and the insuperable laws of society. Acther society was
this principle,
posed
chieflycomon
the
of persons
of her adopted sex, of whom
influence
most
in
place
A
of
curious
Coligny
the
was
made
of their time
celebrated
her
house
a
stant
con-
meeting.
incident
her
errors
in her relations with
in
success
of the
persuading
Huguenots
and
Count
him
return
de
to
jure
ad-
to
the
religiouspredilections
in her
secure
feeling herself spiritually
but sought only his welfare
philosophicprinciples,
His obstinacy was
depriving
advancement.
and
of the advantages due his birth and personal
him
teen
was
scarcely sixConsidering that Ninon
merit.
of age, respiringnothing but love and
years
pleasure,to effect by tenderness and the persuasive
Roman
Catholic
Church.
She
30
had
no
strength of
a
so
man
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
reasoning powers,
her
obstinate
as
Count
the
such
de
change
Coligny, in
in
a
an
thing
someexcessivelybigoted age, was
unique in the history of lovers of that period.
Women
little for religiousprincithen
cared
ples,
very
themselves
in advancing
and
rarely exerted
the cause
less
of the
dominant
religion, much
thought of the spiritualneeds of their favorites.
'obstinate
The
is the rule in these
reverse
women
the
are
lytizersof
the
and
the various
of
remark
recover
most
any
a
ardent
sects,
modern
and
a
persistent prose-
custom
distinguished lawyer
assets
from
a
times, when
notorious
which
who
recalls
failed to
bankrupt
he
"This
creditors:
pursuing for the defrauded
has everything in his wife's name
man
his
even
religion."
was
"
Ninon's
Count
disinterested counsel
prevailed,and
errors,
becoming
afterward
the
the
abjured his
Due
de Chatillon, Marquis d' Andelot, and died a
lieutenant general, bravely fightingfor his country,
at
Charenton.
31
CHAPTER
"Birds"
The
VI
decided
HAVING
her
des
time
the
for
a
A
select
influence
its
tenelle, and
characters,
and
sciences,
coveted
much
society
charming
Charleval,
indeed,
no
Nothing
character.
triumph
as
a
choice
polite and
a
of
but
of
test
it after much
it
in
labor
32
and
and
Paris,
the
metropolis.
into
as
chevalier,
a
but
and
this
Count
the
was
accomplished
competency
ciety
so-
from
do, however,
of his
Fon-
the
entrance
spirits
Gram-
literature,
company
for
into
appellation
of
particular standing
would
required
de
an
great
longed
who
those
the
aliers
chev-
distinguished
wits
and
chosen
of
environs
christened
Ninon
the
the
Moliere,
celebrated
beaux
the
another
entrance
less
no
that
at
and
Count
were
other
in the
gallant
an
Tournelles,"
gentlemen
favored
Among
of
by
distinguished
which
de
elite
war.
des
"Oiseaux
gain
safe
house
and
her,
to
them
of
most
and
Chapelle,
of
host
a
wits
around
this
Among
in
verted
con-
and
locality
society,
of
merit
as
city
Picpusse,
Saint-Evremond,
mont,
less
a
society
well
as
ranks.
arts,
Marais,
at
gathered
soon
prudent
a
residence
Paris.
of
into
fashionable
Ninon
career,
purchased
au
of
summer
her
property
Tournelles
center
Tournelles
upon
securities, and
Rue
the
of
he
consumption
literary
a
song
plished
accom-
of mid-
NINON
de
therefor, was
reasons
at her
employed
L'ENCLOS
presented his mistress, while
toilette in
adjustingher hair, which
remarkable
for its*beauty and
was
luxuriance, and
which
she regarded as
the apple of her
flicted
Afeye.
she cut
off
by the unwelcome
intelligence,
half of her lovelytresses
the impulse of the moon
ment,
and
Struck
letter.
by
his
As
mistress
a
it until
and
M.
herself
wearied
her
of
sterlinghonesty in
delicate manner
of ending
her
she
Gourville,
de
in the
adhered
will
able
was
in person,
hanged
of
care
of the
wars
Compelled
nelles."
large
a
1'Enclos
Dame.
The
money
return
from
On
his
the
return
to
serve
maintain
to
of the
charitable
onstrate
demupon
and
the poor
had
most
of Paris.
Fronde
to
"Birds
of Ninon's,
the
of
party
of the Tour-
quit Paris, to avoid being
he was
in effigy,
he divided the
of ready money
between
Ninon
to
the
Grand
Penitencier
deposited
was
of
in two
Notre
caskets.
exile, he appliedto the priestfor
but
to
his
deposit was
deposithad
purposes
friend
of the
one
of his money,
knowledge
such
as
sum
and
intimate
an
of Conde,
the Prince
any
returned
devoted, and
so
she
cerity
sin-
admirers.
her
de
hold
Count's
of the
Count
the
liaison, the following anecdote
the
the
change.
a
matters
money
him,
to
illustration
an
to
answer
unequivocal proof
retained
desired
of it and
a
this
allegiance to
thenceforward
her
as
devotion
of her
to
them
sent
under
the
probably
De
denied, and
made,
been
it
rules
been
Gourville
34
astonishment, all
was
that
destined
of the
if
for
cier,
Peniten-
distributed
protested
among
in
vain,
threatened
to
of the church
was
he
when
and
the power
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
forcible means,
to
resort
invoked
him
compel
to
cruellydisappointedin
whom
all Paris deemed
a man
incorruptiblyhonest,
selle
de Gourville
suspected nothing else from MademoiIt was
de 1'Enclos.
absurd
to hope for probity
in a woman
of reprehensiblehabits when
that virtue
his attempt.
So
in
lived
abandon
to
absent
was
a
the Grand
as
abstain
who
man
life of such
a
Penitencier, hence
ity
auster-
determined
he
to
visitingher altogether,lest he might
hate the woman
he had so fondly loved.
Ninon, however, had other designs,and learning
that he had returned, sent him a pressing invitation
to
from
her.
call upon
"Ah
!
Gourville," she exclaimed
"a
of your
consequence
was
money
gone
mournful
his
those
to
sorry
for you,
whom
I
Here,"
she
are
but
do
if you
not
you
ask
the
most
Astonished
at
on
peared,
apin
thousand
your
mind, his
Plunged
dared
not
in
raise
ing
she, mistak-
But
hastily:
stilllove me,
anything
the
me
Gourville
departed.
sincere
happened
pauper.
for I have
found
and
longer disposed in
but
a
of his mistress.
the twenty
when
me
was
though I have
am
happy, I have
continued, turning
love
to
he
went
agitation,
am
has
in de Gourville's
reflections,de
his eyes
"here
and
he
soon
absence."
settled the matter
That
"I
misfortune
great
as
as
another
favor.
a
escritoire,
her
to
crowns
from
with
forgotten you.
not
intrusted
you
them,
Take
lost my
heart
There
is
my
which
friend,
is
no
nothing left
friendship."
contrast
35
between
her
conduct
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
co-depositary,and recognizing
that he had
no
right to complain of the
change in her heart because of his long absence, de
Gourville related the story of the indignityheaped
of her
that
and
him
by
reputation.
upon
"You
do
reverend
that
on
"but
The
account.
you
that."
"Ne
suis-jepas
Ninon
afterward
was
known
the
to
admirer
every
had
her
preferences,and
was
not
could
entreaties
it
charms,
vendible
Epicurean
virtue.
had
to
reason
and
he
the
Counts
saw
with
de
instead
listened
to
Grand
Prior
him
a
in
The
of
the
great
Grand
Prior
of
character.
impetuous
an
that
and
Ninon
Palluan
de
an
Vendome
this trait in her
was
of
case
a
wooer,
preferred
to
his clerical
complained bitterlyto Ninon,
He
being
softened
voice
thought
great rage
nor
appetit merely,
sorrow
Miossens
prayers
not
was
of her
one
le bon
Prior
Grand
attractions.
but
was
comprehend
worthy
when
Hers
her.
move
under
drama,
taste, neither
her
to
well
comedy,
a
French
of the
Depositaire."
admirers
The
of
it,with
made
has
escape,
"La
of
name
Ninon
gardeuse
dote
vigilanceno anec-
subject
variations, the
some
eye:
belle
"La
called
could
of this nature
in her
la cassette?"
Voltaire, whose
cassette,"and
de
taught
have
twinkle
a
in
difference
should
adding with
la gardeuse de
Then
a
suspected
have
prodigious
conditions
with
Ninon,
not
and
character
a
said
should
you
reputations and
our
exalted
so
surprise me,"
not
winning smile,
me
of
man
a
of
by
some
his turn
and
he
36
his
new
came
resolved
reproaches,she
rival
next.
to
be
when
This
the
put
revenged,
LIFE
this is the
and
One
he
way
opened
to
find the
"Indigne
Je renonce
Mon
her
on
de
amour
Ingrate,que
Or,
might
as
had
he
obtain
could
left Ninon's
feux, indigne de
it.
house,
dressingtable a letter,which
following effusion:
mes
sans
fancied
he
day shortly after
she noticed
LETTERS
AND
she
larmes,
mes
peine a tes faibles appas;
te pretaitdes charmes,
tu n'avais pas."
be
in English :
substantially
said
Unworthy my flame, unworthy a tear,
I rejoiceto renounce
thy feeble allure;
My love lent thee charms that endear,
Which, ingrate,thou couldst not procure.
Instead
of
took this mark
being offended,Ninon
of unreasonable
spite good naturedly, and replied
by another quatrain based upon the same
rhyme as
that of the disappointedsuitor :
"Insensible
Je
te
vois
Mais
renoncer
a
si 1'amour
Pourquoi
Which
feux, insensible
tes
a
is
n'en
Caring naught
for
faibles appas
prete des
larmes,
;
charmes,
empruntais-tu pas.
much
as
mes
tes
a
as
to
say
in
English :
thy flame, caring naught
tear,
I
see
But
thee
renounce
if love
my
lends
By borrowing
feeble allure ;
charms
thou
that
mightst
37
endear,
some
procure.
for
thy
CHAPTER
Effect
IT
is not
such
tutelage
both
mind
which
her
into
fighting
which
for
France
in
for
Ninon
them
with
because
not
upon
any
agree
Ninon's
sincerely,
a
what
proved
and
pious
exercises,
upon
of her
natural
the
in
altar
daughter gave
who
one
of
38
her
to
any
mother
her
with
learned
taken
down
them
makes
in her
The
mind
her
both
from
devoting
sentiment.
birth
could
illness.
against
acquired
not
lost
not
was
fatal
and
and
life for
all Paris
separated
daughter,
husband
prejudices
a
1'Enclos,
de
Madame
be
to
reason,
wife
loved
mother
her
this
had
she
and
which
in her
when
of
course
apart,
it impossible
and
however,
heart,
trait
astonishment
with
definite
many
so
mistress,
husband
into
lived
For
own
the
instincts,
natural
its
of
her
were
making
otherwise.
do
absent
faction
daughter
sentiments
their
interfered
follow.
and
practically
was
there
still
in-
to
was
which
up,
mother
to
father
knew
broken
the
disparity
the
alone
that
to
endeavored
The
trary
con-
so
practices
and
mind.
wholly,
philosophy
a
under
girl
a
herself
always
had
was
and
to
principles
Heaven
that
abandon
body,
young
Death
at
should
mother
her
them,
wondered
and
its
in
of
be
to
Mother's
Her
of
VII
her
life
the
violent
such
a
fice
sacri-
worldly
to
an
to
life
opinion
she
which
LIFE
AND
deemed
the
LETTERS
natural
of it.
consequence
stroyed
pleasure,in her estimation, had deevery vestige of virtue in her daughter's
duties had consoul and her neglectof her religious
verted
her into an
unnatural
being.
But she was
ion
agreeably diverted from her ill opinher malady approached a dangerous stage.
when
love
The
Ninon
of
of
flew to her mother's
side
as
as
soon
she heard
without
of her philosbecoming an enemy
ophy
of pleasure,she felt it incumbent
her to
upon
suspend its practice. Friendship, liaisons, social
her or
duties, pleasure,everything ceased to amuse
give her any satisfaction. The nursing of her sick
mother
engaged her entire attention,and her fervor
in this dutiful occupation astonished
de
Madame
it,and
1'Enclos
softened
and
her
error
her heart to the
and
extent
correctingher
of
knowledging
ac-
estimate
of her
She loved her daughdaughter'scharacter.
ter
devotedly and v/as happy in the knowledge that
she was
the
as
not
devotedly loved. But this was
kind of happiness that could prolong her days.
Notwithstanding all her
philosophy, Ninon
could not bear the spectaclepresented by her dying
with a griefwhich
rent
she
parent. Her soul was
did not conceal,unashamed
potent
imthat philosophy was
to
weakness.
her
long
restrain
an
Moreover,
exhibition
her
and
dying
of such
mother
a
natural
talked
to
earnestly,and with her last breath
her loving counsel
that sank
gave
deep into her
heart, already softened by an uncontrollable sorrow
and weakened
by long vigils.
de 1'Enclos closed her eyes
Scarcelyhad Madame
39
NINON
de
L'ENOLOS
things of earth, than Ninon
projectof withdrawing from the world
the
upon
a
mistress
who
see
of her
one,
could
heart
desolate, threw
throes
on
the
her
the
entering
left her
few
lute
abso-
friends
refusal
express
persuade
not
and
father
conduct, and
Ninon,
in the
of her
her, despite her
reached
any
absence
The
convent.
conceived
alter her
to
broken, distracted
to
terminati
deand
herself
vent
bodily into an obscure conof Paris, accepting it, in the
her only refuge and home
as
suburbs
of her sorrow,
earth.
in
Saint-Evremond,
speaks
a
of the sentiment
"There
are
letter to the Duke
which
whom
some
is incentive
misfortunes
have
d'Olonne,
to
piety:
rendered
devout
selves,
through a certain kind of pity for thema secret
piety,strong enough to dispose men
to lead
more
religiouslives."
of Ninon's
closest friends, in his
Scarron, one
Epistle to Sarrazin, thus alludes to this conventual
escapade :
*
*
*
Puis j'aurais
su
**********
**********
Ce
Que
En
Ton
dit du
la Ninon
donne
que
bel
tous
a
logeant avecque
de pleurs la
Combien
A repandus quand sa
les
se
Cierges brulants
Pretres
Voulut
Servir
chantant
aller de
aux
vers
et
et
pauvre
mere,
portant
leurs
saint
les
exemple
mondains,
nonais,
jouvencelle
sans
elle,
ecussons,
funebres
chanson,
lingeenveloppee
d'une franche lippee."
40
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
so they called it,of which
"frivolity,"
again guiltyas long as she lived.
life is in
This episode in Ninon's
when
occurred
she
was
never
direct contrast
the
Queen Regent,
of Austria, listeningto the complaints of her
Anne
of honor, attempted to dispose of
jealous maids
future
Ninon's
by immuring her in a convent.
Ninon's
celebrityattained such a summit, and her
the elite
became
so
popular among
drawing rooms
of the French
nobilityand desirable youth, that sad
with
which
one
inroads
made
were
nothing but
ladies who
in
the
of the
entourage
Court,
humanity being left for the
tion
patronizedthe royal functions. In addithe
culls of
the
jealousy of a
Ninon
called "Janwhom
certain class of women,
sensists of love," because
they practiced in public
the puritanicvirtues which
have
they did not even
tact enough to render
agreeable. It is conceivable
this,she excited
to
that
to
envy
and
Ninon's
brilliant attractions,not
charms,
and
her
hatred
her
unparalleled power
societythe brightestand best
violent
engendered the most
of those
whose
to
feebler
charms
men
say
tive
seduc-
to
attract
of the
tion,
na-
jealousy and
were
ignored
bitter
relegatedto the background. The most
made
against her
complaints and accusations were
beset on all sides by
to the Queen Regent, who
was
of a woman
whom
loud outcries against the conduct
powerless to imitate, until,to quiet their
they were
it her duty to act.
clamors, she deemed
of Austria accordinglysent Ninon, by special
Anne
and
messenger,
convent,
a
order
peremptory
givingher
the power
43
to
withdraw
to
a
of selection. At first
LIFE
intended
Anne
Girls
ton,
a
was
(FillesRepenties),but
good joke
such
a
tie),for
well
as
would
a
which
Ninon
that her
as
course
neither
Ninon
her to the convent
to send
of the Oiseaux
one
LETTERS
AND
to
knew
a
reason,
the
the celebrated
own
source
Bau-
Tournelles, who
loved
did Ninon, told her
he
excite ridicule because
girlnor
her
des
of Repentant
repentant
the order
choice
of
of the
that
Ninon
ni repen(ni fille,
ing
was
changed leava
prison.
order, and
foresaw
distinguishedadmirers would not
in protectingher, and persuadhave
ing
any difficulty
the Queen
Regent to rescind her order, and
therefore gave herself no concern,
der
receivingthe oras
a
pleasantry.
"I am
deeply sensible of the goodness of the court
in providingfor my
welfare and in permittingme
tion,
hesitato select my
place of retreat, and without
numerous
I decide
in favor
of the
Grands
Cordeliers."
Cordeliers
happened that the Grands
from
and
a
was
exclusivelyfor men,
monastery
which
Moreover, the
women
were
rigidlyexcluded.
morals
of the holy brotherhood
not of the best,
was
the writers of their history during that period
as
unanimously testify.M. de Guitaut, the captain of
had been intrusted with the
the Queen's guard, who
happened to be one of the "Birds," and
message,
tle
he assured
the Regent that it was
nothing but a litpleasantryon the part of Ninon, who merited a
for
of approval and commendation
marks
thousand
of mind
and heart
and brilliant qualities
her sterling
rather
than punishment or even
censure.
made
The
by the Queen Regent
only comment
Now
it
so
43
NINON
was
of
:
L'ENCLOS
"Fie, the nasty thing!" accompanied by
laughter.
among
known
not
matter
finding means
of
Others
the
"Birds'*
came
to
a
fit
the
the* Due
d'Enghien, who was
his esteem
for women
to value
lightly.
of Austria
was
finallydropped, Anne
rescue,
The
de
them
to
close
the mouths
44
of the
envious.
CHAPTER
Her
Increasing
return
of
her
in
a
friends
her
and
and
place
Paris
of
charming
high
they
influence
at
with
became
the
of
her
the
all
envy
better
the
deliers
Cor-
her
new
notoriety
with
given
fame
the
admission
it is to
of
she
her
ideas
attraction
part
the
of
to
jealousy,
her
soon
nightly
brilliant
society
and
guide
without
sway
it may
and
Queen
were
acknowledged
submitted
her
rooms
and
the
of
the
drawing
her
imagined,
braved
not
Her
into
be
exaggerated
slightest compunctions
the
her
Grands
brought
the
them,
Had
of
immure
to
of
sought
of
was
or
attempt
jealousy
philosophy.
rank
center
and
without
and
through
possessed
Ninon
slightest
envy
retreat,
impunity?
with
Paris.
The
resounded
court.
Regent
crowded
acclamations
selection
circle, many
because
leader,
her
wit, and
Ladies
loud
the
admirers
all
spirit, her
of
and
convent,
as
her,
enemies,
drawing
with
all quarters.
female
of her
gayeties
hailed
was
from
Popularity
the
to
NINON'S
rooms
VIII
also
the
said,
be
of
remorse
or
conscience.
affair
The
with
effect, it separated
in
up
an
the
social
establishment
the
the
Queen
desirable
45
own
the
from
scale, compelling
of their
had
Regent
as
the
a
one
able
undesir-
latter
counter
good
to
set
attrac-
NINON
tion, and
"little court"
a
where
distinction, and
having
was
'foppishness
where
Rambouillet,
of
only hope
They established
all.
at
their
as
L'ENCLOS
dc
few
a
society
any
tel
the Ho-
at
a
badge
minded,
narrow
moralists, poisoned metaphysics and
starched
the sentiments
of the heart
affectation and
their unrefined,
into
turned
burlesque by
a
of
their
vulgar attempts
expressions and
even
gallantry. They culled choice
epigrams from the literature of the day, employing
their paucity of original
their memories
to conceal
wit, and practisedupon their imaginationsto obtain
consisted
of sodden
salacious
a
philosophy, which
ideas, flat in their expression,stale and unattractive
in their adaptation.
the very opposite,consisting
Ninon's
coterie was
flower of the nobilityand the
it did of the very
as
choicest
dry and
spiritsof the age, who banished
sterile erudition, and sparkled with the liveliest wit
There
who
were
and politeaccomplishments.
some
shrewd
the vigilance of Ninon's
eluded
scrutiny,
into her inner circle, but they
their way
and made
their pretensions by
abandon
to
forced
soon
were
their inabilityto maintain
a
standing among
any
far beyond them
in rank
who
were
so
class of men
at
and
attainments.
long
Not
after
upon
clos
to
after her
the
one
was
escaped
the
of the
side in
wrong
he
took
of her
fortunate
dangers
the
pleasures of
episode, Ninon
convent
the demise
mourn
to
return
attendant
politics.For
sides with
of the
men
upon
some
Cardinal
46
called
was
father.
M.
ciety,
so-
de 1'En-
times
being
on
who
the
inscrutable
son,
rea-
de Retz, and
on
LIFE
that
account
AND
practicallybanished
was
be satisfied with
compelled to
and
LETTERS
the
Paris
from
rough
ances
annoy-
life instead- of
being able to put in
practicethe pleasant precepts of his philosophy. He
with his
to Paris
was
finallypermitted to return
of camp
head
safe upon
with
the
his
shoulders, and
that
idea
could
he
time, promising himself
flattered
make
now
up
himself
for lost
vantages
enjoy to the full the adoffered
by his daughter's establishment.
his daughter with the liveliest pleasure
He embraced
imaginable,taking upon himself all the credit for
her great reputation as due to his efforts and to his
flattered at the success
philosophicaltraining. He was
of his lessons and entered
a life of joyous
upon
zest as though in the bloom
pleasure with as much
for a constitution
of his youth. It proved too much
tary
miliweakened
by the fatiguesof years of arduous
powered
campaigns and he succumbed, the flesh overand took to his bed, where
by the spirit,
he
reached
soon
hope
of his
his
lessons
end
hastened
of tears.
she
he
But
learned
had
"Approach
but
a
me.
and
that
sad
nearer,
is the
againstnature.
to
bade
more
Ninon;
his
side
her
remember
his
from
and
shed
the
philosophy, and
lesson, said in
you
for
sent
see
an
nothing
most
al-
left
ing
pleasures that are leavpossessionwas not of long duration,
memory
Their
approaching,he
was
wishing to give her one
expiring voice:
me
no
recuperation.
daughter, who
torrents
left his friends
that
condition
a
that the
Aware
to
of the
only complaint
But, alas! my
47
I
have
regrets
to
are
make
vain.
NINON
You
who
have
survive
must
de
L'ENCLOS
me,
utilize
the
scruples about
no
but
"quality."
of their
only
precioustime, and
quantity of your pleasures,
Saying which, he immediately expired. The
by her father in
philosophicalsecurity exhibited
with
the
last moments,
his very
inspired Ninon
of spirit,
and she bore his loss with
calmness
same
equanimity, disdaining to exhibit any immoderate
self
herand
render
grieflest she dishonor his memory
an
unworthy daughter and pupil.
not
left her by her father
fortune
so
The
was
Ninon
had
considerable
as
expected. It had been
and speculadiminished
much
by extravagance
tion,
very
but
maxim:
had
"There
are
good marriages, but no
ing
wearcontemplate ever
not
matrimony, she deposited her
sinking funds, reserving an income
chains
in the
eight thousand livres
her beyond the
maintain
this
time
herself
increased
light heartedness
to
pleasure, which
there
are
privileged souls
emotions
tender
by such
the
are
rare.
which
men
uneasiness.
unless
was
did
her
her
is not
who
to
not
lovers
they regulated their
48
life of
a
ideas.
love
and
Her
and
votion
de-
astonishing,as
do
not
lose
pursuit, though
a
claimed
assumed,
It
with
unrestrained
Ninon's
privilege she
Epicurean
her
with
in strict accordance
to
From
confessed,
be
must
of
sufficient
as
of want.
reach
pleasure, well regulated,it
souls
annum
per
abandoned
she
on
tune
for-
of
about
to
la Rochefoucauld's
de
some
did
delicious ones," and
the
in mind
she
as
their
those
freedom,
and
enjoy all the rights
give her the slightest
who
love
became
anxious
according
to
the
NINON
did
she
Moreover,
else she
could
the
relied
it
had
violent
required something
occurred
"Listen, Ninon,
remarkable
stand
to
remove
because
to
you
my
happiness
and
to
to
you
to
in the
most
to
be
me,
will
and
novel
pedient
ex-
he
imagined
inconstancy.
thing you
a
quiet my
duty
your
and
mind
to
will
and
accept,
is
that
a
more
philosophy, Ninon.
writing that you will
maintain
dictate
sacred
words.
own
in
put
than
contradiction
do
is involved
love ; it is your
fidelity. I
form
tend
will
nearer,
which
obstinate
once
more
drew
idea, a
without
If you
fears, ought
faithful
remain
one
are
my
than
mind,
most
you
What
I wish
Now,
the
an
tress,
mis-
which
becoming
departure
Ah!
his
of
fears
substantial
his
woman.
it.
his
more
to
restrain
would
mind, and
his
body
no-
might
who
intense
the
exact?
he
could
what
But
for
for
hour
the
as
occasion,
Marquis,
promise
solemn
in
present
ever
were
ceiving
de-
thought rapidly,
for betraying him, and
and
fidelity
constancy.
amorous
been
not
of
Ninon
of her
the
upon
dream
present
no
comfort.
and
moment
reason
him
Nevertheless,
have
v^s
find any
assured
therefore
the
at
in mind.
had
not
security,peace,
not
there
him;
but
of her
sake
cise for the
L'ENCLOS
de
the
it in
terms
most
the
known
violable
in-
strongest
to
human
promises. I will not leave you until I have obtained
is necessary
such a pledge of your
constancy, which
relieve my
anxiety, and essential to my repose.'*
to
be something
Ninon
vainly argued that this would
too
was
strange
and
obstinate
She
novel, foolish, in fact, the
and
wrote
finally overcame
and
signed
her
a
written
Marquis
strances.
remon-
pledge
AND
LIFE
such
as
with
this
had
woman
no
LETTERS
fortified
executed, and
ever
pledge, the Marquis hastened to respond
to the call of duty.
Two
was
days had scarcelyelapsed before Ninon
of her
besieged by one of the most dangerous men
acquaintance. Skilled in the art of love, he had
often pressed his suit,but Ninon
had other engagements
and
rival
would
being
out
increased
and
love,
touched
love
her
who
three
tre !"
astonishment
him
the
and
in the
III.
Ninon
by Madame
de
ce
his
pleading
betrayed her
last
of the
she
realized
conqueror,
of
which
"billet de la Chatre"
everybody,
it is not
a
wise
came,
be-
saying applied
taire,
to rely. Vol-
so
d'etre faibles,et elles
pule
inspire
balmed
charming an incident, has emhis comedy of la Prude, act I, scene
merely followed the rule established
femmes
de Sevigne: "Les
ont
mission
per-
preserve
it in
at
to
man
fruits of his
the
soon
mouth
things upon
to
a
his
victory,to hear
in a breathless
voice, repeating it
"Ah!
Ah!
le bon
billet qu'a la Chafine bond
that la Chatre has.)
an
explanation of the enigma, Ninon
whole
too
was
story, which
good to
the
keep secret,
to
the
for
Pressed
told
struggle.
times:
(Oh,
eyes
of the
exclaim
Ninon
was
now,
his entreaties
vanquished before
enjoying the
was
He
Her
was
was
But
resisted, though
heart.
the outcome
him.
field,he resumed
his ardor.
she
and
What
of the
Ninon
but
listen to
not
privilege."
51
se
servent
sans
scru-
CHAPTER
IX
Ninon's
Friendships
L'ENCLOS
DE
MADEMOISELLE
forgot
that
she
men
long
stands
is
character,
her
loved,
cherished
As
been
said, Ninon
strictest
the
happiness
which
with
men
time
to
from
to
but
extent
of
her
them
as
it upon
afterward.
rest
her
not
included
sacrifices.
making
nothing
were
satisfy
time
her
to
possessed
she
for
to
The
from
contact
view,
entire
friendship
a
her
establishment
social
of
all
did
life,
of
nearly
Epicurean
in
long
the
the
was
sufficiently large
maintain
for
1'Enclos
came
point
pecuniary
income
and
de
and
she
whom
during
a
an
the
to
went
friendship
memories
alone,
love
on
her
outlived
she
their
sense,
in
bestowed
she
and
strong
and
hearted
whole
and
in
clear
trait
the
indeed,
lover,
a
out
them,
has
in
lived, for
they
as
friend
a
never
she
wants
never
neglected.
There
of
her
offer
would
her
of
her
the
and
favors,
met
from
her
permitted
heart
with
and
to
or
indirectly, any
and
scorn
and
regain
and
without
society
what
she
natural
was
dared
anything,
contempt
The
52
payment
have
for
either.
and
in
would
consideration
house
mind,
or
expected
who
man
a
as
money
have
expelled
being
asked
consideration
money
directly
either
never,
was
been
ever
wants
pleased
to
LIFE
the
call
the
of
holding
her
of
at
pecuniary value.
a
friends
dearest
Scarron,
was
Maintenon,
de
once
the
pious
the
saintlymistress
the king of France.
In his younger
ron
days, Scarcontributed
largely to the pleasures of the
of
of
them
listened,never
she
them
to
of Madame
husband
leader
and
mentors,
dreaming
One
of physical wants,
gratifications
natural
her
were
LETTERS
AND
Oiseaux
then
and
court
Tournelles, the ecclesiastical collar he
des
being sufficient
worldly pleasures.
In
wore
not
the
course
reduced
his
debased
a
to
succor
friend, she
effects of the
Scarron
did
cheerful
and
her
went
Not
and
joying
en-
was
one
when
spirit burning in
him, and
only that, she
established
small
a
of his
pains.
was
tures.
sufferingtor-
a
however,
crushed
but
ment
tene-
to her,
being able to come
passed entire days at his
brought her friends with
Not
clay.
try the
to
the contrary, he
little left of him,
was
to
no
alleviation
an
as
complain, on
always gay even
of mortal
side.
fell ill,and
Saint Germain
not
indomitable
Ninon
condition,
suburb
baths
There
an
his
prevent
coming to
Like a tender, compassionate
but Ninon.
he
sympathized deeply with him, when
a
carried to the
was
Scarron
of time
dreadful
to
around
court
his bed,
cheering him in his pain and doing him a
of good, which
world
finallyenabled his spiritto
triumph over his mortal shell.
thus
Instances
volume,
never
with
of
might
multiplied,enough to
her devotion
to her friends,whom
abandoned
purse
be
and
and
whom
counsel
to
53
she
was
fill
a
she
always ready
aid in their difficulties.
NINON
curious
A
sieur
L'ENCLOS
de
is that
instance
Nicolas
of
she
Desyvetaux, whom
several days* Aware
de
circle for
Vauquelin,
missed
that
her
from
had
he
been
family troubles, and that his fortune
having some
v/as
alarmed, thinking that
menaced, she became
misfortune
had come
him, for
perhaps some
upon
she resolved
him
which
and
to seek
reason
help
him
in
supposing
could
that
crushed
be
v/as
it
that
This
Ninon
of his difficulties. But
out
wise
so
by
and
gay
sorrow
any
illustrious
Epicurean
an
trouble.
or
enjoying himself in
is worth
telling.
mistaken
was
vetaux
Desy-
singulara
so
ion
fash-
night
Epicurean, finding one
a
his
at
door,
girl in a fainting condition
her, moved
by
brought her into his house to succor
she had
as
an
impulse of humanity. But as soon
her senses,
the philosopher'sheart was
recovered
touched
by her beauty. To please her benefactor
companied
the girlplayed several selections on a harp and acwith a charming and seductive
the instrument
young
voice.
was
Desyvetaux, who
music, was
captivated by
suddenly
conceived
his
in the
It
days
not
was
business
suburbs
with
to
a
upon
accomplishment,
to
of this
a
girlwho
frequent
the
brother, earning
by singing and
a
this
desire
company
difficult for
it her
such
the
passionate admirer
a
playing
and consent
proposition,
an
excessivelyamorous
54
on
spend
rest
and
of
charming singer.
had been making
wineshops of the
a
the
precarious
harp, to
to bestow
man,
the
of
who
ing
liv-
accept
happiness
offered
to
her
with
of the
finest residences
court
as
a
of
most
had
he
XIII,
quiet
and
in the suburb
Vendome,
de
always desired
he
had
often
so
one
Germain.
and
lead
to
The
in
passed
been
in retirement.
sylvan life which
Saint
life had
his
of M.
the governor
of Louis
of peace
a
tranquil life
and
luxurious
share
Although
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
at
tutor
a
life
pleasures of
in his
described
lectures, ended
by leadinghis mind in that direction.
The
fered
girl he found on his doorstep had ofyoung
him his first opportunity to have
a
Phyllis to
his Corydon
and
he
it. Both
eagerly embraced
yielded to the fancy, she dressed in the garb of a
shepherdess, he playing the role of Corydon at the
of seventy
age
Sometimes
he
listened
her
years.
stretched
to
the
instrument,
out
on
enchanting
or
drank
birds, charmed
to
cages
a
and
with
this
their
she
from
drew
voice
sweet
pastorals.
of his
A
left
harmony,
flock
their
wings, Dupuis' harp,
joy, fluttered down
into
her
or
bosom.
little gallantryin which
This
was
with
caress
intoxicated
with
music
in the
shepherdess singing melodious
of
carpet of verdure,
a
delicious spectacle to
intoxicated
his
they had been trained
the shepherd philosopher
fancied
He
senses.
he
was
bands
of interming
guiding with his mistress innumerable
in tender
sheep; their conversation
was
eclogues compose^ by them both extemporaneously,
attractive
the
with
surroundings inspiring them
poetry.
Ninon
homme,"
amazed
was
as
she
disguise of
she
when
called him, in the
a
shepherd,
a
found
her
"bon
startlinglyoriginal
crook
in his
hand,
a
NINON
wallet
his
hanging by
head.
Her
leave
first
shedding
tears
mind, when
enough
over
and
she
the
wreck
of
a
her side with
on
had
the
on
Desyvetaux, suspending
look about him, perceived
to
silk
that he
was
flapping
great
a
colored
rose
impression was
his senses,
of
side, and
with
hat, trimmed
straw
L'ENCLOS
de
taken
point
of
brilliant
once
his antics
her
his
and
long
rushed
the liveliest expressionsof
joy. He
removed
her suspicionsof his sanity by explaining
in a philosophical fashion:
his metamorphosis
to
"You
know,
there
Ninon,
pleasures which
and
tastes
dear
my
certain
are
find their
justification
philosophy when they bear all the marks
of moral
innocence.
Nothing can be said against
but their singularity.There
them
are
no
ments
amusedo not reless dangerous than those which
semble
tude."
those generallyindulged in by the multiin
a
certain
Ninon
of her
friend.
and
her talents enchanted
her
him
saw
to
be
mode
of
in
the
on
to
attempt
in
appeared
his
road
persuade
life, which
a
she
could
taux,
Desyve-
light when
masquerade, now
to happiness.
to
ments,
attain-
mental
her, and
ridiculous
him
companion
amiable
figure,her
Her
old
who
first
the
pleased with
was
return
not
seemed
She
to
made
his
avoid
she
to
no
former
at
this
agreeable
considering more
could
he had adopted. But what
than the new
one
of superior seductive
she offer in the way
pleasures
and natural
had
tasted pure
to
a
ments?
enjoypair who
moment,
however,
The
the world
have
vain
no
as
amusements
sympathy
56
allurements
of
anything but
dis-
and
with
NINON
play
can:'
it
which
'tout est
to
over
the
perdu*
the other
stood
four
around:
L'ENCLOS
de
five times
or
did.
other
she
4t
sang
side of the
"Tout
And
over
piteously
as
he
when
twice ; then
couch, she said
est
perdu
a
escient;'all is lost this time, sure/
58
ce
"
as
came
to
turning
who
to those
coup
you
et
a
bon
X
CHAPTER
Some
Lovers
Ninon's
of
of
love
her
pleasure,
NOTWITHSTANDING
and
admiration
her
Ninon
whom
of
she
she
decided
discovered
in
men
in
and
"I
saw
that
So
she
well
women
and
unreal
I
and
did
of
themselves,
in
her
she
a
friendship,
of
influences.
off
As
privileges, while
the
by
determined
this
determination
masculine
whatever
have
men."
intimates
the
upon
delighted
theatrical
agreeable
the
that
as
one
pleasures they enjoyed
enjoyed
were
sex.
abandoning
on
out
her
every
stronger
of
carry
the
with
that
they would
an
at
methods
assuming
and
society,
as
the
put
were
retained
was
regarded by
was
and
greatest
were
pursue
favors
her
upon
already said,
rejection
or
that
moment
sex
own
my
to
the
the
declared:
advantage
From
women
resolved
those
with
early life, that
acceptance
frivolous
solid
As
in
selected
them,
men,
common
or
been
distributing
soon
most
bestow
of
society
has
she
the
herself
she
to
in
and
discount,
of
favors, but
her
discrimination.
and
care
the
vulgar
never
was
distribution
for
in
ciple
prin-
same
good
a
performance,
or
ner,
dinquisite
ex-
music.
To
her
and
emanating
assumes
to
from
no
merit
all her
the
associates, love
senses,
in the
a
blind
object
59
which
was
sentiment
a
taste
which
gives it birth,
is the
as
it
which
depends
was
discomforts
or
In
domination
upon
ourselves, and
and
regrets attendant
first
a
of
is subject
to
tion
reple-
upon
Coligny, which
of her cold philosophy for a
she thought would
endure
experience
abandonment
an
passionate attachment
forever, Ninon
cast
is connected
which
like.
indulgence.
After her
was
the
hunger, thirst, and
the
merely a^caprice
of
case
word,
the
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
aside
with
de
all that
element
in love
with
passion and extravagant
standing
sentiment, and adhered to her philosophicalunderof it,and kept it in its proper
place in the
of natural
appetites. To illustrate her
category
from passionate attachments
in the distrifreedom
bution
favors, the
of her
will
give
had
received
one
of her
marriages
but
that her
had
that, "There
that
none
matrimony.
Scarron
her, and
being
always agreed
are
good
many
delicious," she
are
friend would
of
in the bonds
from
"Birds," who
select
friend Scarron
philosophy.
favors
numerous
la Rochefoucauld
with
her
insightinto
an
of her
case
never
But
sumed
as-
entangle himself
he did and
to
his
sorrow.
When
Ninon
sojourn
found
the
This
the
with
to her
returned
to
Marquis
de
that
astonishment
amiable
young
had
but
Paris
after
in
a
long
Villarceaux,
Scarron
had
ignoble Mademoiselle
lady was
a
situation which
married
d'Aubigne.
precluded
hope of her ever attainingsocial eminence,
aspiring to rise, notwithstanding her common
all
she
married
social ladder.
Scarron
Without
as
the
first step upon
realizingthat
60
she
this
woman
but
igin,
or-
the
AND
LIFE
to
non,
mistress
the
the celebrated
become
was
of the
throne, Ninon
became
LETTERS
king
Madame
the
and
took
her
the closest and
most
in
de
Mainte-
real power
behind
charge and they
soon
ways
affectionate friends,al-
non's
Nibed.
occupying the same
together even
continued
tender friendshipfor the husband
violation of the principlesof
in spite of his grave
he was
his accepted philosophy, and when
deserted,
and brought him
sick and helpless,she went
to him
cheer
and
comfort.
Ninon
was
when
little imbued
so
discovered
she
liaison between
a
Villarceaux
lover, Marquis de
Scarron, she
not
was
jealousy that
with
and
even
her
own
dame
friend, Ma-
her
The
angry.
two
in secret, and as they
carrying on their amour
Ninon's
knowledge, whose
supposed without
ence,
prestheir
restraint
a
indeed, they deemed
upon
self
of action.
The
freedom
Marquis considered himwere
traitor to
a
reproaches for
instead of taking either
in fear of her
been
have
would
with
them
reassured
kindness
both
their embarrassment,
that
she
the
Both
amity
Madame
Marquis, now
the
that
of them
to
non,
Ni-
task, as she
nothing
Marquis
so
grew
social ladder.
61
understand
their happiness.
mistress
thereafter
her
saw
as
his
lived
tired of each
aiming higher
she
them
much
and
relieved them
and
making
until the lovers
Scarron
But
betrayal.
of them
their confidante, and
Ninon
her
stood
in doing, gently remonstrated
justified
for their secrecy,
and
by her
from
desired
Scarron
Madame
Ninon, and
way
than
an
made
in perfect
other,
ordinary
clear to mounting
NINON
It
Villarceaux
friendship of
at
appear
in
the
made
of
admit
to
women
of the
use
hesitate
to
of
of wit
men
decoration
of
female
a
of
While
Ninon
the
men
than
distinction
honesty
of her
and
a
de
own
de
society
of the
or
and
other
no
derived
from
the
hoarded
notice
claim
the
dissolute
an
to
easy
travagance
ex-
was
of the
sovereign.
couraging
receiving and enmost
distinguished
time, literati,nobles, warriors,
of
the
on
licentious
and
1'Enclos
sages, in her
its
hab-
crisy
hypo-
revenues
rank
not
1'Enclos
in the
person,
relation,and
attentions
add
squandered
were
that
vain
nelles, the mistress
who
the
did
licentious
of Ninon
elevating into
had
insignificantfamily, who
such
her
of
for the purpose
rival made
religion,and
letters, but
non
Ni-
for the purpose
judiciouslyspent
of her
brated
cele-
two
projects,and
cloak
de Maintenon
Marchioness
useless
and
to
difference
a
exalted
more
of
tress
mis-
The
the
of love
income
frailty. The
agreeably and
was
to
mantle
the
beneath
her
ter
lat-
the
close relations.
of any
view
that
great
between
ambitious
her
to
with
too
was
passion
pleasure only, while
it subservient
when
persuade Ninon
to
constitution
and
temper
there
but
court
the
in
retain the
to
steps of the throne.
endeavored
royalty
her
die Maintenon
Madame
reached
of
kindness
perhaps due to Ninon's
episode, that enabled
was
had
L'ENCLOS
de
house
in the
Rue
the sovereign,the
men,
states-
des
Tour-
dear friend
ceaux,
betrayed her to the Marquis de Villartions
was
swallowing, at Versailles, the adulaof degraded courtiers of every rank and profession.
had
There
were
together there
met
63
the
vain
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
ambitious, the designing and
and
the
the
humblest
whether
the
and
proud
humble,
or
monarch's
the
vain,
or
of the
servants
mistress
who,
those
ambitious,
or
alike the devoted
crafty,were
of
proudest
foolish,
the
or
arch
mon-
princes, cardinals,
men
bishops, dukes and every kind of nobility,exciseand
priests,keepers of the royal conscience
or
and
necessary
all ministers
"
degree, from
the
underlingsin
office
clerks
receivers
and
This
was
of state
other
of
the order
things that
contending against,and that
was
methods
with
that
fessors
con-
royal appetite.
Ninon
she
de 1'Enclos
succeeded
by
saintlycompared
recorded
others, stands
the
cooks,
and
considered
be
must
lowest
farmers
postoffice,
to the
caterer
the
to
his
ing,
ordnance, victual-
of the
general, judges
every
in
filth,each
colonies, and
stamps, customs,
and
of
secretaries
"
"
in the
of
pages
history.
Ninon
After
of the
had
lover who
made
pledge given
the recreant,
tie.
and
of
He
begged
charming
but
agreed
consider
to
the
he
her
to
be
public
indiscretion
he
had
Ninon
done
in her
closer
any
injury
an
favor.
He
was
fascinatingin his pleading,
impression on her heart. She
for his follyand declined to
and
manners
made
mous
fa-
story of the
the
Chatre, she lost her fancy for
reinstated
no
him
the matter
Nor
further.
would
she
return
ring
conversation, although he persistedin refer-
to the
he
that
pardon
to
la
the
from
though friendly,refused
and
knew
suffered
matter
as
one
he
deeply regretted.When
departing after Ninon
pardon, she ran after him
was
63
had
and
assured
called out
him
as
of
he
NINON
descending
was
have
stairs:
the
did
who
Those
her.
M.
until
and
a
show
To
that
her
scientific
long dissertations on
her
incessantly with
which
Demosthenes,
of
in
her
could
Ninon
her
love, and
This
he
himself
Ninon
charged
than
more
Greek
and
Latin
wrote
It should
love.
some
be
in which
share.
She
and
academic
with
social
so
more
of
circle.
he
discourse
quotations. It
to
After
very
him
understood
her merry
confided to
he
proved
come
to his
became
between
sensible
books.
that
and
them
64
not
full of
have
the difference
which
good
would
Ninon
had
man
explained
and
learning and
and
sensible
a
than
thought to
of an
by means
epigram in which
with admiring figuresof rhetoric
of the poor
the ruin
rescue,
Academician
orations
sentiments
of her
out
bored
appealed
her
to
her
read
more
lover
a
essays,
than
laughed
the
was
"
humor
was
angered
revenge
he
of
sense
to
dedicating to
equanimity
his prosy
erudition,and
much
to
with
bear
tion,
considera-
of the
intended
he
phase.
subjects,and
preface. This
elaborate
an
him
translation
a
curious
of her
upon
of
enamored
a
worthy
was
it incumbent
deemed
he
he
emy,
Acad-
French
became
assumed
to appear
over.
of the
man,
love-making
blown
had
much
so
ashamed
were
member
a
lampoon
to
with
greeted
storm
learned
very
his
and
her
the
Tourielle,
de
we
in the literature
venturing
were
so
derisive laughter that they
society
least,Marquis,
embalmed
good qualitieswere
few
of the day, very
Her
in
"At
reconciled."
been
not
L'ENCLOS
de
Ninon
wise
had
"Birds"
all her
love
no
crets
se-
did not
affairs,
NINON
worthy
rival
response
that
enough
was
the
resembling
that
was
admission,
some
in
Pecour
much
into
L'ENCLOS
de
and
frabit of wearing
a
costume
military dandies
him
in
of the
this
equivocal
at his expense
to
by putting
of ironical and embarrassing
all sorts
to him
felt all the vanity of a successful
questions. But Pecour
Then
the Duke
rival and was
good natured.
which
roused
the
sneering remarks
began to make
period. Choiseul
garb, proceeded
meeting
be funny
a
settle his doubts.
to
of the
received
dancer's anger.
"Pray,
body
a
do
what
flagare
you
command?"
fightingunder, and
asked
Monseigneur
you
what
with
sarcastic smile.
Quick
Duke
an
as
a
flash
came
inkling into
"Je commande
un
the
the
which
gave
the
situation.
corps
longtemps,"repliedPecour.
66
answer
ou
vous
servez
depuis
CHAPTER
Ninon's
in
the
for
a
flocked
Scudery
gives
the
Rambouillet,
consisted
of
to
for
the
reason
in
praise,
best
those
this
the
by
a
when
and
who
being
were
pleasing
ghien, afterward
the
all
One
de
"Julie d'Angennes."
flower,
wrote
the
poem,
the
reward
to
the
fair
Hotel
was
as
67
the
sonnet
a
ready, they
were
some
so
Rambouillet,
in
of
their
of
Rambouillet
entertainment
known
jealousy
de
favor
drawn
this, quite
"Julia Garland,"
of
name
favorite
alternately recited
one
famous
bouillet
Ram-
of entertainments
society.
Mademoiselle
Mademoiselle
around
and
of
selected
one
its
the
honor
all sorts
devised
of
and
envy
masculine
known
was
Each
who
But
at
coterie
that
women.
much
that
Ninon's
while
court
between
and
that
de
"Cyrus."
rivalry
any
Tournelles
with
the
little
entitled
exclusively,
was
Ninon
Mademoiselle
be
not
des
ladies
from
romance,
Rue
men
established
description of this
her
to
Rambouillet,
was
standard.
could
attract
in
who
her
the
performances
named
to
occasioned
naturally,
the
away
thronged
was
among
drawing
referred
been
Hotel
of
and
in
court
the
court
in
not
was
has
fashionable
fine
a
Rambouillet
There
of
speaking
purpose
elite who
Continued
"
attraction
where
at
Lovers
COUNTER
A
XI
lady.
stood
circle
a
for
Among
Rambouillet
the
"Great
Duke
the
by
d'En-
Conde,"
a
NINON
highest
the
prince of
He
was
L'ENCLOS
de
renown
as
victorious
a
and
great acquisition,
a
rior.
war-
Garland
the
repeated evary night in the expectation
continue, and the constant
that his pleasure would
Once
attraction prove
or
adequate to hold him.
Play
was
twice, however,
sufficient for the
was
Duke, its
stant
con-
He
repetitionbecoming flat and tiresome.
did not
scruple to express his dissatisfaction with
society that could not originatesomething new.
a
with a comprehensive
minded
He was
a broad
man,
ish
knowledge, but had little taste for poetry and childthe good ladies of RamBut
entertainments.
bouillet, unable
persisted
human
his
rebelled
mond
friends
suggest
to
nelles, with
house
Ninon's
at
that he
and
happiness
the
It is
a
heroes
of
Venus,
the
weak
Bellona
part.
The
the
of
is the
Tour-
the
tel
Ho-
social
sires
de-
attractive
more
followed
that
of
being unable to
glory of a lover
of his mistress.
are
strongest
in combats
immediately
for his
of Rocroi
he
and
abandoned
his heart
fact, known
curious
Birds
in her
which
tenderness
a
Duke's
Saint-Evre-
They
scope
and
society. The conquest of
the hero
his intelligence,
resist
and
the
found
and
Rambouillet
Moissens
with
the
monotony,
relief.
result
the
the
entertainment,
until
Play,
at
some
in touch
him
brought
de
other
any
Garland
in their
nature
begged
devise
to
to
expert
not
and
valor
poet Chaulieu
avoir
la valeur
On
n'est pas
plays
says
the
wars
of
souls
being
tant
unimpor-
an
this
upon
point:
d'Hercule,
oblige d'en
68
in
all the
that
valiant
most
in which
"Pour
some,
avoir
la
vigueur."
LIFE
(To
his
have
the
have
The
glory
AND
LETTERS
valor
Hercules,
of
need
one
not
vigor.)
Prince
young
born
was
field of Mars.
the
that
To
immortal
attain
to
all his
training
had
tended, but notwithstanding his robust
sique,
phyand the indicia of great strength with which
had endowed
nature
him, he was
a weakling in the
on
field of Venus.
Latin
is either
strong
Ninon
when
his
bien
soyex
being
fort!"
derived
Duke
the
the
less than
no
affection.
and
man
day
one
looked
at
(Ah, Monseigneur,
be very
must
benefit
(A hairy
Ah, Monseigneur, il
strong.)
Notwithstanding this, the two
for a long time in perfect harmony,
you
a
familiar:
was
society,she
exclaimed:
and
vous
Ninon
libidinosus."
enjoying
of
the category
sensual.) Wherefore,
or
was
narrowly
faut que
which
fortis,aut
aut
within
came
with
proverb
"Pilosus
him
He
well
as
used
all the
their
lives
as
the
love
influence
and
to
intimacy
derived
from
the
deserve
her
merit
non
admirers, Ni-
possessed
inspire them
to
close
of her
she
together
intellectual
the
the
pleasure he
inclined
Naturally
esteem
from
dwelt
with
to
late
regu-
the
true
desire to perform faithfullythe duties of their rank
and
station.
not
possess
What
a
charming
conventional
prudery,
sentiments,
and
through
famous
seductive
the
but
exercise
Aspasia graved
art
of
intimates
vested
with
grace,
attainments!
It
of this power
in the
of
soul
high
was
that
the
of Pericles
the
eloquent language, and
69
does
disembarrassed
woman
mental
gentle
her
over
power
taught him
NINON
the
solid maxims
most
he
made
The
could
penetrated witfo love
afterward
he
the
Lion
he
ceased
never
Prince
the
the
expressing
for
affectionate
The
her
de
who
in life,and
vices
long
withhold
his
the
Duke
to
go
philosophical then
himself
admiration
in the
de La
social
means
his heart.
have
may
in
do
mind
reforming
with
up
to
the
point
Ninon
his
she
Madame
reforming
it is certain that
man,
to
had
the
that
de
her
been
the
in
pensation
com-
La
Fayette
of this great
heart
and
it is evident
begun
reformed
had
de 1'Enclos
morals
70
had
a
lived.
that
confessed
service
share
Whatever
he
as
work
good
and
he
formed
he
la Rochefoucauld
this great
timable
es-
d'Enghein.
long
as
embellishing her mind,
for
Duke
that
the
later
Ninon, whom
was
Fayette, who
relations with
of
in
lasted
continued
who
Ninon
Madame
by
which
attachment
than
solid and
for the
of the
company
de
acquaintance
youth, could not
follies of
and
result of his admiration
was
most
his
on
qualitieshe perceived
It
failed to
never
Marsillac, afterward
prided
all the
tender
her
met
the
less
with
The
he
compliments.
Prince
saw
liveliest
the
her
and
own
la Rochefoucauld,
often
of France,
pay
his
from
Conde,
de
bulwark
gratitude and friendship. Whenever
equipage in the streets of Paris, he
descend
moment
profound studies and
though
rank
and position. Al-
became
his time, and
of
teem
es-
the
his
occupations required by
and
side every
her
at
from
steal away
of which
use.
a
passed
Ninon,
maxims
politics,
of
Duke,
young
for
he
noble
so
L'ENCLOS
de
had
much
elevating his
he
.reached,
to
AND
LIFE
is bared
with
as
epigrams
of every
scalpel in
a
that
never
Paris, did
Ninon's
the
the
heart
vised
skilfullyde-
most
hold the interest
to
cease
celebrated
most
in
everything
his
in
voluptuary
to
power
without
but
repugnance,
nothing lacking
he
the human
reader.
Chapelle,
was
in which
his "Maxims,"
from
judge
LETTERS
overcome
There
success.
in his mental
attainments, for
poet of very
high order, inimitable in his
he was
style; moreover,
presentable in his person.
Yet he could not make
the slightestimpression on
Ninon's
heart.
