Ninon de l’Enclos to Saint-Evremond:

          I was alone in my chamber, weary of reading, when some one exclaimed, “Here is a messenger from Saint-Evremond!”  You can imagine how quickly my ennui disappeared – it left me in a moment.
          I have been speaking of you quite recently, and have learned many things, which do not appear in your letters, about your perfect health and your occupation.  The joy in my mind indicates its strength, and your letter assures me that England promises you forty years more of life, for I believe that it is only in England, that they speak of men who have passed the fixed period of human life.  I had hoped to pass the rest of my days with you, and if you had possessed the same desire, you would still be in France.
          It is, however, pleasant to remember those we have loved, and it is, perhaps, for the embellishment of my epitaph, that this bodily separation has occurred.
          I could have wished that the young ecclesiastic had found me in the midst of the glories of Nike, which could not change me, although you seem to think that I am more tenderly enchanted with him than philosophy permits.
          Madame the Duchess de Bouillon is like an eighteen‑year old – the source of her charms is in the Mazarin blood.
          Now that our kings are so friendly, ought you not to pay us a visit?  In my opinion it would be the greatest success derived from the peace.