Table

of Contents

From Title

the Pages Page Page

of Les

Liaisons

Dangereuses

Copyright Pierre The

Choderlos World

de Laclos Choderlos de Laclos and Les Liaisons Dangereuses

of Pierre

Introduction Epigraph Publishers Editors Note Preface

PART 1

I CCILE OF ... THE AT MARQUISE THE DE MERTEUIL DE TO DE ... CARNAY TO THE MARQUISE DE TO THE VICOMTE DE VOLANGES TO SOPHIE CARNAY, AT THE

URSULINES 2 -

VALMONT, 3 4

CHTEAU

- CCILE THE AT THE

VOLANGES VICOMTE PARIS MARQUISE

SOPHIE

VALMONT

MERTEUIL, 5 -

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT 6 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL 7 8 - CCILE THE VOLANGES PRSIDENTE TO SOPHIE DE CARNAY TO MADAME DE

TOURVEL

VOLANGES 9 TOURVEL 10 VALMONT 11 VOLANGES 12 13 14 15 - CCILE - THE VOLANGES DE TO THE MARQUISE TO CECILE DE MERTEUIL VOLANGES THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE MADAME DE VOLANGES TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

MARQUISE VOLANGES VICOMTE

MERTEUIL TO SOPHIE

- CECILE - THE

CARNAY TO THE MARQUISE DE

DE

VALMONT

MERTEUIL 16 17 18 19 20 VALMONT 21 MERTEUIL 22 VOLANGES 23 MERTEUIL 24 TOURVEL 25 MERTEUIL 26 VALMONT 27 28 29 30 31 32 TOURVEL 33 VALMONT 34 MERTEUIL 35 TOURVEL 36 TOURVEL 37 VOLANGES 38 VALMONT 39 - CCILE VOLANGES TO SOPHIE CARNAY - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE THE DE ... DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - CECILE - THE VOLANGES TO THE MARQUISE TO CECILE CARNAY DANCENY VOLANGES PRSIDENTE DE DE MERTEUIL - THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - CECILE - THE VOLANGES TO SOPHIE TO CARNAY CECILE CARNAY DANCENY THE VICOMTE DE VOLANGES

CHEVALIER VOLANGES VOLANGES MARQUISE

DANCENY TO TO DE

- CECILE - CCILE - THE

SOPHIE THE

CHEVALIER TO

MERTEUIL

CHEVALIER VOLANGES VOLANGES

DANCENY TO TO

VOLANGES

- CCILE - CECILE - THE -

SOPHIE THE

CHEVALIER TO CCILE THE

CHEVALIER DE

DANCENY VOLANGES

MADAME

TO

(BEARING THE

PRESIDENTE

40 MERTEUIL 41 VALMONT 42 TOURVEL 40 MARQUISE 43 VALMONT 44 MERTEUIL 45

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

- THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

Continuation DE MERTEUIL

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

- THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

VOLANGES 46 47 MERTEUIL 48 TOURVEL 49 50 VALMONT - THE VICOMTE THE DE ... TO DE THE CHEVALIER TO DANCENY THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRESIDENTE DE - THE - THE CHEVALIER VICOMTE DANCENY DE VALMONT TO CCILE TO THE VOLANGES MARQUISE DE

(BEARING - CECILE - THE

VOLANGES PRESIDENTE

TOURVEL

PART 51

II - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT 52 TOURVEL 53 MERTEUIL 54 VALMONT 55 56 VALMONT 57 MERTEUIL 58 - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRESIDENTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - CCILE - THE VOLANGES PRESIDENTE TO DE SOPHIE TOURVEL CARNAY TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRESIDENTE DE

TOURVEL 59 MERTEUIL 60 VALMONT 61 62 63 VALMONT 64 (A - THE CHEVALIER IN DANCENY LETTER ... TO ... TO THE MARQUISE DE CECILE VOLANGES TO MADAME DE VOLANGES THE CHEVALIER IN THE TO DANCENY ... SOPHIE TO CARNAY THE CHEVALIER TO THE DANCENY VICOMTE DE TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

(ENCLOSED - CCILE - MADAME - THE

VOLANGES DE

VOLANGES DE

MARQUISE

MERTEUIL

DRAFT -

ENCLOSED THE TO

65 (SENT 66 MERTEUIL 67 VALMONT 68 TOURVEL 69 NOTE 70 MERTEUIL 71 MERTEUIL 72

CHEVALIER THE MARQUISE DE

DANCENY DE

OPEN - THE

VICOMTE

VALMONT

- THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

- CECILE WRITTEN - THE

VOLANGES IN PENCIL, DE

TO AND

THE ...

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

(A

VICOMTE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

- THE

CHEVALIER UNTIL THE

DANCENY 14TH) DE VALMONT

TO

CCILE

VOLANGES

(NOT

DELIVERED 73 THE

VICOMTE WITH THE

TO

CCILE

VOLANGES

(DELIVERED 74 VALMONT 75 76 MERTEUIL 77 TOURVEL 78 VALMONT 79 - THE - THE - THE - THE

PRECEDING) DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

MARQUISE

- CECILE - THE

VOLANGES VICOMTE DE

TO

SOPHIE

CARNAY TO THE MARQUISE DE

VALMONT

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL 80 81 VALMONT 82 83 TOURVEL 84 85 VALMONT 86 MERTEUIL 87 VOLANGES THE (A THE MARCHALE ENCLOSED DE DETO IN THE ... TO MADAME DE THE MARQUISE DE - THE - THE VICOMTE MARQUISE DE VALMONT DE MERTEUIL TO CCILE TO THE VOLANGES VICOMTE DE - CCILE - THE VOLANGES VICOMTE DE TO THE CHEVALIER TO THE DANCENY PRSIDENTE DE - THE - THE CHEVALIER MARQUISE DANCENY DE TO CECILE TO VOLANGES THE VICOMTE DE

MERTEUIL

VALMONT

NOTE

MARQUISE

MERTEUIL

PART 88 89

III - CCILE THE VOLANGES VICOMTE TO DE THE VICOMTE TO DE VALMONT CHEVALIER

VALMONT

THE

DANCENY 90 VALMONT 91 TOURVEL 92 VALMONT 93 THE IN CHEVALIER THE PRECEDING) TO TO DE THE THE CHEVALIER VICOMTE TO DE THE DANCENY VALMONT MARQUISE DE DANCENY TO CECILE VOLANGES THE CHEVALIER DANCENY TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

(ENCLOSED 94 95 96 MERTEUIL 97 98 MERTEUIL 99 MERTEUIL 100 MERTEUIL - THE

- CECILE - CECILE - THE

VOLANGES VOLANGES VICOMTE

VALMONT

- CECILE -

VOLANGES DE

TO

MADAME TO

DE

MERTEUIL MARQUISE DE

MADAME

VOLANGES

THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

101 CHASSEUR 102

THE

VICOMTE IN

DE THE

VALMONT PRECEDING)

TO

AZOLAN,

HIS

(ENCLOSED THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE 103 TOURVEL 104 VOLANGES 105 106 VALMONT 107 108 - AZOLAN THE TO THE VICOMTE DE DE VALMONT TO MADAME DE - THE - THE MARQUISE MARQUISE DE DE MERTEUIL MERTEUIL TO CCILE TO THE VOLANGES VICOMTE DE THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO MADAME DE - MADAME DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRESIDENTE DE

PRESIDENTE

TOURVEL

ROSEMONDE 109 101 MERTEUIL 111 VOLANGES 112 TOURVEL 113 VALMONT 114 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - MADAME (DICTATED) - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRESIDENTE DE THE COMTE DE GERCOURT TO MADAME DE - CCILE - THE VOLANGES VICOMTE DE TO THE MARQUISE TO THE DE MERTEUIL DE

VALMONT

MARQUISE

ROSEMONDE 115 MERTEUIL 116 117 (DICTATED 118 MERTEUIL 119 TOURVEL 120 (A - THE VICOMTE OF THE MARQUISE ... DE MERTEUIL TO THE CHEVALIER DE VALMONT TO THE PERE ANSELME - MADAME DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE CHEVALIER DANCENY TO TO THE CCILE VOLANGES DANCENY - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

CCILE BY THE

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

VALMONT) CHEVALIER DANCENY TO THE MARQUISE DE

CISTERCIAN THE

121 DANCENY 121

- MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE

TO

THE

PRESIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL 123 124 - THE THE PRE ANSELME TO DE THE VICOMTE TO DE VALMONT MADAME DE

PRESIDENTE

TOURVEL

ROSEMONDE

PART 125

IV - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL 126 TOURVEL 127 VALMONT 128 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - MADAME DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRESIDENTE DE

ROSEMONDE 129 MERTEUIL 130 TOURVEL 131 VALMONT 132 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - MADAME DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

ROSEMONDE 131 MERTEUIL 134 VALMONT 135 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

ROSEMONDE 136 VALMONT 137 TOURVEL 138 MERTEUIL 139 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO MADAME DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE - THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

ROSEMONDE 140 MERTEUIL - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

141 VALMONT 142 MERTEUIL 143

- THE

MARQUISE

DE

MERTEUIL

TO

THE

VICOMTE

DE

- THE

VICOMTE

DE

VALMONT

TO

THE

MARQUISE

DE

THE

PRSIDENTE

DE

TOURVEL

TO

MADAME

DE

ROSEMONDE 144 MERTEUIL 145 VALMONT 146 DANCENY 147 148 MERTEUIL 149 150 MERTEUIL 151 MERTEUIL 152 VALMONT 153 MERTEUIL 154 155 DANCENY 156 (ENCLOSED 157 VALMONT 158 MERTEUIL 159 VALMONT 160 161 HER AND - MADAME - THE DE VOLANGES DE ... DANCENY TO THE VICOMTE DE TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE BY - THE VICOMTE AWAKING) DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE CCILE IN THE THE VOLANGES PRECEDING) DANCENY TO THE VICOMTE DE TO THE CHEVALIER DANCENY - MADAME THE DE VICOMTE VOLANGES DE TO MADAME TO DE THE ROSEMONDE CHEVALIER - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE - MADAME THE DE VOLANGES TO MADAME TO THE DE ROSEMONDE DE - MADAME THE DE VOLANGES TO MADAME TO THE DE ROSEMONDE DE THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE CHEVALIER - THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE - THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

MARQUISE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

MARQUISE

VALMONT

CHEVALIER

(UPON - THE

MARQUISE

PRSIDENTE BY HER

TOURVEL

TO(DICTATED

WRITTEN THE

162

CHEVALIER

VALMONT 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 ROSEMONDE 170 171 DANCENY 172 173 174 ROSEMONDE 175 - MADAME DE VOLANGES TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE - MADAME - MADAME THE DE DE ROSEMONDE VOLANGES TO TO MADAME DE DE TO VOLANGES - MADAME MADAME DE VOLANGES DE TO MADAME TO DE THE ROSEMONDE CHEVALIER - M. BERTRAND DE DE TO MADAME DE TO TO ROSEMONDE M. BERTRAND DE ROSEMONDE

- MADAME - MADAME - M.

ROSEMONDE VOLANGES TO TO MADAME M. LE

MADAME DE

BERTRAND

ROSEMONDE DANCENY DE TO ROSEMONDE MADAME DE

- ANONYMOUS - MADAME THE DE

CHEVALIER TO MADAME

VOLANGES

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

ROSEMONDE

MADAME

ROSEMONDE MADAME DE

CHEVALIER

DANCENY

Appendix Endnotes Inspired Comments For Further by Les Liaisons Dangereuses

& Questions Reading

From

the

Pages

of

Les

Liaisons back, be doing at once;

Dangereuses my with I have dear Vicomte, aunt, of you. to you. come whose I have back; whole what are you doing, what on you? I should can Set like

Come you off

an old need

property

is settled idea, and

an excellent

to confide (page 15)

its execution

I shall her:

possess I will

this

woman; dare ravish the

I shall her

steal from and

her from the the God victor sway

the husband whom of her her mind! she

who adores.

profanes What be add it it to to

even

delight, from my me; she, arms. (pages

to be in me to destroy

turns

object

remorse! They and her

Far will

the prejudices my triumph. terrify terrors, Let

which

happiness

and

her believe without them,

in virtue, preventing vanquish

sacrifice fall; and in

let the idea shaken

of falling

her,

may my

by a thousand

forget

them

only

24-25)

am

astonished be tempted merit 52) as they

at

the

pleasure that

one what

experiences we call

in

doing people

good; have

and not

I so

should much (page

to believe lead

virtuous

us to suppose.

The that

moment your

that plan

you

are afraid furnish

of success, against I have

my

dear

Vicomte, and that

the you

moment are less

is to

arms

yourself

desirous (page 73)

to conquer

than

to fight,

no more

to say to you.

The

fantasy

seized

me to find capable; short, and you

out

how

much

one might bit no

rely by bit, one

on the excited ever

defense her to

of which the point

she was ... In

I, a mere may believe

woman, me,

was

more

susceptible (page 122)

to a surprise

of the senses.

Will (page

you, 169)

then,

never

grow

weary

of being

unjust?

Those alone

bonds can

reciprocally or break

given at

and your to

received, will: we

to are you of

talk even are

loves lucky

jargon, if, in with victim

you your a of

tighten

wantonness, humiliating tomorrow. (page 183)

preferring desertion,

mystery without

noise, the idol

satisfied the

making

yesterday

I was greater (page

not part 185)

fifteen of our

years

old,

I possessed owe their

already reputation.

the

talents

to

which

the

politicians

I have woman, matters. (pages

always one

thought may

that,

when

one

has her,

naught and

but

praise oneself

to with

give other

be at ones

ease about

occupy

226-227)

Prudence, disposing

it

seems

to

me, fate;

is and,

the

quality all, such

to

be

preferred,

when of

one fixing

is

of anothers

above bond,

where as that

it is a question of marriage.

it by an indissoluble (page 253)

and sacred

I know pleasure. (page

not

why,

but

it is only

bizarre

things

which

give

me

any

longer

276)

Behold could

her resist

vanquished me! Yes,

then, my left

this friend, for

proud she

woman is mine, me.

who

dared

to

think

she since

mine

entirely;

yesterday, (page 311

there )

is nothing

her to grant

The

veil

is

rent,

Madame,

upon

which

was

painted

the

illusion

of

my

happiness. (page 355)

I do not in my people, with would

like

people nor

to follow to my them; may first be time

up sorry When

conduct I have

with ground

sorry of

jests; complaint However not

it is neither against satisfied that it

manner I do not yourself not

taste.

quiz

I do better, at if the you

I avenge

myself. do you

you be the

present were

moment, to find that

forget

were

premature, which had

and quite escaped upon (page

alone, you

in applauding very

yourself when

in the hope you were

of a triumph congratulating

at the

moment

yourself

it. Adieu. 386)

Published

by Barnes

& Noble

Books

122

Fifth

Avenue

New

York,

NY

10011

www.barnesandnoble.com/classics

Les Liaisons

Dangereuses

was

first

published

in 1782.

Ernest

Dowsons

English

translation

first

appeared

in 1898.

Published Notes,

in

2005

by

Barnes

&

Noble

Classics

with

new

Introduction,

Biography,

Chronology, Reading.

Inspired

By,

Comments

&

Questions,

and

For

Further

Introduction, Copyright

Notes, 2005

and For by Alfred

Further Mac

Reading Adam.

Note Laclos

on

Pierre

Choderlos

de Laclos,

The

World

of

Pierre

Choderlos

de

and Les Liaisons

Dangereuses,

Inspired

by Les Liaisons

Dangereuses,

and Comments

& Questions

Copyright

@ 2005

by Barnes

& Noble,

Inc.

All

rights

reserved.

No

part

of this

publication

may

be reproduced

or

transmitted

in any

form

or by any

means,

electronic

or mechanical,

including

photocopy,

recording,

or any

information

storage

and

retrieval

system,

without

the prior

written

permission

of the publisher.

Barnes

& Noble

Classics

and the Barnes

& Noble

Classics

colophon

are trademarks

of Barnes

& Noble,

Inc.

Les Liaisons ISBN-13:

Dangereuses 978-1-59308-240-6

ISBN-10: eISBN LC

1-59308-240-1 : 978-1-411-43254-3 Number 2005920755

Control

Produced

and published

in conjunction

with:

Fine

Creative

Media,

Inc.

322

Eighth

Avenue

New

York,

NY

10001

Michael

J. Fine,

President

and Publisher

Printed

in the United

States

of America

QM 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

Pierre

Choderlos

de Laclos Choderlos Little nobility de Laclos about was his born family, on October that 18, his

Pierre-Ambroise-Franois 1741, father Laclos At in Amiens, was was of the France. lesser

is known and at the held

except office.

a governmental Artillery Years and ended; and School War, steady with Canada

When Fre. in the

eighteen with the he

he enrolled engaged of

Royal

in La

the time, held after (1763) a lengthy

Europe promise graduated, ceded

in the Seven excitement the in war India

a career

military Shortly Paris and

both

employment. the to Over French posts in Treaty England, the next army, Toul, of

however, its territories peace

France period he

of relative rose at quickly

descended the of quiet

on France. ranks of the

decade, Laclos

though was

through

stationed

a succession

provincial

Strasbourg, Laclos poems began were

and Grenoble. writing published Madame he began write. literary Laclos it tale his as during in the Riccobonis work these journal novel early years in the military. des Muses, as a comic Many and opera. in A novel relatively authors work in readers he by 1782, and might of his 1777 few he

L Almanach Ernestine

he adapted years would later ever

on Les Liaisons was

Dangereuses, popular century. to his its scorched some even Valmont. may that have year

the only but Like still many

The

novel

an increasingly eighteenth credibility Upon

innovative of his time,

genre

in the late

attempted a nonfictional

to give

fictional

presenting Lacloss brought have

memoir.

publication French thought

of seduction, own reputation for

deceit, under

and betrayal scrutiny;

been

the model

the novels Duperr storm was

arch-seducer, in 1786

Marriage personal a critique were swift,

to Marie-Soulange life, but another military was

quieted when

Lacloss

unleashed Marchal dismal

he published

of famed and

tactician assigned increased II,

de Vauban. posts

Recriminations In 1788, leave XVIs in trip riots to

Laclos

as punishment. he took and for a military Louis

as pre-revolutionary to become cousin. against England Laclos In the secretary 1789 king. the

tensions to Philippe Duc

in France, dOrlans suspicion him on

Duc

King

came

under

involvement planned

Laclos before to Paris a key

accompanied the French in 1790.

a hastily out.

shortly returned Club,

Revolution He joined group.

broke

and became His previous

firmly

aligned

with with the

the Jacobin the politically

revolutionary Duc dOrlans, was

connections him under

ambitious Jacobins. a time

however, arrested including twice

brought during

suspicion Reign

of the

Laclos when

Robespierres were convicted

of Terror,

thousands,

the Duc,

of treason

and guillotined.

In

1799

Napoleon Laclos, who

staged had

a coup supported He

dtat the spent in Italy. he

in Paris coup, the was

to become reinstated several he was down

first

consul

of

France. army

in the

French in an and

as a brigadier military Taranto,

general. campaigns Italy,

next

years sent by

involved to fortify

Napolons island malaria. off

In 1803 struck

where

was

dysentery

He died

on September

5, 1803.

The

World

of Pierre

Choderlos

de Laclos

and Les Liaisons

Dangereuses 1741 Pierre-Ambroise-Franois 18 in Amiens, lesser nobility Seven France. (ennobled Years His Choderlos father, but War against novel de Laclos is born on October is of the official. pits

Jean-Ambroise a titile) this major

Choderlos, and a government European and Russia.

without begins; France, Candide

1756 The England

conflict

and Prussia satiric

Austria,

1759 Voltaires 1760 Deciding the Royal 1761 Laclos Jean-Jacques or, the New

is published. military, Laclos enrolls in

to pursue School

a career

in the French

Artillery becomes

in la Fre. lieutenant in the Royal Artillery Hlose inspire Corps. ( Julie; the

a second publishes

Rousseau Eloise

Julie ; ou, la Nouvelle epistolary . France. format will

); the novels

structure

of Les Liaisons is stationed Social Treaty ( The of Paris,

Dangereuses in La Rochelle, Social signed control with Contract

1762 Laclos Du Contrat

Rousseaus

political

work

) is published. 10, ends the Seven Years to

1763 The War;

on February

France

relinquishes is sent

of its territories to Toul,

in Canada France.

and India

England.

Laclos

his regiment lieutenant. France. a poem

1765 Laclos

is promoted

to first

1766 He is stationed 1767 Lacloss Saint-S.," 1769 Laclos 1775. first

in Strasbourg, published work,

entitled

"

Mademoiselle

de

appears

in the journal

LAlmanach France, in Corsica.

des Muses . where he remains until

is stationed Bonaparte his rapid

in Grenoble, is born rise

Napolon

1771 Continuing captain. 1773 Two Egl" more ("Episte XVI

through

the army

ranks,

Laclos

becomes

of his poems, to Egl"), becomes

"Les

Souvenirs"

("Memories")

and "ptre des Muses .

are published king of France.

in LAlmanach

1774 Louis 1775 Laclos begins. 1776 Toward of the Free 1777 Laclos artillery

is stationed

in Besanon,

France.

The

American

Revolution

the end of the year, and Accepted is sent Masons,

Laclos

becomes fraternal

a Freemason order).

(a member

a secret

to Valence,

France,

to direct

the founding

of an Cette

school.

"ptre

la mort"

("Epistle

to Death")

and "Sur

Question Riccobonis Paris near

..."

("On novel

That

Question

...")

are published. opera;

He adapts

Madame in

Ernestine end.

as a comic

a production

is staged

the years

1778 Following Voltaire

a return

to Besanon, die. Choix" ("The first

Laclos

publishes

"A

Une

Dame."

and Rousseau "Le bon

1779 A poem, this year,

Good

Choice"),

is published. to Aix, de

During an island

Laclos

is assigned under this

to Rochefort

and then

in the Bay Montalembert. Dangereuses 1780 Laclos

of Biscay Around , which is again

the command time Laclos

of the Marquis begins work

on Les Liaisons

he intends promoted, leave

to be highly becoming in Paris

provocative. commanding officer of gunners.

1781 He takes

a six-month

to finish with

his novel. 4,000 copies in France. released Because about his

1782 Les Liaisons by April. Laclos moral Its explicit portrays character.

Dangereuses subject

is published, matter causes there

a sensation is much

the book

aas factual,

speculation

1783 Back Duperr.

in La Rochelle, Shortly after,

Laclos

meets

his future work

wife,

Marie-Soulange De lEducation

he commences

on the tract ), which

des Femmes posthumously. 1784 A son, 1786 Laclos critical military

( On the Education

of Women

be published

tienne-Fargeau, and Marie-Soulange military

is born. marry. tactician In the months town Laclos publishes a paper highly and he

of the esteemed officials with edition

Marchal following of Metz.

de Vauban,

are furious. a post

its publication,

is punished 1787 A new includes

in the desolate

of Les Liaisons poetry

Dangereuses

is published, with a top-level duc dOrlans period among just Madame

which

also

Lacloss

and his correspondence Laclos becomes galit),

Riccoboni. to of

1788 Taking Philippe King French

a leave

of duty,

secretary

II (later XVI.

known The

as Philippe political

and cousin before the

Louis

atmosphere and intrigues

in this increase

Revolution

is tense,

Lacloss

associates. 1789 Laclos involved French

A daughter, accompanies against

Catherine-Soulange, the Duc the king, dOrlans, on a hurried

is born. who trip is suspected to England. of being The issue the

in riots Revolution

begins.

On August of Man and

26 the revolutionaries Citizen , which for demands

Declaration Egalit, France. 1790 Laclos

of the Rights Fraternit

Libert, of

(Freedom,

Equality,

Fraternity)

all citizens

returns

to paris.

He joins

the revolutionary

Jacobin

Club

and

becomes ( Journal

editor

of its publication.

Le Journal

des Amis ). He resigns

de la Constitution from his position

of the Friends to Philippe suspect helps

of the Constitution Egalit, whose

as secretary increasingly 1792 Laclos which

political

ambitions

are becoming

among

the revolutionaries. a defense of Valmy. against Louis in favor the invading XVI is tried Prussian for treason army, and

organise

is halted

at the battle

convicted; 1793 Louis Robespierre Terror, Laclos

the monarchy XVI

is abolished

of a repulic. in Paris. Maximilien of

and Marie-Antoinette

are guillotined Safety

and his Committee thousands

of Public

establish of treason in April artillery The

the Reign

in which is arrested

of people with

convicted execution a hollow is executed. opens

are guillotined. and again shell in

and threatened arrests Philippe

November. the solid des Arts

Between cannonball. (later

he designs galit

to replace Central

Musum

the Louvre

Museum)

to the public. of Terror ends. Laclos is

1794 Robespierre released 1795 At from home

is overthrown, prison in Paris, on December Laclos

abd the Reign 1. for

is present Denis

the birth

of his son Charles. novel Jacques le

1796 French Fataliste

writer

and philosopher the Fatalist 9 (18 stages

Diderots

( Jacques

) is published. of the French dtat, in which Revolutionary he overthrows the

1799 On November calendar), Directory first consul Napolon (the

Brumaire a coup

government

set up during

the Revolution). Laclos discover ancient part

He becomes is again reinstated Stone, to a

of France, army.

ending

the Revolution. French soldiers

the French crucial

In Egypt, clue

the Rosetta Egyptian

archaeological a brigadier in Italy.

to deciphering Laclos de Stals takes

hieroglyphs. military

1800 Now campaigns dens

general, Madame avec

in Napolons

De La Littrature Sociales Institutions

Considre

Ses Rapports

les Institutions to Social is born.

( On Literature ) is published.

Considered 1802 French 1803 Napolon coast Laclos

in its Relationship author Victor Laclos Shortly Hugo

sends Italy.

to direct after

the fortification his arrival, Pierre dysentery

of an island Choderlos

off de

the

of Taranto, dies,

on September

5, after

contracting

and malaria.

Introduction Read how or experienced the world can in the theater, tragedy grief. leaves The us shaken. destruction fate had We of wonder Oedipus, with

go on after or Faustus

so much makes that

Pentheus, them

Hamlet,

us wonder the Macbeths guilty of

why

to deal

so brutally.

We

understand individuals the and any The nail

and Phaedras crimes, or they or for that divine, inhabit.

of tragedy but we still with Even the in

are hideously find it difficult

imperfect

of monstrous justice, human

to balance of these figures Juliet,

idea

annihilation

much hope ironic and that

of the society for the future

the case of Romeo of society we seems defend any insect,

and

the redemption existence, available child we than

shattered. tooth and

possibility seek to

human by every

which means, torturing wonder human,

extend with us At

lacks an if

significance, looms large

fate our

toys

like the they

a cruel same are time, more

in

thoughts. into thinking

pride, not

which

deludes

humans of all our de

might

be the source

misery. Laclos (1741-1803) condition is takes and these inserts

Pierre-Ambroise-Franois ramifications them into the of tragedy world of

Choderlos and the the ironies novel. The

of the human change society of

genres

all-important, end, to from thus take the

because obliterating its

the novel

conceives

of human

as a world The form in

without had begun

tragedys shape

apocalyptic Lacloss

overtones. lifetime;

modern

during of

it moved (1717-1797)

England Ann

gothic

romances with Jane about

Horace ghosts

Walpole and

and to the

Radcliffe

(1764-1823), studies of

their Austen

haunted and or, in 1784.

castles, Frances of novel to our

psychological Burney (1782)

(1775-1817) Cecilia; essay

(Fanny) an Heiress

(1752-1840), Laclos wrote

whose

Memoirs The

an enthusiastic

mitigates reliefwith

the finality a world we have the a in

of tragedy that just will

by surrounding go on despite no

its charactersmuch the utter destruction grotesque, the of end

of the fascinating heartrending, of dramatic characters, within rank they

lives or tragedy

experienced, destinies onto

matter may the be.

how Where

happy opens

characters window

chaos,

destruction a door

a novels judgment their high

especially a social in context:

the case of Laclos, Did these

opens

to moral despite

characterswho, similar moral flaw

society,

are ? Was that basic

psychologically it some caused truths The other them by their 1780s

to us, their that notions

readersget of, wrong

what

deserved

we are unaware of right and

or was that

it pride taken

again as

to violate society? teem with

were

meditations in 1782;

on

morality. David

Laclos

publishes paints

Les his

Liaisons

Dangereuses

Jacques-Louis

(1748-1825)

Oath

of the Horatii (Honour, German

, called

by one

critic

a clarion see For Kant in 1785; stages Punished), begins, with

call

to civic

virtue

and in

patriotism 1784;

Neo-Classicism philosopher

, p. 35;

Further (1724-1804)

Reading),

Immanuel of Morals (1756-1791) (Impiety

releases composer , with In 1789 on its the moral in

Groundwork Wolfgang telling long

of the Metaphysic Amadeus Mozart Punito

and Don

Austrian Giovanni in 1787.

subtitle process on

LEmpio of the the

French

Revolution out

its emphasis and

rectitude, order The

need liberty,

to root

aristocratic

privilege

corruption

to establish real issue for

equality, the

and fraternity. century and and as we experience manifestations the David different look kinds to the for these of of past their

us in

twenty-first musical,

literary,

philosophic,

painterly, morality

political define and from

eighteenth-century morality for own: each on author

is to identify That

espouses. they back

is, Mozart stories

sources Mozart

virtue;

reconfigure

another

age

reaches for

to seventeenth-century while Kant, free of David in finds the to

theological his example of the or

speculations of nationalism Enlightenment, any other we my code take times, his it moral rites de is a is

on divine in an

grace

his opera, legend.

obscure to

Roman

spirit

seeks external his and novel

postulate to the

a morality

ties

religion Laclos the to his

individual Rousseau

consciousness, (I have

while observed as a clue of

claimsif of

epigraph I have

from published

manners his

these to the

letters) moral

intentionsthat In this a role receives the sense, in last

is a response that

condition Kant, does

time. religion

important

Laclos, male before

unlike villain, dying, mocks

allow

redemptionhis (p. 391) just

the while

Vicomte his

de Valmont, female villain,

Marquise it

Merteuil, hint about

consistently his basically

religion

(p. nature.

116)possibly

because

conservative

Perhaps is one

because of the

it is a quality obsessive on was

he personally of

appears

to have Rousseau

lacked,

virtue

themes European all-pervasive. novel

Jean-Jacques during

(1712-1778), half Laclos (1761) of the society of the

whose eighteenth

influence century

thought

the

second that

It is not

by chance

quotes in the

Rousseaus epigraph derives nature hypocrisy thing of but to from of

philosophical Les two Liaisons

Julie;

ou, la Nouvelle Rousseaus of For society

Hlose concept and

Dangereuses. the to thing artificiality in it.

morality deformed breeds to be one

conditions: obliged one

humans (we

live but else).

Rousseau,

believe

practice At the

another; same time, rank miserable

we appear we nor live

are really inequality individuals

something (neither innate

in a

world wealth

artificial an

inherited abilities)

social and

inherited illusion:

reflects

We

can

never gives

attain

the

ambiguous

idealsbeauty, define world. of these Our

freedom, elusive hopeless and

happinesslanguage ideas. pursuit have-nots we live They of correspond abstractions renders in a fiction through of this us

us because concrete

we can never in the real

to nothing in a society

arbitrarily We If

composed cannot we view behave

haves

mentally we take

unstable: for reality. optic,

properly

because

Lacloss even by

principal they social

characters are members milieu

Rousseauistic highest even That classes, their is,

we see that are perverted

though their

Frances point that

they

to the

passions within Lacloss a

are artificial. society principal They Rousseau villains are considers nothing more that they than forget (even to are them clever a

convention, their those essential of

are so dehumanized so far that above they and ordinary

humanity. own

humans powers

their The

social

class)

ascribe the Vicomte

godlike

themselves. guilty to

Marquise pride, same their

de Merteuil and in

de Valmont to bring their so

of overweening At the and

it is the depicting

authors their Laclos and

intention adventures, makes vice to

justice.

time, utter damned

machinations, that moral century, many moralizing revulsion

hypocrisy, his novel

seductive it. The

critics his

sought

suppress the

book

inspired it into with

continued

throughout classic. illustrations Small

nineteenth that in so the first it The was result of court, it truly

and transformed private and in many editions twentieth by with

a clandestine suggestive

wonder appeared translation,

nineteenth published reprinted is

centuries, the poet Ernest

including Dowson

this

1898, times paradox: his

(1867-1900); illustrations.

an array

of provocative his novel in it; an

a baffling

Laclos

intended

as a condemnation 1824 Parisian rendered is

immorality; considered pornographic understandable, moralizer (1707-1777), The Letters vastly aside or it

critics,

including and

judges banned pictures. difficult of the on

pornographic with lascivious

illustrators

Their

confusion if Laclos like whose in the

perfectly serious

because merely alluded of

it is often

to know salacious, page 33, lurks

is a

a purveyor to by

Claude licentious

Crbillon novel of

Merteuil de M***

Marquise superior

(1732)

background

Lacloss Setting standards the

text. of irony, Lacloss notion of morality, by back the to

any

possibility

of Kant, who

is old-fashioned influenced we find

and very Laclos exactly also most

traditional. (after kind

If we look Rousseau), of moral novel,

author

Samuel vision. Richardson defends her In

Richardson Pamela; depicts or,

(1689-1761), Virtue

the same

Rewarded lady, Pamela

(1740), Andrews,

an epistolary who

a young

so successfully

virtue with invest second Pamela:

against and our

the attacks her. and Clarissa runs off and

of a young

gentleman

that

he finally morality good. tragic her,

falls

in

love we

marries virtue

This

is a species

of capitalist for being is

in which Richardsons version Lovelace, and

are rewarded Harlowe with raped folly

on earth (1747-1748),

novel, Clarissa

the loves

of and

the man by him. and

she thinks She dies misconduct

is ultimately is killed this life.

drugged

of chagrin,

Lovelace in

by her cousin.