He openly declared his love, and, receiving
was
a
rebuffs, resolved
constant
and
he
her resistance
overcome
have
to
revenge
by punishing her.
attempted to do in a very singularmanner
regard to consistency.
All
Paris
knew
his
conceal
ardent
expressed
were
his
love
the
now
he
had
about
her
friendship,and
her
in
every
ne
De
Car
Platon
a
bien
depth
for her
of her
timable
es-
philosophy.
her
and
made
fun
her
to
attainments.
manner,
her
even
A
age.
understand
qu'on
verse
his
s' etonne,
elle raisonne
la sublime
Dont
admiration
which
everything good
faut pas
Si souvent
in
and
not
back
possible
the reader
"II
the
did
take
against her beauty,
enable
Ninon,
he
out
with-
to
proceeded
said
for
highest
qualitiesand
He
in which
verses
This
vertu
fut revetu
compter
71
:
son
age,
of her
He
love,
ridiculed
charging up
or
so
methods:
will
NINON
Elle
de
peut avoir
Avec
L'ENCLOS
vecu
grand personnage."
ce
in the English language
Or, substantially
Let
no
If she
Of
be
one
surprised,
should
be
the virtue
In Plato
advised
renowned
most
to be
found
:
For, counting up her
She lived,'tis reason
With
Ninon
that
had
age,
sound,
great personage.
in her
rancor
no
:
heart
toward
any
one,
less
much
suitor, hence she
againstan unsuccessful
only laughed at Chapelle'seffusions and all Paris
laughed with her. The truth is, la Rochefoucauld
had
with
that famous
impressed her mind
saying
of
"Old
his:
age
is the
hell of
hell, reference
fearing
any
alarmed
her,
peaceful
life.
She
loss
of what
and
saw
Chapelle slippingaway
of mind.
gayety
when
It
she
did
age
not
neither
of any
esteem
from
her
only during
was
not
slightestflurry in
the
she
and
her
philosophical to regret
too
was
her
to
the
caused
nor
women,"
abandoned
herself
value,
with
quillity
tran-
of
moments
the
to
of
play
that she
imagination always laughing and fertile,
repeated the sacrilegiouswish of the pious king of
an
Aragon,
the
of
moment
he
have
where
wished
who
could
advised
the
had
he
creation, when,
have
him
gods
that
of
to
been
among
present
the
given Providence,
put the
Pagandom
spot in Achilles.
72
wrinkles
had
located
he
of
at
tions
suggeswould
old
age
the feeble
NINON
fused
"I
listen
to
the
was
and
She
often
he
added
of his Greek
of
to
return
the
Jesuitswith
say,
After
God
had
made
about
same
1'Enclos
de
of them
Both
of Ninon
acquaintance
He
man,
Remond."
Gedoyn: he left the
Fraguier in 1694, that is to
Abbe
of age.
school.
my
Abbe
the
Mademoiselle
when
eight years
the
"
:
I feel the
to
plained,
ex-
philosophy of the world,
sensible a society as mine."
as
this
to
erudition," she
from
him
gether.
visits alto-
his
his
in
repented him;
But
forbade
and
banished
always wrong
was
unworthy
was
him
to
dupe
I
"so
L'ENCLOS
de
seventy-
was
immediately
Madame
and
made
la Sa-
de
profound merit they
quent
it to their advantage to frediscovered, deemed
their society for the purpose
of adding to
their talents
the study of the
something which
cloister and
experience in the king's cabinet itself
liere, and, astonished
had
offered
never
whose
good
soon
the
which
which
heart
which
term
1'Enclos,
de
sidered
lights he conguides. His gratitude
of esteem
disciplefelt
young
it is difficult to
tion,
admira-
and
the
growth
believe
were
of desires
real, but
pressing, that they revived in a
nearly extinct a feeble spark of that fire with
Mademoiselle
it had
de
formerly burned.
became
1'Enclos
lover
safe
additions
the
received
and
and
ticularly
par-
intellectual
and
sure
became
Gedoyn
Mademoiselle
to
taste
such
Abbe
them.
attached
the
at
so
refused
until
which
Abbe, who
to
she
was
did
not
waited
accede
to
the
fully eighty
cool
the
ardor
impatientlyand
74
desires
years
of the
on
her
of
of
her
age,
a
amorous
eightieth
benefactress
his
compelled
birthday
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
her
keep
to
word.
of
Countess
testify
as
celebrated
criminal
years
woman
correspondent
passion
is
attempting
from
the
who
was
question
her
to
"Madame,"
sentiment,
desire
or
court
what
of
of
years
this
put
answer.
does
age
love
age,
the
in
cease
tht
heart?"
Her
who
had
lived
long
acquainted
with
all
ladyship,
and
had
and
coquettes
been
of
suspected
of
the
and
generations,
not
thoughtfully,
into
squarely
"My
Lord,
I."
English
who,
been
then
raising
her
those
of
you
will
the
have
of
gallants
nearly
to
feet
ask
a
for
and
eyes
judge,
to
the
society
two
sometimes
averse
her
high
for
had
at
down
in
court
herself,
having
looked
than
"at
her
ess,
Count-
aged
explicit
an
inquired,
passion,
the
and
counsel
relieve
of the
seventy-five
over
The
human
her
to
a
dred
hun-
Lords.
and
fact
in
a
when
age
testimony
demanding
he
an
that
unsatisfactory,
very
female
The
over
of
extinct,
prove
herself
was
be
to
to
charge.
of
was
supposed
was
House
English
the
to
love
of
tried
was
brated
cele-
a
called
was
subject
that
case
in
ago
who
the
upon
of
testimony
Salisbury,
expert
an
the
recalls
incident
This
been
little
a
wardness,
way-
moment
looking
answered:
a
woman
older
CHAPTER
Villarceaux
The
PARTY
politics
"Birds"
with
dearest
of
her
of
There
the
rule
that
of
of the
took
a
a
hot-bed
by
his
her
they
are
going
step
of
silence
and
on,
concocted
his
of
coterie
"As
But
little
her
not
dangerous."
long
as
It
76
and
against
he
they
was
never
court
find
the
as
her
Complaints
spirits brought
uneasy
but:
center
encouraged
indifference.
him
fectly
per-
down
holding
rather
he
restlessness,
knew
the
him
was
suppressing
toward
but
realized
were
France.
of
nobility
and
he
position
spiracies
con-
upon,
he
drag
to
for
and
Richelieu
anything.
drawing-rooms
dominant
growing
from
was
Ninon's
combined
the
in
scheme
every
out
resulted
and
hatched
cabals
entered
were
breaks,
out-
truce
a
plots
Richelieu,
fluence
in-
temper
into
continual
one
no
utmost
of
hearts
ence,
pres-
prevent
sweetness
number
what
to
her
strong
which
her
however,
of
how
ground
their
all
immediate
required
were
stern
them
well
very
It
won
without
none
neutral
a
unvarying
all
to
sake.
against
was
leaders
were
matter
her
beyond
was
and
They
no
her
Ninon,
rank
high
and
tenderness,
but
disposition
of
men
violating.
and
around
raged
however,
circle
thought
Affair
large following.
a
passion
her
her
being
friends,
personal
XII
of
ing
noth-
amusements
forerunner
of
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
the
Napoleon's idea along
the people; then
amuse
It
is preposterous
this restless
peace,
they will not
government."
of the
management
our
line:
same
think
to
"We
must
with
meddle
this minister
of
of
prelate,half soldier,half pastor,
meddling in all these cabals and seditious schemes
organized for his own
undoing, but nevertheless, he
of all of them.
was
reallythe fomenter
They were
his devices
for preventing the nobilityfrom
bining
comHe
cabal
watch
set
against him.
to
one
another, and
there
into
did
that
he
through his
into
have
His
tricks
were
methods
the
he
dear
secret
nothings
been
a
prepare
numerous
harmless
would
not
conspiracy entered
similar conspiracy
a
agents and thus split
never
was
fatal to
but
modern
people believe
attempts
continuance
a
nothing
of the
weak
and
the
ward
he
is
what
of his power.
ordinary everyday
politicianmaking
doing
one
is
thing when
tagonist
pitted one an-
The
stern
doing another.
man
against another until both sued for peace
and pardon. The
honest
in their likes
nobilitywere
and
double
dislikes,but they did not understand
dealings and therefore the craft of Richelieu was
not
even
Soon
suspected.
he
corrupted by his
intriguesthe
of the nobles and destroyed the integrityof
fidelity
the people. Then
it was,
"The
as
Cyrano says:
world
of scum
billows
vomited
the royal
saw
upon
Vile rhyming
purple and upon that of the church."
poets, without
productions
in
goading
merit
to
the
the
or
virtue, sold their villainous
of the
enemies
people
secret
to
riot.
77
state
Obscene
to
be
and
used
filthy
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
vaudevilles, defamatory libels and infamous
were
as
common
and
forth
as
evidence
who
of *an
the
around
raging
was
bread, and
as
ecclesiastical
rule
to
Roman
of the
the
prevent
back
strife which
internecine
thereby justifiedin
was
hurled
were
wearer
slanders
let,
scar-
his
continuing
wrecking of
the
throne.
had
Ninon
throne, and
the
be
the
others
who
to
always
should
hand
for
more
throne.
When
withdraw
thick
frightened.
factious
aiming
was
the way
the
at
open
and
loud
she
Marquis
hornets
was
protests
at
one
who
de
friends, and
this
numerous
his
be
any
him
pretend
to
the
throne
who
man
the
to
came
could
conspiracies became
period that she was
house
fled
her home
at
other
no
was
not
around
accustomed
was
became
Scarron
opening
was
king.
more
was
rendezvous
a
Madame
of the
This
was
in her
modest
frightened.
received
Villarceaux
her
some
distance
from
for three
years.
There
at his chateau
arms
that
would
throne, that is,she
for Ninon,
ambitions, and
The
not
capture the heart
to
much
too
there
turbulent.
and
did
withdraw
plots, and
Scarron's
many
great Cardinal
Ninon
around
the
were
sustaining ha-nd, then
and totter, but he always
Cabals,
it.
rescue
for
he
herself
thing. They
same
the human
indeed, there
rescue;
There
his
tremble
would
so
the
annoying
became
to
the
of
supporter
imagined
account
single moment
a
ardent
an
Richelieu.
of
believed
that
know
that
on
enemy
been
desertion
dark
againstthe gallantMarquis
78
from
threats
who
had
her
with
Paris,
were
coterie
of
were
uttered
thus
captured
LIFE
the
of the
queen
LETTERS
AND
Ninon
"Birds," but
explained
her
that their complaints
plausiblemanner
into good-natured growls.
subsided
She
hoped to prevent a political
conflagration
emanating
from
her social circle by scattering the firebrands,
and
she succeeded
admirably. The
Marquis was
vene
constantly with her, permitting nobody to interbetween
them, and provided her with a perpetual
in such
reason
a
of
round
that
amusements
made
the
time
faithful to
quickly. Moreover, she was
the Marquis, so wonderful
circumstance
that her
a
friend and admirer
cumstance,
wrote
an
elegy upon that cirin which
he draws
a picture of the pleasures
of the ancients in ruralizing,
but reproaches
Ninon
for indulging in a passion for so long a period
pass
very
to
the
detriment
But
of her
ron,
her
Ninon
other
happy
was
desire,which
to
was
rival in the affections
the latter
has
of her
already
However
by
been
her
in
friends
and
attainingthe
defeat
of the
Madame
mirers.
admit
sum-
Scar-
Marquis, keeping
side for three whole
years
as
said.
delighted
this arrangement,
Ninon
may
have
been
with
pose
Marquis, himself, did not rebed
of roses.
The
a
jealousy of the
upon
"Birds"
him
no
respite,he being obliged in
gave
honor
for an explanato respond to their demands
tion
of his conduct
in carrying off their leader, generally
as
insistingupon the so-called field of honor
the most
appropriate place for giving a satisfactory
invaded
his premises until they
answer.
They even
forced
way
of
him
to
the
make
permission to
them
see
some
the
79
concessions
objectof
in the
their admira-
NINON
tion, and
years' tete a
France
being
the
the
with
tete
sufficient
but
champion
the part of Ninon
either eat
him
make
to
whenever
he
of
volatile
justifyhim
to
Marquis
idea
very
most
his prowess,
on
The
society.
his conquest,
proud of
was
in her
share
to
L'ENCLOS
de
in
his words
heart
do
to
of
so
stood
a
ready
tain
main-
fight to
or
in
boasting
ventured
always
three
a
them.
Scarron,
Madame
for the
bad
a
of
quarter
the mistress
became
he
of the
basely deserted
so
friend
of her
superior charms
him
gave
whom
Ninon, often
hour.
an
king and,
really held the reins of
Bastile thronged his brain.
as
When
Madame
Maintenon,
power,
of the
He
well
that
he
had
believed
Scarron, who
that
deserved
he
inflict upon
head
a
whatever
She
him.
him
cachet, had
de
in
his shoulders
utterly ignoring
Added
to
comparison
of his
for the
what
and
who
woman
a
la
did
had
not
stolen
of Madame
might
lettre
a
dungeon
or
easily as
his
order
gratifya spiritof
existence.
follows, was
wife, Madame
violently angry
his
fectly
per-
she
triflingcircumstances,
these
with
charms
procured
as
to
visions
and
irresistible,
have
might
de
knew
punishment
dinner, but she did nothing
revenge,
the
them
immured
from
removed
scorned
she
in
trifling
the furious
Marquise.
conceal
her
She
her
ousy
jealwas
hatred
husband's
tions.
affec-
Marquise was a trifle vulgar and common
of manifesting her displeasure,but
manner
The
in her
the
did
Marquis,
not
pay
a
the
very
polite and
attention
slightest
80
affable
to his
gentleman
wife's
daily
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
ing
a sensation
receiving and aiming to create
by showoff his learning, took it into her head
to have
in history.
his tutor
put him through.an examination
"Interrogate my
history,"said
in
all loth
at
his
brilliancyof
"Come,
show
to
upon
son
she
le
alacrity,"Quern habuit successorem
did Belus, king
Assiriorum?"
(Whom
have
for successor?)
to
happened
so
that
the
pronounce
the
Latin
had
tutor
Belus
the
of the
"um"
like the
name
of the
who
of Ninon
nasal
1'Enclos, the
de
terrible
gave
the
as
that
sound
same
bete
king
letters
two
"on," which
the
Assyrian king
"Ni-
of Belus,
last
boy
Italian
answered
was
French
the
rex
rians,
Assy-
the
taught
lad
really the successor
Assyrians, he pronounced the
num,"
of the
language after
when
Wherefore,
fashion.
the
said the tutor
Marquis,"
with
It
by
pupil.
Monsieur
now,
not
was
attainments
own
sons
les-
recent
the tutor, who
to
his
of his
some
noir
of the
enough to set her off
jealous Marquise. This was
of fury against the luckless tutor, who
into a spasm
understand
could not
why he should be so berated
its correct
The
a simple question and
answer.
over
Marquise not understanding Latin, and guided only
of the answer,
v/hich was
similar to
by the sound
the name
of her hated
sion
rival,jumped at the concluthat
Ninon
de
"You
snapped
him
he
with
was
answering
some
question
about
1'Enclos.
are
giving
my
out
before
all her
the
follies of
of the young
son
his
Marquis
82
a
fine education," she
guests, "by entertaining
father.
I
judge
From
of the
the
swer
an-
imperti-
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
question. Go, leave my sight,and
it again."
enter
never
tutor
The unfortunate
vainlyprotestedthat he did
affront,
no
not comprehend her anger, that he meant
of your
nence
there
that
was
other
no
"Ninon," which
word
with
of
apoplexy
repeated in
the
carried
listen to
nearly
her
to
reason
ridiculous
a
name
woman
point,refusing to
it was."
Ninon
it
story
reached
friends
her
dubbing
turned
"The
Moliere
told
Ninon
of
successor
ridiculous
the
story
profitin one of his comedies
Countess
d'Escarbagnas.
expiration of
the
after
France
fashion,
a
the
and
frequent
her
from
smoothed
des Tournelles
"Birds," who
the
dead.
Get
Vous
these
lines
enchanteur
trois
qui
ans
retient-il en
par
vous
un
been
were
return
as
one
devenues?
retenue
charme
to
ed
return-
:
a
so
not
composed
quelque vieux
83
not
hailed with
was
her
Philis,qu'etes vous
Depuis
had
Saint-Evremond
elegy beginning with
Chere
received
come
factions
Ninon's
over.
he
and
were
the
there
Belus."
had
peace
cabals
the
differences
in the Rue
the house
joy by
or
up
years,
rivalry between
bitter. Whatever
patched
three
her
in the character
it to
of
so
fit
a
Paris, and when
spread all over
Ninon, she laughed immoderately,
The
to
the
explanation.
or
"No, he said 'Ninon/ and
At
tabooed
incensed
The
presence.
scene
sent
hearing the
at
rage
than
made
pronouncing
the lady into
unfortunately, again
"Ninum,"
be
to
answer
nouveau
chateau?
an
CHAPTER
The
IT
been
has
connection
whose
of
son
fancy
who
Versailles
natural
de
too
jealous
the
proper
him
in
how
to
him
instructions
preserving
show
to
and
to
him
give
The
women.
fall in love
charming
more
Madame
de
her
for
son
"Ninon
the
him
Ninon,
than
Ninon
spoiled
your
with
the
court
failed
love
finding
her
actress
into
by
its operations,
nature
of
lessons
to
thousand
or
his
times
princess.
the
telling him
this
give
women's
a
to
him
to
the
these
referring
father," that
84
and
aid
to
teach
captivating
profited by
testifies
enough
Ninon
to
of
esteemed,
undertook
insight
letter
cover
dis-
to
strong
and
of
nature
an
be
to
implored
of
art
quite
taste
spirited, perhaps
Ninon
his
Sevigne's
them
of
had
affections
the
Marquis
with
He
love.
in
those
by
vitiated
a
sentiments
or
her
her
secure
in
disposition
or
affections.
his
by
woman,
nature
a
wide
practices
powers,
sentiments,
retain
hearts,
weak
handsome
a
Sevigne,
de
and
de
period.
Sevigne,
of
men
Madame
far
because
Marquis
second
something
and
her
during
in
in
to
morals
Marquis
The
the
the
upon
1'Enclos
de
read
find
odium
cast
celebrated
can
the
to
to
with
been
they
reference
of
the
have
letters
Sevigne"
Mademoiselle
of
of her
de
Marquis
attempted
memory
Sevigne,
XIII
of
love
plainly
passion
was
LIFE
not
unknown
much
so
LETTERS
AND
her
to
it
as
was
of
matter
a
indifference.
The
which
the
Chevalier
young
receptions in
the Marquis
friend
mutual
Vasse
de
often
of Ninon
honor
Saint
at
of both.
De
Vasse
Cloud,
attended
Sevigne always
de
liant
bril-
gave
as
well
was
quainted
ac-
that
and
knew
peculiarities
the gallantry of such
de Sevigne was
a
a man
as
feeble means
of retaining the affections of a heart
that was
the slave of nothing but its own
fugitive
with
desires.
Ninon's
But
he
was
a
devoted
man
his friends
to
and, being Epicurean in his philosophy, he did
interfere
to
attempt
growing
between
occurred
to
with
Ninon
the
and
affection
perceived
he
his friend.
not
It
,
never
the
Marquis that he was
guilty of a
to
Ninon,
betrayal of friendship by paying court
and
the latter took
the Marquis' attentions
a
as
of course
matter
without
considering the ingratitude
of her
conduct.
She
flattered herself
rather
at
attractive to capture a man
having been sufficiently
of de Sevigne's family distinction.
She had
tured
capthe heart of de Sevigne, the father,and had received
so
from
Madame
pleasure to
But
the
de
her
Sevigne,that it afforded her great
"spoil"the son as she had the father.
satisfaction
of Chevalier
of course,
not
regret is
conduct
her
upon
de
was
chagrin to learn soon
Sevigne had perished on
hands
and
animadversions
many
had
after
that
Her
lightedby
enduring, and
when
eternalized, besides
85
her
conquest
the field of honor
d'Albret.
but the fire
not
short-lived,for she
sorrow
the
the
was
senses
occasion
there
at the
were
real,
is small
arises
others
NINON
with
waiting
of the
was
hesitate
hope
philosophy
there
and
friends
did
she
that
he
in
no:
could
According
shameful
so
odium
has
been
in this de
attracted
her
to
tender
a
professed
cast
Sevigne
her
even
de
upon
matter,
Sevigne
husband
own
her
heart, and for whom
side and
her
out
of dissimulation.
art
who
from
dearest
and
of the dislike of Madame
out
woman
son
nothing
de 1'Enclos
It all grew
a
heart.
said, much
been
Ninon
understand
her
is
the
Mademoiselle
for
win
to
friendship as
has
him
make
to
never
As
attain
longer pleasing to
no
rival
supposed he had a clear field,
fcis expected happiness. He
de Vasse
did not
successful
His
impatience.
way,
he
but
L'ENCLOS
de
the
ment.
attach-
intimate
most
daughter
of the house
Grignan, the proud, haughty
of de Sevigne, did not scruple
to
herself
the
Madame
array
with
1'Enclos
star
de
side
Mademoiselle
of
de
Coulanges, another bright
and respectable families of
de
Madame
the
among
on
noble
France.
privilegeof being weak,"
of
Madame
de Sevigne, "and
use
they make
scruple."
privilegewithout
have
"Women
had
Women
their
found
man
rightsof
was
them.
among
who
to
fidelity
any
of the court
Henry IV,
the
weakness
time
to
neither honor
They
were
such
nor
says
that
of Ninon,
an
unlimited
honesty
to
common
ercised
ex-
to
be
every
regard to
fancy without
seed sown
in particular. The
by
one
Catherine
de Medici, the utter depravity
attracted
the infamous
before
never,
There
extent.
the
bore
their
IX, and
of Charles
an
the
profligacyof
astonishingsupply of
86
bitter fruit.
LIFE
The
of
love
pleasure had,
off her
woman
feet,and
Mademoiselle
abuses.
herself
to
LETTERS
AND
to
so
there
de
speak, carried
was
rules
and
1'Enclos, while
freedom
the
nothing
as
and
throats
uncommon,
The
proper.
for
the
the
religion, and
of
were
and
deemed
growth
conducive
were
another's
one
in
the
the
of
cause
merit
favors
which
the
to
encouragements
as
garded
re-
encouraged the arts,
drama, by conferring
women
talent,wit, genius and
upon
of
legitimate
were
cut
God
sciences, literature,and
then
nay,
cavaliers
love
stigma
something of respectability
sidered
nowadays would be con-
practices that
horribly immoral, but which
upon
from
removed
of the times
conferred
and
devoting
phical
philoso-
certain
regulations which
the unrestrained
commonness
limit to their
no
life of pleasure,followed
a
every
of intellect and
spirituality.
Ninon
affected by the spiritof the times, and
was
it was
being a woman,
impossible for her to resist
desire when
aided
by philosophy and force of
example. Her intimacy with de Sevigne grew out
of her attempt to teach a young,
ate
vigorous,passionhow
to gain the love of a cold-blooded, vain
man
and
conceited
various
Her
woman.
stages
of
desires
her
vainly struggling to
beat
the
smallest
point in
the
female
to
with
brightestminds
the
of
a
like
clod, who
an
character.
argument
dealt,that is,the power
with
of her
87
that
whom
own
was
the
along
went
hension
compre-
could
simplest principleof love,
resolved
use
she
something
into the dull brain
understand
as
show
will
letters
At
not
the
or
last she
convincing
she
had
ever
love, and if
the
de
NINON
lived, perhaps
had
Marquis
to
ornament
an
the
he
might
have
an
honor
to
she
violated
the
for
way
animadversions
that time
become
his family.
her
Vasse, betrayed his confidence
de
with
societyand
this, however*
do
To
L'ENCLOS
compact
and
of
opened
Madame
de
Sevigne was in love with
an
actress, Mademoiselle
Champmele, but desired to
withdraw
his affections,
transfer them
to a
"r rather
higher object,a countess, or a princess,as the reader
At
Sevigne.
infer
may
from
his
de
letters to be
given hereafter.
he
instruction
for
went
to
course
to
pursue
Madame
hints
mother's
To
in
get rid of
her
Ninon, therefore,
advice
and
of
one
love
one
to
the
and
on
as
best
with
de
de
Sevigne and Madame
Fayette vainly implored him to avoid Ninon as
would
the pest. The
more
they prayed and
a
new.
the
his ideal.
his
he
closer
to
came
Ninon,
Ninon
herself
until
seductive
traits.
affair with
Champmele, the actress,
obtain an
ascendency over
began
to
wormed
of him
out
from
jealousyon
letters
to
the
all the
that
Sevigne
will
see
the
and
he
one
between
dispositionon his part to wander
charmer.
Others, however, say
them
had
his
came
be-
away
that
a
she
mind,
she
ever
it
say
who
reads
the
after
she
love
when
had
Some
part, but any
treated,
en-
and
manners
had
he
letters
comedienne.
Ninon's
de
knew
he
captivated by
was
pleasant conversation, agreeable
She
she
La
ceived
re-
was
her
lines
a
a
new
intended
Marquis de Tonnerre, whom
had betrayed for de Sevigne.
the actress
de Sevigne, to whom
had
her son
But
Madame
confessed his follyin giving up the letters,
perhaps
to
send
to
88
NINON
;
with
aromatic
She
was
a
wet
and
paper,
boiled
to
his
restore
of him
her
like the
in
a
flicted
"af-
good
caldron
vigor."
ent.
differ-
did
untimely end, but
not
views.
possessed
a
of
heart
a
mother,
somewhat
was
definition,"was
beyond
man
"He
panegyric.
.himself
his
express
his
himself
opinion
lamented
hesitate to
soul," says
thought
have
herbs
Ninon's
"He
He
would
he
Esos
But
of his
malady
his body.
"The
L'ENCLOS
de
soul
of
her
pulp, a body
pumpkin
fricasseed
of
in
snow."
him,
ashamed
finallybecame
She
insisted
and
brother
and
that
sister.
She
of him
by exposing
heart, and
him
initiating
out
love, but
as
she
they
said:
of
were
tried
all the
fricasseed in snow."
90
loved
never
more
than
to
make
something
secrets
in the
"His
having
ever
of the female
mysteries
heart
was
a
of human
pumpkin
XIV
CHAPTER
A
SOME
one
Ninon's
of
of
Marshal
of
Abbe
the
honor
concession.
suggesting
hazard
the
waif
of
have
Ninon
child
a
to
him
in
where,
the
the
of
than
the
life.
as
who
He
the
of
all
her
Chevalier
captain
his
him.
mother,
of
a
by
who
la
who
possibly
and
brother
in
in
the
to
a
cared
tion
posi-
good
marine
died
the
reality
waif,
service,
he
reached
at
officers
an
and
of
some
particularly music,
91
made
rights
Bossiere,
inherited
He
for
fortune
became
the
vessel,
tempest
happiness.
up
his
the
maternal
in
their
slightest
could
Abbe
him
de
the
warrior,
to
him
placed
the
of
out
good
or
father
raised
for
difficulty through
greater
Marshal,
and
respected
knew
of
him
affectionate
tenderly
grade
talents
in favor
brought
contended
calmed
Luck
A
the
make
the
to
celebrated
way
to
dice.
worthy
and
age
all
and
any
of
out
surrendered
tender
for
the
guardian
done,
see
not
parentage,
both
however,
way
declared
better
a
a
the
of
right
consenting
Ninon,
the
the
not
the
affections.
and
because
could
difficulty,neither
by
d'Estrees
warm
and
in her
upon
were
disagreement,
rivals
two
disputed
waxing
following
succession
quick
unusual
an
France,
Deffiat
dispute
in
between
quarrel,
Tragedy
engagements
another
cause
say
Family
in
vanced
ad-
by
the
which
NINON
he
remarkably
was
Toulon,
where
musical
instruments
proficient. His
and
between
their
welcome
generous
demanded
she
love
for
scruples that might
against again yieldingto
meet
son
horrible
most
a
to
came
accorded
them
of
turn
re-
their proficiency
the
her,
have
de
Gersay
maternal
who
fate and
been
But
arisen
one
for his
Ninon
second.
have
any
another
a
Chevalier
the
and
house
solaced
son
had
never
back
occasions; the only
it would
birth, and
had
for her
greatest
music.
happiness of this
unfortunate
with
his
made
exhibition
an
in instrumental
The
traveling
Chevalier
all
on
was
of the
France
Italy and
headquarters. The
forth
crowded
the works
musicians
at
apartments
stationed,were
was
the
All
masters.
a
he
L'ENCLOS
de
happy
her
found
pro-
overcame
in her
mind
instinct,and
destined
was
her
cause
the
to
most
exquisitemental torture.
famous
This de Gersay, who
for the temerity
was
of Austria, a fact
of his passion for the queen, Anne
from
the housetops of Paris in his
he announced
the boy that
delirium, was
as
happy as a king over
to him
so
came
unexpectedly, and lavished upon him
the most
heart
extravagant
and
trained him
taught
those
blood.
The
Chevalier
of
the
affection.
up
He
in all the
highest
rank
took
him
to his
accomplishments
and
most
noble
boy grew up and received the name
de Villiers,becoming a credit to
of
his
father.
His
de
was
mother
was
Villiers began
still remarkable
sixty years of age when
enter
society,and her beauty
according to the chronicles of
beyond
to
93
AND
LIFE
She
literature.
and
the allusions made
and
the times
lovable
as
the
among
LETTERS
as
was
at
as
attractive in her appearance,
twenty
of her
resist the charms
being
able
to
house
was
thronged
with
of noble
of age, few,
years
habitues
younger
it in the current
to
even
drawing-rooms
of her
Her
person.
the elite of French
society,
families
being designedly sent
into her society to acquire taste, grace, and polish
which
unable to acquire elsewhere. Ninon
they were
with
possessed a singulargenius for inspiringmen
high and noble sentiments, and her schooling in the
of etiquettewas
in its details and
marvelous
art
a repetition
perfection. Her power was
practically
of the history of the Empress
Theodora, whose
happy admirers and intimates could be distinguished
from all others by their exquisitepoliteness,culture,
finish and social polish. It was
in Ninon's
the same
school, the graduates of which occupied the highest
rank in letters, society,statesmanship, and military
genius.
De Gersay intendinghis son
to filla high position
in society and
public honors, sent him to this
men
young
school, where
same
he
footingas
duly trained
other
with
a
the
solemn
that
youth's
a
she
birth
promise
and
of
would
never
which
young
from
Mademoiselle
resulted
consequences.
93
man
Gersay having
divulge the
in
secret
express
the
the
was
plishments
accom-
de
his father's
without
upon
and
arts
The
society.
promise
put
high birth, and
in all the
of his parentage,
aware
1'Enclos
youth
them
of refined
not
received
was
most
was
tracted
ex-
de
of
sent,
con-
astrous
dis-
NINON
Ninon,
him,
mother
as
for
never
of this handsome
manifested
and
L'ENCLOS
de
the
emofion
contemplating
becoming enamored
thought nothing
tenderness
a
such
of
of
of
youth,
admired
which
he
love, Ninon,
fatality,and
a
his
herself
ended
by
Ninon
mother.
own
understood
mis-
his
passion, believing that it
but it increased in intensity,
would
soon
pass
away,
sistible,
finallyproved irrebecoming a violent flame which
forcing the youth to fall at his mother's
forth his passion in the most
feet and pour
gant
extravalanguage.
Alarmed
at
withdrew
of
condition
this
from
son's
her
heart,
his
society,refusing to admit
him
to her presence.
Although the Chevalier was
he was
an
impetuous wooer,
dismayed by the loss
and
of his inamorata,
begged for the privilege of
to
seeing her, promising solemnly never
repeat his
Ninon
of
declaration
professionsand
to
re-admitted
the conditions
violated
deceived
was
him
by
his
sensibly,
society. Inhowever, perhaps in despite of his struggle
his amorous
propensities,the Chevalier
overcome
watch
Ninon
love.
for
a
of the
repetitionof
her
to
truce.
his former
Ninon,
on
the
manifestations,
quickly perceived the return of a love so abhorrent
His sighs,glances, sadness
when
in her
to nature.
were
signs to her of a passion that she
presence,
with a strong, ruthbe compelled to subdue
less
would
hand.
"Raise
one
it
your
eyes
to
that
clock," she said
day, "and mark the passing of
is sixty-fiveyears
since I came
Does
it become
me
to
listen to
94
a
time.
into
to
Rash
the
him
boy,
world.
passion like
love?
AND
LIFE
LETTERS
possibleat my age to love
within
yourself,Chevalier, and
Is it
are
desires and
your
Ninon's
All
man's
flow,
to
which
the
only
in the young
burned
tears, which
regarded by
were
in me."
arouse
however, tended
His mother's
breast.
would
Enter
ridiculous
how
see
you
remonstrances,
the desires
increase
to
those
be loved ?
or
youth
began
trophies of
now
as
success.
tears?"
"What,
Are
me?
they
tenderness?
"This
me,
which
I detest."
and
the
tender
raised
not
is this?" exclaimed
makes
the
between
her
of
sweetness
philosophic
and
that
us
adorable?
sex
is
insanity.
remainder
instill into the
happy
one
by pity,by
replied, "it
poison the
not
language
poison can
"What
this
do
heart
your
for
tears
I to be blessed?"
am
terrible," she
Leave
"What
from
wrung
Ah,
is
exclaimed, "you shed
he
of
life
the Chevalier.
still another
making
loveliest
life?
Ninon?
Has
she
of virtue
that
shadow
chimeras
What
a
Is
have
Shall I tell you?
You
changed your heart?
carry
cruelty to the extent of fightingagainst youryour
self,
resistingyour
your
eyes
now
set
a
condition
they
times
me.
And
from
drawn
has
to
avow
a
I
have
less resistance
these
your
through indifference
shed
ashamed
hundred
against
desires.
own
or
"
tell me,
hate?
which
sensibility
than
which
tears
eyes
seen
Are
honors
in
you
my
are
you
manity?"
hu-
"Cease, Chevalier," said Ninon, raisingher hand
in protest, "the
rested
with
rightto claim my liveliest friendship
worthy of it. That
you, I thought you
95
NINON
is the
mistaken
also
others
for
the
of the
cause
yourself that
I
of love.
of
you
shall
know
It will go
you
repeat your
I do
not
despair and
into
his
regretted that
had
in
stood
remedy
Gersay
the
to
advised
that
fury
account
on
to
me,
regret
rejectionof
and
sorrow
him
promise
She
way.
plunged
was
of her
with
solemn
her
to
the
de
determined
she
secret
Gersay
to
now
therefore
she
evil and
to
if
you,
tenderness.
son
at first told
not
relieve her from
her
her
torn
was
her
blind
leave
you,
learned
she had
birth, but
of his
hate
all
badly interpreted."
so
heart
love, her
passion
destroy
to
as
protestationsof
have
Ninon
When
far
so
understand
to
you
flatter
the
it should
heart, and
my
for you.
the favors
it is
not
with
inspired me
and
plainly that your desires are
passing presumption. Come
now,
a
care
Do
have
you
too
see
can
effect
I shed.
tears
have
you
the
hope
friendlylooks which
of
greatermeaning,
of the
cause
L'ENCLOS
de
her
communicate
applied to de
promise. De Gersay
the truth
to
her
son
as
possibleto prevent a catastrophe which he
least exliable to happen when
pected.
prophesied was
the Chevalier that at
She accordinglywrote
soon
a
as
be at her house
certain time she would
Antoine
suburb
and
prayed
him
to
meet
Saint
in the
her
there.
The
impassioned Chevalier, expecting nothing
than
the
sielf with
He
was
of
gratification
extreme
and
flew
disconcerted, however,
to
prepared
the
by finding
of
smiling and
anticipation.However,
he
cast
and
on
him-
assignation.
sad, instead
despondent
with
care
his desires,
less
himself
Ninon
joyful
at
her
NINON
reveal
what
by
son,
my
the
You
it
was
Know
so.
pardon
for
me
Ninon
her
but
a
flood
heard.
he
not
would
and
of tears
to
the
filled with
sweet
with
arose
him
horror
sword
his
had
calamity,
his
and
her
found
she
hand
own
this horrible
and
the
youth
is similar
Theban
to
who
the
of mother,
his
a
A
cast
the
upon
thick
without
inabilityto
destroy the
He
person.
fled.
there, in
and
at
them
and
her
of her.
still
offered
of bushes,
moment's
a
one
ground,
garden
clump
old
Don
that
tore
spoke
to
tion
hesita-
eyes
Gil Bias
has
happened
his eyes
painted
de 1'Enclos
Luna.
after
The
to
he
of endearment.
Inisilla de
de
which
love, and
words
utter
woman
which
dying
ardent
of Ninon
Valerio
out
His
of
romance
catastrophe
of the
characters
bent
endeavoring
in the
Sage
eyes,
for love
expired while
Le
by
dying.
him
followed
awful
dreading some
there, in the dim
light of the stars,
son
weltering in his blood, shed by
toward
turned
he
and
it,to sink down
fell upon
Ninon
felt for her
deep sigh
a
refuge, and
a
drew
he
into her
it
pressed her
name
relationship sufficientlyto
look
son,
be crushed
realize
long
have
life."
you
was
he
your
it from
not
oh, my
of
Pale, trembling, nerveless,
pronounce
burning passion
of
one
for his soul
the
to
me
degree
conceal
to
mother,
your
into
put
you
heart, but he seemed
revelations
dared
have
having given
burst
to
son
as
me
what
to
necessary
delicacy of mind,
compelled
you
know
prejudiced
birth, wherefore
your
L'ENCLOS
fatalityhave
secret?
this
opprobrium
he
de
in the
Cantarilla,
incident
OEdipus,
the
discoveringthat
LIFE
in
own
AND
marrying Jocasta, the queen, he had
mother.
Le Sage's hero, however,
he
which
had
been
not
gives the
case
his self-immolation
having indulged
but
LETTERS
to
the
regret
able
to
of Ninon's
being due,
in criminal
at
not
his purpose.
99
his
mourns
cause
be-
commit
son
not
similar
a
to
been
crime,
the
the
love for his
having
married
tinge,
horror
own
able to
of
mother,
plish
accom-
CHAPTER
Her
THE
Bohemian
Rue
the
of
that
by
represented
supposed
are
clubs
except
the
upon
the
as
of that
bright
sparks,
still
Ninon
Personally,
at
form,
all times
The
in
tears
became
Whereat
"You
no
memory
on
great
his
the
too
; she
his
de
will
than
not
be
100
able
a
her
related
had
no
make
with
memory.
sorrow
daughter
to
cle.
cir-
afterward
who
of his
out
in having
originality
once
Feuquieres,
in
pedantry
from
daughter,
which
centuries.
two
of
of
brilliant
of
followers
her
him
metal
luster
Mynard,
laughed
happy
the
aside
put
evolved
enemy
an
assembled
mental
and
acteristics
char-
the
of
They
the
but
appears
that
of banishment
that
Countess
few
"Birds"
more
of
writer,
eyes
Ninon
are
was
penalty
numerous
relaxation
very
light,
demanding
good
restraint
from
1'Enclos.
lapse of
a
faintly
where
indeed,
to
clashed
of
ciety
so-
styled "Bohemian,"
of
de
rays
glitters after
every
are,
society
spirits
choice
those
There
restraint, and
conventional
all
freedom
possess
Mademoiselle
around
and
tendency
they
surface,
is anything
be
might
circles,
day
present
far
so
reign.
house
modern
in
them,
to
Ninon's
if there
character
Bohemian
our
to
the
at
similar
a
at
Tournelles,
fellowship,
good
cheer,
des
doings
compared
be
can
Environments
nightly
and
daily
in
XV
:
who
has
citations."
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
her
That
society was
sought by very good men
is evidenced
by the grave theologians who found
her companionship
pleasant, perhaps salutary. A
celebrated
tainment
Jesuit who did not scruple to find enterin her social circle,undertook
to combat
her
philosophy and show
point of view, but she came
to her
so
near
that he abandoned
tenets
with
the
her
from
truth
his
converting him
the contest
ing
remark-
laugh :
"Well, well, Mademoiselle, while waiting to be
a
convinced
that you
unbelief."
into
Rousseau
The
the
for
Jansenists and
of
of converting her, but
good price for my
Molinists are engaged
will show
for
brought
knowing
their
:
to
one
in
a
in the least,as the
One
of her
priest when
a
be
in
friends
extremis,
his bedside, and
as
the
I
use
easier
soul,for
a
bidding for it."
not
was
bigoted
incident
Fontenelle, "what
told
Well, then, it would
body?
obtain
to
me
send
she
know,"
of my
She
labor
also
Royal
in vain.
was
"You
learned clergy of Port
and
grave
undertook
make
has
epigram.
an
labor
offer up to God your
this incident
converted
in error,
are
the
tion
competi-
following
refused
but
to
Ninon
clergyman,
tated
scepticism of the dying sinner, hesito exercise his functions,she encouraged him
to do his duty :
"Do your duty, sir,"she said,"I assure
you that
more
no
although our friend can argue, he knows
about
The
the
the truth than you
key
to
and
Mademoiselle
101
I."
de "Enclos'
character
NINON
is
in
found
be
to
L'ENCLOS
de
toleration
her
Utterly unselfish, she had
comfort
and
happiness of
she
a
sacrificed her person,
of virtue
models
friends.
her
multitude
in
suffered
have
and
make,
to
cited
are
as
ing
Yet, notwithstand-
be followed.
to
them
For
astounding sacrifice
a
refusing
for
martyrdom
the
thoughts beyond
no
an
for which
one
woman,
liberality.
and
strange misapplication or perversion of what
ing
calls "female
the world
honor," her world had nothher
but
the
for her.
It
profound respect and admiration
requires an extremely delicate pencil to
most
sketch
such
trials
might
character, and
a
in
result
lightsand
Standing out
vivid
shades
then,
even
failingto seize
and bring out
hundred
a
its
upon
most
points.
its best
through her whole
soul that never
life was
a noble
stooped to anything
low, debasing or vulgar. Brought up from
common,
taught to consider
infancy in the society of men,
her companions and equals, and treated by
them
as
of themselves, she acquired a grace and
them
as one
her society desired by the proudest
a polish that made
of
ladies
of the
annals
to
her love
On
the
affairs
Their
to
the
after
her
of Pericles
of the
aggrandizement
Mademoiselle
favors
regard
friendship was
an
as
a
but
any
upon
earnest,
source
102
an
de
of
be
has
been
her
town,
upon
can
but
of prototype,
sort
in the
one
no
that
earth
bestowed
were
contrary,
bestowed
ever
a
woman
devoted
were
as
some
of the
Aspasia
The
is
There
court.
nations
common
a
was
the
her.
by
clearly defined
of
one
man,
market.
1'Enclos
never
she
unselfish
delightto
garded
re-
Aspasia
thoughts
open
one
pared
com-
could
friend.
her
and
LIFE
she
in the
Epicurean
was
LETTERS
AND
Saint-Evremond
Athenian
her
likens
for her
celebrated
woman,
Ninon's
the title.
early
which
her
her
drew
soul, and
conducive
to
easilyled
so
heart
learned
far her
have
may
Ninon
gave
it is true, but
weak,
was
and
she
philosophical principles
from
that portion of
away
those
senses
environments
her
the cultivation
of
philosophicalideas
destroying or even
those
were
of the
seductive
into
away
love
which
Saint-Evremond
why
reason
philosophy
against the great
having dared to write a book
Theophrastus, a literaryventure
the
the
Leontium,
to
for
had
everything
with friendship.
that goes
been
of
enjoyment
most
which
senses
But
paths.
pleasure may have
and practicesdid not
are
ever
how-
led her, her
succeed
in
weakening any other virtue.
"The
smallest
fault of gallant women,"
says de la
"is their gallantry."
Rochefoucauld,
The
a
distinguishedAbbe Chateauneuf
expresses
trait in her
"She
reserved
all her
friendship,which
friendship she
esteem,
she
liaison,"says
that
drew
to
her
side
the
of the period.
distinguishedmen
most
for
which
character
all her
confidence
always regarded
the
Abbe, "and
permitted
to
as
a
maintain
diminution
nq
spectable
re-
or
relaxation."
In other words
whims
on
she
was
constant
caprice. The Comte
their Condition
"Women,
or
says
and
:
"While
Ninon
and
true, without
de
Segur, in his
and
Influence
de TEnclos
was
patronizing genius, and giving it
de Sevigne was
to expand, Madame
103
work
ciety,"
in Soing
fostertunities
opporat
the
NINON
of
head
measured
was
love
in
cabal
a
de
opposition
her
upon
L'ENCLOS
genius,
to
In
standard.
own
unless
her
it
self-
she
and
wrought agairfstRacine
sought to
diminish
the literaryluster of Flechief.
But
with
all her abilityMadame
de Sevigne possessed very
little genius or tact, and her lack of discrimination
is
in the
apparent
reached
they
and
been
not
were
of
proteges
her
Moreover,
appalling
an
strong
of her
none
distinction.
any
have
must
fact that
enough
to
ever
virtues
character
her
save
since
husband
from
rid
fallinginto the clutches of "That horwoman," referringto Ninon.
Ninon
she
divined
certainly understood
men;
them
at the first glance and
provided for their bodily
and
intellectual
If
wants.
deemed
they were
them
worthy of her favors, she bestowed
freely,and
animal
desire gratified,
out of one
there were
created
intellectual aspirations. She understood
a thousand
be all animal
not
all spiritcan
clearlythat man
or
ual,
son
and
that
the
duality of being
of
neither
man
in her
prayer
Voltaire
"Mon
n'
en
make
to
attempt
wreck
to
was
fish, flesh
vouches,
was
me
an
jamais
honest
une
fowl.
from
and
Her
for the truth
its
make
constant
of which
:
Dieu, faites de moi
faites
nature
humanity
nor
days,
younger
divert
honnete
but
man,
un
honnete
femme."
never
homme,
(My
an
honest
et
God,
man)
wo-
."
Count
Segur, in
his book
already referred to, has
this to say further concerning Ninon
:
"Ninon
shone
under
the reign of Louis
XIV
like
a gracefulplant in its
soil. Splendor seemed
proper
104
it in
will have
female
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
abnormal
preference to
never
debauchery. Ninon
against the fictitious beauty
goodness,
hesitated
and
claim
de-
to
that
pretended to
secretlyengaged
morality while
but Moliere
with
in the most
came
corrupt practices,
his Precieuses
Ridicules and pulverized the enemies
virtue and
inculcate
of human
that time
at
for
Ninon
nature.
covering her
Chapelle,
friends, ventured
her
society.
who
was
a
half
a
twin, said of him
wants
man,
to
do
:
of
praise
this
"My
dramatist
Bachaumont
is
who
son
were
intimate
her
the young
if he
as
in his
sonally
per-
confusion, that
of
two
father
The
Moliere
loud
with
introduce
to
into
so
was
imitators
gross
and
Bachaumont
she
but
know
did not
a
whole
only
one."
extremely feeble and
a
delicate, he became
voluptuary according to the
ideas of Chapelle, and
by devoting himself to the
live until
of Epicurus, he managed
to
doctrines
as
a drunkard
Chapelle was
eighty years of age.
in a preceding chapter, and
intimated
been
has
although
refused
"half
only
Though
to
Moliere
a
him.
favor
Ninon
and
recognizing in
but something
passionately,she steadily
Ninon
loved
he
and
man"
the
not
mutually attracted, each
not
only a kindred
spirit,
were
other
apparent
the
and
given them
things from
was
destined
enlighten
had
Ninon
In
she
her
speaking
declared
"I thank
the
to
through
with
God
same
and
eyes,
view
same
wise
his
age
counsel
of Moliere
Nature
the surface.
on
to
men
they saw
point. Moliere
by
and
his
pen,
sage
and
tions.
reflec-
Saint-Evremond,
fervor:
every
night for findingme
106
a
man
of
AND
LIFE
him
There
Him
I pray
and
spirit,
his
LETTERS
morning
every
to
serve
pre-
the follies of the heart."
from
great opposition to Moliere's
comedy
It created
"Tartuffe."
sensation in society,and
a
neither
Louis
XIV, the prelates of the kingdom
and
the
Roman
legate, were
strong enough to
was
withstand
those
a
the torrents
who
of invectives
that
from
came
in the
unmasked
ceeded
play. They sucin having it interdicted,and the comedy was
the point of being suppressed altogether,when
on
Moliere
took it to Ninon, read it over
and
to her
asked her opinion as to what
had
better be done.
With
were
her
keen
knowledge
with
Moliere
the
of
sense
of character, Ninon
to such
good
no
longer
take
and
her
went
the
play
the
over
that the edict of
purpose
withdrawn,
suppression was
in
comedy findingthemselves
could
ridiculous
opponents
of the
positionwhere they
exceptions without confessing
a
the truth of the inuendoes.
When
the
comedy was
nearly completed, Moliere
to give the main
began trying to think of a name
is an imposter. One
character in the play, who
day
while
two
at
dinner
with
the
ecclesiastics,whose
Papal Nuncio,
air of
pretended
he
noticed
tion
mortifica-
fairlyrepresented the character he had depicted
in the play. While
a pedconsideringthem closely,
dler
of the
came
along with truffles to sell. One
knew
little Italian,
pious ecclesiastics who
very
the word
at
truffles, which
pricked up his ears
sound.
seemed
to have
a familiar
Suddenly coming
out
of his devout
silence,he selected
finest of the truffles,and
holding
107
several
them
out
of the
to
the
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
nuncio, exclaimed
with
laugh: "Tartuffoli,
imagining that he
a
signer Nuncio !"
displayinghis knowledge ef
tuff oli,
the
Tarwas
Italian
language by
"Truffles, truffles, signer Nuncio,"
calling out
he did say was
whereas, what
"Hypocrites, hypocrites,
Moliere
who
was
Signer Nuncio."
always a
close
keen
and
him, seized
around
suitable
as
of
observer
the
to
that
everything
the
upon
pired
trans-
"Tartuffe"
name
in
hypocriticalimposter
his
comedy.
brilliancywas
Ninon's
table, that she
at
Her
table
equal
was
lavished
Helen
charm
to
France,
anything
the
at
but
water.
by the wittiest of
flashes kept their spiritsup
own
The
her guests,
upon
called, or "The
of
tion
conversa-
which
Nepenthe
Homer
according to
them.
Ninon
about
it is
the
of her
charm
draughts
the
to
enchant
and
if true, and
in
her
story told
One
intoxicated
be
rarely drank
highest point.
the
to
always surrounded
was
friends and
her
to
she
although
soup,
said
was
animated, particularly
so
A
disputed.
"Eagle of
the
great Pan,"
as
is not
to
her
credit
great preacher
Pulpit,"
Madame
as
de
arose
he
was
Sevigne,
eloquence
for
His renown
designate him.
and
piety reached Ninon's ears and she conceived
it is said; to bring this great orator
to
so
a scheme,
loved
her
to
She
feet.
had
in her
held
illustrious
time, all the heroes, and
and
she
place
in her
sent
considered
on
the
most
for him.
list.
Pere
She
Pere
from
men
of
time
to
France,
Bourdaloue
worthy of a
accordingly arrayed herself
fascinatingcostume,
But
chains
feigned illness
Bourdaloue
108
was
not
a
and
man
LIFE
be
to
was
AND
LETTERS
a
He
came
easily deceived.
and to her question as to
"I perceive that your
be
in your
to
heart
physician of
which
souls
to
perversity to
ever,
request, how-
her
at
condition
her
malady
I pray
heal
he
swered:
an-
exists only
body,
your
health.
without
times,
human
he will
that
it appears
the
you."
great
Saying
ceremony.
story is probably
of the
to
as
;
perfect
he left her
The
song
in
be
to
me
mind
and
he
and, moreover,
captivated by any woman,
in
too deeply versed
man
and
untrue
ridicule
grew
the attempts
out
of
of
a
ous
numer-
Ninon
from
her
of
preachers to convert
way
living. They frequented her social receptions but
those were
trusted herself
always public, as she never
to
of
her
without
of her
some
safetyand
own
The
the
knowledge and presence
"Birds," taking that precaution for
one
any
song
avoid
any
referred
to,
to
scribe begins
unknown
"Ninon
Cours
Le
passe
te
predicateurqui
au
coin
parleraitd'un
follows
jours au
1'amour
ou
S'il etait
Te
les
as
t'
de
109
composed
:
jeu:
porte;
exhorte,
ton
autre
appearance
feu,
sorte."
of partiality.
by
some
CHAPTER
Remarkable
A
Ninon
WHEN
five
ought
of
weakening
legend
revived,
justify
and
few
who
and
little
old
spread
it
of
age,
that
black
she
all
was
her
petual
per-
hearts,
probability
was
it to
ui
the
Indeed,
story.
when
again
Ninon
there
then
even
The
little
promised
place.
She
gift
instead
of
eagerly
them
to
ceased
shown
and
was
her
were
Ninon
as
no
being
took
110
Her
limited
the
be
her
by
garded
re-
mates
inti-
ation
admir-
and
longer
advantage
frequent
to
respect
a
1'Enclos."
de
ladies
Ninon
days,
younger
and
accorded
no
when
mysterious
familiarity
"Mademoiselle
widened,
pleasure,
the
of
the
approached,
its
took
no
or
about
the
be
to
attraction.
and
and
make
of
Ninon
in
and
change.
age
in her
for
enough
belief
the
court^who thought
conquest
was
years
with
but
the
sixty-
among
appeared
powers
disputed
showed
As
capacity
years,
there
seventy
was
her
twenty
Servien
Abbe
there
of
age
society
Noctambule,
strong
a
those
from
to
beauty
were
royal
appeared
of
age
the
but
her
the
who
the
at
of
of
the
retire
them,
diminution
man,
of
Age
reached
there
years,
to
for
way
Old
had
beauties
she
XVI
"Ninon,"
social
to
men
of the
charming
circle
clusively,
ex-
lege
privicircle.
