EPISTLE.

than he; but to supplant him if he can, and forestall his blessing through an extraordinary begging for favor. As for me, without seeking such addresses, I simply offer you this small panier de fruictages basket of fruits, cultivated in a free repose, and produced in tranquility of spirit: and this for several reasons that induce me to it. First, to a learned man, a learned author; whom you even hold in very singular recommendation above all your other most dear and close favorites: as much for his exquisite elegance, which has almost no rival among others of his profession and style; as for the pleasant variety of so very many beautiful things with which he is everywhere carpeted in the manner of a gay and well-clothed countryside: very troublesome moreover and very difficult to transport into another language: and even more to counterfeit and imitate him duly. Next, for a testimony of the obligation I have to you, for an infinity of places where you have liberally helped me in need: and granted for this effect all this little repose that your spirit is forced to beg at times from the occupation and engagement of public affairs, to refresh itself with new strengths, and to make itself more fit to fly off again: if repose, however, one must call having meanwhile a good book in hand; or being after some beautiful meditation of the human Muses; always amassing more and more the rich chevance wealth or property and treasure of your rare doctrine. And how could I have pulled myself through with bagues sauves safe rings, meaning escaping with one's life or property intact from so many tedious passages? How could I disentangle myself from such a muddled labyrinth; or discern the straight way among these tenebres Cimmeriennes Cimmerian darkness; among so many roads and paths strayed from the track and common trail; in a country so unknown and strange, without your help, correction, and con-