Nine Books on the Dignity and Advancement of Learning

robbed. If this can be found true in anyone, it is noticed with very great brilliance in Y.M. original: "V.M." (Votre Majesté), who has a Spirit so prompt that she understands at once what was previously unknown to her. Therefore, what the Holy Scripture asserts of the wisest of all Kings, that he had a heart like the sand of the sea, of which although the mass is very great, the parts do not cease to be very small. I can assert the same of your mind, which is so marvelous in its temperament, to speak in this way, that although it understands the most elevated Sciences, yet it does not despise the lesser things and does not let them escape; although it is very difficult and almost impossible in Nature for one and the same instrument to be able to fashion well both the great and small works. As for the politeness of your language, I can publish what Cornelius Tacitus said of Augustus Caesar: He spoke easily, without nevertheless straying from the gravity suitable to a Prince of this importance. If we consider well what is the case, it will be found that any discourse, either searched, or affected, or imitated, feels the servitude, and cannot call itself master of itself; even though otherwise it passes for very good. But your way of speaking is truly Royal, it flows as if it issued from a fountain: in such a way, however, that it refers itself and gathers itself into its streams, as the order of nature desires: it is full of ease and happiness in expressing itself; it imitates no one, and thus it is inimitable.