AND
LIFE
circle certainlybecame
That
in her
own
way,
and
had
long life, and
what
were
person
She
was
Reason
prime.
failed
not
impart
polish of
Madame
in fruits,"
Ninon
as
hours
passed as many
society with the illustrious
Ninon
with
envy
and
the
his constant
Madame
Even
esteem.
to
jealousy and
of
listeningto
in
company
the
with
Grignan, Madame
Torp, and, strange to
de
Her
friends
tenderest
care
watched
and
they
de
Duke
time
of
so
fertile
de
could
la
la
in her
cauld,
Rochefouhonored
his death
friendship and his devoted
de Sevigne put aside her
of the pleasure
wearied
never
of this wise
beauty,
haughty daughter, Madame
de
Coulanges, Madame
say,
the
over
Duchess
her
affection,and
indisposition
brought
field
eye-charming
phors,
descriptive meta-
-as
conversation
her
the
and
sage
quisite
ex-
with
of Ninon's
flowers," another
up
had
her
to
Madame
of her, and
said
Sabliere, "a lovely garden enameled
who,
a
Fayette, that "rich
La
de
of her
century
her, in addition
of
age
associations
of the
wisdom
of the
secret
intimate
and
her
world.
of the
man
a
the
of her
in
was
women
learn
men
to
femininity,the
she
a
she
purpose
attractions
the
to
remarkable
to
the
enough why
the most
the
when
as
that
certainlyattained
to
and
thronged hefc apartments
life. Moreover, her long
with
had
more
strong
as
rean
Epicu-
earnest
an
tiful
beau-
demonstrated
apparently
preserved her beauty
had
The
tionalities,
regardless of society'sconven-
the best.
was
way
celebrated.
lived the life of
had
woman
her
LETTERS
them
111
around
de Bouillon.
health
even
her
de
with
her
with
the
slightest
expres-
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
ing
They dreaded losdeepest solicitude.
them
her, for having had her so long among
cally,
they hoped to keep her always, and they did, practiAs proof
of them.
for she outlived the most
of the
sions
anxiety
experienced at
of the
her
occasion
one
friends for
friends
recovery
illustration
one
On
of her
and
the
from
the
delight they
ment,
slightestail-
will suffice.
from
withdrawn
had
she
her
single evening, pleading indisposition.
The next evening she reappeared and her return
was
celebrated
written
by an original poem
by no less
than the Abbe
a personage
Regnier-Desmarais, who
read
it
to
a
the friends
"Clusine
qui
Eut
de
dans
tous
L'amour
assembled
et
around
chair
her
:
les temps
tous
les honnetes
1'estime
gens
partage
en
:
Qui toujours pleine de bon sens
Sut de chaque saison de Tage
Faire a propos
un
juste usage:
Qui
dans
entretien,dont
son
faire
Sut
fut enchante
on
aimable
alliage
De 1'agreablebadinage,
Avec
la politesseet la solidite,
Et que le ciel doua d'un espritdroit et sage,
Toujours d' intelligenceavec la verite,
Clusine est, grace au ciel,en parfaitesante.
Such
a
poem
nowadays,
but
the sentiments
translation into
in the lines
un
would
the
more
not
hearts
than
accorded
be
of
the
English will
:
112
her
friends
polish,as
serve
much
to
a
show
praise
regarded
substantial
appeared
NINON
resolved
L'ENCLOS
de
of the
prolong his life through the application
Epicurian philosophy. De Marville, speaking
of the
Count, whom
to
middle
to
age,
delicate
a
delicate
eighty
her
perfect form, also
perfect intelligence." This
invalid, lived, however,
and
years,
her
sang
He
praises
Saint-Evremond
aged,
very
the
charms
and
him
in
this
at
was
of
"His
time
As
contents
herself
with
the liveliest
it appears
of
age
for
retained
all the
she
She
again
of her
life that
to
all
ness
sweet-
felt the
writes
I live had
oneself
of
much
with
meet
on
the
heads
she
Wednesday,
prayer
the
of
the
What
life."
made
to
of the.
insisted
114
the
some
penitent
there
must
wrote
efforts
which
are
faithful
instead
should
avoid
she
had
nature
ashes
that
joyed
en-
inclination
which
Ninon
she
having
Although
invincible
senses
"We
"She
rest, after
the
abnegation
words:
of love."
and
that
pied
occu-
Saint-Evremond:
ease
of
Ninon
endearing herself
in
ever
Referring
them.
sprinkled
usual
heart
dying
says
pleasures of
the
control
Ash
had
that
pleasures of
mistress
never
given her,
to
life and
than
more
friends.
toward
the
friend."
true
a
period
her
was
jndhis
youth,
It is like
her
to
frail and
loss."
a
It
him
gave
self
death, Ninon, her-
mind
friend,for
:
common.
such
"His
common
afterward
his
announce
tenderness
loss of this
so
reception and
Writing to
a
occasion.
every
says:
of his
until
missed
never
on
to
him
always grateful to Ninon
was
tenderness.
survive
gave
in such
and
delicate
would
"Nature, which
says:
body
a
imagined
no*one
of
be
the
on
the
stituted
sub-
ments
move-
Saint-Evremond
AND
LIFE
rise
might give
less
another.
However
proposed
myself.'*
to
of
of
is certain
friends
favorite
her
the
gained new
Says Madame
"The
can
now
much
as
flocked
the
as
hate
old
age
reflection
did
not
one
any
This
are
however,
they come."
not
change,
as
Coulanges in
running after
de
hanged
retained
she
who
ones
women
de TEnclos
that
fact
had
one
provisions and
of
taken
be
I
many
have
philosophicalprinciplesdid
from
:
than
maxims,
stock
gretted
re-
that
me
be, if any
life I would
a
and
letters
tells
time
my
may
must
her
That
How
in
provide a
pleasures,they should
was:
not
such
One
"We
of
that
me
sometimes
"Everybody
:
complain
to
she
belief that
weakness
her
have
the
to
LETTERS
all her
her
to
of her
one
elle
Mademoisused
men
after
unions.
re-
such
do.
to
an
ample."
ex-
originate with
non,
Ni-
pleasures, and
regretted little her former
sacred
besides, friendship with her had as many
what
Madame
de Coulanges
rights as love. From
who
might
one
says,
Ninon
in her
place, but
opinion.
TEnclos'
She
and
visited
"Corbinelli
says:
place
in the
around
her
could
of
way
in her
may
but
women,
say
at
console
me
their
different
a
the
about
Mademoiselle
old age,
the
if women
even
of
deserted
take
to
asks
good
to
had
men
herself
de
She
company.
whatever
ame
Mad-
contrary,
did
not
for
having
both
flock
to
had
please."
celebrated
English geometrician,Huygens,
Ninon
during a sojourn at Paris in the ca-
in her
The
de
taking
side, she
men
leaving women
Sevigne was
Coulanges
de
her
age,
old
house
assembles
men
that the
Madame
marvels
new
suppose
young
days
to
115
NINON
pacityof
he
that
of
her
fell into
French
are
mind
of the famous
not
"Elle
were
they
as
literature
They
but
will
scientist
admiration.
was
a
surprisingto
be
the reader.
to
what
express
the
singing,
who
as
in the
was
:
cinq instruments
a
her
his
express
poet,
a
friends
her
and
not
with
Englishman
an
with
charmed
so
and
to
poetry
geometrician and
was
perspn,
from
verses
Ninon
He
ambassador.
attractions
L'ENCLOS
de
dont
je suis
amou-
reux,
Les
deux
ses
Pour
de
II faut etre
she
had
friends
not
again
amiable
"Our
wrote:
which
redoubles
which
worries
nothing
were
maintained
A
to
short
friends."
her
Coulanges
de
cold
a
time
which
afterward
has
and
evening,
eighty,
worried
has
1'Enclos
poor
in the
her
reached
Marquis
1'Enclos
me."
please
had
of illness which
The
reste,
leste."
Ninon
attacks
"Our
autres,
cinquieme qui
et
galant et
exceedingly.
writes:
does
tous,
1696, when
several
deux
;
yeux
le dernier
In the year
mains, les
premiers, ses
low
a
a
he
fever
throat
sore
ailments
trifling
These
Ninon, who, 'though growing feeble,
her
"I am
philosophy, as she said:
contenting myself with what happens from day to
day ; forgettingto-day what occurred yesterday, and
holding on
to
a
used
agreeable."
very
to
could
an
end
She
without
only believe
body
up
with
the
saw
any
that
one
term
qualms
Madame
116
as
of her
or
has
been
life
ing
com-
fear.
de Chevreuse,
"If
I
that
LIFE
by dying
we
other
the
can
AND
LETTERS
and
talk with
go
world, it would
Madame
be
influence, had
power
and
of her
youth,
Versailles.
and
in the
of her
height
forgotten the friend
offered her lodgings at
never
she
now,
It is said
in
friends
our
thought."
sweet
then
Maintenon,
de
a
all
that
intention
her
to
was
able
en-
man
king to profitby an intimacy with a woof eighty-fiveyears who, in spite of bodily infirmities
and
vivacity of mind
possessed the same
to her great
delicacy of taste which had contributed
the
much
renown,
frailties. But
been
never
Ninon
the
in the world.
friend, and
consented
to
Louis
Great
to
see
reign.
During
fancy
of
at
to
the
Voltaire
the
TEnclos
would
social
to
the
latter
age
be
of
of
She
her
in
earn
her
grant,
where
her
of his
life,she
she
will
money
took
detected
to
a
signs
with
give him,
to
the
old
satisfyhis curiosity
fortified him
ninety
feebler
years,
every
day,
She
long coming.
duties, however,
surrender
would
astonishingmarvel
prayed
to
tion
posi-
her
of Versailles
and
years
francs
thanked
she
chapel
pass
and
her
and
left
buy books.
by ridiculing
of his benefactress.
grew
not
she
concession
least, the
attempted
memory
At
could
he
thousand
a
hope of greater fortune
greatness.
counsel, which
him
liberty,and had
her
philosophical
sacrifice
in the
and
for
Voltaire, in whom
young
future
born
to
only
stand
once,
personal charms
Accordingly,
the
as
her
was
willing
tranquilityfor
the
than
more
until
the
until compelled.
117
On
Mademoiselle
and
felt that
performed
very
de
death
all her
end, refusing
the last
night
of
NINON
life,unable
her
wrote
the
to
de
L'ENCLOS
sleep,she
followingverses
and
arose,
at
her
desk
:
"Qu'un vain espoir ne vienne point s'offrir,
Qui puisse ebranler mon
courage;
Je suis en age de mourir ;
Que ferais-jeici davantage?"
(Let no vain hope now
My courage
strong
that
My age demands
What
On
as
the
more
seventeenth
gently as
one
who
can
and
come
to
try,
overthrow;
I shall
I do here
die,
below?)
of October, 1706, she
falls asleep.
118
expired
LETTERS
OF
NINON
de
TO
MARQUIS
L'ENCLOS
THE
de
119
SEVIGNE.
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
them
studying their dispositions,and she knew
a period
thoroughly, her experience extending over
out
of
of intimate
seventy-five years
of every
men
Marquis
such
an
beyond
wet
from
stamp,
that
extent
she
and
snow," his
a
of
this weak
he
as
"a
Madame
Chevalier
to
of
in
de
fool."
"a heart
was
the
-man
pulp, a body
pumpkin fricasseed
mother, the renowned
own
took
him
of
soul
a
heart
Sevigne, admitting that
Ninon
Royal prince to
her
latter wearying
designated
definition; with
paper,
the
the
Sevigne,
de
with
association
deavored
charge and enof him
to make
a
man
by exposing his
and, entering into a long correspondence,
frailties,
in the pathology of the female
to instruct him
heart,
with which
he was
est
disposed to tamper on the slightceeded
provocation. Her letters will show that she sucfinallyin bringing him to reason, but that in
sex
compelled to betray her own
doing so, she was
by exposing the
relations with
That
she
motives
secret
and
knew
the
of
women
as
men,
in their
men.
women
as
disputed, for, beginning
non
in
Queen
of
well
with
Madame
Sweden,
can
de
not
be
Mainte-
Christine, down
she guards so
Countess
along the line to the sweet
successfullyagainst the evil designs of the Marquis
de
ame
de La Fayette, MadSevigne,includingMadame
de Sevigne, Madame
de La
Sabliere, and the
most
distinguishedand prominent society women
of France, they all were
her particular friends, as
well as intimates, and
held her in high esteem
as
their
No
confidante
other
woman
in all affairs of the
ever
held
122
so
heart.
unique
a
position
LIFE
in the world
and
her
of
AND
LETTERS
society as
letters
the
to
Marquis
therefore, be considered
art
the
is concerned,
in
relations
the
between
There
is
of effort
tear
of the
heart
treachery, to
These
opinions
the
of
wisest
"Inasmuch
TEnclos)
from
who,
upon
under
the
vulgar
errors,
the
love
to
be what
a
the
contrary, they
curtain
the
and
of
fice
deceit, artiof the
nature
chinery
ma-
the
in
light of
of the
the
teenth
seven-
she
(Mademoiselle
was
it is
to
become
impossible
de
franchised
en-
to
be
stupid mistake of those
of "passion,"elevate the ment
sentiderstood
unheight of a virtue. Ninon
to
in the
use
reason,
name
the senses,
and
character.
of her
of love
merit
On
read
first
from
removed
motives
secret
philosophers
her
the
made
ality,
sentiment-
specious language
the
be
upon
as
heart
scenes.
must
century
the
expose
letters
the
female
of mawkish
beneath
the heart
behind
containing
as
as
meaning.
from
and
further
of the epistolary
sexes.
conceal
to
of double
away
and
entire absence
an
may,
forming a study of
everything that pertains to the
the greatest value
words
standards
as
TEnclos,
Sevigne
de
subjects she treats;
profound insight into the
love
desires
de
the
upon
most
where
Mademoiselle
the
it reallyis,a taste
blind sentiment, which
which
founded
admits
of
gives it birth, and
tion
which
promises no recompense
; a caprice,the duraof which
does
not
our
volition,
depend upon
and which
and repentance."
is subjectto remorse
no
object
123
LETTERS
OF
NINON
TO
L'ENCLOS
de
THE
MARQUIS
SEVIGNE
de
I.
A
Hazardous
Undertaking.
I, Marquis,
WHAT,
education,
be
for
exact
You
you.
that
when
first youth,
ought
and
everybody
man,
of
him."
do
All
is
you,
mind,
It
may
likewise
of
desires
she
know
not
the
to
care
am
and
I
aid
you
will
tell
know
to
of
in
malignity
I
young
a
ling
worldthis
of
to
willing
to
you
will
what
your
own
her
a
myself
You
ter?
en-
fact,
the
"make
to
confidante.
your
of
freshness
expose
service
the
the
to
friendship
my
aware
lost
prise
enter-
about
special interest
a
says
become
troubles,
your
that
to
takes
You
I
be
to
has
woman
a
of
your
the
in
are
you
much
too
of
charge
guide
your
which
upon
You
take
is
pression.
ex-
its application.
render
tell
in
heart
me
my
and
women.
grieves
expect
not
conceal
The
human
me
to
the
to
find
in
this
I
which
will
so
whatever
liable
am
be
the
contrasts,
many
125
pleasure
I
correspondence,
difficulties
heart,
Tetters, presents
that
say,
to
encounter.
subject
that
can
of
my
whoever
I
NINON
lays
it bare
You
think
have
you
flood
a
something
seized
have
chameleon,
L'ENCLOS
fall into
must
find you
but
de
in your
stable
shadow.
a
viewed
which,
of contradictions.
grasp,
It is indeed
from
a
different aspects,
variety of opposite colors, and even they
are
constantly shifting. You
expect to read
may
I shall say upon
this
strange things in what
many
subject. I will,however, give you my ideas, though
often seem
they may
strange; however, that shall
presents
a
for you
be
free
from
that
I
views
little. But
a
the
that
I
talk
am
to
to
Madame
will
also
be
former
Have
Come
ones.
I
nothing
to
Love
when
the
less
and
than
de
and
please
regale you
told, do
"
heart, I do
I possess
La
you
with
head
not
you
fickle!
feel any
two
Still,
hension
appre-
possible manner.
going
a
Yes, sir,MORALS!
take
But
of morals
course
do
126
not
and
love
happen
shall know
in the easiest
to
resemble
should
worst
day, we
some
to
not
and
toward
the
la
disparage his
But, again a scruple.
template?
undertaking we con-
in the
friendship. If
I lose my
are
my
If it
malicious
so
age
cour-
myself, it being occupied elsewhere,
sentiments
withdraw
We
is
I examine
for
fear
Marquis
Sabliere
la
will
Marquis
sufficient
the
guests.
am
my
the subject.
de
Fontaine
stories, which, I
new
I have
frankly upon
to-night with
dine
of us, La
one
not
am
particularly
everything
and
it, and
to
you
Rochefoucauld.
be
I
will know
at least you
subject of love,
relates
to
Fontaine
that
scruples of conscience, foreseeing
scarcely be sincere without
slandering
sex
on
I confess
grave
can
own
my
determine.
to
how
to
together.
be alarmed
at
the
AND
LIFE
mere
LETTERS
word, for there will be between
only
us
the
questionof gallantryto discuss,and that, you know,
morals
to so high a degree that it deserves
sways
to be the subjectof a specialstudy. The
very idea
of such a projectis to me
risible. However,
infinitely
if I talk
grow
weary?
know
that I
be.
With
to you
reason
This
am
any
a
is my
never
Adieu,
sole
other heart
be
than
a
often, will you
anxiety,for
reasoner
pitiless
I could
world
too
when
knew.
I await
your
good pleasure.
12?
well
you
I wish
that which
philosopher
not
such
you
as
to
understand,
misthe
II
Love
Why
ASSURE
I
and
to
in
disposition
my
sometimes
the
result
lead
you
to
external
the
only
mind
and
to
them
opinion
of
give
you
you
by
you,
your
nothing,
would
with
man
that
he
has
indulgence
my
I
find
us
entrance
you
say,
there.
to
come
into
of
what
Disgust
128
propound
neither
for
human
in
frailties,
the
all
gist of
and
an
inflexibility,
and
you
good
too
this
world
supped
we
But
the
the
is to
in
to
ing
communicat-
believes
required
is
which
only
ask
none
kind
the
believe,
that
I
whom
He
humanity.
Let
women.
Since
intention
my
have
method
before
myself
spiritual things.
philosophy
with
is true
poor
in
nor
mitigated
will
excellent
It
yesterday.
for
I
is the
As
you.
virtue
and
woman,
ceedingly
ex-
may
this
that
Here
man.
be
I fear
and
remember
with
it
stability
I carry
a
my
shall
intercourse
that
of
a
I
more
our
must
am
ideas,
my
the
to
virtue
I
follow
to
you
think
you
information
acquire
of
appearance
heart
wish
I
that
of
But
severity.
into
in
that
have
imagine,
you
keep
though
even
I
than
shall
occasions,
truth,
detriment.
own
my
I
all
on
the
speak
Dangerous
Marquis,
you,
word,
is
quantity
intercourse
your
it has
had
weariness
letter.
offered
imagined
follow
NINON
should
one
woman;
L'ENCLOS
de
seek
find
to
only
amiable
an
mistress.
those
or
with
intercourse
The
whom
the
themselves
qualities,is
is
would
too
good
Riches
myself.
to
forward
a
For
these
you,
if I dare
necessary
to
and
you
are
what
of
women
so
express
in proportion
only
us
great
selves,
like them-
who,
man
company,
wants;
our
for
into putting
force
virtue
only by
life's decline.
on
be
of time
ravages
excellent
loftyprinciples,
of
"women
would
better
do,
bine,
frequent the societyof those who comwith agreeable figure,gentlenessin conversation,
for the
cheerfulness
in disposition,a taste
pleasures of society,and strong enough not to be
frightenedby one affair of the heart.
of reason
In the eyes of a man
too
they appear
will say:
but
do
think
frivolous, you
they
you
much
be judged with
should
so
severity? Be persuaded,
Marquis, that if,unfortunately,they should
firmness
of character, they and
acquire more
you
lose much
would
require in women
by it. You
Well, do you not find it in
stabilityof character!
I
think, is
a
friend?
is
not
Shall I tell you
"
virtues
our
who
woman
would
become
seek
only
beautiful;
to
would
one
to
a
need
; but
which
be
estimable
of
passing
be
her; there
careful
can
respect,
not
Until
you.
to
you
should
you
those
should
nothing
130
in every
with
alone
taste
feel for
marriage,
yourself
It
could
you
for
mind?
playfulness and
our
love
contract
amuse
of them:
deep with
a
is in my
what
dangerous
too
contemplate
can
you
The
weakness.
our
a
to
who
are
attach
you
plunge
result but
in
too
a
bad
LIFE
did not
If you
ending.
AND
LETTERS
reflect
greater part of young
the
you
in
that
you
an
meaning
like
their
then,
necessary,
people,
entirelydifferent
are
ready to give
to
profoundly than
more
to
excess,
Do
of it. But
instinct
sublime
the
which
charm
exact
amuse
is
pretty
gerous?
love dan-
makes
sometimes
view
that
truth
is,it is only
know
with
you
course.
gallant inter-
a
what
only
who,
all those
of
tell you
to
me
It is the
takes
the
make
wish
you
contrary
a
frivolity. It
yourself to a woman
attach
to
to
perceive
ridiculous
agreeable child, might
pleasant follies,light caprices,and
which
talk
I
but
tone;
an
faults
I should
one
how
blind
a
appreciate:
have
for one
an
object in preference
appetite which
you
to
another, without
being able to give the
macy
for your taste.
Considered
as
a friendlyintireason
when
is
presides, it
reason
from
ancient
our
of love
makes
It is
a
from
will
only
veritable
all that
see
passion, it
a
sad
a
makes
or
enthusiasm
would
of
means
path
amused,
which
avoiding
I have
and
you
these
two
a
soon
if it
frenzy.
extremes
indicated.
You
will find
amusement
131
folly.
be
were
it
your
son
rea-
affairs of the heart,
formed
insipid,or
become
heroism
disengage
it, it will
me,
great
fatal
if you
Believe
at
pretended
sometimes
and
fanaticism; but
opinion
aim
you
that this
happiness and pleasure.
the
is not
of romance,
heroes
sentiments, you
love
to
hearted
teem,
eslonger love, it is, in truth, a warm
but tranquil; incapable of drawing you
away
any fixed position. If,walking in the footsteps
no
of
must
one
need
The
is to
only
follow
only to be
only among
NINON
the
you
I mention
women
my
a
fair
a
I must
to
capable
I shall
not
perhaps
Moliere.
tuffe,in which
good
I
some
just told
de
very
shall read
We
changes
you,
be
I made
"
keeping
am
ceived
just re-
I have
I 'wish
the Abbe
notice, Marquis, that those
all I have
it
fill it.
to
Saint-Evreat
the
I have
much
same
municated
com-
taken
mis-
of them.
approve
I shall have
To-morrow
of it. Your
made
ideas which
the
and
you,
if he does
it.
answer
to him
propose
to
and
as
to me
promise, and it seems
with you exactly. Adieu,
M.
charming letter from
and
mond,
time
to you
occupation, they are
recipe and you will find
word
my
L'ENCLOS
wishes
heart
Try
de
have
of that character.
132
should
who
a
do
de Chateauneuf,
again
be
not
the Tar-
made.
conform
little of the
Take
to
qualities
Ill
Love
Why
IN
you
still
You
wish
mistress,
time
of
despite
be
merit
them
to;
great
expectations
but
These
teaches
experience
are
in
qualities the only question
I
might
be
impaired
has
tempted
mental
your
sublime
talk
do
of
I
reason?
fine
you
reliable
All
it is
this
you
being
wish
pity
of
the
Marquis
my
these
not
can
He
the
dear
chimeras
it is very
Marquis:
it
!
by
But,
with
you,
heart?
have
fascinated
do
that
serious
enter
is
full
becoming
to
and
virtue
of
to
say,
require nothing
serious,
look
begin housekeeping,
to
woman,
tie ; I intended
as
a
all those
into
transactions.
commercial
a
willingly tell
coin, but
When
to
mean
expect
Are
in conversation.
you
ty
reali-
romances
Poor
become
to
common
child, what
that
powers.
himself
allowed
that
you
pastimes
believe
to
in
you
illusions.
pure
would
if
happiness
a
same
sentiments
the
you
for
the
at
can
you,
sentiment.
person
commendation
bring
to
say
first
your
who
friend.
could
may
respectable
one
undoubtedly
they
to
a
your
I
everything
stick
and
Cold
Grows
to
the
its
but
gravity.
what
believe
133
lofty principles.
and
dignity of
a
love
for
marriage
the
But
at
present,
affair, beware
I tell you;
I know
of
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
them.
yourself know
Men
usually say that they seek essential qualitiesin
those they love. Blind fools that they are ! How
they
would
would
complain could they find them ! What
ment.
they gain by being deified ? They need only amuseA
mistress
reasonable
as
as
require
you
better
wants
your
be
would
wife
a
than
you
for whom
estimable
woman
humiliates
you
Forced
esteem
love
to
her, you
can
her.
many
too
to
arouse
So
you
moment
her, and
not
tiresome
your
farewell
your
too
see
finite
in-
an
a
not
a
sometimes
even
to
mire
ad-
yourself for ceasing to
creet,
disvirtues are
a reproach too
excuse
critic of
our
not
eccentricities,
that is humbled,
pride at last,and when
Make
to love.
a thorough analysisof
sentiments, examine
will
have
particleof ardor.
in all respects is too subduing,
much, for you to love her long.
respect, I admit, but
A
would
you
that
I
left to say
well
speak
adieu.
134
the
your
conscience, and
truth.
I have* but
a
IV
The
DO
Spice
know,
you
it
understood
not
not
that
say
that
that,
should
it
I
and
in
believe
of
Traces
this
all
affection
more
than
strength
caprice
to
be
much
an
whom
of his
in
of
antidote.
contrary
in
truth, well
except
I
maxim
a
senseless
I
peat
re-
amused
be
to
am
;
authority.
an
quarrel,
and
retains
imaginable,
reason
for
day
one
this
at
my
that
animate
135
and
house,
that
allied
beauty
to
with
opinion
sentiment,
caprice
its
justice
my
readily
it could
was
the
closely
opposed
persuaded
to
qualities.
character.
too
that
attach
not
women,
esteem
was
I said
affair, and
I
all the
ideas, said
animation,
beauty,
than
you
women
the
upon
able
despic-
But
love
only
caprice,
effect
more
idea.
did
I
a
should
need
have
you
mistress
a
you
subject
and
steadiness
Someone
only
men
this
on
more
their
all my
a
times!
some-
heed;
substantial
to
love,
temper
has
at
pleasant,
yourself exclusively
it ; when
for
needed
you
make
to
Take
take
is not
That
reality
in
all.
ens,
Heav-
are
you
letter;
your
at
me
you
object.
in
end
will
you
temper?
a
stupid
very
see
that
in
me
how
I
Love
Marquis,
putting
by
of
charms
be
that
seen
and
is not
in
so
I
close
order
am,
to
to
NINON
make
to
them
flavor
none
L'ENCLOS
attractive,to
more
them.
which
de
is
There
endures
as
colder
no
less
serve
than
a
goad,
sentiment,
admiration.
and
and
One
accustomed
the same
to see
features,
easilybecomes
however
little
be, and when
a
regular they may
life or action, their
malignity does not give them
destroys the sentiment
regularitysoon
they
very
of temper,
A
cloud
excite.
can
give to a
even,
beautiful countenance
the necessary
variety,to prevent
of seeing it always in the same
the weariness
state.
In
a
a
word,
to
woe
her
temperament;
disgusts. She is always
is always right.
man
that
she
takes
away
the
the
She
from
of
woman
monotony
onous
monot-
satiates and
statue, with
same
is
too
so
people
good,
the
so
her
a
gentle,
privilegeof
quarrelingwith her, and this is often such a great
pleasure! Put in her place a vivacious
woman,
decided, to a certain limit,however, and
capricious,
different aspect.
The
lover will
a
things assume
the pleasure of
find in the same
variety.
person
it
Temper is the salt, the quality-which
prevents
from
becoming stale. Restlessness, jealousy,quarrels,
making friends again, spitefulness,all are the
food of love.
which
Enchanting variety! which fills,
more
occupies a sensitive heart much
deliciously
the regularityof behavior, and
than
the tiresome
which
is called "good disposition."
monotony
I know
how
be governed. A camust
men
price
you
have
puts you in an uncertainty, which
you
much
trouble
and
as
griefin dispellingas though
it were
a
a
new
over
victory obtained
object.
hold
breath.
You
Roughness makes
you
your
136
V
Love
I
OH,
and
with
agree
who
in
these
that
it
is
advise
I
letter
away
from
When
I
spoke
gives
alone,
which
is
lover
be
it?
passion?
who
has
Do
For
not
only
which
who
who
has
How
we
ways
alyou
comes
beyou
ing
nothhave
the
meant
"bad
myself,
138
errors
I
have
prove
little
love
it
When
when
liveliness, what
these
kind
roughness
temper."
little delicacy
so
a
from
that
rough,
woman
her
and
springs
brutality,
a
of
to
diversity, and
relish, anxiety,
calls
cause
You
one
say.
I
natural
makes
that
point!
word,
ordinarily
is the
to
temper
a
from
which
of
of
not
one
love
alone
the
and
of
in
that,
jealousy:
the
of
a
fore,
There-
depicted
woman,
things
stronger
a
only
shade
a
love
character
woman,
unpleasant
an
drifted
which
by
so
ungracious
but
I
amiable
an
more
of
only
ideas.
my
of
attachment.
an
again
agree
storm.
this
of
prices
ca-
ance
acquaint-
an
make
must
man
wo-
and
I
continual
a
form
for
repels.
person
a
to
beyond
still
speak
for
not
last
my
only
quarrel,
you
go
in
end
a
temper
thorny
irregularities
ending
never
only
very
the
Marquis,
you,
has
is
and
Temper
sort
as
the
always
to
that
can
plain
com-
violence
thought
bounds,
proper
be
knew
who
he
that
how
moderately
was
within
himself
keep
to
effect, without
in
so,
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
Can
amorous.
himself
allowing
one
be
to
out
goaded by the fire of a devouring impetuosity,withsarily
experiencing all the revolutions which it necesoccasions?
all these
see
can
without
ciously at
disturbances
in
While
its transports,
heart
that these
that
he
is
beloved
a
feels
one
of the troubles
loved,
of the
tears
they
I wished
that
which
shed.
with
and
to
tell you
capricious,can
yourself. I said, and
and
that
I shall
itself is the
love
when
of
natural
a
such
a
woman
of
cause
becomes
it is desirable
then
to
of bad
woman
weariness,
But
consider
effect except
If temper
of
a
is born
restless, envious,
first
to
one
say
that
hateful, she will be the
disheartening quarrels.
heart
which
will become
lieve
be-
to
happy, undeceive
always persistin my
caprices,bickerings,
source.
brusqueness, or
the
unjust disposition,I am
the
a
suffer,
going
gallant intercourse, to drive away
the strength of it.
to perpetuate
these spices do not produce that
a
secret
you
idea, that diversityis necessary,
in
the
are
that
make
temper,
passion,
sometimes
if you
of its
ing
convinc-
most
are
lovers
But
object
less deli-
no
proofs that it is voluntary.
constitutes
There, Marquis, is what
charm
who
complaining
aggravations
same
Well!
undoubtedly.
pleasure?
secret
a
injusticeand
and
No,
a
veritable
free
possible.
139
A
oneself
connection
torment,
as
of
from
quickly
as
"
VI
Maxims
Certain
then,
think,
YOU
brought
the
of
master
it
liberty
at
not
are
his
Morals
commonplace
to
their
justify
who,
when
the
very
angry
if he
!"
ham
is
He
They
is
no
been
not
it is
Is
me.
have
that
they
their
arms
order
to
maxims
suspects
one
justifying caprices,
from
does
For
not
wish
myself,
to
I take
wish
may
correct
the
that
in
a
good
tioned
sanc-
one
everythem.
having
excuses,
confession
them
far
that
them.
liberty
140
attract
heart?
approbation
such
be
well
overcome
much
so
That
such
so
been
"Cursed
of his
to
to
try
:
stroke.
even
is interested
everyone
No
received.
find
say
when
reply
to
maxims
same
to
like
speaks
have
master
anyone
these
in
would
sympathetic
a
that
cling:
to
to
so,
necessary
able
They
because
only
had
this
Montaigne
him,
given.
these
But
one
for
attacked
tachment?
at-
your
saying
which
to
friend
our
longer permitted
are
reasons
to
gout
say
strong
too
whom
in
of
you
Abandon
is very
It
of
object
expect,
something
of
disposing
opera!
who
women
have
gentleman
the
the
the
weaknesses.
should
they
of
not
consequently
that
choose
to
is
one
in
heart,
and
argument,
that
me
own
wishes,
he
where
tell
have
you
invincible
an
you
that
Marquis,
up
when
Love
Concerning
of
being of
a
differ-
LIFE
AND
LETTERS
It is enough for me
opinionfrom the multitude.
that it is not
one's inclination
impossible to conquer
ent
condemn
to
all those
dishonorable.
succeed
!
me
are
Have
we
unreasonable
not
seen
or
women
in
destroying in their hearts a weakness
has taken
them
as
by surprise,as soon
they
discovered
that the object of their affections
How
often
have
unworthy of them?
they
which
have
was
stifled the
the
Dear
who
tender
most
conventionalities
time, absence,
ardent
one
of
have
insensiblyit weakens,
that
which
dies all
and
honorably from
strength of reason.
all the
to
Rest,
passion,however
supposed it,can
withdraw
to
sacrificed it
establishment?
an
remedies
are
may
affection,and
at
resist;
never
I know
once.
such
liaison
a
quires
re-
comprehend still
that the difficulties you imagine stand in the
more,
of maintaining a victory, do not
leave
way
you
it ; so that, although I
enough courage to undertake
there
that
say
may
invincible
no
are
I
inclinations
in
the
speculation,I will admit that there are few of
them
it happens
to be vanquished by practice;and
does not like to attempt without
one
so, only because
However
success.
I
imagine
that
gallantry,it
would
in order
seized
but
I
upon
there
that
for
you
also, because
a
you
most
the
character
capable
of
It is without
on
the
whole,
I
making
inclination which
more
not
are
which
doubt
the
woman
persistin saying that
you
be,
being here only a question of
be folly to put you
to the
ture,
tor-
destroy
to
may
was
I
141
smitten
less amiable
with
;
anyone,
right in describingto
believed
would
be
the
happy.
you
to
or
has
be
desired, that delicate
NINON
over
not
what
from
reason
I
be.
of
draw
out
being
able
of
in
our
only
such
render
a
give
to
old
be
least
at
good
wise,
saying:
I
what
not
undertake
to
to
skillful chemist
remedies.
142
try
to
to
in
a
the
you
to
can.
Not
make
you
destroy
them.
They
pharmacy;
they
be
the
annihilation.
our
regulate
poison
teach
you
wish
to
a
you
pravity
regret the de-
to
one
from
be, but
is
I
so.
indulgent I may
being able to reform
not
you
like the
hands
not
it is, and
as
whatever
necessary
by
intention
the first
But
them
to
this is
should
you
heart, I would
the
happy. It is an
passions would
It is
that
proves
My
am
caprices.
vices
power
taste, however
of your
your
a
heart
of the
more
they might be able to
ever.
place there forpermanent
what
reallyare.
you
knowledge
it ought to
to
find
experience
But
do
and
them
occupy
have
that
hearts, and
our
should
merit,
real
sentiments,
L'ENCLOS
de
become
are
pounded
com-
icent
benef-
VII
Women
Expect
who
essential
by
in
of
what
knowing
Do
of
meaning
call
you
number
of
than
they
make
upon
I have
specified
to
have
this
with
will
have
to
number
of
is the
only
it is the
the
to
that
coin
it
possess
desire
be
estimable.
we
and
it
all
such
to
in
the
please,
than
In
the
even
associate, if
a
we
to
have
word,
caprices
expect
to
143
on
of
you
equal
it
country
be
may
than
that
in that
ous
advantagethose
we
whom
believe
must
imitate
those
with
live in peace
;
guard
your
to
those
we
such
an
this
more
qualities agreeable
obliged
captivate,
perfection
It is far
requires.
in
qualities
under
It
money.
in real
less
be
must
you
more
not
are
for
current
and
the
virtues
that
passes
the
gallantry,
to
comes
of
tell
are
proper
traits; those
spurious
consists
world
quite
when
charming
we
morals
you
only merit,
merit
which
intercourse
change
against calling
true
the
But
ness
firm-
you
minds
all
are
I
embarrass
Reserve
they
sion.
expres-
extent
can
matter.
men,
question
a
this
to
how
Our
happy?
for
circumstances.
simply
judgment,
often
which
you
accord
of
discretion,
virtues
succeed
can
you
only
be
qualities, worth,
precision
learning, prudence,
it may
attach
you
essential
character,
that
It is
women?
pleasing
From
that
qualities
Men
Quo
Marquis,
doubts,
OH3,
Pro
Quid
a
with
to
the
whom
them.
NINON
is the
What
role
destiny
It is
earth?
on
figure,personal
brilliant
and
in that
to
men
What
please. Now,
to
m
graces,
role.
L'ENCLOS
of women?
a
the
are
qualities
degree,
wish
de
Women
ing
of succeed-
only means
them
possess
them.
resemble
charming
a
word, all the amiable
it is in these
and
is their
to
a
lative
super-
qualitiesthat they
It will be vain
for you
for they are playing the
frivolity,
beauty role, since they are destined to make
you
of our
happy. Is it not, indeed, due to the charm
companionship, to the gentleness of our manners,
most
that you
owe
satisfyingpleasures,your
your
social virtues, in fact,your whole
happiness? Have
Is it possible for
some
good faith in this matter.
of themselves, the love of glory, valor,
the sciences
that friendship of which
boast
so
even
you
nay,
The
much, to make
pleasure
you perfectlyhappy?
it be keen
from
enough
any of them, can
you draw
feel happy?
None
of
to make
Certainly not.
you
to
them
accuse
them
of
the
have
which
monotony
an
to
power
relieve
crushes
from
you
and
you
a
some
weari-
makes
you
object of pity.
It is
who
women
have
taken
themselves
upon
dissipatethese mortal languors by the vivacious
gayety they injectinto their society; by the charms
to
they
prove
know
so
effectual.
a
delicious
awakening
is
a
well
how
A
to
reckless
lavish
joy,
intoxication,are
attention, and
where
an
they
will
lirium,
agreeable de-
alone
capable
of
stand
making you underthat you
are
reallyhappy, for, Marquis, there
difference between
vast
merely enjoying happiness
the sensation of enjoyingit. The
and relishing
your
144
NINON
somewhere,
read
have
agreeable
virtues
less
like
of
than
L'ENCLOS
by
pleases more
than by^essential
qualities. Great
makes
one
pieces of gold of which
faults
are
use
de
that
one
ordinary currency.
This
idea calls to my
mind
kind
of money,
place of our
of exchange.
medium
Well,
do
you
these
we
with
people
of the
should
be
metals
have
would
be
quickly
false
of
cases
in women,
to
you,
unless
you
possess
you
you
pleasure.
how
we
gold
the
more
cient.
suffi-
are
mark
vided
pro-
If it be true,
not
to
the
You
would
forever
become
soon
and
good qualities,
rather
amuse
men
do
never
similar
are
not
stantly
con-
firmness,
be, how
logical,you
learned
of
company
would
not
you
life,if, always
be
will
science, your
weary
you
expect
advantages
point.
as
happiness
agreeable qualities
to
that you
sure
your
with
would
Do
the
to
about
even,
for your
made,
ought
be
live only in
know
:
may
condemned
were
Our
any
conventional
you
tell me,
disgusted
but
reflection,for
worth
interchange of
an
boasting
etc., but
first blush,
at
only pebbles
conclusion
I stick
theirs.
ures
treas-
is commerce?
except from
to
the
matters
all the
that
people. Now,
not
are
imagine
opinion.
those
to
doubt, that you
please them
in
in
their
as
poverty,
upon
except
money
this is my
not
actual
gallantry,where
there
can
might,
as
call essential
What
Now,
as
undeceived
value
no
shells
use
We
of wealth
qualitiesyou
in
rich
so
world?
new
this sort
take
not
are
people who,
those
and. sordid,
philosophers?
of admiration
weary
the
without
I
way
yon
virtue
are
than
yourself,then, by holding
146
LIFE
yourselfout
sense
you
is esteemed
has
its
the
sages
own
as
a
consider
AND
LETTERS
with
man
True
them.
by those
we
laws, and
great
aim
in
qualities
merit
to
is that which
please. Gallantry
Marquis, amiable
of this world.
147
the
men
are
VIII
for
Necessity
The
THIS
time,
give
The
feel
begin
to
crime
the
advice
which
It
its
that
is true
opinion
the
that
pleasures,
discussion
Love
is
to
do
a
you
into
other
so
you,
a
order
dis-
the
it
pleasures
without
would
you
gives
which
with
which
enter
into
any
of
the
comparison.
up,
and
it is love
bad.
All
gives
us
drags
which
148
out
it is:
of
it that
that
I
advantage
an
life
of
us
or
bad
nor
or
discomforts
It
here
by
good
it
right
affected
are
is, that
in its favor
say
who
good
to
tiresome
are
opinion,
is neither
equal
a
they
my
it is
whether
shall
whether
upon
of the
are
about
are
entering
have
those
people
of love
sorrows
passion
a
determine
us
the
me
The
you.
soul, and
good
very
ascertain
itself; it is only
stirs
some
but
if you
wrong,
than
your
turn
to
tainly
cer-
desired.
be
to
are
feared
be
to
in
given
you
in its train, appear
follow
more
say,
than
the
to
is
scarcely
But
giving
been
brings
love
evils which
scruples,
I have
you
has
de
few
a
that
me
inspiration
an
go,
you
mention
you
portrait of her.
favorable
very
rousing
to
diagnosis
tells
widow
far
not
The
condition
Chevalier
The
have
you
Cause.
Primitive
Its
come.
young
of
capable
heart.
has
of your
me
in love.
and
Marquis,
hour
your
are
Love
of the
satisfies
one
not
can
rut, it
of
our
that
you
hearts
our
for emotion
made
are
already told
I have
I think
pressingwants.
most
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
; to excite
it therefore,is to
demand
of nature.
would
without
love?
satisfya
vigorous youth be
it would
Love
They
sea.
not
be
is to
our
the
what
ness:
ill-
long
be
winds
into tempests, true
grow
A
existence, it would
hearts
What
tating.
vegethe
to
are
; they are
times
some-
shipwrecks. But the winds
render the sea navigable, their constant
agitationof
its surface is the cause
of its preservation,and if
they are often dangerous, it is for the pilotto know
even
how
navigate in safety.
to
But
of
cause
I have
wandered
it. Though
I shock
from
text, and
my
sensitive
your
return
to
delicacy by
my
the need of
frank
speaking,I shall add, that besides
having our emotions stirred,we have in connection
with them
is the primia physicalmachinery, which
tive
and necessityof love.
cause
Perhaps it is not
too
modest
for a woman
such
to use
language to
but
you
every
one
you,
to
what
may
will understand
be called
If my
sometimes
I told you
what
in my
and
the
favored.
more
I
which
I therefore
If I
be
a
were
good
became
you,
or
a
I would
bad
a
remember
From
up
men
my
be
to
you
woman,
of the
that
stinted in the distribution
and
a
I made
saw
to
seem
last letter.
ascertain
not
are
discussions
first able to reason,
was
We
analyticalfor
too
talk
not
engaged in
"nice" conversation, we
are
osophizin
phil-
plainly.
so
that I would
I
the time
mind
two
were
to
sexes
not
of the roles to be
vestigate
inwas
at
all
played,
man.
not
thing to
149
investigatewhether
fall in love.
I would
it
NINON
whether
preferto have you ask
be thirsty;or, that it
drink
because
are
men
as
you
are
do
not
on
the
love
nature,
advised
I have
as
going
to
what
tell
over
Pooh!
I
cated.
intoxidivest
libertyto
mechanical
the
to
romancers,
loss
to
who
talk
man,
who
great
is
which
feels less than
any
he
finds
pleasure in showing
to
know
that
he
it with
such
admirers
spoiled by
of honor
so
delicate treatment,
with
they
He
it still
he
an
a
man
rejoices
of
sive
exces-
He
more.
idol
of
acquires
it, and
the habit.
sentiments,
noble
great and
of
Such
it a point
by prudes, make
their passion. By force of
spiritualize
romances
to
that
often
consider
capable
makes
he
is in
he
consolation, but
of
heart
in
the occasion
his tears.
softens
this
sorrow,
offers it incense
a
possesses
and
emotion,
him.
would.
fashion
friends
his
to
he
believes
on
are
you
sufficient
not
in that
the need
one
not
ciples,
great prin-
when
sorrow
nothing
:
say
your
feelingsto stop
show
to
has
accident, which
or
great, but
with
man
a
it,only do
going
are
that
me
his
bound
honor
and
a
amusement.
an
again
me
regard those
light as the
same
All
one
become
take
to
you
you
overwhelm
to
control
feeds
give
ancient
our
passion,only
a
you
and
a
to
yourself by speculatingand meditating
greater or less advantages in loving. Take
I understand
of
bad
ruin
let it be
the
could
as
to
at
not
or
good
who
appetitebelonging
an
part of your
it is
forbidden
be
there
Inasmuch
yourselfof
L'ENCLOS
de
or
they
become
it to be
it, as they deem
fear
nothing
so
all the
much
150
as
more
their
own
the shame
ated
infatu-
work,
of
re-
LIFE
turning
Let
to
us
common
take
resuming their
and
sense
good
ridiculous
LETTERS
AND
Marquis, not
care,
in this way.
This
make
to
fashion
hood.
man-
selves
our-
of straining
in the age in
is nothing more,
intelligence
which
are
we
living,than playing the part of fools.
In former
times people took it into their heads that
love should
be something grave, they considered
it a
serious matter, and esteemed
it only in proportion to
its dignity. Imagine exacting dignity from a child !
Away would go all its graces, and its youth would
become
How
I pity
converted
into old age.
soon
with them
! What
our
was
a mortal
good ancestors
weariness, a melancholy frenzy, is with us a gay
Fools
that they were,
folly,a delicious delirium.
they preferred the horrors of deserts and rocks, to
with
flowers.
the
pleasures of a garden strewn
What
prejudices the habit of reflection has brought
our
us!
upon
proof that great sentiments are nothing but
chimeras
of pride and prejudice,is,that in our
day,
we
no
longer witness that taste for ancient mystic
The
I will
believed
go
be
the
disappear, and
men
like
for
of those
old
natural
most
will
stand
and
soon
amazed
they possessed a sort
in realitynothing but trifles which
the ever
changing fashions.
ideas
are
to
fashioned
gigantic
the most
ions,
firmly established opinfurther, deride the feelings that are
gallantry,no more
passions. Ridicule
You
which
will understand,
necessary
to
acquire the
to
of
both
will
see
that
idolatry,
pass
away
then, Marquis, that it is
habit of
151
not
deifyingthe fancy
NINON
last,that love
should
fostered
be
Nothing
I
adventure,
your
last
understand
you
blues, mark
know,
will
at
for I believe
high
your
what
to
clearlythe
more
than
tellingyou,
am
with
You
and to make
worthy of the name,
being treated as a serious affair,
and above allwith
lightly,
gayety.
in the world
woman
You,
the
make
can
of what
truth
be
to
far from
happy,
us
Countess.
for the
entertain
you
L'ENCLOS
de
the
result
Countess
the
harbor
a
be the
to
sorrowful
sentiments
will
of
sion.
pas-
give her
I tell you.
My indispositioncontinues, and I would feel like
tellingyou that I never
go out during the day, but
rendezvous?
would
that be giving you
not
a
If,
and give me
however, you should
come
ion
opinyour
of the "Bajazet" of Racine, you would
be very
kind.
They
say
that the
Champmesle
has
surpassed
herself.
read
I have
it contains
I
recognize the
Judge
it
It is
puts
even
of it goes
those
upon
quite strange,
should
be
assume
a
treated
serious
that
with
of
out
me
fact that truth
much
how
this letter,Marquis, and
over
who
is
a
152
you.
contagiousdisease.
aim
to
to
levity,it
tone.
with
humor
into love, since
in order
the lecture
was
you
undeceive
prove
that
necessary
stow
beyou.
love
to
NINON
in
but
that
manner
a
I
of what
L'ENCLOS
de
will best
ajjout to
am
tribune ; I feel the presence
I rub
me.
who
to
forehead
my
meditates
accord
I
say.
of the
with
with
air of
profound truths, and
going
great thoughts. I am
utter
to
who
on
portance
imthe
mount
who
god
the
the
to
inspires
a
person
is
going
reason
cording
ac-
rule.
by what caprice,have attached
shame
to the indulgence of that reciprocalinclination
which
both sexes.
has bestowed
nature
They
upon
knew, however, that they could not entirely stifle
its voice, so what
did they do to relieve themselves
stitute
of their embarrassment?
They attempted to subshell of an affection wholly spiritual
the mere
for the humiliating necessity of appearing in good
faith to satisfy a natural
want.
Insensibly, they
I know
Men,
have
not
accustomed
grown
that
not
were
establishingthe
the
the
work
it the
into
At
a
the
of
in
sories,
acces-
imagination, constitute
There
least
at
virtue.
a
frivolous
if
as
you
they
But
have
let
love
are;
us
given
break
prestige and cite an example.
beginning of their intercourse, lovers fancy
inspiredby the noblest and most delicate
They
sentiments.
the
metaphysics
;
them
exhaust
enthusiasm
they are
that their love
follow
virtue;
it,and
this
themselves
idea
fine
appearance
through
heated
of the inclination.
essence
erected
a
thousand
at last succeeded
belief that all these
of
a
with
nothings connected
enough, they have
little sublime
with
meddle
to
is
their
of
ingenuity, exaggerations,
the most
exquisite
intoxicated
a
for
a
time with
superiorarticle.
in their liaison:
154
Nature
But
let
the
us
quickly re-
AND
LIFE
her
covers
LETTERS
rights and
vanity, gorged
with
the
leaves
the
heart
purpose,
its sentiments
with
her
re-assumes
soon,
sway;
display of an exaggerated
at liberty to feel and
press
exfied
dissatis-
restraint,and
without
when
pleasuresof love, the day comes
these people are very much
selves,
surprisedto find themafter having traveled
around
a long circuit,
at the very point where
a peasant, acting according
to nature, would
have begun. And
thereby hangs a
the
tale.
A
certain Honesta, to
in whose
theory I
"What
You
who
in
exclaimed
furious.
tion,
transport of indigna-
a
that
pretend, Madame,
you
only
possesses
the
day upholding
one
was
fictitious name,
a
just been maintaining,became
who
one
as
have
!" she
"do
I
presence
give her
honest
a
virtuous
son,
per-
intentions,such
marriage, is actuated by such vulgar motives?
would
believe,in that case, that I, for instance,
'par vertu,' have been married three times, and
who,
to
have
a
subdue
what
be
much
very
to
them
that
call
only acted
pleasure? Truly you
mistaken.
duties
fulfill the
Indeed,
of my
men
thus
state, but
I
to
would
have
never
to
I
fused
re-
assure
greater part of the time, I yielded to
the
with
wished
never
I
only through complaisance, or
always
love
you
have
that
separate apartment,
procure
you
husbands,
my
regret
and
a
distraction,
importunitiesof men.
them
because
they have
at the
marry
as
We
tain
cer-
qualitiesof mind and heart; and no woman,
I do not
with the exception of those, perhaps, whom
attaches any importance to other
to name,
care
even
advantages
"
155
NINON
taste, carried
good
proof of
new
"The
the
her
I made
of
and
interrupted her,
I
through
more
that
see
what
draw
you
from
marriage," said I, "prove
them, fend
perhaps,
only,
the
to
that
end
same
in better
even
they
its
to
argument
malice
than
clusion.
logicalcon-
she
said
a
was
contention:
my
reasons
L'ENCLOS
de
wish
the
legitimateviews
that
as
those
extra
hold
ordinary lovers,
two
faith, with
an
who
this difference
ceremony
attached
it."
to
This
shot roused
indignationof my adversary.
said she, moving
join impiety to libertinage,"
"You
from
away
I took
the
me.
libertyof making some
investigations,
and would
This prude so
you believe it,Marquis?
refined, had such frequent 'distractions' with her
and vigorous,
three husbands,
all young
who
were
that
the
she buried
Come
them
Marquis,
now,
chimera,
your
in
correct
who
to
it is.
the
knows
love
a
woman
will be much
your
human
sentiment
for what
it is.
more
de
la
heart
for love
of
mistaken."
156
abandon
error;
of
dangerous
the idea you
Believe
time.
short
delicacy
reserve
sublime
more
very
retract
friendship; accept love
dignity you give it,the
it ; the
a
form
of
The
more
you
make
it,the less
Rochefoucauld,
well:
for
"If you
a
man
expect
herself,"says he, "you
X
The
Sensation
of
Love
Forms
Woman's
she
she
now
not
reassure
that
think
would
you
talk
you
to
do
not
will
you
I have
been
The
telling
long
passion
as
boldness
its
the
hope
mere
at
ask
nothing,
for
to
To
ask
If you
When
fault
will
cloud
me
liberty
at
your
to
if you
in
portion
pro-
disappear,
of what
favor
innocent
most
for
or
obtain
another,
slight
you
and
157
a
even
to,
; you
favor,
a
slight favor,
yet,
you
first
you
that
a
obliged
to
of
account
on
of
crime
At
herself
believes
this
is
as
degree
lead
caress.
so
with
that
ultimately
smallest
least,
at
or
are,
reached
will
the
it, delighted
modesty.
never
the
to
affair, but
you
yet
conscientiously
woman
grant
not
progress
tremble
favor
a
does
you
you.
has
of
told
feel
as
severe
as
surprise the truth
blooded
cold
more
the
with
perceive
I
own
your
alarmed
entirely.
It is not
you.
refinement
it
them
advance,
you
a
ing
mak-
principles.
fashion,
that
clearly into
see
as
and
in
me
the
I have
my
condemn
I believe
that
say
doubting
been
be
esteem
even
has
certainly
always
All
You
with
stop
will
you.
you.
you
dared
to
lover, have
a
she
appears
virtue, and
her
in
expects
You
you.