Here

are punishedagain,

Morality we will

in Richardson, be rewarded, but

as in Laclos, if we squander of the we the

is a bank.

If

we

save

up our To

virtue, Kant, is

it, we will

be punished. , a moral (a

as he says one we

in Groundwork not but ask the

Metaphysic hope action what to

of Morals achieve embodies

action reward,

commit happiness) We were

because because

something a general, if have because

earthly principle. situation thing

irrefutable in the our same us to

must to do

ourselves same

would

happen would codes

everyone to do

thing, external moral Richardson,

indeed, moral

by instinct. our free

Kant will

rejects in making like we

he wants

exercise More

decisions. suggests into Laclos Vicomte virtuous Valmont that unless It this we adhere also irony an de to stage man. to

traditional, moral

Laclos, codes

traditional that of

are

apt

to turn deeds. The

monsters. exploits de

happens in one

monsters his most

sometimes memorable sets his sights

do good episodes.

Valmont, Prsidente decides

absolute Tourvel. an act asks not the it

womanizer, Learning of charity his servant paying family appear Valmont, describes What family.... Let their that

on the married, him followed, that family there his

she is having will prove him

that

to Tourvel of a poor makes sure

he is a wonderful about are no

He for in makes

to inform taxeshe will

to be dispossessed attractive women

so Tourvel to Tourvels director the scene of

not

suspect

charity

on that

scoreand disaster. life into

spy that and actor

he is saving in this after from spectacle, this image by

the family

from of

transformation he pays the

theater,

as it unfolds poured this feet of

the familys of the

taxes: aged peasant I will head of the ... my but

tears

gratitude watching at the eyes

eyes when of

I was fall my

another God; and ... I felt

... said confess

us all

weakness: delicious good; have

were

moistened

tears,

an involuntary

emotion. and I should

I am astonished be tempted merit as they

at the pleasure that what

one experiences we call (pp. but for virtuous

in doing people

to believe lead

not

so much irony

us to suppose fools Tourvel, false

51-52). in perpetrating him but real to his its

Lacloss fraud,

is manifest: by his

Valmont own act

he is moved

of charity,

beneficiaries. since people. pleasure Robert points he felt It

He

then

comments, at doing

in good,

an unconsciously so too good would in year must for like Late Laclos Penny many the

Kantian so-called sake of

vein,

that

pleasure

virtuous feeling this

follows,

therefore,

that

doing

is not

as meritorious in in

as many

to think. Eighteenth published exhibited of Johnny for taxes, he 31), Century Les a work Pearmain; are redeemed unable it Art,

Rosenblum, out that the

Transformations the same

1782, English

Liaisons at the or, by to

Dangereuses, Royal Academy,

painter titled and

Edward The

London, cow Johnny of

Generosity restrained Rosenblum (p. 59,

the Widow the

Costards of source to

goods,

generosity the

Pearmain. story part of

notes footnote or folk

was but

locate

Pennys it was

seems In the

reasonable 1780s, virtuous genius Valmonts by his he will man, more This own when

assume virtue from

a popular writers involving and all

tradition. eagerly classes.

was any

fashionable, century and

artists social

depicted Lacloss both

acts

is to enfold

his version and but

of it in a haze his cynicism. we readers Even wounded

of irony

in order may have

to show been

susceptibility bogus virtue,

Valmont cannot

moved that the nothing

know

if this

is a sign

ultimately Danceny, than

be redeemed. who mortally

his final him

act of charityforgiving in a duelmay act of revenge. about and Les be

a subterfuge

to facilitate what Lacloss there often is,

a posthumous is so villains, are nuances in vexing

incident

underscores Even though pride, This letters. virtue in we

Liaisons are that in

Dangereuses: guilty mitigate juxtaposing statement certain some that of of

Valmont in their

Merteuil,

overweening their evil. their about good his He

personalities subtle a ironies

detect if Laclos of

Lacloss were

That the would

writing play,

traditional make and that be the

manner

a morality

he would and black

and evil characters,

be as different the His

as white

especially the opposite:

principal villains

players, are punished, reign of

would but

redeemed. only

does of

exactly the

survivor enters

Valmont-Merteuil not to out

sexual of religious the

terror,

Ccile becoming being both is

Volanges, a nun seduced. realize not

a convent, a way

zeal

but she

because had

offers The that

her man

recover Danceny, them

innocence also elects that

before It is as if

she loves, has made them but

celibacy: while normal

sexuality

into

fools,

their lives.

calamity

absolute,

it has made morality, on the

incapable his book,

of leading at least We Les all

Laclos clearly how well

preaches teeters an ironic as other

in the minds see the Liaisons the way

of his

readers, of as

edge

of pornography. could literature interpret going

concrete

results

reader-author moralizing

Dangereuses back to

Samuel

Richardsonin known as Marquis of and Clarissa, enticing.

the

works de Sade

Donatien-Alphonse-Franois ( 1740-1814), Sades title that the especially mocks cruelties his

de

Sade,

better or, the

Justine;

Misfortunes rewarded destroy very

Virtue delights

(1791). in

Richardsons that test

virtue Pamela, fact

showing Valmont

and bring Where

and Merteuil and

to catastrophe Laclos of evil, deploy Sade in

are in

both

Richardson insanity sexual

negative that no is

examples matter

in order how hard

to make the

us see the try,

shows

preachers

impropriety

literature

inflammatory. What kind of society as French Laclos society of 1789. (1638-1715), could and in produce Sade, the who decades authors are as absolute immediately France 1643 here contradictory contemporaries? preceding is set on its and 1715. the course Louis and yet

complementary Both French by Louis reflect

Revolution XIV

Eighteenth-century who rules between

reduces Merteuil), This civil Louis financially kind minute court. nobility Danceny coming In of

the power which was that

of the French had been settled

nobility threat with the

(represented to the king triumph

by Valmont

a serious by 1653, him his to keep and

and central

authority. the 1653. a a

conflict wars built

Louiss nobility at

in the Fronde, 1648 and and

embroiled

between

(1661-1670) ruinous court

palace his with

Versailles in check. life

maintained became to the most

nobles

Versailles ritualized

permanent detailright

masquerade, down and

a daily

to the red shoes appear so (often at court at to was

people Versailles their the

were (p.

expected 120),

to wear because But debutantes

at the for

Valmont was

Danceny to do

obliged

financial equivalent

distress). of a

being out into

presented society.

architectural Petit but

terms, Trianon, charm. we from

Versailles built These see the

symbolizes (1761-1768) buildings

royal by Louis mark a

power; XV,

its which

antithesis expresses in French Liaisons Louis

is

the nearby nothing cultureone Dangereuses XIV, the

transition in charged baroque of Les

dramatically intellectually rococo, while which and

represented politically drains the

era of

baroque, or religious)

to the

ideological The baroque

(political

vigor

heightening is decorative powerful (1619-1683)

its sensuality. and frivolous. nation in Europe.

is rhetorically Louis minister XIV

serious; made

the rococo the most

France

His the

finance nations Liaisons to as the the

Jean-Baptiste

Colbert

overhauled appears always an official

administration, Dangereuses Prsidente

and one of the results in the figure because her of Madame

of his reform de Tourvel,

in Les referred

husband

is a prsident,

representing

central constant by her

government involvement title also

in the provinces. in litigation. the

This The subtle

explains fact that

both she

his absence

and his to of the

is always between

referred nobility upstarts

explains and

difference of

bloodMerteuil two The treat with

Valmont-versus

nobility

office,

those

such

contempt. Liaisons Dangereuses, the France years and of either of Louis powerful. from rich the last XVI Its most bourgeois years

France XV

of Les

of Louis 1774-1792; however, thus,

(reigned guillotined

1715-1774) in 1793),

or the first was rich were dazzling, and and foot

(reigned people, taxes; or

were

overtaxed. in wealth on

Aristocrats were hand

exempted and by the into for to thrust the ruin. into the

disparities were

aristocrats Wars, 1760s, between Revolution external

waited in the

impoverished the 1750s and

masses. early

beginning were 1775

1740s

continuing Support

financially and 1783

disastrous. was and a

American Finally, violent

Revolution the internal French and

prelude was

began conflicts

in 1789, until 1815.

France

Eighteenth-century Voltaire Condorcet Encyclopedia rational (1694-1778),

France Diderot

produced

host

of

geniusesnames (1715-1780), may have that phenomena alphabetization. to be the the paragons equivalent We for his (p. been

like and the

( 1713-1784),

Condillac

(1743-1794)-but (1751-1772), explanations for

its greatest a all

accomplishment publication and social

revolutionary natural of knowledge took

provided and The of of

revolutionized French intellect, what pride milies this could But sense, feel of the art,

the organization eighteenth fashion, is today, novel and century

through

themselves language around

manners.

Their spoken

was

English in the

a language when who Valmont speaks Merteuil

the world. contempt of

see French mistress 106). do: In They

expresses the and French Valmont

newest

lover,

Holland

it is no wonder superior belief

behave

as they

to anyone in their

in the world. superiority that precipitates their on the energies battlefield sensuality conceived playing their catastrophe to in gratify politics, And and not a in

it is this

Les Liaisons their Valmont like all egos:

Dangereuses. Instead of

They seeking

misdirect glory powers seduction

in order or into by

and Merteuil games, has its the own

use their sport rules, man, of

to turn as own

a game. Valmont Laclos,

Merteuil sportsman, his or novel at

even

its

fields.

was reflects

a military his

so his use of military training. But even soldier, of

metaphors in this the on

throughout is irony of a and

professional Why the would

there inventor

least

ambiguity: for

a serious the author

hollow

projectile

cannon,

treatises

strategy

critiques his villains

of fortification speak the

systems, language

seemingly of military

demean strategy?

his

calling seems

by to

having mock

He

himself. Perhaps influenced was his the military man, man who must play to win in order That to survive, himself in and or

the literary

coordinating is also ability

his characters. the case,

Laclos

something novel at may the

of an opportunist also same reflect time his that

so the moral was ethically

ambiguity right

to see what might individual the

realize morally For could

contingency on an of

foist

uncomfortable given (only but Philippe with moment.

compromising Laclos in

decisions was the

at any nobility army),

example, be

a member

lesser French

nobles the

officers of 1789, who himself during ties with

pre-revolutionary secretary

Revolution (1747-1793), to have

he became with

to the

slippery while

galit scheming

sided named the

the revolutionaries monarch. but by

apparently Philippe

constitutional of Terror, Club, of the him Terror, cost? Terror Directory with and

galit had

was already He

guillotined established somehow of

Reign

then radical

Laclos

the Jacobin the Reign

the most

revolutionaries.

survived coup

to become on 18

an important Brumaire in 1800.

supporter 9,

Napolons Napoleon

against

(November Laclos of survived Napoleon.

1799). the But

rewarded and the

a generalship triumphed with

Revolution what was and they not are any

the

rise

the moral Merteuil are

Valmont indeed, should they 1792,

do not

have

to suffer in

Lacloss their in

many erotic

political politics. and was

shifts; But we

remarkably that,

consistent they their

assume less

because in

engage strategy

conquest Laclos

seduction, when, the in first

professional

than

he participated victory Far less of

as an artillery Revolutionary attacking forward

officer France

in the battle against

of Valmy, monarchic that

defensive invaders. Valmont The

Prussian it is at war,

glorious, move war

an enemy on several The

unaware fronts

and Merteuil for this

simultaneously. de Merteuil (p. 15). has been then the

pretext

is revenge: lover,

Marquise de Gercourt

abandoned steals

by a former lover is, corps. girl

the Comte

Gercourt to as the Volanges,

a former

of the Vicomte the Merteuil who wife of learns left

de Valmont, an that important the mother

a lady officer

referred in

Intendantethat quartermaster sixteen-year-old her daughter

royal a for field make as a is

of Cecile school, taking

has just

her convent Merteuil, seduce (p. 16).

has arranged the role of

to be married Valmont: joke of and

to Gercourt. He all will Paris

marshal, Gercourt seducer

recruits into the

Cecile

Volanges

and

Valmonts long,

credentials so the project

are impeccable,

the list

of his conquests

childs To be,

play

for

him,

as he himself girl, who

says: nothing, into and others knows my whom nothing, hands, curiosity and who whom will these a would first

seduce so to

a young speak, would entice

has seen defenseless to intoxicate, Twenty

delivered not than fail

compliment more readily

perhaps as well

love.

can succeed

as I (p. 19). Merteuil Gercourt, sexual must use every possible argumentValmonts as a Don Juan, even getting a renewal ally. of Merteuil. He will even of with her

Valmonts liaison with Valmont her orders of the

reputation Valmontto is a mercenary even though

convince soldier

her hesitant in the pay more

In essence, carry out

he has other, and

pressing Prsidente by

intereststhe de Tourvel. and will

seduction What tolerate must falls

notoriously realize If is that

prudish Merteuil left her

faithful

he cannot no rivals.

is governed for another

jealousy then life. well, If

Gercourt if that

woman, a girls as

Gercourt Valmont by being will titillate he Or, does as

be punished, in love with

even

means he must

destroying be

Tourvel, her her him boasting; (1821-1867) Dangereuses: of war

punished her. Merteuil,

commanded proffer Valmont

to abandon of

after

seducing amorous What

meanwhile, order to

examples and make by

own jealous.

adventures she does and for la

in

consciously, disaster ensues.

unconsciously Charles on Les

each

succeeds,

Baudelaire Liaisons (the love

puts

it in notes de

an unpublished et la guerre

article de

Lamour

guerre

lamour The the and

and the war is Lacloss

of love). crowning achievement who as a dabbled novelist, in verse as

Marquise single wrote

de Merteuil that

creation execrable points out,

enabled comic

a literary operas to

dilettante attain

immortality. as a Don but what that graces, supply to the

Valmont, Juan: difficulties

Merteuil You have own? almost need; first This of have you A

really ruined

has an easy even, very

path many merit

to success women: lies of therein

seduced, had

to overcome? face, wit, the

... What pure truth:

is really which its ease

your habit at your

handsome always brings;

result but perhaps these

chance; would solely

in

jargon due

place of

a praiseworthy successes; destructive

impudence, mistaken,

if I am not analysis and

are your

means

(p. 182). no mention with to the

of Valmonts status

advantagesshe since statement, she shares

makes those

his

wealth

aristocratic

features parallel

himleads essays Speaking teacher

to her autobiographical of women

an intellectual in 1783. the importance to her

on the education about who will the

Laclos

wrote and

importance suit a young

of reading womans

of having age and social

readings

position, body, and

Laclos foods that

notes: are too

In

matters

of morality

as in matters for weak profitable to

related

to

the

strong

are not

appropriate is rarely leads

constitutions, ( Oeuvres out notes about the found of how that the

nourishment p. novels

ingested 448; can my be

without translation). to

pleasure This

Compltes, important contemporary Enlightenment) that modern He it

him

point He

a young (he is

womans thinking, moral to

education: no doubt, of

philosophy has added

nothing added

to the nothing

teaching the fails lessons in without

ancients, in the

preachers suggests deals with

have that even

Gospel. because moral We may falling mention One great young seducer Laclos traditional be taken The cant

modern and

history

terms

morality any

events

important

men

providing

instruction: must well into one turn to the novel are to find none unless what that she pick even is lacking in history could her of heroine the from writing.... read without Just Clarissa. novel offense with a a her to It

be that some

there danger,

a young were the

woman in

guided masterpiece the perhaps

reading. novels: of that

example, esteeming

I would and

help

respecting commits she runs

deal.

Nevertheless, can 454-455;

Clarissa when translation). but

greatest home

woman (pp. praises

commit my

away

Richardson, even women

comes his

down reader

resoundingly that the

on greatest sin.

the

side

of

morality, that young

cautioning not

care

must

misunderstand

Clarissas so the

Marquise step her

de Merteuil in her path facial

is an autodidact, to moral depravity. turning fif teen

absence

of a teacher herself

is

the first to control dominates talents 185).

She begins her years body old, into

by teaching an instrument

expressions, I was not

she the (p. her as so

absolutely:

I possessed owe and their

already

to which With

the greater comes the

part

of our

politicians about good sex,

reputation from the Marriage ... feeling ill

puberty only fan

a curiosity The

warnings

confessor great her that from

flames:

father

represented (p. 186).

I concluded folly, but that

the pleasure even here she ought

to be extreme exercises

saves by than more

self-discipline: from my

instinct my

perhaps

no one

to be farther the more

confidence the

husband,

I resolved was

to appear (p. 186).

impassive

in his eyes,

sensible Early

I really widowhood She

and independence throws herself and into

give

her the opportunity of self

to perfect

her

hypocrisy. philosophers, than train

a course All her

education, do nothing society

reading more expects Her

novelists,

moralists.

readings what

her to be a consummate presents that face

actress:

She knows

of her and

to society.

In private,

she is a seductress.

method it her

is simple: business sullying to

She knows discover

everyone those of

has some her ex-lovers her.

dark in

secret, order

so she to keep

makes them

from

her reputation and to all men: that that, other I have after women, and

or blackmailing

She feels

herself

superior

to all women But fruit high betwixt such never! Todays imposed correct But Poor threat. Merteuil dueling murderer, Danceny all He in to pretend of them;

been having I am

at so much raised to that,

pains, by to all, than

and my

am

not

to cull labors, like any

the so them,

myself, consent above

arduous along, fear

above

grope I should in

imprudence an extent I must

timidity; other

man Vicomte,

to

as to see no conquer may

salvation

flight?

No,

or perish find

(p. 191). a victim century, of the and limitations they for are no society doubt

feminists on women

in Merteuil the eighteenth in

during her

seeing

as a heroine a monster. not understand his own

womens

struggle

independence.

Laclos

is depicting does

Valmont He

that course a young

Merteuils of man action,

autobiography ultimately seducing delivers have by for sent

is forcing into

simply

pursues action. She

to take with

tricks

she is busy Valmont others

and killing all

Valmont. the the letters

On his deathbed, Merteuil of and

to his him.

Danceny, then becomes

instrument But of social

Valmonts revenge even first and

revenge is not this by enough disaster, having by

revealing Laclos. must

of Merteuils knows Merteuil her total

subterfuges. is capable destruction. destroys which her

surviving he does

so he her

engineer smallpox, lose

This physical her

contract her she

which

beauty, fortune.

second her

having

a lawsuit,

eradicates she dies is is clear: perhaps letter time

Fleeing

creditors,

escapes Lacloss ambiguity Merteuils

to Holland, moral of

where

in poverty. The its without wages greatest gasping that of sin charm. with are death. We But the read at her who have only

message the work

cannot

autobiographical At the too the same role far.

admiration and Valmont, of others, past, not

self-creation. have simply punishes played gone

we realize in manipulating

Merteuil the

of gods Laclos, of pride

passions of the

like but

the

great

tragedians them

those

guilty

smashes

to atoms.

Alfred teaches

Mac Latin

Adam, American

Professor and

at

Barnard

College-Columbia literature. He

University, is a translator of

comparative

Latin 2002, Arts, and Time Jane

American Mac Adam

fiction was

and

writes

extensively Latin

on

art.

Between

1984

and and

the editor

of Review: Society. Classics Man and

American

Literature an Introduction

a publication Notes for the and

of the Americas Barnes The & Noble

He has written editions The War of H. of the

G. Wellss Worlds and

The of

Machine Austens

Invisible Abbey.

Northanger

LES

LIAISONS

DANGEREUSES OR LETTERS

COLLECTED

IN

A PRIVATE

SOCIETY

AND

PUBLISHED

FOR

THE

INSTRUCTION

OF

OTHERS

Jai

vu les moeurs

de mon

temps,

et jai

publi

ces Lettres.

- J. J. Rousseau,

Prface

de La Nouvelle

Hlose

Publishers WE this THINK work

Note 3 IT and the OUR of what duty the of to warn Editor this the says narrative, public of it and that, in in spite his have Preface, even of the we title do of not

guarantee for believing

authenticity that yet it is but seems to

strong

reasons that the

a romance. have sought owing

a It seems after to the Certainly,

to us, moreover, verisimilitude, has he has the

author, destroyed in which

who

himself chosen

that, to

and

maladroitly, these

period

which of

place

adventures. stage in have our

several that

personages impossible philosophy, all men

whom to

he brings that

on his they shed

morals century,

so sorry in this

it were of

believe

lived on all

century

where

the light

sides

has rendered, and reserved.

as everyone

knows,

so honorable, Our opinion

all women is, therefore, of truth, and they we

so modest that

if the adventures not have our

related save who, rather and our

in this

work

possess and

a foundation in other by his country, morals times, hope has

could

occurred author,

in other seduced of his costumes own

places

must

censure diverting in our

apparently age a state and of

of being dared

more to clothe

by treating customs

so remote

from

us. Reader, we in will all at least so far as it lies with it with an us, from argument to us not of of

To preserve all surprise we

the too in this

credulous matter, to him

support

our

opinion because like

which victorious fail

proffer

confidence, undoubtedly,

seems should

and unanswerable; like with effects, incomes dame

it is that, and of that, sixty

causes

to produce ladies

nevertheless, thousand

we do not livres turning

hear nuns,

today nor

young young

and pretty

presidents

b dying

of grief.

Editors THIS perhaps, portion extracted. whose publishing to prune

Preface WORK, still of the

4 OR find RATHER too this compilation, contains, the which however, correspondence it in order to by the the the but public a very whence persons intention the permission have, me in fact, will, small it is into of

voluminous, which the

letters with had

composed care and

Charged hands it

of setting whom of my to letters of light in some than

come, for that

I knew pains, me

have

it, I asked, it of to for If the all

reward appeared only the

no more and

than I to

useless; which

endeavored whether characters. the letters

preserve right

seemed or the of

necessary, of in the order

understanding to this

events labor which brief that

development arranging almost notes, the which will

there

be added let remain, and

that

I have that part,

an order finally object

I have and rare

invariably which, source I for of have been

followed the most

of the dates, have no or the was

other of

of

indicating

certain permitted told. I had diction wished several extraneous would at least, My

quotations, myself, mission

explaining which

certain I have had c

abridgments in this work

share

have

of no wider more which to cut and

range.

proposed or style,

alterations against

considerable, will be found certain without which

and many too

almost offenses. lengthy

all

in respect I should

of have

to be authorized treat separately, to one another. have it from

down almost task,

letters, of

of

which quite me, would, 5

transition, has not been

matters permitted but it

This sufficed

doubtless have

not

to give

merit

to the work,

freed objected

a portion that

of its defects. the letters made themselves after those which letters; truth, it was that if it all had that, grave that faults in by all in those certain reasons easier Only, not to I of any a

It has been desirable would the

to me public,

it was

to make be as great

not

merely against

a work

an offense persons purity.

verisimilitude in this

as against

eight with was

or

ten

who And

participated to my

correspondence that, not far from

written there faults,

an equal one would reader of

representations who had

not

of them, not would fail

on the

contrary,

committed answered with since

which

to excite certainly by

criticism, prepared

I was to meet

reasonable compilation hitherto

be written sundry proved and I was right

letters by has me, but the

private

individuals, authors, of this and

published none

esteemed quite I found not my free them, own and

even

academicians, have give not than

reproach. them I gave that

These still, way. I was

persuaded to accept; to myself

as I find master, of and

reserved that

of

protest,

declaring

opinion:

it is this

protest

I make

here.

As for discuss anyone more preface; enough What publish and

any this, else. or less

degree for Yet what

of merit my those opinion

the work neither who, those pass

may

have, to they

perhaps nor begin can

it is not influence like

for

me that

to of

ought before

persons

a book,

to know this know

to expect, had better

persons, straight

I say, to the

can continue work itself;

to read they

others about I must these this

it already. say at the outset letters, sincerity with of us try I am is that, if my far be taken advice from for has been, hoping for as I admit, their modesty had not to

nevertheless part

success: of an not have

let not for to

on my equal being

the feigned if this public,

author; seemed meddled The of

I declare me worthy it. Let of a work when of

frankness offered

that, to these the

compilation I would contradictions.

with

to reconcile

apparent

deserts both

are composed it is susceptible

of its utility of them: more the are the which therein

or of its charm, d but on success, choice

and is

even not

these, a proof

which of a

always than than on on

merit, on in title

often the which

depends sum of

the which

subject rather

its the

execution, manner as its

objects treated. of

it presents this

they

Now

compilation society, it is Nay or

containing, dominated more,

announces, of interest sentiments excite which

letters

a whole that

by a diversity all e they sentiment, the but

weakens

of the reader. being feigned is ever indulgence, that only is

almost

expressed of curiosity the mind

dissimulated, to that of

an interest less inclines

which for

inferior and all

which the which These implied merit itself, also either all, with The

permits more keen

a perception in that have are, very

of the errors are f redeemed, the with work:

contained

in the details to the

these satisfied. perhaps,

continually

opposed

desire

one would blemishes in which and be able new the an

in it

part,

by

a quality of the

which styles, occurs

is a of will

nature

of

is the but

variety which

author

attains the

difficulty, of

here

at least to count or little that one

prevents for known, can hope

tedium

uniformity.

Many of

persons

something which for

a considerable are scattered in the matter

number through

observations, letters. them That is

these

I fear,

of charm,

judging

even

the utmost utility of

favor. the easier work, which, perhaps, It seems will be even more contested, that it is yet to

seems render own these proof

to me

to establish.

to me,

at any employed

rate,

a service are bad letters and

to morals,

to unveil those

the methods conduct end. verities

by those and also I believe be found might

whose that the

in corrupting will effectually of two

whose this

is good; will

attain

There

example

important

which

one

believe

unknown, who

for

that to

they admit

are so rarely a man of that herself either

practiced: loose morals

the

one, to her

that

every

woman ends imprudent of her pages so their to from most to her by

consents

society

becoming who allows

his victim; any Young

the other, other than of

a mother to

is, to say the least, the learn appear snare, confidence from

possess also

daughter. that

people which aught g

sex of evil

might

these

the friendship is never

persons else but

character

to grant as fatal

them to

readily happiness what is

dangerous

as to their good, seems this to deter and

virtue. to me for all

Abuse, here the such

however, too perusal reading. to me only greatly of

always to youth, The time be it

so near feared; seems when been good

a neighbor and to far me

commending important be perilous sex, by

work it from

it may defined, sense: I

cease for

become mother, to that

useful who me, I was

seems has not

to have wit read but the

a good she

should of this her thus,

deem,

said

after doing

having a service If all

manuscript daughter of families if

correspondence, this book

to my mothers it.

I gave think

on the day

of her marriage. myself on having favorable can please

I shall But think if,

congratulate again, that this will we

published supposition very few. a work

put

this

on one Men

side,

I continue who

to are them; to bad

collection have are side not the

and

women

depraved and, bring morals The whom will not On

an interest lacking austere, not

in decrying in skill,

calculated will have

to injure sufficient picture of

as they to their which

perhaps will

they

h who

be alarmed

at the

we have

feared will they

to exhibit. not will be interested regard and in a God-fearing while pious that woman people is

would-be for that

freethinkers very reason

as a ninny; will

be angry made the

at seeing more

virtue powerful. of of

defeated

complain

religion

to seem other hand, too away think

persons style

delicate many that of

taste

will

be disgusted letters; while

by the

the mass

too of fruit

simple readers, of labor,

and led will

faulty with that

these

the idea they

everything

they in certain

see in print others the

is the

are beholding himself

elaborate he causes

method to speak. Lastly, own authors the sent

of an author

concealing

behind

the person

whom

it will place;

perhaps and that, from

be pretty although, the charm a real

generally as a rule,

said

that too

everything polished

is good style of

in its the of when

the

detracts ones

of the letters fault and

of society, makes them

the carelessness insufferable

present

becomes

to the printers. admit that all these reproaches may be well founded: I think

I sincerely

also

that

I should

be able

to reply But it must

to them be plain

without that, to reply

exceeding to make to any; the

the

length to had I the

permissible reply been book. to all, of this

to a preface. the book opinion, itself

it necessary and that, preface and

should have

be unable suppressed

I would

at once

PART

1 CCILE OF You and you. all will her, and me own; ... i SEE, frills MY do DEAR not take friend, up seen all that my I keep time; my there word will to you, always one and that be some single day bonnets left than for in j see VOLANGES TO SOPHIE CARNAY, AT THE URSULINES

However, the four have than

I have years

more

adornments and visit,

in this I think when

we passed vexation

together; first that

that I shall

the superb certainly

Tanville ask to to she

more

at my fancied

she has ever

she afforded

us, when

she used

come treats of to up my you all she shall see my

see us in fiocchi. much less

k Mamma

has consulted than of old.

me in everything; I have a waiting and where I write

as a schoolgirl and a closet

maid this

I have

a room desk,

at my I have

disposition; the key, I am and

at a very that rises, always her harp,

pretty

of which has told have that The my then rest books me, at all. just

I can lock day

I wish. that

Mamma I need not and

me hair

that

to see her before

every

when we

dressed tell

dinner, day

because when and

be alone,

she will

me every is at my

I am to I have

in the afternoon. my drawing, here

of the time as at the and But

disposal, only there

and

convent,

is no

Mother if and I

Perptue choose laugh

to scold

it is nothing as I have occupy not not

to anybody my Sophie

but here

myself, to chat

to do nothing with, yet time I would five

as soon I have

myself. to go to tell and you! join But Mamma as yet until they seven: have not being believe of

It is not theres spoken made, that

oclock;

enough,

if I had

anything were

to me of anything, and the number had no thought

and

it not all

for

the preparations for that me, was

I see

of milliners of marrying

l who me,

come that

I should

they

and

the nonsense that

the good lady

Josphine. stay

m However, in the convent was

Mamma until right. door,

has told

me so often that, since

a young taken

should

she marries

she has

me out, A her

I suppose has just If

Josephine stopped

carriage at once.

at the

and

Mamma I am my

tells not

me

to come my she C---. and keep

to hand

it were heart mother.

to be the is beating.

Gentleman! I asked

dressed, maid if

trembles who was

and with

my my Oh,

waiting its

knew And relate him

Certainly, tis he! is his

she said, I will be sure at any

Monsieur back not

she laughed. to you waiting. How what For you

I believe There

to come I must

passes. a moment, will But laugh you

name,

rate.

adieu.... at would your have in poor been black Ccile! caught standing Oh, just by I have really I went been in to as

disgraceful! Mamma,

as I. When her. I bowed

I saw

a gentleman

to him

well

as I could, how

and

stood

still

without him.

being

able

to budge

an inch.

You

can imagine Madame, young definite could lady!

I scrutinized to my more I was

he said I feel

mother, ever with

as he bowed the value a fit of and

to me,

what

a At

charming this very I

than seized

of your

kindness.

remark, hardly

trembling, sat down the man

so much in it, very

so that red and Your

stand: Hardly quite up,

I found was

an armchair I there, when

disconcerted. poor I Cecile

I saw said, just saying

at my absolutely that Well! day

feet.

lost

her head;

as Mamma cry,

I was I did

terrified. when is it the my how that,

jumped

uttering burst Sit

a piercing out

as

thundered. matter dear with friend,

Mamma you? the

laughing, and give

to me,

what Indeed, to you I think

down,

your

foot

to Monsieur. I cant but describe Mamma.

gentleman mercifully I shall

was there give

a shoemaker. was

ashamed when

I was;

no one there that

I am married, for maid our tells

up employing it! Adieu.

shoemaker. six oclock, and my you,

So much waiting just P.S.

wisdomadmit me that still whom I must

It is nearly my dear

dress.

Adieu,

Sophie,

I love

as well I dont

as if I were know comes. by

at the convent. to send my letter, so that I shall wait until

Josphine PARIS,

3RD

AUGUST,

17 -- .

