But there are terrible prejudices which my
candor will not allow me to dissemble, which you have to overcome.
There is
who complains of you, and this one must be won over
to your interests. He wishes you to testify more veneration for
what he venerates himself; that your attacks should not be so
vehement nor so constant. Is it then impossible for you to comply
his wishes in this particular? Be sure that you only, in setting no
bounds in your attacks on religion, do yourself a vast mischief with
the person in question.
"It will appear strange that I should hold such language to you:
I only do it to serve you: do not take my statements unkindly. I
have now a favor to ask of you; which is, to include me in the list
of those to whom you send the first fruits of the brilliant
productions of your pen. There is none who is more devoted to
you, and who has a more ardent desire to convince you of this.
"I am, , with real
attachment, etc."
I showed this letter to M. de Richelieu.
"Why," he inquired, 'have you not assured him as to your indiscretion,
which he fears?"
"Because his fear seemed to me unjust, and I leave you to represent
me to him as I am; and now," I added, "it does not appear to me
necessary for the king to know anything of this."
"You think wisely, madame; what most displeased him was to see
madame de Pompadour in regular correspondence with M.
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