Countess
the
about
you
of
Nature
commentaries
TE
Part
Large
a
you
while
your
protest
making
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
more.
you are preparing to exact
your protestations,
She becomes
accustome^l to it and permits further
which
trifling,
that she
would
But,
from
with
the favor
considerable
obtained
A
the first day.
does
graduated
mistress
of
man,
intimacy
certain
her
She
strength when
is
proposed
little things which
she
favors
so
of resistance
power
proportion with
same
will be
entirelyupon
few
a
where
She
unimportant
her
which
She
travels
a
the
long
that she has
the
to possess
importance
to
of
She
grant.
way
in
the
relies
favors
final
on
can
by
to
with
her
far the
lead
her.
her very
the road
of
granting
Here
rashness
contemplate
cause
power
her
without
is
she
tions
sugges-
seduction.
ing
perceiv-
ing
singlestep. If upon lookback along the route, she is surprised at having
yielded so much, her lover will be no less surprised
at
moved
how
to see
imagination
are
within
will increase
experiments
she is imprudent, for
accustoms
much
are
ger
virtue, that she challenges dan-
her
of resistance ; she wishes
of
the
called upon
by courtingit.
much
so
something of a graver character
It is just this way : she flatters
her.
that her
herself
the
to
being
are
is
on
tion,
discre-
your
frailties
scale.
very
obtained
by
exacted, appear to her to be so
of refusal,that she expects
her power
same
be of
compared
that
first
at
him.
to
when
with
the
herself, and
with
appears
re-assured
woman,
if she
day before, becomes
the
compared
a
upon
other
day
perceive that
not
importance
any
one
on
when
little
result,what
the
little consequence
so
so
of
slightestterms
judge
to
of
it from
endure
the
on
were
be
to
seems
having obtained
so
a
much.
158
LIFE
is not
of
a
always
I
in her
been
suspected
years
of married
for her
be cited
as
One
day
to
knew
who,
woman,
with
of any
everybody,
affair of the
life had
example
persuaded
bring about the
am
a
manner
husband,
an
I
necessary
woman.
amiable
LETTERS
still further.
I go
But
AND
not
and
to
love
downfall
although
had
heart.
diminished
their
that
her
happy union
never
Fifteen
ness
tendercould
imitate.
place,her friends amused
themselves
late that they were
constrained
to
so
remain
all night. In the morning, her
at her house
servants
happening to be occupied with her guests,
she was
alone in her apartment
engaged in making
her toilet. A man
whom
she knew
quite well, but
without
who
social position,dropped in for a
was
short visit and to pass the compliments of the day.
Some
perplexity in her toilette,induced him to offer
his services.
The
neglige dress she wore, naturally
him
an
opportunity to compliment her upon
gave
her undiminished
Of course
charms.
she protested,
but
unmerited.
laughingly, claiming they were
However, one
thing followed another, they became
trifle sentimental, a few
familiarities which
a
they
did not at first deem
of any consequence,
developed
into something more
unable to
decided, until, finally,
the woman
both overcome,
resist, they were
being
in the nature
culpable,for she regarded his advances
What
their emof a joke and let them
barrassment
run
on.
was
after such
a
slip? They have never
how
since been able to understand
they could have
ventured
so* far without
having had the slightest
intention of so doing.
at her
country
159
NINON
I
tempted
am
who
this
at
there
the
most
virtuous
for
this
Oh, you mortals
ble
your virtue,trem-
here:
reliance upon
Whatever
example!
strength,
is the
part of her
when
is, in
Her
nature.
The
feeble.
most
for love
desire
The
your
unfortunately,moments
are,
is, that
phenomenon
watch; always aiming
the
be
may
reason
is always
nature
strange
on
ends.
exclaim
to
much
place too
L'ENCLOS
de
attain
to
is
virtue
large
a
woman,
a
her
but
nothing
a
piece of patchwork.
homilies
The
in such
actually sincere, although
maintain
expects
to
and
delicate.
so
that
Marquis,
is
exterior
but
of
fact
this
female
their
woman
herself
in
well
if she
severe
so
mind,
your
metaphysicians are
from
nature
deludes
other
acts,
and
austere,
more
will
you
not
Their
women.
their morals
be
may
a
cases,
end, sentiments
the
imposing,
more
their
those
the
these
inquire into
that
to
Fix
in their
different
she
but
always exaggerates,
Countess
estimable
of your
discover
affairs
heart
less
women
as
always finish the same
refined.
They are a speciesof
"overnice," forming
class
a
of their
own,
I
as
Queen Christine of Sweden, one day: "They
the Jansenists of love." (Puritans.)
are
should
be on
You
guard, Marquis, against
your
have
the chapter of
to say on
everything women
gallantry. All the fine systems of which they make
such a pompous
sions,
display, are nothing but vain illu-
told
which
they utilize
easilydeceived.
In the
all this rubbish
of stilted
which
he
mocks,
and
to
eyes
astonish
of
a
phrases
which
160
does
those
clear
is but
not
who
are
sighted man,
a
parade
prevent
at
him
XI
Distinction
The
WAS
I
delighted
you
preaching
why?
proof
of
which
not
me
believe,
Tell
the
and
would
senses,
that
that
form,
respect
every
who
a
of
her
of
her
mother
instead?
of
age,
Why
her
advances
role
with
Why
do
to
you
Does
uneasy
her
when
esteem
that
her
why
for
them
so
other
them
diminish
162
in
sidering
con-
you,
ing
glow-
mind
alone
see
and
such
a
of
with
much
men?
least
that
one
ored
enam-
hundred
would
the
in
more
become
a
of
such
still
not
play
with
from
shows
and
who
you
she
in
You
and
work
enchant
neglect
you,
the
me
plainness,
desire
you
distinguished by
you
;
heart.
your
worth
Countess.
the
than
have
pleasure
heart
fifty is
of
woman
placency
com-
a
would
not
to
ture
pic-
sentiments
which
eyes
qualities of
it is her
day,
make
same
be
you,
with
in
much
so
once
You
you
were
been
for
your
as
describe
you
If the
colors?
that
those
Ah!
down
love
take
you
which
mouth
seduce
if your
:
flown
think
you
have
I
Countess
that
high
as
what
Do
ing
speak-
me
metaphysics.
of the
so
gives
days.
demonstrates
frankly
me
of
latter
all your
altogether
are
it
truth
charms
the
me
letter, Marquis.
Because
these
you
Friendship
and
your
the
forgotten
to
Love
with
know
to
have
you
Between
men
wo-
her
merit,
enact
the
the
ess?
Count-
passion
Why
to
are
courtesy?
which
she
LIFE
AND
LETTERS
pretends for you? Are rivalries and jealousies
I have
recognized in metaphysics? I believe not.
such things in them ; I
friends and I do not observe
in my
heart when
feel none
own
they love other
women.
Friendship is a
with
the
; the
senses
of it, and
which
sentiment
the
alone
soul
soul
difference
and
that
between
which
confess, that
you
if it
soul
whom
of
the
time.
you
desire which
offers itself to
heart, I
am
not
same
will
perceivethe
governs
a
so
pare
Com-
lover.
a
friend,
You
unreasonable
will
as
first
thought, and that it might be very well
should happen that in love, you might have a
as
worldly as that of a good many
people,
it pleases you
ment.
of very little refineto accuse
at
I do
not
trial. I
would
are
at
a
its value
nothing
loses
by giving itself up to several at
friendshipwith love, and
nothing to do
receives the impression
has
am
be
not
wish, however,
frank, and
I
am
honest, they would
a
bit
more
refined
alone
bring men
quite sure that if women
to
soon
confess
than
men.
to
that
they
Indeed, if
in love only the pleasures of the soul, if
they saw
they hoped to please only by their mental
plishments
accomand their good character, honestly,now,
would
with such particular
they apply themselves
of their person? What
to pleaseby the charms
care
is a beautiful skin to the soul ; an elegant figure; a
well
What
contradictions
between
shaped arm?
their real sentiments
and
those
they exhibit on
will be convinced
at them, and
parade ! Look
you
that they have
intention of making themselves
no
163
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
except by their sensual
valued
attractions,and
that
everything else as nothing. Listen to
will be tempted to believe that it is not
them:
you
the least. I
they consider
worldly things which
I deserve
credit for trying to dispel your erthink
ror
in this respect, and ought I not to expect everything
from
the care
they will take to undeceive
you
themselves?
Perhaps they will succeed
only too
they
count
easilyin expressing
those
I
you
due
am
evening,
going
and
miss
de
heard
have
to
at
hear
sentiments
to-day
the
Monsoreau
will
a
fine
de
also
company?
164
Raymond's
and
la
be
to
me.
de
Camus
two
Mesdames
such
from
Mademoiselle
sing.
to
entirelycontrary
Ytier
who
this
are
Sabliere, de Salins,
there.
Would
you
XII
A
Man
take
YOU
things
Already
Oh!
You
have
spoken
notice
is
have
has
eight
whole
given
you
of
days
the
of the
last
patience,
have
would
had
proclaim grand
accomplished
already
late
Celadon
speak
call
etc.
the
Countess
But
by
never
believe
Love
is
a
what
what
veritable
who
experiences
that
the
blind
beloved
sentiment
a
are
the
slightest
Such
thing
are
of
to
lose
to
time
you
continued
had
You
eight days
complaints
your
be
heroine
a
beginning
months.
eight
not
begins
sentiments.
in
after
not
can
is
length
havior
be-
has
she
resistance
the
more
in
could
seriously,
if you
noble
and
yourself,
possible that
suffer, if you
to
mistaking
you,
Countess
The
slept.
not
no
attention
imagine
can
you
is
not
it
long
a
But
century.
have
Such
probability.
beyond
you
Marquis.
condition.
devoted
Such
heart,
and
Is
hope?
least
to
speak,
your
revenge.
easily imagined.
pass
plainly,
of
Spectacle
there
eyes
your
taken
for
that
love,
true
quite
calls
much
too
made
been
Amusing
an
nights
two
it
that.
is
Love
in
to
have
than
the
However,
to
You
just?
ungrateful, insensible, disdainful,
right
do
you
told
I have
talk
you
thus
is bound
object
acquired
without
165
to
her
you
times
in
even
should
Why
pangs.
Will
hundred
a
caprice, involuntary,
its
?
you
recompense
connivance?
?
one
say
a
You
consider
You
men.
you
queer,
very
are
L'ENCLQS
de
NINON
selves
your-
respond
to the languishing looks you
with eagerness
deign
Your
revolted pride immediately
her.
to cast upon
if it were
her fault that
her of injustice,
as
accuses
tain
obliged,at a ceryour head is turned ; as if she were
because
offended
Tell
afflicted with
not
to
her ; I know
will
she
sentiments
feel,too
has
with
inspireyou
happiness, but
of
a
and
her
enough.
peace
of mind,
fail to
and
be
very
far, I do
so
serious
think
not
she is
give you
plenty of
retained.
and
As
more,
which
Have
it rises like
you
if you
as
the
begins
can
attentive
must
you
are
to
mistress
be
sumes
as-
it
weaken;
to
ends
in disdain
directlyto disgust and inconstancy.
found, perchance, everythingyou required
martyrdom?
over
many
vexations, how
you.
cause
of your
storms
Marquis! What
quarrels I foresee!
What
forget this:
is the
who
Poor
blow
not
you;
tyrant, and
a
An
she
leads
in the littlemistress
do
exercise.
soon
the role of lover, love
does
ceptible
sus-
attachment.
would
caressingwoman
weary
in a militaryfashion,
handled
amused
I believe
everything to subjugate you,
with the taste I hope will be for
Vivacious, inconsistent,positive,decided,
not
haps
Per-
desires.
your
to
malady
your
her
you
in her
to
your
for
soon
is
she
as
soon
accuse
seductive
are
you
you,
to
as
communicate
to
try
commensurate
she
and
delirium
same
you.
as
responsible if
Cease, then,
begin to rave?
complain, and
to
the
not
disease
same
Countess
is the
this:
me
the
seized with
to be
stage,
does
woman
a
many
So
will
How
threats to leave her ! But
much
166
ous
dolor-
emotion
will become
AND
LIFE
LETTERS
your punishment,if you treat love after the manner
and you will meet
of a hero of romance,
a fate
the contrary if you
treat
it like
a
tirely
en-
reasonable
man.
ments
ought I to continue to write you? The moletters will be so
employ to read my
you
But
stolen
many
from
like to be
should
for
more
a
a
witness
sober-minded
amusing
Great
love.
than
of your
person,
Heavens!
situations !
is there
the contortions
love?
167
how
of
I
deed,
In-
a
cle
specta-
a
man
in
XIII
Is
Vanity
YOU
what
I
cavalierly
so
wish
You
adventure
your
take
my
good
of
way
I
frivolous,
or
affair
which
will
on
see
pity
to
want
whether
imagination,
you
refer
recipe
my
to
You
say
men
a
has
and
all
based
good
by
this
woman's
designs
on
she
cause
of
the
Countess
the
the
trait.
lips leads
upon
them.
be
of
a
smallest
them
into
did
say,
make
But
to
word
the
at
her
the
was
I
that
has
it in
friends.
her.
belief
the
tures
conjec-
them,
to
to
:
your
of
of
pain
a
think
not
not
trick
surprised
Everything
168
letter
your
fancy
an
do
it good.
indiscretions
you
to
you
succeed,
To
you
about
The
to
you
what
taking
your
appears
more
as
to
spoke
a
find
be
yourself
upon
By
will
paragraph
I
not.
or
pleasure.
you
According
are
main
now
are
you
of
earnest.
The
what
a
second
the
coldness
pitied
become
may
of
use
be
to
are
to
comes
tone.
depends
it
ciples?
prin-
my
happiness,
appropriate
an
because
you,
you
your
to
on
lasting
a
that
believe
it
When
shall
see
with
I
sider
con-
I
but
not
you
thing
a
amusing.
depends
take
me
of
lightly
to
thing,
Do
so.
tion?
condi-
your
means
is consistent
you
simply
all
by
with
Marquis,
about
serious
a
do
to
treating
speak
for Love
said
me
as
not
care
Soil
satisfied^ then.,
not
are
Fertile
a
know
escapes
that
seme
she
ref-
NINON
de
L'ENCLOS
bravely deceived. Like
lieve
those enthusiasts who, by force of imagination,bethey can reallysee the images they conjure up
in their minds, we
fancy that we can see in others
have
loved, and
to be
sentiments
the
Be
desire to find there.
we
careful, then, Marquis,
blinded
by
false notion.
a
spoken well of you
without
you justice,
And
should
of their
hide
does
with
not
Countess
The
sole
the
are
toward
you,
their love
the
bad
use
them
justify
you
if you
in
make
so
170
when
regard.
inspiration? Are not women
carefully their sentiments
not
of
intention
have
her
doing
any
you
After
pect
sus-
all,
source
in the
from
ther.
far-
dissemble
the
are
of the
doing?
have
may
object
wrong
insincerityin your
not
prefer to
you
yourselfbe
let
to
carrying her
you
sure
sentiments
her
to
be
of
her
why
are
we
you,
right
and
certaintyof
XIV
Worth
and
NO,
Merit
Marquis,
Sevigne
the
letters
she
doubt,
the
frivolous
am
very
the
one
much
has
of
the
to
never
and
her
will
influence
my
enough
to
I
talk
am
sure
relates
heart?
will,
to
myself
for
not
judge
not
am
of
me
will
sophic
philo-
am
securing
without
me
shall
I
happen,
tinue
con-
frankness,
ordinary
Sevigne, in spite
de
heart, be
of my
more
I come
Now,
show.
just
than
speak
I
my
I
so
to
of
ion
opinwhat
you.
think
I
at
for
you.
with
her
of Ninon
for
may
not
am
injustice
her
lantry,
gal-
knows
believe
not
people who
to
of
now
I
her,
does
Madame
that
cares
of
But
console
you
Marquis,
Well,
you
to
mind,
she
to
she
Whatever
to
than
that
of
me.
refined
had
wished
she
idea
another
friendship
commendation
I
trary,
con-
Without
that
and
de
the
question
a
know
imagined,
fact
she
profit ;
also
heretofore
On
me.
were
my
Love
Madame
me.
from
advantage.
my
knowing
to
hereafter
she
ignorant
the
form
to
be
in
of
that
glad
if it
that
only
she
offended
receive
She
as
curiosity
not
thought
contrary.
enough
the
you
it could
Considered
Not
has
I
see
Are
have
you
am
of
after
at
infinite
last
glad of it; but
the
care
softened
I
laugh
sentiments.
Countess'
171
and
at
trouble,
that
stony
your
pretation
inter-
You
share
NINON
all
with
a
men
L'ENCLOS
de
common
it is necessary
which
error
it may
be to you to
flattering
foster it. You
believe,every one of you, that it is
worth
alone that kindles passion in the heart
your
and that qualities
of women,
of heart and mind
are
the causes
What
of the love they feel toward
you.
You
a mistake!
only think so, it is true, because
pride finds satisfaction in the thought. But,
your
if you can
do so without
prejudice,inquireinto the
to
however
remove,
motives
that
actuate
and
you,
will
you
ceive
per-
soon
laboring under a delusion, and
ered,
that
that, everything well considyou;
vanity and of ours;
you are the dupe of your
that the worth
of the person loved is only an excuse
which
gives an occasion for love, and is not
the real cause.
play,
byFinally,that all this sublime
which
is paraded on both sides, is a mere
liminary
preinto the desire to satisfythe
which
enters
the prime exciting
need
I first indicated to you
as
of this passion. I tell you this is a hard and
cause
the less certain.
humiliating truth, but it is none
with this necessityof
the world
We
enter
women
in preference
loving undefined, and if we take one man
to another, let us say so honestly,we
yieldless
that you
deceive
we
are
stinct
inknowledge of merit than to a mechanical
is nearly always blind.
which
For proof of this I need only refer to the foolish
cated
intoxibecome
passions with which we sometimes
to
the
for strangers,
we
not
are
selection
from
the
or
at
least for
men
acquainted, to
sufficiently
of them
from
beginning;
the
odium
in which
172
case
of
with
whom
relieve
our
imprudence
if there
is
a
AND
LIFE
mutual
well, it is pure
response,
always forming
attachments
hence
love
to
I
not
am
of
food
of
a
than
worthiness
of the
honor:
much
because
woman,
for
let
opinion
us
I
comparing
feels for
another, without
am
self
your
cruel
very
to
love, but
I
flattered by the
are
You
loved.
do
rather, that you
say
are
believe it implies the
you
object
in
sometimes
being able to give the reason.
thus dissipatethe phantoms of
am
tellingyou the truth. You
love
We
sufficient circumspecti
wrong
one
rather
chance.
without
appetite which
an
kind
one
LETTERS
her
too
have
too
of
that it is
yourself. Understand
love you, to speak with sincerity,
not for yourself that we
seek.
it is our
own
happiness we
Caprice,
fects
interest,vanity,disposition,the uneasiness that afhearts- when
our
they are unoccupied, these
good
an
the
are
of the
sources
deify! It
they enter
us
wish
we
great qualitiesthat affect
is not
for
great sentiment
anything into
in your
the
favor, it is
which
reasons
if
us;
mine
deter-
which
the heart
not
to
ceives
re-
impression,it is vanity; and the greater
which
please us, very
part of the things in you
often makes
you ridiculous or contemptible.
the
will you
But, what
who
we
entertain
can
need
need
one
rather than
not
choose
be the
repeat
Poor
:
another
him.
In
a
objects of
You
dupes !
think
You
;
we
to
our
presents us with
do
accept him, but we
believe yourselves
disinterested
love you
women
are
admirer
perfections;
will submit
who
word, you
our
our
an
Chance
!
man
a
need
ideas of
with
us
obligingperson
an
caprices; we
to
We
have?
only the
173
affection.
I
for yourselves.
instruments
of their
NINON
pleasures,the sport of
do
L'ENCLOS
de
their
justicefit
women
caprices. I
is not
with
just enumerated
sentiments
which
I develop
in their
minds,
faith in the world,
and
be
this
a
and
here
not
are
contrary, with
what
are
for the
well
only by
theirs
enced
influ-
crying injusticeto
grand
ideas
which
nourished.
It
would
the
has
fined
de-
the best
imagine themselves
women
actuated
vanity
your
the
on
that you
their consent,
I have
ever,
how-
must,
accuse
them
of deceit
in
of it, they
being aware
deceive themselves, and you are equally deceived.
You
of the
that I am
see
revealing the secrets
good goddess. Judge of my
friendship,since, at
the expense
of my
own
sex, I labor to enlighten
you.
respect; but, without
The
better
they will
you
lead you
know
to
commit.
174
the fewer
women,
.
lies
fol-
XV
The
Hidden
Motives
Marquis,
I
REALLY,
do
truths.
mania
for
better
than
I
any
one
else
the
most
than
spite of
I
me.
feel
again to-day, and
broadside
the
give
to
So
to
make
bad
me
Marquis,
the
ideas,
to
taken
an
if I
is
me
to
prepare
making
dure
en-
ready
gayety.
more
you
of
exception.
I
am
please
on
You
in
furnished
with
earth
do
who
last
my
greeable
disa-
know,
not
you
may
because
you,
expressed
Besides,
thinks
the
woman?
a
seriously,
very
manner
my
it
I
sex
my
being
however,
wish,
as
utter?
evil of women,
most
I
that
to
in
upon
anything.
back
fault
it my
truths
of
more
everything
am
promise
much
as
I know
letter.
take
opinion
Is
letter.
I
my
conversation,
to
you
I
of
are
philosophy
morality
your
not
on
war
the
of
answer
will
I
of
tifying
mor-
things.
through
ask
Hereafter,
you.
now
No,
I must
as
sweep
rid
get
reasonable
fit of
a
seems
to
pleasant lies
that
guage
lan-
substitute
and
considered
disposition breaks
my
than
however,
must,
It
you.
letters
my
illusions
saying deeply
agreeable
but
in
agreeable
your
away
aim
other
no
how
serious
the
to
write
I sometimes
if I had
understand
not
submit
meekly
can
you
Love
of
expressing
am
175
neither
to
justify
which
envious
you
nor
the
have
un-
NINON
just.
rather
I
Because
than
L'ENCLOS
happened
yours,
intention
my
de
must
you
underrate
to
understand
mention
to
own
my
I
women.
it is
that
imagine
not
sex
hoped
to make
that, without
being more
culpable
than
men,
they are more
dangerous because
they
accustomed
are
more
timents.
successfullyto hide their senIn effect,you
will confess
the object of
than they will acknowledge theirs.
your love sooner
when
that their affecHowever,
tion
they assure
you
for you has no
other source
than a knowledge
of your
merit and of your
I am
good qualities,
suaded
perthat they are
I do not
sincere.
doubt
even
that when
they realize that their style of thought
is becoming less refined,they do everything in their
you
hide
to
power
the
motives, about
in the
are
bottom
the
none
have
fact
themselves.
which
I have
been
of their
hearts
just the
less the
for you,
from
true
whatever
and
the
tellingyou,
efforts
are
They
same.
of the
causes
But
likingthey
they
make
may
that the causes
persuade themselves
are
wholly
their desire changes nothing in the nature
spiritual,
of things. They hide this deformity with as much
conceal
teeth that might disfigas
care
they would
ure
to
an
when
otherwise
alone
mouth,
true
would
as
well
as
much
with
and
colors.
you
women
The
of
a
that
were
world
such
afraid
of habit
forgetting all
it is not
In
be
force
by
others
I agree
if men
so,
in
succeed
that
they
and
from
perfect face.
to
even
their
open
in
from
it
about
case,
fect
hiding this dethemselves, they
in considering
or
defect.
you
to
show
has
176
would
lose
themselves
agreed
to
much
too
play
in their
a
com-
NINON
will discover
you
you;
woman
your
eyes
he
will
use
te
you
its
so
are
enigma.
of all the
the
motives
still
more
the
rouse
humiliatingto
jealousy of some
will
he
cultivate
really loves, and
friendshipmerely to distinguishhimself in her
I can
how
not tell you
by rejectingyou.
many
insolvable
know
L'ENCLOS
he
motives, there
an
de
known
workings
;
The
many.
It is
a
human
whimsical
contrarieties.
we
their
see
If it expresses
heart
tion
combinathink
We
effects ;
is
we
we
ignore
its sentiments
sincerely,
that sincerityis not reassuring. Perhaps its
even
movements
spring from causes
entirelycontrary to
those we
imagine we feel to be the real ones.
But,
after all,people have
adopted the best plan, that is,
to
explain everything to their advantage, and to
themselves
in imagination for their real
compensate
cause.
miseries, and
themselves,
accustom
as
I
think
have
I
already said, to deifying all their sentiments.
Inasmuch
as
everybody finds in that the summit
of his vanity, nobody has ever
ing
thought of reformthe custom,
of examining it to see whether
it
or
is
a
mistake.
Adieu;
will find
you
it you
me
with
desire to
those
come
whose
for this serious
this
gayety
discourse.
178
evening
you
will compensate
XVI
How
what
IS
the
I
You
you.
are
those
affect
quality might
heart
the
Believe
world.
things
spin
them
is not
there
women:
little
through
lose
Men
of
one
handling
rough
impression
upon
your
to
but
the
the
the
with
other
of
ways
the
such
sentiments;
does
let
behalf
on
you
much
too
tack
at-
Celadons,
who
us
This
must
you
world
tell
blundering
timid.
are
to
I
perfection.
out
But
talk, beautiful
sublime
as
you.
knows
leave
know
impress
of
and
me,
I
with
you
woman
a
think
even,
bourgeoise,
Countess
The
weapons.
a
of
an
that
a
I
riddle.
the
not
made
noticed
have
I
heart,
of
do
they
flippant
attentions
your
playful, conceited
have
what,
grieves you?
secret
as
who
The
receives
which
gay,
long
as
women
with
the
guessed
obdurate?
she
indifference
an
have
which
in
Love
possible, Marquis,
me
continues
Countess
manner
reveals
write
you
in
Victorious
Be
to
of
prefer
not
consideration.
hearts
more
than
tue
vir-
saves.
The
timidity
more
more
it
more
respect
respect
say
to
us
to
have
concerns
we
you
to
too
has
for
so
much
very
of
to
Do
179
him
goad
We
would
pity's
virtuous;
it.
with
resistance,
our
in
"Ah,
men:
shows
him.
of
demand
be
pride
our
he
lover
a
not
you
put
are
so
the
on;
the
the
more
willingly
do
name
us
not
pose
sup-
forcing us
high a price
NINON
When
treat
defeat
our
difficult. Accustom
something
by degrees
were
L'ENCLOS
do not
conquest;
your
upon
de
seeing you
to
if it
tion
imagina-
our
doubt
as
ence."
indiffer-
our
be perlover, although he may
suaded
of our
eration
gratitude,treat us with the considdemanded
by our vanity, we shall conclude
without
of it,that he will always be
being aware
the
a
although
same,
From
see
we
of
sure
that moment,
inclination
our
confidence
what
will he not
What
if he
But
be
not
a
pride ; and
in
flattering
progress
may
notifies us
to be always
it is not
then
hearts
our
battle
to
What
women.
not
on
our
make?
guard,
virtue, but
our
preserve
be
to
enemy
is there
more
he
spire?
in-
shall defend; it will
we
that is the worst
for him.
to
tell
our
conquered
you? We
continuallystrugglingto hide the fact that we
have
loved.
Put
be
to
a
permitted ourselves
in a position to say that she has yielded
woman
only to a species of violence, or to surprise; persuade
are
her that you
for her
answer
You
must
the
is
requires;she
lead
must
even
let her
that
other
men,
see
yourself in
be
as
her
Countess
lively,and
follies you
Fix
her, and I will
heart.
manage
and
undervalue
do not
her
as
her
playful,and
to
love.
ter
charac-
by
Do
fling
trinot
distinguishes you from
playfulas she is light hearted.
without
heart
giving her any
she
will love
She
you
"warning of your intention.
without
day she will be very
knowing it,and some
much
astonished
at having made
headway
so much
without really suspectingit.
180
XVII
Understand
Women
Love
the
Difference
and
Flirtation
Marquis,
PERHAPS,
the
to
more
cruel
cause
of your
of
cause
laugh
anxieties, it
something
them.
at
Oh,
seriously enough,
I
declaration
wicked
she
do
gaily
of
to
a
but
gallant speeches
certain
Chevalier,
mask,
far
I
answer
The
you,
ought
from
take
drives
and
beautiful.
with
If you
subject.
and
"
speaks
she
tone,
you,
she
you
air.
the
then
to
the
make
replies
All
you
despair.
to
of
absence
all
being indifferent.
181
this
mind
nonchalance
you
tender
a
she
feel
But
at
with
perhaps
or
bles
trou-
you,
Poor
quis!
Mar-
which
true
she
on
that
lack
a
tionate
affec-
is love,
heart
your
comb,
cox-
and
puts
plies
re-
sation
conver-
and
intimidates
that
you,
bold
flippantly,
this
and
willingly
seriously
on
spite of
in
professional
a
is
she
again,
and
a
occasion?
world
listens
She
risk
takes
every
the
in
woman
barrassment
em-
your
who
on
am
desire
Really, why
and
affected,
I
troubles
your
woman
it
but
and
me.
a
is the
great
a
more,
the
to
preoccupied
changes
to
please her.
to
to
avoiding
unmindful
all you
and
love
appears
most
do
great
in
pleasure
Now,
the
of
into
enter
not
can
appears
a
I
She
is true,
I feel
worse;
still
me
Countess.
the
Real
think
will
you
than
Between
of
fects
af-
for
she
a
is
bold-
NINON
ness,
the
such
a
in her
part would
both
at
who
ready
al-
she
should
member
re-
you
like
act
not
can
your
told you
may
and
not
on
Do
ease.
your
in love
man
stacles
raise ob-
boldness
de la Rochefoucauld
M.
he
but
which
it is you
little more
A
path.
reasonable
"A
interest
follow
condition, all this intimidates
put you
what
she feels must
the
yours*
herself,and
countess
:
as
in your
takes
the
which
consequences
passion
L'ENCLOS
de
ly
lateman,
mad-
a
like
act
an
idiot."
Besides, when
with
the
compare
you
the free and
Chevalier; when
almost
indecent
draw
you
respect and
your
from
teem
es-
of
manner
it the
sion
conclu-
preferyou to him, you do not
how
The
know
Chevalier
incorrectly you argue.
is nothing but a gallant,and
what
he says is not
worth
considering,or at least appears so. Frivolity
alone, the habit of romancing to all the pretty
that she should
he
women
for
counts
finds in his way,
nothing, or
the
discourse
in
is
heart
a
in all
little,
least for very
at
Love
in
to
tell the
a
more
man
the
of the
word,
worn
go
and
Like
talk.
he hovers
only a
butterfly,
An
each flower.
moment
over
amusing episode is
his only object. So much
frivolityis not capable
fling
She is delightedat the triof alarming a woman.
danger she incurs in listeningto such a man.
knows
well how
Countess
to appreciate
The
very
his
liaisons.
him
makes
him
she knows
out.
for
Chevalier; and
to
who,
Women,
metaphysics,
difference
between
like you.
But
you
183
to
be
say
a
whose
man
hear
thing
every-
them
admirably
know
a
to
lover
will
talk,
how
of his class
always
be
more
LIFE
formidable
of
and
AND
LETTERS
dreaded
to be
more
by your
manner
making yourselffelt.
You
boast
of your respectfulesteem, but
I reply that it is nothing of the kind, and the Countess
knows
to
me
it well.
Nothing
with
ends
so
little respect
passion like yours.
Quite different from
the Chevalier, you
require recognition,preference,
sacrifices.
Countess
The
acknowledgment, even
all these pretensionsat a glance,or at least,if
sees
in the cloud which stillenvelops them, she does not
distinguishthem clearly,nature
gives her a presentiment
a
as
of what
the
the cost
will be if she allows
you
least
opportunity to instruct her in a passion
which
she doubtless already shares.
Women
rarely
which
inquire into the reasons
impel them to give
themselves
amuse
up or to resist ; they do not even
themselves
or
by trying to understand
explain
with
them, but they have feelings,and sentiment
them
is correct, it takes the place of intelligence
and
reflection.
them
in
perhaps
case
as
Your
It is
a
sort
of instinct which
danger, and which
surely as does the most
of
beautiful
leads
warns
them
aright
son.
enlightenedreawishes
Adelaide
to enjoy an
This plan is very
she can.
interests,and yet I am
fully
incognito as long as
congenial to her real
persuaded that it is not the work of reflection. She
it only from the point of view of a passion,outwardly
sees
constrained, making stronger impressions
and
still greater progress
inwardly. Let it have
an
opportunity to take deep root, and give to this
fire she
which
tries to hide, time
you
wish
to
confine
183
to
it.
consume
the heart
in
NINON
You
also admit,
must
in
yourself
thought
two
does,
On
the
on
the
the other
Countess
Chevalier
to
see
the
heart
You
than
the
that the
without
are
inattentive
and
deceive
you
more
figurethat
hand, you
air, indifferent
that
calculation.
your
contrary you
them
begrudge
you
in
ways.
of
speeches
while
Marquis,
respected the
you
Chevalier
L'ENCLOS
de
effect,
of your
her
lant
gal-
ty.
beau-
pied
preoccu-
manner
are
ceive
proofs or forewarnings of your unhappiness. Undeis no more
certain proof of
yourself. There
it. In a
to hide
a
passion than the efforts made
the Countess
ever
treats
word, when
kindly,whatyou
proofs you may
give her of your affection,
when
she sees
without
alarm
the point of
on
you
confessing your love, I tell you that her heart is
caught; she loves you, on my word.
By the way, I forgot to reply to that part of your
letter concerning myself.
Yes, Marquis, I constantly
follow
the method
which
I prescribed at
the commencement
of our
correspondence. There
few
are
in my
matters
letters that
I have
not
used
in my
social reunions.
subjects of conversation
I rarely suggest
ideas of any
importance to you,
without
having taken the opinions of my friends on
their verity. Sometimes
it is Monsieur
de la Bruas
yere,
sometimes
whom
I
1'Abbe
de Chateauneuf.
Monsieur
consult; another
faith, Marquis, for
I
good I write you, but
it only to the people
Apropos
of
men
of
de
time
You
Saint-Evremond
it will be
must
Monsieur
admire
good
my
credit of the
might claim the
I frankly avow
that
whom
at
I,receive
you
my
distinguishedmerit, M.
184
owe
house.
de
la
XVIII
When
Woman
a
Is
Loved
She
of
HAVE
I
been
the
on
After
formal
a
read
in
as
solemn
be
too
which
those
force
than
if
Avowals
incumber
always
days.
in
mind,
persuaded
than
costing
;
that
she
she
if you
as
so
you
take
is
A
vanced
ad-
avowals
the
women.
themselves,
and
several
ulous
neb-
progress.
Bear
this
is much
woman
loved
by
what
better
she
anxiety;
easy.
him
declaration
the
made
much
with
its
out
with-
that
guesses
is told.
had
things
herself
retard
Marquis:
what
by
Act
They
acquire
with
passion
a
I told
as
by
worry
in
were
farther
be
mances,
ro-
would
will
see,
will
useless
old
our
alone;
will
should
because
That
frightened
insisted
be
courtship
lighted,
you
were
absolutely
which
fire
love, you
you
fathers
our
let it
me,
day, and
you
in
tribunals?
the
letter, the
said
in
make
to
it
things
proceedings
of
every
Can
and
continue.
you
necessary
love?
Believe
last
my
having
well
the
which
it
such
about
as
greater
which
deem
of
Told
in, Marquis,
are
in
you
technical.
in
you
do
Be
reflections
new
some
you
declaration
have
you
in
embarrassment
all, why
Not
It
engaged
condition
the
on
Need
The
in
186
or
way
your
imitate
the
which
the
lier
Cheva-
Countess
presence
is
seems
ducts
con-
to
LIFE
be
law
a
LETTERS
AND
in your estimation.
With
spection
circumyour
and pretended respect, you present the appearance
of a man
who
meditates an important design,
of
in
word, who
contemplates a
exterior is disquietingto a woman
step. Your
wrong
the consequences
who knows
of a passionsuch
that as long as you let it apRemember
as
yours.
pear
that you
are
tack,
making preparationsfor an atof
heard
ever
a
in war,
skillfulgeneral,who
a
the
does
his
owes
meet
is
the
disclose
happy.
the
combat
have
extent
is over,
declared
Follow
to
and
war.
Hide
oppose
a
to
prise
sur-
In
love
as
victor whether
skill?
He
example
and
has
are.
you
quered,
con-
fied,
gratiwill
do not
progress;
designs until it is no
your
of your
In
you
the enemy
to
his desires
his
the
the
or
the crown,
fate.
longer possible
force
to
success
intends
design
ask
ever
Have
descend?
is to
one
any
same
his
storm
he receives
he
defensive.
the
on
citadel, announce
whom
upon
a
will find her
you
he
man,
a
your
success,
until the
victorygained
before
word, imitate
those
people whose designs are not
the
ravaged country through
passed.
187
known
which
you
like
war-
except by
they
have
XIX
Why
Lover's
a
treated
better
and
told,
are
you
friendship.
The
revolting
the
to
gives
liere
Mais
voudrait
pour
elle
Qui
Et
qui
Belise
But
Who
she
Oh,
even
you
lover
assumed
by
You
should
the
advice
same
so
simple
is
you
never
rel
quar-
under
de
Madame
la
any
Sab-
madrigal:
following
fidele,
ami
soins
des
wanted
her
her
elle,
pour
que
sighed
a
rempressement,
belle.
hait
lover
de
et
bon,
tenez
ne
a
reasonable,
to
is
my
would
you
more
la trouvat
cuddle
would
And
cut
Tamour
for
believe
sentiments
it
the
parole
Belise
of
qui soupirez
ma
de
your
un
meme
Amants,
Sur
limit
sacred
point d'amant,
veut
ne
were
the
in
you
Belise
if you
when
you
and
love,
hold
However,
time?
Countess.
follow
and
name,
Will
sionately
dispas-
to
your
lovers
love.
name
quality
over
protest
you
always
another
predictions
listened
everything
by
will
you
Untrustworthy
are
you
when
swear
be
Are
last, Marquis,
AT
that
Vows
faithful
up
beauty
and
le
not,
friend,
care
188
for
her
defend.
sighs
lovers, whose
nom.
I commend,
lot,
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
f'Pon,
word, hold
my
What
fast to
of love Belise hates
is
such
only the
game,
name.
grieved by the injurious doubts cast
believed
disYou
are
jpon
your sincerityand constancy.
false and perjured,and
because
all men
are
How
because they are inconstant, love is withheld.
But
are
you
fortunate
her
you
heart, if she expects
own
She
value
true
a
is very
for
the
her, but
friends
have
of
are
men
affected
much
Do
talk
the
on
persuade
to
indifference in that fashion!
place
knows
littlethe Countess
How
are!
the
by
warnings
convinced
to
giving you?
hibit
passion you exof her
sorrows
the
I dot not
generally false.
me
is
and
that
her
wish
you
she
of her
you
protestations
conceive
any
lingly,
wilinjusticein this, for I, who do not flatter men
am
persuaded that they are usually sincere
of a
such
occasions.
amorous
on
They become
that is they experience the desire of possession.
woman,
The
enchanting image of that possession
bewitches
them; they calculate that the delights
end ; they do not imagwith it will never
connected
ine
the
that
weaken
the
die out;
or
them.
to
their
to
love
us
them
consumes
such
they
Hence
world
upon
fire which
a
thing
swear
with
always;
sinceritywould
be
and
seems
the
to
can
ever
impossible
faith in
best
cast
a
a
inflicting
doubt
mortal
injury.
promises than
they can keep. They do not perceive that their
heart has not
always to hold the
enough energy
to love without
knowing
same
object. They cease
why. They are good enough to be scrupulous over
But
the
poor
fellows
make
189
more
NINON
de
L'ENCLOS
Long after love has fled
they continue to insist "that they still love. They
and
after having
themselves
to no
exert
purpose,
tormented themselves
as
long as they can bear it,
and become
stant
inconthey surrender to dissatisfaction,
with
much
as
good faith as they possessed
when
be forever
they protested that they would
constant.
plain.
Nothing is simpler and easier to exThe fermentation
of a budding love, excited
that seduced
the charm
in their heart
them; by
and by, the enchantment
is dispelled,and nonchalance
what
With
follows.
can
they be charged?
Dear me,
They counted upon keeping their vows.
what is lacktoo happy with
how many
ing,
women
are
since men
give them a free rein to their lightness!
this may
However
up
coldness.
growing
their
to
you
the
inconstancy
that you
Ready
be
may
able
for
reasons
be, the Countess
are
to
yield
to
reassure
no
better
to
you,
does
offer her and
equals; she
than
all other
prehends
apers.
lov-
littje you
however
sincere.
offend
not
saying? It enchants her.
by it,that her sole fear is
Dissipate her alarms, show
you
charged
her, she is trying to find
believing you
protest for her
of your
has
of which
She
The
her.
is
so
love
What
much
you
am
I
flattered
that it may
be true.
not
her that the happiness
she knows
the price,is
imaginary happiness. Go farther; persuade
her that she will enjoy it forever, and her resistance
will vanish, and she will
will disappear, her doubts
seize upon
everything that will destroy her suspicions
and uncertainty.She would
have alreadybenot
an
190
LIFE
AND
LETTERS
have
resolved
already she would
yield to the pleasure of being loved, if she had
herself really loved, and that it would
lieved
you;
to
lieved
belast
forever.
maladroit
How
their fears and
by
constancy
of men,
women
if they
are
their doubts
they
can
of the
make
any
imagine that
sincerityand
believe
one
they are fleeingfrom love, or despise it! As soon
as
they fear they will be deceived in the enjoyment
of its pleasures; when
they fear they will not long
enjoy it,they already know the charms of it,and the
of anxiety then is,that they will be deprived
only source
of its enjoyment too soon.
Forever
haunted
tion
by this fear,and attacked by the powerful inclinatoward
pleasure, they hesitate, they tremble
with the apprehension that they will not
be permitted
to enjoy it but just long enough to make
the
privationof it more
painful. Hence, Marquis, you
who
talks to
may
very easilyconjecture a woman
does the Countess, using this language:
as
you
"I can
imagine all the delights of love. The idea
I have
formed
of it is quite seductive.
Do
you
think
that deep in my
heart I desire to enjoy its
charms
less than you?
But the more
its image is
I fear it is
ravishing to my imagination,the more
not real, and I refuse to yieldto it lest my
happiness
be too soon
destroyed. Ah, if I could only hope
that my
happiness might endure, how feeble would
be
my
resistance?
Will
had
that
day
too
very
you
much
But
will you
not
abuse
day punish
confidence
in you?
not
far off?
some
me
dulity?
cre-
for having
At
Ah, if I could hope
191
my
least is
to
gather
NINON
perpetuallythe
of
we
my
repose
would
soon
de
L'ENCLOS
fruits of the
for your
sacrifice I
Sake, I confess
be in accord."
192
am
it
making
frankly,
NINON
love
lead
to
her
L'ENCLOS
de
to
understand
the
of your
excess
passion. Give her something to be anxious about ;
compel her to take heed lest she lose you, by giving
her opportunitiesto think that she may.
is
There
woman
no
on
than
goods
who
is
Like
too
overcharge
in her
lierly
cava-
that
your
for whose
anxiety to
an
with
you
imprudent vivacity; manifest
more
great
Moderate,
consequences.
will excite
more
you
merchant
a
manifested
will
acquire,she
will treat
absolutelycertain
fail her.
have
you
to
who
one
will not
love
earth
little regard
as
therefore, your
less passion and
heart.
We
do
you
appreciate
not
than when
the
on
we
are
prize more
of
regulation in matters
point of losing it. Some
love
are
indispensable for the happiness of both
in advising you
even
justified
parties. I think I am
certain occasions
to be a trifle unprincipled. On
on
all other
occasions, though, it is better to be a
dupe than a knave; but in affairs of gallantry,it is
only the fools who are the dupes, and knaves always
the laugh on their side. Adieu.
have
the worth
of
I have
a
conscience
the
not
of consolation.
word
redoubtable
heart
in
rest
Do
I
peace.
be
not
is
I have
desire to flatter you,
no
to
are
and
had
what
making
say, that
young,
you
any
woman
you
play
are
love
are
affairs.
will not
with
The
it
the
to
has
Chevalier
appreciatethese
194
he.
in the
debut
who
worry
than
your
cunning
gives me
more
your
man
him
but
worth
making
regarded as a
you
are
a
that
a
ever
How-
Chevalier, let
suspect
Countess
without
you
discouraged.
the
be
may
leave
to
never
has
you.
ure
pleasYou
world,
yet
lived;
differences?
XXI
The
in
love,
PROBITY
think
such
of
drowned
show
You
I
do
have
advised
Well,
!
honor,
but
play
is
and
of
humor
inexperience
inflexible
condition
ruin,
if you
them
into
not
have
with
accord
now
Everything
his
wear
is show
up
the
nobody
truth
to
farce.
gain
can
about
for
substitute
phrases.
in
cases
And
of
has
age
than
more
is made
is
is
custom
gallantry.
195
a
a
in
cause
a
bring
to
One
his
in
sleeve.
onstrations
airs, dem-
playing
edy,
com-
a
for
the
keeping
fact
that
telling
the
general
agreement
collection
has
an
your
times.
reasons
by
sincerity
this
virtues
on
discovered
There
this
the
of the
excellent
anything
women.
of
sentiments
have
They
an
intelligence
Everybody
had
have
men
of
affair
like
inevitably
payment
;
merly
for-
fortune
your
morals
the
signs.
and
will
enough
not
dor,
can-
vanity.
still leaves
that
you.
Your
your
nothing
now
to
manoeuvres
say?
treated
a
not
dishonor
corruption
love
Your
can
the
like
care
the
made
you
are
good
you
then
was
nowadays,
the
of
make,
to
love
take
can
you
undertake
sentiments
all that;
changed
Ah,
it would
one,
to
you
high
your
any
how
know
not
thing?
I shall
to
How
Marquis?
a
man.
letter
your
of Contrariness
Comedy
actual
of
proved
trary
contagious
con-
de
NINON
spite of
In
with
is
a
sociable
among
of
social
affair.
being
more
I think
meaning
concealed
How
I
you.
multiply proofs
of
the
fear
around.
expose
Let
that
her
of
that
do
more
other
any
find
not
you
position you
Countess;
greater
in her
worry
will
lose
surest
occupy
in
than
care
for her.
yours
is
more
turn
you,
;
and
of
her
heart.
her
take
you
I
better
way
196
she
she dissimulates
certain
yourself, the
she
It is the
the
am
with
treated.
gallantryhas
of
occasions
I understand
affection for you
you
relations
cess
gains more
by dissimulatingthe expassion, than another who pretends to
than he really has?
skillful than
less
of all the
than
many
it is
treason,
or
lover
of his
have
irony
as
agree
ness,"
"polite-
called
custom,
far
so
the true
need
a
fhat
virtue to follow, and
men,
where
unless
pushed
not
will
high principles,you
your
that
me,
L'ENCLOS
the
repeat;
you
will
inspireher
see
findingout
Adieu.
to
her
be
with
come
the true
XXII
and
Vanity
Self-Esteem
SILENCE
A
to
made
successful?
her
be
to
for
The
sentiments
the
succeeded;
have
What
can
more
right
I
Truly,
ought
heart
consider
reasonable
a
Ought
precious
to
a
delicate
declaration?
a
Will
Instead
of
point, expend
your
her
love
the
you
extent
before
of her
you
trying
is
to
you
affection
for
you.
be
to
a
minded
energies
affection.
call
her
197
give you?
You
calculated
to
revolt, than
the
stinacy
ob-
insist
upon
a
to
understand
lover
than
know
a
in
Act
you.
times
thousand
persecuting
further
character.
men
ever
you
What
more
I fail
love.
to
and
strange
ordinary
refusal
her
not
been
confession,
woman
their
of
declaration
estimation.
would
a
seem
your
want?
a
do
Countess,
her
nothing
which
with
the
I
you"
possibly
you
that
know
to
cause
you
her
over
of
been
confession
love
in
know
you
What
the
have
you
then,
dissatisfaction
"I
precious
days
has,
make
words:
begin
application
your
to
You
The
you.
is
refusing
fifteen
penetrate
counsel
my
however,
something
For
earnest.
congratulate
desired.
you
of
I
approve,
with
in
Love
to
days, Marquis.
ten
me
worry
you
not
of
Obstacles
a
your
more
positive
real
terests?
in-
on
such
concealing
from
woman
so
attention
that
to
she
the
will
fact,
NINON
L'ENCLOS
to
resort
her
compelling
proclaiming it. Is
before
the
to
necessity of
tion
possibleto experience a situaterested
than
that of seeing a heart indelicious
more
in you
without
suspicion,growing toward
by degrees, finallybecoming affectionate?
ments,
a
pleasure to enjoy secretly all her move-
you
What
them, and
has
is what
Believe
that
for you
be
had
as
open
her.
Of
escaped
"I love
really loves
that
you
Otherwise
their
but
idea
her
conduct
toward
has
done
has
the
of her
avowal
love
has
truth, she
not
she
it is because
but
refrained
everything
from
to
saying
convince
ordinary
no
embarrassment.
for the very least, as much
to confess
anxious
affection as you
it,
to ascertain
are
desire
what
do
to
not
be
criminal,that
hence
and
eyes
our
may
formed
we
to
of
genious
in-
certain
a
whatever
our
way
always humiliates
our
experience, we
consequences.
frightensus,
close
avowal
an
all the
are
have
may
small
for however
of their passion, and
avowal
men
you
attached
have
raisingobstacles,
any
Women
Marquis?
expect,
you
thinking, such
you"
she
defeat!
essayed
a
you,"
she
under
are
at
shame
before
even
of it.
Women
They
she
your
if the
said in words:
you
ten
them, has-
pleasure.
Marquis,
must
victory
have
you
I call
me,
Countess
in the
glory
suspected
That
it
direct her sentiments, augment
to
it.
de
The
words
is true, but
find
means
to
"I
their
of
us,
prehend
com-
love
sequel
dissimulate,
the liabilities they carry
with
them.
Besides
this,be
on
your
198
guard ;
your
persistence
LIFE
in
requiringan
defy
who
the
will
find
a
in the
motives
true
has
Nature
given
a
of
in
passion
a
one
but
meets
nothing
trifles,and
Who
the
we
pardon,
when
would
at
actual
advantages. Will you believe me
idle fancies,
will drop your
You
certaintythat
you
woman
; to
the
of her
love
in the
should
extract
from
by
"I
an
gain by it? Would
Would
love
or
ought
They
force
make,
you
I think
deceive
the
owe
you
I
know
by
a
are
without
not
our
those
I
delight
an
able
ador-
you
end?
avowal
we
utter, but
knowledge.
199
those
to
I
women,
studied
but you
lipsonly pronounce,
of a passion
be the involuntary witness
The
them.
from
true, flatteringavowals
the
which
never
to
would
you," what
uncertainty reach an
whether
can
by
when
love
complaisance?
to.
beloved
are
your
know
you
believe
tent
pleasure of hiding the exherself, to rejoice in its security.
of importunities you
force
taste
Suppose
our
at
sticks
it?
lies
fol-
things that have
happiness. Your
vanity
your
from
enjoying
prevents you
revolt
to
with
do
to
All
intractable
us
own.
your
inspire us
You
capable,
are
find
always
all?
them
lovers
you
will
self-esteem
it?
I enumerate
can
which
you
her.
to
stranger
a
of
us
woman
Always indulgent toward
have inspired,we
effects produced by a love we
ports;
transimprudences, many
pardon you many
is
how
say
hind
be-
her to discern without
out
grows
I
persevering vanity.
instinct ; it enables
whatever
Countess, is
the
from
mistake
a
insistence.
your
wonderful
mistake
than
of love
to
you
LETTERS
avowal
open
work
less the
AND
fession
con-
will
you
we
that escape
XXIII
Two
Irreconcilable
WIUL
have
say,
Countess,
her
with
hand
of
everybody
for
you
preference
has
for
exposed
her, always
sister-in-law.
her
Dear
terrible
enough
salvation
of
convincing
forced
to
reveal
always
myself
of
woman
of
do
the
and
:
the
having
me
in
tradiction
con-
are
ple
sim-
you
beyond
in
the
I
am
concerning
owe
promised
burden
so
writing
I
of
inwardly
doing
mysteries
sex.
my
without
you
it
to
you,
I
ness,
frank-
acquit
promise.
is
always
passions
mind
for
Marquise,
that
upon
intend,
not
women,
manifestation
fact, and
strange
manded
repri-
lost
suspect
even
the
the
are
you
tion
atten-
marked
other
What,
impose
apologizing
however,
A
not
some
I
are
outward
an
You
you
But,
women.
be
do
justified?
are
you
of
you
these
calamities!
because
and
anger,
of
that
the
your
to
railleries
me,
believe
to
and
the
kissed
publicly
offensive
the
to
you
You
She
indiscretion,
your
of
anger
attracted
present.
things
imprudences,
is extreme.
that
ecstasy
ing
laugh-
take
the
you
anxiety
an
for
You
Some
upon
your
Women
Marquis,
me,
heart.
to
drawn
and
in
afflictions?
your
much
too
you
pardon
you
at
Passions
desire
to
balancing
which
between
continually
please,
200
and
the
fear
two
agitate
of
concilable
irreher
dishonor.
NINON
proofs of her attachment.
ungrateful, she becomes
Can
which
indiscretions
must
the
be
first
that
See
to
such
vex
us
We
recommend
on
that
for
I
am
often
law, is
that
soon
you
as
to
do
me
occasions
to
fail to
will
you
be
are
would
and
be
enact,
we
the
that
it.
in accord
with
able
to
we
would
Not
us.
are
to
offend.
reallyto
and
dence,
pru-
Is it
to
essary
nec-
play?
the letter of the
You
our
may
be
intentions
interpret them
202
us,
indulgence.
part you
understand
your
you
is it not?
accepting
not
wound
practicediscretion
to
tell you
reminded
they
misunderstand
not
is the role
it is
excessive
an
you
If
appearances,
censure
you
this that
us?
to
appearing
tender.
vex
tribute
pay
fear of
her
In
from
draw
not
you
L'ENCLOS
de
sure
as
properly.