2 THE MARQUISE AT THE DE MERTEUIL DE .. . back; what are you doing, is settled idea, words to you come, abuse and should with my what on I TO THE VICOMTE 1 DE

VALMONT, COME can you? should suffice; you Set BACK, be off

CHTEAU Vicomte, old aunt, of

MY doing

DEAR with an

come whose you. to my on

whole I have you.

property an excellent few ought but

at once; to confide too receive since of

I have its

need

like and

execution at orders ceased hatred

These you knees:

only to

honored my have eternal my

choice, your

enthusiasm, kindness, the

even

you an that

to take and wins to me till both this love in and that,

advantage excessive the like one day.

of it, and indulgence, I am willing cavalier

between your then n to that It in

alternatives demands you of my

happiness inform you will

indulgence but swear

projects,

a faithful be brought

embark

on no other will more

adventure serve to

to an end. it will yes, in with to what be,

is worthy short, Memoirs, task of one

of a hero: 2 you rouerie for writing me. de Volanges it to me o the them But

and vengeance; your I will and Memoirs: charge come

include

your the is

I wish them.

to be printed, let us leave

myself back

occupying Madame imparted her

is marrying And

her

daughter: do you Who I was you still

it is still think would furious.... him she

a secret, has

but

she for I not

yesterday. Comte Gercourts dull

whom

chosen that

son-in-law? ever

The become Oh,

de Gercourt. cousin? Have I not calm

have

thought

should divine

Well! then

do you

me now?

brains! I, have I will

forgiven more

the adventure of him,

of the Intendante! monster soothes You which that my you soul. been

p And

cause and

to complain of

are? q But

myself,

the hope

vengeance

have

bored sets

a hundred upon the him wife

times, who

like shall he will

myself, be his, escape

by and

the by

importance his fatuous fate. r even fact, sixty been he of his we little I

Gercourt

presumption, You more would thousand dark is but which know

which his

leads

to believe for of little the

the inevitable and his In of

ridiculous prejudice that for all

preferences in that never favor the

convent discretion

education of has

ridiculous wager, livres, not

blondes. an income if

Volanges made Let this

he would been bred

have

marriage

she had then it isnt that

or had a fool: I am

at the convent. be made

us prove

to him days;

no doubt afraid; How but

he will twould

so one of these indeed

that

be pleasant amuse boast;

if he were

to make when this

dbut s as one! heard him

we should for he will

ourselves and then,

on the day if you once

after, form

boasting,

girl, man, For

it would the joke the rest,

be a rare of all Paris. the heroine it is only without certain that this

mishap

if

Gercourt

did

not

become,

like

another

of this fifteen, affectation. languishing I exhort

new tis

romance a rosebud, But you

merits

all

your

attentions:

she

is really so, and

pretty; quite a Add

gauche men are

t in truth, not afraid

incredibly of that; great

moreover, things. You seven until such oclock with past will

u you

glance, to it: you morning. may

which

really thank

promises

to this

can only I request me. he has

me and obey. tomorrow, nobody for eight at

receive

letter

tomorrow you

that

oclock eight, a mighty I will the fair noon: not

in the evening, even piece grant object; the

be with

I shall not not come

receive head

reigning You liberty, and you

Chevalier: see that and love you

enough me. At

of work. you for your mother have

does shall

blind back me.

at ten to sup Adieu, it is

daughter out

will

sup with

soon

I shall

put

of my

thoughts.

PARIS,

4TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

3 CCILE I KNOW of people VOLANGES NOTHING to supper AS TO yet, SOPHIE my In far dear spite from and of me. CARNAY friend. of the Mamma interest diverted. whisper me had a great in and number regarding women, another, not other they by stares

yesterday. I was

I took Men

them,

the men

especially,

being

everybody and I saw

looked they

at me mightily, were I wish speaking I could did one be very

then That for blush:

would made I noticed

to one

blush; when the is when

I could the rouge caused a man

prevent women employ

myself. were which

have, not

that, tis that

looked

at, they

or perhaps the not red

prevents for it must

seeing difficult

embarrassment; at you. What my pretty be made regard. ; but for

to blush

me most I believe, I heard the

uneasy however, very

was

that that the

I did I heard word is

not

know or

what three and

they times I think

thought the that of She are to

in word must my was sup

two gauche;

distinctly who said

true,

woman even spoke

it

a kinswoman taken a liking

and

friend

mother; the only with I also and

she seemed person who

to have

suddenly

to me. We

to me a little

during

the evening.

her tomorrow. heard, said after supper, a man We must me, how me who, I am certain, this was winter not speaking we shall four of me, It

who

to another,

let it ripen; but then

see. months!

is, perhaps, I should Here

he who

is to marry to know she tells . Oh,

it will

be for

so much

like and

it stands. she is in a hurry. that myself asleep lady Yet was I must right! side; once. were I I do was tell you

is Josphine, of my they how it

one more After not

gaucheries started

I am afraid

supper know

to play. v I placed but I fell

at Mammas almost at

happened, burst

awakened at me, greatly Sophie; amusing PARIS, but

by a great I believe

of laughter. gave past

I do not me

know

if they

laughing I was dear not so

so. Mamma it was

permission oclock. that

to retire, Adieu, the world

and my is

pleased. always

Imagine, love your

eleven you

Ccile.

I assure

as we imagined. 4TH AUGUST, 17--.

4 THE VICOMTE AT DE PARIS ARE still; as you you know, though when you CHARMING; would that I be, make I have your fashion with that of conveying despotism. It is them not your without I often of our meet you for sides, proselytes judged city, the it VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL, YOUR is more the first

COMMANDS gracious time, and

us in love regretted

I am no longer recall Indeed,

slave: pleasure desire

monster

according me with

to you, sweeter

I never titles. you, to

the time to merit to we for,

honored and

them the

again,

to end greater

by setting, interests call

with us;

an example conquer we shall is

constancy destiny, again; follow good seems than us by while astounds

world. follow I say as fast we it

But it;

must may

perhaps

at the end vexing since you, the

of the course my fairest

without as I: and

Marquise? separating different more

it at least of the world, to me that, I. I know our your

day

when, on our made

began

to preach

3 the faith you

in this zeal,

mission your

of love, fervor;

have

your

ardent one day most

and

if that

god

of ours great

works, friend does

you

would be But

be the but

patroness

of some saint. and This speak you.

would it not? myself

at for

a village week I hear

language no other,

you,

the last

and it is to perfect Listen I will

in it that be vexed.

I am forced Depositary project

to disobey

to me and do not confide to you

of all the secrets I have girl, delivered fail than who ever has

of my

heart, What

the most To

important seduce

formed. seen

is it you knows hands, curiosity succeed engrosses prepares or rather friend, Behold You austere me; And will

suggest

to me? who would

a young

nothing, into my

nothing, whom will and

be, so to speak, would not

defenseless and

a first perhaps these

compliment more readily

to intoxicate, love. Twenty

whom can which who 4 fair

entice is not

others

as well

as I. That ensures

the case glory

in the adventure as pleasure. and Love,

me; my

its success crown,

me as much betwixt my

hesitates, unite them with my

himself, to honor

the myrtle You will

the laurel; my

he will

triumph. and

yourself,

be seized after

a holy

veneration

say with

enthusiasm,

a man the

own de

heart! Tourvel, her piety, her there conjugal is the foe love, meet her for

know

Prsidente

principles. the goal

She it is whom at which I dare

I am attacking; to aim:

there though

to grasp

the prize

I be denied,

Yet One

mine may

at least quote

this bad

glorythat verses when

I tried. a good

w poet has written them. You must

know lawsuit: better Mass evening

then

that

the President to make him here

is in Burgundy, lose the one of term poor

in consequence greater of this of the import! His

of some

great

I hope half every

disconsolate widowhood. morning old aunt, I and and am

has to pass day; some solitary

whole to the pious

distressing district; with sole my

visits walks, of

prayers,

interviews be her

sometimes preparing has brought regretted conventions. Luckily, cure y of few how days she

a dismal some for

game

whist, shall

x must be more and

distractions. My guardian that respect to

her which for

efficacious. my own.

angel I was, for I the

me here, twenty-four How

her happiness which

Madman to my

hours I should

I was

sacrificing if I were

be punished to play whist; aunt that then, has

made

to return here

Paris! but the a

four the

are needed place, my You

and

as there me

is no one greatly You edified what

eternal can guess since

pressed

to sacrifice cannot she imagine is at

to her. has

I have above

agreed. all how

cajoled

me

my

regularity Here You but one that being delicious repose. Else feeling feet. long Adieu, AT THE we am know what idea;

at prayers I then how you for keen

and mass. the last four

She has no suspicion days, in the how throes

divinity

I adore. passion. to I have them: but

of a doughty aside obstacles to desire. It is very from desire and above

are my know

desires,

I brush adds of it all save not

do not

is how day and

solitude dream

ardor night. myself

I think have

of it all this her:

necessary of 0 my

I should in love

woman, for

if I would may for my

the ridicule lead all so one? for

with

whither thee

thwarted

pleasure! How should lucky

I implore it is for

happiness, defend slaves. brings and

us that no more

women than timid which

themselves At present

badly! a

be to them for

I have to this your

of gratitude I prostrate epistle. my fairest

yielding to implore

women your

me naturally so conclude

myself

pardon,

too

friend, DE

and bear ... ,5TH

me no malice. AUGUST, 17--.

CHTEAU

5 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT Do and clearly from wrongs argument You, there what YOU that KNOW, I have to me my in that VICOMTE, every you excuse have Like concern way lost that to your be your letter is of an amazing with and you? that But alone it insolence, has proved you my

angry head, and with

has saved I forget

indignation. order to

a generous myself

sympathetic your peril; have

friend, and

tiresome

though

be, I give

before

the need

you The knows

of it, at such caprice! to desire

a time. I recognize aught but

to have your it

the Prsidente

de Tourvel! which

ridiculous not is the how

froward to like,

imagination, be but in

believes if you

unattainable. no expression;

What

woman but with chin! all

then? lacking her I warn

Regular grace; of as a

features, and

passably

made,

always

dressed bosom but

a fashion and her

to set you running such when

laughing, into her and

clusters you

hchus z on her friend, will when I see you be lost. you her

body two

need

to have the

women, she

your

consideration and I think hair, over have blush

Remember

day

collected you

aa at Saint-Roch, such a spectacle. with the bag Who long always would

thanked still,

me so for giving step, and would again! her with

having hand her to

procured that great

gawk

stumbling somebodys said too, And then

at every head, that you

four

yards

of collecting ab Come, secret. you! What

blushing ever

at every desire this

reverenced woman? your

Vicomte,

and be yourself then, look

I promise

to keep which not

at the disagreeables A husband! fail! and from Are how it. you little

await

rival

have

you a

to encounter? disgrace expect those but if you no

humiliated even any midst

at the very if you with succeed! your

word? I say I

What more; mean

glory ever very

pleasure faith.

Is there in the utter

prudes? they delirium of love your treats you

in good a half

Reserved That

of pleasure, that things

give of are

you joy, not

enjoyment.

self-abandonment, those good

where known will

pleasure to them. think she and in

is purified I warn has the done most

by its excess, you: in the

happiest for

supposition, you, if she

Prsidente you are as her

everything tender your of

husband;

conjugal

tte--ttes

always devotion you will fear her had

two. 6 Here of will worthy

it is even women that

worse;

prude them do

is a dvote, to eternal flatter you will

ac with infancy.

that

which

condemns but

Perhaps that you the feel

overcome

obstacle; over

not

yourself not

destroy of the

it: victorious Devil; palpitate, and

the love holding

of God, your

be so over arms, Perhaps, you

when,

mistress not from

in your love.

heart

it will

be from

fear

and

if you

known of her;

this but me,

woman

earlier,

you

would and

have has

been

able

to make nearly with

something two years. it ad bury of what I to to my is

it is two-and-twenty, Vicomte, when

been

married

Believe best Yet

a woman she will creature

is so encrusted never that and

prejudice, but a puppet. me, enticing By

to abandon it is for in

her to her fate; this delightful of one your

be anything refuse the to

you

obey

yourself adventures, fatality am

the and must

tomb withal

aunt,

renounce suited

most

so admirably always temper: your hold but,

to do you advantage

honor. you?

then

Gercourt without merit

some for

over

Well,

writing that

to you you

the

nonce,

ae I am

tempted all,

believe withdraw secrets I must one really, many Danceny finish.

dont

reputation; I shall

I am never

tempted, get used

above to telling

my

confidence

from

you.

to the lover let you Young know,

of Madame however,

de Tourvel. that the about little her. should. takes his time is shy have with for, sure nicely Volanges He sings They to has already duets must the with rehearse unison; and turned her; and

head.

Danceny better I than think who will

is wild

she sings duets, and

a schoolgirl that she

a good but this never it will in next cost leave as a

is a child, The little

waste

in making enough; made the

love

will event I am

person,

on her side, than you could

and in any it: wherefore

be much bad humor

less

amusing and shall

certainly him with

quarrel

Chevalier moment, I had the

at

his

appearance. me him nothing

I advise to break

to be gentle; him. I am

at this that, if

it would sense to

at present, despair.

he would

be in despair; call it is,

and nothing and

amuses that

me so much perfidious sweetest have it on President. to to

a lovers has always

He would me; less

me perfidious, after the word

word the

pleased ear, and

cruel, Seriously, cause of;

a set

womans about this

difficult what

to deserve.... you are the

I shall so I put lady

rupture. Adieu.

Theres

your

conscience! PARIS, 7TH

Recommend 17 -- .

me to the prayers

of your

AUGUST,

6 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL THERE how to IS NEVER seize! friend, object And you of A woman yourself, have my then you but abuses I title what would other the have and traits have than empire so are she has dubbed to to his would put In to known my attack depict life for have me the

whom the With but

often not

indulgent me in the

discarded

afraid venture with

affections! man

you paid

Madame such

de Tourvel!

... What What

insolent without

boldness? receiving I will wait know

woman

yourself

escaped not name her.

at least not until that eyes? answer

an ungracious for had my this power

retort?

In mercy, them. wish to

to such

tests;

to sustain if you right

of friendship, Do you from any not

I have pleasure But No; her

woman, has I the saying?

revile the de to all the the stuff ag

alone am

remove Madame need

bandage Tourvel be

Loves need

what for

Has

of illusion? reproach to her,

to be adorable, dressing that is badly; her

she has only I quite

herself.

You

with

agree: It is in to

adornment freedom distressing permits covers me her of

is hurtful her heat

nothing she

conceals really

adorns.

neglig which we

that

ravishing. a dshabill

Thanks af of simple

are experiencing, and furtive supple but

to see her breast; form. in and

round my

figure. penetrating

Only gaze

a piece has

of

muslin

already what

seized should

its enchanting it express, she has

Her

face, when

say you, nothing that She

has no expression. speaks false knows to her glance, not how heart? which to

And No, is

moments like our

doubtless, sometimes over the

not, and

coquettes, deceives. by a studied

seductive emptiness teeth should she will succor, should heavenly is not cold must

always

gloss

of a phrase world,

smile,

and although when

she has the loveliest But you gaiety to You her that to be she love Yet

in the

she never frolicsome image! joy all, and how, with

laughs, game, Near

except

she is amused. and whom innocent

see, in some present what see, face feigned! and the

of what poor

a frank wretch

some

she is eager denotes! flattery,

a pure above

compassionate at the least

kindness word of

her gaze praise or

is tinged ... She

the touching and

embarrassment devout, and What so you

of a modesty judge her

is a prude very even

inanimate? that

I think

differently. her husband, What stronger

amazing

sensibility

have,

it can reach

and that proof

she can always you desire?

a person I have

who been

is always able

absent!

would

to procure in such agile,

another. a manner she is even that a ditch timid. had to be crossed; can well and, believe

I directed although

her she

walk is very

more

You

how herself the

much

a prude I held of my

fears this old I had

to

cross

the

ditch!

ah

She arms.

was Our

obliged preparations to

to

trust and with

to me.

modest aunt once had

woman caused hold her

in my the

passage but

playful

dvote

peal

laughter; our short face; had arms

when

taken

of her,

by a happy my own;

awkwardness and suffused that her in this her heart was but the

were

interlaced. I felt her

I pressed heart beat

breast An

against amiable

interval, and

faster. taught with The not

flush

her modest with you of

embarrassment love are, the ... and and child That has not

me well fear. child her My was

enough aunt,

throbbed as

however,

deceived, charming naively, the

said, did alone

frightened, and From she that

candor Oh

permit

to lie,

answered moment I shall her: I to to my me; she, arms.

no, but of woman; ravish object

was

an illumination. to my cruel

sweetness this

hope

succeeded steal her from

uncertainty. who profanes What

possess will

I shall

the husband

even

dare the

her from and the

the God victor sway

whom

she adores. remorse! Far They

delight, me to it to may

be in turns destroy happiness let the idea shaken Then, the

of her her

be it from will add

prejudices triumph.

which Let her,

mind! in virtue, preventing vanquish thee;

and my

her believe without them, adore I shall

and sacrifice her fall; them alone the God only and

of falling

terrify terrors,

by a thousand I agree, let her

forget I

in my

say to me, these

she,

among whom

women, she has

is worthy preferred. Let call heart

to pronounce

words.

be truly

us be candid: happiness was

in our

arrangements, even finding

as cold Shall left has but

as they I tell my

are facile, you?

what

we my my

is hardly and

a pleasure. nothing de Tourvel I have

I thought I lamented the

withered; old of age.

senses, to me

premature illusions only take; thing for

Madame With her

restored of pleasure this

charming The to

youth. which

no need

to be happy. is going my To affair.

frightens leave

me is the time to chance. to put herself; prudence. come

which Tis them

adventure I recall here.

I dare

nothing bring

in vain

fortunate become

audacities; truly I am word happy, sure love;

I cannot I require that but you

myself

in practice

her to give admire my already

and that I have to those

is no slight not yet

pronounced

the

we have

of confidence

and interest. the effect as though laugh to convert She is far of in to

To deceive stories which

her as little might

as possible, to her of my

and above ears, I have notorious me.

all to counteract myself traits. told You her,

come

self-accusation, see the candor me. from She

of some with which

most

would

she lectures as yet

She wishes, it will cost words,

she says, her for to try. the

has no suspicion that

of what

thinking,

in pleading,

to use her own

unfortunates

I have

ruined

, she speaks in the midst of interrupting

in anticipation

in her own

cause.

This

idea not a all

struck resist

me yesterday the pleasure my

of one of her dissertations, her You to tell her that she

and I could spoke lost like

prophet. hope of

Adieu, return. P.S. Truly, humiliate AT THE By

fairest

of friends.

see that

I am not

beyond

the way, you

that

poor

Chevalierhas naughtier vanity. ... , 9TH AUGUST,

he killed person than

himself myself,

from and you

despair? would

are a hundredfold me, if I had any DE

CHATEAU

17--.

7 CCILE IF I HAVE more more my no about VOLANGES TOLD it than you I did TO SOPHIE about day. CARNAY my marriage, ai it is because myself of life. them I know to think much no no at

nothing the first

I am accustoming my manner I like

of it, and I am quite singing and my harp; or the

satisfied it seems perhaps gentleman it

with

I study since one. with every He sings

to me that is because of whom enough

better

I have M. le I and an It is were

longer

a master, Danceny,

I have I told

a better and here

Chevalier sang

you,

whom day, like

at Madame with and pity his has

de Merteuils, whole very hours. pretty

is kind

to come

to sing angel, a great to marry, He says about and looks to all great pleased bore always two

me for composes that wife the you.

He is extremely airs, to which

amiable. he also does

the words. if he

he is a Knight would air He else; of

of Malta! happy.... you up

8 It seems He

to me that,

be very paying me

has a charming and about with for yet

gentleness. everything music, he now gaiety he only Added to That and I He only a

never flatters

a compliment, constantly, his now

takes but

my

something interest, at you, that, that

he mingles not

criticisms

so much them. If

it is impossible as though obliging.

to be grateful saying

it seems

he were For

something

gracious. invited

he is very

instance, the whole

yesterday evening nobody sing and

he was

concert;

he preferred much; for,

to spend when

at Mammas. talks talk to me, together. are the

me very

he is not

here, we

myself:

aj whereas,

when to tell me. But air

he is here, He and adieu,

has something I find today my

Madame dearest difficult

de Merteuil friend;

persons for not

amiable. a little word.

my

I have

promised and I

to learn would PARIS,

with

a very

accompaniment, it until he comes.

break

I am going

to practice

7TH

AUGUST,

17--.

8 THE NO show PRSIDENTE ONE, in MADAME, me, nor DE TOURVEL be more keener TO MADAME than in the my DE VOLANGES you ak that which but of as I of wish your being him. assured day of also I

CAN take a

sensible interest from

I to the confidence establishment whole heart and

Mademoiselle her a happiness will by

de Volanges. of which secure. your

It is, indeed, I make no doubt M.

she is worthy, le Comte

prudence honored confine as my adds that

I do not

know but

de Gercourt; opinion a success which each

choice, Madame,

I cannot to wishing your

form this

a favorable marriage and for

myself, own, to my

for

which gratitude. you

is equally May

handiwork,

fresh

the happiness for me;

of your and may

daughter the best

be the reward of friends be

which

have

procured

the happiest I am of really

of mothers! grieved that I cannot nor I make should a right offer the wish. to hope you by word of mouth of the homage de truly of my

this

sincere so

wish, soon as

acquaintance After from having

Mademoiselle known your friendship her in

Volanges maternal a sister. behalf, I expect have the great

kindness, I beg while you, I wait

I have

her the tender this

Madame, until

to be so good the opportunity all the time to enjoy This she

as to ask

from it.

I have

of deserving of M. and lady

to remain

in the country of this

de Tourvels profit by the

absence. society

I of her

taken venerable age

advantage Madame deprived Her body

leisure

de Rosemonde. her alone of nothing;

is always all old; her her

charming; memory mind is

has

retains years

and only

sprightliness. twenty. Our seclusion

is eighty-four

is enlivened a few desire that.

by days

her

nephew,

the

Vicomte him only

de Valmont, by his but

who

has cared which gave

to devote me small

to us. I knew his further

reputation, he seems of

to make Here, with

acquaintance; spoilt and much him, in spite sermons. course

to me to be better the world, for he talks with

than

where

he is not

by the hubbub excuses confidence, will admit that himself

rationally rare candor.

extraordinary

ease,

his errors

He speaks You, but forget his what

to me with who know

and it

I preach would that will think, all.

to him be a fine

with

great

severity. to make: make saved him from that

conversion will

I suspect, all my

of his promises, His sojourn here and I at to the with

a week

in Paris

be at least from

so much

ordinary

of conduct;

his fashion that with

of life,

he can best ing Pray doubt to you accept the

do is to do nothing and my has charged own also, me with

He knows you

I am engaged

in writ homage.

present goodness

his respectful in you;

that

I know

and

never

sincere

sentiments

which AT

I have

the honor

to be, etc. DE ..., 9TH AUGUST, 17--.

THE

CHTEAU

9 MADAME I HAVE kindness in all that DE NEVER which you VOLANGES DOUBTED, have me. that for TO my me, THE fair PRSIDENTE and youthful DE friend, interest point, TOURVEL either which which of you I hope the take is

or of the sincere to elucidate to your reply; that but

concerns us, with

It is not I reply

settled having I did Indeed, know

between a talk not

I cannot

refrain

from

you

on the subject ever

of the Vicomte across that you any yes, and youth in me; view you the

de Valmont. name and idea in your You letters. do of not a of is or

expect, what can

I confess, there

to come

be in common should you have

between obtained candor: false

him?

this

man; al You must

where speak be most

of the

soul

libertine? Valmont amiable uttered

to me of his rare rare. never Even since more

indeed, dangerous

the candor than he

and seductive, a word without

his extreme some you end know

has he taken which know one was

a step

having My dear,

either of all cherish of of his his and him is the

dishonorable the the virtues most.

or criminal. which So if, that, like I try if

whether, which I

to acquire, Valmont

charity led

be not away by

were others,

the

vehemence by him the errors

passions; age: wait the while

a thousand blame the time folk.

he were

seduced pity

I should for

his

conduct,

I should

personally, restore

in silence esteem

when But

a happy

reformation like that:

should his

of honest of a man his

Valmont He can

is not calculate to

conduct am how

consequence atrocities himself; selected

principles. allow

to a nicety without with to count utterly? scandalous make be you thing paid

many

may

himself and I will

commit,

compromising impunity, all those he has

and, women

in order

to be cruel victims. many life tell as

mischievous not stop

to be his but how

whom

he has seduced: In the quiet reach your your eyes,

has he not you some as

ruined these

and retired ears. which I could are of being

which you pure

lead, which

stories you

do

not but such of tell or of rule;

would would

shudder; by no need I may with

your

soul,

defiled have which attention, to

pictures: such you arms

secure

in no danger yourself.

from

Valmont, The only

wherewith out of all there

to defend the women

is that

to whom who has

he has not had

without him. she that it The alone this

success, Marquise knew episode also

is not

one

cause

complain general

de Merteuil how to withstand life

is the single and which fully, disarm

exception his her the

to this

villainy. most eyes

I must honor of all, in my for

confess eyes: certain

in her to

is that her had

does in

has

sufficed with an

justify one

inconsistencies of her widowhood.

which

to reproach

her

at the

commencement

However friendship, is beginning he has

this

may

be, my

fair

friend,

what to you

age,

experience,

and of

above

all,

empower

me to represent

is that

the absence if it becomes his aunt and

Valmont that your a

to be noticed, some will time

in the world; made hands: a third the

and that, party to

known you, can

for

reputation woman. longer; leave part you

be in his you

greatest his

misfortune aunt not

which to keep not

befall there

I advise and, him

then upon But you

to

persuade remaining,

him hesitate

if he insists

I think he stay? upon there

you

should

to

in possession. country? discover some black to If that

why were

should to spy came

What

is he doing

in your sure

of

the

his to

proceedings, have a more

I am

would for is

he only

convenient But, ourselves

shelter as it

deed

he is contemplating the evil, let us

in the neighborhood. be content by

impossible it. my lovely The that still

remedy

avoiding Farewell, little day,

friend; Comte his afoot, This

at present de Gercourt, is

the

marriage we to

of

my

daughter from as day

is

a to

delayed. tells me are

whom

expected and

regiment it will vexes you me;

ordered

Corsica; for me him

military himself we shall it was

operations before have the

be impossible but it causes

to absent that

winter.

to hope

the pleasure taken

of seeing without yours. the

at the wedding; Adieu; I am,

and I was unreservedly

sorry

that and

to have

place entirely me to

you.

without

compliment, P.S. always PARIS, Recall love 11TH

recollection as she deserves. 17--.

of

Madame

de

Rosemonde,

whom

as dearly AUGUST,

10 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT VICOMTE, what This you you would woman, also might you ARE not who YOU ANGRY that, with are you me? you Or are only you, for indeed, your will timid fortunate and dead? Or,

be unlike

living

Presidente? soon and a restore slave; . to like I beat

has restored prejudices. be amorous.

the illusions Here you

of youth,

its ridiculous as well then

are already your principles,

You

renounce without

audacities trusting that love, all

Behold hazard, medicine, you with

conducting to caprice. but arms, the but

yourself Do art I will you

ao or rather is nothing your a man own when

no longer

remember You

of assisting not plume give the

nature? myself

see that

ap on that: you with tell this

it is indeed me. Ah, no

beating doubt, that But taking I say cheat lover, them? eager

he is down. give

She must herself like

herself, others,

she must; be with end This for it

she will

difference,

it will if the her. love; you, the Why, one

a bad grace. she should distinction in love. hide you give herself, the a true to your did be you ill. you of true sign way is to begin by

is that absurd you

is indeed To from have one needs gives which speak you had, may a

of loves

madness! be languid violated however any more For to

are

otherwise Tell think giving and is me you

would then, had

would

be to whom

women

however may for be, us than one

desirous one that still which things

oneself, there

pretext;

convenient me, and

us the air of yielding flatter me the in most order,

to force? is a well-timed

I confess, lively

of the where

assault, which to never repair which

everything us into from to

succeeds the painful on the our

although of we

with having should even in the rarer not

rapidity; ourselves have things glory than

throws a gaucherie

embarrassment the air two contrary, of violence

which, maintain adroitly of defeat. me for

profited; which

is cunning

we grant, and

and to flatter the pleasure always

favorite that even this

passions, talent, it has

of resistance one may me, think, and

I grant

has

given solely tourneys,

pleasure,

when

seduced

that

sometimes, ancient

recompense, gave

aq it has

induced and

me to yield. skill. But you,

So, in our

beauty

the prize

of valor

who Ah!

are since one

no

longer

you,

are

behaving by short

as if stages and

you and

were

afraid

of My

success. friend, drop

when wishes which

do you to arrive, is all

travel

crossroads? But it let

when this

post-horses

the highway! to me in that

us

subject,

the more you. At

distasteful write

deprives than you

me of the pleasure

of seeing

least

to me more

often

do, more

and

keep

me

informed since neglected

of

your you

progress. have been

Do

you

know by

that this

it is

now

than

a fortnight and have of

occupied

ridiculous

adventure, A propos

all the world? are like those people who send to get be Are regularly a reply. I do no to You not

negligence, their last you sick letter are

you friends, by

enquire finish answer, aware dead; how how

after your and that or if

but

who me if

never the

trouble Chevalier

asking

dead. you

no longer is your it would excellently It derives

in the born

least

concerned. But of for reel. by reassure joy. love!

longer not

my

lover

friend?

yourself, This how poor well

he is

he were, he is! how

be for

excess

Chevalier, he the me knows perfect a real

tender to feel

is he made my being head

intensely! he

makes from

Seriously, me gives

happiness attachment The very

which for same how him, him. day

loved

upon

which

I wrote him! Yet

to you I was

that

I was

going

to

promote they reason with my he I he scene

a rupture, announced or caprice: temper. door asked shall stood would rupture. intention, discovered profound, Like From from with but know him

happy about

I made the

mightily him

occupied, Was

when it

means

of putting

in despair.

he never He hoped be

seemed to pass to

to me so fine. two hours with I told

I nevertheless me, him before that him.

received the I was time going

him when out: Where himself, a

would

open

everybody. going;

me whither not have your

I was

I refused I answered this answer; which

to tell

He insisted: Luckily for

company, by ensued

acidly. for had

as though infallibly Astonished upon on which,

petrified have

he said led

a word, to the with

would my

have eyes

projected no other I so

by his silence, oath, than

I cast

upon

him,

my that

to see what face that

countenance at once it

he would so tender to

show. and

charming you yourself

sorrow,

have I was busy me.

admitted, vanquished

is so difficult a second time.

resist.

causes that having

produce moment,

like I was

effects: only against air; further.

in finding I even

a means out

of preventing said

him I,

a grievance gentler me

am going

on business, which return, but leave concerns and I did me, you not until

a somewhat do not all. to use question At it. this I

nay,

on business sup at home; of speech;

you; shall permit this

I shall the

he recovered am my in great hand

power

haste, and went

I continued; away.

evening. Immediately, to acquaint called my my

He kissed

to compensate him faithful and with my

him, petite

perhaps

to compensate he had

myself,

decide I all

maison, my

ar of which headache; with my

no suspicion. to bed, she for

Victoire. left

I have

I am gone Trusty, while

household;

alone

at last

disguises

herself hackney Arrived one allows when After read

as a lackey, coach in this to

I don the

the

costume of my

of a waiting garden, and

maid. behold

She us

next on our

calls way! This and

gate of love,

temple

I chose invention:

the most it lets a pattern it.

gallant nothing

of dshabills. be seen your

is delicious; you you these

it is my as all.

own

yet

to divine have

I promise

you

of it for

Prsidente,

rendered

her worthy while Sopha, at

to wear

preliminaries, of Le

Victoire a letter the

busies of

herself

with and two

other

details, of

I La

a chapter

Hlose tones with ill: not

Tales

Fontaine, Meantime, porter same my At

9 in order my

to rehearse arrives informs a note

different door

which his

I would

assume. zeal. My the after hand: cafs. does not it and his and him him bed half my

Chevalier him, and him

at my him from that

accustomed the first.

denies time

I am but

incident in my

At

he hands rule. oclock, He

me,

handwriting, in Victoires

prudent nine he whom Victoire, her. and

opens

it and on and at least,

sees the there that him

written Boulevard, a little he does

therein in lackey not

punctually, himself,

front whom

of

the he

Thither know, was follow mind, love time back

betakes

he believes, comes All this head

know, dismiss

for

of course

and informs romantic is by produced out He

that

he must helped

his carriage more to heat

promenade no means in him for

all At

the

a hot

undesirable. a veritable

last,

he arrives, To give then laid; I take then There, fell on a

and amazement to recover, again to We half

enchantment. wood; covers

we stroll the house.

a while at

in the little first, two was arms

sees,

prepared. pensively, knees. O for my you,

pass into

the boudoir, I threw

which my

richly round

adorned. him, and

in sentiment,

friend,

said

I, in myself been

my

desire

to reserve grieved

the surprise you with my

of this a pretence

moment of ill

I reproach with having

with able,

having for

humor; Pardon You

an instant, of my this pardon love

to veil shall

heart

to your them. The very fashion,

gaze.

me my may

wrongs: of me you

the strength the up, effect and I once my of

expiate oration. on

judge lifted where

sentimental was sealed and

happy same our

Chevalier ottoman eternal As time we

that

and

sealed

so gallantly,

in like

rupture. had six hours to pass for together, and I had his resolved transports, think ever that been to make and I have so all this an been with gay, in

equally

delicious

him,

I moderated

brought ever

amiable at so

coquetry great After pains

to replace to please, by

tenderness. nor that

I do not I have and

pleased and

myself. even

supper, at times,

turns

childish my pleasure

reasonable, to look upon

sensible him

libertine

it was

as a sultan

the

heart

of his

seraglio, acts

10 of which of homage,

I was although

by

turn always

the

different

favorites. by the same

In fact, woman, Finally, he might

his repeated were ever

received

received

by a different we were

mistress. obliged to separate; and whatever need the

at the approach say, or even

of day,

do, to prove little desire I took for

to me the contrary, of it. At the key you, sacrifices adroitness,

he had as much when of bliss, that we and you left

of separation house, it into be its temple. reflections always that and his for

as he had a last I

the moment abode

adieu, had

of this said I; it

giving should of the the

hands: It

it but him

is right the

master. By

is for a might

who of

to have I

disposition him by the from

such

piece have

anticipated to him him, well

which suspicious, never without but

been maison.

suggested I know for me; key.

possession, to be seized costs so fix soon. one him, I sure me a

of a petite make him, I love

enough

he will

use of it except I have him still a second too

and if the whim He would at all

to go there day One wishes have for

return; not

well,

to care except

to exhaust persons but

him

must soon

permit

oneself He does two. oclock but

excesses, not know

with

whom for

to leave. for

that

himself;

happily

knowledge that with

I perceive volume, confident love

it is three the intention tis in truth,

in the morning, to write of that, a word. that

and

that

I have is the

written charm he whom

a of I

Such

friendship: but,

on account

you

are always

the best; 12TH

the Chevalier 17--.

pleases

me more.