XXIV
An
Abuse
she
has
precaution
The
nothing
least
excuse,
her
in
share
this
that
such
behavior
acts
how
their
by
badly
thus
for
and
when
defeat.
it
in
the
long
as
Whenever
of
they
lover
Do
gives
cast
have
the
continue
finds
203
ation,
dur-
long
value
interests
true
incredulity,
they
a
though
al-
consider
who
stand
under-
not
the
moment
blow
than
to
the
upon
inspired,
world
me
But
of
always
not
at
Permit
affected
compromises
reputation
a
an
they
be
their
they
eyes
slightest imprudence
their
is
delightful
so
women,
them.
doubt
affection
As
of
if you
which
tender
The
the
harm
more
you,
through
that
are
reputation?
of
heart.
slandering
feel
they
my
reasonable
multiplying
occasions
all
to
ing.
scold-
reproaches
it.
misunderstand
reputation,
the
is
sion,
pas-
for
deserve
intended
not
your
to
flatters
are
to
cause
and
put
little
however
anger
with
joy
your
to
ence
prefer-
her
everything
do
you
but
you
however,
and
lips,
her;
testify
to
in
than
Whatever
for
taken
finds
upon
to
have
think
You
view
in
proof?
manifested
you
Intolerable
retreats?
object
the
to
have
you
she
other
no
Is
longer
no
love
your
that
Credulity
Countess
THE
die
of
does
even
incredulous
them.
They
their
cerity
sinthem
their
the
pose
dis-
retail.
a
woman
incredulous
NINON
time
every
of
his
he
has
seem
to
he
make
Can
attention
of the
as
as
soon
the
best
of them
use
world
other
without
to
and
woman
of succeeding.
means
be
calling the
fact; without
the
casions
giving them ocsharpest arrows?
revenged by their
the preliminariesare
settled, that is
to
soon
him
whole
offending every
say,
lengths,
furnish proofs
opportunity,to
an
full
indiscreet eagerness,
most
sincerity. The
marked
tentions,
atpreferences,the most assiduous
the most
As
sentiments, he goes
of his
truth
of the
L'ENCLOS
de
we
as
to
commence
believe
to
ourselves
the
on
sincerely loved, nothing appears
surface,
son,
nothing happens ; and if outsiders perceive our liaiif they put a malicious
construction
it,
upon
it will only be by the recollection
of what
passed
love was
not
in question.
during a time when
I would, for the good of everybody concerned,
that as soon
to find any pleasure
as
a woman
ceases
in the society of a man
who
wishes
to please her,
that she could
tell him
so
clearly and dismiss him,
without
for vain
a
abusing
his
hopes.
But
is
woman
could
to
however,
a
an
toward
can
lover
he
can
point
as
avowal
her
not
to the
not
I would
that
persuaded
consent
such
credulity,or giving
it in
the
may
that
she
be
deem
feels
further
lover, as he is toward
pretend
to
doubt
self,
her-
to
entreated,
apropos,
as
as
soon
her, she
loves
man
a
as
ground
good faith,reserving
right to
she
also, that
him
before
ing
mak-
tenderly disposed
her.
without
For,
a
an
wom-
putting
necessity of dissipatingher doubts,
do
that
successfullywithout
204
to
her
and
taking the
LIFE
into his confidence
world
whole
LETTERS
AND
by
marked
too
a
homage.
I know
been
probable
rendered
when
us
few
so
since
the
it is certain
giving
our
assailants
times,
I
say,
will
for her
Countess
it difficult to
a
of
a
You
will
compel
her
her
with
confidence
withhold
to
necessary
leaves
when,
an
she
from
205
to
labor
and
capitulate?
show
reason;
prolonged disregard of
convince
to
reputation,and
furnish
you
after much
that
amiable
your
passion,you
will
men
pregnable
powder, there are few ima prolonged formal
places,why undertake
sentiments.
regard
of
ignorance
of
inconveniences
the
of
in these
disasters it will be
Bring
the
have
not
intractable,but, in these
audacity
invention
the
many
you
when
women
resources,
siege,when
your
in times
many
so
times
her
well that these ideas would
very
believe
her
of
your
through
still better, perhaps,
additional
doubtless
you.
you
reason
now
for
finds
XXV
Virtue
Why
last
MY
letter
has
Marquis.
world.
Well,
have
advanced
that
had
such
thing?
a
besieged,
I
will
so
chicanery
Here
is my
firmly
believe
never
been
profession
castles,
have
I
of your
am
some
said
have
that
been
never
opinion.
will
there
faith
who
this
in
good
are
or
I
the
to
were
could
of
age
be
no
question.
of
there
attacked,
there
that
so
our
besieged
that
that
sible
impos-
anything
to
the
about
that
said
some
explain, however,
more
in
How
are
you,
it is not
women
idea
perceive
you
scandalized
that
women
taken?
There
Overcome
ever
the
been
not
I
have
Comparing
ever
insist
virtuous
contrary?
I
Often
apparently
You
find
to
the
Is So
women
have
I
matter
:
who
have
been
wrongly
attacked.
I further
firmly
who
have
been
they
have
had
liberty,
nor
I have
of
a
whom
habit
hated
at
an
of
was
I
that
there
and
well
good
women
when
attacked,
passions?*
husband.
this
point
to
put
conversation
still
was
adventure
of
inexperienced
judging
are
disposition, violent
lively
while
I
the
neither
rather
a
point,
prude,
attacked
mind
a
believe
others
206
with
you
on
very
in
this
sion
posses-
lar
particuwith
young,
some
brilliancy
then,
and
that
I
a
masked.
un-
was
severity
which
in
is
one
every
disposed
made
fault has
of this
conduct
attack
to
submit
to
me
confess
the
for
have
talk you
I wish
to
an
one
into
day,
making
with
you
have
severity,you
tells
have
that you
in your
abandon
you.
your
that
renders
you
eh?
be
on
censure
so
to
you
that you
the
at
that
vice,
ad-
some
you
will
you
conduct
my
virtue
is
a
pure
child, and
and
are
one
with
severe,
you
it will
that
beautiful.
207
You
amour
I feel
to
are
mirror
Your
fact
never
to
impelled
make
of that virtue
not
even
alone
heart, I
which
that
sure
has
you,
soon
spoken
ever
can
lighten
en-
stand,
under-
you
all. This
Your
dain,
dis-
illusion of your
present time, nobody has
of love.
for
nesses,'*
of wit-
in the absence
inexperience,and
far from
being sure
any
I
:
account,
my
prologue astonishes
Well, listen with attention,and you will
I speak.
of the truth whereof
convinced
have
"Up
to
This
you
own
actuallytreated me with a
how
proud you are of the
been taken
advantage of.
own
dear
my
me
never
believe
propre,
fit to
seen
which
her
had
compelled
and
explained,"it is to give
the truth and solidityof which
day appreciate.
a
I
following harangue, which
been
converse
have
made
Before
she
"You
heard
She
matter
the
deep impression in my memory
of reproaching you
the purpose
a
"It is not
morals.
aside
the
to
made
her
the
our
aunt's, and
at
took
opportunity she
hands, by taking me
an
sonal
per-
toward
mercy.
her
saw
some
to blame
it proper
without
woman
of it. I sometimes
preparations
indulgent
more
us
until
manifest
to
considered
I had
neighbors.
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
told
see
by
you
the
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
envelops you like a
yet beenMeveloped. As long as you
be kept in
can
are, as long as you
appearance
of indifference
mantle, has
not
remain
as
you
sight
as
when
your
I will
are,
you
has
heart
when
they
love, when
an
internal
a
blush
than
more
expression from
shall
stifled
good education, shall
once
the
through
language of
agitate your
the
speak
unrest
ing
enchant-
your
fine, desire, half
in
scruples of
when
life and
shall
have
your
which
you
by
will
vanquish it, will diminish your
others,and their faults will appear
knowledge of your
permit you to regard your
weakness
"The
astonishment
help
will
it will be
had
he
virtue.
any
has
attacks
made
has
not
impossible
what
you
upon
us
are
alone
to
degree
whether
say
of
resistance
he
The
us.
As
of the
of
our
long
enemy,
as
it is
feared, and
be
it will be
against him.
"Hence
to justify a woman
that she is essentiallyvirtuous
before
parents
valor.
is to
clinatio
in-
ever
you
with
the
to
tle
lit-
impetuous
same
in the presence
been
The
is brave
man
It is the
cusable.
ex-
longer
no
whether
a
say
danger gives birth
virtue, as
one
Can
fought?
ever
doubt
you
more
infallible. Your
as
against too
you
will make
will
tempt
at-
severity
still farther.
you
carry
to
virtue
you
ity,
sensibil-
to
toward
the
by
made
in secret, then
combats
But
guarantee.
your
spoken,
sentiment,
breast, when,
be
received
shall have
eyes
that
necessary
to
bear
her
no
own
strength,she
danger, however
must
in
flatteringherself
and
good by force of
a
position where
be
great it may
208
in
be,
no
motive
no
NINON
Can
this:
L'ENCLOS
de
give yourself a livelyor
sedate disposition?Are* you free to defend
yourself
it depend upon
against a violent passion? Does
me
swer
to
you
lover
and
will
you
who
profitby
to
who
knows
them?
Does
you,
with
advantages
depend upon
it
his
prevent
that
is liable to
Virtue
moment?
which
Heaven
how
unreasonable
abuse
those
with
an
whom
a
out
with
"Shall
I
my
ideas?
Are
you
need
watch
work,
vantage
ad-
an
any
ings
bless-
favor
a
Reflect
us.
then
inclination
passion
themselves
of which
you
to be
toward
has
not
love,
surprised, or
in the midst
would
born
stances
of circum-
have
emerged
the
justiceof
own
conduct.
greater glory.
any
every
needle.
at
it is
the misfortune
had
violent
found
would
tue:
glorifyingin your virso
injusticewhen
cruelly
you
have
sudden
tainly
Cer-
in
are
ungovernable
have
who
your
senses
you
Heaven;
refuse, to grant
you
who
from
be
to
like all the other
gift from
a
may
consider
taken
in women,
enjoy, is
we
be
a
his
them
pleadings,I assume
innocent
at first,from
making upon
your
the impression they must
necessarily make?
such
not; to insist upon
an
anomaly
be to deny that the magnet
is master
of the
And
you pretend that your virtue is your own
that you
can
personally claim the glory of
to
you
life,
of your
find yourself alone
never
adores
how
circumstances
all the
arrange
that
so
you
not
woman
never
over
another
give you
I will take
dominated
who
allow
proof of
it from
by
that
wishes
to
your
deep persuasion
preserve
her
virtue,
herself to be caught, that she
the smallest
because
trifles,
210
they
that
must
lead
to
LIFE
things
of
for you
to
AND
LETTERS
It is much
greater importance?
take
from
the desire to make
men
by assuming
virtue
your
upon
easier
a
an
severe
tack
atterior,
ex-
against their attacks. The
proof of this is in the fact that we give young girls
little libertyas is possible in
in their education
as
We
them.
do more:
order
to restrain
a
prudent
her fear of dishonor, nor
does not rely upon
mother
she keeps her
the bad opinion she has of men,
upon
daughter out of sight; she puts it out of her power
is the excuse
for
to succumb
to temptation. What
the mother
fears
so
precautions? Because
many
stant
the frailtyof her pupil,if she is exposed for an into danger.
she is
"In spiteof all these obstacles with which
comes
curbed, how often does it not happen that love overall? A girlwell trained, or better, well
them
guarded, laughs at her virtue, because she imagines
it is all her own,
whereas, it is generally a slave
thinks
who
down,
everybody
rigorously chained
him
is satisfied with
as
long as he does not run
Let us inquire further
into this:
In what
away.
than
to
find abandoned
class do you
have
they
not
sufficient
females?
wealth
provide themselves
to
which
defend
saved
have
their
you
; in
virtue with
frequency,
and
or
In that where
happiness
with
the
that, where
men
obstacles
have
audacity, more
more
stantly
con-
tacked
at-
ity,
facil-
sequently
impunity, and conwith
more
advantages of every sort; in
the impressions of education, of exthat, where
ample,
of pride,the desire of a satisfactory
lishment
estabmore
could
not
more
sustain
211
them.
Two
doors
be-
de
NINON
low, there
And
in
is
a
spiteof
be
will have
the
outside
you
are* so
misfortune.
the
merit
despicable
more
had
whom
woman
virtue, of which
might
L'ENCLOS
hate
you
aid which
proud,
than
am
of your
not
seeking
virtue, nor
despise.
sustains
in two
days
she, because
greater helps to guarantee
I
and
you
deprive
to
I
that
you
you
against
you
of
endeavoring to
from
attaching too much
importance
prevent
you
I wish
of its fragility,
to it; by convincing you
to
obtain from you only a trifle of indulgence for those
whom
tunes
too
a
impetuous inclination,or the misforof circumstances
have precipitatedinto a position
sole
so
humiliating in their own
eyes;
my
understand
that you
object is to make
ought
you
vantage
adto glorifyyourself less in the possession of an
which
to yourself,and
of
you do not owe
which
be deprived to-morrow."
you
may
She was
rupted
interone
going to continue, but some
Soon
us.
afterward, I learned by my own
experience that I should not have had so good an
virtues which
had
been
opinion of many
formerly
imposed upon me, beginning with my own.
212
am
XXVI
HAVE
I
be
be
by
the
of
themselves
Is
it
he
trifle
notice
interest
when
that
rules
of
specious,
but
the
ourselves
virtue
is,
we
a
to
persuade
are
indebted
not
deprive
induce
them
persuasion
examine
it is
to
a
crime
that
women
the
virtue
the
them
of
to
preserve
that
it is
they
it?
213
own
in
mitting
per-
a
what
into
a
observe
Moreover,
themselves
possess,
powerful
I
be
on
and
construe.
most
their
fashion
to
It
to
that
converting
it is not
did
ing
accord-
seem
receive
to
age?
cour-
letter, had
reasoning
that
should
we
with
quished
van-
system?
feared
in
succeed
it is
for
in
reason
be
who
her
it does
be
to
will
last
my
her
philosophy,
rules
law, which
as
in
but
resist.
to
or
woman
maintaining
in
may
the
problem,
related
we
he
the
of
mistresses
and
fighting
that
were
virtuous,
that
into
specula-
women
yield
to
to
knowledge
a
free
are
comes
goaded
I have
as
personal
to
is
by
remain
soldier
a
not
you
talking
is true,
it
persuading
Did
they
that
Mar-
you,
true
if all
It is not
when
that
be
to
will
as
communicated
I
dangerous
women
conviction
by
ideas
them.
frailty, that
opinion
appeared
it would
by
of Action
same
the
yesterday
guided
their
a
the
.quis, although
tively, that
the
of
been
you
to
Freedom
Demands
Love
they
might
motive
it
to
mean
by
work
they defend.
that, the
NINON
The
of
consequences
guilty
let
the
woman,
turn
us
revolutions
loved?
are
Countess
the
of
tenderness.
have
been
passion
have
you
has
of
If you
men.
I share
receive
making
it,and
Countess
the
mind
than
by imprudence
more
confidence
have
to
greatly impressed
is
Everything
shall
has
I
but
a
You
gloves.
light and
serious
to
every
the
turn
re-
piest
hap-
pleasure
happier.
refuse
to
to
her
have
which
calls
generally
lose
faults.
actual
in
it should
The
her, ought
treat
not
way
this
agreed,
the
to
of
However,
be.
The
We
were
subject
have
it, and
matter
if you
at
of
the
not
perceive that things
day. You are beginning
I
in
her.
fleetingtaste
Now
the
It would
manifested
me.
were
we
passion.
more
alarms
out
that
as
now
of
opposed
nothing,
by
to
was
women
something?
tell you
turned
without
nobly
so
you
for
fact, that
the
make
quite right.
were
allowed
still
be
were
you
hear
to
much
how
to
moment
a
are
you
would
you
desired
she
you
compromised
my
with
Chevalier:
the
word,
a
knew
happiness
your
first sacrifice
The
to
it; in
exciting
beloved
are
you
you
diminishing
from
Far
many
proofs
involuntary
certainty that
in
has
she
More,
inspired.
increased
v
so
burned
you
But
sure
during
a
you.
are
you
secret
words
thousand
a
love, the
your
to
The
pronounced.
her,
escape
her
divulge
to
to
finally succeeded
have
You
of
eyes
errors.
interest
more
imagination,
in your
the
her
couraging,
dis-
be
uncertainties, after
many
so
in
of
importance
of
would
morality
diminish,
to
matters
to
last, after
At
such
tend
and
L'ENCLOS
de
a
member,
re-
love
most
lated
regu-
become
to
treat
LIFE
with
love
dignity which
a
of true
creeping into
combining with
render
have
so
you
so
much
gallantry.
work
and
soon
new
It
that
measured
have
new
motives
the
personal
leaves
of
with
freedom
amusement.
I
relations
your
But
perhaps
pretensions, and
will
doubtless
constant
a
peace
do
which
like
not
of
to
action, it is
afraid
was
assume
in
a
you
will
the
Countess
re-animate
is
liaison,
affair of pure
an
would
acter
char-
good
charms
I
no
edge
knowl-
of your
amorous.
mixed
turn.
disputes
Too
The
me.
the
blindly
esteem
instead
beginning
worries
and
merits, solid qualities,
is
and
LETTERS
AND
the
grave
only
your
productive
too
by
son.
liaiof
a
as
Uniformity kills love, for as soon
deadly ennui.
the
spirit of method
mingles in an affair of the
heart, the passion disappears, languor supervenes,
weariness
begins
to
wear,
chapter.
215
and
disgust
ends
the
XXVII
Heart
The
de
MADAME
with
me
it
senses
"system"
be
be
unbecoming
in
These
Marquis,
think
but
I
so.
has
enough
to
notion,
my
and
dream,
told
case,
not
you
we
as
are
imagine,
very
I
the
of
far
depict
real
acknowledged,
truth
my
purpose
the
sentiments.
is not
singularity
to
of
some
she
of
216
she
my
does
serious
according
Besides,
but
philosophic
a
consider
all
I
In
to
I
accomplish
mind;
has
been
I
do
that,
consult
struck
propositions,
that
have
would
the
have
I
reckoning.
our
not
them.
I wrote
been
objects.
surprise
do
Sevigne
imagination?
and
Perhaps
I
de
never
she
of
out
and
exceptions,
Truly,
nothing
does
play
a
spirit
have
is
system
therefore
one
the
a
the
system.
any
ways
al-
woman,
a
Madame
systems?
I
honor,
devise
to
of
founder
much
too
in
of
calls
it would
grounded?
that
pain
she
serious
well
letters
my
I the
What,
with
see
what
fairs.
af-
morals.
in
very
they
are
read
not
me
assuredly
are
the
that
heart
founded,
mouth
the
women
their
in
give
I
as
side, and
well
agree
many
although
precedent
a
tnat
anything
her,
to
not
love
of
causes
refined
should
become
might
its
for
According
does
pretends
count
never
my
the
upon
from
only
Employment
Sevigne
She
them.
know
Constant
Needs
by
which
NINON
According
her, I
to
women?
if you
or,
sex,
said
Marquis;
all of
them
Indeed,
mechanical
instinct
not
that
not
be
to
seem
expressions
of
give
to
which
I have
is the
result
blow
my
those
ease?
purely
a
flirt,
to
Does
it
mistakes, and
Granting
of reflection,do
is
those
fatality,
lighted
they are so de-
which
little faith?
so
them
what
that
for their
excuses
it is
better,
not
you
see
that
in
love
what
a
giving their vanity? You place upon
shoulders
the responsibility
for their good or
choice.
One
when
that
favor
restoringto
sympathy,
as
there
their
public,
them
find
at
that if everything
made
be
inclines
them
put
which
way,
Know
?
tell them
which
in my
are
you
their
bad
subject
would
to
guised
dis-
me.
be offended
their due.
would
in
cerning
con-
have
discovered
it that
have
to
this
on
would
women
fault
at
reallybelieve,Marquis,
I have
the
I have
discovered
But, do you
much
very
which
prefer
have
sex
my
am
all charity I should
In
defects
the
L'ENCLOS
de
thrust, Marquis:
more
I say
that
letters.
The
female
Heaven
they
would
upon
the
consider
delicacy of
them
whom
would
without
as
a
doubt
secret
take
other
their
of
their
which
213
women
me
some
was
;
themselves
own
built of less refined
owe
a
nizing
recog-
sentiments, and
own
is,
with
pleasure in
congratulate
works
nature
satisfied with
favored
has
superiorityover
fail to
not
Those
revealing
their
be
mistaken
metaphysicians, that
constitution,would
in them
not
am
would
women
whom
women
fortunate
all
I
to
creation.
material,
gratitude for
weighing
upon
LIFE
them.
AND
have
They
LETTERS
made
it
duty
a
disguise
to
to
not
they are as anxious
fail in this duty as
they are careful not to lose
anything on the pleasure side of the question.
Their
interest, therefore, is, to have their secret
Whoever
guessed without
being compromised.
fail to render
shall develop their hearts, will not
I am
them
essential service.
even
vinced
an
fully conwho
that those women,
at
heart, profess
inclinations, and
their
sentiments
it
fashions, which
two
would
be
be
could
time
long
occasion
an
that
ago,
You
see
to
than
you
Finally, Madame
"system" might
she
an
de
become
understand
is noted,
idea.
not
In
everything liable
to
she
be
the
that
talk
be talked
said
about
with
far
a
have
supposing
even
they
I have
rather
intention
in the
betray
Somebody
would
women
charged, they would
in
to reproach me
I do not
malicious
therefore, that
written
I have
it would
believe
them?
about
you
little evil said of them
such
with
to
the
with
offended
giving
been
which
flatter their inclinations,
of women,
deep knowledge
able
in
women
equally agreeable:
think
all, Marquis, do you
After
am
to
refined.
appear
all.
be
dispute them.
to
court
my
which
adopting the maxims
and in furnishing them
In
mine, would
to
honor
an
paying
be
I would
Hence,
a
consider
first to
the
comformable
more
a
at
that
which
I
from
being
slightestdegree.
very
Sevigne pretends that my
quis,
a
precedent. Truly, Marhow, with the justicefor
was
able
to
stripping love,
seduce
219
you,
in
as
surrender
I
to
have, of
making
it out
NINON
to
in
ity;
caprice,and vanundeceiving you concerning the
lend it grandeur and
nobility,
effect of temperament,
the
be
in
word,
a
that
metaphysics
/hat I have
evident
is it not
Would
into
virtue?
a
with
wish
I
am
to
to
make
one
regarded
for
be better
submit
to
Let
us
formed
trans-
his
a
But
I
favor.
Since
system,
it will
such
a
therefore, for
reason,
of
fellow
nakedness.
whatever
to
be
means
over
with
woman
a
best
effort in your
more
as
the
women
their
expose
me
title exacts.
of
to
were
willinglycompare
celebrated
tor
legisla-
of the
believed
antiquity,who
weakening the power
of
was
dangerous, if,as
more
I would
those
it less dangerous?
rendered
Sevigne, it
de
sentiments
citizens
be
it not
pretends Madame
my
L'ENCLOS
de
a
fine
ment
mo-
which
gallantryaccording to the method
appertainsonly to serious matters.
Is love not a passion? Do not very strict minded
people pretend that the passions and vices mean
the
seductive
same
more
things? Is vice ever
upon
than
when
it
in order
for
to
it to
is the form
the
wears
in
felt the
movements
in
appear
the
a
fore
Where-
of virtue?
souls
virtuous
corrupt
in which
all ages,
cloak
cient
it is suffi-
potentialform.
Platonicians
This
deified it. In
justifythe passions,it was
I sayWhat
to apotheosize them.
am
ing?
necessary
I so bold as to play the iconoclast with
Am
accredited
an
temerity! Do
superstition? What
I not
for
deserve
to be persecuted by all women
attacking their favorite cult?
I am
so
lovely,when they
sorry for them; it was
order
to
of
love,
220
to
be
exempt
from
AND
LIFE
shall
earth, we
on
home.
proper
In truth, I have
told
illusion it would
the
what
profitis
of
sort
The
fear of love
as
monsters
strive
will
and
infidelity
she
bearing
is modest
discovers
how
soon
as
she
there
has
been, her advisers
far
as
woman,
the
she
is concerned.
and
sentiments
if she
the
is
them.
with
much
221
as
depicted
are
Now
pose
sup-
delicate
and
he
ful?
respectconverses
and
upon;
as
exaggeration
lose
all credit
Interrogatesuch
alleged monster
ployed?
em-
deceive
much
sincere, you
And
methods
whom
will
and
different
expresses
imposed
been
in
very
the
is to
I
create
of females.
who
has
suaded
per-
diminished
perfidy.
with
you
you
a
appears
woman
claimed
de-
over
spirits. Men
of
young
believe
evil
it is its
advice; but
inspire them
of
sentiments, whose
The
to
as
gentleman
a
in
there
first step
very
teachers
Their
that
main
re-
well
failed to
of it in the education
is made
use
such
I therefore
experience will justifyme.
I am
perfectlywell aware
us
openly
too
was
its power
weakened
I
mind;
your
the
advised
never
have
not
for
Let
letters
I
of
is,and
love
what
you
of it.
uselessness
the
of
Heavens?
in my
have
I
blame
the
take
to
seek
find it there, and
never
against love;
not
it and
in the
of its weakness
cause
poor
misunderstand
Why
them?
operations of
humanity done to
the
upon
had
what
But
god.
selves,
them-
congratulate
to
even
blame
lay the
and
a
able
be
blushing, to
LETTERS
will
has
a
so
young
find
that
excited
in
NINON
heart
her
far
are
L'ENCLOS
de
sentiments
the
from^ being
of
horror.
it.
to
that
such
attacks
of all for them.
that
they
then?
forewarned
of the
they
species of
mistrusted
never
is the
how
then
It is not
attacks
that
one
men
What
far
from
not
were
them
saying
been
to
advising
the
will be
In
a
noble
been
never
have
redoubtable
emy
en-
most
been
counter,
en-
mentioned:
lover
a
do, if the
woman
seduced
by her
own
I say
women
that the principal
to
weaknesses
them
is
desires?
physical,I
follow
am
tions
inclina-
contrary, it is for the purpose
of putting
on
the
best
their
to
ideas ; in
in
guard
Governor
at
to
that
of the
the
fortified;that the
be
made
in
reducing
which
the
by
women
up
most
to
he
then
is
will
has
redoubtable
besiegers,but
that
own.
to
their
attach
enlighteningthem
222
It
respect.
citadel,that
spot which
betrayed by his
word,
sentiments
pens
hap-
their
assault will not
he
their
attacked
be
not
of
the
; on
what
idea
they must
defense.
They
never
could
So, Marquis, when
cause
has
by the
ous
danger-
they be on their guard against him?
they should be taught to fear, but
can
themselves?
he
their
that
an
attacks
left without
are
have
they
as
even
most
spirits,and
Inasmuch
the
drilled in the
are
immaculate
are
the
are
They
having
attacked
be
to
avoid
to
them
from
keep
from
liable
are
also, and
manner
impossible
to
them
prevent
they
and
senses,
is taken
care
knowledge,
that
another
of it is, it is almost
Infinite
idea
in
deceived
They are
the misery
just value, the
such
high and
upon
the real ob-
AND
LIFE
ject of
do
refinement,
their
who
lover
a
vanity
pretends
not
you
great delicacy and
to
that
I
glory
out
see
less
draw
to
LETTERS
of the
being loved, and their hearts to take
in loving? Depend upon
it,that if it
to enlist their vanity in opposition to
gallantry,their
to
suffer
I
had
lovers, but
by any illusions. I
astonishingly well.
me
if whatever
that
it
second
for
has
distrust
actor.
been
This
to
whom
You
I draw
which
see,
to
as
thing
any-
love
me,
because
they possessed
they
tives
mo-
the
obtained
never
their
I had
desire.
more
them
have
which
even,
in
in which
a
soul.
me
to
overcome
love
was
the
incompetent
felt
sentiment
elevated
an
degraded
of true
a
esteem
them
to
for
a
It
my
principal
in my
raise
so
eyes;
their mind
woman
for
desire.
therefore, Marquis, that
the
precedent
gerous.
being dan-
principlesis far from
find with
All that enlightenedminds
can
reproach me, will be, perhaps, because I
from
to
led them
possible for
weakness
sentiments
they
their
considered
of me,
deserves
for hearts
I considered
up
respect
worthy
never
deceived
them
I have
place in my heart.
always
friendship the deference, the constancy,
the
and
so
assuredly
qualitiesstimulated
that
about
conserved
noble,
tion
inclina-
always persuaded
from
the standpoint
was
amorous
figure, and
came
the
than
their
penetrate
was
that
those
only because
vanity. They were
So
I
reasons
was
beautiful
could
character,
the
among
a
of
pleasure
possible
were
most
of
none
of value
was
intellect and
of
it
virtue would
less
fact
little.
very
have
interesting
am
my
223
NINON
have
the trouble t" demonstrate
a truth which
consider problematic. But
not
does not
inexperienceand
I have
write
L'ENCLOS
taken
they do
your
de
you
written
on
this
so
your
ever
curiosityjustifywhat-
far, and
subject?
224:
whatever
I may
yet
NINON
additional
manding
sensible
that
not
de
fuel,
I
the
occupied
There
too
are
sometimes
to
mean
not
in
too
bold
a
that
caress
virtue.
her
the
a
When
know
refined
more
a
when
we
person
resistingadvances,
a
that
mind
is
something to do.
gesticulationswhile talking,
shall be compelled to use
we
understand
to
only
keep to
find
many
with
sign language
find
can
feed, it will
to
say,
senses
think
I
if it
and
which
objects upon
diet.
L'ENCLOS
in
nor
she
able
un-
language. It
taking offense
is enabled
woman
be
to
at
tain
main-
to
in that
is attacked
is
ion,
fash-
while
are
defending herself, her senses
excited
and
the very
agitation which
impels her
her defeat. But it is by distracting
to resist,hastens
the attention
of the man
to other
objects,that the
is relieved of the necessity of resistinghis
woman
advances, or taking offense at his liberties to which
she
herself has opened the way,
for there is one
even
thing certain,
is, that
who
woman
a
You
which
will not
a
will
man
for
is anxious
appoint
dis-
never
him.
unless you can
singlewoman,
is not
able
one
absolutely ignorant, who
suppose
to gauge
exactly the degree of familiarityshe ought
who
to
complain that their lovers
permit. Those
do
not
come
to
up
their
that
It
cause.
Defect
in
a
the mark
into
Inquire
least.
the
find
the
without
and
stupidities,their
was
culture
desire to
their
may
expose
talents
a
what
22Q
woman
affect
not
reason,
inconveniences, for with
and
do
you
me
in the
will
ceive
per-
imprudences
be
us
found
to
else is there
ing.
want-
the
without
to
are
same
mind,
do
but
AND
LIFE
her
undertake
the
is
only
nothing
conquest?
When
kill time
is to
to
way
LETTERS
talk about
to
but
impression she has made
language is the only
for that
you
love
not
recompense
else, her
decency
with
humor
ditch
of
which
the
employed
convinced
respond,
not
the
sual
sen-
that
she
assistance
does
of the
agitationequal to yours,
she has nothing but bad
oppose
without
On
of
gone,
be
can
of the
and
senses,
is not
by
an
to
woman
a
does
but
you
exhibits
that
one
There
and
beauty,
the
upon
company,
her.
annoy
her
herself
she
her, and
and
senses,
or
She
purpose.
in her
This
you.
what
mind, and
contrary, what
is the
not
are
last
mination!
cul-
a
vantages
ad-
the
resourceful
woman?
A
intelligent,
a
livelyrepartee, piquant raillery,
quarrel seasoned
with a trifle of malice, a happy citation,a graceful
an
recitation,are
the time
her, and
gained
The
is
them
they
the
whence,
is it not
so
for
much
with
is, without
women
inabilityto find occupations worthy
a
have
may
say
distractions
many
employed,
misfortune
great
this
attention, and
with
but
thus
so
for virtue?
doubt, the
their
these
not
as
is
an
as
for sensitiveness
occupied
in
than
with
love
men,
rected
which, properly di-
antidote.
vain
as
why
reason
passion
characteristic
a
serve
cure
violent
more
least, are
the
is the
of
All
they
is
are
women,
to
sensitive,
vanity.
While
pleasingin other ways than
by the beauty of her figure,she loses sight of the
sentiment
which
inspiresher to act. In truth, this
sentiment
will not
be the "determining
to
cease
motive"
technipermit me to use some
(you must
a
woman
227
NINON
she
the
of the
heart; in
a
But
actual
ject
ob-
infer
will avoid
the fools take
to
them
do
avoid
not
but
that
they
and
way,
of
do
not
fools
and
That
them.
are
reach
who
men
because
in their
difficulty
the
beyond
them,
the
there
that
me
that
of
diversion.
a
tell
intelligencecultivate
the
affections
the
talents
you
freedom
of
will
you
Whence
dislike
and
it will create
spiritand
of
attack.
mind
word
perhaps
women
but
the
be
thing
presented to her attention, and that is someof becoming
to the care
gained. Wholly devoted
perfect in the species of glory to which
love will be
desire, of which
aspires,this same
will turn
against love, by dividing the
source,
attention
men
it will not
art), but
of
cal term
L'ENCLOS
de
is true,
do
not
ceive
per-
gence
of intelli-
men
they aspire
them, because
to
it.
surmount
ought not you, who are a militaryman, to
appreciate everything I say to you about talent?
have
which
I will suppose
a
campaign upon
you
ing
entered; you have been given charge of conductNow,
the
siege
the governor,
be satisfied if
city. Would
you
nable,
persuaded that the city is not impreg-
should
given
yourself?
and
the
of
a
open
the
you
to
he
seeks
to
say
to
gates without
occasion
least
I venture
more
the
you
cover
not;
to
he
more
glory
he
22S
resist,
with
glory,
Well, Marquis, in
obtaining a victory
gives you.
the pleasure of
love as in war,
is measured
according to the obstacles
I am
of it. Shall I say it?
tempted
parallelfarther. See what it is to take
the
distinguish
should
himself
ing
hav-
in
to
a
the
push
way
the
first step.
The
of
glory
true
will merit
she
that
shall
I
feeble
enough
a
least.
to
Let
war.
a
become
woman
not
we
to
come
her
aid?
I
am
these
give themselves
investigate the matter, we
not
are
very
few
who
women
may
accomplishments if they really
it ; the difference would
only be the more,
lent
But women
are
generally born too indo-
acquire
at
of
so
the
do
if
but
good defense,
a
honors
at
shall find that there
about
in
that they do
advantages,
set
putting
less, perhaps,
point of yielding,what
ligence
satisfactorylover, if her intel-
be
to
talents
aware
not
consists
the
retain
to
and
woman
still farther.
go
is left her
well
a
in
yielding,than
in
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
be
few
a
able
to
that
discovered
make
effort.
an
have
They
is
as
nothing so convenient
of pleasing does
not
being pretty. This manner
be glad not to have
require any labor; they would
Blind
that they are, they do not
other.
see
any
the attentalents equally attract
that beauty and
tion
her who
of men,
but beauty merely exposes
it,whereas
possesses
In
a
stores
furnish
defending it.
word, to appreciate it at
regrets and
up
it shall
day
when
the
reason?
with
her
the
exist.
weariness
Would
it drowns
for
you
out
the
know
all other
long as beauty lasts,a woman
something, she is celebrated, a
As
regarded as
sighs at her
on
to
cease
its full value, beauty
mortal
a
It is because
resources.
comes
talents
of
means
go
there
such
feet.
forever.
to
ravish
I would
flatters herself
She
What
a
desolate
of
the
that
is
crowd
this will
solitude when
age
only merit she possesses?
like, therefore
(my expression is
her
229
NINON
de
L'ENCLOS
elevated, but it interpretsmy
not
that
like
other
in
woman,
a
advantages.
Let
us
more
heart
is
would
of than
use
drama
a
the
Marquis,
agree,
made
and
thought), I would
-beauty could be a sign of
heart.
the
in which
between
level, and
same
liaison
the
are
longest;with
interludes
Possession
the
A
the acts
the
acts
fill the
you
that in love, the mind
if
puts
what
then,
plishments?
accom-
woman
every
all of them
exposes
of the
shortest
with
not
is
on
equally to
infidelity.The elegant and the beautiful, when
they are nothing else, have not, in that respect,
her who
is plain; the mind, in
any advantage over
that case
making all the difference. That alone
bestow
the same
the varietyneccan
essary
upon
person
to
satiety. Moreover, it is only
prevent
of a pasaccomplishments that can fill the vacuum
sion
that has been satisfied,
and we
can
always have
in any
them
situation^ we
imagine, either to
may
it more
defeat and
render
flattering,or
postpone
to
assure
of
us
our
How
profit by them.
although they set their
let the
talent
Lovers
conquests.
things they
many
faces
Countess, while
themselves
againstthem?
cultivatingher
for the clavecin,understand
her
cherish
fore,
Wheredecided
interests
and
yours.
I have
and
see
I tremble
what
supped
I
read
never
over
lest you
happens
last
see
find it
when
night with
him
letter,my
my
de la
M.
does
fashion, at least for three
230
or
Marquis,
trifle serious.
is in bad
'one
that he
a
dear
You
company.
I
Rochefoucauld, and
spoil me
four days.
not
in this
XXIX
The
Misfortune
THINK
I
punishes
A
woman
to
go
too
of
far
she
would
when
sure
of
progress
and
assiduity.
a
in
your
a
tue.
vir-
of
whatever
indifferent
she
She
ready
of
day
lover
more
soon
deems
herself
fault, and
me
letter
this:
about
she
the
which
231
most
feels
to
such
with
tion
vexa-
her
at
it, and
But
you.
she
you
caprice advances
than
a
begins
becomes
of
year
to
unjust;
care
her
regret
she
desires
benevolent.
is the
states
humor
betray
for
you
There
of
out
to
unkind
being
woman
surprises
What
for
caprice
is less
is
one
A
she
her
days;
opening
despair
not
woman
punishes
by
that
the
unkindness;
three
without
really
herself.
She
herself
repair
a
weakness
moment.
be
do
but
country
veritable
a
mistake
with
her
punishes
the
retreat.
reason,
for
letters
were
any
than
that
she
to
you
into
gone
to
if her
severe.
make
you
see
tender
If
less
not
with
to
surprised
fault
fa*
too
return
a
opinion,
my
occasions
are
has
it your
Is
Countess
the
having
for
gone
all, however,
be
Do
has
your
happen.
may
love.
refuse
to
as
is, in
After
her
Avowal
an
Marquis,
severely
She
return
them,
do,
experience
that
out
month;
to
you
can
so
give
may
you
escaped?
secret
any
as
avowal
an
Sudden
of Too
marked
that
since
sage
pas-
the
NINON
Countess
has
de
appeared
L'ENCLOS
love
to
her
you,
character
has
tion
totallychanged. I -have no particularinformathat point. All I know
on
her
is,that she made
debut in society as a lady of elegance,and her debut
all the more
marked
was
because, during the life
of her husband, her conduct
was
trary.
entirelythe conDo
her
remember
not
you
acquaintance,
that
she
heedless, bold,
be
incapable
to-day, you
to
However,
serious
melancholic;
sentiment
has
least
appears
she
she
assumes
true
one,
taken
to
her
I
am
be
around
she has
it.
see
to
wherever
her; if you
your
attentive
an
what
refuse
you
and
will
the
of kindness
borrowed.
one,
be
her
All
my
if I
case,
a
metamorphosis
the effects
mistaken
storm
if the
end
not
all the
one
it upon
her
in the
most
with
cause
be-
to
power
vent
pre-
object,
your
importunity,
where
yourself
treat
ing
rag-
assured
more
and
goes
not
you
to
can
allude
all the
nerism
man-
follower, respectful,but
courtesies
for those
a
character
it to
imagine
you
She
happen?
Women
peared
ap-
become
the
fault in such
at
she
take
passion,
of
with
everything in her
if you
steadily pursue
far as
as
pursuit even
carrying your
her
has
done
But
and
attachment?
she
fit in
so
to-day, does
you
diness,
gid-
to
pre-occupied, timid, affected;
the place of mincing airs; at
much
complete victory,and
follow
tell me,
in this
very
reasonable
a
former
philosophy would
did not recognize
of love.
of
first made
you
livelyeven
coquettish,
was
even
to-day, that
and
when
due
possess
who
232
an
love
will be
any
unable
indifferent
inexhaustible
them.
pressed,
im-
You
to
quaintance.
ac-
fund
know
NINON
in him
beginning of her
reasonable she
however
always starts out
pride to resolve
divine
the
attacks, she
so
heart, it is of
her
is not
through
honor
much
against
how
I
you
to
If you
by being afraid
lovers
evidence
that
of
the
trouble
she
would
But
you.
I
not
know
tormenting themselves, the habit of never
but
one
object in view is so powerful,
that is
they prefer being pestered with one
in
than
are,
The
with
none
I feel sorry
your
situation
can
poor
Marquis,
how
at
fail to
badly
234:
ing
havthat
agreeable
dis-
all.
for you.
not
to
ingenious
Always
are.
of
object
an
were
take
you
precautions
of
is strong
woman
a
declare
unreasonable
However,
her
importunities or
excess
you,
feared.
are
you
you?
you
you
whether
you
your
that, Marquis, the
of indifference, would
avoid
to
consequence
it
takes
woman
how
persevere
you
consent.
Besides
a
no
obtained
with
unfortunately,you
overcoming her,
of
needs
defense, she only
that; but
upon
means
fine
a
be, she nearly
may
and
indefatigable,
little delicacy that, provided you obtain
in your
have
with
it
Thus
resistance.
in the
is, that
have
L'ENCLOS
de
he
Smitten
be
a
as
sad
is treated!
you
one.
XXX
When
Resistance
WAS
I
delighted
for
the
I
had
should
to
rival.
should
never
I
that
I
will
for
score,
for
I
will
astonishment
will
mind
Madame
I
am
your
at
that
going
and,
longing
will
made
not
assumes
the
told
me,
be
surprise
a
of
sake
widow.
add
I
have
to
You
the
to
surprised
the
neighborhood,
make
at
the
you.
235
her
call
where
grounds
that
the
she
I
of
was
ured
unmeas-
acquaintance,
promise
Your
you
house,
me
that
Countess
when
adjoins
one.
on
doubt.
no
you,
told
only
the
la Sabliere's
week,
proofs
news
however,
de
a
the
are
you
investigate
to
cease,
spend
to
amiable
home,
For
woman
a
for
constant
you
going
This
have
that
give
to
am
myself.
to
have
combat.
she
men,
you
and
loved,
able
be
when
other
everything
are
you
all
would
that
Marquis,
than
fortunate
a
her
single
a
sensible
in-
was
lover.
in
see
advised,
she
had
by
ity,
sever-
same
that
you
Countess
the
the
at
more
was
if
not
in
strength
toward
favorite
her
with
that
intractable
haughtiness
you
manifested
well
more
that
love, but
her
be
say,
departure
my
mind
suspected,
resistance
beyond
you
to
Pretense
a
before
your
treating
have
your
The
been
that
free
in
persevered
I
is
feel
Only
learn
to
country,
rest.
Is
have
you
just
NINON
I have
time
the
not
de
L'ENCLOS
to^finish
opportunity to send it. I must
and
traveling companion
my
love letter.
I
letter with
the
carry
lettingher
am
What!
Adieu.
will not
permit
is
think
de
visit
to
the
Du
country.
Grignan's
in
us
in a
teasing me
I am
writing a
what
she pleases,
the
to
me
Madame
you
letter,nor
depart immediately,
fashion, pretending that
strange
and
this
illness
our
solitude?
Chateau
de
.
I
writing you
am
Countess, my
I
have
dear
of the
She
and
I
do
character
write
do
not
from
told
I
thinks
you
wish
more
any
have
you
I may
now,
one
this place.
to
know
Adieu.
!3G
remarked.
be
to
you
tress
the misI
whether
her
am
about
despair of discovering,before
for the change
city,the reasons
which
day
woman,
doubt
Here
all she
me
with
adorable
an
like hers.
enable
I
fidante.
con-
you,
I
not
the
to
has
favor
I sometimes
her.
heart
a
is
third
is the
will
in bad
She
house.
deserve
you
not
am
delightedwith
am
this
of the
house
country
her, which
that I
understand
the
Marquis,
with
been
from
turn
re-
in her
dare
not
interrupted,and I
that I am
writing you
XXXI
The
Opinion
Advice
and
of
de
Monsieur
la
Sab-
liere
HOW
I
with
the
when
chance
in
an
a
bushy
arbor
of
have
attributed
astonished
is not
in
notice
I
Perhaps
only
much
me
in
when
I
to
true
my
me
was
you
conceal
farther,
now,
never
may
their
that
is
a
return
giddy
have
I
tration,
pene-
the
serious
frivolity
still
seriousness
you
former
that
they
am
an
more
acter
char-
through
but
said
exterior
my
except
imagined
faults,
sir, and
to
I
word.
your
be
my
the
not
was
the
will
that
the
Sevigne,"
with
You
you
for
reconcile
passion
one,
through
which
from
de
not
society.
tell
now
I
steps.
word
M.
can
a
just
when
them,
conceal
for
decided
so
sieur
Mon-
passing
my
you
to
inclination
of
her,
in
conversation,
to
you
from
him
was
join
the
able
"and
I
arrested
all
been
not
Countess,
nature
to
communicate
to
strategy
use
secret
with
was
intending
heard
my
the
She
name
to
word
my
confidence
her
and
your
and
hasten
of
garden,
the
path
noticed,
"I
of
keep
to
aid.
my
Sabliere.
la
mention
to
quis!
Mar-
tell you,
to
her
worm
ignorant
not
are
de
to
came
have
arranged
had
and
you,
I
preparing
was
Countess
upon
You
things
many
women
sometimes
instance.
sition;
dispo-
design.
can
go
They
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
disguisetheir virtues,and since the word has
escaped me, I am tempfed, at the risk of wearying
strange gradation I reached
you, to explain by what
that point.
"During my married life I lived retired from the
even
world.
I
When
question
of
I
small.
sought
a
the
hide
me
But
the
time
same
"This
to reconcile
men,
among
their
I reasoned:
way
formed
happiness, we
of the
to
are
a
I
purity
It seemed
of
system
me,
would
duct
con-
not
at
pleasures
of life.
Destined
to
please them,
obliged to
it
to
all this?
compromising
me
add
to
establish
to
deprive
is the
not
was
knowledge, I had
pleasures of society; but at
how
which, without
rassment
embar-
own
my
determined
difficult task
a
the
was
heart; in vain
own
my
was
I
there
widow,
society, and my
to present myself
to
was
for the
time
same
I
it from
taste
of morals.
"to
how
for solitude.
his taste
and
a
interrogated
to
strong
became
returning
to
as
Count
the
knew
You
and
suffer
to
live
share
from
in
their
all fear their malignity. It
caprices,and above
that they have no other object in our
tion
educaseems
than that of fitting
for love, indeed, it is the
us
only passion permitted us, and by a strange and
cruel contrariety,they have left us only one
glory
is that of gaining a victory over
to obtain, which
I therefore
the very inclination imposed upon
us.
endeavored
in
use
I found
and
"We
we
to
enter
are,
and
ascertain
custom,
the
I said
society,to
to
such
two
predicaments
best
on
means
of
ciling
recon-
glaring extremes,
all sides.
myself, simple enough when
imagine that the greatest hap238
piness of
be to love
should
woman
a
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
and
be
loved.
impression that love is
ble
based on esteem, upheld by the knowledge of amiavested
purifiedby delicacy of sentiment, diqualities,
which
of all the insipidities
disfigureit, in
and
the effusions
word, fostered by confidence
a
But
of the heart.
so
unfortunately, a sentiment
without
for a woman
experience,is everyflattering
thing
is always
that in practice. She
less than
then
We
when
disabused
"I
too
late.
in the
beginning as to be
at
two
imperfections I perceived in
inconstancy and their untruthfulness.
was
their
the
under
are
so
good
reflections I made
the first of these
on
dalized
scan-
men,
The
defects, led
unfortunate
more
opinion that they were
than guilty. From
in which
the manner
the human
heart is constituted, is it possible for it to be occupied
with
only one
object? No, but does the
deserve
the
same
treachery of men
indulgence?
me
the
to
Most
attack
men
in the
design
sacrifice her
to
a
woman's
use
her
for
virtue
in cold
their amusement,
blood,
to
their
vanity,to fill a void in an idle
life,or to acquire a sort of reputation based upon
is a large number
There
the loss of ours.
of men
in this class.
How
to
distinguish true lovers?
They all look alike on the surface, and the man
who
is often more
tive
seducpretends to be amorous,
than one
who
reallyis.
"We
love
dupes enough to make
are, moreover,
the contrary, conon
a
capitalaffair. You men,
sider
it merely a play; we
rarely surrender
to it
without
an
to
inclination
for the person
239
of the
lover;
NINON
yieldto it without
cluty;you give way
enough
coarse
are
you
L'ENCLOS
de
to
taste.
to the
Constancy with us is a
slightestdistaste without scruple. You are scarcely
in leaving a
decent
mistress, the possession of
six months
before, was
whom,
piness.
your glory and hap-
She
is not
reputation,should
and
tells
everything
heart
is made
Why,
then,
of
succeed
an
soul
whole
and
the
It is
of love.
kind
the
to
which
is
involuntary.
that
wiser
be
not
to
possible to
be
impels
I have
love?
observed
occupies
the
ment,
senti-
other
of every
sacrifice everything to
to
us
which
love
a
exclusion
characters
They
little on
the
are
the
of
just
sufficient
their essential
such
men
character
the
brilliant
merit.
are
men
not
unite
in
the
qualitiesto
It must
be
who
ment?
senti-
show
with
an
their
fashion
most
reasonable
who
fix
a
of
possess
value
on
confessed, though,
good companions
240
a.
reason
It is those
kind?
that
such
solid, those
most
outside, those who
nobility of
thinking.
are
"Finally, who
women
susceptibleof
are
elevated
that
However,
inclination
an
it
of
peace
object loved.
"What
for
many
enterprise.
dangerous
a
so
heart, that this
a
it will
how
see
her
that love
Would
being?
in such
is
have
we
it
love.'
destroy
to
venture
us
with
never
love, and
Let
"What
that
for
our
rectifyit?
that
me
tragicalside,
their
cherishes
who
woman
a
indiscretions.
cruel
most
off if she
well
'If love draws
myself:
misfortunes,
is part
herself
regarded things from
I
said to
mind
the
punished by
"Hence
and
consider
may
for
women
NINON
heard
have
shall
of
frivolous
I
by being
of my
"Do
virtue
to
great
I
justice
it, however
will
you
finish
heart
against
When
is not
the
as
her
assaults
the
a
scends
de-
woman
humiliation
she
esteem
of
appearance
brighter her virtue, the
The
the
in
outward
resource.
poor
as
the
the
weakness,
a
be, and
to
that
prove
know
lacking
not
am
that
guarantees
A
I
to
opinion.
believe
love?
of
I
appear
may
you
end.
trte
to
and
mind,
your
logic I employ
the
listen
right:
am
L'ENCLOS
de
tionately
propor-
hoped
easier
to
cure?
se-
mark
for
malice.
"What
Are
not
men
is she
who, by
who
forced
a
retreat
of
attributingto
every
time
we
of
our
One
an
honest
Rather
And
what
cruel
torments
Do
they
The
most
not
to
raise
talked
the
price
much
of
are
not
grave
an
up
it
of
to
be
they
altar
part
our
is
that
of
a
to
tempted
which
Must
it
to
a
at
such
abandon
can
not
is
not
so.'
being
for
us
the
us?
No!
is she
say,
say,
vances.
ad-
heroism?
our
woman,
virtue.
preserve
matters
to
their
condemned
have
they
woman,
offer
they
the
of violence,
state
of
us
to
'There
tired
not
do
which
about,
is the
would
is
accord
resist
to
said:
friends
recompense
honest
on
undertake
the
beyond
than
perpetual
a
weakness;
wickedness
carry
us
who
woman
herself
puts
est
wis-
the
that
her
conceals
best
woman?
virtuous
a
believe
to
as
possibilityof having any?
a
single perfection, they
point
of
idea
unjust
so
woman
or
world's
is the
who
perfect
a
general
price?
a
it?
be
ference
indif-
oblivion
not
women
is
But
have
Who
there
overlooked.
closely follows
"Dishonor
age
in
passed
such
avoiding
I could
that
the
dawned
But
pleasure.
an
it is
more
"Tell
have
Is
attachment?
an
condition
of
on
be
than
Is she
not
It is sufficient for her
everything
courteous,
she
that
she
not
virtue
pect
sus-
paradox to you.
imagine.
you
obliged to
from
exempt
to
be
derness?
ten-
amiable
As
and
soon
as
expert in the role she has undertaken,
becomes
only mistrust
then, the
demning
con-
a
surface.
the
on
first
gradually
a
society
face, I
your
society woman
a
at
reconcile
to
to
reasonable
this:
me
it
smile
appears
necessity of
But
it.
the
the
when
doing so, without
austerity,and I had
competent
From
idea
such
life of
that
alone
was
with
a
the
Old
be
I calculated
undertake
me
upon
woman
to
to
courage
in
succeed
not
myself
feel
misfortune.
a
it not
must
I
remorse?
weakness.
upon
in itself,what
is dreadful
it is
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
has
heart.
no
world
the
A
fine
has
of
is
her
figure,haughty airs,
jargon, fantasies, and fads,
sentially
required of her. She can be eswith
one
impunity. Does
any
caprices, fashionable
that
is all that
is
virtuous
he
thinks
make
to
presume
her
pay
arrangements
this way
had
his turn.
place,
failed to
a
If he
with
meet
sistance
re-
quickly gives over
worrying her, he
is already captured, and
heart
he patiently
awaits
outj of
advances?
for
her
made
woman
she
His
would
notify
deference, that it
before
is
would
perseverance
he
owing
was
offered
protected by the
who
man
a
be
himself.
bad
to
In
opinion
of her.