PARIS,

AUGUST,

11 THE YOUR I had afraid. woman, chteau. any PRESIDENTE SEVERE not found DE LETTER here more TOURVEL WOULD causes for TO have MADAME alarmed than must arms he has me, you DE VOLANGES if happily being

Madame, give

security who

me for

This

redoubtable to have from

au M. laid

de Valmont,

be the terror before not coming even which

of every to this

seems Far

down any quality

his murderous projects of an there,

forming and the almost

advanced even by that his of

pretensions: accord nature.

amiable

man,

enemies frank

him,

disappears

here,

to be superseded

good

It is apparently I can assure in

the country you my of is that, company, those what every

air which being he

has brought with fall men

about me,

this

miracle. to

What take

constantly has not let all

even word

seeming which

pleasure love, having, that not

one

resembles without one maintain how of modesty to be would him such ask a infinite me with not a to

one like

phrases is required woman

which

permit

themselves, compels to

him, which in order

to justify who respects who

them.

He never

reserve

herself

is forced her.

nowadays, to abuse

to repress which

the men he

encircle He that is

He knows somewhat accustom him

the but

gaiety it is with

inspires. delicacy, a brother, here. and me

perhaps

flatterer; itself as M. more thanks them. Doubtless, in spite He will

so much if I had himself from

he would

to praise. de Valmont marked for

In short, reveals

I should

desire

Perhaps, I admit

many that

women I owe

gallantry how

him;

knowing

to judge

so well

as not

to confound

this of that,

portrait neither himself fathered with at least

differs need that

mightily contradict

from

that

which

you

send

me;

and

the other, many met

if one compares faults; few and

the dates. others of You toward and it is that

confesses have

he has committed on him. But I have I might

some

been women

men say His

who

spoke

virtuous teach

greater in this is a proof praise,

respect, matter

almost

enthusiasm. conduct

me that

he is no deceiver. He talks much

Madame always

de Merteuil with so much until the two

of this. with letter, love. more

to us of her, an attachment, the for

and your

the air of so true that I what

I believed, between judgment, been honest

I received was I was to justify on his part.

he called myself

friendship this has what hasty often was who be we

actually all the her.

reproach

wherein

wrong, that

in that I took

he himself for cunning

at the pains sincerity

I confess know, for for the

I do not

but

it seems

to me a man cannot

is capable a libertine

of so persistent beyond salvation.

a friendship I am,

a woman rest,

so estimable

ignorant

as to whether

owe

the

quiet

manner

of

life

which assume.

he

leads

here

to

any

projects

he

cherishes women he tells but may only mine. As to your Valmont his very not her aunt fond for

in the vicinity, near us, but

as you

There

are, indeed,

certain

amiable and any then game; he

he rarely

goes

abroad, that

except he rarely

in the morning, brings back

us that

it is to shoot. us that causes

It is true

he assures do without be in order

he is not me little

a skillful anxiety; of your

sportsman. and if I desired opinion

Moreover, to know, you

what it

would back to

to be convinced

or to bring

suggestion proposes

to me to endeavor here, nephew you, it seems in her

to cut

short

the stay difficult more out this

which to dare

M.

de

to make her

to me very house, but the only

to ask she is and to of so,

not of

to have him.

so in of

that

I promise to seize As for any

however,

deference either project rightly

any

need,

opportunity M. and my

of making

request, of my and

or to himself. here

myself,

de Tourvel he would mind. explanations: de Valmonts I am To occasion them most

is aware be astonished,

remaining at my These, to truth stood in

until were

his return, I to change very

frivolity, Madame, to bear great which

are my my

lengthy in M. with

but favor;

I thought it seems sensible I am delay

I owed to me of

it he the for

testimony of it

need

you. counsels. on the for

nonetheless that of also the

friendship your

dictated remarks to

your me

indebted as but to

obliging

your

daughters great you, the

marriage. pleasure

I thank which

you

sincerely: those

however with de than her to

I promise with

myself a good will

in passing to my she could

moments Mile. so with kindly

I would

sacrifice speedily

them

desire ever

to know be more I share you

Volanges with those receive I have AT

more

happy,

if,

indeed,

a mother two my

so deserving which

of all her affection attach me to you,

and respect. and I pray

sentiments assurance

of them.

the honor

to be, etc. DE ..., 13TH AUGUST, 17--.

THE

CHTEAU

12 CCILE MAMMA must keep VOLANGES IS INDISPOSED, her company: you nearly of this. to the TO THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL leave have I do I pray you of which give not the house, the not that kindly honor av will M. to and I of the be le me,

MADAME; I shall not,

she cannot therefore, you that you.

accompanying performance convinced Chevalier and If that he

Opera. as not you so not

I assure

regret you tell

so much I love

to be with much! the

Would

Danceny if he can today,

that bring he cannot

I have

selection it will we are

he spoke me great

it to me tomorrow, will be told that

pleasure? but be this is

comes

at home; she will

because tomorrow. I have PARIS,

Mamma

receive

anybody.

I hope

that

better

the honor 13TH

to be, etc. 17.

AUGUST,

13 THE I AM pleasure opportunity Chevalier Mammas her MARQUISE MOST of DE GRIEVED, seeing will you, recur. and I will who will MERTEUIL my pretty TO one, of CECILE both this of be VOLANGES at being privation. your deprived I hope of that with of and the the the your keep aw at

at the acquit

cause

myself

commission to hear come Belleroche the to

Danceny, sickness. She while

certainly

distressed I will de

If she can receive and we you I will win sing assault his with

me tomorrow, the Chevalier we amiable Mamma my most pretty tenderly. shall

company. ax and of it. If

piquet, pleasure suggest for dear

money, your

have

additional I will

hearing this

master, and

whom I can

is convenient two cavaliers. I kiss 17--.

to your Adieu, you

to you, my

answer to

myself

and my

one;

compliments

Madame 13TH

de Volanges. AUGUST,

PARIS,

14 CECILE I DID pleasure and heart I did for VOLANGES NOT which not WRITE was leave to the her at all, never but TO you cause; all and have day. SOPHIE yesterday, of In that the CARNAY my I can dear assure Sophie, you. but Mamma I retired, to make that it was was I had sure not ill, no that love to the been best. sore being not sorry see too, thats

evening, very

when quickly, It is not I was Danceny persons there,

anything was done;

I went

to bed

the day Mamma Opera there. When in spite able me. but very

I passed know what

a longer. it was.

I do not gone to have I like was

dearly; with You the

I do not

to have was whom my cried, and

Madame know hour

de Merteuil; well that when care they

the Chevalier are the have two

arrived I did not

I should for

been

heart

of me.

anything, had

and I cried, gone

without could been

to stop I am he will different.

myself. sure

Happily that the

Mamma Chevalier by the

to bed, will and

quite have

Danceny spectacle,

have by

been

amused

everybody;

Luckily, somebody Madame tiresome. and then nicely coquette look

Mamma else

is better

today,

and

Madame but

de Merteuil she always all by I must my that had

is coming comes oneself, play hair one such very it is on my to be becomes a desire

with late, very harp; done a to I

and the Chevalier and when

Danceny; one

de Merteuil; It is not my toilette I think as one

is so long It is true time, is that for right

yet eleven will take

oclock. me some Perptue

I want and never

today.

Mother enters

as soon

the world. few days,

I have and I find who see

pretty

as during then, by

the last the for does me side

I am not

as much one loses

so as much.

thought; Madame prettier and than then she.

and de than she

of women I can

use rouge, that all the

Merteuil, me: that

instance; not that vex the

men

think of

her me;

me much, Chevalier told

because Danceny me that!

she is so fond thinks She even Its I am seemed

assures

prettier to be likes too at that it

It is very at it. Well, and

nice thats he!

of her to have a thing that I cant gives

pleased me that him

understand! me so much one eyes:

because

she I think look that

so much! only

... Oh,

pleasure!

to look if

at him I did it puts not

is enough fear out to of

to make meet his

prettier. for every

I should time

always,

happens hurt Adieu, as ever. PARIS, me;

to me, but

me

countenance,

ay and

seems

as though

no matter! friend: I am going to make my toilette. I love you as dearly

my

dear

14TH

AUGUST,

17--.

15 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL IT lead IS VERY here NICE of you not to abandon the excess me of to my its sad fate. and The its day, feet, after me life insipid I was and all, I

is really Reading a score

fatiguing, your letter

from and

repose

monotony. tempted beg does of not

the details some

of your

charming to your who, made vow,

of times

to invent in my Do

business, to your that

to fly Chevalier,

you

an infidelity, his happiness. talk

favor, you

merit Why

know

you

have that

jealous in we for

of him? a moment meant

to me of an eternal we that should I might which I giving of his it! not

rupture? have been

I abjure worthy

uttered it, had arms,

of frenzy: it. Ah,

to make in your

to keep

one day

avenge

myself,

the involuntary me! I am

vexation indignant, without

the happiness when the should Promise You take I

of your think that

Chevalier this but

has man,

caused without stupidly

confess, himself heart, ...

reasoning, following attain. yourself, Oh,

least find me

trouble, a felicity that

quite I

the instinct I will

to which trouble

cannot it. You and you

trouble not

I shall

are you than

humiliated? You believe

the trouble chains! watch

to deceive

him,

he is happier who What Listen, have not are

you.

he is in your while you

It is, indeed, over his

in his. would lovely

He

sleeps his slave friend:

tranquilly, do? so long

pleasures.

more my

as you

divide

yourself only all

among

many,

I of

the least 11

jealousy; of But man that

I see then preserving that should I shall you

in your among

lovers them

the successors that empire

Alexander, which them! suffer take bond

incapable alone.

over of not least,

I reigned That

should

give

yourself

entirely

to one I will or, at

another hope

exist suffer

as fortunate it. Either take

as myself! me back, caprice,

it; do not someone

else;

and do not which

betray,

by an exclusive

the inviolate

of friendship enough, myself

we have that

sworn. I should and confess have my to complain errors. of love. You in to in at much or

It is quite see, I lend love

no doubt, to your to live time,

ideas, without ones for

In fact, of ones I am very

if to be desire, really

is to be unable to it ones no more you

possessing pleasures, that. but for

the object ones life, not

sacrifice love. all food fear. You know

I am

advanced matter,

I should

even which whether

have gives

anything me

to tell for

of in this and

an incident not yet

reflection,

as to which

I know

I must

hope

my

chasseur, can

az

a treasure that his

of

intrigue, bade

and him

a real to fall

valet in

of love

comedy:

12 you

imagine

instructions

with

the waiting than I:

maid, he

and has

make

the household succeeded. one He

drunk. has

The just

knave discovered himself

is

more that as to as

fortunate Madame my

already

de Tourvel and

has charged even being to follow observed. of them

of her people morning

to inform

behavior,

me in my What all yet I

expeditions, pretension? which before

as far

he could then hardly avenging methods are the

without most

is this dares swear let Hitherto,

womans do ... us things ! But occupy these I you give to

Thus should think of over which This it.

modest to

we I

venture myself of

permit for this

ourselves. feminine

ruse,

ourselves excursions them ponder one. upon

turning have my

it to our had no

advantage. object; and I

suspected all my AT

needs take leave

must of

deserves Farewell, STILL

attention, friend.

lovely

THE

CHTEAU

DE

..., 15TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

16 CECILE AH, but MY I must VOLANGES SOPHIE, talk i have TO SOPHIE CARNAY I ought than not, perhaps, Chevalier know ba where I to tell Danceny to you: ...

a heap

of news!

to someone; that I can to and

it is stronger hardly the write: sweet

I! This

I am Ever

so perturbed since I with

I do not evening

begin. at

related him

you

which said

passed

Mammas, him was to you: thinking

Madame I did not

de Merteuil, want to speak then I asked it was. prevent time that

I have

no more

about but sad, that it I

it is because of him it gave

of him

to anybody; so sadoh, he answered he was the

constantly.

Since

he has grown him Finally, him why,

sad!that was not

me pain; well This

and when see that did not

so; but than with

I could

yesterday from having

even

sadder to sing heart. case; when want

ordinarily. me as usual; we had

kindness my in its

but

every

he looked to shut to play

at me it gripped up again my harp that

When and

finished the key no

singing, to me,

he went me

returning alone. but

begged of

evening not yes. and even He, my a

I was to play: had maid simply

I had he

suspicion me so

anything that retired In

at all; I told to my the him.

I did him room

begged

earnestly I had my

certainly, waiting letter, all can

his motive. had folded, gone, with

In effect, I went to

when get and

harp.

strings Ah,

I found if you knew that shut it

no seal, I have I read read

it was

from I feel straight I was

he asks think

of me! of nothing desk. I had

Since else.

his letter, times when

so much off, in bed, my not and

delight then

I it so

it four and,

up in my often there; quite that

I knew

it by heart; to sleep. all that

I repeated eyes, I saw

no thought

As soon just (it

as I shut read. I did still

him till to and but I

he told late; and,

me himself as soon read

I had awake

get to sleep early), with like I went me, that,

as I was it again

was

quite

get his then could At

letter

and

at my I did

ease. wrong

I carried to kiss

it to bed a letter

I kissed not present,

it as if ... Perhaps myself. dear friend,

check my for, and

if I ought

am not

very to reply

happy, to this reply, for

am

also I know he do

much that will you to I

embarrassed; should be sad advise speak like not,

assuredly, yet he asks the But same, you

letter.

me to; and, it is very no more who not a kind there

if I do not unfortunate tell than

I am sure him! What

again.

All

me to do?

can

I. I have of me. anything then

a great I should wrong. they That

desire

of it to Madame to console him;

de Merteuil, but I should

is so fond to do

indeed We us are to just

like

always follow either.

recommended its inspiration, a man our

to cherish directly neighbor

heart!

and

forbid is not

is question

of a man!

Is not

as much

as a woman,

if not

more

so? For,

after well were would sooner

all,

has not

one

ones The

father husband was

as well is still not

as ones something

mother, extra. M.

ones

brother

as if I

as ones to do

sister? something have sad;

Nevertheless, Danceny than that, time I

which a good and then,

right, of me!

perhaps Oh,

himself would enough. I shall be I to may great

no longer see him he wrote

opinion besides, I am this what then, he not

rather

I shall obliged

always to and, me, write

have

Because sure will

yesterday, de Merteuil I only And so that do

today:

to see Madame tell her all. If

evening, she tells

if I have I shall

the courage, nothing that in I

have me

reproach answer trouble! Farewell, PARIS,

myself him

with.

perhaps, need not

she be so

will sad!

tell Oh,

a little,

I am

my 19TH

dear

friend;

tell

me,

all the same,

what

you

think.

AUGUST,

17 -- .

17 THE CHEVALIER DANCENY TO CECILE VOLANGES TO the pleasure, or, shall you I have to need hear of I

BEFORE say, me.

SUCCUMBING, of writing to be bold I but wish all, my

MADEMOISELLE, to you, enough to justify save eyes, I commence my

the necessity I feel that, did

by imploring sentiments, be useless handiwork? my conduct you take from

to declare them,

indulgence; am have my I about I to tell silence

it would you your

to me. And and

What what even at it is

to do, you,

after that told

to show my

embarrassment, And why should

have to worthy

not which

you

already? have given to you;

offense you, it is

a sentiment doubtless as your charming touching precious? unhappy; homage. be, not me, you you. before my and

you

birth?

Emanating as my how

to be offered

if it is ardent known

soul,

pure your that so be my still from

own. face,

Shall your

it be a crime seductive adds a doubt: fate my which heart

to have talents,

to appreciate graces, qualities guilty, refuse and already one may

your

enchanting value to

candor No, and

which without

inestimable but without awaits

being me if you But

that

is the that

to accept I should far away

It is the first happy, my but

has offered. seen Yet you, you even

for

you,

tranquil.

I have

repose are

has fled

happiness

is insecure. sometimes,

surprised

at my

sadness; it affected But, cup to of be

ask me its cause: Ah, you speak but

I have my

thought will word

to see that

a word it, the

and

felicity that one

be your can Through

handiwork! fill you the I am

pronounce Be then

remember arbiter of

also

misery.

my

destiny. hands

eternally of such I shall you would that P.S. my You

happy

or wretched.

In what

dearer

can I commit

an interest

importance? end as I have me; I will begun, dare that by more, you imploring I will were your pray you indulgence. to reply and my I have to me. heart A begged refusal witness

to hear lead

me to think is equal make this

offended,

is a

respect can

to my to

love. send a reply, your hands; of the same method which convenient I

use,

employed

to bring

letter

into

it seems

to me as

as it is secure. PARIS, 18TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

18 CECILE WHAT, I had say, you that, rule, that ever And VOLANGES SOPHIE! already I ought do not were one I did found still YOU TO SOPHIE CARNAY for what I am about it. Clearly, ; and to do! you

BLAME anxiety, You how and

me in advance here you with are:

enough not know

are increasing great confidence here

to answer. exactly

speak

besides, sure

things would you

you

are not me.

to see. I am

you ought not

in my not want

place, to reply; to either:

you and

act like can thing

Assuredly, my not letter think

as a general of yesterday has

see from is, I do

but case. take on

the

anyone

herself to be

in quite obliged I counted

my to

my

decision yesterday

all

unaided! evening, did I know

Madame not him!

de come. It is It the

Merteuil, Everything almost is not

whom

seeing

conspires with

against her any that

me: I have

it is through seen him, her;

her that

that I have

always that

spoken me

to him. just in

I have

grudge Oh,

against

but

she

leaves

embarrassing Imagine! dared there. had not He look

moment. came here

I am greatly just not

to be pitied! as usual. speak to I was me, when so confused Mamma find that was that later beat he so I I

yesterday He could he would not him

at him.

because

I quite not written me it

expected to him. if I should

that

be grieved, what face me to

he should

I did like

know

to wear. harp. yes.

A moment My heart

he asked quick, back, look made bringing words; struck Mamma saying sing. an air anything, came begged leave While wanted impossible

to bring do

my

that it was at me, me

was even

as much worse.

as I could looked that to

answer for

When Hehe

came did ill. not It on two I doing.

I only such He Ah,

at him one tune

a second. have harp,

but very

he had unhappy.

a look began

would my

thought and

him

afterward, said these

it to me, but the it first was

he said, with

Mademoiselle! an accent that

... He only I was knowing to sing. had He no quite

such on we my

overwhelmed. I was

chords me if not wished not afraid

harp not well, I had for

without going and never

what

asked that

were

excused excuseI I chose I could Luckily,

himself, had purposely not sing there and should to

he was have I did was and to take

feeling that know; that

I, who had quite would

I could which and

a voice. sure that

I was

something the

be noticed. wheels, afraid

a visit, him

as soon away but the

as I heard my harp.

carriage very

I stopped, lest he

I was back. had one

much

at the same Mamma to look for

time; and

he came who for

lady again

arrived

were I met A

talking his eyes, later,

together, and it was

at him me to

instant. my own.

turn

away

on

moment

I saw

the

tears

rise,

and

he was

obliged

to turn hold

away in;

in order I felt

not that

to be observed. I too should Do you my weep. not cannot paper to the in salon. be

For I so see the I

an instant went sad, any out,

I could and

no longer wrote

myself

at once you; that, harp,

in pencil, to give it was his letter

on a scrap you a reply. than and

of paper: Surely, I. I put returned

I implore harm in

I promise and then

stronger had

strings felt

of my calm.

where

been,

more

It seemed visits said

to me very she went

long

until

the lady

went

away.

Luckily,

she had

more I

to pay; that

away my

shortly harp that

afterward. again, and

As soon begged nothing. harp in front not see, ...

as she was him But,

gone, fetch return, placed my for

I wanted from pleased in such he his

to have expression he was! a position squeezed not

to go and on his he

it. I saw oh, how himself hand, moment: withdrew And now,

he suspected my

As he set down that ... tell Mamma in

of me, and it was me. he

could

took

which but

but,

such

a way! which

only

a I

I could

you for

the pleasure which

it gave myself. abstain not

However,

it; so I have my dear I have pain;

nothing you my

to reproach I cannot then

friend, given for

must

see that and

from going

writing to give of can being my

to him, him doing there any

since more

promise; more than

I am

I suffer I should

he does. not is to I do my do save not fault; give

If it were it. But

a question harm from to write

anything be in

wrong,

certainly when it

what

writing,

especially me

somebody know and him how then

unhappy? letter: that but as long my

What he will

embarrasses surely feel

is that it is not me,

that from think

I am

certain

as it only dear friend.

comes If you the than

it will

pleasure. tell me; the but I do not does since I

Adieu, think my have PARIS,

that of

I am wrong, to him I must

so. The heart beat:

nearer more Adieu.

moment you can

writing

comes,

more

conceive.

do it, however,

promised. 20TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

19 CCILE YOU that VOLANGES WERE I went SO so far feel I do not I feel for SAD TO THE CHEVALIER Monsieur, to reply I ought my not word, and DANCENY that made me so sorry, me. have much not I ask have cause form give except turn, in a I

yesterday,

as to promise today wish you. again. that

to the letter to do and this: that

which

you

wrote as I how will that might not

nonetheless promised, friendship me to write written

however, must prove you

to break Now

that

you

know that you

that, will blamed,

I hope tell

to you

I hope I should I hope, would I would glad were: if

also

nobody and that will

to you, deal

because of pain. which that

be certainly above grieve not you all, that

me a great bad you opinion every

you

yourself than

of me, assurance I should

me more have done

anything.

I can

as much

to anyone in your that

yourself. and

be very you

would away to you

do me all

a favor

be less you. than

sad than You that

it takes I speak keep your

the pleasure sincerely. but

I feel

seeing better write I have CCILE PARIS,

see, Monsieur, I may always

very

I ask nothing do not

friendship;

I beg of you

to me again. the honor to be,

VOLANGES. 20TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

20 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT AH, you! must WRETCH, Come, even SO YOU I pardon forgive think my you you: flatter you me, write for fear that I shall a heap are kept make of a mock bb of that I

me

such you

nonsense

the virtue

in which show the idea.

by your

Prsidente. as I do; or to over he find it,

I do not would anything however, had but that my been I have

Chevalier man in really

would

as much of

indulgence our contract, mightily

not

be the amusing and there, was

to approve your mad

renewal I have

laughed over might with

vexed not

that

I had this

to laugh merriment

it by myself. not have

If you led me; say

I know for but and

whither

had time forever; with me,

reflection, I postpone, once

and am armed and

severity.

I do not

I refuse vanity

I am right at the game, you to here as soon But proofs

to do so. I should one knows not you with

bring where forget virtue,

wounded

one stops. your

I should

be the woman and if Iunworthy

to enslave Iwere dangers, bigot, yours.

again, disgust

to make you

Prsidente;

consider As soon with that, the in

the scandal! as you proof, affairs have come of

To avoid had your

these lovely and

are my as you you are

conditions: can furnish be me

to me

I am

cannot

ignorant By this a

importance, part, I shall

only

written

admitted. instead other

arrangement, consolation, success Come triumph; feet what her say the will then, like

on one and have come those that

become me

a recompense better: itself bring who on the

of being hand, your

notion

likes

added

piquancy

by being and

a means me came the

to an

infidelity. your ladies to know over to no I

as soon valiant fruits of

as possible, knights their

gauge bc of at their

of ours, victory.

to lay I am

brilliant can after

Seriously, and her

curious

a prude language, whether bd

write

after

such

a moment, any but from

what

veil

she casts It is for that it there good him you is

having myself then,

discarded too high;

person. you find

I price Till

I forewarn you myself you. will by

abatement. remain in spite However, moment, child: most

my

dear

Vicomte, and amuse may severe,

that happy,

faithful

to my

Chevalier

making

of the slight if my

annoyance were

this less

cause

morals

I think girl.

he would

have,

at by

this this

a dangerous it is a real

rival:

the little Unless I see

Volanges

I am bewitched become one and ardor; in love, much about

passion. women. She

I be deceived, her loves himself, not little her heart

she will

of our it is a she still The

fashionable spectacle. nothing

developing, with

ravishing knows

already He dares

Danceny

but has it.

about

it yet. and

although tell

greatly her too

the timidity

of his age,

as yet

two mighty saw

of

them desire

are

united

in her

adoring secret

me. to me.

The

little

one days her

especially ago,

has

a I by not

to confide oppressed, but

A few done

particularly, service I should

her

really

and I do not

should forget

have that has

a great and

assisting like to

her a little: compromise but with I am him often

she is a child, spoken I refuse my the pupil; time, to me

myself. my

Danceny

somewhat him.

more the I in that his

clearly; little would Corsica time,

course

is resolved; to make her me I have

to hear

As to that

one, fain

tempted

it is a service since

render the we

Gercourt. month will In he of give effect, dare

He

leaves

he is to stay use of of

until and that

October. him what in

a notion

to make woman,

a fully must

informed be the

instead sense of who child

innocent of this

schoolgirl. man, that

insolent

security has to

sleep yet been know and that, you. 17--.

comfort, avenged? what

while Believe not

a woman me, if the

complain here Adieu, make will at this

of him

has not

were

moment,

I do not night, you taken

I would to you:

say to her. do, for Gods sake,

Vicomte; progress.

good Bethink having

success if you

but

do not

have

this

woman,

the others

blush

for

PARIS,

20TH

AUGUST,

21 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL AT step, know lost. silence least I LAST, and that MY one LOVELY which, friend, I have taken and taken a step forward: a really let great me

if it has not road, my

me to my dispelled and

goal,

has at least I was the that in, that

I am on the right at been last declared

the fear although a reply

I was

have has

love;

most is,

obstinate the let

maintained, and the most

I have flattering:

obtained but

perhaps, events,

equivocal farther

let us not

anticipate

us begin You will

back. that a watch means my was set upon turn with was Yesterday to seize not pay this my movements. edification; Well, and I

remember that this I did. in was

resolved this poor

scandalous I charged the not that

should

to public the task in need

is what wretch

confidant who

of finding of

me some This me the myself face I I at

neighborhood difficult they were who to fulfill. going could

succor. he gave morning,

commission the information of there

afternoon, in the

today, their

goods that might declared must the

a whole was

family

taxes.

I assured whose well

no girl my

or woman

among

household when I was

age or informed,

render

action my

suspicious;

and,

at supper justice which

intention

of going

after

game

in the morning. a certain strength to

Here

render orders

to my she had

Prsidente; given; and,

doubtless not having

she felt the my

remorse vanquish going

her curiosity, be excessively and which

she had hot; tire I

at least ran

enough risk

to oppose of making and

desire. ill; this let

It was I

to kill her quite

the

myself during all

should

nothing, eyes,

myself

to no

purpose; better than

dialogue, me see I a

spoke, that

perhaps,

she

wished, bad and reasons

sufficiently careful diatribe obscured, that did not

she desired

me

to take may sport that and of

these believe,

for

good.

was little

to surrender, sportsmen

as you and

I even

resisted humor for

against during

and

a little

cloud

of ill

which

all the evening, had been on the revoked, strength

celestial that

brow.

I feared might

a moment me. so was I

her orders not calculate My

her delicacy

hinder and

a womans

curiosity;

deceived. to bed. At daybreak

chasseur

reassured

me the same

evening,

and I went

satisfied

I rose the spy

and who

started was to the to

off.

Barely me.

fifty

yards

from after to rogue

the the

chteau, game, with followed speed, and

perceived walked other me,

follow village

I started I wished to the had

across pleasure

country on not the

whither a run often

make, who at full

no

road

than

to give the road,

and

who,

daring

to quit

to cover,

a three

times

greater hot myself,

distance and

than

mine.

By

dint

of exercising of a tree. me,

him, He

I had to

was the sit

excessively insolence down although lesson was to

I sat down not

at the twenty

foot paces

steal

behind

a bush, for small of curiosity:

from gun

and

as well! it only

I was

tempted

a moment shot, would

to fire have for him, this

my

at him, him a

which, sufficient that him. question he

contained

given

as to the dangers and even I reach the to my five action, me from the eyes face, savage peasant, to me image

luckily projects;

I remembered saved I to

useful

necessary

to my

reflection I step

However, somebody; yielding of which simple round from

the village; facts are

I see a commotion; I have the

forward; called

related.

collector nobly and

me; for After be

and, lack this

generous persons you the of

compassion, were to be left imagine

I pay

fifty-six their

livres, despair.

to straw a crowd

cannot

what

of benedictions tears of gratitude

echoed poured his hideous when

witnesses the aged

of the head

scene! of the

What family,

and rendered this

embellished really spectacle,

patriarchal by the

which, marks younger, with

a moment of despair! who led

before, I was

had

been

watching and two to them, instant my but in doing

another advanced feet

a woman and said

children Let

by the hands, fall at the

hasty

steps

us all

of this

of God; at my

and at the same I will confess

I was weakness: delicious good;

surrounded my eyes

by the were I am be much to had

family, moistened astonished tempted merit pay

prostrate by

knees. I felt one what

tears,

and

an involuntary experiences we call

emotion. and I should not so

at the to believe lead

pleasure that

virtuous that which them

people may they these. same but

have be, had

as they these poor ten again,

us to suppose. for me, were the and not

However pleasure I gave pathetic

I found given

it just me. I

people with they

brought began produced gratitude However,

louis but

The

acknowledgments necessity expression had of

to the was gifts.

degree: a simple

the great,

the true

effect;

the rest

and astonishment in the midst unlike you will

at superfluous

of the loquacious of a drama, the faithful myself

benedictions in the scene spy was

of this

family,

was bf My the

by no means Above purpose chteau. genius. one day all, was On This

the hero remark

of the denouement. in all, this and crowd. regained

also

fulfilled: further woman titles have any you

I disengaged consideration, is, doubtless, with the her; right and

from

them

I congratulated well worth all

myself the pains sort,

on my I take; as it were, to my

inventive they paid fantasy, will in

be my I shall having to tell

having,

in some of her,

advance, without I forgot

to dispose

according

cause that,

to reproach to turn

myself. to profit, I asked these good

everything

people prayers me that waited our

to pray have supper to end

for not

the success been already and rising for

of my in part it would from

projects. hearkened be too To

You to....

shall But

see whether they come to

their tell if in lovely I

is ready, it after sorry, from

late

to dispatch

this

letter,

table.

be continued, finest part.

therefore, my her.

next. You

I am steal

the

sequel

is the

Adieu,

friend. AT THE

me a moment DE ..., 20TH

of the pleasure AUGUST, 17 -- .

of seeing

CHTEAU

22 THE YOU M. have PRSIDENTE WILL, de Valmont represented DE TOURVEL BE well TO MADAME Madame, to all to have in people DE VOLANGES of a trait which in you of all well

DOUBTLESS, which him seems to me. to find

pleased, contrast

to hear under

in great

those

It is so painful only vices

to think who

unfavorably possess love you a so

anybody, the qualities

so grievous necessary that,

should you give

to make were too

virtue

lovable!

Moreover, you, M. I must

to be indulgent for reconsidering to hope I base my morning in some

it only harsh

to oblige judgment. almost

reason to me is on

your for this

de Valmont justice;

seems and this

entitled what This believe you much

favor,

I might

say this

opinion. he made project one of those excursions in the vicinity, myself him, and which just might lead one came with us, to to too since going

on his part, I accuse for unjust,

as the idea entertained luckily for

of one;

an idea

which

of having above all

precipitation. saved

bg Luckily from being bh and

we are thus in but the same

one of my this

men

happened that my M.

to be

direction, curiosity

it is from He in

source

reprehensible de Valmont, were

fortunate found sold the

was

satisfied. family unable

related the village their

to us that

having being to pay

an unfortunate they of of were

ofwhose taxes, not

goods only to this this talking they

because debt sum

to pay but

hastened gift virtuous among described, a

these money. to me him, by

poor My in

people, servant addition said to be that that

even

added of

considerable action; and

was that

a witness the peasants, whom de

he related and with

themselves and who

had mine

a servant, of M.

is believed yesterday of help. If

Valmont,

had who

sought might of of the it which that he air by of his is

information be in need

as to any that by

of the inhabitants it was not

of the village merely the a passing deliberate

be so, the for noble

feeling project it was design, of

compassion, doing fairest good; virtue

suggested it was of

opportunity: the chance souls: but

it was of being be it the from he he

a search most and

benevolent; chance mere or recital

the

nonetheless moved when began attaching modesty. After that, me

a laudable to tears. to I will him of

generous more, action, bi and

action, and still

add this

a sense never it

of justice, mentioned, had the

I spoke by

which when

had

excusing so little

himself, importance

admitted of it was

to it, that

the merit

enhanced

tell

me, libertine?

my

esteemed If he can What!

friend,

if

M.

de

Valmont that and

is indeed yet with behave the

an so, good

irreclaimable what is left

be no more are the

than

for

honest

folk?

wicked

to share

the sacred receive Divine blessings may does more which opinion, friendship I have P.S. have good

joy

of charity? the hands and

Would of a villain could

God

permit for

that

a virtuous they pure

family render lips

should thanks to their as he only they who one

from

succor Him

which to hear

Providence, upon lasted,

it please No! I prefer forever;

bestow long that

a reprobate? do not

to hold and

that

errors, think

endure

I cannot

can be the enemy of me. the If, danger on

of virtue. of

M.

de Valmont

is perhaps of this him

instance pleases on the which

acquaintances. it may and life. serve more

I remain to justify

opinion in your tender

one

side, more for

other, unites

it renders me to you

precious

to me the

the honor Madame this de

to be, etc. Rosemonde and and I are going and with their this moment our shall to tardy at least that see aid for to

ourselves that these believe, AT THE of M. good

worthy

unfortunate shall of take

family, him

to unite

de Valmont. people the

We

us. We benefactor

give is, I

pleasure for DE

seeing

again:

all he has left CHTEAU

us to do. ... , 20TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

23 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I LEFT I had room, place the OFF only where was frame. AT time my my return to the chteau: a hurried was gazette working to my than that dear, acquired recital said honor with whom, her of toilette, at her old I resume ere my tale. to the the cur took almost my drawing of seat the by

to make beauty the

I repaired while and and

tapestry, I went

reading Glances

aunt.

sweeter

were

customary, had already lady without could

caressing, of the a a

enabled his

me soon

to divine the had whose

the servant inquisitive ; indeed she; and

given no of

an account keep

mission. which

Indeed, she

longer

secret venerable piece

fear

interrupting I too have with may

pastor,

resembled

a sermon: related my

of news

to recite, which play did

and suddenly

adventure, You a I

an exactitude conceive when what

to the intelligence my modesty: but

of her historian. who can stop

I made

woman, decided she was not gesture, by She its had de the turn. from

she praises to the hope, had let

the man her have bj

without head. One All

knowing would this in her time

it, she loves? have I thought

therefore making without which already hardly

panegyric all the

a saint. of love and, betrayed

was

observing, her which, soul.

promises lively;

animated all, her

gaze; voice, of her said

become

more

above the

perceptible finished

alteration, speaking come not when: and

emotion nephew, you. being in my sufficient

Come,

my

Madame that

Rosemonde pretty

to me,

let me embrace herself she was from soon

I felt

at once

preacher

could

prevent but

embraced arms, and,

in her so far

However, having The

she wished the strength I observe to return her

to fly; to resist, this

she had scarcely the more and well

to maintain

herself. She of her

more

woman, frame, I saw

desirable

she appears had the hand

to me.

hastened resuming from After had this

to her But

to everybody her trembling

appearance prevented

tapestry.

continuing dinner, so piously second the

her work. ladies insisted on going to see the them. My return is of I one her unfortunates you the whom tedium I of

succored;

I accompanied and praise. for than means

I spare heart,

scene hurries

of gratitude

impelled

by a delicious On never the effect same the a way, word. which silence. from intention, us

recollection, my fair

on the moment more in pensive the

to the chteau. wont, said by

Prsidente, as I was of the

Occupied the episode

seeking had was We

profiting maintained

day

produced, the only

the and that

Madame but scant

de Rosemonde and few replies.

to speak, her;

obtained was my

must

have

bored

and

it succeeded. and sweet left

Thus, my

on stepping fair one which and

from myself

the carriage, tte--tte, timid love. into served

she passed bk in a dimly

into

her

apartment rooma I had not I wished. skill When on me, I of my one

lighted

obscurity

emboldens

to be at the pains The fervor

to lead

the conversation preacheress

the channel me better than

which any

of the amiable

own. is capable of doing good, life said in doing or that clear she, ill? censure, have your said not eyes, will I, and yet you I cannot me. far to too my letting her sweet gaze rest

how

can one pass ones either who that have may

do not

deserve, how my you,

praise so

imagine Though worthy conduct

a wit, me in

divined are

confidence I should

damage

of it that in my

be able which I have

to refuse

it. You far their too

find

the key

character,

is unhappily imitated

easygoing. I have attracted

Surrounded perhaps here at praise made by the least, me (You I you

by persons it a point example endeavored today see, went would my on, fair

of no morality, of vanity of virtue,

vices; way,

to surpass without you.

them.

In the same to come the action if you

ever Ah,

hoping perhaps eyes truth owe but

up to you, for which its true It

I have, you

to imitate lose friend, these

all value how

in your near the

knew

motive! to myself, you think

I touched.) their rescue.

is not

that

unfortunates action, I did

Where to please.

see a praiseworthy else, (Here very had since I must

seek

a means

I was whom I

nothing adore. At this I to

say it, but have

the weak me,

agent but

of the divinity not give

she would moment vowed

interrupted I added, my

I did only you;

her time.) my

even, that

secret before

escapes I made

from

weakness. happiness of

I would virtues

be silent

it my

render you have myself by

to your should before

as much remain the

as to your but of

charms incapable

a pure of not

homage deception, have that to

which when I

always my eyes

ignorant; example

candor, bl Do

I shall not

reproach you my my

to you

with any

guilty criminal

dissimulation. hope. they

believe

I insult but of my I you

entertaining will

I shall will

be miserable, to me I will anew; consoled to me, the cast

I know; immensity down

sufferings love; There

be dear feet, draw bounty,

to me:

prove that

it is at your shall I

it is on your the and you strength I shall whom

bosom to deem

woes. find will

suffer myself

there

shall

compassionate have me! By this time pitied me.

because pity me,

Oh,

I adore!

hearken

succor

I was

at her them Oh,

feet, and,

and

I pressed them me!

her over

hands her

in

mine; cried tears.

but with Luckily

she an I

suddenly expression

disengaged of despair,

folding

eyes, into

wretched

then

burst

was

exalted

to such with

a degree my grief tears. that

that This

I also

wept;

and, was

seizing most

her hands necessary; my the own, privilege

again, for she I of the of

I bathed was not

them

precaution not

so full taken

of her this

she would her.

have

perceived gained more

had

means

of informing that My

I moreover face, hot, yet and

considering potent myself What if, charm that is this

at my

leisure tears.

charming head grew

embellished was

by

of her I was

so little

I master

tempted

to profit

by that

moment. is the force of circumstances triumph, seduced Madame the the by de

weakness my own battle

of ours? projects, and the

of what I risked details of

avail losing,

forgetting

by a premature defeat ; if, of but

charms the

of a long of the

of a painful the fruit

desires to

youth, pain

I thought of plucking, one

exposing for the

conqueror of victory, let her

Tourvel consolation her first let

insipid but let to be to

of having fight; her let her, relish

had

woman having

more? strength

Ah,

surrender, have weakness

without at her her

to conquer, of her

enough and

resist;

leisure defeat!Let

the

sentiment us leave your perhaps

constrained kill

to confess the stag

it to the true hunter

obscure will

poacher give

at a bound this I had

he has surprised; sublime? it, had Yet not

it a run. regretting of my

Is not that

project not

of mine followed

I should come to

be now the rescue

chance

prudence. We heard a noise. in alarm, I could not Someone rose but of that her was coming to the drawing room. Madame and left As de the soon paces,

Tourvel, room.

precipitately, let her go.

seized It was her. only

one of the candles, one of the hardly

servants. gone a few

as I was before, of terror, entered, her; have and but

assured whether I heard

this,

I followed recognized her

I had me, and

she had quicken the door locked the

or for flung

some herself behind

vague into, her.

sentiment rather I went that the than after would good

steps,

her chamber, the door to give idea of was her

of which inside.

she closed careful easy

I was of a too the tears, potent

not

to knock;

been simple

chance through with one

resistance. and

I had this

peeping bathed

keyhole, and

I saw praying. resist I who

adorable What In order God vain, her

woman did she

on her dare

knees, invoke? will

fervently to Tis

Is there she invoke

enough aid!

love? will

henceforward, destiny. Thinking and given started out I had

extraneous

done

enough to you. was to

for

one

day,

I too

withdrew

to my

own but

room, she had de a that

to write that she

I hoped

to see her again and her; but had the gone

at supper; to bed. invalid You may

indisposed, go up her to

Madame alleged guess

Rosemonde headache

wished which

cunning

prevented

from

seeing

anybody.

after

supper

the

interval room, the

was

short,

and

that

too

had

my of this this and

headache. severity, I my had written

Withdrawing and slept epistle. exhibited again, but went badly, I

to my to bed

I wrote intention

a long of

letter

to complain it to her letter. I rose

with can

delivering of this been than

morning. reread

as you discovered less love

see by the date that I had not

sufficiently ill humor.

restrained, It must be

than

ardor,

less regret

in a calmer day break,

mood. and I hope the freshness to my bed; which and, accompanies whatever may it be will the with

I see the bring power

me sleep. of this

I am going over to think DE IN

to return me,

woman time

I promise of you.

you

never my 17 -- ,

to be so occupied lovely friend!

her as to lack AT AT THE FOUR

much ... , 21ST THE

Adieu,

CHTEAU OCLOCK

AUGUST,

MORNING.

24 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL AH, tell and Why MADAME, me what misfortune, did I not to DEIGN I am to hope uncertainty know how Content love; and IN pity to calm Cast the trouble of my soul, of deign happiness to you? my the the to

or fear.

between torment.

the extremes Why charm silence, did

is a cruel to resist to

I speak

the imperious you in

which I had

betrayed at least by

thoughts consolation image has cruel

you? of my grief, my

adore this for pure my I saw

sentiment, but tears

untroubled that flow, source since

then of

of your

sufficed since

felicity; your

happiness that

become Ah,

despair, me! will

I heard

wretched those

Madame,

words

echo

long inspire

within nothing

my

heart.

By

what What

fatality then I is

can this have

the sweetest fear? Ah, it

of the sentiments is not is not that of

but your mine,

terror? heart, which

reciprocation: for love;

which you

misunderstood, unceasingly, were wretch yourself you; him you not so,

made one not his when

calumniate pitiless. to withdrawn of by and seeing letting inform did of If it the

is the only you told his would you sight, not you health; you twelve have of

which have

is disturbed: refused you

yours of

is even

a word would

consolation have that

who from

sufferings;

not

he has no other a cruel without have of game

pleasure with his him

than

would that

played ill,

anxiety to go night him

be told

were you

permitting felt that would

himself but pain. For fear what to mean

of your for

would hours

the same be for

which

repose

a century

cause, take you

tell for

me, my

have

I deserved what by

this have

intolerable I done, then,

severity? but by yield

I do to

not an

judge:

involuntary restrained and not

sentiment, by respect, of hope? Will

inspired the innocent you betray

beauty avowal that trust,

and

justified was you

virtue,

always of trust to

of which which without

the effect yourself No,

seemed I

permit believe bare think which generous need me:

me, that:

and

to which

I yielded

myself a fault my you you you

reserve? heart

cannot at the but

it would

be to imply one. Ah, let

in you,

and my

revolts

idea them is

of detecting never! left aid. me! What not your give

I withdraw me to believe me that

reproaches; perfect; are so helped in which it by

write is the

them one

I can,

pleasure me your much

Prove poor

granting who you mine; was

wretch me since

have to the you

ever

in so

as I? Do lend me me,

abandon reason me light

frenzy have your

have after

plunged having

ravished work.

corrected

to complete

I would you shall

not

deceive

you;

you

will

never

succeed my

in subduing conduct, misfortune that will you

my

love;

but my

teach you will

me to moderate save all me, that

it: by guiding from fear;

by dictating of forgive have need:

speech, you. you

at least, dreadful

the dire tell me You

displeasing me, as will that much you

Dispel pity me;

above assure

me of your but

indulgence. that

never I have

as I should refuse Adieu, it hinders AT THE

desire

in you;

I invoke

of which

it me? Madame; not that be kind of my DE enough respect. ... , 20TH AUGUST, 17 -- . to receive the homage of my sentiments;

CHTEAU

25 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL THIS IS YESTERDAYS and, under BULLETIN. her auspices, who as badly away went was still At eleven oclock I visited into eyes the Madame presence very

de Rosemonde, of the pretended I hope

I was in her

introduced bed. Her

invalid,

looked

worn;

she slept had bed,

as I did. to deliver decorously her dear

I seized my to child. was

a moment letter: it was of

when

Madame but aunts I

de Rosemonde left it on the

turned and

refused; my old

the

side

armchair. the letter

She wished to avoid

to be near The

It was

necessary

to conceal that she

scandal. fever.

invalid

artless

enough

to say

thought her had feeling which and me

she had a little vaunting double that her

Madame my

de Rosemonde of to be

persuaded My her

me to feel beauty then and of

pulse, the

mightily vexation little of

knowledge forced to

medicine. give me

being was

hand, her

falsehood of mine, naughty

discovered. the other,

I took I ran over which

hand, fresh

I pressed rounded arm.

in one The

while, creature

with made

her

no response, the slightest

impelled I to her that

to

say,

as I withdrew, that her gaze later

There would she

is not

even and

symptom. I refused we left out I

suspected meet alone. it:

be severe, said that she was

to punish to rise, one;

her, and

a moment appeared not take

wished a somber

She

at dinner, a walk,

which was

she gave me that aware that,

she would have point, for

which

as much her.

as to tell well

should at this

no opportunity I must for put it was

of conversing in a sigh and

with

I was

a mournful

look;

no doubt

she was

waiting

that,

the one moment

of the day

when ruses

I succeeded like another. to inform Yes, this

in meeting bm me I found of my

her eyes. a moment fate, I and

Virtuous to ask I was written it were till

as she is, she has her little of her if she had had the

kindness

somewhat to you.

astonished I again, was

when

she answered, anxious to have

Monsieur, letter, she did apartment. see sure of with the she men needs, despair, to much be to but not I

have

mighty

whether give send what

a ruse the

or for when first that

awkwardness, she of was mine;

or shyness, retiring read to her and

it to me it you,

evening, as the

as well falsity then

draft

judge; I am

signal and fear

she says she will

she feels

no love,

when her

contrary; does can not

complain

if I deceive My lovely

afterward, the cleverest woman. myself It is hard

when of

to deceive than

me before! on a level all this to Ah,

friend,

do no more feign it

keep

with

the truest and severity ... But weary !

I must with not still

however, because revenged

to believe

nonsense, play at

pleases

Madame baseness!

on such

patience!

adieu.

I have

write. happen sheets, I say day. AT

By later

the

way,

return

me

the

letter one

of

the

fair a value

barbarian; to those

it

might

that

she would

expect

to attach

wretched

and one must nothing to you

be in order. of the little Volanges; we will talk of her at an early

THE

CHTEAU

OF ... , 22ND

AUGUST,

17 -- .

26 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT ASSUREDLY, from today too, and me, did MONSIEUR, not my foolish YOU WOULD of Yes, never yesterday I wept, have received any compel it: letter me

conduct with you.

evening I confess

to have the words words,

an explanation which you you remarked

perhaps, me; to tears you

are so careful everything;

to quote I

to me did then

escape explain

must

everything. Accustomed conversation enjoy how a feeling either to to to inspire which of only I can listen which or to honorable without I venture combat into which the sentiments, a blush, to say and to hear only to not The a fear, been myself as have

consequently I know receive. me; have

security

I deserve, I

dissimulate

impressions conduct should idea and my wretched. been instead have far of treated tears,

astonishment I know thrust not upon

and embarrassment of what, me; with inspired perhaps, the women

your which

threw never

by a situation even whom the you

revolting despise, provoked I was have if,

seeing

confounded they made which tears are: me you and all

as lightly and may

these

causes

in conjunction reason, would another offend that certainly

say, think

I think

with

This too of feared

expression, weak, if my

so strong, had must

utterance which

motive; me,

disapproving lest I should

sentiments share No, away having not them. Monsieur, from

need

I could

I have you,

not

that go

fear; and

if I had, weep in spite in

I would a desert

fly

a hundred

leagues of of to

I would Perhaps

at the

misfortune I am better

known you,

you.

even,

of the certainty I should you

in which have done me.

loving

of never of my is my who already

loving friends, sole

you,

perhaps

follow

the counsels and woman, who criminal me. error: it

and forbid I believed better you,

to approach that you

I believed, virtuous you with not

error, nothing defending You

would you

respect to

a do her do out to

asked was

than while

to find you no,

so and outraging

justice; your know

were

avowals. you you have to

do not not

know have

me; thought

Monsieur, to make

you a right not a

Otherwise because not not your

would made

of your hear, which dictate those follow

had

proposals

to me which

I ought me

you

would

thought and Very

yourself you well, ask

authorized me to guide silence

to write your and

letter to

I ought to you are the them;

read:

conduct, forgetfulness, you it

speech! which will

Monsieur, me

counsels then you

it becomes indeed have

to give to

you, my

as it will

to will

rights

indulgence:

only

rest

with to

you a man

to obtain who who I did my

even has has not most not

my

gratitude.... me; security.

But

no, I will give force

not no me

address mark to of fear, else of it

a request confidence perhaps than the

respected my to;

I will You

to a man to hate nephew to the you: of

abused want

I wished friend;

to see in you I opposed You have

naught the voice

respected which want make

friendship all; I

public you will

voice not to

accused to repair it clear it. to

you.

destroyed

and I foresee, am anxious, me; my that

Monsieur, their one avowal day

you and,

that

your all,

sentiments that, so far ever the

offend from again silence from beg any

is an outrage them,

to me; you

above

coming

to share do not

would

force

me to refuse subject,

to see you, which you. that trace

if you

impose

on yourself, to expect you have

as to this and even written

it seems

to me I have letter return that

the right which

to demand and I if

I enclose you will

in this similarly

to me,

me this: which

I should never

be sincerely to have

grieved

remained

of an incident to be, etc. DE ... , 21ST

ought

occurred.

I have AT

the honor

THE

CHTEAU

AUGUST,

17 -- .

27 CECILE LORD! would you, my VOLANGES HOW be easier too, very is very dear GOOD to me difficult; TO YOU THE are, MARQUISE Madame! to you is it not to try how than true not DE well MERTEUIL you understood I have friend? that to Oh I have to it tell yes, so me I

to write but

to speak! that you

What

are my

friend!

I am going of your my looks to

to be afraid;

and then,

much that blush it was

need

of you,

counsels! thoughts; at me. speak you I could it; to

I am so very and, especially

grieved, when you I do the

it seems

everybody as soon because me; in spite would

guesses as anyone I wished and,

he is there, saw not me know my for crying, what tears you, then?

Yesterday, you, me have what since and what said would four

when then, was

prevented flowed Mamma That It was that found M.

when

asked not and

matter, word. But

of myself. have

a single have days

noticed life,

become ago!

of me

is how

I pass my day,

especially yes,

on that

Madame, Danceny I did tell not you

I am going to me: at I did all not have well him

to tell oh, it

you,

it was you but, deal

on that that when to tell

day I a in he that, that not to to

le Chevalier his letter, I cannot it; not you have see,

wrote know that

I assure was:

what take sorrow that

not

falsehood, reading should

a great all I ought vexed it; for Oh, not and,

of pleasure than that him

I would it. But you himself, I could that was that

sooner I knew I told

my

life

written assure than

not

to tell

and I can even it was answer him but, stronger him,

I was believe

at it: but

he said

and I quite not help

I had resolved only

and and

yet

myself. him

I have to write

written

once, in spite

even

partly on writing and nor

to tell

to me answer

again: him, that to I be

of that, well know that what

he goes

to me; pains will

as I do not still:

I see quite no longer

he is sad, to do,

that what

me more happen,

so much much

and

I am

pitied. Tell time more me, I beg you, Only and Madame, until to know would it be very able were happen have wrong to reply not for, See, and to write as for to him to me me, if his sure from any this last that

to time? himself,

he has been stay as we will

to resolve before: to me. done;

continues, letter,

I do not

what I should

in reading I am very of pain. and

I cried

as though him

never

if I do not I am decide; you going you

answer

again, his

it will letter

cause as well,

us a great or rather in you there to ask what to

deal

to send will that you it

you

a copy, he asks. restrain

you

will if but I

quite must

see there not be, like

is no

harm

However, myself; there.

think that I am

I promise me, and that me

believe While

will it,

think

is no harm you one

about

Madame,

permit

more

question.

They that? that

have What it is not

always makes wrong

told me

me ask

that you and

it was is that that

wrong M.

to love

anyone; Danceny loves;

but

why

is

le Chevalier everybody from heard

maintains is so, that say speak be She at all. me; but you but, you I

at all,

almost

if that

do not

see why wrong

I should for

be the only ladies? with

one to refrain For I have

it; or is it then Mamma she did herself not

it is only that

young

Madame

D---

was

in love was

Monsieur wrong; and my

M --- , and yet liking

of it as a thing angry treats with me,

which

so very only

I am sure for M.

she would Danceny.

if she were like a child,

to suspect Mamma; the that

me always when

does from

and she tells that about how long

me nothing to marry you; if

I believed, but you know, since all,

she took no:

me

convent, I care perhaps,

it was it,

at present who

it seems

it is not

I assure

are so friendly you will

with tell

her know, me. This

it stands; letter,

and,

I hope you have

is a very to you,

Madame; by it to tell

allowed on your

me to write friendship.

I have

profited

and I count the honor 23RD

I have PARIS,

to be, etc. 17 -- .

AUGUST,

28 THE WHAT, can bend CHEVALIER DANCENY YOU day bears TO CECILE STILL away which to render VOLANGES to it the answer hope subsists me! which Nothing it had us, if it

MADEMOISELLE! you, What and then each is this

refuse with you you

brought!

friendship enough while from

agree

between pain;

if it be not leaves I cannot even nothing that! which You And you would you

even cold

powerful and tranquil, if, far

sensible

to my

I experience you your for

the torments with confidence, suffers and

of a fire it does and you

that not do him of

extinguish; to

inspiring What! ask you

suffice

induce him! wish fear be be He him

your does

pity? but

friend a word,

to help you even not

you

refuse

to content

himself

with

a sentiment

so feeble,

to reiterate ungrateful, ready only to

the assurance! you repay said love yesterday: with friendship ah, is believe not to me, fear I you, I

Mademoiselle, ingratitude, dare if not

to

it is to dread discuss not with you you;

the having

the appearance can confine this my task only

of it. However, be a burden myself to

a sentiment I must how need will that your

which

it does how

interest

at least painful of all my

it within will

until hide every that to

learn from means;

to conquer that is

it. I feel have

be; I do not attempt it even is try

myself there

I shall one

strength; most

I will dearly, I will

which often

cost own

heart

of see

repeating you What! shall most Never, made you! enough surest

to myself

is insensible.

less often, I should never tender I feel for But my this

and I am already lose the sweet it! will

busy habit An

in seeking of seeing you

a plausible every will and day!

excuse. Ah, at least of I the

cease love;

to regret and you

eternal

sorrow it,

be the it will

price

have

wished

be your you alone

work! were for well the

it, shall heart; vow

I recover with you what will says

the happiness delight not I would

I lose take

today; a vow

to live teaches

only me

accept

; your in my

silence behalf: fashion

that proof

your

heart

nothing and

to you

it is at once of announcing

of your

indifference

the most

cruel

it to me. I dare to me not

Adieu, flatter with

Mademoiselle. myself impatience, but pity, with the hope friendship friendship and of a reply: with love love would even strangers have pity to written with your

pleasure, are equally

complacence; heart. PARIS, 23RD

AUGUST,

17 -- .

29 CCILE I TOLD and VOLANGES YOU, you SOPHIE, that TO that SOPHIE there CARNAY were cases greatly to the in with which one might followed Danceny write; your and who to all her sure to all that is to a

I assure which The who

I reproach

myself grief

having

advice, myself. woman She

has brought proof surely that

so much right

Chevalier

I was

is that as I do.

Madame

de Merteuil, everything explained

knows, at first very

thinks as you

I confessed I had asks

her. her, my I

talked

to me that all

did:

but

when

she agreed letters say how much How will and

it was those

different;

she only Danceny,

me to show to make tranquil.

of the Chevalier I should; de Merteuil! there thus,

in order I am and

nothing I love

but

what

at present,

Heavens, very

Madame

She is so good! more

she is a woman

respected. I am going be even more and

Thus,

is nothing Danceny, for

to be said. how pleased only love. he will spoken I think for be! of it He my was I

to write so than

to M.

and hitherto

he thinks, wanted anyhow,

I have of my and

friendship, much told ought oneself:

he always thing; but

me to tell I did she told not

him dare,

the same this not

he longed right, no any

that. one

to Madame to confess

de Merteuil; that that one

me that until

I was can

and that longer

feels

love, not him that teach for,

one myself

restrain after all,

now

I am sure thing,

I could give also would

restrain greater she

longer;

it is the same Madame spoke and faults, of

and it will told which me

pleasure. lend me books which properly, of has all my only that might

de Merteuil all that, better is me and

would

me you she

to behave see, likes of my these

myself me she

to write which

than a

I know how

now:

she tells me; books,

proof

much to Mamma

recommended would vex seem her. Oh,

to say

nothing

because and that

to suggest I shall

that

she has neglected about that it to her!

education,

say nothing however, care

It is very me should have She known has

extraordinary, take her! asked box; all more

a woman my mother!

who

is scarcely lucky

related for

to

of me than

It is very

me to

also in her to talk

Mamma

to

bring me that

me we

the shall of

day

after

tomorrow alone

to there,

the and that she not that

Opera, we much are

she has told the the time, opera. quite about about

be quite

without We true it. shall that By

fear

being also of

overheard: my marriage: ; but

I like for

better

than

speak I was the

has told been Mamma Adieu,

me that to

it was more nothing

to be married way, is it not

we have

able

say

astonishing

has said my Sophie,

it at all? to write to the Chevalier Danceny. Oh! I am

I am going

very

happy. 24TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

PARIS,

30 CECILE AT LAST, VOLANGES MONSIEUR of my not love, TO THE CHEVALIER to write that you, doubt suppose in the not your even you DANCENY to you, would to assure be unhappy. that you that you have did would told you me too are been not you of You my say

, I consent since heart; you without

friendship, that and that I have I hope, I have

a good

I assure no longer do you for

indeed, it. If that

mistaken, grieved me to do

at present, not written fact

to you, is that, and

grieve I like of my much both

as well? anything if I could I hope very I trust come home, engaged so very of that: much like

But that have

the was

nothing

world, have

wrong;

I would but

love, pain. be

prevented you

myself: will

sadness

gave and that

that,

at present,

be sad no longer,

we shall

happy. to have early; and the pleasure never she of seeing you this evening, wish. and Mamma you that you will at be to talk as

it will I believe

be so early will ask before went I love only

as I could you to stay:

is to sup will you not went

I hope

as you agreeable? now as you that

were

the day you know I am

yesterday.

Was But

the supper come,

For you for

to it very you, happy

early. you

let us not with and I me

I hope when

will with

remain you,

can,

I am

should

you

to feel sorry

the same. that you are still sad at this as soon moment, as you but arrive, it is not in order my that fault. you

I am very I will may Adieu,

ask if I may get my letter

play

on the harp

at once. I love

I can do no more. well, I hope with that my you whole will heart: be so too. the more I tell you

Monsieur.

you

so, the better PARIS, 24TH

pleased

I am;

AUGUST,

17 -- .

31 THE YES, assured, long no CHEVALIER WITHOUT since A I am DANCENY DOUBT, loved you me After sweet eyes, by we you; TO CCILE be will VOLANGES happy. never My end, happiness if You you is well as you the by fixed

shall yours

it is to last love tell me me, so,

as the love longer fear

which to assure you are! your

have of

inspired your love! that

in me. The

What! more

better your upon

pleased hand, me

reading mouth

charming the

I love confession.

you , written I saw of me.

I heard those still

repeat their

charming more. my

which your vow

expression ever for

tenderness Ah, receive sure

embellished mine, that What Merteuil idea of

I received whole it! passed your life

to live happiness;

to consecrate I will never

to your

receive

it and be

betray day we

a happy secrets constraint,

yesterday! every comes

Ah, day?

why Why

has

not

Madame it be that the

de the

to tell which

Mamma us,

must with

follows me?

to mingle I not you, hold

delicious that and

recollection pretty avenge Tell forced when the hand, myself my

which which

possesses has written the refusal when to

Why

can

unceasingly it with kisses, favor! we

to me you

I love have

cover

so for Ccile,

given had

me of a greater returned; looks when for

me, by you refusal

your have console give not have

Mamma only me, me say kept

were

her could you

presence no longer made Did

indifferent with

one

another; love, have for no made my With

the assurance proofs of it:

of your did would you

to

any

sentiment him happier,

of regret? and

you

to yourself: this joy

a kiss from him?

have me,

it is I who that

Promise

charming the aid of

friend, this

on the first I shall

opportunity find for the

you courage the my

will

be less

severe. the

promise,

to support cruel regret. when it not

vexations will be

which at least Adieu, house. again.

circumstances softened my

have

in store

us; and you share

privations

by my

certainty the

that hour

charming

Ccile:

is at hand you, were you

I must

go

to see

your you more

It would Adieu, you

be impossible whom I love

to quit

to go and love

so dearly!

whom

I shall

ever

and more! PARIS, 25TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

32 MADAME You ASK DE ME that VOLANGES THEN, I cannot in his Madame, bring honor, bn TO THE PRSIDENTE in the virtue DE of M. find TOURVEL de Valmont it as hard to me, the as ? a to of of

to believe

I confess task

myself from of

to it, and that the one of fact that

I should you probity, no more virtues,

to believe in the

relate for

believe one evil man

viciousness is not good.

a man

known fashion; his

sake case

error. than

Humanity in that of

perfect The

in any

in the as the

criminal truth

has

just

honest to the pride that preach; I

has his weaknesses. in that from

This

appears the that

to me all of

the more indulgence the latter

necessary toward from think I

believe, wicked

it is derived good, and

necessity

as well

as to the from

it safeguards You the will

as it does am but

the former but it only

discouragement. at this moment, weakness, alike.

doubtless which

practicing I see in

sorrily,

indulgence it leads

a dangerous of integrity

when

us to

treat

the

vicious I will I would less

and the man not permit

myself

to criticize them

the motives

of M.

de Valmonts but

action; the

rain bo believe his life will, prevent has in

as laudable families of the hearing he only, that assume suppose him, absolve can lost only the which

as the act itself: in trouble, man of say, any be

has he any and

spent

involving voice from Were would 13 You

scandal

dishonor? but

Listen, let not

if you that he of

to the you

wretched the cries

he has succored; the an hundred instance a of

victims of the

whom danger

sacrificed.

as you make him this him to

acquaintances, himself? Let opinion God hearts: them, the

less

dangerous a happy would to regulate he and to to

acquaintance reformation? not your reads none public

capable

us go farther: remain alone but against can men having

miracle does not

accomplished; that suffice of

and

conduct? in mens among of

at the judge esteem

moment of of

repentance; by has deeds; a right

thoughts others, this that loss

after

complain repair.

necessary above all,

distrust my dear

renders friend,

so difficult this

Remember

young the air

to lose too

respect, value to

it sometimes it; and do

suffices not tax

merely this

to have with

of attaching for, precious liable apart

little

severity no one

injustice: this more

from

our who who

being has not

obliged the right restrained under you,

to believe to pretend by this

that

renounces

possession

to it, he is, indeed, powerful brake. Such,

to misdoing would

is

nevertheless, with M.

be the would

aspect display

which however

an intimate innocent warmth which

acquaintance it might with be. which you you will

de Valmont

Alarmed the

at the

defend make.

him, You

I hasten will quote

to

anticipate de

objections

I foresee

Madame

Merteuil, why

to whom him

this at

acquaintance my house;

has been you will tell

pardoned; me that, after,

you far even,

will from

ask

me

I receive

being is

repulsed called To

by people good society.

of honor, I believe

he is admitted, I can answer

sought everything. estimable much in taking justified her;

in what

begin

with, no other

Madame fault

de Merteuil, save that

a most too

person

indeed, in her betwixt it is admits have that

has own a right it her she

perhaps strength; mountain to praise and

of having who who delights is only

confidence a carriage by success: herself more,

she is a skillful and her, a precipice, it would herself more

guide and

be imprudent for

to imitate

she

reproaches

it. In proportion severe ; and

as she has seen fear

principles would think

become as I do. concerns M. the as well them,

I do not

to assure

you

As to what doubt

myself,

I will

not and

justify

myself

more

than

others. it is

No one

I receive

de Valmont, more to add how

he is received thousand passes them. others

everywhere: which rule

inconsistency You know,

to the one to amiable it was

society. them, a great to

as I do, and

ones M. de

life

in remarking with

bemoaning name, obtain praise seduces not world combat But

submitting many society, None and

Valmont,

a great an empire and with

fortune, over

qualities, sufficient as he

early

recognized with double other.

that, equal talent: People

to employ, does this the

skill, he do of a than

ridicule. the him; one, but more

possesses makes flatter

himself him. Such

feared

with

esteem

they

is his existence would

in the midst rather humor

which, him.

prudent

than

courageous,

neither

Madame

de Merteuil herself for

herself,

nor

any

other

woman,

would

for with

moment such

think

of shutting It was reserved

up in the country, the most virtuous,

almost the most

in solitude, modest

a man.

of them it escapes

all to set the example from security my friendship. with which

of such My it fills lovely

an inconsistency: friend, Reflect who will your then not and very that

forgive virtue you

the word, betrays will have

you for the

by

the

you. folk,

judges, pattern

on the one of which who will

side, they

frivolous do not not find

believe on the

in a virtue other, you certain whom I notice are my for the

in themselves; in it, in order at this our himself with conjure to my

ill-natured,

feign that to risk. too fear

to believe are doing, fact,

to punish what men, oracle, and ... of

its possession. would de not

Consider venture has only

you In much

moment, young the him; you!

men M.

among

Valmont the most afraid? are not

rendered too

that you

prudent Ah,

to seem back,

intimate back, I

you, If

not

come

come

reasons which

sufficient

to convince

you,

yield

friendship;

it is that

makes

me renew and I trust

my that

entreaties, it may than

it is for be needless;

that but

to justify I would

them. rather

You you

think had to

it

severe,

complain

of its anxiety PARIS, 24TH

of its neglect. 17 -- .