"I read
in your
eyes that you
243
are
about
to say
to
NINON
The
me:
state
injuremy
may
I seek
But
do
professional society woman
reputation,and plunge me into
?
reputation, and
acquire of
us
it is
judgment,
avoid.
know,
of malice
a
L'ENCLOS
a
does
conduct
shafts
of
to
not
you
de
Is not
that your
Monsieur, that
not
The
the
guard a
opinion men
and
good
thought?
the
most
tere
aus-
from
woman
give of
the
women's
ideas
wrong
ficulties
dif-
they
always equally false. It is prejudice,
their
species of fatalitywhich governs
are
that
a
glory depends less upon
real virtue than
auspicious circumstances.
upon
The hope of filling
honorable
agination
an
place in their imought not to be the sole incentive to the
practice of virtue, it should be the desire to have a
good opinion of ourselves, and to be able to say,
whatever
with
have
"I
which
it to
matters
sentiments
owe
same
not
reappeared
and
the
what
virtue, provided
our
to
friend
the
themselves
I could
not
do
the
world,
than
to
favorable
to
most
I became
glory.
my
aided
who
favorite
our
a
virtue.
social circle
as
the
in
their true
We
the
into
,
her
Our
frequented
We
neighbors
made
a
ball room,
indulged
absurd
sel.
coun-
relative.
We
character.
244
a
my
tached
closelyat-
with
me
Marquise de
in perfect accord.
were
society. Charity for our
only masks.
follies, we
goaded
were
in
that
is the
in
of
we
I deemed
of mind
She
we
I
the mask
truly
reproach myself. But,
convinced
therefore
to
the
I have
it?
was
peace
to
what
better, when
don
our
be the opinion of the public :
may
nothing
we
so
our
was
pearance
ap-
where
in all sorts
into
After
showing
having
LIFE
amused
ourselves
reached
the
LETTERS
AND
in this
limit
of
our
private interviews.
in
comedy, we
pleasure, it
How
appeared to us, and the
fatuous, and impertinent! If
could
inspire fear in a woman's
broke
their heart
indifference
utter
heaped
we
the least.
By
long
time
from
the dreadful
heart, that is, esteem,
airs,by affecting
our
upon
those
who
deserved
the
ments
allurethem
experience,we came
be virtuous,it was
our
to
near
sary
neces-
company.
conduct
guaranteed
of
snares
weariness
love, and
sad
a
and
for
us
presence
virtuous
in
character.
Those
our
We
who
have
what
were
we
man
a
been
themselves
permitted to enjoy
"But
met
olous,
Friv-
will,
solid, reasonable, and
but
eyes,
never
might
make
to
own
us
ful
mourn-
more
have
of men,
a
saved
lives.
our
spread over
imperious, bold, even
coquettish if you
in the
would
who
any
by
against the
virtue
found
we
the
vacuous,
and
of
course
by
how
men,
them,
force of
yet
renewed
was
for
believing,that in order
to frequent bad
"This
not
absolutely idiotic
women
we
had
we
were
redoubtable,
ridiculous
in this
happy
afraid
liged
ob-
were
before
of.
being
society.
our
finallyled
to
me
doubt
the
truth
of
principles,is they did not always guard me
I have learned
from the dangers I wished
to avoid.
through my own
experience, that love is a traitor
my
with
whom
it will not
do
to
trifle. I do
not
know
able
the Marquis de Sevigne was
fatality,
to render
projects futile. In spite of all my
my
heart.
to my
precautions he has found the way
I was
much
I resisted him
However
impelled to
by
what
245
him, and
love
to
except
feel for
unable
been
my*own
justifyin
be
I would
occasion
an
me
is of
reason
my
him.
to
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
to
change
hide
from
afraid at first that he
was
ridiculous
as
I
as
more
no
if he
never
him
I have
deem
might
to
thoughts, I
me
actually
true
my
when
And
be.
I
gave
sentiments.
my
me
the inclination
eyes
happy
seemed
to
use
my
in his eyes
less amiable
sincerityshall render me
than
that frivolitycaptures men
more
(for I know
real merit), I wish
show
to
myself to him in my
colors.
true
than
blush
to
nothing to
whole
being."
owe
de
perpetual lie of my
still less surprised, Madame,"
la Sabliere, "at the novelty of
at
the
heart
"I
I should
but
am
a
skill with
which
said Monsieur
your
have
you
his
project,
succeeded
mit
singular idea plausible. Perto
me
say, that it is not possible to go astray
with
more
experimented with
spirit. Have
you
Men
everybody according to your system?
go a
around
avoid the beaten
to
track, but
long way
obstacles.
To make
use
they all fall over the same
of the privilegeyou
granted me to tell you plainly
thought, believe me, Countess, that the only
my
in
rendering
way
for you
such
to
openly
resume
There
with
When
is
a
preserve
your
peace
of mind
is
to
man.
wopositionas a reasonable
nothing to be gained by compounding
your
virtue."
I heard
the conversation
I knew
it would
soon
withdrew,
and
promptly
taking that
finish,and
could
not
plexion,
com-
I therefore
think
of
anything but satisfyingyour curiosity.I am tired
of writing. In two
to Paris.
days I shall return
246
XXXII
The
the
but
fine
so
I
wrote
A
'tis
loving
her
has
She
her
love
not
on
any
more
any
help
from
weapons
have
to
fact
and
them
to
regret
sex,
my
able
that
to
I
247
the
a
much
of
not
not
I
and
her
rely
require
women.
have
furnished
them
heart
would
of the
;
more
portion
do
fessed
con-
chains
her
need
you
without
touch
you.
thought,
You
understand
Do
has
is
that
advice.
my
letters,
my
against
been
the
dismay.
reassure
Countess
I
to
progress.
break
than
She
similar
woman
a
;
its costing
mind.
of
you
as
you
poses
pur-
without
more
account
you
sometimes
soon
never
contrary.
Countess
its
given
The
your
is due
on
as
can
from
hide
firmness
I
she
it
arrest
has
that
yourself.
reasonable
do
she
to
the
passion
face
that
you
without
a
price.
ca-
against
peace
of
not
can
proofs
undeceive
her
never
tell
taken
and
ease,
of
to
the
together
al-
with
just
settled;
consequences
imagine
men
women
been
be
have
charge
time
again,
not
may
You
write
has
her
at
she
and
let the
You
I
you
Heart
back
am
liking.
last
the
to-day
you
I
bring
to
intends, therefore,
not
ever
your
thing
a
the
yours,
to
disturbance
any
seen
I
resolution
strange
tremble,
news
you
loved,
were
you
here
occasion
an
of the
Knowledge
a
Marquis,
WELL,
had
of
Advantages
you
you
Count-
de L'ENCLOS
NINON
I must
ess?
that I have
avow
judged women
with
see
me
rigor,and you -now
ready to
them a reparation. I know
it now,
there are
stable and
virtuous women
than
essentially
thought.
much
too
What
a
stock of reason!
What
make
more
I had
combination
a
of
all the estimable
I
in our
friend!
quis,
No, Marqualities
from
her
the
no
longer withhold
could
sentiment
of my
tender
most
and
esteem,
without
consultingyour interests,I have united with
You will murmur
at this,but the
against you.
she has given me, does it not demand
return
on
part? I will not hide from you
my
of
wickedness;
my
I
carried
have
malice
her
fidence
con-
to
point of instructingher in the advantages
from
might draw
everythingI have written
about
feel," she said
lover
heart, the talent
not
to
"how
me,
with
combines
who
and
he
the
you
you
to express
delicate language.
of
have
who
women
the
justify,in
He
them.
overcome
the
which
he
draws
thinks
she
is
eyes
What
in such
advantages
I have
reason?
a'
of
ble
no-
can
marked
re-
of reasoning that he
finds
of his reason,
her.
knowledge
himself
possesses
he
intelligence
is
redoubtable
much
so
it,it is by his powers
has
any
women.
"I
the
this
the art
in
a
the
of
ploying
em-
woman
to
errors
into
in love
Besides, a woman
proportion her sacrifices to
obliged to
she loves.
To
the good qualitiesof the man
an
is a weakness, he blushes
ordinary man, a weakness
it is a tribute paid
of intelligence,
at it; to a man
discernment
to his merits, it is even
a proof of our
;
248
NINON
While
equity.
de
L'ENCLOS
inexperience needed
your
assistance, encouragement,
zeal in your
urged me to sacrifice everythingin your
then on the side
Every advantage was
cause
Countess.
things;
enough
But
all
to
in her
was
is
there
now
After
her
a
succor
are
she
has
have
the
on
experience,
against her, to
you
reposes
in me,
to
refuse
the
rightto expect from me,
will avow
it yourself,would
Henceforth, I purpose
wrong.
evil I have
with
she
sincere,you
crying
the
face
the less.
reason
the confidence
the
if you
her
that, to combine
betray
different
of the
pride to-day, is barely strong
resist you.
Formerly, her indifference
worth
still more,
favor, and, what was
she has
and
a
ests.
inter-
her
lack of skill;to-day you
your
be
my
enment,
enlight-
done
in
to
pair
re-
revealingour secrets,
I do not
by initiatingyou into our
mysteries.
know
why, but the pleasure I feel in crossing you,
to be working in my
favor, and you know
appears
how
far my
ments
extend.
rights over
My sentiyou
will always be the same,
and, on your part
without
too
doubt, you
are
equitable to diminish
for me, because
have
of anything I may
esteem
your
done
By
in favor
and
of
a
by, then,
friend.
at
the
250
Countess'.
XXXIII
A
Once
Heart
Wounded
No
Longer
afraid
of
Plays
with
Love
Marquis,
WAT,
already
Tou
they
i^ause
ready
are
thought
do
were
you
for
she
never
her, since
her
of
much
so
from
judge
that
is
she
This
be
very
discover
you
would
seek
ready
be
that
tender
to
your
a
certain
your
console
a
might
you
of
such
for
251
that
respond
on
casion
oc-
an
tion,
conversa-
A
not
flippant
a
It
does
What
not
would
loss.
should
blow
a
How
ner.
man-
would
we
way,
you
an
wom-
would
certainly find
your
you
me
can
love
Adelaide
But
to
idea.
joking
point.
vanity!
You
saw
smitten.
strange
a
if in
revenge.
to
to
delightful,
to
up
in
sentiment
birth
gives
never
ironical
shaft
the
I
still farther, and
saw
sustained
by
played with
have
I
the
against
out
I
I
but
me,
fail her
not
only moderately
really wounded
I
Now
did
peril.
well
that
just confessed
has
courage
her
is true
hold
evening.
redoubtable.
so
me,
even
could
she
entire
an
and
seductive,
so
I
for
It
be-
you
Dear
game?
astonishes
how
and
success,
courage.
Countess
affairs,
your
your
the
more
understand
ardor
your
had
of the
not
oppose
abandon
to
you
firmness
despair of
women?
two
love
that
quickly
beauties
often
NINON
vexation
has
heart?
made
Can
do
However,
soften
the
Your
will
is to
not
which
we
ought
to
know
what
that
see
down
to
have
so
consider
dismissal
But
I
tempted
am
take
of it?"
this too
I would
I know
much
do
not
to
strong
are
you
to
might
the
best
thing
do
can
you
the
qualityof friend, a position
You
generously offered you.
yourself very fortunate, your
be
made
make
this out
to
more
harshly
treated
be
woman's
a
first feelings of displeasure past,
soon
come
that
if you
is
definition
a
and
situation.
minded.
you
know
you,
heart, I do
"What
say:
give me
one
you
find fault with
to
you
any
L'ENCLOS
de
be
absolute.
much
of
if
a
But
not
will be
victory,you
consider
we
do
to
more
you
feared.
Adieu,
the
at
Marquis.
head
things.
which
two
ladies
Countess,
of my
bed, sends you
She is edified by the
have
you
The
treated
to
seem
be
who
discretion
der
ten-
with
to
insist when
to
you,
contrary
so
sitting
thousand
a
not
us;
is
that
is
the
height of gallantry. So much
modesty will
certainlydisarm them, and may
some
day move
them
to pity. Hope, that is permitted you.
From
the
Countess.
Although you may be inspiredby
hopes, Marquis, I will add a
this letter.
it refers
with
day.
to
own
my
I
I have
wish
well
at
I
me.
hand
to
read
not
it,but
the most
few
that
we
tell you
present, but
252
shall
words
I suspect
wish, however,
be
that
I
that
I have
love
to
tering
flat-
write
alone
here
to
that
you
all
you
ately
moder-
the
greatest
desire in the world
if you
our
that
felt
it advisable
deem
heart
your
you
more
I
am
have
in the
love
to
not
littleparty, it gives
danger.
than
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
will
to
and
pleasure
exposed to
be
I
that
ever
found
to
am
me
treat
253
ever,
How-
all.
at
come
me
told
humor
you
to
the
trouble
warn
greatest
handsomer
to
you
you
be, and
badly.
to-day
I
never
XXXIV
Absence
Makes
this, Marquis,
ALL
of
Did
acting
I
trying
was
profit by
to
You
it
I
me.
is
see
with
that
her
over
than
her
affect.
from
us
is
has
a
her
days,
master
responded
like
could
a
to
your
I
find
perfect
the
that
you,
ency
ascendattack
that,
that
The
not
away
write
to
it
us
frankly,
is
complete
most
you
letter,
remain
confess
I
my
inal
Crim-
better
last
man;
hope.
254
Countess
indifference
my
all
have
tive
alterna-
your
not
given
stroke, and
the
know
answer
possible, oh,
me
suspect
the
since
of
after
most
suspect
embarrassing.
You
and
the
friend
heart.
you
to
three
letter
me,
appearance
deign
act
that
Countess
or
this, that
well
how
heart!
the
to
men
my
all
very
are
rendezvous
to
in
to
matter
the
coldest
that
call
Not
to
come
the
by
was
adroit, if you
most
make
to
clearly
are,
you
I
and
the
could
ever
; the
idea
the
of
if you
injurious
equally
relations
that
and
wickedest
baseness
very
taken
has
the
that
out
seriously
jealousy,
you
pray
myself?
guilty of such
thrown
I
speak
to
through
wickedest
the
bounds
the
pass
it understood
separate
either
are
adroit;
to
Fonder
yourself,
pretend
you
occasion
this
on
to
Explain
letter, in making
your
Grow
begins
pleasantry.
you.
in
Heart
the
Countess
I
what
success
has
able
been
not
The
fear
has
caused
her
when
woman
were
idea
all the
outbursts!
I
Oh,
undergo
affairs, and
confidence
with
Advisers
do
to
protest
I will
storm
your
because
Why
I have
reproaches
To
punishing her.
hard, unjust, cruel,
epithets with which I
am
last
of the
head?
Countess
the
hear
virtue,
of her
I considered
you
took
can
not
much
so
in
pleasure
I
her
turned
pretensions,and
criminal
real
reasonable
most
injuriousopinion
an
of your
designs
your
has
is that?
me
become
may
is the
witness
How
coolness.
anxiety.
What
the
not
you
false
mortal
a
love
just heard?
to-day, gave
a
this indifference
that
much
against so
stand
to
Heavens!
Great
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
I
very
which
I
remember
covered.
was
What
this will be
you,
for
being mixed
cordiallyrenounce
have
you
both
the
in
up
the
honored
me.
agreeable part in such
it seems
to me,
so
cases,
always charged with what
is disagreeable in quarrels, and
the lovers
only
profitby a reconciliation
after
However,
be
very
sillyto
finish
by being
once,
and
Now,
do
Come
and
of them
sure
with
the
assure
not
has
of her
very
reflection,I think
offence
follies will
them
upon
a
due
take
whose
children
look
play
not
play
such
this.
amuse
eye
of
the
a
innocent
virtue, that
is surely to
inclination,
cruel
These
peace.
to
I
are
ought
Come
poor
then,
255
at
children; one
in the way
afflictthem
to
will suit you.
role any
more.
motives, the other
stand
two
philosopher,and
resolution
petty
You
me,
friend of both.
if that
me
make
the
at
I should
without
is
so
of their
reason.
XXXV
Should
Heart
The
AM
I
be
Played
of
a
beginning
the
only
affairs.
heart
is
I
to
doing
so;
I
do
this
But
for
sentiments
And,
make
to
since
continue,
ideas
involved,
sometimes
I
shall
take
not
follows
the
up
in
persists
that
to
your
has
It
her
is
own
I
what
to
reason
only
an
wish
it,
which
however,
at
your
your
my
to
see
fear
her,
shall
not
I
to
give
you
you
may
that
if
as
shall
my
become
permit
you
liberty
a
expense,
Countess
the
is, if she
that
do
I
not
rapidly.
very
she
far
so
her
knows
see
She
heart,
it.
imprudent
and
her.
past.
alone,
advance
told
I
my
for
the
formed,
you
of
nothing
because
has
she
will
strength,
my
upon
friendship,
in
in
laugh
I
insists
have
to-day,
affairs
her
up
friend,
her
my
so
refusing
remembers
and
of
as
plan
with
friendship
my
condition,
on
able
reason-
mention
never
she
stand
situations
the
on
most
made
change
nor
you
that
bickerings.
will
use
concerned,
are
shall
like
still
Marquis,
meddle
to
unless
you,
I
although
scruple
I
resolution
Keys
the
therefore,
have,
not
with
never
Countess
the
name
me
live
Henceforward
mind.
you
understand,
to
woman,
the
Piano
to
way
Like
Upon
woman
exposes
256
who
relies
herself
upon
without
XXXVI
Impressions
Mistaken
DO
think,
you
the
have
we
It
she
she
claimed
which
insisted
I
that
counsel.
counsels
my
been
at
outs.
begged
me
to
break
off
The
confidence
she
preservative
for
But
in
the
she
is
Of
what
you
with
her
soon
as
a
good
are
tional
addi-
an
give
for
her
only
believes,
with
related
fail
not
lover
her
whatever
She
reason
does
she
use
pride,
have
woman
and
her
can
you,
her
you
as
I
flight.
used
conversation
language
same
in
you
reasonable
every
give
with
have
may
that
the
relations
vivacity,
love,
to
advice
best
against
example,
effect
her
provide
to
this, sir,
her
her
to
turn
pretended
my
forget
Heavens!
except
to
Know
continue
should
triumph?
is to
due
was
Good
But
Countess?
the
never
is true,
of
felt all
not
deigned
account
on
with
reconciliation
that
me
Women
I have
have
you
All
to
that
Marquis,
sarcasm
against
Common
good
to
me.
to
use
shows
her
respectful pretensions.
some
"I
only
want
as
what
only
to
too
many
believe
I
of
I
will
they
say,
I desire.
with
women
themselves
refuse.
that
heart,"
is all
esteem
your
find
your
very
never
kind."
258
Alas!
so
happy
envy
"y"ur
you
little
in
them
ments,
sentiwill
delicacy
accepting
a
ness
happi-
LIFE
Be
on
combat
your
such
sincerityon
offend
AND
guard',Marquis, and do
fine sentiments; to doubt
not
such
more
occasions, is
them, it is
their
it.
They
only
even
to
LETTERS
be
to
mistaken
wish
You
maladroit.
if you
idea
woman's
a
do
to
openly
than
must
would
plaud
ap-
profit by
ble
high-minded, and sensiof the pleasures of the soul, it is their
If some
women
are
system, their esprit du corps.
this point, how
in good faith on
there
are
many
who
it as an illusion and wish to impose it
treat
you?
upon
But
whatever
which
be the reason
impels
may
them
false scent, ought you not
to put you
to
on
a
be delightedthat they are willingto take the trouble
to deceive
you? What
obligations are you not
under?
a
They give in this manner,
high value to
be very
those
undesirable.
it,would
who, without
Admire
our
we
feign indifference
strategy when
call the pleasures of love, pretending
to what
you
augment
have
are
not
the
it
from
of the
sacrifice
we
for
make
we
inspire the
even
benefits
the
said
was
its sweetness,
gratitude of the
receive from them,
we
good
that
you
we
do
make
us.
it
a
duty
to
what
us?,
obligationdo you not owe
the most
chosen
to do it.
obliging way
the first to gain by this deceit, for we
multiply obstacles without enhancing the
victory. Troubles, cares, are not
your
you,
price of
these
grandeur
since
deceive
can
the
satisfied with
are
And
You
removed
far
of the very
authors
We
appear
be
by it, we
you,
you
to
money
pleasures? What
with
a
which
lovers
pay
satisfaction for your
259
for
their
vanity to
NINON
able
be
to
this
senses;
to
comes
me,
women
haste
to
show
pleasures
wrong
to
she
would
so
sacrifices
My
own
much,
her
pugnance,
re-
merit,
skill, have
my
objects
for
their desires
you
could
not
lost!
But
Countess
you
can
you
way.
not
gives birth to so
be deceived, and
to
are
to
How
impute
many
it will
you.
knew
reproach
as
talk that
this artifice,it
advantages. Pretend
become
a pleasure to
If the
pride?
person,
my
penetrate them, you
many
disdain
something quite
How
satisfied I am
with my
prowess!"
acted in good faith,if they were
in as
different.
much
fears, her
invincible
surmounted
fears
nevertheless, and
of
charms
If
who
woman
her
the
yourselves: "This woman,
to the impressions of the
insensibk
refined, so
so
within
say
L'ENCLOS
de
what
me!
2GO
I have
written, how
XXXVII
The
Allurements
KNOW
I
particularly
attracted
censure
you,
present
state
theater
if
of
is less
indulgent,
astonish
not
she
me,
so
to
you
confirms
I
is
their
Her
sincerity.
what
in
question
it is
and
she
is
of?
deprived
sentiment
to
the
does
are
very
The
men
wo-
of
women
ment,
senti-
Countess
the
that
credit
much
how
but
of
concerning
complaints
nothing
are
the
jealousy
ideas
my
know
metaphysicians.
singular, for,
Her
in
ess
Count-
the
But
you.
say.
female
due
heroines
the
spite
probably
that,
sure,
is
he
In
I would
and
heart,
your
often
is
man,
mention.
you
not
were
tion,
posi-
your
consequently,
company,
dangerous
not
are
I
in
man
a
deceived,
not
are
you
Women
military
a
divinities
the
by
that
bad
to
Stage
that
well
too
exposed
of
of
is
attached.
little
How
despise
to
much
too
to
wrong
despise
consider
captivated
with
with
of
to
the
be
that
offer
but
former,
in
their
of
women
to
a
in
are
women
the
But
rivals?
them
free
their
sensible
are
element;
and
their
with
261
they
after
Are
and
woman
at
They
stage;
them.
order, decency,
men
accord!
the
fear
not
has
more
than
nothing
uniformity?
they
latter,
they
style,
easy
ease,
them
all, are
you
who
pretend
men
With
appear
are
to
kept
NINON
within
L'ENCLOS
obliged to stand on their dignity,
be very
to
From
the portrait
circuftispect.
of them, I should
several
judge that there are
of them
capable of making many
men
very
and
of
some
bounds,
unfaithful
be
the
to
sensible
a
de
beloved
most
this
man,
mistress.
if it
infidelity,
of
These
long duration.
sudden, livelydesire,but never
The
fairies of the
if
dangerous,
to
time
you
had
you
as
thrown
are
the
the
or
The
vivacityof
their
livelyand
you
pass
But
as
travel
one
laughs
twice
women
to
she
world, others
However
have
need
assure
may
with
please
that
you
times!
some-
giddy
charms;
you,
the
only
moments.
possess
hours
sufficient
so
the
pleasantries,
same
antics, and
same
the
at
more
be
seldom
the
on
much
Inasamusing.
education and culture, they soon
small circle of their accomplishments.
for the fun
enough
upon
to
role
a
feed you
Countess
The
of
they
stories,the
esteem
well
you,
the
They
same
seem
lack
around
the
them
first
conversation, the
situation
seizes
too
ways
al-
the
company.
their
a
you
maintain
they
do
sallies of alleged wit, their
with
to
resources
no
of
sillyjoy
happily for
be
little refinement
so
freedom
all this affords
ways,
a
have
men
a
humor
they
as
jargon, habits, and decency they
surface, it is possible that they may
first. You
create
would
little
at
not
veritable passion.
wit
their
with
can
may
a
much
on
one,
women
operatic stage
they
amuse
be
But
same
thing
it is seldom
when
one
has
maker.
not
her
worry,
that
for I know
it is not
that
you
class
apprehend, there are in the
redoubtable, they are the "gal263
LIFE
women,"
lant
They
with
from
the
the
which
in
society.
position between
good
been
talking about; they
former
the
except
than
least
equivocal
I have
latter
voluptuous
LETTERS
middle
a
those
and
associate
to
those
occupy
women
AND
women
and
surface.
the
on
different
not
are
More
tender, they seduce
refined
is mistaken
sentiments
for love.
by lending
air of passion
an
understand
They
how
is
to
what
impression of tenderness
believe
only a taste for pleasure. They make
you
that it is by choice, by a knowledge of your
merit
that they yield. If you
do not
know
them
to be
the shade
of difference which
tinguishes
disgallant women,
to
an
convey
the
from
only
You
an
accept
loved
are
only
because
These
the
place
who
has
of the
I should
Countess.
The
in
you
mentioned
is
imagine
lovable, but
the
thought proper
taking umbrage.
prevent
I fear you
fear
if I
it is
woman
to
this
the Countess.
which
manifest?
Your
you
will
ter,
let-
preceding
allurements
to
in
were
financial
in your
here, that
to
You
society belongs
already warned
mind,
right in
truly too great
everything,but
are
what
to
man.
women
I call to
Countess
a
passion
senses.
you
lately appeared
I have
of
of the
are
them,
actuates
heart, is impossible
excess
because
you
are
the
class,but
the
for
intoxication
you
which
motives
sensibilityof
the
seize.
true
passion
She
the
was
for her
is
from
not
sacrificing
always be so
honest.
Madame
de
she
possesses
is at
an
age
263
when
bloom
women
and
fulness;
cheerassume
NINON
de
men
charge of young
society,and to learn
The
interestingand
find in her
I who
it
warn
happens
will have
you.
that
they
you
commit
more
L'ENCLOS
desire
to
be
their first lessons
in
who
gallantry.
disposition you
affectionate
its
fitted for
effect,but
be
careful, it is
Although I despise such women,
tachments;
atto create
they have the power
often
find
the
follies than
women.
264
of
secret
any
of
making
the
other
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
the
that
the
heart, constantly agitatedby the
hearts
for
it
be
to
object,there
same
of which
cause
the
the
heart, the
storm
resistance
too
severe
it is this calm
object loved than
extinguished by a
the
to
is
But
constant.
or
lier
live-
profound
more
follow, and
fateful
always more
and
agitation. Love
is
that
The
ascertained.
be
to
sure
of indifference, the
moments
of the
is
that
possible
absolutelyimemployed with the
always
not
can
emotions
calm
are
tions,
emo-
same
it is
whether
finallytires,or
Whether
sensation.
fe^l the
ish
gent
intelli-
an
ner
beyond that, she varies her manresisting;this is the sublimity of the art.
woman
of
goes
with
Now,
Countess,
the
preferable to
are
is another
the
claims
duties
of
of
ship
friend-
love, and
indifference
for your
reason
the
toward
that
her.
tyrannical sentiment, which
is never
has sacrificed
satiated until the object loved
its altar all desires and
passions. You
upon
do nothing for it unless you do everything. Whenever
prefer duty, friendship,etc., it claims the
you
The
It demands
right to complain.
revenge.
Love
is
small
courtesies
jealous
a
Madame
and
de
are
proofs
preferred, though,
much
it necessary
deemed
you
you
of it.
had
to
I would
carried
not
show
have
them
The
length of
accompanying her home.
the pleasure you
time you
passed in her company,
experienced in conversing with her, the questions
so
she
to
far
as
put
to
prove
It is vain
more
you
the
on
truth
for you
amorous
the
state
of what
to
than
of your
I said
protest that
ever
266
pf the
heart, all
in my
you
goes
last letter.
came
Countess,
away
your
LIFE
when
embarrassment
remained
had
made
you
the
extreme
"fermiere
your
deceive
to
whether
inquired
she
with
long
the attempt
answer,
LETTERS
AND
care
her
took
you
generate,"
by
suffers
Countess
that.
Da
not
you
praising
ancient
will
rival?
not
that
you
than
you
of
she
affects
the
Chevalier,
can
assure
affected
time
short
a
I
once,
be
soon
so
mentioned
For
by
to
rouse
your
languors
will
Jealousy
ago.
all
that you
you
the
her
disarm
to
consequences
how
see
jealousy by
your
the
evasive
an
slightestsuspicion,are indications to me
far more
are
guilty than you pretend, or
of yourself.
are
aware
The
you
we
give
Do
for
count
something to think about.
you
You
will
nothing, the sufferingsof the Marquise?
of the smallpox will not
soon
see
her, the ravages
alone disfigureher face, for her dispositionwill be
you
different,as
very
misfortune.
her
and
How
With
women!
tear
soon
to
be
so
The
!
to
of
show
me.
divulge
my
with
from
to
You
others
cease
is
some,
hand-
so
in the shade.
him
to
writing
about
I
am
my
that
the criticism of
267
I
a
about
you
been
letters
secret.
flatteringmyself
withstand
have
recent
my
I will
to
the
forgotten to quarrel with
treatment
as
She
best
I foresee!
storms
I had
is her
Countess
long?
very
her complexion casts
What
of
extent
pity her; how I pity other
cordialityshe will hate them
tatters
friend, will she
the
I
what
them
learns
she
as
M.
you
so
indiscreet
de
la Rochefoucauld.
if you
continue
willing to
talk
ideas, but
I
write
reader
your
well
am
sonally
perfar
enough
like him.
XXXIX
True
The
Value
of
left
marks
THE
in
public
such
a
have
the
made
this
I
the
already
the
through
it is
it acquires
strength;
environment.
its
under
its
own
justification,in
edge
of
the
surprised
Up
to
by
the
what
at
the
present
same
her, that
the
Marquise
the
could
effects
268
a
not
of
it!
fallen
for
her
to
the
have
Now,
therefore,
your
been
shame,
so
reason
friend
in
so
gathers
has
have
love,
may
it
not,
am
says
they
what
I
interested,
I
man
wo-
a
more
who
and
moment
Countess
for
that
her
the
of
against
conducting
principles;
against
heart
herself
the
stances,
circum-
case
if
woman
precipice,
same
not
friend;
weapons
A
deems
ban,
her
example,
our
new
would
upon
itself, becomes
in
miliates
hu-
Does
dangerous
of
only
not
which
the
in
of
contagion
in
pride?
more
in
time
appear
she
depends
weaknesses
seductive
too
she
how
example
is
lution
reso-
long
a
suffer!
with
quise's
Mar-
Her
accident
the
Chevalier
similar
a
could
virtue
the
on
for
happened,
not
Nothing
than
from
If
female
fear
Countess!
speak;
state?
Women
wild.
her
herself
How
diminishes
and
How
show
poor
that
prove
Among
smallpox
set
me.
had
her
have
to
surprise
not
the
by
face
not
does
Compliments
favor.
guided
then,
been
the
for
anteed
guar-
Mar-
LIFE
has
quise
strong
a
LETTERS
the
reason
of
defeat
the
to
AND
for
more
friend; she
her
ing
contribut-
has
become
positivelyugly, and consequently obliged to be
Will
she
more
complaisant in retaining a lover.
suffer another
to keep hers at a less cost?
woman
That
would
be to recognize too humiliating a superiority,
and
most
to
up
can
assure
succeed, how
much
To
been
changed
!
and
woman,
have
be
to
so
day, is, I
every
strength
of
the
than
the
and
vowt,
an
forewarn
this
with
regret, but
Whatever
to
she
Marquise,
she
her
bellishes
em-
ence
pres-
beyond
the
greater
philosophy.
Among
where
rivalrybegins. By
be
beauty only, it would
of sentiment.
take
another
woman,
that
you.
may
as
suffer
effort
add
to
widower
determined
friendshipceases
that of
rivalry,I mean
I foresee
to
the
everything will
beautiful
as
reasonable
most
most
much
amiable
I fear
day,
women
too
her
she will do
longer, although
no
herself every
that
you
singularthings to bring
the point.
If she
be
I
control
will
it is my
precautions
the
make
never
amour
duty
the
propre
to
ess
Countof the
anything else
out
by what
ingrate. I do not know
tells one
fatality,everything1a beautiful woman
in the mouth,
is no
who
longer beautiful, assumes
breaks
which
an
impression of a commiseration
and
down
the most
carefullydevised management,
The
it is thought to console.
humiliates her whom
strives to efface the superiority
she
a
more
woman
of her
than
possesses
more
she
an
over
makes
an
sister woman,
the
superiority
apparent,
until
unfortunate
that
269
NINON
the latter reaches
de
the
L'ENCLOS
that it is
opinion
only through
ordinate
generosity that she is permitted to occupy the subposition left her.
You
depend upon it,Marquis, that women
may
misled
when
it
mutual
praise;
they fully appreciate the eulogies interchanged
cerity,
themselves; and as they speak without sinamong
so
they listen with little gratitude. And
although she who
speaks, in praising the beauty
of another, may
do so in good faith,she who
listens
the eulogy, considers
to
less what
the other says
her style of beauty. Is she ugly? We
than
lieve
benever
are
and
we,
love
thank
we
You
her
between
them
to
them
form
who
have
good
neighbors?
cause
of the lack
who
are
over
nothing,
is the
the
for
to
be
real
to
care
goods
do
not
do
it would
be
public
our
give another;
thing
some-
motive
she
often
that
for
a
quarrel
this
of
fact that
friend
true
Those
women.
our
humiliation.
a
the
the
"nothing"
quarrel? It is only
their
of
give that as the reason
with
to charge us
envy,
will not
penetrate
suppose
you
the
the beauty of
as
sell become
to
friends
intimate
hide
make
have
cordialityamong
occasion
We
she spoke.
may
same
Men
but
reveal
to
the
of
somer,
her; hand-
explain,it is impossible for
chants
merfriendship. Can two
to
most
pretext.
when
not
the
women
solid
a
as
this, Marquis, that
beautiful
two
as
handsome
as
before
than
more
be
disdain
and
understand
must
much
coldly
hate her
we
if she
her, but
to
comes
it is
is the
We
do
jealousy
real cause,
estrangement
pleasure
actions
one
would
woman
prefersinjustice.When-
270
it
ever
that
happens
happy as to find
they seize upon
with
other
You
frankness?
I
not
passes
I do
not
ell my
But
she
expense,
another
my
the
Are
with
you
from
woman
But
will be
us
much
cient
suffi-
cerity
lengths my sinjust ideas of everything,
for I am
assuredly
I
as
a
sure
am
in
buried
they might, perhaps,
sex,
agrees,
said.
between
to
fear embroiling myself in
blame
to
you
criticise.
how
each
what
to
give
than
I sometimes
what
talking
see
own
exempt
more
faults
to
try
at my
even
I
other,
hate
proves
so
the rupture.
before
am
are
vivacity,and
it with
Well, Marquis,
women
get rid of each
to
pretext
a
other
each
goes.
beautiful
two
cordialitywhich
a
they loved
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
that
oblivion,
quarrel
claim
the
the
with
right
ingenuity.
Countess
however,
there
many
is above
all such
with
everything
women
271
petty things,
I have
like her?
just
XL
Fine
and
Oratory
of
example
THE
effect
any
appears,
guard
on
yourself
favor
you
I have
this
occasion
when
is
about
strange
is in
they
she
to
your
married
I say,
their
is
the
imagine.
But
with
us,
what
of
and
sincerity, is
they
It
her.
what
seems
that
esteem,
to
a
she
in
as
her
soon
they
against
are
acting
They
consider
else
ago,
in
are
they
reason
anything
time
who,
prerogatives;
lovers.
sole
some
272
those
complaints
cooling
it
all
same
secret
that
when
and
the
and
themselves,
for
eagerness
and
permit
you
the
ground.
despised,
told
on
you
lover, becomes,
love
and
I
fail
disrespect, before
her
husbands
contrary?
slight
not
But
of
unfaithful
esteem
drawn
recollection,
same
women,
in
would
cases.
of
more
some
passion
your
the
is
It
disinterestedness
and
common
a
on
to
them,
that
with
unmarried,
being
of.
proof
a
proof
a
meet
Listen
hear
as
through
her
similar
perfect accord
imagination,
as
have
it is, that
accepts
woman
you
declared
in
customary
friend.
her
and
that
had
yet
she
respect
you
not
that
recall
of
has
Love
contrary,
reproaches
to
protestations
made
you,
thinking
Breed
of
heart
deprived
been
Not
Marquise
the
her
do
the
on
have
the
on
against
upon
Phrases
that
good
a
can
mark
than
the
women
faith, go
NINON
somewhat
consoles
me
see
well
very
continue
But,
at
on
L'ENCLOS
for your
that the best
in my
least, be
relatingto
de
the
own
way
discreet
glory of
thing for
as
when
the
letters.
274
indiscretion,and
to
me
I have
;
is to
in the past.
I mention
Countess
do
I
matters
otherwise, no
XLI
Discretion
Sometimes
Is
NO,
species
How
are
pleased
blind
of
sure
all
there
love
that
If
I
were
a
the
impose
and
the
creator?
my
treasure
feel
that
in
What
adorable
see
her
it consisted
upon
mine,
my
a
a
that
I
resolution
a
may
not
satisfaction
woman
slightest
the
acts
when
like
use
there
I
all my
it, reflect
of
it and
give
275
you
birth
yet
of
myself
the
have
to
iable
am-
I
be
contemplate
precious
in
cessively
suc-
not
of
read
law
many
felicity,base
deprive
power
the
them
would
its
dispose
have
to
in
would
learn
of
advantages?
how
men,
of
Countess,
the
be
Of
that
economy?
overlook
to
miser,
to
it becomes
as
my
would
to
to
ests
inter-
sweetness
greatest
woman
possession
the
ness."
happi-
that
fortunate
so
unknown
Like
what
before
is the
leisurely?
even
know
time
the
were
unceasingly,
happiness
is all
with
myself
upon
pleasures,
it
I would
gradations
many
I should
of
heart
discretion
what
How
earth,
and
desire
understand,
never
used
man
the
you
"supreme
to
long
a
you
on
be
must
captured
with
good
is
Valor
heart, it is in your
defeat
Will
of
in
you
the
not
are,
woman's
a
entire.
call
to
you
her
enjoy
to
which
with
Part
pardon
not
can
fury
of
are
you
you
I
Marquis,
Better
the
eyes
over
an
value,
all
my
that
it
tain
main-
its
use.
of
her;
an
to
impression
NINON
tenderness, whenever
of
voice soften
her
speaks;
to
eagerness,
that
of
it is to
is
at
of
sure
to
hear
of you
she
you;
or
slightest
your
innocent
most
condition
delicious
more
a
to
you
enjoy her1 confusion
her
anxiety at your
lover who
a
they relate
when
Is there
caresses?
L'ENCLOS
de
being loved,
and
there be any sweeter
than at such moments?
charm
for a lover to be expected with
a
is
that
an
all the
eagerness
made
She
the
hide
to
dresses
the
lover
dressed
the
in
please
to
What
; it is he
man
former
In
for
men;
that
pose
general, now
find
you
the
anything
resistance
take
to
she
of
his
in
a
word,
she
the effort
assumes
flatter
may
times
women
their
entire toilette
sake
she
to
wears
is made?
But
I
it is certain
eagerness,
to
them,
to
seductive
than
know
the
even
all the
by
can
tender
that
all these
as
sweetness
than
the
You
thing,
any-
voice
a
most
al-
refusal for which
rigor of
which
looks, before
soon
not
you
a
she
plaint
com-
any.
as
she
yields to
in proportion
pleasures weaken
facilitymet.
increase
a
conceive
not
Can
Is there
than
is
into
person.
implores
weakness?
emotion,
He
enchanting
who
of her
soften
own
more
reproaches herself,and,
attempts
your
love
more
stifled with
in her
woman
a
advantage
loves
in
with
received
bangles, jewelry, ribbons, bracelets, rings.
the object of it all,the woman
is transformed
the
patience
im-
an
please; she
to
style,the
most.
please
to
is
the
can
of it?
fashion
a
be
; to
flatteringfrom
more
half
in
deportment,
her
concealed
not
than
alone
may
long
pro-
them, by taking the time
and its taste.
However,
276
AND
LIFE
satisfied unless
not
are
you
and
easy,
surprised
find
to
dies
from
desire
to
heart
example
will
the
Countess.
with
shall be
do
not
on
both
for the
will know
be
interests
true
your
To
her
sides ; for I
good
of the
in
often
formal, and
tell
am
that
love
as
me
will
the
learn
never
reasonable
conduct
with
human
my
is,in
stand
undertoward
projects,I
possible. Now,
your
it is
that
during;
en-
sics.
metaphy-
little you
your
that
from
sentiments
I
am
persuaded that
partiesinterested.
277
ject?
ob-
feelings
my
I know
how
interfere
as
beloved
happiness
question of love, the only
fine, you
the
indigestion, and
of the
economy
are
thing
every-
render
whether
see
done
from
to
tire,
en-
stancy
incon-
understand
felicity;you
true
that
In
the
passion
a
manage
and
that, you
in confidence
will
You
.
you
the
tell you
from
be
not
for
contended
often
but
Count
how
after
you
passion
always
I will sometime
for
Have
heart.
have
And
possession
indifference,coolness, and
satiate your
I
the
continuous.
in your
to
LETTERS
an
I
advocate
am
acting
XLII
in
Indications
Surface
Women
Not
are
Alwavs
Guides
I
WHAT,
good
hence,
I
You
you.
treating love,
mocks
the
just
she
allurements.
faith
of
To
one
any
which
the
names
But
do
give
you
wish
from
woman
whose
they
is
to
does
not
exposed
to
to
of
fashion
for
which
but
All
she
have
outward
perfidious
and
of
the
it is
that
she
you
you
this
thus
talk
to
me
You
is not
good
duct
con-
a
all
deserves
undeceive
severity
278
you
fallen
imagine
They
always
a
all
the
on
prude;
How
them.
the
with
keener
my
into
They
men.
than
overcome
to
have
among
surface.
a
but
do
to
her.
virtue
easier
be
ill-used
severe,
vengeance;
common
the
having
encouraged
confess
must
frankness?
which
this
advantage
for
you
women
will
I
"
cries
customary
error
take
advice,
with
deceitful
but
You
indulgence
freedom
very
take
my
easy
mistake.
your
nothing
was
for
Her
all
not
was
discovered
show
follow
to
accessibility, her
Platonicians,
that
hope
to
you.
assure
nothing
had
faults, the
numerous
your
I
so,
roughly.
her
I will
all sorry
you
Countess
Marquis?
willing
at
thought
the
treat
not
do
to
been
not
am
you,
not
care
have
and
censure
an
judge
that
a
qui vive,
even
often
that
perience
exare
it
LIFE
AND
then, is
unexpected? Their custom
of caprice and oddity; all of you
was
women
and
language,
same
When
conduct?
Why
not
In
her, when
she
Is this not
with
does
odd
being
permit
care
to
ever
false?
and
lover?'
a
him
see
love
to
man
a
her
to
again?
trifling
Is it not
sentiment?
You
in
are
upon
false scent,
a
it very
if
a
little.
tie to
severity that
from
would
be
of
most
the
she
to
you
knows
her
herself
from
indicate
that
hers, what
the
shame
ignoring the
reasons
are
that
and
For
induced
wound
bestow
to
her
her
a
woman
sensible
glory
sist
con-
But
out
with-
expects
tion
atten-
them
pride; unable
this
a
less
no
she
you.
solitude
a
adoration.
those
fact that
on
first with
What
even?
the
is invincible,
she
for her.
to
anticipation,
is
arm
lovers
you
that
lay the blame
no
us
little intelligence
let her
securing homage
from
put
bles
thing that resemyourselves,
you,
pronounced virtue is
the desire to please, she makes
in
to
a
However
have,
bind
would
that time,
try
you
must
to
were
not
thus?
may
wherefore, you
If she
Are
you
woman
strongest
ennobling
as
treat
we
in vain
imposing
are
you
is offensive,and
that, of itself,
of sentiment
blame
gentlemen,
error,
vanity, it is
your
talk
of
not
remain
to
conformable
word, why
a
the
equivocal
decided
exterior
an
accuse
use
surprise the credulityof
possess
sentiments?
has
woman
to
such
Why
say:
a
intractable, why
on
LETTERS
only
to
for
reform
defect,the only part she can take is to use it to
her advantage to keep them
by her side ; she knows
how
to keep them, and not
destroy the very hopes
279
NINON
With
fail to
not
to
"I
I do
what
does
Countess
the
'I love
the
appreciate
disguise the
not
soon
as
fessed
con-
last interview:
our
well
can
men;
at
me
Hence,
real interests she
her
herself
to
say
gratify.
to
never
succeeds.
understands
woman
a
as
skill she
and
care
is determined
she
which, however,
L'ENCLOS
de
you'
of
the
what
fact that I know
it
the
rests
me
at bottom, therefore
signifies
upon
burden
of being offended
at
hearing them; but
have
when
women
penetrated their motives, they
signs.
their dehave
need
of their vanity to disconcert
when
Our
they have offended
us,
anger,
in opposing them.
is not the best weapon
to use
Whoever
must
resist them,
to
angry
outside
go
herself
her
exposes
and
become
A
weakness.
fine
ness,
irony, a piquant raillery,a humiliating coolNever
these
what
are
a
discourage them.
quarrel with them, consequently no reconciliation.
What
advantages does not this mode of procedure
take from
them!
prude, it is true, follows
If she is exposed to the
"The
method.
imagine
proportion to the
does
not
whom
upon
man
who
ill used
my
which
to
and
the
awkwardness
temerity.
notice
such
the
because
a
redouble
disarm
reasonable
be
she
conduct
cards,
says
experiences;
impose?
to
but
himself:
in
but
Every
*I
am
opportunity is unfavorable.
that is punished and
not
Another
is
to
resentment
does
knows
It is my
herself
quite different
least danger, she
a
time, that will be
well
ceived
re-
to-day; this severityis a
gence
induleffort,to merit more
my
be apto
pride; she wishes
crime
280
NINON
de
L'ENCLOS
I
imagined her capable of. The loss
would
undoubtedly be a misfortune
could
be
never
conditions
the
compromise
hold
worthy
better
her
of her
than
heart
Shall
we
dente's?
speak
your
your
courage,
had
Let
against
love.
see
to-morrow
you
should
her, I do
not
I
perseverance
she
is
willing to
desire
doubt
peace.
282
hope
it will
formed
to
await
us
at
to
Madame
have
that
she
hand,
other
She
and
heart
which
hopes to be
betraying her duty, a
the plan she
If you
to
upon
for
the
on
accepted;
you.
without
you
be
to
with
But,
place
you
hard
too
appear
to
consoled.
of your
you
able
to
project
succeed
guarantee
the
come.
out-
la Presian
occasion
will make
XLIII
Women
SHOULD
I
My
What!
with
caused!
than
the
principles.
But
me
as
success,
for
the
Do
you
told
have
and
them
them
to
teaching
you
I
that
they
were
to
you
in
that
to
women
told
ever
and
ever
seduction?
incline
said
I
was
seduction?
toward
without
them
suppose
tack
at-
attacking
delicacy?
you
cause
to
might
defects
you
you
to
play
I do
not
have
insensibly
cause
in
of
the
283
ridiculous
a
the
explained
you
in
the
confidence,
more
timidity
your
role
the
I
women,
among
advised
and
inexperience
your
personage
lead
in
sensuality,
by
When
these
lessons
ever
for
it.
believe
might
you
I
your
think
you,
which
my
for
dared
in
say
laud
you
writing
Have
vanquish?
to
which
has
piquant
more
responsible
you
have
but
be
you
share
you
in
motives
the
you
what
difference
any
exciting
love, it is true,
easier
giving
perceive
not
please,
to
of
in
have
object
my
purpose
could
me
attempt,
that
If
tone
render
to
you
instant
an
ironical
I
severity
her
humor
nothing
drawn
me?
upon
know?
you
founded,
well
were
Do
you.
bad
the
has
behalf
your
down
reproaches
it, Marquis.
expected
in
zeal
Countess
the
Respect
have
never
your
for
Demand
direction
of
harm
world.
in
order
that
I
to
noble
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
and
respectful boldness
with
women.
But
soon
as
should
you
I
as
have
when
that your
saw
tensions
pre-
going too far, and that they might
wound
the reputation of the Countess, I did not
dissimulate, I took sides against you, and nothing
were
reasonable, I had
was
more
You
see,
and
her
then, how
are
you
to
less
no
if she
as
unjust
idea, she
your
conduct
a
But
there
However,
the
an
is much
to
Countess
tender;
a
only
it;
good
faith
a
the
reasonable
as
for
nor
in her
as
she
is
tious
having an ostentaremains
tached
constantly at-
in
woman,
decided
without
virtue, nevertheless
to
ing
Accord-
clearly see
you
treat
logicalcoquette than
opinion!
pardon in your situation.
in
see
prejudice, would
lover
a
who,
woman
You
more
without
man
a
is
What
women.
regard,
my
her.
to
neither
has
what
other
in
are
regard
against gallantry,and
is, that she
you
friend.
her
equivocal character.
an
were
in
so
become
who
word,
a
seeks
in
of
reconcilinglove
and duty. The
traries
difficultyin allying these two conis not slight,and it is the source
equaliti
of the inthat wound
Figure to yourself the
you.
combats
she must
she suffers,
sustain,the revolutions
her
embarrassment
in endeavoring to preserve
whom
uniform
resistance might
too
a lover
a
of keeping you
ing
sure
repel. If she were
by resistyour
to
advances;
the
is too
you
means
proper
but
you
carry
your
odd
duct
con-
her resistance
leaving her when
prolonged. While
praising our virtue,
abandon
since in both
of
extent
us,
and
cases
then, what
it is not
284
shame
for
certain that
us
her
!
But
lover
LIFE
LETTERS
venient
held, it is preferableto accept the incon-
will be
rather
her
AND
than
cause
lose her
to
you
heart
and
esteem.
That
is
advice, for the Countess
our
preciselyalike on the subject.
Marquis; complain of her rather
If her
character
would
be
that
equitable,
more
than
criticise her.
decided, perhaps you
in
satisfied with her; but, even
were
better
would
case
Be
I think
and
more
satisfied very
be
you
I
long?
it.
doubt
Adieu.
seeing you this evening
Madame
de La
will
at
Fayette's,and that you
The
reasonable.
Abbe
more
Gedoyn will be
prove
The
but
presented me.
assembly will be brilliant,
you
We
will
count
doubtless
the
only object that
say
of my
of the
"Mais
Et
moi
garden
bored, for you
be
apartment,
attract
can
you,
Malherbe
what
of the Louvre
I, I
can
you
see
may
Caliste
have
nothing
will
and
so
not
see
you
will
well
says
:
vous
quoi que vous
ayez,
Caliste,
je ne vois rien, quand je ne
(Whatever
And
on
when
285
I
you
see
n'avez
la vois
have
her
point
pas."
not
not.)
got,
XLIV
Love
Why
Grows
Weak"
Marshal
Evremond's
has
CALM
A
I
and
by
satisfied
How
mouth
effect
of
former
and
the
that
of
this
connection
letter
mond
the
I
wish
that
an
faithful
un-
generally
the
is
however,
in
and
of
contents
Saint-Evre-
de
not
are
have
her
commonly
the
you
Monsieur
You
it
for
remedies,
of
give
to
ago.
relations
intimate
reach
from
days
love
misfortune,
the
received
few
a
This
of
severity
making
is
the
opposite
an
So
ingratitude
men,
beyond
I
Marquise
the
how
see
and
esteem
self.
your-
from
the
Chevalier.
the
benefits.
always
You
more
with
coming
Marquise;
the
of
out
is
produced
your
of
among
not
a
the
increasing
lover
price
of
has
are
you
and
adore!
friend
kindness
happens
Countess
we
our
from
the
the
Marquis,
storm,
that
letter
logic
woman
a
the
your
powerful
of
conduct
with
Saint-
Opinion
succeeded
see
de
ignorant
of
existed
tween
be-
always
us.
The
Count
young
had
de
Mademoiselle
of
whom
he
just espoused
passionately
was
,
amorous.
hymen
weakened
tender
and
He
complained
the
possession
every
love.
We
day,
and
day
one
of
often
discussed
286
the
the
to
beloved
destroyed
subject
that
me
object
the
for
most
a
long
LIFE
time, and
I
as
mond
that
This
is his
LETTERS
AND
happened
write
to
day, I submitted
reply:
SAINT-EVREMOND
the
TO
DE
to
Saint-Evre-
question
to
him.
MADEMOISELLE
L'ENCLOS.
moiselle;
opinion is exactly in line with yours, Madeit is not
think, hymen
always, as some
the possession of the loved object which, of itself,
or
of the dissatisfaction
destroys love, the true source
that follows
love is in the unintelligentmanner
of
economizing the sentiments, a possession too easy,
complete, and prolonged.
When
have
we
yielded to the transports of a
shock
to
passion without reserve, the tremendous
the soul can
fail quickly to leave it in a pronot
found
My
solitude.
which
alarms
of
follows
an
heart
and
we
itself in
vainly
of
do
the
not
void
a
seek
side
out-
which
calm
perceive that
enduring happiness would
more
fruit of
analysis of what
We
cause
fits of passion ;
our
the
finds
chills it.
and
ourselves, the
equal
been
The
moderation.
takes
Make
place within
you
have
exact
an
when
you
desire
are
is
will find that your
desires
anything. You
and
this curiosity,
which
nothing but curiosity,
one
of the
forces
vanish.
spouse
be
or
a
of the
every
procure
day
therefore, would
Whoever,
lover, should
desired, something
for the
for him
leave
new
morrow.
the
heart, satisfied,our
charm
287
him
hold
sires
dea
something to
should
be expected
Diversify his pleasures,
of variety in the same
NINON
object, and
will
I
L'ENCLOS
de
vouch
for his
in
perseverance
fidelity.
I
call your
"defeat," is, in
of love.
grave
that
the
of the
But
blame
of
the
skillfulness,and
in
alive
nothing
she
a
in the
her
heart, those
knows
in
of the
epoch whe.li
a
the
into
has
She
lover,
mind, it is the
avowals,
has
variety
no
of
aurora
the
most
effusions
confidences; those
in
and
of
ties,
ingenui-
those
ports
trans-
the
refinement
which
all
discovers
haustible
inex-
have
freedom
play
held
us
of
man
treasures
him;
might keep
certaintyof creating
happiness, and meriting all the esteem
love.