AUGUST,

33 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT THE MOMENT that your THAT plan YOU are afraid arms of success, against my dear and Vicomte, that you the are Your in under the an

moment less

is to furnish than of to to fight,

yourself

desirous is

to conquer a masterpiece

I have It truth,

no more be

to say to you. one of folly are

conduct contrary illusion. What moment. other, once action.

prudence. tell the

would I fear

supposition;

and,

that

you

I reproach On the

you one

with side,

is not I do

that

you

did

not

take

advantage arrived; that a too an

of on

the the

not

clearly assert

see that

it had

I am quite missed But

aware,

although

they one

the contrary, from have whither this only her let

occasion precipitate start lead she you. must a

returns, the real

whereas blunder you

never you

recovers should

is that at present to

yourself may that of is

correspondence. Do you hope,

I defy by any

to foretell prove to can make but

that

chance, that and and not you

woman lie a truth it will

surrender? and acting move fine will not of

It appears

to me

therein that to

sentiment of to

demonstration; feelings, letter, produce that

admit

a matter you If

on her her phrases last by

of arguing; will not

in what

it serve by it?

since

be at hand

to profit flatter

your that it the that

the intoxication there will only it the can

of love, left

do you for

yourself

so long of it?

be no time of the be time

reflection to write see can

to prevent a letter, a of

confession which especially which children, yield to me it

Reflect

it takes and dvote, This

passes one is her who,

before with

delivered, of your

whether wish may know

woman, that with say, I

principles to wish I

so long succeed

endeavor when But they the

never. love

method do not

write,

you, virtue

that

they

myself. to be

argumentative of over the her

of Madame terms. Thus,

de Tourvel in spite

seems of you sake the in of one they

fully you then, refuses them;

aware had

value

of

advantage her letter.

which And one tells

in your what dint one

conversation, Merely for

she beats for good not bp yet not made: feel. employ the

do you to yield. and

know By

happens? of searching clings oneself you what that have you you

argument, finds, one

reasons, because

afterward not I

to them, the lie. not do do way; there

are good, In addition,

so much

as in order which in love manner: arrange Read

to give

a point

wonder write

there I mean the

is to

nothing write words, them, in

so difficult a convincing but and you that

as to

it is not them over

not

same arrange

do not suffices.

in the same your letter:

or rather, is an order

you

presiding

over

it

which

betrays little

you formed

at

each

turn.

I would it: but

fain

believe

that

your

Prsidente failed grow forms

is too

to perceive

what

matter? whips only the

it has no less himself one author, true. to

of its effect. heated, an and

It is the mistake the reader and, made speaking. remains in me spite

of novels; cold. of that of

the author is the of

Hlose the the talent

which this It

exception, has ever same in

observation is not sensibility eyes speech true is the

believe The habit

substance the

of it was instrument of desire the less which beloved

working

gives in the

to it; the facility confounded promotes of more love; with

of tears that of that above

is added; tenderness; air of trouble all the

the expression in short,

coherent is the

easily and

and

confusion of the

eloquence reflection, me,

presence

object

forbids Believe that know, and, return betrayed What too

and makes you mistake, has more

us desire are asked wait

to be won. to write for than no more; take advantage Do of you

Vicomte: your

to retrieve this but for

and

an opportunity I believed ? Her which she

to speak. defense she gives would

woman

strength

is good; you to

the length question at all. to me,

of her letter, in her phrase

and

the pretext gratitude,

to the

about

not

have

herself

appears much

again, at one

to ensure time;

your

success that be left she

is the fact will

that

she it in

uses the

strength of the word, you your

I foresee will

exhaust that will I would enough,

defense I return last, you whom and you PARIS, until of

and that letters,

no more and,

her for they

of the thing. be the speak and before two to with you,

two

if you

are prudent, not on I shall

after the little

the happy Volanges pleased.

moment. who is

If it were coming that

so late, quickly have for

I am greatly ought 24TH

I believe thereat.

finished

to be very AUGUST,

glad 17 -- .

bq Adieu,

today.

34 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL YOU SPEAK WITH fatigue to speak are that To the you PERFECT to prove than what truth, my fair friend: but To why move put fast of your I and and yourself in love, letter. will that yield br who leads

to so much tis Why, only there better

nobody that

disputes?

to write; simple but who must therein

is, I believe, in the to way

the whole art this from of

those remark

most

elements one walk

seduction! principle, shyness

make

exception in this

are two. from

children, ignorance,

themselves let into themselves

be added by

the femmes and

beaux-esprits, whom vanity

be enticed For first instance, letter I for

self-conceit sure difficulty, saw that

the snare. my

I am quite any that

the Comtesse had, at that

de B --- , who time, for no more a

answered love for

without and

me than which that to writing fair

her,

she only

an occasion

treating

subject However applicable between 19th,

should may the

be worthy be,

of her pen. bs will you is not on the tell you that that Since principles I have a are not

an advocate In

question. speaking, who

fact, which

suppose the case. defensive, my myself I will own.

choice of the in if

and

the affair

my

barbarian, which

keeps

has shown So much with

a skill so that, the

avoiding this

interviews I shall this letters

has

disconcerted to occupy assuredly subject of

continues,

be forced for the

seriously not

means

of regaining way. leaving artifice You will My

advantage; even are

be routed war; For not

by her in any content with

a little

them

unanswered,

she refuses not

to receive always means asked the

them.

each

one a fresh

is necessary, remember no more own instead,

and it does by what difficulty. without been to believe

succeed. I gave her the first; the second I gave

a simple She her had

presented her from for my

me to return least

her letter; But in short, the

having

suspicion. or,

whether virtue, third. of this I

vexation she will

at having force that me

caught, in it,

or from she into correct not

caprice

obstinately which

refused

hope, refusal I was offered favor, but the

however,

the embarrassment to throw that that for her will she would a longer I put when I sent for

the consequence the future. this letter,

has happened not her and much quite

her for receive have After

surprised simply;

would already

which a certain was seizing and

been this

to grant essay,

I am prepared made of were it was the

defense. my letter

which and

an attempt moment

in passing, toilette,

in an envelope; de Rosemonde with me.

Madame by she my

the to

chambermaid tell her that

present, the

it her which

chasseur, asked

an order I had rightly

paper

had

guessed would received perceive

that

she

would she to

dread took

the the her

scandalous letter; face, and and

explanation my

which

a who

refusal had but

necessitate: orders a slight

ambassador, has good anger. keep eyes,

observe

who

did

blush, myself wished with

and more then, for

embarrassment sure, either that it would give

than

I congratulated or that, find About me, if she

she would

this for

letter, her to

to return me, which one

it to me, would

be necessary occasion room, than

herself

alone

me a good entered my shape

to speak. handed on I the

an hour on behalf

afterward, of his

of her a packet

people

and mine, for.

mistress,

of another

envelope it in two.

of which It

I recognized my her letter that

the writing itself, the

so greatly seal unbroken,

longed

opened in on

haste.... I suspect

was that

merely than ruse.

folded herself

fear

I might

be less this depict

scrupulous devils to bt

the subject You know

of scandal me: I need

had made be to at no

her employ pains ones to

you and

my

fury. for

It

was fresh

necessary, methods. They which purpose has letters are sent not one

however, This

regain one that

sang-froid,

seek

is the only here three with and

I found: to fetch the letters they from employ the for post, this

send is

from about

every quarters almost

morning of like

a league

away:

a box key

a lid Madame

an almsbox, the good

bu of which other. to him: which

the postmaster puts his they are It was that

de when in

Rosemonde it seems the morning

Everyone

in it during to the All turn

the day, post, and

in the evening have this arrived

carried for. the

those

the servants, of my servant;

strange but

or otherwise, he undertook

perform to go,

service. the pretext

under

he had business Meantime I wrote

in that my

direction. letter. I disguised skill I found upon my the handwriting envelope since the same she had the I was place, in the address, stamp asking and of for also letters Dijon. the same because from and I

I counterfeited chose rights my Dijon. These others. reception; arrival Madame the letter It is not fair this town,

with

some

because

it merrier, also from desire

as the husband, had spoken all

to write day of

the

to receive pleasure. to add this

It seemed precautions I moreover for the

to me only once

right

to procure easy

her this enough in

taken,

it was by this

letter

to of for

the the the

succeeded custom before

expedient for At box. last

being and

a witness to wait

is to assemble separating. opened the

breakfast, they came. Dijon,

of the letters

de Rosemonde to Madame my husbands

From

she

said,

giving

de Tourvel. writing, she answered in a troubled voice, hastily

breaking

the seal.

The that with I also The her

first

glance

instructed

her;

and

her

face it,

underwent asked,

such What

an

alteration matter

Madame you? drew shy

de Rosemonde

perceived

and

is the

near,

saying, dared not

Is

this

letter her to

then

so very

dreadful? not a word; and, to she sorry that hide was to this

dvote

raise

eyes; run her more

she said over the

embarrassment, in a state a little, caused than

pretended to read. I added, you more

epistle, and air bids

which not being

scarcely

I enjoyed Your

confusion, tranquil than

gird bv her letter has

me hope then

astonishment have things to write done.

pain.

Anger

inspired

her better It

prudence she

could

contains,

answered, has dared interrupted answered equal

which to me.

offend

me,

and

that

am

astounded Who It is

anyone it?

has sent not

Madame the angry

de Rosemonde. fair You one; will but the letter and its no

signed,

author more With rose,

inspire of it. that

me with

contempt.

oblige

me by speaking

she tore

up the audacious

missive,

put

the pieces

into

her pocket,

and left of this

the room. anger taken she has nonetheless care of that she read would letters; had my it through. take you bw my of will with me too far. I add to this letter; and I rely upon her

In spite curiosity The

to have

detailed

relation draft want yourself I support

the

day two

account as myself. must world friend! AT THE

the first If you

of my

thus this

be as fully correspondence, ; for nothing my

informed you in the

to be au courant to the deciphering tedium

accustom could

minutes them.

copying

Adieu,

lovely

CHTEAU

DE

... , 25TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

35 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL I MUST midst at NEEDS OBEY which delicacy you, you not Madame; are pleased to permit I must prove to you there that, in the me

of the faults enough to impose and if that my that look you forget

to ascribe myself

to me,

is left

least

a reproach, sacrifices. love in You

and order and have and

enough me to I met will it.

courage be silent forget, Doubtless I confess but you

on myself Well!

the most I will the cruel did

grievous force my

to forget! be

to be silent; which you

possible, to please

manner not bear

desire

you

with was forget

it the right; not a title

more, it: be a

the need upon my

I had of your love

indulgence you

to obtain

as an outrage; its cause

that

if it could

wrong, You

would also, might

be at once that, hurt

and its excuse. my soul for and of my truest that to you, me even when from the result for that you of the

accustomed me, it was

to open impossible

confidence the sentiments my most you. would murmur have love over resists my good

to conceal was

by which you the

I was

penetrated;

which

faith

consider most

as the fruit the of your

audacity. love, you What submit;

As a reward cast other me afar

tender, You not

respectful, lastly,

from myself

speak complain you

to

me,

hatred.... I alone

than

at being strike, you you and

so treated? I adore.

I support power

it all, which

and you my work

not;

The

inconceivable of my feelings;

me renders you, own. a love for that if

absolute

mistress that,

and if only it is your

cannot

destroy

it is because

and not I do not not even

ask for ask

which pity have

I never for allowed

flattered the

myself interest But,

I should you had

receive.

I do

which

sometimes I think I can

displayed count You

in me might sense me, you let

me to hope.

I admit,

on your inform If

of justice. that people the you: doubt be have of sought your to damage friends, you Who me in your not are so

Madame, had believed

opinion. even these rigid have

counsels those those named;

would then and not with of

me approach friends? consent an and No to

are your people no would ignorant that

expressions. of such they

officious a virtue, in

severity, would them

doubt

cover vile or of

themselves calumniators; their since without favor,

obscurity I shall Reflect, not

which be left

confound either the not of

their to

names know a no

accusations. it is after

Madame, judge and to

I have does his

right

both, culprit other to

them him his in

you

me.

One

condemn I ask to force

telling and

crime, advance

naming justify

accusers. and

I promise

myself,

them

retract. If I have, I make life perhaps, too much it is not I shall despised thus with the vain your clamors esteem; from of a public and when me with of which my It that say,

so little

case, that,

I devote impunity.

to meriting

not

let it be ravished to me, me, from the in that and

becomes request rights your Begin you saying and you? you to

all the more which your if you

precious

I shall

owe

to it doubtless give me, believe you

fear

to make Ah! far me justice

which

would it, of

gratitude. you

exacting occasion

I shall

myself to you.

debtor, then desire

procure

being

agreeable

to do me greater of me. If I could

by not it, you,

leaving

me in ignorance spare you the

of what trouble of you, prevent pardon than as I am that I you to can you a and is an

guess

I would add

it. To

the pleasure

of seeing myself

the happiness What that

of serving then can not

I will

congratulate I hope,

on your

indulgence. I feel you

It is not, that.

the

fear

of a refusal: return

I could letter.

It is no refusal that in the such

that

I do not

your but

More

do I desire believing find less you hard,

it be no longer gentleness would that,

necessary soul, When

to me:

accustomed in that the would in you that vow letter

of your appear. rather me; still seeing

it is only I frame you

as you

to render yourself

I see there leagues my love, and must that away it

than

consent,

place

hundred justifies outrage good, imagine this fatal

from

when which you, that

everything repeats that love to

augments my love

is that when, read

me

to you; I needs now

seems a fearful

to me the torture.

supreme You can you

you

to feel

it is but would

my

greatest me for

happiness it now

be to be able

to return me to

letter: what

to ask

would doubt,

be to authorize I hope, of my

believe to

no longer return AT

it contains;

you

do not

eagerness

it to you. CHTEAU DE ... , 21ST AUGUST, 17 -- .

THE

36 THE VICOMTE (BEARING SEVERITY to be less DE VALMONT THE AUGMENTS afraid me you of POSTMARK DAILY, being unjust TO THE OF DIJON) Madame; than you of and, being have if I dare say it, PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL YOUR you

seem

indulgent. felt, in fact, to them. with

After that You

having twere refuse You my you

condemned easier my force for

without to read

a hearing, my

must than back

not

arguments send them

to reply to me

letters me,

obstinately; to have

you

contempt. when which my to

at last,

recourse you of my

to a ruse, good faith.

at the very The

moment in excuse

only have

aim put

is to convince me to defend

necessity to

myself by the

will

doubtless of that this you itself

suffice my you

means. justify

Convinced, them in your I thought also that is it. then, Madame, you

moreover, eyes, that will

sincerity merely myself that

sentiments should

that, know I

it is sufficient I might pardon in permit me,

them dare

thoroughly, believe that

slight will than

artifice.

and

be little

surprised in

love

more

ingenious

presenting

indifference

repelling Allow you, I

my you

heart should

to be entirely know it. when me.

revealed

to you.

It belongs

to

and it is just very far the I will my

that

was

from fate add,

foreseeing, which awaited sincerity would

I I did

arrived not know

at

Madame that me, you that, not refuse only to

de were if that it; but, those I I

Rosemondes, there, had did and known, not render

with

the

which not

characterizes been

sense to your

of security beauty to feel

have

troubled: not

the justice only desires, I did

which and

one

could

accustomed which You keep were were me

as I was encouraged a witness for some

to yield

myself

by hope, of the efforts

not

know Madame

the torments

of love. made and so kind which yet natural of I life was to I I to I

which

de Rosemonde day with you,

time.

I had

already

passed only

one

yielded, and which

or at least

believed of showing

that

I yielded,

to the

pleasure, The to

so legitimate, one led

respect differed

to a worthy greatly

relative. from and, that

here

doubtless me nothing of the

accustomed; penetrate attributed have into

it cost the

to conform change which

to it; was

without

seeking within me,

cause solely

operating of which

it as yet spoken (yet

to that

easygoing

character

I believe

already

to you. why need that of I your it that be a misfortune?), face, your beauty, coming which to alone soul know had you struck

Unfortunately better, me, and I soon was but

discovered the my least own.

bewitching

attractions; the

heavenly I

astonished the virtue.

seduced

admired

worshipped

Without begging the that future.

pretending your

to

win for

you, the

I past,

bestirred I was

myself ambitious I spied more for

to

deserve

you.

In for in was

indulgence for

of your

support eyes, it

I sought whence

it in your a poison

utterance, all the

it in your in that

glance

came

dangerous

distilled Then bury

without I knew

design, love. But

and received how far was

without I from

distrust. complaining! without Determined fear, as without Soon for the a to

it in an eternal to this of my

silence,

I abandoned Each to

myself day

reserve, pleasure moment? your

delicious you was

sentiment. was sore with

augmented Were sound for you

its sway. you which and

seeing heart

changed with joy.

a need. ; at the existed

absent

sadness I only I call of

announced through of ever you. our one

return,

it palpitated it is yourself or in the

Nevertheless, heedless word At sports

whom interest betray my

to witness:

in the merriment did

a serious the secret

conversation, of my was be heart? to the

escape last

me which arrived fatality,

could when

a day

evil deed

fortune was to

commence; signal for I had it.

by

an Yes,

inconceivable Madame, that, even

a good midst to value was what of

it was

in

the

those

unfortunates sensibility you

whom

succored

abandoning beauty and a heart

yourself adds which

that to

precious virtue,

which your

embellishes work of You return!

completed with over which excess me I felt

destroying will Alas! stronger It was

already

intoxicated came

of love. on our

remember, I was than after

perhaps,

a moodiness

seeking myself. I had hazard My

to fight

against

an affection

was

becoming

exhausted made

my

strength myself

in alone

this with

unequal you.

contest, There,

that

an I

unforeseen succumbed. nor its

me find too then full,

I confess, its utterance not amply

heart

was

and could and

withhold if it

neither

tears.

But

is this

a crime? to which

be one,

is it

punished Devoured your you hate:

by the dire by a love with

torments without

I am abandoned? your pity and I meet my only eyes cruel my and yourself excuse. you call my A with seek state grief calm, for

hope, happiness

I implore than that

no other

of seeing your gaze.

you,

in spite you

of myself, have

and

I tremble me, I pass

to meet my to it; them

In the

to which and know them. That, injuries, pure and my of

reduced

days while and

in dissimulating you, to peaceful applaud make of what my

nights these

in abandoning torments only

myself to who is the cause

Nonetheless, however, which sincere such

it is you Madame, it would, love, are

complain faithful be more which with

and I who relation just

perhaps, a respect

to call

misfortunes. itself, a perfect me.

has

never

be-lied you have

submission;

the

sentiments

which

inspired

would you, on and decide AT

not who

fear

to present fairest think, the

my

homage

of them imitate Him placed

to the

Divinity

Himself. Think despair forever

are His pains;

handiwork, above first all, word

in His by you

indulgence! between utter will

my

cruel

that, which

supreme my lot.

felicity,

you

shall

THE

CHTEAU

DE

... , 23RD

AUGUST,

17 -- .

37 THE PRESIDENTE MADAME, DE TO TOURVEL the counsels in all based infinitely here you for and things TO MADAME which your DE VOLANGES gives I am ready admit that M. me. to de

I YIELD, Accustomed believe Valmont feign that

friendship

as I am to defer they are always

to your I will

opinions, even

on reason. dangerous, remain

must

be, indeed, he appears

if he can, such a man keep

at the same as you away paint from

time, him. me;

to be what that I will simple

However at least the most It still

may

be, since utmost:

request often

it, I will things

him

do my

which

ought

to be at

bottom

become

embarrassing

in practice. this request Neither away to M. to his aunt; would myself: it would the apart if my be

seems

to me impracticable ungracious the both greatest to her

to make and

be equally course, from

to him. of you

I adopt for

without the reasons were him at least to

repugnance, given

going

I have to annoy follow

already M. me

relative

de Tourvel, would of which more

departure easy beor than for

de Valmont, to Paris? And

as is possible, his would return, it not

it not I

should strange to be

should in the

appearthe country,

motive, at the house

seem who

a meeting

of a lady

is known

his relation There going seems more not is left away.

and my me then I feel

friend? no other this resource proposal than to induce himself to consent as to he

that

is difficult

to make;

however,

to me to have honesty than even

set his heart is attributed to often attempt said,

on proving to him, it, and

to me that despair an

he has,

effectually, I shall

I do not to have

of success. of have

be

sorry

occasion never

judging had, and it he

whether, never will will

as he has have,

truly of his

virtuous behavior. for me;

women If for

to complain

he leaves,

as I desire, but my that

indeed

be out

of consideration a great part

I cannot

doubt

proposes and insists

to spend upon

of the autumn will still

here. be time

If he refuses for

request myself,

remaining, you. Madame, it, and M.

there

me to leave

and that That eager have heed, I have AT

I promise

is, I believe, to satisfy used but

all

that

your

friendship that in spite

demanded of the

of me; warmth not I

am may to

to prove

to you

to defend also

de Valmont, the counsels

I am nonetheless of my friends.

disposed,

only

to follow,

the honor

to be, etc. DE ... , ,25TH AUGUST, 17 -- .

THE

CHTEAU

38 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT YOUR arrived. hours should now, ENORMOUS If the date be none will BUDGET, on it is exact, as it may, bx MY I ought if I were dear Vicomte, has it this moment

to have to then take

received the time

twenty-four to read it, I it to with with the

earlier; have and we

that left talk own

to reply of

to it. I prefer else.

simply that hardly I have be

to acknowledge I have anything man

something

It is not leaves month

say to you a human virtue; proofs with Do this judge shine

on my face

account; so that than Being

the autumn for my the last

a single been

in Paris, anyone

perishing with

and of my the little

else

Chevalier

would

fatigued I distract

constancy. Volanges, that you

unable

to occupy I wish you

myself,

myself

and it is of her that have lost more than

to speak. in not nor undertaking principles; ever

you

know

believe,

child? how by

She is really sweet and

delicious! easy but her

She has neither society will

character think her

be. I do not in however,

she will the if one even

sentiment; Lacking natural wit

everything subtilty, which

announces she has,

liveliest may me, so and of

sensations. speak, which candor amuse rapidity, nothing, is seized then almost I do not had first, begs

and

a certain will

falseness

sometimes in that

astonishes presents

be all the more

successful,

her face

the image

and ingenuousness. myself and thereby: she is then

She is naturally her all little the head more that

very grows

caressing, excited

and I sometimes with incredible she to know. cries, I knows She and am

delightful,

because desires

absolutely with me quite

nothing, droll her fits

of all of

she so greatly she

impatience; a truly that for

laughs, good

pouts, faith.

to teach

with for

seductive pleasure the You last

Really,

jealous know

of the man if I have of being severely: with her

whom you that

is reserved. four or five well days guess I have at had good to her

told

the honor I acted

in her confidence. but bad as soon reasons, persuaded was

can very that air

that, she for

as I perceived I had that the

she thought them success to

convinced ones; and

me she this I have her But lad, are!

of taking owes this not

is intimately precaution permitted suspecting imagine, however, This one well

she in

eloquence: myself. without Danceny. kiss. witty as for The folks him,

necessary and

order

compromise the same with obtain these for, day, her a

her to write, it, I contrived such mighty

to say I love; for her that a

and

tte--tte not even

he is still writes

a fool pretty

he did La,

verses! that

how

silly me;

is, to such drive him!

a degree

he embarrasses

I cannot

It

is

at

this

moment intimate we for,

that with

you

would

be

very

useful

to

me. and, then,

You

are

sufficiently gave it you,

Danceny advance I will

to obtain at full speed.

his confidence, Make haste, escape

if he once with the your rest, to more. fidelity; one side, I I her I

should indeed,

Prsidente; spoke that, of him

not

have person,

Gercourt

: for him

yesterday been to equal

to the little his wife for

and depicted she could subject By not of that, too

so well him

if she had much could my

ten years, upon on this with her, the

hate

preached nothing restore might

her, my for

however, severity virtue

conjugal on the

point. which

reputation

much with

condescension which I wish that that

destroy;

on the other, And,

I augment finally, way

in her that I hope that, except decide to my

hatred

to gratify it is not

her husband. permitted a girl,

by making during to lose toilette,

her believe the short time

her to give she will I am going

to love, quickly

she remains Adieu, read

more

none what

of that time by

time. I will

Vicomte; your volume. 27TH

to attend

PARIS,

AUGUST,

17 -- .

39 CCILE I AM that SAD VOLANGES AND for anxious, TO SOPHIE my dear very with learned CARNAY Sophie. happy, Madame no good I wept but almost all that night. it will spoke le Comte He It is not not last. much de is all

I am not,

the moment, to the and Opera

I foresee de Merteuil; of it. It

I went of my

yesterday marriage, whom

we is M.

I have

Gercourt rich, very

I am to wed, of quality, to begin with,

and it is to be in the month he is colonel he is old: says I could say of the Regiment imagine,

of October. of.

he is a man well. But, Madame be happy that

So far, thirty-six!

he is at least and stern, well

and then, shall of it, not only

de Merteuil with would him. not

he is gloomy even so for evening,

and she fears she was She of sure hardly wives and

see quite fear of

that me.

she

grieving

talked to their yet she

to me of anything husbands: says

the whole that Did M.

except

of the duties is not at all once

she admits love him.

de Gercourt not she say

lovable, married, that you look

I must the

also

that,

I were

ought possible! I would

not

to love Oh, prefer I never you

Chevalier

Danceny sure I shall Let him.

any love this He

longer? him M. is in

as though always! Do

can be very not went I wish to to be in

know, after far afraid that very as I I

married. search of

de

Gercourt

himself, away of

Corsica

at present, not

from

here; sent

he would the like convent, that; that that

stay

there

ten years. certainly be still M.

If I were tell

being want

back

I would that never only

Mamma I am so well me,

dont much

a husband

but

would loved

worse.

embarrassed. and when

I feel I think rush

I have I have

Danceny more left

do now; am now, the

a month I have has

to be as I except She is so

the tears of my

suddenly de

to my Merteuil;

eyes; she

no consolation a good and any I know without right, she then more heart! she of

friendship in all that,

Madame troubles I am

such

shares amiable Besides, me: least and

as much with to me, I can finds her, for tell

as I do I hardly little all it is

myself; think that I think, not

when

them. taught in the me heart, like, We so that you happy. him,

she is very

useful that she

the her

she has being scolds all my

she is so good When only

ashamed. but

that

sometimes; until without have fond she that, Its

quite

gently, Her, in

and then at any it, not and

I embrace I can

her with love

she is no longer there agreed, of may her being however, before no

cross. any

rate, that

as much me very

as I much.

harm that

pleases the not

I am and about

to have

appearance before

of

being so

everybody, suspicions live M.

especially the

Mamma,

have

Chevalier I believe I will

Danceny. I should say

I assure be very about

if I could only that

always horrid

as I do now,

de Gercourt

... But

no more

else

I should

get

sad

again.

Instead only speak

of

that, to him

I am of

going love

to

write not

to of

the my

Chevalier troubles, Adieu, complain, me,

Danceny; for my I do not dear and that

I shall want

my

and

to distress You can busy

him. see now been, that you would say, be wrong is time to left

friend.

however to love you

I have

as you

there

all the same, 27TH

and to write

to you. bz

PARIS,

AUGUST,

17 -- .

40 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL NOT CONTENT them, WITH my on my LEAVING wretch What will my letters without to deprive astonish me. you reply, me with of the refusing sight I of am

to receive her;

inhuman departure. You

wishes will

she insists

more

is that I

submitting not to lose

to her severity. the opportunity

blame

However,

I thought

ought on that to

of obeying

a command, oneself;

persuaded and

as I am,

the one that seize more, with bound her, fear

side,

that

to command which snares this in

is to commit we have

on the other, women

illusive is one the me to without that

authority of the which me

the appearance find it most in avoiding from for, love,

of allowing difficult

which one

they

to elude.

Nay,

skill placed

has shown

a solitary which being there

encounter I was with to a

a dangerous might

situation, be the her with to difficult not cost:

I thought constantly was

escape, being she

whatever able

to occupy

my seeing

reason trouble,

might which may

grow you guess

accustomed know that one always how I did which free word with

me

without

disposition For even for the rest,

from you

it is to return. without conditions. to grant, or break writing, that as it, at a I was much as to

submit

at the pains the sake of

to impose remaining

it was to keep of

impossible my word or in

promote when with find my her:

a discussion, beauty not is more

either

by

mouth

time be so not this

contented that I should

me,

or has need lack my

I should if I did from

to reckon to obtain

show

a signal for

of skill desisting

a means

some

compensation be. in this

pretension, After history beautys precise You will having of

untenable explained the last and

as it may my two my

motives I You

long as

preamble,

I come evidence historians

to

the my

days. reply.

enclose will

documentary that few

letter as I.

agree

are

as

remember of the day prude

the before

effect

produced

by

my

letter

from was out

Dijon, most that

on

the

morning The pretty

yesterday;

the rest

of the day and gave

stormy. a

only

appeared with

at dinnertime, which could which

she had furious her face; into to make

violent fits the of

headache: ill humor

a pretext that of

she masked have. you loveliness. sometimes

one of the most altered changed myself mistress

a woman gentleness, gave

It absolutely know, was

expression air

rebellious use of this sullen. I foresaw

which

it a fresh

I promise the tender

discovery,

and to replace

with

the

that

the

time

after

dinner

would

be

dull;

and,

to

escape

from

ennui, rooms.

I made

a pretext to the which

of

having about

letters six to. with my

to write, oclock; But just

and

retired de were

to my

own

I returned a drive, the

salon was

Madame as we malice,

Rosemonde getting in into her pain, I

suggested the carriage,

agreed

pretended

invalid, herself to for

infernal absencean a tte--tte I called

alleged of the old

turnperhaps and know demon compelled not

to avenge me

increase with down my

pitilessly the

support which

aunt. feminine

whether heeded;

imprecations we found

on this return.

were

but

her gone it was had the

to bed on our the same to believe rose

On the following sweetness Breakfast air, can this and had was went this

day, returned, hardly into the

at breakfast, and over, park; for I

not

woman. myself with

Her

natural

reason sweet

pardoned. an indolent Whence much, am not this but have possible perhaps, she her said hand, not I

when as you walking? and on, written letter. It

person

may said my

believe,

I followed her. I

her. wrote I

spring

desire she

I, accosting head to is a little reproach she

morning,

answered, I I went have my

tired. myself

fortunate fatigue? hesitate accustomed Nothing to grant these which than to

enough, Indeed, give me could it out you to

to to

have you,

with

answered and if it you

again, you be

contains Ah! in; and

a request, I swear, although

hope

for

success.

be easier, of justice, handed away, heat

she broke I consent me her without

ought, As

to obtain seizing and

it as a grace. it, with I also more seized

words, she vivacity.

she drew

letter;

but

anger,

embarrassment she said, I must efforts that She had room which further.... no as you

The And her

is even

greater

than

I thought,

go indoors. to persuade we might

she retraced to continue in

her steps her walk,

to the chteau and I needed no that She more this

. I made to remind than

vain myself

be observed, without a word,

order

to employ plainly letter.

eloquence. walk own

entered other soon will

and me

I saw my

pretended up to her

object

than

to hand in, and also,

went

as we came do well

I withdrew as well

to mine, as my reply,

to read before

the epistle, proceeding

to read

41 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT IT SEEMS TO ME, daily in not good all Monsieur, the causes by of your behavior, as though which I have me you to put with have your to call you did but you.

seek Your which

to multiply obstinacy I would of my

complaint

against a

wishing and faith, may

unceasingly not heed,

to approach the abuse which

sentiment not letters it, fear feared into which of to the give

to take my you effect occasion instead request that You and, phrase would

or of my

timidity,

in order

hands;

above

the method, the last might

most reach have

indelicate me, without

I venture the

employed of

to make

slightest all

a surprise on my of part

which

compromised as they I confine

me;

ought

to reproaches to these

as keen

are merited. myself it from to you,

However, putting I consent a

returning

grievances, and

to you,

as simple

as it is just;

if I obtain

all shall yourself although, was fain

be forgotten. have by followed believe so few then that days said an to me, Monsieur, which refusal nonetheless that is which keep I need peculiar you today not to could that fear you, make word, a refusal this very I to ;

inconsistency by the you only will

me, ca given

me formally I desire this more and you

ago. the complaisance stay on which well your to go away part could ready to from not but ill me; to leave me

to have

chteau,

where

a further

expose of

to the judgment which who by my behavior you have you

of a public but too

is ever

to think fix its

others, the this as not

accustomed Already disputed me

gaze

upon of

women danger your

admit

to their I neglected, myself

society. I even

warned, their

long warning, that you

ago,

friends, toward

so long would to but

could

make who

believe

confound of you. owe course. request, I do not this it

me with Today, to I the might

the host you to here

of women treat my that me like friends, you

all have

had reason

complain know, I

when public, add

them, to would

as I can no longer to adopt this by

myself, gain if you

necessary my but by by my told at If say

nothing insist will should

denying

as I am determined seek to diminish and

to leave the

myself,

on remaining; confer know on me that,

obligation quite willing

which that

you you you

complaisance, my

I am

rendering arrangements. me, least, virtuous that,

departure Prove

hence

necessary, Monsieur, that,

would have

upset so often prove, it. to

to me then, shall have never done

as you

women when I had you need

have them my

cause wrong,

to complain you to you, know

of you; how

to repair suffice

I thought

to justify

request

it would

that

you

have

spent

your

life rested

in with

rendering me that

it

necessary; ever would

and make it.

that, But me of me

notwithstanding, let us not recall you all

it has not events rigor

I should and which you

which

I would

forget, when

oblige

to judge earning with AT what THE

with my

at a moment Adieu, be, for

I offer your most

an opportunity will etc. teach

gratitude. I must DE

Monsieur; life, your

conduct humble,

sentiments CHTEAU

... , 25TH

AUGUST,

17 -- .