That
we
day is,in a word, the
person
brings
I
pended
ex-
it well.
beginning
understand
by
mutual
excite
absolute
from
statue;
lover
unexpected
which
has
excited.
same
I have
woman
un-
own
the curiosityof her
to
the
upon
She
that
lover
complains
her
to
lovelier day; it is the
those
an
had
always the
satisfyingpleasures.
the
casts
of economy.
she
offer
to
more
hoped for,and
But
of
lack
inclination
becomes
be
she
is due
the
the
upon
who
single day everything
a
the
her
what
you
woman,
her
upon
passion;
heart
what
or
ordinary
it is less
then
the
hymen,
an
falls,than
cooling
depravity of
to
that
confess, however,
a
the
in reserve;
but one
well under
flight,
leading to loathing, will
always been hidden
woman
acquires who
sentiments
her
heart
control.
furnish
new
which
takes
straint
cona
lofty
Time, far from
reasons
for
a
greater love.
But,
to
repeat;
in her to be able
to
I
assume
control
288
sufficient
her
intelligence
inclination.
For
to
NINON
something
stant,
L'ENCLOS
de
is
more
little management,
a
and
even
of ill humor
Unfortunately, however,
have
yielded they
It would
if
they
to
were
afterward.
more
forestall
become
be
resist
less
for the
in
maintain
I
the
that
to
wish
time
I hear
them
to
too
plaisant.
com-
good,
beginning
they never
leaving the
the
women
common
loathing without
for, and
ness.
fickle-
as
tender,
too
better
and
soon
as
quired,
re-
ligence,
of intel-
great deal
a
touch
a
skill is
necessary;
heart
and
can
thing
some-
consider.
differen
continuallycomplaining that our inis always the fruit of their complaisance
for us.
They are ever
recalling the time when,
goaded by love and sentiment, we spent whole days
blind they are!
by their side. How
They do not
to bring us
perceive that it is still in their power
back
of which
is so
to an
allegiance,the memory
If they forget what
dear.
they have already done
for us, they will not be tempted to do more;
but if
shall become
us
more
forget, then we
they make
awaken
hearts by opposour
exacting. Let them
ing
new
difficulties,
arousing our anxieties,in fine,
proofs of an inclination,
forcing us to desire new
its value
the certaintyof which
diminishes
in our
estimation.
of complaint
They will then find less cause
in us, and
Shall
change,
time
to
be
I
it?
frankly avow
if
that
better satisfied with
will be
would
women
their
entreated,
favors; that,
role
ours
created
always
that
of him
indeed
would
at
the
that
of
the
who
begs
remember
is
to
Things
grant, they should
290
selves.
them-
right
party
for
new
never
Reserved,
offer.
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
in
even
of
excess
an
passion,
tion;
guard against surrendering at discrethe lover
should
always have something to
sive
be always submisask, and consequently, he would
they should
so
the
end, revolting even
puts all
the
ugly,
who
the
on
women
after
grade
de-
in
are,
the
ciety
So-
them.
exacts
some
level; the hand-
same
defeat,
their
their
except from
and
charms,
him
to
limit
without
Favors
seductive
most
and
it.
obtain
to
as
art
to
tinguishable
indis-
are
their
maintain
A
happens?
commonly
woman
imagines she has nothing further to do than
of even
to be affectionate,caressing,sweet,
temper
for these
faithful.
and
She is right in one
sense,
of her character;
qualitiesshould be the foundation
but these qualities,
they will not fail to draw esteem;
estimable
however
be, if they are
they may
fail
of contrariety,will not
offset by a shade
not
iness,
to extinguish love, and
bring on languor and wearmortal
poisons for the best constituted heart.
nauseated
know
Do
so
why lovers become
you
enjoying prosperity? Why
they are
easily when
little pleased after having had so much
pleasure?
so
tically
both partiesinterested
have an idenIt is because
opinion. One imagines there is
erroneous
but
authority;
nothing more
nothing more
to
thinks
one
neglects to
becomes
she
Reason
no
other
obtain, the
give.
to
that
other
what
It follows
in his
slackens
be
worthy
so
by
the
seasoning
291
in
has
sequence
con-
pursuit, and
the
advances,
practice of
for
she
necessary
a
of further
is substituted
more
as
fancies
solid
love, and
or
ities.
qual-
forward,
hence-
their relations;
no
NINON
trifling
quarrels so necessary
dissatisfaction by forestalling
it.
of those
more
But
be
L'ENCLOS
de
when
I exact
that
to
of temper
evenness
vent
pre-
should
animated
the
by occasional storms, do not be under
impression that I pretend lovers should always
be
quarreling to preserve
desire to impress it upon
that
the
does
not
of
not
fear
by
her
lover
that
on
Neither
too
should
a
into
by
a
itself;
species of
a
attentions
and
of
source
he
that
of their
a
has
anxiety
her
ence;
exist-
may
not
nothing
in
to
too
or
an
alterable
un-
weak
her
women
spouses
sweetness,
be
temper,
everything lacking
hearts
understand
mis-
sensitiveness, she
that
sure
woman
of
demonstrates
the
love
love
only
score.
evenness
pardon
respect
excessive
an
her
from
forget (by
the
I
all their
of
poisoning every moment
by a scrupulous fidelity,she
that
render
that
should
convert
capable
you,
emanate
woman
her; that
happiness.
should
pusillanimous kindness)
due
their
their
enough to
lover.
ence
Experioften
lovers
sacrifice
by
too
ness!
recklessindulgences and facilities. What
They martyrize themselves
by sacrificing
them
into
everything; they spoil them and convert
So
much
ungrateful lovers.
generosity finally
many
against themselves,
turns
accustomed
them
as
You
we
a
to
demand
a
they soon
right what
become
is
granted
favor.
a
see
women
despise
with
those
day (even among
reason), who
reign with
every
so
much
scepter of iron, treat
to
as
and
them, debase
as
slaves
them
292
by
men
force
who
are
tached
at-
of controll-
them.
ing
loved
a
AND
Well,
these
than
longer
of
woman
military
of
following
is
the
charm
in
But
let the
reasonable
will
We
like
those
bottom
down
K
we
to
as
of
the
soon
us
for
my
they
moderate
their
and
the
that
sometimes
without
own
clouds
a
is
be
to
But
very
treated
in
have
we
of
good
the
justice,
hand
governing
for
often
bears
reasons,
it.
to
word:
last
can
virtue.
kindness
comprehension
a
energy
sovereigns ; it is from
and
they will never
as
the
demand
world.
new
force and
and
precisely what
much
too
often
we
kindly
That
lover.
hearts
us
take
the
the
our
upon
Now,
be
of
tells
which
and
insolent;
from
soften
remain
slaves, whom
are
renders
a
would
constitutes
which
remote
woman
that
gentleness
to
even
always
hold
to
necessary
such
are
persuaded
brought up,
an
example.
decency
things
who
women
am
repugnant
that
lacks
trifle,there
I
others.
the
manner
and
morals,
the
are
refinement, well
think
never
LETTERS
LIFE
govern
their
own
In
of
love,
ing
relat-
should
women
we
hope
for
fail to
grant
us
them
our
hearts
with
inclinations,and
authority,without
abusing it.
293
everything
piness,
hapthat
ligence,
intel-
tain
main-
compromising
it
XLV
What
Favors
TO
Evremond
it is
with
a
only
passion
take
for
be
might
in
the
the
of
presence
for
her
vanity,
not
pass
without
for
But
at
; to
was
upon
select
a
passing,
woman
to
up
a
have
pretend
now,
I
it.
of
you
is
To
exterior
renounce
proclaimed
whatever
favor
with
little
so
which
found
publicly,
her
renounce
you
regard
naturally
The
recompense.
happier
a
will
pretext
portrait.
for
day
when
the
first
when
moment
of
to
effort
solemn
arms
upon
proportionate
her
a
exacted
rival, and
an
the
that
about
you,
has
you
ask;
home
her
taking
is
please
whose
not
you
take
to
put
you
her
a
could
giving
Countess
to
excited
talk
shall
Saint-
affected
be
have
a
you.
accord
to
For
de
should
and
we
woman
a
willing
Countess
she
of
think
Monsieur
it may
price
readiness
her
that
concerns
the
sake,
her
of
fancy,
I
yesterday:
advice
whenever
what
up
worth
well
the
tion,
satisfac-
your
what
is
you
However,
sacrifice
The
sent
mediocre
large
to
This
requisite
love.
of
at
more
I
profit by
to
woman
letter
Faults
words
two
Marquis.
the
will
in
explain
Consider
Men
to
rank;
to
the
make
to
an
speak
surrender
294
the
time
Marquise
ceived
re-
since
ness
ill-
moneyed
assault
to
her
her
woman
of
beauty
merely
yourself
in
entirely
the
to
the
and
become
for
which
you
will
for the
ask
last fault
loves
woman
first
certain,or
more
others
she
Whatever
of the
things
greater
I will
a
certain
than
for
on
a
certain
things
of
nothing, for then,
yours,
you,
for
she
you
is too
to
accorded
the
on
much
marks
in
will
one
of
else
even
ance
appear-
is of
less
prove
behalf
glory
all the
woman
in
any
passion, as
so
proud.
sacrifices you
interested
be
loves,
are
own
had
inclination.
nature
favor
her
every
than
she
men
last
not
of her
which
the
claim
her, although
been
will
you,
when
small
other
thousand
a
virtuous.
and
if this virtuous
the
disposition,
that
you
of her
you
do
may
add, that
even
proof
this
slightestessential
much
as
are
those
woman
a
is refined
given
have
may
the
no.
flatteringfor
more
proof
for whom
she
case,
rather
or
certain
a
Now
it.
letter:
favor,
woman
passion, and
a
is
and
the
love
in such
even
Yes
you.
Yes, if you
your
commit,
can
we
venge
Re-
ble,
possi-
as
guarantee
last
the
whether
cruel
as
of your
paragraph
me
be
rage
out-
an
pardoned.
be
never
It is I who
see.
second
You
will
entertain
to
party, is
of her
one
quickly, and
come
rival;
her
seeing
latter
you
But
of
pleasure
will
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
count
less than
listeningto
having
would
suaded
perhave
favor.
same
who
permitted herself to be
three
times
she
did
or
by men
vanquished two
she really loved
not
tained
oblove, and the man
never
It may
a
single favor.
happen, then, that
the last favor proves
it is
nothing to him to whom
granted. Whereas, on the contrary, it may happen
I
know
a
woman
295
NINON
that
he
had
for
the
owes
than
with
quite
sure
that
themselves
respect
never
regard
they esteem, and you may be
it requires a very imperious inclination
reasonable
to forget herself
woman
of
which,
disdain
whose
one
far
so
humiliate
would
little
the
pretended triumph, therefore,
causes
you,
of it to
those
presence
Your
in
a
cause
in the
granting
Women,
him.
more
to
L'ENCLOS
de
originate
being glorious for
from
if you
you
dreads.
she
may
were
of
aware
them.
We
see,
for
the
woman
her
to
example,
who
his
pay
lover
a
loves
who
him
addresses
of
holding him.
They say
reproach in this. If he leaves
will be
least he
becomes
grants, she
the
attached
imagines
the
actuated
by
yielding. Curiosity impels
know
are
love
what
the
attractions
to
make
Still another
Another
is.
of person
by
I enumerate
a
of
a
that,
a
at
man
wo-
the
favors
she
be
forced
into
different
desire
with
woman,
hold
One
in
motives
they
some,
pleasure.
few
her
to
vantages
adlover
termined
is de-
woman
to her vanity.
flattering
surrenders
to pity, opportunity,
the pleasure of taking revenge
conquest
one
rival, or
them
will
figure,would
or
importunities, to
on
after
nothing
for, since
by
man
is
there
wrong,
more
other
any
folly!
gratitude. What
Women
in
put
lose
to
abandoned;
of
her
cape
es-
woman
wish
be
pelled;
re-
will
another
to
she does
not
accommodating;
him, for it is always humiliating to
she
she is not
aware
yields,because
to
he
fears
more
means
be
may
an
all?
unfaithful
The
296
heart
lover.
is
so
very
How
can
strange
XLVI
Inconstancy
Is
kind
of you,
Marquis,
If I did
not
Why
IT
too
was
absence.
my
sojourn
were
too,
that
it
was
rights,
besides
love,
Do
in
happen
I foresaw
her
and
would
not
take
would
decisive
her
up
also
will
these
among
to
Marquise
The
and
but
eyed
mon-
her
as
her
an
rival,
backing
danger.
be
upshot
the
in
be
the
of
How
women?
Heavens!
seems
for
and
in
Countess,
handsome
declaring
for
reason
so
in.
now
end
quarrel.
other's
quite
is not
is
the
the
I
liable
Countess
that
of
cause
ters.
let-
my
away?
would
they
your
events
the
guessed
the
the
without
What
Good
I
while
the
between
predicted
in
read
society
your
I
up
woman
a
condition
espouse
all
out
quarrel
any
to
doing
was
bickerings
rupture;
open
I
piecing
by
the
the
rival,
you
and
short,
very
interval
enable
felt
accorded
be
having
not
an
what
myself
usually
I
me.
to
my
knew
I
because
love
patiently
would
know
you
amused
to
waited
I
which
pleasure
is
reign
friendship
that,
with
its
during
you
was
for
noticed
have
to
tranquilized
that
necessary
as
Injustice
write
it
country,
and
happy,
you
some
the
in
Not
so
short
this
a
time!
that
quarreling
revolutions,
many
only thing
298
all
Your
has
ness
happi-
escaped.
LIFE
discover
You
new
that
a
reasons
of
woman
real
interestinga figure,will
Let nothing weaken
more.
had
love
of her
avowal
to
in
augment
the
certainty
proofs
of her
with
so
and
more
have
you
is she
but
in your
ways
al-
acquired
if you
inclination
we
gives
spoke
you
any
her
heart
proportion
that
shall
an
ble
less estimanot
in
eyes,
Even
that
think
you
esteem
contrary, ought
have
you
possessor?
sole
do
price
known
the
for you,
the
On
for that?
believe
You
merit, and
become
loving
have, it is true, obtained
You
for her.
Countess.
much
so
for
day
every
this amiable
esteeming
and
LETTERS
AND
are
you
its
obtained
have
about
right to
to
recently,
underrate
her?
like you
arouse
saying it; men
indignationevery time they imagine they claim
my
and punthe right to lack in courtesy for my
sex,
ish
Is it not
weaknesses.
the height of
for our
us
injusticeand the depth of depravity to continue to
is the cause
of their changes ?
insult the griefwhich
without
be inconstant
just?
being unnot
women
Can
by
always to be followed
Is their distaste
I
not
can
injurious act?
some
of him
who
of
cause
a
which
our
in your
can
alone
eyes.
faults,who
our
the
right
is the
to
which
299
regard.
interfere
with
in your
should
manner
the
Countess
in her
still make
The
the
us?
for
opinion
guilty,is it
are
expressed
they
defeat
we
punish
to
have
false
If
profited by
maintain
you
permit
has
them,
Always
not
avoid
ments
sentiDo
the
heart.
render
in which
not
ress
progIt is
able
despic-
us
we
have
NINON
the only
be
So
my
measure
Madame
You
But
she
than
does
Fayette
is of the
your
consider
not
omit
in
subject
which
to
draw
he
that
out
of
it is the
out
of
sallies
it is
intent
am
dissects
that
lead
me.
guilty
I analyse the
physical one.
no
the
more
regard to scruples he
his operations those portions of his
might offer corrupted minds
sions
occa-
It is not
indecency;
I
to
tion?
liberal founda-
a
anatomy.
as
opinion
indiscretions
that
of
man
believe
you
rather
upon
demonstrator
a
should
disdain.
where
see
guarded, ought
of your
is based
metaphysical
Do
La
de
last letter
L'ENCLOS
delivered, and
defended,
been
de
the
essence
the
not
of him
ill
an
of
words,
who
regulated imagination?
things that causes
or
utters
the
even
them,
and
ideas,
the
de La Faydepravity of him who listens. Madame
ette
in the world
was
certainly the last woman
I would
whom
have suspected of reproaching me
in
that
and
manner,
will make
her
to-morrow,
confess
her
300
at
the
injustice.
Countess',
I
XLVII
Cause
of
Quarrels
I, Marquis,
WHAT,
bickerings
Do
from
away
for
that
is concerned,
her
conduct,
for
rival
if he
him
need
in
you
from
You
attentions
the
will
you
have
soon
little
so
written
their
across
to
in
devote
you
be
her
offered
are
the
of
heart
that, and
they
You
the
and
I
think
price
of
which
you
will
It
them.
man:
tachment.
at-
your
from
accept
every
have
precisely
strengthen
and
is not
because
Countess
her,
to
as
desire
quarrel
advance
to
dispensed,
delicacy
the
it is
the
of
punishing
as
resentment.
of
as
preference.
of
anger,
the
in
thing
a
subject
rival
the
exacted
such
their
of
display
toi
encountered
what
the
object
the
liking
motive
powerful
obtained
you
far
so
contradiction,
pardon
becomes
first
the
having
a
propre
is interested
she
take
have
may
most
vanity
never
who
the
that
to
coquetry
amour
your
for
Her
for
Women
She
new
woman?
instant
an
Countess.
is, without
revenge.
her
for
of
moderate
the
at
moneyed
refinements
the
but
you,
astonished
your
doubt
not
all the
employs
of
Rivals
Among
"To
is
the
easiest."
should
You
from
seem
the
to
blush
Countess.
prefer
to
to
What
her?
the
deserve
sort
A
301
woman
of
a
least
woman
without
reproach
is it you
delicacy
NINON
and
without
the
attractions
love;
of
a
pleasure;
than
affectionate, she
than
nothing
but
youth
is
vain
more
tender;
seeks, she
and
guided only by
passionate
more
cherishes
all the
ble;
sensi-
than
in
advantages
you
that
it.
accompany
You
your
who
woman
voluptuous
more
L'ENCLOS
de
know
what
her
rival is worth
; you
know
all
doing with her ; you agree that you are
of ingratitude, yet, you
monster
a
are
unwilling
to take it upon
yourself to merit her pardon. Truly,
I am
beginning
Marquis, I do not understand
you.
de Sevigne was
to believe that Madame
right when
his duty very
knew
she said that her son
well, and
like a philosopher on
the subject,but
could reason
carried
that he was
by his passions, so that
away
"he is not
head
fool, but a heart fool" (ce n'est
a
pas par la tete qu'ilest fou, mais
par le coeur).
I said to you
You
recall in vain what
long ago
You
about
making love in a free and easy manner.
I was
will remember
that
then
enjoying myself
tended
inwith
not
were
some
jocular reflections which
advice.
Do
not
to be formal
forget,either,
about
that the question then
was
a
mere
passing
the
But
fancy, and not of an ordinary mistress.
find
different, you
not
can
case
to-day is very
of Paris, a single one
all the women
who
among
be compared with her you
doning.
are
so
can
cruelly abanyour
wrong
And
wounds
left
us
to
hold
for
what
your
reason?
vanity.
Because
What
her
resource
sistance
re-
is
you?
I agree with you, nevertheless, that when
a passion
be relightedwithout
is extinguished it can
not
302
difficulty. No
is
one
is of
he
than
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
the
more
I
loving.
not
of
master
the
feel
loving
all
of
truth
with
regret,
homage to them
sider
soon
a
as
knowledge of the cause, I conas, with
and
is excellent
that you reject what
accept
solid happiness, durable
the
a
renounce
worse;
you
pleasures,and yield to depraved tastes and pure
that all my
reflections will
see
caprices; but I can
I am
reform
not
beginning to fear that I am
you.
I do
maxims;
these
wearying
truth, it is
very
are
you
a
I therefore
the
us
it be
of
tone
would
weary
giving
follies.
new
Would
heart
and
of any
a
lose
you
and
in
ridiculous
abandon
however,
into
morals,
it is certain
when
that
with
you
that
to
to
me
do
you
tell you
the
preach
stancy
con-
love, and
not
fool.
to
you
up
my
desire
should
Why
moment
out,
destiny, with-
your
to
to
I
assume
follow
be
afflicted?
with
pedagogue? Assuredly not,
too much
thereby. I should
would
not
be
303
reformed.
you
you
both
become
of
XLVIII
Friendship
DO
I
regard
with
patience
break
as
off
all
good
inclines
for
To
though.
advice
my
more
be
hold
my
is
one
effort
I may
they
So
day,
as
would
need
be
I
not
a
no
plained
com-
is
ing
improv-
in
my
last
crime.
our
longer
useless
harshness
my
is of
ments
mo-
woman
a
pathy
sym-
innocence,
situation
her
that
the
were
your
charming
so
as
myself
content
importuning
resume
in
that
friend
my
There
believe
to
Whatever
guilty,
of
me.
The
understand
less
misfortune
to
low
fol-
you
ought
thoughts.
you
consider
hereafter,
without
You
find
Now
you.
shall,
us
the
first
as
stronger
will
his
when
almost
let
to
could
were
every
her
of
right,
are
friendship.
the
you
treaties
en-
ship
friend-
my
long
so
man
your
You
true
but
importance
I
of
I
you,
for
have
be
censured
make
when
letter
be
master
still greater
and
not
on
not
I
would
only
to
a
to
that
weakness.
a
friend
to
are
you
on
your
be
belief
the
tempted
wicked
so
of
out
me
was
yielding
in
to
me
borders
you
with
nature
put
I
and
you,
in
conduct
your
had
relations
my
My
you.
Countess
the
to
Firm
Be
it, Marquis,
conceal
not
Must
you
gait, if
fear
well
my
as
304
it
please
reproaches,
out
of
pitying
about
longer
any
ordinary
with
place.
I
see
her.
you.
they
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
speaks; it is a vain woman,
desperate
at
being anticipated,exasperated at the lack of
in her charms,
a
place
worrying over
plan to repower
to give herself
an
you promptly, anxious
pearance
apof sensibility,
and
to appear
worthy of a
who
lover
better
fate.
She
this thought
justifies
la Rochefoucauld:
de
lovers
the
over
loved
they
wish
that
an
take
to
which
you.
A
will
not
place.
she
will
do
be
of her
what
Chevalier
I have
ing
be-
has
of
for
begins
is actually
received
not
consoled
you
hand, engage
on
speak
not
she
of
Do
you.
heart
age
because
worthy
upon
The
affair of the
that
recover
very
she is?
much
so
tears
enjoy the sentiment.
singular idea of you
impose
you
woman
a
shed
not
more
to
can
your
from
letters
with
she
what
without
him
appear
indeed, have
know
to
to
as
do
had,
It is for D
must
hope
to
have
they
them,
loved."
She
"Women
of Monsieur
to
the
two
facility
having
lost
fear that
she
lost, and
so
is
she
obliged to degrade her charms
by taking the first
is true, but she
new
comer.
Perhaps her sorrow
deceives
the motives
she gives for it.
to
as
you
Break
these
chains
without
scruple. In priding
yourself on your constancy and delicacy for such
be as
ridiculous
to
to
me
an
object,you appear
lacked
the same
when
were
as
qualities
you
you
-
on
another
Do
you
Coulanges
occasion.
remember,
said
to
us
Marquis,
day?
one
people of limited
by the caprice of an
virtue
merit.
of
themselves
in her
what
amiable
heart?
306
the
Monsieur
de
"Constancy is the
Have
they profited
woman
sentiment
to
lish
estabof
me-
dare
make
not
happy
at
afraid
find
of
their
effort
an
and,
they
are
not
may
attention
undeceive
might
little worth
which
instant's
an
as
Too
they
heart,
her
they
others.
please
to
having surprised
abandoning a good
elsewhere,
them,
there, it intimidates
them
diocrityfixes
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
this
to
woman,
They elevate constancy
love
into a
the virtues; they transform
up
among
in
interest reason
how
to
superstition;they know
the preservation of a heart which
they owe
only to
caprice, occasion^or surprise." Be on your guard
Hearts
against imitatingthese shallow personages.
the money
of gallantry; amiable
are
people are the
what
assets
and
do
do?
society,whose
destiny is to circulate in it
fore
make
is thereman
happy. A constant
many
tion
as
impedes the circulaguilty as a miser who
of
in
who
not
would
What
of which
make
use
by force of
society,what
of
good
that
when
one
it has
constancy
I compare
it to
the
death
to
Constancy
condemns
Discard
such
a
baleful
many
is retained
is
to
the
to
say
It is
veritable
a
the
rant;
ty-
antiquity who
to
same
precedent
her
parties at
of
them
in
exist?
to
tyrant
by tying
us
so
employ
not
in both
ceases
then
put people
who
ceased
time, and
same
are
languor reigns
must
passion
there
is that
What
violence
which
treasure
a
of it.
mistress
a
reason?
is love
seldom
possesses
utilize,and
sort
there
He
commerce.
does
he
then
they
to
dead
bodies.
punishment.
the
libertyof
association.
Believe
you
me,
follow
mentioned;
she
your
tastes
may
weary
307
for the
you
at
lady
times, it
court
NINON
is true, but
as
say, she
you
her
her
will
another
follow
I
adopted
as
be
soon
be
several
even
see
fashion.
it
Never
The
other
will
proportion
the
as
second
better
having
from
ranged.
ar-
menced
com-
first
the
one
the
have
you
be
can
for
becoming
are
system
withdraw
never
doubt
not
wait
not
affair without
one
in
gallantrieswill
that you
new
is beautiful,
place
I do
certain, nothing
finish
another;
and
If,
you.
Your
over.
vacant,
Perhaps you
by your letter
makes
in
will not
degrade
little
intelligentas she
will
or
of
man
she
soon
yours.
end, for
a
is
reign
heart
that
least
at
L'ENCLOS
de
cept
ex-
progresses.
be better, but in spite of such
wise
Nothing can
find yourself destitute
of
precautions, you
may
event
beyond the reach
any, as, for example, some
of human
interfere with
these
rangements,
arforesight may
have
for principlealways to finish
may
with all the mistresses
before enabling
at once,
to find any
to keep you
one
busy during the
you
interregnum. I feel free to confess, Marquis, that
such an arrangement
is as prudent as can
be imagined,
and
pleased
I
do
write
I do
with
you
such
suspect if I did
been
and
wisely
where
I
long
in
charm
secret
for you
tender
have
henceforth
things
believe in their
to
it is
be
often
me,
my
obtain
heart
my
thought
and
I
sincerity.
308
the
be
well
Adieu.
to
courage
letters.
I find
which
I should
so
well.
without
now
or?
will
conceived.
foolish
and
know
not
very
you
entertainingyou,
reflectingthat
I must
that
so
plan
a
know
not
doubt
not
a
I have
any
affair,
guard against you,
proper
might
think
to
say
proper
very
to
L
Some
YOU
Women
derive
may
it
as
tell
Madame
I
that
say
do
you
I
the
in
see
like
world
truth
There
the
body
is
woman
the
the
desire
least
; these
and
the
women
into
after
always
all,
vanity
motives
the
are
lose
all the
by
they
by
for
word,
a
a
a
profits by
which
right?
dies
mala-
as
inary.
imag-
are
toward
you
being
together,
to
get
little
away
gallantry,
thousand
other
in
passion
take
to
fortify
homage
the
not
in
who,
well
other,
first to
to
best
some
generally
the
faith
as
of
resemble
you
the
attracts
each
a
not
are
their
provided
in
good
but
and
habit
necessity
what
are
flattered
Always
To
do
which
reasons
that
seeing
please,
to
heart
real
The
of
hundred
whatsoever.
are
love.
than
affairs
amorous,
the
of
self, the
one's
with
manner
any
; some
convenience
from
were
everything
Not
a
they
in
a
when
me
your
known
pretended
maladies
are
of
have
into
tinue
con-
ated
fascin-
not
are
Believe
clearly
you,
not
were
you
shall
I
but
Presidente.
I
that
that
of
out
amusement
Marquis,
you
more
yourself.
who,
men
la
Cunning
Very
much
as
wish,
you
to
by
Are
be
this
they
They
owe
would
love,
error.
rendered
it, they
the
them,
rarely
it.
quire
in-
But,
nearly
it.
motives
of
which
309
I have
just spoken,
NINON
illusion
an
the
in
la Presidente
Madame
beautiful
most
of
could
be
make
of
woman
the
kind
my
dear
be
our
which
for
it is
by force
love, you will, in
that
the
faith
you
and,
will
be
their
the
due.
you,
the
at
of
will
deference
time
it will
gular
sin-
very
dignityyou
what
; with
sentiments
what
ognition,
they deserve recstill more
agreeable,
be
will
But
unfortunately, the
and
you
then
with
a
that
that
you
will
be
pression,
im-
believe
firmly
It will
with
to
to
call love, and
short
a
believe
what
importance
than
yourself of the
persuading yourself
is real.
will
nothing
give you
aspire. That,
you
you
day, to see
thing some
speak of your pretended
good
able
ami-
disabuse
to
inclination
fail
newly
most
vanity
not
which
celebrity to
Marquis, is what
is
Perhaps
your
would
of
difficult for you
will
of the
the
flatteringto
more
sentiments.
time; she
our
ating
cre-
contradiction, the
homage
acquaintance.
conquest
a
of your
nature
of
capable
as
is,without
married; she refused
man
L'ENCLOS
another, quite
still
add
can
you
de
be
which
believe
should
result
the
will undeceive
first to
treated
you
be
so
laugh
silly
affair.
an
Shall
I
tell you
fullypersuaded
am
passing
taste,
caprices;
all the
a
It is true
you.
but
will you
you
hope
which
that
Henceforth,
amorous.
you
to
the
not
have
become
more
nothing
but
glance from
experience its pangs,
love
will
least,its sweetness?
from
recover
surrender
not
I
relations, engagements,
of
will
you
will
you
arrows
injusticereaches?
will
you
frivolous
enjoy, in
ever
far
how
the
yourself,those
310
Can
fantasies
to
moments
of
LIFE
delight
which
duty
LETTERS
formerly
were
I have
it my
AND
ity?
felicyour
supreme
flatter you, but I believe
desire to
no
to do
this much
justice: Your heart
is intended
for refined pleasures. It is not I who
hold
responsible for the dissipation in which
you
are
fools around
plunged, it is the young
you
you.
They call enjoyment the abuse they make
of pleasure;
their example carries you
But
this intoxicati
away.
will be dissipated sooner
or
later, and
you
will soon,
see,
deceived
in
You
thought
been
heart.
la
Presidente,
she
thought
"but
to
at
it
will
in
recognize
have
words
the
time
a
come
I
thoughts
my
remainder
of your
the
Confess
it,Marquis, that
morning
that you
must
their
when
you
have
been
criticism.
Madame
; you
uttered.
for
haps
Per-
I shall be
at
erty
lib-
freely. Now,
more
I
letter.
re-read
my
Some
your
inclination
have
had
a
of
mistake
an
you
in
by
have
you
state
your
when
express
reply to
the
fascinated
was
to
so, that
hope
ways
ceased
to
will
least I
two
you
had
I hold
there
this
you
bad
little else
to
I add
letters.
humor
brilliant
to
do
take
under-
engagement,
rendezvous
flattering
was
wanting. But I do
not
to elude
care
the. difficulty.So I seem
to contradict
If I were
that
to admit
myself sometimes?
it might very
well be; if I were
the
to give you
same
that Monsieur
answer
de la Bruyere gave his
critics the other day:
"It is not
I who
contradict
I reason," could
myself, it is the heart upon which
you
reasonably conclude from it that everything
some
I have
But
said
to
how
do
you
I
is false?
know,
in
311
I do
not
believe
it.
effect,if, led away
by
NINON
on
different
you
ready
have
carried
too
would
not,
seeing
do
I
know,
of
have
think
the
I
the
abuse
myself
What
would
new
wicked
pity it is
so
give me
coiffures with
wear
remain
one
as
that
you!
of them
to
How
to
in
her
serve
the
may
fact
am
that
there
criticism?
an
going
some
one
is
This
opportunity
console
to
who
is
suredly
as-
you.
not
a
pleasure
to
are
you
I
never
height.
if Madame
attached
not
may
interested
than
I
much
their
as
that
the
perfidy with
so
I
back?
you
will have
you
simplicity.
a
extravagant
of
letter
last time
for your
not
know, if,
sincerity? I
to reply seriously to
me.
Ought I not
caused
have
in your
my
vanced
ad-
my
natured
cognizance
malice
will be
brought
if, being
diminished
good
you
take
I
whim,
a
friend, the desire
very
worries
more
have
word,
a
a
do
How
to
I had
what
far, truths, which, feebly uttered,
sometimes
am
first to
to
in
yield
to
perhaps,
happiness
not
occasions?
placed, I
were
you
appeared* to destroy
have
not
may
L'ENCLOS
in which
situations
various
the
de
la
At
discuss
It
the
anything so
least,Marquis, remember
saw
Presidente
incessantly,you can
her with
decency.
312
!
woman
does
no
not
longer
NINON
examine
and
situation
in
men
as
rival supposes
how
often does
a
loved
the
then
as
that
glory
as
she
loves
him
is there
for
love
from
advantage
without
you
in
him,
what
such
to
that
hi^n,
proof
sure
a
which
what
case
If
preference?
a
can
loved
infer
you
to
over
your
a
man
her?
case
where
you
be
may
ferred,
pre-
preferencebeing any more
the vanity of the woman
tering.
flatyou
is
attack
graced
stronger than her inclination for the dislover.
Your
rank, your figure,your reputation,
your
favor.
fortune,
It is very
and men
women,
it is rare,
but
nothing
his
rank,
are
I repeat, that
sentiments
dare
not
she
does
When
etc.
be
short.
will
be
to
her
Her
an
his
him
consider
even
sacrifice with
will
for
acknowledge
not
it to
the
a
in
shame
of
in that
lover, who
offer,
to
your
can
spect),
re-
has
long
distinguishedfor his
has servants, a livery,
the
blush
woman
say
her
less ridiculous
no
against a man
his position, who
a
can
(I
rare
noble
equipage,
when
determine
may
own
or
makes
she
him, it is
pretended victory
a
It is when
she
same
sacrifice of
If she
not.
longer, in
no
is also another
There
an
did
leaves
indifferent
was
hold
do, that the
you
she
or
as
did not
who
in the
are
some
rival
soon
she
she
who
him.
But
superiorityover
it happen that this same
sacrifice is
either
by play? If it is sincere,the woman
a
only
general
you.
all believe
They
L'ENCLOS
de
tender
most
appearance,
as
her
him
lover
when
conqueror,
as
an
object
eclat, I predict that his reign
reasons
for
embarrassment
314
getting
rid of him
of choice.
Thus
LIFE
the
defunct
of
state, without
What
a
la
warrior
like
What
find
you
a
woman,
successor
proves
it, and
time?
What
set
dull and
a
as
of
counsellor
stiff
as
his
wig.
against a courtier, against
up
in my
believe
did
it difficult to
desolate
as
was
you?
Well, will you
time?
Presidente
doubt
figure to
a
LETTERS
AND
I
predictions another
tell
Did
the Chevalier
you?
persuade your Penelope? This
her heart, gave
ready to break
in less than
is flouted.
is your
fifteen
Is
this
opinion?
315
days,
loves
losing too
him,
much
LII
Love
Is
Traitor
a
indeed,
YES,
it
is
Countess
and
enjoy,
to
the
causes
am
you;
are
consider
to
while
them,
Of
of
that.
omit
Your
Is
to
better
than
that
In
in
you?
take
laughing
of
my
Sevigne
poor
appears
can
hatred
or
me
sonable
unrea-
I learned
that
of
if you
her
heart
please,
You
must
You
:
a
tening
lis-
loss, by
right
was
dain.
dis-
natural
it?
to
their
so
when
value
right,
exceptions
do
mit
ad-
have
Marquis.
all that, the
matter
I
what
not
Tell
is
your
to
do
love?
Duke
for
ways
al-
woman
is the
not
the
vanity.
express
little
knows
de
heart,
agreeable.
the
complain
woman,
you
do
herself
By
Madame
spite
the
who
to
foolish
to
out
console
man
a
venture
you
burst
a
will
I
interesting
quite simple, altogether
should
woman
a
I
it not
that
which
you.
to
a
objects
you
of
jealousy
expect
the
begins
wounded
a
abandoning
whom
person
that
it.
from
importance
for
desiring
as
anything
what
a
in
she
chagrin
the
they
them
they,
ordinarily
love
unjust,
very
that
manifests
from
ship,
friend-
my
tranquillity
she
grief springs
to
counsel
conceive
not
can
due
my
the
indifference
your
Men
to
far, however,
very
of
due
owes
I
it is
Marquis,
Claws
Sharp
With
part
to
understand
316
you
to
me
how
wish
be
nice
me
to
play
exceedingly
it would
be
to
aid
in your
you
unfaithful
through
each
love
or
other.
of
plan
against
vengeance
the
Though
oddity of
But
all such
woman.
rancor
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
it should
the
be
only
thing,we
comedies
an
must
turn
out
is a traitor who
scratches
badly generally. Love
when
we
us
play with him.
So, Marquis, keep your heart, I am
ulous
scrupvery
with so precious an associabout interfering
ation.
I am
so
Moreover,
disgusted with the
"-
of
staleness
only
as
with
a
value
to
that
men,
There
friends.
I
am
of rest, and
I
lover.
notion
the
my
situation
Marquis
that you
exacts
yourself,my
wish
not
to
remain
think
otherwise
among
the
be
need
very
departed
to
strange
saying any more
Adieu, Marquis.
317
pick
the
return
if you
that
because
the
succor
on
his
embassy.
friends suffice me,
their
them
consolation, and
same
of
"
bone
a
beginning to understand
wish to enjoy it. I will
has
de
desire
I
is always
It would
this,however.
take
henceforth
number,
deceive
Un-
and, if you
at
least do
gallantthings to
me,
LIII
Old
Not
Age
I
OH,
Preventive
a
shall
if you
idea
do
much
for
me
What
for
as
be
angry
do
is
certain,
so.
go
what
however
sible
impos-
was
this
how
decided
I have
I shall
evening?
is" it will
however,
is worse,
it
know
not
with
Could
it, but
you,
will
be
not
love
never
such
you
last
me
with
for
on,
in
me
absent?
began
I do
to
to
the
did
you
you
interests
inspired
of
place
how
to
to
you
and
you,
the
Attack
your
talking
demon
another
I desired
end.
What
know
not
in
persist
taking
tease
one
any
I
of
abandon
certainly
fashion.
the
Against
less
use-
love
to
; yes,
you
sir, never.
Eh?
truly,
persuade
to
is
a
the
fact,
take
the
has
that
of
lover?
with
it be
you
mother
would
folly
friend?
my
as
to
a
a
do
with
318
a
you
and
old
seized
upon
to
were
who
woman
played
aspire
that
young
an
you,
has
who
should
wretch
abandon
you
That
Mentor,
you,
I entreat
that, if I
me
it is
This
has
that
she
nothing.
hand.
tell
attempt
that
you
for
tight
to
afflicted, that
assures
wants
decent,
Unprincipled
promptly
she
a
is
she
she
the
on
place of
served
role
what
little
a
Would
you.
so
when
thing;
strange
a
that
and
driving things
reflect
is
woman
consolation,
needs
not
this
but
to
are!
lovely
girl like me?
the
that
of
If
you
woman,
Per-
LIFE
haps
wish
you
whether
love
theory.
Do
such
to
not
LETTERS
attempt
is for
I
will
in
same
the
to
conquest
my
the
me
go
seduction,
a
that
AND
to
see
practice as
trouble
in
of
attempting
curiosityon
satisfyyour
point immediately.
You
know
follow
that
aspire
form
to
and
women
as
There
with
to
my
is
a
women.
would
you
It
not
to
is useless
to
upon
expending
too
The
court
offers
with
whom
you
becoming
weary
I do
do
account
own
You
them
the
feel
not
would,
novelties
other
as
all without
exaggerate
ing
knowwould
you
you
for the trouble
the
value
I tell you
hope,
on
you
are
I
in
risk,as you
not
philosophy,of
put
you
plainly;you
able
not
am
thousand
a
you
of
occasion.
an
please me.
where
do
about
feeling and
one's
compensate
much
Remain
you
singularitiesthat might
I
me,
conquest, that
my
such
what
tion
informa-
any
another.
many
believe
take
might
for
of
unfavorably.
You
might know
Ninon, and
discover
me
said
between
talking
cause
you
on
difference
vast
have
I
given
not
line of conduct
therefore, find in
you
seldom
women
are,
All
me.
love, has
thinking; between
and
pleading the
strike
we
given principles. Well, that is
discover
in any
gallant association
any
would
you
whatever
a
brilliant
beautiful
would
too
much
are
to
spond.
re-
career.
women,
with
me,
gence.
intelli-
disguisethe fact,however, that I would
have been
glad to see you to-day. My head was
a
split all the afternoon over
dispute on the ancients
not
and
moderns.
I
am
319
still out
of humor
on
NINON
feel
subject,and
the
L'ENCLOS
de
tempted
to
with
agree
you
along on the decline of life
to confine
as
myself to science, and especiallyto
the gentlemen of antiquity.
If you
could
only restrain yourself and pay me
that I
fewer
compliments it is not to be doubted
and
enliven my
would
prefer to have you come
else. But
serious occupations rather than any one
such
wicked,
so
are
an
unmanageable
man,
you
that
I
am
not
that
I
am
afraid
with
me
after
letter will
find?
let the
I
am
proper.
can
It is
be
a
formal
very
in
You
as
in
you
you.
Have
sup
much
of your
that
by
well
320
you
it be
and
soft
I
not
know
it
fault
sure,
but
proof
that
I shall
that
talk
it will
that.
a
my
So
any
be
now
that
noon.
to
of you,
afraid
upon
before
rendezvous,
much
imposed
I recollect
appointing
understand
and
come
mistaken, for it is
am
handed
expect
to
you
midnight, and
fearlessness
not
believe
I
be
not
is to-day I shall
to
invite
to
to-morrow.
hours
two
far
so
I
as
be
deem
I who
men
so
NINON
THE
FROM
de
L'ENCLOS
COUNTESS
TO
DE
"If
wish
you
Ninon,
fruit
the
of
vexation,
it from
it forever.
the
him
has
be
not
must
sure
a
love
of
having
as
pure
as
cured
and
that
to
that
fear, moreover,
my
withdrawal
means
of
dent
impru-
with
of
a
who
have
won
heirs
of my
I
going
in
a
late
to
know
is the
that
tender,
as
I
I
without
about
to
the
world
may
husband.
deprive
of
the
of the
ady,
malI
cautioned
that
against
out
estate
public
he
I
the
that
ed
award-
of the
for
do
about
say
given
taste
misinterpretingmy
Marquis of all suspicion that
322
take.
It is known
have
possession
my
I have
action
I
always
for
am
country.
ciently
suffi-
not
am
only remedy
considerable
I will thus
I
ble
incapa-
are
woman,
Marquis
what
take
conduct
lover.
retaining a
men
constanc
in-
simple friendship.
the
the
His
me.
different
forever, since
see
to
of
a
might be surprised.
those
the
not
concealed
never
exacted
that
is what
not
and
I have
me
liaison
a
suffering. Flight
me.
he
yourself, well
"You,
am
mortification, an
favors
taught
renounce
but
It is
moment.
possession of the heart of the
Sevigne might have been my supreme
could have flattered myself with having
certain
I was
of losing it if I had
Marquis de
felicityif I
would
know
The
you.
granted
the
despair.
nor
dear
resolution; you
my
momentary
a
friend, my
my
inspirationof
the
it is not
combat
to
cease
L'ENCLOS.
remain
to
SELLE
MADEMOI-
faction
satis-
solitude,
is in any
LIFE
his
cost
Heaven!
heart
my
remember,
his
to
the
most
and
letters
ask
with
desire
resume
agreed
You
time,
do
but
"I
in
friends, if you
they
esteem
I did
for you.
of
therefore,
upon
share
retreat.
my
that
titution.
res-
management
for
Paris
a
tenderness
case,
you
have
I
come
sentiments
my
your
and
you
I.
my
visit
willingly to
until
know
you,
would
title than
that
You
quis,
Mar-
manner
similar
you
that
In
letters
your
I have
the
leaving
by the
them
judge
have
at
write
You
As
first.
me
hope
not
worthy
more
none
of
the
to
would
one
a
leave
to
me
inconsolable
solitude.
my
that
forced
in the
make
to
tell him
speak
be
Ninon, if
him
manner,
a
with
send, but
obliges
not
should
I
pray
may
property
my
dear
what
and
upon,
relations
my
him
return
saying that
appeased.
be
to
breaks
being
at
him
for
have
public
too
of
way
gave
you
Whoever
regret
than
better
to
in
and
honest
an
nothing
no
lover
a
resentment
; it is
I
indifference.
and
however,
promise
that
fatal
so
tion
determina-
my
me,
friend, the
evil
an
it
should
Why
and
Pity
understand
profound
suggests
so
shaken.
him
off relations
it is done,
dear
my
I am!
get rid of
to
But
be
make
me
me
I inclose
weak
much
so
not
can
of
it.
How
repose?
my
do
for
LETTERS
portrait.
."Good
to
blame
to
manner
AND
rely,
to
for
you/'
I have
you
have
you
is
I
no
never
commit,
advice
to
just read,
to
and
give
the
sole
compromise
that
the
you,
favor
me
Countess
323
Marquis,
for
I
the
shall
on
what
expect
from
indiscretion
never
have
NINON
for not
reason
any
justify myself
loved
be
a
been
you
the
just, I
All
forgivingme.
own
my
Countess
matter
in
in
L'ENCLOS
de
too
of absolute
would
ignorance of
have
her
eyes
much
is, that
for her
indifference
betrayed
design.
324
I
to
both
can
you
say
have
resolution
you.
to
Had
to
I
by leaving
LV,
A
AM
I
will
conspire
offer
you
could
even,
from
this
alone
will
resist
our
in
of
favor.
your
undeceived
been
people
age
position
and
yielded
be
them
to
He
all the
the
and
paid
ridiculous
be, it will
be
to
be
he
only
to
had
the
fashion
the
of
his
him
as
325
soon
he
by
number
of
which
his
by
tasting
can
but
as
He
able.
pardon-
were
man
wife,
that
Honest
Henceforth,
A
impunity.
pardoned
that
justify.
to
they
things going.
amorous
fear
women,
those
seemed
when
time
a
the
fact
certain
a
has
proof
leaving.
was
society
tribute
with
reasonable
expected
at
decide
to
was
other
the
Marquis
in
tion.
inclina-
own
is the
you,
her
themselves
permit
caprices,
to
about
with
them
comparing
pride
that
earnestly
I, "in
said
faithful
be
I
part.
your
yourself,"
will
Marquis
on
to
hand.
you
entrenchment
last
her
your
her
and
her
pressed
infidelities
new
of
assure
on,
efforts
Her
"Reassure
has
I
morning
This
time
Countess.
the
determine
to
all,
than
better
of
made
have
it, your
doubt
not
and
done,
have
you
resistance
the
should
the
accept
Do
entreaties,
my
overcome
Everything
everything
charming.
are
you
behavior,
love
with
delighted
and
Ending,
Happy
he
not
should
people
of
can
be
he
see
NINON
risk
You
you.
yourself
have
but
were
you
role; you
the
put
In
a
of
society woman,
a
abandon
to
it; the Marquis
mistakes.
having
be
the
a
you.
bear
you
death
of
that would
act
an
such
imitates
Could
caused
you
so
cry
vengeance."
I
besought
still irresolute.
finish
not
It would
man?
word,
a
sensible
forget his
amiable
for
the* airs of
on
too
reproach
out
nothing, therefore, Countess;
renounced
Wherefore
L'ENCLOS
de
pressed her, but
and
Still,I do
resistance
by overcoming a
already deems
very
that
doubt
not
which
she
you
is
will
self,
she, her-
embarrassing.
Marquis, if the anxiety all this has caused
I have
what
gives you the time to review
you,
been saying to you
for several days past, might you
be tempted to believe that I have
contradicted
not
myself? At first I advised you to treat love lightly
and to take only so much
of it as might amuse
you.
You
to be
were
nothing but a gallant, and have
Well,
no
relations with
except those
women
in which
you
easilybreak the ties. I then spoke to you in
a
general way, and relative to ordinary women.
I imagine that you
Could
would
be so fortunate
could
as
to
meet
unite
the
honest
are
the
a
charms
men?
like the
woman
of her
What
must
possess
in
going
to
most
estimable
Countess, who
be
one
friend
felicity? You
your
and
and
qualities of
the
to
sex
the
a
would
same
most
person,
charming
Deign to admit me to share a third portion
of your friendshipand my
happiness will equal
Can one
be happier than in sharing the
own.
your
happiness of friends?
mistress.
326
CORRESPONDENCE
BETWEEN
SAINT-EVREMOND
LORD
AND
WHEN
L'ENCLOS
DE
NINON
EIGHTY
OVER
OF
AGE
YEARS
NINON
they
as
mond
which
Ninon
doctrines
ideas
to
As
this
faculties
at
the
attracted
she
became
the
result, which
Evremond's
the
the
of
charms
the
of
lasted
him, that
until
They
the
lives,their
time
regard, as was
of the
Marquis
about
heart
the
an
of
matter,
appears
330
maiden
calm,
a
who
not
common
un-
phical
philoso-
livinginspiring
tion
great affec-
who
although
aspired
de
What
in her
pages.
of
attraction to the great
Mademoiselle
of age.
Saint-
instead
were
Sevigne,
de
was
young
of the
case
Court, nevertheless
sixty years
over
the
his rank
of the
the
was
and
of
of
and
two
a
lived
manner
very
wich,
Sand-
liaison
a
like
were
who
persons
among
of
English Court,
just beginning their career,
eighty years of age, and
youth over
had passed forty. Such
attachments
beauties
pended
ap-
of his person
Duchess
of the
enamored
death.
quite young,
and
unimpaired
lovers
tender
her
to
sobriquet
translated
is
of Saint-Evremond's
attention
so
same
Mademoiselle
to
under
which
of the beauties
one
attributed
letter
her
great age,
a
the
tremely
ex-
correspondence.
evidence
an
his
to
and
his
ing
unflagging zeal in observthe
Epicurean philosophy.
in
written
"Leontium,"
of
an
of
appear
TEnclos,
TEnclos
de
great age, that is, to
de
Saint-Evre-
and
"eighties."
always claimed, that
due to
vigorous life was
and
long
These
Ninon
in their
Saint-Evremond
the
L'ENCLOS
wfien
written
were
were
causes
de
to
ture
cap-
1'Enclos, who
Ninon
letters
on
thought
the
ceding
pre-
Between
Correspondence
Evremond
and
When
Ninon
Over
L'Enclos
de
Years
Eighty
of
Saint-
Lord
Age
I
Saint-Evremond
Lovers
Gamblers
and
HAVE
I
obtain
if
that
me
have
The
falsity
doubt
born
have
will
become
love.
to
of
God,
to
love, is
the
as
I
I
had
might
from
a
a
species
your
of
la
but
year
but
Bastille
that
adds,
satisfied
are
to
told
you
Lovers
and
Who
has
that
believed
human
passion
to
void, which
the
you
had
it, for
that
the
love
But
not
be
sistent
con-
to
soul.
can
a
because
common:
have
331
casts
news
live.
you
been
heart.
of
former,
in
give occupation
and
with
pass
If
de
you
piece
something
devout,
be
of
long
as
a
friends.
latter
verity
M.
health,
good
of
the
love
to
gamblers
would
of
the
upon
loved
number
than
everybody,
any.
lovers,
more
greater
a
are
no
me
Common
in
more
from
you
in
are
you
have
you
give
can
for
of
TEnclos
de
Something
trying
news
nobody
tells
have
been
to
Ninon
to
not
NINON
Ce
L'ENCLOS
de
fut
languissant ne
repos
C'est
trouver
jamais
mouvoir
sans
bien;
un
1'etat
Ton
ou
n'est rien.
('Twas
never
a
without
"Tis
to
from
blest.)
I want
find
know
to
about
for your
old
friend.
news
here
is that
is dead, and
many
have
the
never
I hold
to
health, your
your
with
it fills me
acute
ask
Barbin,
know
let it be
in
plenty
Count
the
far
state
a
de
pations,
occu-
long
a
of affection
Grammont
sorrow.
him
prints so
he
why
I
name?
things that are not mine, over
my
been
guilty of enough follywithout
assuming
burden
of others.
the
me
They have made
author
I
search
moralizing and
enough letter, with
If you
languishing rest;
inclinations,and
your
The
this
good
diatribe
him
a
than
to
grant
that
mont's
death
be
The
Lauzun
have
Lauzun
the
be
been
is
de
of
Count
that
of
rumor
Hollande
married.
says
If this
summoned
Duke,
a
whom
more
author.
false, and
Gazette
is to
would
other
any
God
true.
which
against Pere Bouhours,
is no
writer
even
imagined. There
in higher esteem.
Our language owes
of
health
your
the
were
Count
de
true
he
Paris, besides, de
to
the
and
Gram-
de
name
"Count"
does
servants,
who
fit him.
not
Adieu.
I
would
gain
would
be
much
the
which
the
am
truest
if you
had
of
no
your
more
first of your
friends
be called
eternal.
may
333
lovers, for I
despite an
sence
ab-
II
Ninon
It
is sweet
WAS
I
FEnclos
de
in
when
messenger
in
me
I
how
those
remember
to
alone
imagine
Saint-Evremond
to
chamber,
my
from
Saint-Evremond!"
have
your
letters
about
"
which
things
many
joy
in
your
letter
assures
promises
forty
years
more
that
it is
who
have
had
hoped
It
have
can
it left
"
the
to
pass
still be
in
is, however,
rest
it is,
that
of
of
the
I believe
of
human
same
men
life.
I
with
you,
desire,
you
those
we
days
my
its
England
speak
they
period
your
indicates
of life, for
remember
to
perhaps,
epitaph, that
my
and
France.
pleasant
and
loved,
the
possessed
had
you
fixed
in
appear
health
me
that
England
passed
of
has
in
only
not
mind
my
strength, and
you
do
perfect
your
The
occupation.
would
a
quite recently, and
of you
speaking
been
learned
if
You
disappeared
ennui
is
moment.
a
have
and
"Here
exclaimed:
one
my
ing,
read-
of
weary
some
quickly
loved
have
we
this
for
the
bodily
ment
embellish-
separation
occurred.
I
had
which
could
have
found
could
wished
in
me
not
the
that
midst
change
me,
333
the
of
young
the
ecclesiastic
glories
although
you
of
seem
Nike,
to
NINON
think
than
that I
tenderly enchanted
philosophy permits.