42 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL HOWEVER do not thwart myself far save The good me, other, repeat ever, Reflect, it at the it refuse any of HARD, to fulfill your turn MADAME, them. desires. that than you your will own, THE I feel Once conditions it would upon that you impose on me, for I dare requests wish to to me I to

that agreed

be impossible this point,

flatter you,

in my

permit which,

me to make however, will. by your accused me the

certain I do not

easier

to grant

obtain,

by my one,

complete I hope

submission will

to your

which

be solicited who to your have give

sense

of justice, they

is to be so have them: me done the to than

as to name seems, which to you deserve

to me those enough from

me to you; right is of kindly will

harm I expect

knowing to

indulgence, of a love

permit more

sometimes your pity. that of

the homage

which

now,

Madame, expense that always Madame, you by

I am hastening my happiness; desire my

to obey I will

you, say

even more,

when in

I can but spite of

do my the

conviction spectacle, Admit, respecting are annoyed than from But, than

you

only

absence

in order injustice. which

to spare

yourself

painful, you to dare the

of the object afraid

of your

are less form

of a public

is too upon

much you

used than to

to you

a disrespectful of a man from whom you not

judgment you as one wish my find

presence drive

it easier away

punish eyes

to blame. some whereas you can poor

You

me away whom

turns

ones

wretch

one does to

to succor. torments, else to can to whom I expect Will other the you

absence I address which when will are

is about my

redouble From so

complaints? to become cause

whom

consolations refuse

about alone

necessary

me?

me them, you

you not

my either

pains? that, before you I leave, have until me I have inspired I receive you for it in the a by an will obey to in

Doubtless, on me; order my heart

be astonished to you the the twofold would and to we

to justify that your I do mouth.

sentiments courage reason seek

which to go

as also from

not

find This

away

compels to supply poorly amply

to ask

moments letters: hours easily you, spend order one

interview. may write

In vain

the place what

of that of

volumes were enough

explain leave for,

a quarter You be to intention for

conversation find you the know time that

understood. eager of I may my

to accord Madame with

it me;

however

de Rosemonde her, and

is aware at least

a part to have

of the autumn the pretext

I must to call

wait

a letter

of some

business

me away.

Adieu, moment, imagine thanks assurance AT THE

Madame; when what for my

never it brings it makes docility.

has this me back me At

word

cost

me

so much

to write

as at If you have

this could some the

to the idea I dare receive tender

of our believe with

separation. you more would

suffer, least,

indulgence respectful

and the homage CHTEAU DE

of the most ... , 26TH

and the most 17--.

love.

AUGUST,

40 Continuation DE AND how first MERTEUIL NOW LET us sum up, my lovely Madame friend. You can feel, like grant myself, me the to THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE

the scrupulous, of my requests,

the virtuous and betray

de Tourvel

cannot

the confidence everything feel also that

of her friends, on this the

by naming I

me my myself give by with which

accusers; to nothing.

thus, But

by promising you will

condition, which that then

pledge will gain,

refusal and

she I

me will going her,

become the by of her her

a title

to obtain of for has to

everything into small any me

else;

away, and

advantage consent: and which

entering I take hardly refuse

a regular account other others of object when

correspondence the than they interview that of

I ask

her,

accustoming really The out eyes. apart feel needful. only who thing are

beforehand

not

become

which the

remains who

for busy of

me to do before themselves a husband; prohibition with

my

departure damaging

is to me in it

find her so:

people it is her that

I presume from sure

pedant a conjugal

I would is a spur

fain cb have to desire, to write I

the fact that, from nothing

should I be

the moment to fear from

my her him.

beauty

has consented since

to me,

should under But friend count I quite nothing

have

husband,

she would

already

the necessity

of deceiving intimate it seems but going were ready.

if she has a friend be against me,

enough to me

to possess necessary all I must be yesterday; her toilette

her confidence, to embroil them, informed. this

and

this I

and

on succeeding thought like that another. that dinner

in that: I was We was

before to visiting Her my

be rightly but

woman when completed; that not to I she it

does was and had

at the was

moment just

announced while left that

only

I bestirred the key of her

myself

and

made and

apologies,

I perceived was

in her writing apartment. maid come

desk;

I knew of my this

her custom during

remove heard that all of she was

I was down: and

thinking I seized

dinner,

when

her waiting my nose was

chance I flew Yet she

at once; to the desk;

I pretended but I found

bleeding, open

left

the room. of writing. What often. but

the drawers burning receives? open, that How vainly and this to in

and not at this

a sheet season. them

one has no opportunity do with the letters

papers And

does

she receives

I neglected

nothing; except

everything a

I sought

everywhere; collection must since

I gained

nothing

conviction

precious obtain seeking

be in her pocket. yesterday I cannot I have overcome been the busying desire. I myself regret

them? for

Ever

a means:

yet

that

I have

not of

the talents a man who

of a thief. is mixed

Should up in

these

not,

in fact, ? Would

enter it

into not from

the be the have of to

education agreeable pockets no of

intrigues

to filch a prude for I it. that may do

the letter the

or the portrait

cc of a rival, her? all

or to pick But our well

wherewithal 14 and for

to unmask me, I am tis

parents to being think able

thought

anything; but

very without

everything, remedy However however, my for

perceive

that

clumsy,

be, my ill

I returned humor gave had

to

table

much with I did

dissatisfied. the not air fail of

My interest

beauty, which her that my not, be, a to

soothed

somewhat, her; and

pretended some time

indisposition past I had

to assure had

violent

agitations

which causes But

disturbed ought though and she she such I talk

health. in all she

Convinced conscience, small to my

as she is that to endeavor

it is she who them? all

them, dvote

to assuage she a theft. cursed

has

stock view,

of

charity;

refuses But

amorous for all

alms, the

refusal, you, AT

justifies of those DE

adieu;

time

I am thinking THE CHTEAU

letters. AUGUST, 17--.

... , 27TH

43 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT WHY give SEEK, me but MONSIEUR, a half To diminish and my make, for ask you things gratitude? as then it were, that Why be willing of of If, it in to an it? in my

obedience, sufficient but you

a bargain the cost

honorable You truth, interest: good; part not my

action? only ask

Is it not much, have they

I feel are

which they

impossible. only done

friends even if

spoken have

to me of you, deceived,

have intention of done

been

their this

was attachment wrong

nonetheless on in their

and

you

propose you you no

to me their

to reward I have

mark

by delivering of it, and have you, been

secret! me very than

already

speaking What blunder to ? sure

to you would with

make more lead

conscious with

of that another did

at this

moment. a

candor

becomes to you.

and would to your

me to an ignominy did you think me No, repeat

I yield

I appeal

yourself, Ought that, That you offend by own your to you

honor;

capable without this

of such a doubt; request. easier blame.

a proceeding and I am

to have

suggested you

it to me? will not

on further which care you

reflection, make

as to writing it is not the me

to me is scarcely whom you will you

to grant; I do not and woman woman

and, wish which, could

if to

to be just, but, with

you; own be

reputation is at least with which that your

which in part

have

acquired, what virtuous

confession, correspondence

deserved, what

in

you?

and

may

determine Again, need own you waive allowing much could doing Permit morning, going present your not if never eyes that

to do something I were have for it assured

she feels letters

she will would

be obliged be of a kind

to conceal? of which in my to to in as I

to complain, received and not

so that them! hate

I could Perhaps

always then the me

justify desire would more you

myself

having

of proving induce than me

is reason powerful sometimes say, you

which and to me.

sways

those you as you make for me

considerations, to write will and not to you you have

to do much If indeed

I ought, to do so

desire

voluntarily if you

submit have any

to the gratitude

one for

condition what I am

which now

me consent; you will

you,

defer

your

departure. subject that you of received it to me. I count, of me, and of a letter this your that all, at on I

to remark and that

on this not

taken

advantage had your you I hope you will

announce I hope above

to Madame nothing waiting decline pretend

de Rosemonde, need for to prevent the lend you

as you keeping which ; and to you,

promised word. ask

interview myself

to which the with order

absolutely which you

that,

instead

is necessary

content

yourself

the

prayer AT

which

I renew

to you. DE

Adieu,

Monsieur. AUGUST, 17 -- .

THE

CHTEAU

... , 27TH

44 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL JOIN that skill IN MY JOY, heart. my lovely Tis in friend; vain Thanks night, I am beloved, that it still I have triumphed my I know over

rebellious

dissimulates; pains, night

fortunate all I that am a will mere some in

has surprised

its secret. since the

to my the

energetic

is of interest once double avenge idea more

to me: in my

fortunate my I will

of yesterday, I have in the

element; of love

I have and

resumed cd

existence; delight

unveiled one, The I

mystery myself

iniquity: I will fly me

for

the other; of it

from to

pleasure

to pleasure. that some, Let

that

I form in

transports my

such

a degree have you.

I have perhaps,

difficulty putting Yesterday, celestial little my

recalling into this I had I send

prudence; which my you

and I make to

shall for you,

order

narrative written it you;

us try, one

however. from with the as on

after devote.

letter will

I received she gives but too

see in it that to write not

me,

clumsiness departure; myself.

as is possible, and I quite felt

permission that I could

to her: defer it

she urges long

without

injuring Tormented, me, the

however, still uncertain

by the desire as to what would fain

to know course

who I should

could take. to

have

written

against over her

I was

I tried up

to win to me

chambermaid, pockets, she

and which

persuade have in for easily the

her laid

give

mistresss and least which

she could replaced

hold

of in the evening, exciting I only nor my bell found money rang. I me the a

could

have

morning, slight my

without but

suspicion.

I offered

ten louis

this

service: eloquence the

baggage, could was

scrupulous

or afraid, still

whom

neither to her that

vanquish. forced

I was her; you in

preaching too glad

when

supper

to leave

only

she was counted. myself

willing

to promise

secrecy, I had

on which never been myself retired, of happy this girl

may

judge

I scarcely I felt my

a worse

humor. for

compromised,

and

reproached When his I had

all the evening not lover, without ought

foolish I sent some

attempt. for credit. my chasseur, I wanted who, him to make in

anxiety, to have I had

quality

either sure

to persuade of her

to do what but he, of who the

asked

of her, is and

or at least of

discretion; of the

ordinarily negotiation, amazed than I, to do: me. said

afraid made

nothing,

seemed on the

doubtful subject Monsieur only

success

a reflection

the profundity surely

of which better

knows

he,

that

to lie

with

a girl

is

to make

her do what a long

she likes

from

that

to making

her do

what

we like

is often

way.

The I

fellows

good

sense for that my

sometimes her, I only zeal

strikes

me dumb. because

ce I have reason to believe life. have So had he will be

can the less answer and for (He will

he added, owe her

she has a lover, that, her went run were but on, it not

to the idleness service, fellow her !)

of country not

in Monsieurs treasure, good this

I should As for it,

once. what

is a real be the

secrecy, since she only

of making speak again and thus

promise about

no risk

in deceiving that

us? To

to her make

it would

to let her know to use it for The more

it was

important,

her all the more

eager

making just

up to her mistress. these reflections Luckily I let him I seemed the run knave on. While that, of her as to me, was the started more off to was my

embarrassment and as I had

heightened. need with of him, this

gossip;

he was the

relating

to me his which she

adventures occupied through they him, met

wench,

learned that

chamber by a bare it was

was which every

only any

separated suspicious At it out oclock scene rung of

from noise

mistress

partition, own it that to

could

be heard, my plan;

in his

night.

once, with

I formed success. morning; rendezvous, times through by sending while my

I communicated

and we carried until two to the that

I waited had

in the the several went

and

then

betook a light My

myself, with

as me,

we and who

agreed,

carrying

pretending plays

I had

to no purpose. a little him scene to heat

confidant,

his parts

to a marvel, which

of surprise, me some

despair, water, was on of all my but

and excuses, which the

I terminated a need; in that

I feigned more

to have

the scrupulous rascal, wishing which

chambermaid to improve

shamefaced, had induced cf the more her, after the I had thus of I

projects, did not

her to make

a toilette

the season

suggested

excuse. that of

As I felt dispose costume; beside

this

wench her my

was to valet

humiliated, neither

the more her

easily

should her down my gave to with her have

allowed ordering bed, need which

change to await great the

position room,

nor I sat

and her on

me in my disorder, which would the and

was

in

commenced situation done honor

conversation. me over the her;

to maintain

control which taking

the have

I preserved Scipio; 16

a coolness and without

continence

slightest seemed

liberty to give

herwhich, the done My right with

however, to expectI a lawyer. were

her freshness spoke

and the opportunity to her as calmly

of business

as I should

conditions

that

I would the same

faithfully hour, I

keep she would offered

her

secret,

provided

that, of I

on the morrow, her mistress.

at about Beside

hand you ten

me the pockets louis yesterday;

that,

I added,

promise situation. withdrew, I spent not which which On my

you

them Everything

again

today. was

I do

not as

want you

to take may well

advantage believe; lost time.

of I

your then

granted, couple

and allowed mine in sleep; to my not

the happy and, fair on my

to make

up for

awakening, before night,

desiring I had

to have

a pretext her

for

replying I could I did

ones

letter

investigated

papers, shooting,

do until

the ensuing part

I resolved

to go out

for

the greater I was

of the day. coldly enough. zeal I had a mind to believe profiting that by

return, a little that me.

received

we were the time written addressed with giving at this

offended left,

at the small after fact for

I had

shown kinder

in not letter

was

especially so from the

the much that, long let which of I it

which

she had having remarked for

I judge

Madame absence, us reproach

de Rosemonde my M. beauty

me some of

reproaches Ah!

this

a tone himself

acrimony,

do not

de Valmont I murmured so a to it me; letter evening

up to the one pleasure and ladies which past, took advantage that to write.

he can find to vow that

here.

injustice, in the letter nights were of

I took for them unable restore of my all that

much most sleep and and a

pleasure interesting for my the some eyes cause

society I had

was

sacrificing that, being

I added

I had wished explicit, I was

to try both at the which I was

if fatigue as to the pains seemed

would subject

sufficiently my insomnia.

to wear

manner

of melancholy masked me and, the

sweetness, the impatience secret time so

to sit on me well arrive me.

enough, which was we to

and which to deliver

in to see the hour withheld the faithful from

obstinately

At

last came

separated, bring Once

some

afterwards, upon for I my

chambermaid

me the price master which of

agreed this you

discretion. to it was letters the inventory to with put that back

treasure, know I fell details

proceeded for

prudence everything undigested which word was letter, Judge dvotes letter capable. sequence surprise

I possess: at first of upon

important from

in its place. mixture the any when put joy of

two and

the husbandan of conjugal I found but love, no this Dijon it.

lawsuits in their

effusions and

I had that had

patience relation my

to read

entirety, them pieces

where

to myself. lighted Luckily

I replaced upon the

with of

temper: my famous

soothed carefully of my tears. with I

hand

together. when

the whim very

seized

me to run of my

through adorable

I perceived I gave of which happy date; first and of all, way I

distinct

traces of youth,

I confess,

to an impulse had not

and kissed any my more the

this

a transport continued and order to find

believed I me found

myself all

longer in

my of the

examination; what the gave one

letters agreeable graceless

a still I thought

was

which

creature altered heart Thus

had and

returned tremulous that

to

me,

faithfully witness

copied to the

by

her

hand,

and

in of

an her

hand,

ample

soft

perturbation

during far

employment. given wishes you her: over to love; soon it gave place to fury. Who I

I was think What

entirely

do you adore? scheme? de

it is, that Fury do

to ruin suppose

me in the eyes is vile enough your a tissue

of the woman to plot such

whom a black

17 You

know

it is your imagine me.

friend, what

kinswoman; of horrors who

it is Madame this has infernal troubled her who but age of

Volanges.

You

cannot

Megra

has written of this advice, me.

concerning angelic that Ah!

It is she, it is through forced her and,

she alone, her

the security pernicious has sacrificed that puts is not her

woman;

counsels, it is she, must

through in short,

I see myself without

to leave; daughter since

a doubt be ruined;

be seduced: womans object

enough, the

she must reach

this

cursed

beyond

of my

assaults,

she must

be hit

in the

her affections. So she wishes go back; hero of but that me to come she shall adventure; back my to Paris! return. she forces me to it! that be it so, I will Danceny which one is the will may

bewail he

I am annoyed a fundamental

possesses

honesty often; anger,

embarrass make that This lovely. she can

us: however, I am

he is in love, losing sight

and

I see him in my today.

perhaps and

use of him. I owe you

of myself has passed prude again.

forgetting

an account I saw ever my

of what sensitive

To resume. had I found one speak of her so

morning It must

Never moment,

be so: a womans that intoxication we so rarely of

loveliest the

the only which we

when so her I of

produce and

soul

of one

constantly love, found the

which yet

meet, and that

is that

when,

assured

we are not myself

of her favors; Perhaps her too, served your

is precisely I was her. going

the case in which to be deprived with while but to the arrival it, my

now.

the idea

that

pleasure

of seeing I was

to beautify letter

Finally, and word: to

of the postman, was still

handed

of the 27th; keep impossible my

I read I met refuse

hesitating eyes, and

as to whether it would have

I should been

beautys aught. I then left rising Gods This the

me

her

announced but

my

departure. still air: four

A moment paces me, away

later, from me,

Madame the coy

de

Rosemonde when, in

us alone: with name, fervent more.

I was

creature

an affrighted leave prayer, I was me. which

Leave

leave

Monsieur,

she said;

betrayed at her side,

her emotion, and I held

could her

not

but

animate she

me had some

already with

hands I was

which beginning

joined

together

a quite

touching

expression;

tender

complaints, The of this her my

when timid

some

hostile who had,

demon in truth,

brought some

back cause

Madame for fear,

de took

Rosemonde. advantage I offered from press this hers,

devote,

to withdraw. hand, which again at my without however, she had which not my she shown accepted; for a long At and auguring I sought well to fain

mildness, while it; but

time, first

commencing more lively

complaints.

she would it with to this my

withdraw grace, Arrived I dropped am going

insistence, either to

she abandoned the gesture or

a good remarks. before that and strength her I

although before it.

replying

the door The defense

of her apartment, began most kiss fair been one Here you for have will you; by being

I wished hearty:

to kiss but

hand,

a remember it hand awkward found

away, Hardly

uttered had and the the

tenderly, given,

rendered when her my the

inefficient. enough to

escape, was that not

entered finishes be

apartment, history. Marchales,

where

chambermaid As I presume shall

in attendance. tomorrow go to look we little shall

at the

18 too

where that,

I at and

certainly our first

as I think than I do

it very one not affair lose long

likely to sight

interview, that of the

more whom

discuss, of, I

notably decided close which leave

Volanges, preceded comes everything

have not point and I

to have it, until I have you now

myself

by this for

letter,

and,

as it is, I shall for, at the

the moment reached,

sending may

it to the post: on an

depend

opportunity,

to see if there

be one.

P.S. Eight Nothing avoid Another charged Volanges Adieu, AT THE my it.

oclock fresh; not

in the evening. the at which de least least little moment sorrow without with time with of liberty: shown care taken even permits. that I am de to

However, incident by

as much be

as decency is to

cannot

consequences an invitation

Madame

Rosemonde some

Madame

to come lovely

and spend friend; DE until

her in the country. after, at the latest.

tomorrow,

or the day 17--.

CHTEAU

... , 28TH

AUGUST,

45 THE M. PRSIDENTE DE VALMONT for his DE LEFT departure, TOURVEL this that much morning, I thought TO MADAME Madame; I ought DE you to whose VOLANGES to me you of so it.

seemed inform society,

anxious Madame admit, that

de Rosemonde is agreeable:

regrets the

her nephew, whole morning possess; on me to

one must with his

she passed you it was know

in talking she did not to many

of him, stint cg her

sensibility I

which

her

to

praises.

thought more In addition,

incumbent as I must that I had

listen on

without she the

contradiction, was cause right.

especially I felt

confess to reproach

that

points being

myself

with

of this

separation, of which of gaiety, it.

and I cannot I have and the deprived kind

hope her. of life

to be able You we know

to compensate that I have by here

her for nature is not

the pleasure small formed If I had store

are going

to lead

to increase not acted

according lightly; for

to I

your was

advice, really a degree

should

fear at my have

that

had

behaved friends mingled We de live

somewhat grief; my

distressed that

venerable willingly

she touched tears with

me to such

I could

her own. that on you the her. see will part I hope and, to have accept of the invitation de have which M. to of us the this

at present is spend it will to

in the hope bring you, time me

Valmont and

Madame that in this you

Rosemonde, no doubt owe of

come

some give

with to

pleasure recompense. an earlier chance AT THE

you;

truth,

you

I shall acquaintance

be most with you DE

delighted

opportunity and

making the etc.

Mademoiselle and more

de Volanges, of the respectful 17 -- .

to have

of convincing CHTEAU

more

sentiments,

... , 29TH

AUGUST,

46 THE WHAT caused vows CHEVALIER HAS in you of never DANCENY TO you TO CCILE my VOLANGES adored Ccile? What can have of them your with

HAPPENED so sudden changing? Who

then,

and cruel It was can have

an alteration? yesterday you

What that you them of

has become repeated today? it in

only

so much for me

pleasure! to examine that

made

forget the

It is useless me; and it is

myself; have and my No, whom my beside treat

I cannot to seek even soul. in Yet, one,

find

cause

terrible light

I should

it in you. this by you and

Ah!

doubtless of despair, comes

you no

are

neither insulting you are

nor

deceitful; shall defile

moment what

suspicion no longer Cecile, not which had the

fatality

it that The

the same? Cecile avoided me her to

cruel

are no longer whose vows

the same! I have the

tender would chance

I adore, gaze, her; me would or, with

received, happy

have

not any

have reason

resisted which she

placed forced

if

I cannot would,

understand have

such

severity,

at least,

condescended Ah, made then asked you

to inform know, today, live,

me of it. you all will that never I suffer know, still loved word be afraid to of my at this by Ccile, moment. you? all that Do you have

do not

me suffer that you I can for me which

you

suppose when I of that

if I am one

no longer single to exist,

Nonetheless, my fears,

a word, you did

dispel being

instead and

answering difficulty

pretended not you then chose

overheard; brought about

you

immediately When, again

yourself you,

by the place I asked that Thus you the you could

which at what not

in the circle. see you

compelled tomorrow, had

to leave you

hour say, ever will and

I could Madame

pretended informant. into your of of

de Volanges which me

to be my me the to

moment, tomorrow,

desired only to

so fondly, excite my in heart,

is to bring and place

presence, seeing being I feel That turn;

anxiety; will give

pleasure the fear

you, intrusive.

hitherto

so dear

it already, I love that you, soft no that it once

this which phrase

dread

irks

me,

and I dare to repeat for of my

not

speak

to you

of my it in

love. my are

I loved which the

so well sufficed

when

I could offers

hear me,

felicity,

if you

changed, however, employ this

more that

than

image of love my

an eternal all

despair. its power, you. you

I cannot and

believe, to then me to a

talisman

has lost Ccile,

I am fain after me

more. of my of like it, my

ch Yes,

I love that me of

Repeat have

expression hearing which, 29TH

happiness. and that

Remember to deprive

accustomed me

to the torture PARIS,

it is to condemn life.

love,

can only

end with

my

AUGUST,

17 -- .

47 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL TODAY reasons, Yesterday, de ---, dinner. Opera, The there well had AGAIN which I SHALL I beg you not see you, with my lovely friend, and here are my

to receive here

indulgence. I stopped road, and with of and the Comtesse I asked a

instead

of returning lay Paris to find

directly, my seven

whose I did where

chteau not reach

almost until you.

upon about

whom

oclock,

I alighted

at the

I hoped

Opera my

over, whilom

I went ci

to see my

fair

friends by

of the a numerous that

green

room;

found as I by who I

milie,

surrounded offering

court, evening

women at P.

as men, no sooner

to whom entered I was his

she was this

a supper than

very

assemblage invited to me in

I was fat

invited and of

to the supper person, and whom

acclamation. stammered recognized I learned agreed supper himself seemed disturb The

likewise

by a little the French

stumpy

invitation hero that

Holland,

as the true upon my way

of the fte. cj I accepted. the house toward breakfast. of the the whither this we were grotesque little going figure, man which he gave could awaited me was and not the price that this

upon was for

for

milies

favors wedding

a veritable joy, in

The

contain him; he to

expectation with

pleasure that

to me it; which

so satisfied was, I

prospect I did. of

a longing

effectually, found was

what that

only

difficulty somewhat after

persuading

Emilie,

who She

was

rendered however, filling for The this

scrupulous some barrel

by the burgomasters objections, with wine, to the plan

ck wealth. which him

agreed, of cl

raising beer

I suggested hors de combat

little

and so putting

the rest of the night. sublime all idea available the one which we had We to formed succeeded lift his of a Dutch so well but topers that, the cm caused he us to was and the We his I

employ already myself table, then

means. strength another a state, him carried the and left

at dessert, helpful he fell

without vied in with

glass: him up.

milie beneath a week. not his which kept stead.

in filling that back into

Finally, for as

so drunken to had send him

it ought to Paris; mine,

to last and, and of

at least he had in

decided I

carriage, thereupon afterward perhaps promised This

remained the company, field.

received retired, my long

congratulations me in possession milie

soon and I

of

the

This

gaiety,

rustication, with co

cn made

seem

so desirable

to me that

to stay

her until on my

the Dutchmans part is the price

resurrection. of that which she has just

complaisance

shown puritan, almost infidelity, conduct.

me,

that

of

serving

me

for

a desk

upon

which

to write

to my

fair and an my it,

to whom

I found

it amusing

to send

a letter

written even of my

in the bed, to complete position and over

in the arms, in which

of a wench, I send her

cp a letter an exact the epistle,

interrupted account laughed

milie, that

who you

has read laugh bear

like

a mad

girl

and I hope As my open. all, letter Will

will needs

as well. the Paris postmark, and I send it to you; I leave Above device; it

must you

please not

read

it, seal your lovely

it up, own

commit nor even

it to the post. any amorous

be careful

to employ my I have of that at the seven

seal,

a simple P.S. shall you

head. cq Adieu, my letter;

friend. Emilie to come to go to the Italiens. and see you. I shall we 19 ... be will Propriety I am charged to see with go I

I open take by six

persuaded moment and to the

advantage oclock about that

latest; oclock, postpone

if it be agreeable Madame invitation moreover, de with I shall

to you, Volanges. which

together, commands for

I do not

her from

Madame

de Rosemonde;

be delighted

the little Adieu, Chevalier AT

Volanges. most will fair lady. I shall be as pleased to embrace you, as the

be jealous. AUGUST, 17 -- .

P ... , 3OTH

48 THE VICOMTE (BEARING A stormy been DE VALMONT THE night, POSTMARK during either all the which TO THE OF PARIS) I have not closed my eyes; ardor, to it PRESIDENTE DE

TOURVEL IT IS AFTER having an utter with

is after or in

ceaselessly of the no hope makes

in the agitation faculties of which of I my have the than

of a devouring soul, that

annihilation Madame, as yet

I come and which,

seek

you, I have writing

calm

need, situation ever over the

however, am, power some letter that this while

to enjoy. me realize

In truth, more

in which irresistible to put this then me

to you, I can my hardly ideas; forced

of love; order without you will into

preserve and

sufficient already it. the What! trouble

control that Am

myself not finish

I foresee

I shall I never

being someday I with

to interrupt with me

to hope

share believe,

which that if

overcomes you were Believe

at

moment?

dare it, you

notwithstanding, not souls active be entirely slumber, passions you moment make

well me, do

acquainted Madame, not and, assure do you from which would so much an

would the the

insensible. the alone me imitation can suffer, than

a cold

tranquillity,

of death lead us

conduce in spite you

cr to happiness; of the torments risk that

thither; I In can vain me

which at this your

I think you.

without

I am happier severities; and they

overwhelm abandoning it causes

me with myself me, the for

terrible to into love,

do not in me. It me.

prevent

utterly despair the exile

forgetting, you cast condemn

the

delirium I I

which

is so that Never during so is had such lively. laden for much to

avenge

myself

to which never and,

you have at

pleasure an seems

in writing emotion to enhance table

to you; so

I experienced, the same air time,

occupation,

sweet my

Everything with first will you ought leave moment, I return eagerness. it has given of my pleasure; time

transports; which loves

cs the

I breathe consecrated how vow

the very office, in my

upon

I write sacred traced

to you, altar

the it love I

to this

becomes eyes!

to me; it the

be beautified forever!

I shall you,

have the

upon of my you

Pardon,

I beseech less to

disorder which intoxication myself. I return

senses.

Perhaps, I must each

to abandon you for

myself

to transports dispel stronger an

do not which

share: increases

a moment

and which to you,

becomes

than

Madame,

and

doubtless,

always

with

the from

same me; speak them? If keenly I

However, place

the sentiment to that if of cruel in

of happiness privation. What means

has fled does

far away it avail

me to you of

sentiments, so many

I seek

vain

the bereft

to convince and

After still

efforts, to myself

I am equally the pleasures

of strength it is only

confidence. more

tell

over

of love,

to feel

my

sorrow

at being and

deprived

of them.

I see no other moment my

resource,

save

in

your it,

indulgence; to hope never as the

I am too it.

sensible

at this

of how love been

greatly more a kind, myself I

I need respectful, I

to obtain

Never, likely virtue at

however, to offend need not

has you; fear: the

could most

it be less severe to you,

it is of such but sorrow it does I am

daresay, afraid of

describing Assured must

greater

length, which

which not

experience. in it, were only of I I

as I am that rate not time you

the object abuse your

causes

participate

at any

kindness; for you and

and it would that never dolorous to doubt

be to do that, picture. of the I take

to spend enough my

more to beg

in retracing to reply

to me,

sincerity

sentiments. AT P ... ; DATED FROM PARIS, 3OTH AUGUST, 17 -- .

WRITTEN

49 CECILE WITHOUT for VOLANGES BEING TO EITHER THE CHEVALIER or frivolous, to feel until you, such which estate. hide I have me the DANCENY Monsieur, the necessity a time when it is of enough altering

FALSE

me to be enlightened promised that of my this

as to my sacrifice

conduct, to God,

it; I have Him also

I can offer even that it more will

sentiments

toward

are rendered I feel you certain that,

criminal only before that you, bring

by the religious me sorrow,

character and I will wept grace

of your not even time

from

since But to

the day I hope forget

yesterday, will

I have the

every

thought needful also

of you. strength of your

God

do me

of giving and evening. seek

as I ask of Him honor that

morning you will

I expect to shake

friendship resolution myself. to me, that and In the you that

and of your which

not and the

me in the good to maintain no more to you, has

has been

inspired you you

in me, to have that

in which kindness no longer with

I strive to write reply all that

consequence, more would would I shall, without you much me.

I beg

so as I warn compel deprive me

I should Mamma

and

to acquaint

passed;

me entirely retain harm

of the pleasure for you all

of seeing

you. which all my one soul may that love better I I have wish me as than have and pity to

nonetheless, there kind being

the attachment with you soon for will love the

in it; and it is indeed I quite perhaps, penance my one. it will heart, feel you the which that that will more

every

of happiness. and be that, one

no longer another fault

as you But that

did, will

which only

committed my husband

in giving when

you I have

I ought the

to give

to God will take

I hope give

Divine

mercy

on my support. Adieu, anybody, you;

weakness,

and

that

me no more

sorrow

than

I am able

Monsieur; I should

I can never even

truly love that

assure anybody

you but

that, you.

if

I were that

permitted is all I may

to

love to

But

say

and perhaps 31ST

is more

than

I ought

to say.

PARIS,

AUGUST,

17 -- .

50 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT Is IT THUS THEN, Monsieur, that to receive to me only even need if I could of fresh find them you carry out the And conditions have upon

which for still

I consented when

sometimes you speak

your

letters?