Madame
more
am
Duchess
the
eighteen-yearold:
the
to
that
pay
the
de
Bouillon
of her
source
with
him
is like
charms
an
is in
blood.
Mazarin
Now
not
L'ENCLOS
de
kings
our
us
the greatest
a
visit?
success
are
In
derived
334
so
my
friendly,ought
opinion it would
from
the peace.
you
be
Ill
1'Enclos
de
Ninon
Wrinkles
DEFY
I
sorrowful
of
its
their
by
the
to
I
of
sentiments.
of
am
of
I
do
You
way.
the
only
M.
de
aged
his
and
M.
and
have
continued
M.
to
de
has
be
Lauzun
mark
a
surface
them
ridiculed
told
tues
virthe
in
He
only
Court.
at
to
him
see
father
of
ly,
fami-
a
about
jokes
more
is
think.
the
If M.
of your
is my
"Cuncta-
of
name
How
d'Olonne
letters
335
them.
amiability.
hospital.
your
them
nor,
provincial Gover-
a
him
you
the
affected
are
use
live
others
men!
read
to
not
see
He
at
of
have
to
gave
died
just
judgments
could
to
than
who
d'Ebene
tor," has
wished
happy.
dignity
new
is
the
judge
your
his
to
who
desired
to
that
try
deserved,
Nurse
wrinkles
friend,
a
fortune
man
Turenne
rich
the
his
old, and
grow
have
owes
I
you,
ter
let-
much
presume
delighted
am
sadden
not
who
who
Your
diminish
not
very
am
opinion, that
your
wisdom.
it did
perseverance.
those
joy
it
reception
in
greater
Chevalier.
her
I
and
strength
shame
same
figure
with
feel
the
accorded
was
merit
of
Wisdom
of
to
remembrance
the
Mark
a
Dulcinea
the
and
are
Saint-Evremond
to
to
quality
trivial
alive
were
me,
with
neighbor,
he
would
his
and
are
osophy.
philwill
NINON
accept your
compliments.
of M.
those
M.
L'ENCLOS
de
de
de
I send
you
Charleval, and
Ruvigny,
his friend
Tournelles.
336
ask
very
you
of the
ly,
tenderto
Rue
member
re-
des
NINON
moods.
You
have
I
reflections,but
useless
life, and
every
may
far
to
harbor
one
ofteijlaughed
have
banished
them
in the
be
must
day as it comes.
say against them,
off, they
are
L'ENCLOS
de
more
moralizing. Take good
that everything should
are
latter
certain.
care
tend.
338
all.
days
with
as
This
of your
the
much
It is
of one's
life of
whatever
hopes,
worth
mournful
my
them
satisfied
Near
at
as
you
those
is excellent
health, it is
to
V
Ninon
de
On
1'Enclos
the
M.
NOW,
Death
take
in
death,
I
him
all the
charms
saw
of
old
friends
am
leading
a
similar
Tell
loss
me
interested
and
here,
not
so
now,
well
the
in
old
is like
your
life
friends
appreciated
in
London
possess
as
339
when
share
time
you
of
his
ness
goodtrue
and
of
and
the
the
all
I
one
indeed,
common,
self.
I
yourself.
about
news
sole
con-
among
life
one's
to
all the
heart
in
much
so
am
spirit possessed
you
His
dying
the
His
of
time.
had
the
desirable
spoke
our
of
to
his
so
often
We
Up
and
youth,
trying
am
day.
every
tenderness
and
friends.
of
I
I
and
dead,
thinking
by
affliction.
my
Charleval
is
that
affected
myself
will
de
of
Charleval
de
much
Saint-Evremond
to
as
as
much
if you
were
am
charms
they
which
are
are
separated.
VI
Ninon
de
1'Enclos
The
of
I
believe
I
for
me
is
that
forces
those
of
It
is
forces
are
as
to
in
making
in
I did
dream,
not
a
woman
all the
women
in
of
useless
has
me
my
her
so
declining
340
of
is
and
mind,
but
impossible.
away
sad
a
thousand
me
happy
of France,
the
flections
re-
ones.
given
age.
and
peace
thoughts,
drive
to
life
that
in
change
the
reprehend
However,
other
a
into
me
lives
am
things,
same
strength
while
worth
the
mind.
to
I
I
although
assure
to
when
indulge
pleasures
than
lead
duration
friendship.
often
one
of
certainly
the
friends
as
preferred
shall
himself
and
con-
account
on
casts
healthy
a
Sandwich
Madame
doing
who
body
equally
to
you,
always
is useless
as
as
long
with
the
everything
long
My
as
it
posterity by
your
ing
tell-
thoughts
We
you.
sentiment,
a
tranquillity
of
of
Swiss
living
worth
worthy
that
reason.
such
your
for
as
of
the
envy
in
of
live
pleasure by
me
am
am
by
weary
for
river
and
shall
sometimes
and
I
encomiums
lives,
Monotony
gave
I maintain
the
our
I
stantly.
affection
deserve
of
that
me
*
the
Weariness
Clerambault
Mde
Saint-Evremond
to
years
She
and
please
to
as
has
more
to
be
more
true
her.
able
agree-
spirit
merit.
AND
LIFE
She
is
the
on
LETTERS
of
point
leaving
us,
which
is
gretted
re-
who
knows
her, by myself,
by every one
have
should
particularly. Had you been here we
prepared a banquet worthy of old times. Love me
always.
Madame
de Coulanges accepted the commission
to
present
de
Grammont,
is
so
soon
as
they
compliments
through
that
young
dislike the
to
kind
your
Madame
I believe
infirm,and
return
to
le Comte
M.
He
de Grammont.
him
fickle enough
that
he
will love
in time
them
as
good health.
from
returns
England
to
speaks of
Every one who
the beauty of Madame
la Duchesse
de Mazarin, as
de Bellethey allude to the beauty of Mademoiselle
attached
have
is rising. You
me
sun
fond, whose
de Mazarin, and I hear nothing but the
to Madame
good
that
is said of her.
Adieu, my
must
not
friend,why
die without
is it not
"Good
again seeing each
341
day?"
other.
We
VII
Ninon
After
1'Enclos
de
the
Death
WHAT
for
consolation.
who
has
can
Those
who
die, after
to
serve
I
feel
have
just
that,
your
sustain
last
her
drew
is
there
bodies,
so
see
so
you
wise
I
me
well
a
me,
but
the
You
much
will
as
foreign
my
land.
misfortune
a
their
?
friends
will
mind,
your
is
to
lively
longer
I
be
happy.
of
of
a
hold
me
you
remedy,
and
our
poor
love
those
for
your
me
to
was
friends
for
quainted
ac-
affected
happen
Your
thanks
been
thought
she
wise,
tone
had
goodness
may
thousand
the
to
tea
letter
to
be
you
pleased
present.
your
again
no
yours.
so
if I
what
whatever
how
know
you
her
There
and
give
as
all
companion
see
She
express;
preserve
who
sent
and
for
none
not
with
a
to
as
Duchess.
can
her.
to
me
much
as
the
I
find
such
good
philosophy,
moments,
than
more
could
you.
death
this
in
were
will
amiable
an
If it
!
ourselves,
you
subject
are
we
with
make
to
long
we,
mainstay
your
live
friend
loss,
lost
Mazarin
de
my
that
a
sympathize
with
in
you,
fact
the
done
be
for
I
been
What
Duchesse
considered
be
You
La
loss
a
not
heart.
of
Saint-Evremond
to
see
Madame
342
Sandwich,
whom
we
LIFE
depart with
saw
condition
in life
to
but
A
as
when
dying
all her
sweet
might
I
Madame
that
friends
could
she
in the
wish
of
be
to
serve
that
some
friend.
my
de
was
while
her
solation
con-
ignorant of English
am
adieux,
did
I
quite French
was
thousand
LETTERS
regret.
you.
she
think
AND
toms,
cus-
here.
If
one
could
believed
Chevreuse, who
with
going to converse
other
thought.
343
world!
It would
be
a
VIII
Saint-Evremond
Banishes
Love
life,
YOUR
a
illustrious
not
until
the
devised
hell
Pronounce
"old
the
age"
do
not
in
you.
tion
will
never
so
much
is
There
leave
For,
pleasures!
the
which
the
upon
would
who
of
money
all your
one-half
than
of
what
In
maxim.
a
and
of
that
of
you
of
to
all
made
our
casket,
the
ticularly
par-
resisted
have
life
men*
established
is
you
decline
merit,
our
keeper
have
passions
however,
your
to
make
do
you
not
is
there
character;
regards
than
your
was
lovers,
free
with
your
virtues
the
friends.
their
worth;
it
ashamed
all
that
willingly
Confess
greater
fact
a
be
to
probity
your
de
M.
letters, that
imagine
lovely
my
into
your
owe
we
of
reputation
you;
ner
man-
lips.
in
ingratitude
to
frighten
boldly,
too
same
permit
your
to
even
the
construct
spirit
been
not
"love"
pass
me
What
love,
to
word
has
in
Do
to
desired
Age
lived
end.
"hell"
he
TEnclos
beloved,
be
to
de
Old
well
my
Rochefoucauld's
la
Ninon
to
nothing
friends, nothing
your
what
you
have
but
expose
more
bestowed
of
the
better
satisfactory
un-
upon
lovers.
a
few
verses,
I will
draw
344
your
entire
charac-
You
might
have
In the world,
Preferred
Here
is
a
sprightlyfun,
managed some
untold,
keeper of treasures
of the fold.)
be to a lamb
well
as
a
would
you
L'ENCLOS
de
NINON
I trust
which
littlevariety,
you:
L'indulgente et
A
De
forme
la
Tame
sage
Nature
de Ninon
volupte d'Epicure
Et de la vertu
de
Caton.
316.
will
not
prise
sur-
IX
Ninon
de
Demand
Stomachs
THE
good
about
the
There
to
to
the
of
health
them
to
another
of
will
He
others,
deemed
him
journeying
of
to
his
sure
nothing
feel
of
that
England.
to
honest
see
the
world,
an
opulent
last
of
the
is
left
ing
mak-
paying
has
he
Treat
me.
347
a
you
not
him
haps
Per-
the
is
thing
ignorant
I
ignore.
visit,
lost
in
him
home.
should
age
some
hand-
induced
he
but
a
people
curiosity, but
his
of
one
relates
things,
many
worthy
to
to
of
censure
which
It
abandon
knows
him
begin
desire
countries
surreptitiously
is done.
I
other.
insensibly begin
I
chapter.
whose
different
you
and
would
so
which
without
more
all occasions.
youth,
the
not
about
happier
the
mind
are
we
as
you
of
your
reflections.
on
is
Here
but
body,
sorrowful
but
that
believed
yourself,
as
than
one
much
minds,
our
find
I
as
give
we
to
that
the
of
me
when
your
me
stomach
than
sorrow,
enjoyment
long
times
are
my
told
your
stomachs
our
always
have
as
news
Minds
than
just handed
has
personally
confess,
in
Attention
More
letter, and
attention
I
Saint-Evremond
to
Dubois
Abbe
mind.
your
1'Enclos
his
well
to
make
time
for
by
love
NINON
I
begged his
friend, to obtain
arin and
to
elder
news
of Madame
remember
de
L'ENCLOS
brother, who
of Madame
Harvey,
me.
348
both
is my
particular
la Duchesse
of whom
Mazwished
X
Saint-Evremond
Why
Love
does
Ninon
to
TEnclos
de
Diminish
After
Note."
Two
TRANSLATOR'S
friends
whom
surprised
the
that
their
and
feebler
in
in
the
their
her
object
ante-nuptial
passion,
ardent
affection.
The
question
"Birds"
for
that
was
all
been
that
all
in
exile
in
held
with
opinions
letter
the
subject.
should
be
for
each
of
strength
of
After
ion
opin-
an
It
was
pro
and
to
during
contains
and
well
life.
had
the
sent
unanswerable
it
maintain
him
that
he
con,
is
who
writing
discussions
349
her
Saint-Evremond,
Moreover,
other
most
and
reaching
the
desire
some
the
Ninon
by
reply, which
who
find
destroy
carefully studied
loving hearts,
affection
in
emoiselle
Mad-
possession
the
England.
and
troubled
satisfactory.
consult
to
It
even
the
even
manner
particulars,
following
upon
any
resolved
living
the
in
that
and
to
without
days
before
consulted
weaken
and
marriage,
her
why
discussed
was
several
was
therefore
should
much
other
colder.
begging
Ninon's
very
their
day,
every
philosophy,
loved
were
felt for each
anxiety, they
1'Enclos,
of
after
growing
was
de
reason
discover
to
became
affection
them,
idolized,
passion they
great
marriage,
she
Marriage?
lessons
learned
their
by
early
NINON
letter is
The
in human
nature
which
a
overlooked
are
clues
to
in
the
to
and
sexes,
riage,
mar-
that
are
breaking point. Indeed,
which
remedy
a
it
philosophy of
develops traits
questions applicable
the
between
strained
often
gives
the
the subject of love and
upon
relations
the
so
masterpiece of
a
it is remarkable, in that
love, and
to
L'ENCLOS
de
not
can
it
fail to
effect
yours,
emoiselle;
Mad-
cure.
opinion
My
is exactly in line with
it is
or
always,
not
possession of
the
destroys
love
; the
of itself
object which
the loved
true
think, hymen
some
as
of the
source
dissatisfaction
of
unintelligentmanner
economizing the sentiments, a too complete, too
too
prolonged possession.
easy, and
have
When
we
yielded to the transports of a
exists in the
follows
that
without
passion
soul
the
can
reserve,
solitude.
which
of
alarms
fail
not
The
and
ourselves, the
fits of
our
and
equal
the
been
tremendous
the
quickly
heart
finds
of the
itself in
calm
found
pro-
a
void
a
outside
follows
which
takes
Make
place within
you
an
ysis
anal-
exact
when
you
anything. You will find that your desires
nothing but curiosity,and this curiosity,which
of the
one
vanish.
or
a
forces
Whoever,
lover
to
do not
passion; we
perceive that an
have
more
enduring happiness would
fruit of moderation.
of what
it in
vainly seek
chills it. We
cause
leave
to
shock
should
something
of the
heart, satisfied,our
therefore, would
leave
new
him
should
350
hold
sire
deare
is
desires
a
spouse
sired;
something to be debe expected every
LIFE
for the
day
AND
LETTERS
Diversify his pleasures, procure
for him
the charm
of variety in the same
ject,
oband I will vouch
for his perseverance
in fidelity.
confess, however, that hymen, or what
you
the
"defeat," is, in an ordinary woman,
your
I
call
morrow.
of love.
grave
But
the blame
that
it is less upon
then
falls,than
her
upon
the lover
who
complains
of the
the
cooling of the passion; she casts upon
is due
her own
to
depravity of the heart what
She has
unskillfulness,and her lack of economy.
expended in a single day everything that might
keep alive the inclination she had excited. She has
of her lover,
to offer to the curiosity
nothing more
she becomes
always the same
statue; no
variety
her lover knows
to be hoped for, and
it well.
But
in the
of
a
of
the
in
I have
woman
mind, it is the
aurora
day; it is the beginning of the most
satisfying pleasures. I, understand
by effusions
lovelier
heart, those
those
excite
absolute
esteem
of
word,
the
the
from
acquires brings
takes
a
Time,
new
But,
held
to
for
a
repeat;
refinement
which
have
the
covers
dis-
always
woman
a
sentiments
her
reserve;
well
one
to
of
all
in
ing
creat-
meriting all the
That
day is, in a
freedom
him; the
into
play
but
lofty flight,
far from
leading
reasons
man
treasures
has
constraint
which
a
genuities
in-
those
and
the certaintyof
us
love.
we
person
epoch when
hidden
in
happiness, and
inexhaustible
been
avowals,
unexpected
transports which
an
confidences; those
mutual
under
loathing,will
heart
control.
furnish
greater love.
I
assume
351
sufficient
intelligence
NINON
in her
hold
to
be
to
able
to
lover, it is
a
L'ENCLOS
de
control her inclination. For
not
enough (perhaps it is too
love with
passionately,she must
prudence, with restraint,and modesty is, for that
the most
ingenious virtue refined persons
reason,
have ever
imagined. To yield to the impetuosity
of an inclination;to be annihilated, so to speak, in
of a woman
the object loved, is the method
out
withThat
is not
discernment.
love, it is a liking
much)
for
love
to
it is to
moment,
a
I would
spoiledchild.
more
and
reserve
transform
have
An
The
transport.
in
not
heart
convulsive
to
in
or
There
ways
al-
with
ing
pass-
a
perceive
you
emotions,
both
you,
of
you
required
intelligence
love than is generallysupposed, and to be happy
of the fatal "yes"
loving. Up to the moment
if you
prefer, up to the time of her defeat, a
sum
up:
does
woman
is
him.
But
more
artifice
need
not
Curiosityexcites him,
he
once
to
retain
her; the desire
in
him,
to
as
keep
expedients; the
position,easier
to
he
should
than
her
the
much
as
to
courages
en-
summit
take
overcome
render
is similar
to
lover.
him, hope
to
exhibited
heart
352
hold
reaches
woman
him
obtain
to
sustains
desire
desires, it is for the
of his
care
is
ily
stead-
strength
yourself,will experience,and soon,
will feel the necessity of separating.
To
be
nothing but
be
with
being
must
your
a
of ardor
excess
indifference
same
lover, after those
a
use
vivacitywill
your
economy,
do
If you
curbed.
into
behave
in my
opinion, the
justifiable
an
impetuous charger which
not
lover
woman
a
economy.
a
to
keep.
her
a
tile
fer-
high
Charms
NINON
that, created
grant, they should
to
in
even
L'ENCLOS
de
of
excess
an
never
served,
Re-
offer.
passion, they
should
guard against surrenderingat discretion; the lover
should
quently,
always have something to ask, and consebe always submissive
to
he would
as
so
without
limit degrade the most
obtain it. Favors
seductive
and
charms,
are, in the end, revolting
them.
who
exacts
to him
Society puts all
even
women
the
on
their defeat
ugly, after
from
level; the handsome
same
are
their art to maintain
nothing
A
happens?
commonly
to
more
sweet,
of
do
the
indistinguishable
except
their authority ; but what
woman
imagines she has
than
be
to
temper,
even
and
affectionate,caressing,
and
faithful.
She
is
qualitiesshould be the
foundation
of her character; they will not fail to
however
estimable
draw
esteem
; but these qualities,
be, if they are not offset by a shade of
they may
contrariety, will not fail to extinguish love, and
bring on languor and weariness, mortal poisons for
right in
one
the best
sense,
for these
constituted
heart.
know
nauseated
so
why lovers become
enjoying prosperity? Why
easily when
they are
little pleased after having had so much
so
pleasure?
both parties interested have
It is because
cally
identian
erroneous
opinion. One
imagines there is
to obtain, the other fancies she has
nothing more
to give. It follows
as
a
nothing more
necessary
slackens
in his pursuit, and
that one
consequence
the other neglects to be worthy of further advances,
Do
or
you
thinks
she
becomes
qualities.Reason
so
by
is substituted
354
the
practiceof
for love, and
solid
hence-
AND
LIFE
forward
spicy seasoning in their relations,
more
no
LETTERS
of those
trifling
quarrels so necessary
it.
prevent dissatisfaction by forestalling
more
no
But
when
that
I exact
of temper
evenness
to
should
animated
by occasional storms, do not be under
impression that I pretend lovers should always
be
the
be
quarreling to preserve
desire to impress it up'on
that
the
woman
their
happiness.
you,
that
should
emanate
should
not
does
not
love
from
forget (by
her
convert
love
only
understandi
all their mis-
pusillanimous kindness) the respect
due
excessive
her; that by an
she
I
into
a
itself;
speciesof
and
tions
atten-
sensitiveness
a
of
source
of her
anxiety capable of poisoning every moment
existence ; that by a scrupulous fidelity
she may
not
her
lover too sure
that he has nothing to
render
fear
on
that
Neither
score.
should
evenness
a
by
woman
of
temper,
pardon everything lackingin
demonstrates
hearts
that
of their spouses
or
be
weak
her lover.
too
women
sweetness,
a
often
an
alterable
un-
enough to
Experience
sacrifice the
their lovers,by too
many
facilities. What
recklessness!
indulgences and
They martyrize themselves
by sacrificingeverything;
them
into unthey spoil them and convert
grateful
lovers.
So much
generosity finallyturns
become
against themselves, and they soon
tomed
accusto demand
is granted them
as
a right what
as
we
a
a
favor.
You
see
women
every
day
(even
despise with so much
reason) who
scepter of iron, treat as slaves men
355
among
those
reign
who
are
with
at-
NINON
tached
them.
Well, these
longer
than
woman
of
think
decency
which
-remote
from
things even
will
always
hold
renders
insolent;
like those
take
tells
us
the
for
force
world.
new
hearts
us
that the
sometimes
too
often
we
our
kindly to
Now,
to
of the
of
bottom
upon
never
military
charm
the
But
clouds
preciselywhat
slaves, whom
are
which
virtue.
a
let the
sonable
rea-
trifle,there
a
is necessary
to
lover.
a
We
remain
that
morals, and
constitutes
the
soften
woman
That
gentleness and
to
loved
are
would
up,
example.
an
controlling
persuaded
am
refinement, well brought
that
of
who
women
I
others.
is repugnant
lacks
in
the
by force
the
are
following such
of
manner
them
debase
them,
to
L'ENCLOS
de
much
kindness
demand
But
be
to
we
comprehension
governing hand
good
treated
in the
have
of
a
for very
often
justice,
bears
reasons,
down
and
we
it.
my
last word.
and
of love, women
energy
it is from
them
we
hope
the
In everything relating
should
be
for happisovereigns;
ness,
and
fail to grant us
that as
they will never
soon
hearts with intelligence,
as they can
our
govern
their own
moderate
and maintain
their
inclinations,
own
out
authority, without compromising it and with-
abusing it.
356
XI
Ninon
1'Enclos
de
Few
/-%
ship.
-^-
-*-
but
that
myself
think
to
of
with
I know
Your
last
subject
chamber
you
which
common
world;
is
of
the
all
the
do
well
fly, to
accustom
should
I
dispense
it is with
so
could
you
that
you
talks
to
love.
Mazarin
viewpoint,
sense
as
resist
by
would
I
it.
age,
I
could
without
always
held
I
but
as
thinking
have
place
the
357
I
with
life
of
less
am
not
you,
that
from
her
her
agreeable
been
ways
al-
do.
you
of
wise,
will
you
upon
my
well
be
to
believe
wish
looked
had
that
think
you
in
agrees
enough
perceive
been
ing;
rejuvenat-
are
Philosophy
It is not
long
as
You
has
had
have
we
month.
past
It
masterpiece.
a
charms.
people
overcome
Madame
the
remember
Heaven
to
one
any
astonishing
to
the
of
write,
you
and
wanted
Would
letter
for
please
Few
lively
even
please, and
must
one
own
of
spiritual
with
yet
what
rest
your
friend-
to
spoiled
have
praise
style.
your
dangerous
would
have
in
wrote
Age
dwells.
glory
the
I
and
me
the
letter
me.
Lucian
is
mind
Your
imagination,
Resist
People
SPRIGHTLY
A
Saint-Evremond
to
beauty,
when
brilliancy.
NINON
will -preserve
Sandwich
Madame
L'ENCLOS
de
after
losing her youth, at
Adieu, my friend. When
remember
to
have
her
me
to
least
you
her
I think
see
her, I should
forget me.
358
mental
so.
Madame
be
force
very
wich,
Sandsorry
XII
Saint-Evremond
Has
Age
gives
IT
me
been
a
heart
inclinations,
will
who
is attractive
of
a
be
Saint
Is
imbued
be
is poor
the
of
is
I
her
health.
The
as
but
father.
She
as
she
of
in
is the
begged
to
like
his
Duke
you
pay
in yours.
de
Tallard,
whom
to
I
can
Give
me.
Gourville.
de
think
I
me
I
sume
pre-
affairs; if his health
sorry.
particular friend, accompanies
my
Sandwich,
late
had
who
Count
more
Madame
is
He
friends
your
Chevalier
young
command
affect
always
mine,
age,
ers
flow-
tastes,
as
our
so,
like
has
interests
friend
very
Sandwich,
England,
amiable
old
Morelli,
of
her
If
be
Countess
in
your
prosperous
the
Madame
own
spirit
our
shall
Doctor
I have
of
one
and
a
young
sincerely
*your
ladies.
our
whom
service?
news
he
all
his
to
receive
to
see
there
sentiments,
to
any
any
some
between
in
with
of
similarity
much
there
able
As
Albans,
visit, as
and
mine.
pleased
to
expanding
and
please,
your
you
1'Enclos
lively pleasure
like
strong
de
Consolations
handsome
people,
old
Some
a
; fit to
an
Ninon
to
Rochester,
spirit
Sandwich
generous
is generous
359
to
goes
has
and
and
than
for
France
of
father
man
any
more
than
spirituelle,
and
spirituelle.These
NINON
portion of
are
a
to
say
Seven
her
the
about
de
L'ENCLOS
equalities.But,
I have
more
about
the
invalid.
dispute
among
selves,
them-
physician than
cities,as
know,
you
birth place of Homer;
the
tions
great naIndia, Egypt,
seven
Morelli:
quarrelling over
Arabia, Persia, Turkey, Italy,and Spain. The
are
countries,
the
even
temperate
cold
France, England
ones,
no
Germany, make
pretensions. He
acquainted with every
language and speaks
is
and
His
of them.
most
leads
origin,and
good among
fond
of
that
He
found
is
He
over
"
friends
has
who
skilled in his
though
and
he
passionately
about
poetry, inquisitive
in everything
I cannot
connoisseur
all.
what
absorbed
urative
fig-
is of Oriental
he
that
Europeans.
music, wild
remember
know
ture,
architec-
profession,he
own
is
in others.
adept
I pray
to
you
acquainted
you
has
he
the
paintings,a
an
believe
to
me
and
style,elevated, grand
the
him
all
your
with
him
make
give
yours,
will
for you
with
I
opportunitiesto
illustrious
shall
be
never
friends.
consider
able
him
make
to
become
anybody possessingmore
If
nate,
fortuhim
merit
quainted
ac-
than
yourself.
It
to
seems
me
that
Epicurus
included
in
his
of past things.
sovereign good the remembrance
There
is no
sovereign good for a centenarian like
but there are many
ing
consolations,that of thinkme,
of you,
and
of all I have
heard
you
say, is
one
of the greatest.
I write
because
of many
I
never
things of
think
that
360
no
importance
I may
weary
to
you.
you,
It
XIII
Ninon
Good
Some
me
I
a
fancy
that
I
it!
M.
I, that
but
friendship
procure
de
de
but
my
Haute-
have
told
at
heard
door
my
have
received
pleasure
more
fear
of
you
of
I
his
is
not
than
can
use
can
some,
do
was
one
not
and
that
ting
get-
well
as
is
room,
a
differen
in-
good
his
upon
After
that,
which
I
knowledge
doubt
in
always
him.
make,
my
tunate
unfor-
as
trespass
worrying
I
how
tell you
kind,
do
and
successful
was
leaves
any
friends
his
wine,
will
never
of
taste
for
I
say
1'Hermitage
foresee,
now
M.
not
insinuation
any
myself
Abbe
never
you
reassured
not
I would
good
want
can
de
to
if, by
to
Gourville
de
friend,
the
me
gave
deceive
had
been
and
home,
gives
man
forgotten all
would
have
would
young
lieve
be-
to
you
else.
What
to
English
letter, which
anything
in France
senses
replied by
at
a
"doctor"
name
have
not
of
I have
others.
your
was
your
not
Your
They
me.
that
pleasure?
the
If
feuille, and
of
sight
to
should
I
me,
the
comes
friends.
Still Exists
friend, is it possible for
that
it
Saint-Evreraond
to
Taste
dear
MY
when
1'Enclos
de
of
I will
do
wine
avail
it.
Tallard
of my
362
former
friends, but
state
affairs
told that
the
He
is
him.
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
place great
Dubois
Abbe
a
will go
little man
slim
trifles. I
above
men
to
I
who,
England
am
sure,
am
with
will
please you.
I have
with
that
with
you
admiration
good
a
will be
can
I have
him
taste
the
by
our
little
and
wise
if you
you
do
think
they
circle,which
still exists in France.
country where
not
you
letters of yours,
twenty
not
of
I
am
fear
nobody
are
read
is
proof
charmed
ennui, and
but
self,
your-
principleis false with you: that
no
longer please others.
written
to M.
Morelli, and if I find in
that
the
skill you
say,
I shall
physician.
3G3
consider
him
a
true
XIV
Saint-Evremond
HAVE
I
much
common
eulogize
without
also
to
fairly well.
ait
Qu'on
de
Plus
Qu'un
C'est
et
lui
les
grand
coeur
Un
grand
esprit
Et
qui
dans
les
intelligent
I
having
I
age,
it
mind
debted
in-
am
sounded
eat
can
dine
I
well
of
heroes
makes
my
oysters
and
sup
with
men
credit,
de
conduite,
depit;
merite
en
m'irrite.
plus grand
autres
Un
de
that
1'appetit,
sur
le
est
droits
de
passe
1'avantage
L'estomac
of
bien, de
de
me
le gout
You
one.
respect.
breakfast.
point
autre
last
stomach.
for
years
plus
aurai
contained
mine.
plus
vertu,
n'en
Sur
than
Stomach
highly,
an
good
world
The
merit
less
Les
this
for
your
possess
a
the
which
so
Dubois
in
morning
every
Sans
Abbe
you
as
stomach
to
eighty-eight
At
Je
the
having
the
to
praises
sense
shameful
be
of
letter
a
1'Enclos
de
Pleasures
read
never
so
would
the
of
Superiority
Ninon
to
ne
veut
veut
Testomac
sentiments
bien,
rien.
sont
entreprendre,
tout
tout
sont
que
364
comprendre;
de
me
bien
donne
digerer;
mon
age,
la grandeur du courage,
1'esprit,
qu'a se vertu 1'on puisse comparer.
de
beaute
La
rien
N'ont
(Let others
More
But
no
make
my
fame,
possess,
flame;
envious
merit
less
seem
appetite,is, I claim,
outrageous thing to profess.
In
taste,
An
All else to
A
things,
nothing brings.
the greatest of
stomach's
The
A
morals
and
kindle
to
and
riches
more
virtue
'Twill
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
us
great heart
all undertake,
would
great soul investigate,
But
the law
And
the
True
glorieswhich
beauty of mind,
Are
nothing unless by
When
I
is good things to digest,
of the stomach
was
at
are
age
my
of courage
its virtue
delight,
height,
the
they'reblest.)
I admired
young
the
intellect
than
more
of the interests
less considerate
anything else, and was
of the body than I should
have been ; to-day,
I am
I then held, as much
as
remedying the error
possible,either by the use I am making of it,or by
the esteem
and friendship I have
for it.
You
of the same
were
opinion. The body was
cerned
something in your youth, now
you are wholly conwith
know
the
whether
estimate
pleasures of
you
it.
upon
and
we
mind.
I
right in placing
are
read
We
little that
little advice
hear
following.
However
of the
age
at
which
agreeable objects make
which
the
degenerate
I
am
365
may
so
do
not
high
is worth
that
be
an
membering,
re-
is worth
the
senses
living,the impressions
upon
them
appear
NINON
to
be
to
me
to
of
mind
the
which
better
senses
much^
so
mortify
wrong
its
than
other
traits have
made
Bernier, I say,
M.
to
me
"I
philosopher I have
used,
philosopher is seldom
not
give
in
manner,
conversation
him
worthy
speaking of
of the
the
and
epithet),
senses,
said
day:
one
am
jealousy
part played by the
a
handsomest
(handsome
his figure, shape,
but
the
are
we
own.
known
ever
it is
Perhaps
them.
that
acute,
more
deems
Bernier, the
M.
L'ENCLOS
de
going
to
Madame
de
impart
de la
a
confidence
that
Sabliere, even
1'Enclos, whom
I
regard
selle
Mademoi-
to
as
I would
a
superior
being. I tell you in confidence, that abstinence
from
to be a great sin."
to me
pleasures appears
I was
surprised at the novelty of the idea, and it
did not fail to make
an
mind.
impression upon
my
his idea, he might have
Had
he extended
made
me
a
convert
to his
Continue
and
have
your
which
existed
as
doctrine.
friendshipwhich
is something rare
long as ours.
366
has
never
tered,
fal-
in relations that
XV
Ninon
Let
Heart
the
LEARN
I
1'Enclos
de
than
common
of
worthy
the
of
memory
effaced
I
his
often
tell
and
the
You
The
am
been
told
very
every
Helens
have
goddesses
I to
My
the
of
who
woman
no
of
as
some
it sensible
of
has
not
de
Riviere
in
also
are
you
d'Elbene,
de
cheer
the
at
up
most
I
modern,
a
in
highly
too
you
who
Academicians,
have
clared
de-
"ancients."
the
of
like
much
"Beauty"
envy
always
which
in
brought
are
but
favor
have
I would
be
of
presence
I
ward
up-
you
absence
against praising
guard
my
in
your
fact, is little
has
whose
Chevalier
the
interesting points,
on
in
renders
stories
old
the
"moderns."
am
soul
friend
a
leading
body,
it, and
that
and
always
the
er
is dear-
soul
my
image.
Charlevafl,
the
and
sustains
that
The
things.
regard,
which
light
is
Language
body
my
sense
better
to
pleasure
you
Own
Its
Speak
with
to
Saint-Evremond
to
a
musical
to
hear
is its
who
right
to
beauty.
che
at
subject
would
should
find
Here
which
prologue,
hear
Homer,
a
I
am
at
Paris
theater.
strike
it.
and
the
with
All
our
always
top, how
descend?
very
dear
friend,
would
367
it not
be
well
to
NINON
permit
the
assure
you,
on
and
favor,
my
which
speak its own
I love
always.
you
that point, they have
heart
ideas
your
L'ENCLOS
de
this
may
philosophers
some
I
language?
to
Do
change
not
been
always
mental
in
communication,
believe
to be
supernatural,
last forever.
testified
I have
feel
among
my
worthy
of
desires
to
in the
a
of
be
to
friends, many
the
I
him.
of
whom
he
He
found
him
him.
If he
will be
letter
your
is called
here
which
merit
perhaps
for
that
I know
is
which
whether
La
so
they
so
he
were
this
with
harm, for
no
is
ous
amor-
guished,"
"distin-
be
accomplished,
fine phrase as
a
like to
has
see
little
regarded
"Tis the destiny
Lucretius
is any
there
Fontaine,
unless
is
and
with
would
feeble.
Tasso
will
like
losses.
you
he
England,
head
meet
for my
consolation
in
I
day,
every
wish
your
Abbes
treated
If he
that
me
deemed
but they did me
spectacles,of course,
I preserved my
gravity all the time.
of
I should
honest
our
him
read
joy
given
left of
court,
esteem.
you
to
have
praise you
profitby what is
of the
the
Turretin,
service
some
absence
man
M.
to
Fontaine
in
Paris, his
of
been
never
foot
368
poets, of
evidence.
philter that
love
able to
are
La
the
a
could
lover
bills.
I doubt
of
affect
women
NINON
les destins
Puissent
donner
Vous
et
(To
love
and
Is
concert
be
loved
heart
is formed
reason
meet.
with
loving concord,
a
To
stop the course,
Our
days
And
death
May
the kind
You
thirty years
I wish
who
ans
philosophic.
Of
With
trente
sweet,
Cemented
those
de
in your
Which
complaisants,
encore
D'amour
a
L'ENCLOS
de
be the
wisdom
you
a
have
deficiency in
perforce.
end
must
last record.
fates give
and
happy
live,
to
love
New
nothing
in
accord.)
else to
wishes.
370
day on
give, make
Year,
a
which
up
the
XVII
Ninon
1'Enclos
de
"I
letter
YOUR
which
I
days
of
from
You
are
You
told
long
me
I try
the
on
not
the
tells
Everybody
of
at
it may,
have
I
had
hanged
however,
and
enjoy.
Would
than
There
is
M.
his
de
father
at
We
talk
presence
Clerambault
in
mental
no
to
is
of
old
many
to
try
love
people
we
should
in all that, but
body,
to
feel
I
still
have
ure
pleas-
more
I
as
stomach
my
friends
me
plain
com-
ugly
an
day.
to-
that
something
could
flections.
re-
get
for-
to
life I
we
gives
whom
good
something
is
the
of
of
memory
the
on
a
of
through
Be
agreeable;
I
die
another.
such
this.
and
live
we
prove
less
hold
Heaven
to
to
days
which
to
should
I
man
these
I have
Appetite
ease.
truth, there
the
than
proposed
been
and
the
known,
that
good
more,
things
something
yours,
I
any
me
myself.
as
comfort
with
time
one
made
that
make
to
morrow
things
cruelly
ago
the
sloth;
the
us
"The
incapable.
and
of
yearnings
said
as
ignorance
take
attached."
are
useless
myself
passing,"
and
us
with
thought
"in
Myself
Hanged
filled
are
Yveteaux,
destroy
Have
Should
Saint-Evremond
to
now
meet.
tell you
to
comparison.
often
asks
attainments.
371
me
if he
"No,"
resembles
I
always
NINON
believes
he
and
You
going
are
she
all about
your
news
of
presumption
advantage
who
some
through
to
that
him,
have
would
comparison
a
that
and
has
to
gone
so
the
between
which
have
we
Sandwich,
Madame
the
country.
for her.
sentiment
about
has
write
to
this country
comprehended
haunts
his
!
I believe
more
are
and
be
to
What
epoch
present
passed
there
it.
Trom
hope
"no"
this
perhaps
considered
and
I
him, but
answer
L'ENCLOS
de
than
She
means
at home.
372
of
will
knows
tell you
I, having gauged
everything. She
found
She
but
knows
making
all my
herself
fectly
per-
XVIII
Saint-Evremond
Life
Is
THE
better
is
mind
of the
I
receive
the
of
is
It
ones.
dims
is, your
reason
fortified
more
to
me
pleasure
true
and
stronger
to
seems
present
the
moiselle
Made-
from
preceding
past, but
becoming
Without
always
sentiment
Sorrow
Is
letter
than
the
memory
It
1'Enclos
de
because
the
last
very
be
not
When
Joyous
1'Enclos
de
Ninon
to
every
day.
If
it
which
of
mine
given
the
I
her
see
praises
by
she
that
to
you
name
you
are,
I
you.
age
of
belong
London
as
you
mistress
honor
world,
mine,
to
to
give
of
the
luster
present
373
quet
ban-
a
the
quished.
van-
wich;
Sand-
by
overcome
to
in
and
to
and
tion,
na-
every
Paris.
when
youth
than
more
any
you,
of
extraordinary
the
You
the
at
Madame
not
was
upon
in
an
in
taste
alike
every
are
good
trial
a
not
was
spirit of
appetite.
esteemed
belong
I
the
combat
make
to
Jersey.
showered
my
stomach
Sandwich,
the
for
has
this
with
as
Madame
knows
she
was
Lord
by
Everybody
esteem
of
that
body
I wanted
speak.
against
the
sustain
badly
you
I
with
same
should
I
mind,
the
were
will
I
say
diately
immeThere
theirs.
of
You
the
past,
NINON
May
have
you
in
view, for that
L'ENCLOS
share
your
in the
considered
de
of
future!
I
is assured
the
right to
have
not
all
to
be
so
reputation
time,
the
one
essential is life,of which
thing I regard as the most
than
centuries
eight days are worth
of post
more
mortem
glory.
If any one
had formerly proposed to you
to live
would
as
have
are
now
living, you
you
hanged
ever,
Howyourself! (The expression pleases me.)
satisfied with
are
you
having enjoyed
the
and
ease
comfort
after
liveliest emotions.
satisfait,ou du moins
L'esprit vous
console:
vous
Mais
on
prefereraitde vivre jeune et folle,
Et
laisser
La
triste gravite de leurs reflexions.
vieillards exempts
aux
(Mental joys satisfyyou,
But a young
jollylife we
And
Leave
the
the
whole,
passion's sharp
of former
good things.)
of youth than
make
more
it
memory,
by
they console,
from
recollections
sad
passions
prefer on
old
Nobody can
am
holding to
example, and
fit in with
the
I
I, and
following
am
present
as
I
as
your
well
I
as
how.
know
Would
to
Heaven,
Madame
opinion ! She would
to die the beauty of
your
Madame
and
least
at
chaps, exempt
stings,
to
de
Sandwich
departs admired
Live, Ninon,
is
still be
had
living,but
been
of
she
sired
de-
the world.
leaving
in London
life is
Mazarin
joyous
sorrow.
374
as
for
the
she
is in Paris.
when
country,
it is without
LIFE
I pray
to
you
AND
LETTERS
forward
this note
Hautefeuille, who
Bouillon.
1'Abbe
I
is with
sometimes
Dubois, who
him
Assure
of my
his
to
His
ends
poetry
humble
The
"
Saint-Evremond
1'Enclos, and
the
friend, Count
he
never
at
the
with
age
this
of
one
Grand
Duke
of State
of
of about
ninety. His last letter
peculiar Epicurean thought in
Je vis eloigne de
besoins
Content
d'un
J'aime
la vertu
et
la
France,
sans
No
am
rudesse,
sans
livingfar
wants,
Content
Virtue
to
dwell
Pleasures
crains pas la fin.
from
no
France,
abundance,
in humble
sphere ;
roughness,
without
I love
Life,too, whose
mollesse,
away
indeed,
I love
abondance,
vulgaire destin;
J'aime le plaisirsans
J'aime la vie, et n'en
(I
cany,
Tus-
ward
other, dying shortlyafter-
any
:
Sans
de
letter
more
Magalotti, Councillor
wrote
last letter
Mademoiselle
exception
the
M.
ten.
forgot-
are
the
was
wrote
Royal Highness
of
regards.
above
ever
with
friends
the
meet
de
la Duchesse'de
complain that they
[Translator's Note
to
Madame
1'Abbe
M.
to
without
end
375
softness,
I do not
fear.)
TO
LEONTIUM
MODERN
THE
moral
the
Being
of
Charles
by
France,
admirer
He
died
in
exile
be
found
in
Westminster
his
who
He
de
the
gave
1'Enclos,
that
the
sobriquet.
The
inasmuch
and
formed
long
his
doctrines
Leontium
for
that
the
third
for
of
great
century
during
been
an
principles
grossly
of
the
Ninon,
education,
extraordinarily
bring
to
Athenian
an
her
of
for
taste
Epicurus,
men
of her
enable
down
its
to
Epicurus,
of
misunderstood
foully misinterpreted.
was
celebrated
in it will
foundation
under
her
to
character
intended
have
to
for
Mademoiselle
life and
philosophical
true
appears
and
the
was
deposited
illustrious
as
written
was
character
It
may
conspicuous
a
to
reasoning
the
was
her
career.
date, the
who
it
as
1'Enclos.
philosophy.
letter
understand
to
him
of
tomb
were
"Leontium"
name
and
reader
remains
regarded
virtues, learning and
his
in
Abbey,
opher,
philos-
warrior,
poet,
de
and
dation
eluci-
Marechal
scholar,
England,
where
nave,
by Englishmen,
his
in
curus
Epi-
an
that
by
Mademoiselle
of
profound
of the
advocated
philosopher,
and
part
it is
times,
Saint-Evremond,
de
great
a
philosopher
the
modern
to
principles
the
of
doctrine
applicable
as
L'ENCLOS)
DE
(NINON
for
and
Athens.
before
the
379
who
woman
became
philosophy, particularly
her
She
close
lived
Christian
intimacy
during
era,
and
with
the
her
NINON
of life
mode
similar
was
added
She
1'Enclos.
L'ENCLOS
de
that
to
of Mademoiselle
de
tellectua
great personal beauty, in-
to
the
highest degree, and dared
treatise against the eloquent
learned
write
to
a
ero,
Theophrastus, thereby incurringthe dislike of Cicthe distinguishedorator, and
Pliny, the philosopher,
the latter intimating that it might be well
which
self."
for her "to select a tree upon
to hang herPliny and other philosophers heaped abuse
her for daring, as
such
to do
a
an
woman,
upon
of thing as to write a treatise on
unheard
phy,
philosoand
to
particularlyfor having the assurance
contradict Theophrastus.
brilliancyof
Letter.
The
wish
You
I
do
not
care
of
I have
sidered
fully con-
which
Epicurus
tributed
at-
are
me?
claim
can
whether
doctrines
the
to
know
to
to
of
honor
the
claim
a
merit
having
I do
done
not
so,
but
possess,
I
and
ingenuously, does not belong to
I labor
under
count
acme.
a
great disadvantage on
of the numerous
spurious treatises which are
the author
as
though I were
printed in my name,
of them.
Some,
though well written, I do not
claim, because
over,
they are not of my writing, morethe things I have
written, there are
among
stupidities.I do not care to take the trouble
many
of repudiating such
that. at
things, for the reason
which
my
you
age,
one
interest and
How
will say,
hour
of well
benefit
to
regulated life,is
me
than
difficult it is,you
380
a
mediocre
see, to
of
more
tion.
reputa-
rid one's
self
LIFE
LETTERS
AND
propre! I quit it as an author, and reit as a philosopher,feelinga secret
assume
pleasure
about.
anxious
others are
in manipulating what
the name
The
word
"pleasure" recalls to mind
of Epicurus, and I confess, that of all the opinions
of the philosophers concerning the supreme
good,
of
amour
there
which
none
are
to
appear
be
to
me
his.
as
It would
useless
be
to
repeated by the Epicureans, that
pleasure and the extinction of pain,are
inclinations
natural
riches, power,
happiness,
us
a
honor,
remarked
acts.
self-evident,and
I do
However,
and
for
I
saw
never
the
Philosophers, and
even
those
as
him
regarded
public; Cicero,
is
all
his
to
of
morals
his
much
to
impious
the
men.
So much
partisans:
381
tend
in fact,
me,
of its truth.
the
opinions
of any
this
so
magistrates
as
pernicious to the
wise in his opinions,
for his fair
him, and
greatest and
in
indolent;
concerned, the Fathers
be
our
philosopher.
have
demned
condisciples,
own
doctrines
esteemed
to
Epicurus consisted,
of
and
just and
so
favorable
not
were
him
so
his
; that
men
in what
well
very
different
sensual
as
have
Plutarch,
know
many
of
one
clear to
fully persuaded
so
the first and
whither
end
I
not
of
everything
is very
am
love
pleasure, let
This
voluptuousness
pleasure, or
of
include
to
word, is the veritable aim
all human
the
in all
enjoyment
voluptuousness,
say,
hundred
virtue, contribute
and
the
that
but
a
reasons,
urge
times
most
able
reason-
so
the
so
have
most
judgments,
far
as
tianity
Chris-
represented
dangerous
for his enemies
; now
of
for
NINON
L'ENCLOS
de
Hermachus,
Metrodorus,
and
Meneceus,
ous
numer-
philosophize according to his
much
veneration
as
as
school, have
friendshipfor
him
personally. Diogenes Laertes could not have
his life to better advantage for his reputawritten
tion.
who
others,
Lucretius
of the
enemy
an
highest
adored
If
terms.
erected
others
sect
as
Gassendi
and
he
have
Fathers
him
of
much
as
of him
spoke
was,
in his honor,
statues
Bernier
Seneca,
cities held
some
Christians, the
the
him.
in the
in horror,
and
if,among
condemned
him,
his
principles.
In view of all these contrary authorities,
how
can
the question be decided?
Shall I say that Epicurus
the faith of a
a
was
corruptor of good morals, on
jealous philosopher, of a disgruntled disciple,who
would
have been delighted,in his resentment,
to go
approve
over,
a personal injury? Morelength of inflicting
had
Epicurus intended to destroy the idea of
Providence
and the immortality of the soul, is it
the
to
reasonable
not
that the world
to suppose
would
have
revolted
against so scandalous a doctrine, and
life of the philosopher would
have
been
to discredit his opinions more
easily?
the
If, therefore, I find
his enemies
and
him,
I should
have
urged
I do
a
also
envious
me
from
have
easilycredit
believe
tacked
at-
what
published against
what
his
partisans
in his defence.
believe
that
Epicurus
voluptuousness harsher
Stoics.
to
not
the
it difficult to
that
Such
than
desired
the
to broach
virtue
of
the
jealousy of austerity would
appear
extraordinary in a voluptuary philosopher,
whatever
point of view that word may be cona
382
fine secret
A
sidered.
establishes
The
insensible
that
one
sage,
that,
declaim
to
destroys sentiment
which
virtue
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
admits
according
virtue; that
to
of
no
the
in
against
a
sage,
a
and
operation.
Stoics, is
of
man
a
of the
movable
Epicureans, an imout
voluptuary. The former suffers pain withhaving any pain; the latter enjoys voluptuousness
without
being voluptuous a pleasure without
pleasure. With what object in view, could a philosopher
who
denied the immortality of the soul, mortify
the senses?
Why divorce the two parties composed
of the same
sole advantage
elements, whose
is in a concert
of union for their mutual
pleasure?
I pardon our
religiousdevotees, who diet on herbs,
in the hope that they will obtain an eternal felicity,
but that a philosopher, who
knows
other good
no
"
than
that to
be
found
in this
world, that
a
doctor
of
voluptuousness should diet on bread and water,
to reach
sovereign happiness in this life,is something
refuses
to
intelligence
contemplate.
my
I am
surprised that the voluptuousness of such
an
Epicurean is not founded upon the idea of death,
for, considering the miseries of life,his sovereign
be at the end of it. Believe me, if Horace
good must
had viewed
it as painted,they would
and Petronius
have accepted Epicurus as their master
in the
never
science of pleasure. The
uted
piety for the gods attribto
him, is
of the
no
senses.
less ridiculous
These
than
the mortification
slothful gods, of whom
nothing to be hoped or feared
did not
the
deserve
gods who
fatigueattendant upon their worship !
there
was
383
; these
labor
potent
imand
NINON
Let
one
no
that
say
through fear
scandalizing
L'ENCLOS
de
worshipers
went
the temple
to
of
displeasingthe magistrates,and
of
the people, for they would
have
scandalized
them
less by refusing to assist in their
them
stroyed
deworship, than shocked
by writings which
the established
gods, or at least ruined the
confidence
of the people in their protection.
But
ask me:
What
is your
opinion of Epicurus?
you
believe
You
neither
his friends
neither his adversaries
is the
who
times
at
of
has
a
wise
very
certain
on
partisans.What
philosopher,
occasions
loved
the
pleasure of movement.
this difference in the grade of voluptuousness
him.
all the reputation accorded
Timocsprung
pleasure
From
and
mies,
ene-
formed?
judgment you have
believe Epicurus was
I
his
nor
his
nor
his other
and
rates
the
or
repose
attacked
opponents,
him
on
count
ac-
of his sensual
him, did
When
he
not
go
the
former
denounced
at
in his
repasts, I
was
accusation
well
was
they did
not
lack
say
that
not
lie.
Epicurus
and
there is
To
go
a
a
they
diverted
According
time
time
to
to
to
that
the
latter
cheese
patiated
ex-
he
he
say
quired
re-
ophized
philos-
well; when
say
with
they
her, they do
there
Solomon,
is
a
time
to
according to Epicurus,
weep;
than
expense
usual, I believe
they
himself
be sober and
still further
voluptuous all his
than
When
reason.
the
the
When
quantity of
Leontium,
with
for
persuaded
am
cheer
better
have
to
him
founded.
small
the
upon
laugh
pleasures; those who defended
beyond his spiritualvoluptuousness.
a
time
that, is
life?
384
a
to
man
be
sensual.
uniformly
NINON
it may
be
said, that
L'ENCLOS
de
we
se*e
the
aspects, thinking
at
same
the
same
thing
time
under
ferent
dif-
that
we
discovered
Moreover, age
something new.
brings great changes in our inclinations,and with
a
a
change of inclination often comes
change of
opinion. Add, that the pleasures of the senses
sometimes
for mental
give rise to contempt
cations
gratifitoo
as
dry and unproductive and that the
delicate and refined pleasures of the mind, in their
the voluptuousness of the senses
as
scorn
turn,
be surprised that in so
should
So, no one
gross.
curus,
Epigreat a diversity of aspects and movements,
who
than any other philosopher,
wrote
more
have
the same
ent
should
treated
subjects in a differmanner
according as he had perceived them
from
different points of view.
that
avails this general reasoning to show
What
sensible to all kinds of pleasure?
he might have been
him
be considered
Let
according to his relations
with the other sex, and nobody will believe that he
have
spent
much
so
time
Leontium
with
and
with
The-
philosophizing. But
of voluptuousness, he
the enjoyment
if he loved
like a wise
himself
man.
conducted
Indulgent to
of nature, opposed to its struggles,
the movements
ering
never
mistaking chastityfor a virtue, always considsobriety
luxury as a vice, he insisted upon
and that the repasts
of the appetite,
as
an
economy
injure him who
in which
indulged should never
one
: "Sic praesentibusvolupwas
partook. His motto
mista
tatibus
He
for
the
sole
purpose
utaris ut futuris
non
of
noceas."
disentangled pleasures
386
from
the
anxieties
which
precede, and
When
he became
the
infirm
the
sovereign good
my
notion, from
cessation
LETTERS
AND
LIFE
in
the
disgustwhich
and
ease
follows
them.
suffered pain, he placed
and
condition
rest, and
he
was
wisely, to
in, for
the
suffer it.
of those who
pain is the felicity
As
to tranquillity
of mind, which
constitutes
other
anpart of happiness, it is nothing but a simple
But, whoso
anxiety or
exemption from
worry.
is happy
in
not
can
enjoy agreeable movements
being guaranteed from the sensations of pain.
I am
After saying this much,
of the opinion that
and tranquillity
constituted
the sovereign good
ease
infirm and feeble.
he was
For
for Epicurus when
is in a condition
who
to
a
man
enjoy pleasures, I
itself felt by something
believe that health
makes
active than ease, or indolence, as a good dispomore
sition
mated
aniof the soul demands
something more
than will permit a state of tranquillity.We
of an infinityof good and
all living in the midst
are
evil things, with senses
capable of being agreeably
and
affected
injured by the latter.
by the former
of
will
philosophy, a little reason
enable us to enjoy the good as deliciouslyas possible
ourselves
and accommodate
to the evil as
patiently
Without
as
we
so
much
can.
387