I no reason I should all my

complaint fear

of a sentiment do so without reasons in your

to which violating this

to abandon For the rest,

myself, if I had

duties? dread, the are for

to preserve last letter. for

salutary at else wish

it seems moment doing

to me that when but bought

I could think to me

In effect, what can

very you

you

to make its

an apology

love, Who

revealing

redoubtable

storms?

happiness

at the expense rate by regret, the not, habit

of reason, if not of

whose

short-lived

pleasures

are followed You yourself,

at any in

by remorse? this dangerous delirium to confess the first to ought that to

whom are you than which

diminish becomes involuntary it not empire, You

its effect, stronger trouble

however, and are

compelled you What not

it often the would its

yourself;

lament then

it causes and sensitive

you?

fearful

ravages still

effect

on a fresh

heart,

which to make to believe

would to it? that

augment

by the sacrifices believe, and not Monsieur, II

it would or you

be forced feign that

love

leads

to that to from

happiness; I would speak duty After

am so convinced hear its name

it would

render

me unhappy to me that only as

even

pronounced. and

It seems from

of it destroys that all, I beg you this to

tranquillity; to be good should you perhaps, with will only such then you

it is as much to keep easy there its for

inclination on this

enough be very find owed subjects, in that take

silence you

subject. me to you at present. forget are idleness me with in a of of so an by

request Paris,

to grant enough habit

Returned sentiment occupying country much example women homage?

occasions birth its where there to the strength you

which, yourself life. Are

and town

to the had seen

you

not Can

indifference? of your who, all

a step And

without not

encountering surrounded there to

readiness more

to change? amiable than

are you

myself,

have

better

right

your

I am without of that with false

the vanity modesty good

with which faith

which

my

sex is reproached; but a refinement here, I know not

I have of pride; how few them

still and

less it is

is nothing that I tell were,

the

utmost

you

pleasing sufficient me is

qualities to retain only

I possess: you. To

had I all there ask you then what

I should

believe no done

to occupy you had

yourself already

longer before,

with and

to beg

you

to do today

what

you

would

most

assuredly

do again

in a short

time,

even

if I were

to

ask

the contrary. This truth, which I do not lose sight of, would I have be, still itself, a reason others, strong but you,

enough without

to disincline entering done I must upon before, not

me to listen a long

to you.

a thousand myself

discussion, with

I confine

to begging upon a

as I have to which AT THE

to correspond

me no further even

sentiment

listen, DE

and to which ... , 1ST

I ought

less to reply.

CHTEAU

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

PART

II

51 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT REALLY, though at the Danceny speak more You and flatter one to VICOMTE, I were present your YOU mistress. I am ARE Do in you interview; me waiting insupportable. you know that temper? how You I shall Why! treat me as lightly and to as that see

get angry, you have

moment

a fearful know and all

tomorrow you it, before you

morning; that keep of my found

important

it is that

should any where. late, to for ones

without to run

troubling off I know

yourself not

about

day

are the cause of my them must being during

arriving surprising

at Madame by all the

de Volanges old women.

indecently I was obliged them:

the whole the old

of the evening women;

in order who

to appease make

never

annoy

it is they

the young

reputations. It is now am dying twice that one oclock I must from time in the morning; needs ennui write and you instead of going which to bed, will which make I me

to do,

a long cause Do

letter, me.

as sleepy I have not you: to come little

the

ct it will further.

You

are most for that

fortunate reason then, that I

to scold that

you

not for

believe time.

I forgive hasten However Dancenys moment

it is only

I am

pressed

Listen

to me

to the point. skill you The The and the little showed She sense. not may exert, you are bound for tomorrow confidence: like to it is have the

confidence. of unhappiness. everything; the me fear all of her She

moment little ever girl

is favorable has been

to confession: tormented breaking which the without

a child, to such a She how which one can

she has told degree related excited was word imagine creature. I saw, by to

since that

she has been she insists on

devil

it told

off. me

scruples me her for

with letter

a vivacity announcing to me,

she was. sermon.

rupture, uttering for a

a real

babbled But risk

an hour

of common that

she embarrassed opening my

me nonetheless; mind to such

you

I could

wrongheaded

however, as ever; fails to

through I even and

all

this

verbiage, cu one the herself of little

that those girl her

she

is

as

fond which

of

her love dupe. fear God every him

Danceny never

remarked of which

resources is an

find,

amusing and by the

Tormented of being that

by her damned

desire

to occupy

with

lover,

if she does to forget she

so, she has invented him; a and

the plan this of

of praying prayer at of

she may of

be able the day,

as she repeats thereby

moment unceasingly.

finds

means

thinking

With perhaps

anyone

more

experienced than

than

Danceny, but he will will

this

little

incident man is so

would much to

be more

favorable

the reverse; help that him, there

the young require left

of a Cladon overcome out You the done; He our

I that,

if we do not obstacles

so much for

time

the slightest project. right; this

be none

us to

carry

are quite hero and of

it is a pity, but

and I am as vexed what would you reply;

as you, have?

that What

he should is done pitiful. that to

be is

adventure: fault. till cannot ceases

it is your

I asked he is be to fight

to see his out of

cv it was to prove did idea

really to her cease

produces

arguments sentiment once one itself

breath, as it! if

an be that in so who so that

involuntary involuntary it even a manner strong finds little he is and

a crime: against girl. but

it

not

That

is so simple

suggested that

to the little enough: that it seems

He complains his grief

of his unhappiness and seems

is touching

is so gentle, that despair,

so sincere, to reduce is not a monk,

to me

impossible of

a woman and with

occasion danger, not

a man

to such

a degree

tempted 2 as thing

to get rid the little

of her fancy. one believed; for,

Finally and

he explains that is,

without so

contradiction,

the best

he has done: to monastic

if it is a question it is assuredly not

of going the Knights

far as to abandon of Malta Be that who

yourself deserve instead perhaps that it

loves,

would

the preference. time in arguments which her tell would project have of

as it may, me, I said to write trifles of We the

of wasting without was that have nicer, it was

compromised rupture: rather any the but than other views

convincing, in such

I approved a case, also appearing to grant to

your

reasons and into to the it is is

them; might

customary and

to return thus an

letters to enter interview with

one

received; I persuaded on the spot, to go

little

person, our plans mother this for

her and

Danceny. task of

formed

I charged her

myself

persuading afternoon informed this

the that

abroad moment

without will

daughter; Danceny

tomorrow already persuade must leave For fail

decisive Gods

arrive.

of it; but swain

sake,

if you

get an opportunity, and teach himsince scruples

please he is to

pretty

to be less the

languorous, fashion possess

be told nothing the rest, to excite

everythingthat to be lost in order certain and by those

true

to overcome them. ridiculous

who

to save doubts

a repetition in the little she hers

of this girls

scene,

I did

not of she her she

mind, now go and for

as to the discretion the tell fright everything more cw with which to her,

confessors; gave mother. will give me,

I assure terror after

you, lest

is paying should talked

by

her

I hope

that,

I have

once

or twice

up going

thus

to tell

her follies

to the first

comer.

Adieu, shameful more

Vicomte; if we

take could than

charge not

of

Danceny we will

and with let

guide two

his

way.

It would If we find

be it our is in

do what thought daughter

children.

difficult that I, that 2ND

we is

had the

at first, of

us reflect, de

to animate who Adieu.

zealyou, question, PARIS,

it

Madame the wife

Volanges

she is destined

to become 17 -- .

of Gercourt.

SEPTEMBER,

52 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRESIDENTE DE

TOURVEL You FORBID ME, MADAME, courage to speak to obey and which to you of my love; but where am I

to find which

the necessary should

you? you

Solely render living

occupied so cruel; only in that only of

by a sentiment languishing in and me which laying Will you Will be who by a

be so sweet, you have

the exile regrets;

to which in prey

condemned all the more

me;

on privations they remind

to torments

dolorous I lose the

unceasingly remains bare avert you to

of your to me? And

indifference can which you I have you may

; must any fill not

consolation sometimes

other, with

save

that and you

you

a soul gaze, even that

trouble tears you

bitterness? cause

your refuse

see the

to flow? Would it not one pain

the homage of your so by good you, unjust

of the sacrifices and gentle rather than soul,

demand?

worthier is only refusal You the

of you, rendered which

to pity

an unhappy his

to seek

to aggravate

is at once to be afraid

and rigorous? and you you which if will not see that it. Ah, you no not not alone doubt, reciprocate; procure is it? are the

pretend cause of

of love, with which

the

evils

reproach inspires love

sentiment but where

is painful,

when to

the object be found,

it does does

is happiness sweet

mutual only

Tender

friendship,

confidencethe pleasures remembrance: who, in order

kind

which

without hopes

reservesorrows enchantment, love? offers You you, the

alleviation, delights of

augmentation, where find them else

than which which

in it I

calumniate have but

cx it, you to give

to enjoy

all the good forget the pain

up resisting

it; and II

experience, You your have certain confound abandoning cruel banter force

to undertake me also you that which man

its defense. myself; for, whereas reason I consecrate to blame and, to you, me: my already advantage are pleased life to you of to with a me well! not faith: reign heart, of

to defend pass yours

adoration, assumed errors the

in seeking and have with

I am frivolous I myself I was then

a deceiver;

taking you Not you have or which my

confessed what

I am at present. away know my offer from how promises you, you, you

content add

me

to the

torment

of living you in

to that

as to pleasures You do one not

to which either for

rendered oaths: you will

insensible. there suspect. if you supreme which,

believe

remains

guarantee I only in my if you

me

to

It is yourself. do not in believe my heart, has thus

ask you love, are

to question doubt that for

yourself a moment have

in all good that fixed you this

if you not too

sure fickle,

you

indeed,

far been

I consent

to bear

the penalty

this

error;

I shall

suffer, you

but are

I will forced

not

appeal:

but

if,

on the contrary, that you with have

doing not,

justice will

to us both, never have me

to admit

to yourself you,

a rival, at least which Madame,

ask me no more, the consolation will you not

I beg

to fight you

chimeras, in with of doubt my my

cy and

leave

of seeing finish,

no longer finish, to this but

as to a sentiment life. letter. If, however, I give Permit me,

indeed to beg

cannot positively

to reply

part

up that

period

of my

life

which

seems

to damage reasons had

me

so

severely

in your it.

eyes,

it is not

because,

in case of need,

failed

me to defend What thrown? speak, forestall, unfavorable which of and was have

I done,

after the to good

all,

but

fail

to resist and without of

the

vortex

into

which passed, all

I so

was to to be

Entering from by hand their

world, hand nature,

young by

experience; women, they who feel

a crowd a reflection part then

hasten but

which

cannot

to them; never

was

it my

to set the example I to punish a constancy Nay, myself

of a resistance for a moment useless, save a

opposed was only often have

to me? provoked excited

Or was by

error, which

which would

undoubtedly what other cause,

ridicule? choice?

speedy But,

rupture,

can justify

a shameful

I can say it, this did not not

intoxication to my to occupy reached

of the senses, heart. it; as far Born for

perhaps love,

even

this might but

delirium distract despicable

of vanity, it, but objects, sought was did

attain

intrigue

suffice of them

surrounded as my soul:

by seducing I was myself

none for

offered inconstant

pleasures, because

I I

virtues;

and in short,

I even

thought

delicate when sprang and

and sensitive. I saw from justify you, you the that I saw light: soon soul; that than I understood that it was you. you fear to trust yourself, be the which given them and on you it to they alone that the charm cause for of its me

It was love

qualities

of the in short,

could

excess, not

it. I felt, or to love is the have will

equally

impossible

to love

any

other to

There, whose reserve you;

Madame, fate for you

heart

which but

to pronounce: change nothing

whatever

may

destiny attach birth.

it, you

of the sentiments which have

they

are as unalterable 3RD SEPTEMBER,

as the virtues 17 -- .

PARIS,

53 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I HAVE SEEN especially spoke DANCENY, on suppressing to me as a woman he gave me but only obtained his half confidence; of a he whom devote:

insists he only apart

the name of great

of the little virtue, even account

Volanges, somewhat of his

from

that,

a fairly I excited scruples for him the

veracious him ; but rest,

adventure, him

particularly greatly and after occupy place our upon

the last

incident. and him: taking

as best it seems I shall to The

I could, that

I bantered he clings to tell 3 which

his delicacy answer I for am

to them, you more I will

I cannot tomorrow. myself today

be able Versailles, interview may for

tomorrow

and

by studying also gives and me perhaps and the little

him some

on the road. hope:

is to take to to you the my

everything left

have

happened but for to do

satisfaction; a confession for me: for more

there

is nothing This

us at present will be easier what comes I will

obtain than same utmost. Adieu, evening, word AT

collect person than

the proofs. is more her discreet

task

confiding lover.

or,

thing,

talkative

However,

my

lovely

friend; if

I am you,

in a mighty on your come

hurry; side, back know

I shall

not

see you write

this me a

nor

tomorrow: return. I shall

anything, in Paris.

on my ... , 3RD

certainly IN THE

to sleep

SEPTEMBER,

EVENING.

54 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT OH YES, IT you is certainly so, he was with Danceny that there nobody more with is something so stupid the to discover! of have

If he told love, shown through revenge, When wanted persuade departure, Volanges daughter pressed intended and

boasting. more that have

I know and

in an affair we

I reproach Do you it

myself know would

kindness

him. him?

yesterday been

I thought a pure loss!

I was Oh,

compromised have my

And

I will

I promise I arrived to go her, which had and my told

you. yesterday to fetch Madame I had Danceny all the that last more de need Volanges, of all my arrive she no longer to our de Her one of her still to

out; and

she I

felt

indisposed; that been

eloquence before

foresaw have the day on thorns.

might

would him

awkward, not

as Madame be at home. the little

before At

she would we went out;

I were

and that, good

hand

so affectionately with which

as she bade

me adieu in all

in spite faith,

rupture,

she believed

herself,

be occupied, I was Madame naturally it in that not

I prophesied at the de end

wonders anxieties. Madame

in the course We de had

of the evening. hardly felt I was been really the less the young the mother half an hour unwell, inclined people at and for (as

of my when

--- s,

Volanges me,

she wanted I was afraid,

to return supposing

home:

as for

we were that my

to surprise to make

the chances might her half, seem health, without

were highly which

we should), suspicious. luckily

efforts

go abroad her upon and at a the

I adopted difficult; her

the course and home, of From the I kept by

of frightening her for

is not to

an hour fear did air trouble not

consenting of the that

drive motion fixed.

feigning We

consequences until the hour

dangerous had been

carriage. the

return I not

shamefaced at least my

which had

remarked been The

on our

arrival,

I confess

I hoped

that

wasted. desire I had who for further information made me stay with Madame de

Volanges, we left and all love,

went

to bed at once: hour, under

and after the pretext The

having that latter

supped she had had fresh properly.

at her bedside, need of repose, side, eternal fool, before. are not

her at an early into

passed that

her daughters expected in by of her;

apartment. vanished had

done, vows

on her of the

I had etc.: had can

scruples,

etc.,

a word, one

she

performed the line a

But

Danceny, Oh! one

not

point

passed with

where

he had

been

safely

quarrel

such

one:

reconciliations

dangerous.

The how him; how

child

assures

me,

however, I would certain

that wager

he wanted that she

more, brags,

but

that

she

knew

to defend indeed much

herself.

or that seized

she

excuses out I,

I made one might bit

almost rely by was bit,

of it. The

fantasy

me to find capable; short, you and

on the defense excited more her

of which to the point

she was ... In

a mere believe She shall have have prefer needs

woman, me,

may senses. she her. I I

no one lovable, at least

ever

susceptible She I am and

to a surprise

of the

is really have

this

dear friend,

child! for

deserves becoming I think in my so long

a different really I shall fond keep

lover; of

a firm

promised often felt

her that a need

I will

form

her,

my and I

word. should

of having but

a woman

confidence,

her to another; to be; and that

I can do nothing reason the

as she is notwhat bearing a grudge

she against

is one

more

for

Danceny. Adieu, I have petite PARIS, Vicomte; yielded maison. 4TH SEPTEMBER, 17 -- . do not to the come to me tomorrow, of the unless for it be in the forenoon. an evening at the

entreaties

Chevalier,

55 CCILE You than my our VOLANGES RIGHT, advice. than Ah! TO MY Danceny, you, than SOPHIE dear Sophie; had and CARNAY your prophesies has succeeded been stronger precisely it will better than to

WERE your

as you myself; repent

predicted, here

confessor, old position. you

we are returned scold me,

I do not know to we

it; and

if you

be only easy had of to any the say I Do

because say what

do not ought how his

the pleasure do, nothing from becomes the

of loving prevents pain own, would of

Danceny. you; but

It is very if we you love,

one of

experience way

suffer

somebody of how

in which what who

pleasure

our you

difficult

it is to at nothing: it.

no, when myself, you

we wish have for felt

to say is yes, it, felt that that it most I could would

be astonished yet weep, impossible say what are, and

keenly,

do not

understand without to you

suppose,

instance, you that

see Danceny be utterly may they

weeping me; like: and, what certain

myself? when one that

I assure he is happy,

I am as happy change things

as he. You from what

says

does

not that.

I am very

it is like like

I should certainly you better should Our too

to see you not

in my like

place....

No, places

it is not with then you

that

I wish but

to say, I wish

for that me or, I

I should loved and

to change not but only also

anyone: you would be

somebody; me you our when less;

because because then begin that, But

understand happier,

scold say,

would

rather

would

only

to know you see,

happiness. is only childs a I play: look, ask

amusements, is left, to know nothing this

merrimentall once it is over.

nothing only for how him. him still

love,

ah, love! ! When

... a word,

he is therethat when it would with I cannot seem me,

is happiness see him, as though I dream when and

I see Danceny, for him. I do not

more; is; but

I ask only everything of him; and

know

which when for

I like I can

resembles dream I of am

When utterly, happy;

he is not without I close

distraction, my eyes,

I am quite I think

alone,

instance, I

suddenly him speak;

I see him;

remember and then

his conversation, I feel a fire,

and

think

I hear

it causes place.

me to sigh; It is like

an agitation gives when

... I cannot

keep

in one pleasure.

a torment,

and this I even even it is

torment think that

me an unutterable once That one

has been I bear for but

in love, you

the

effect

of it is

shed

over always

friendship. as it

which

has not I tell her she

changed, you of

however; I feel for

was

at the It seems

convent: as though I

what

Madame than as

de Merteuil. yourself; because and it is

I love that friendship

more were like

as I do he. our This own,

Danceny is or so, else

sometimes not

wish

perhaps,

a childrens

because that very would

I see them the

so often truth all,

together,

which the there

makes two

me deceive of them, harm they

myself. make

Be me

as it may, happy; only and, ask me:

is that,

between think

after to stay if M.

I do not

is much the idea

in what

I do. I which I have I

as I am;

and

it is only is such

of marriage and my

distresses no doubt love you

for

de Gercourt know tenderly. 17 -- . what

a man

as I am told, Adieu,

of it, I do not always 4TH most

will

become

of me.

Sophie;

PARIS,

SEPTEMBER,

56 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT HOw, you? MONSIEUR, To believe them? WOULD in your And THE answer would or not which that you ask of me the serve more it and

sentiments, attacking

be one reason their sincerity, that I will

to fear not may

without it not

defending

does not

suffice, not

ought

to suffice

for

yourself,

to know

reply that

to them? you were that to love me really (and it is only would I have and to the aught above hope? prevent obstacles else all, to to You a

Supposing return which do, help admit it does but you

to this separate

subject

I consent

to the supposition), And conquer should this love, you

us be less insurmountable? that all my you power might soon

to wish with

by hastening is painful, you are

to deprive when

of any

yourself not

that

this

sentiment Now,

the object well misfortune you for

which aware

inspires that it befall I is

reciprocate. for

thoroughly if this

impossible me, hope then, I should that

me to reciprocate be the respect you, more

; and even

should any

to be pitied, not troubling that whom

without to doubt

making of that

happier. Cease is

you

me enough, cease from

a moment. tranquillity

I conjure

a heart I have I both object. them;

to which known love you. and

so

necessary; Loved and my and

do not

force

me to regret

esteemed

by a husband

respect,

my be

duty so.

pleasure more be any only without a tempest Ah! with No, why the

are centred keen that days remorse? of exist,

in the same I do not than serene, you call

I am happy, I would not

I must know with

If pleasures Can of there knowing

desire that of

them. oneself, and of the is sea with unite them, I

are sweeter that are What of

of being sleeping

at peace without is but view

trouble a tumult the

awaking senses, terrible. covered whom? me

happiness the mere How

passions

which

from embark

shore a

confront debris

these of so

tempests? many

dare

upon And which by

thousand I cherish were

shipwrecks? the bonds I not held

Monsieur, not

I stay break them.

on the shore; them if

to it.

I would

I could;

should Why Your should love.

hasten attach letters,

to procure yourself which

to my should and you

life?

Why

this

obstinate each

resolve other with

to follow rapidity. but your

me? They mad

be few, speak your

succeed

be sensible, You besiege in I asked one

to me in them more than

of nothing you under in did with

me with form, not you

idea,

your The It

person. things pleases I do not

Removed which you

reproduce you

yourself repeat only

another. way. my

you

to say,

another shun

to embarrass

me with

captious

arguments;

you

own.

wish women

to

answer whom fain

you, you

will

answer With

you

no

more.... contempt it: but

How you

you speak all

treat of

the them!

have that

seduced! some since

what

I would despicable? give

believe Ah,

of them they love. of him but

deserve have

are they duties they have

then

so to lost

doubtless, up

violated that whom mere

their moment they idea myself

in order have

themselves even The

to a criminal the esteem

From for the

everything, everything. What you? matters By what

sacrificed tremble. or me, with see This

punishment all?

is just, Why come

makes with

one them Leave

it, after right do not which

should

I occupy my

do you write you DE

to trouble I beg from

tranquillity? I demand

me no more; letter AT

to me again, will receive

you; me.

it of you.

is the last THE

CHTEAU

... , 5TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

57 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I FOUND YOUR me. You if LETTER could they that you had you are that by heart, told him not yesterday have had on my arrival. lively Your sense of anger quite

delighted

a more against into person!

Dancenys doubt him

delinquencies, out slight of vengeance infidelities;

been get

exercised his mistress wicked

yourself. the habit of

It is no showing are

a very you

Yes, than

you

charming,

and I am not At last I know for that

surprised him

are more pretty

irresistible hero that

Danceny. He was has no the more

this

of romance! virtuous that love

secrets good, moment,

me. one

I have emotion

so often ten

supreme at this

was

worth

intrigues, in me,

I was

myself,

amorous

and timid; with his own,

he found that, and that he

in short,

a fashion which

of thinking he felt at my

so conformable candor, We At he told

in the enchantment vowed in our went than me a friendship project. on the theory

me everything advanced to me for that

without

reserve.

are no more first, it

seemed more

that

a young

girl to girl is The arrests

demands lose. into far

much

consideration all, that

a woman, can justify

in that a man

she has more for putting the a girl

He thinks, the richer necessity than sense

above of the

nothing him, is the

marrying which

or living case candor, simply skill, in that

dishonored, in which all to this

when

man,

he finds intimidates these

himself. and

mothers him. The

of security, would may

the girls not be

difficulty true they

dispute helped tend side.

arguments, they

however would

be. With all the

a little more,

and

by passion, to be But

soon

be destroyed; have any

they

ridiculous, hinders if a if, at or so to this

and one would one from first least, shyness; speak, charm that love its having

the sanction hold over

of custom him is that virtuous, not,

on ones he is happy and,

what

as he is. Indeed, says, from emotion, purer; delicacy halts, and that an

appears course it is that

generally is slower,

more it is

as one think,

as people

the heart, to relish over

astonished the charm heart

at an unknown which that

at every

step,

it experiences,

is so potent it is unmindful such pleasure; and my

a young other

it occupies That

it to such that

extent

of every may in own befall fact,

pleasure.

is so true, from behavior Madame that

a libertine in the less little there

in loveif haste for

a libertinebecomes between Dancenys prudish

instant

toward

Volanges, is but

toward

the more

de Tourvel,

a shade have

of difference needed, above all,

of degree. our young should man, have more been obstacles need for than more he has

It would

to warm that

encountered;

there

mystery,

for by man

mystery serving

begets him

boldness. your would

I am coming conduct have who

to believe would have desires: and

that been but

you

have

hurt with

us a

so well; who

excellent you might the

of experience, that, with

only

felt

have greatest

foreseen value that,

a young they of

man should being

is honorable

in love, and,

of favors the surer What

is that he were

be the proof beloved, the

of love; less

consequently, he would no hope our

enterprising but

become. that time: While That have I

is to be done will be caught for it, but

at present? before

I know

nothing; and

I have have

the child

marriage,

we shall

wasted

I am sorry I am reminds your thus me

I see no remedy. you have are doing me want not yet better with your in my Chevalier. favor; draft. be I

discoursing, that you

promised I do not has and

an infidelity

promise that the

in writing, date not of

and payment for

it to be a dishonored come; side, but it would take not give some

admit

generous of the

of you interest.

to wait do you

that; my

on my

I would Are you Oh, found

charge tired me of my merit

What

say,

lovely such that me. you

friend?

your way;

constancy? I will indeed

Is this compel you

Chevalier you have

then

a miracle? if you have

to admit forgotten

in him, Farewell, I defy AT

it is because my lovely

friend;

I embrace

with

all

the ardor

of my

desire;

all the kisses

of the Chevalier 17 -- .

to contain

as much.

... , 5TH

SEPTEMBER,

58 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRESIDENTE DE

TOURVEL PRAY, make withal, wishes: conduct. consolation obeyed sacrifice, that solitary you you MADAME, me, cz and the there, the most in HOW anger HAVE which you the is pains you; I deserved display? most the of you the The reproaches liveliest submission of my which you and, least my other I

attachment to your and no

respectful, two by words, the

entire

history an

sentiments love, I had

Oppressed than that

unhappy

of seeing permitting

bade

me deprive As you me

myself a reward would

of that; for rob me this

without allowed pleasure. without one which you ten say, days

myself to you,

a murmur. and today from

me to write Shall

of to

I see it ravished ah, how to me, frequent! I have have what the only should

without

seeking to my

defend

it? No,

a doubt: remains are of my too

it not

be dear

heart?

It is the only My during thinking only All letters, the

and I owe But not

it to you. I one two save of beseech moment letters that that; for to even you What when me! more would need your from I you to you, that

reflect, passed

exile,

without me. think? can hide. the he to it I

of you, to you

and that

yet you Ah,

received

speak that

of my love! do was let me to

can I say, expression it was no

which and me

I could me you that

weaken

believe Finally, man loves your of

I only

you that

see what you will and him

impossible reply

threaten you

longer

Thus, than add have orders

who you:

prefers not

to everybody, with why treating these of

who with

respects severity, anger? even

content And you

contempt! Are

threats being

and

this

you are have have

them?

not for

sure

obeyed,

unjust? I not over will

Is it possible already me? After find proved having

me then But will

to dispute you abuse

even this

one

of your

desires, you

it?

empire having which

which become you he has implored point you

rendered then Will

me unhappy, that

after

unjust, me me aid,

you

it so easy to you? fate, and

to enjoy you

tranquillity say

assure made my my would heart.

is so necessary mistress and may of his

never him

to yourself: He

I have

made Do

unhappy? know my

I looked carry

at him No.

without

pity?

you

to what sufferings, do not And you can

despair need

me?

To be able to which

to appreciate you,

to know To what

the extent do you A man absolute over

I love To

and you

know who will you

my

sacrifice who adores

me?

chimerical a man do you over fear,

fears. whom what

inspires never fear,

them to a But fright

in you? hold an

you; What will

cease from will? the

empire. which you

sentiment your

ever

be mistress, for itself,

to direct and you

as you attribute

imagination

creates

monsters

which

they

cause

you

to love.

A little

confidence,

and

these

phantoms

will

disappear. A wise man into said their that, to dispel fears, it is almost always that this sufficient truth finds to its

penetrate application. affright submissive, other

causes. da It is in love and your will your find days, fears a will

especially

Love, you, you and than my

vanish.

In the place emotion, a

of objects lover will tender leave

which and no I I to in not of to

delicious marked lost any by by for I feel let fear

all that

happiness, indifference. love, that the regret it lies pleasure

you since which alone I take

regret of

of having and exist

I myself, db a time you

repented thought make writing disobey which you, me? AT

errors

only and you, the knees;

I had me to

passed But,

in pleasure; I beseech by

with

happy. you

not of

which you. the left will

be disturbed but I am rob

displeasing I claim you ah, have

I would happiness me; you I cry

you; you

at your me, and the

it is there which

would my

only

one my

heed

prayers

behold

tears;

Madame,

refuse

... , 7TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

59 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL TELL Danceny? one, we ME, IF What YOU has grown for know, happened vexed less. what is the and meaning what has of this effusion Has must evening at all his be at of fair just; the

to him, with What his am and

he lost? One this

perchance, should

eternal I to say

respect? to him given

be vexed which I will

rendezvous Assuredly, to lead recitato have Shall least Where Truly,

he asks not waste

of me, my

which

I have

him

costs? is a I

time

in listening

to his complaints, good what tedium to hear, it is, which

if that save and I in

us nowhither. obbligato or really to have

Amorous arietta. I shall a talk and give

complaints 5 Let desert, with me

are not know then the

what foresee.

to do,

or

to avoid you this

I be able send

morning? to my

If you part. in

are engaged,

at

me a word, you not Make invitation and,

me the cues pray? I never

were it was

yesterday, worth up

succeed

seeing

you

now. of very the the

the trouble your mind, the me,

of keeping however, de

me in Paris as I have just and

in the month received see her a in has

September. pressing country; finest

from tells

Comtesse humorously

B ---

to

go

as she

enough,

her

husband for the

woods

dc in the world, Now you know

which

he carefully certainly them

preserves some rights

pleasure the woods Adieu;

of his friends. in question; remember PARIS,

I have

over

and I shall Danceny will

go and revisit be with

if I am of no use to you. four oclock.

me about

8TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

60 THE CHEVALIER IN THE DANCENY PRECEDING in despair, but At TO THE LETTER) I have I feel what lost all! I dare not confide them and in ask to the you my VICOMTE DE VALMONT

(ENCLOSED AH, writing MONSIEUR, the

I AM of my

secret and

woes: friend.

a need could

to unburden I see you, when me.

ear of a sure for soul advice to you! own

trusty

hour

and

consolation? what

I was

so happy All part

on the day with

I opened What

Now, account

a difference! the least

is changed of my

I suffer on I, me will you do not

on my behalf you this help know refuse Adieu, a friend can find will

is but object,

torments support. friendship You will

; my

anxiety than

of a far be able but

dearer

that and

is what I count instruct you.

I cannot on your you. You are

Happier not pity

to see her,

to refuse me, you

favor: me; what

I must no

see you hope save

and in

I have love

a man

of

sensibility,

is, and you aid. the only is left

are the only

one in whom

I can confide;

me your Monsieur;

alleviation to me. this Let

of my me

pain

is the reflection I beg like you,

that

such hour in I the

as yourself you. If

know,

at what

it is not

morning,

I should

it to be early

afternoon. PARIS, 8TH SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

61 CCILE MY DEAR VOLANGES SOPHIE, ! Mamma anything; Mamma attention quite much TO PITY knows and seemed to it. gaily of yet, SOPHIE your all. CARNAY Ccile, your conceive discovered poor Ccile; she she has is come Yesterday I did not pay very to

unhappy suspect evening, much talked spoke

I cannot has

how

she

everything. humor, her rubber but

indeed while

to be in a bad waiting till who

I even,

dd was here, that

finished, and we we were

to Madame Danceny. away I

de Merteuil, do not

had

supped

believe, to my

however, room. away my this

overheard. I was me for me to

She went

and I retired entered, tone hardly

undressing the key tremble to find was

when of my so that it; but

Mamma desk. The

and sent

maid;

she asked caused being she

in which stand. her.

she made I made The the

request of

I could at last that

a pretense drawer of the

unable opened Danceny. know begin

I had which that, except

to obey contained when that

first letters

which

precisely

Chevalier I did I saw to sink not her into to

I was

so confused to her, which

she asked it was itself,

me what but

it was, when time

what

to reply the first when my She

nothing; I had away. maid,

to read

presented that

barely As

an armchair myself go to again, bed. that through. to you her

I felt mother, carried appear

so ill who off all

I swooned my

soon

as I came telling every weep

had called Dancenys her

withdrew, I tremble naught but

me to time all I the

letters. I did

reflect night I write with

I must

before

again.

at dawn, I shall

in the hope ask if not, yourself. we can her

that

Josephine a short it in your note

will

come. going

If I can speak to write you get to see kindly any him to

alone,

to take put is

I am

Madame send it,

de Merteuil; as if At from least,

I will It speak

letter, her I have

and will that I

only of him, she will

from for

shall

consolation. again.

no hope

I am very for my

wretched!

Perhaps I dare it not

be kind

enough for my such

to take a purpose, that

charge and I had

of a letter still letters I will write ready, they am less

Danceny. maid; desk. to you for

trust

Josphine who told

is perhaps

she

mother

in my not

write

at any

greater and

length, also

because

I wish to have lie room. It will fever. chest down

to have my

time

to all

to Madame if she will will ill, find so that for

de Merteuil take charge when not I suffer and

to Danceny, that into I shall my

letter

of it. After they to come visit than

again, say be a

so that that great burn I

me in bed I need indeed

I shall not My which

have

Mamma. if I had

falsehood: from

more I have

the

eyes

excessive

weeping;

a weight

on my

hinders

me from that

breathing. dead. dear

When

I think

that

I shall

not

see Danceny

again,

I wish

I were my

Adieu, PARIS,

Sophie,

I can say no more 17 -- .

to you;

my

tears

choke

me.

7TH

SEPTEMBER,

62 MADAME AFTER innocence longer most beg would fail to DE HAVING of VOLANGES ABUSED, you will where TO THE CHEVALIER a mothers not have be DANCENY confidence if you marks I prefer door, would me to de and are of the no a to

MONSIEUR, doubtless you

a child, in

surprised

received sincere

a house

responded of all that orders the not you into

to the is fitting. at the lackeys force make

friendship, to call upon all

by a forgetfulness me again, by to I warn my and the hope you than

you

not

to give

which not have the have your little her it. upon to

compromise make. I have

alike, a right

remarks that also in

which you that the will if folly shall

recourse least

to such to an

a means. support austere you

in future you from as

attempt her,

daughter eternal Monsieur, misery, is made,

which her

beguiled pursuit. from

retreat

shelter you will from

It is for being the

to decide, of her choice the

whether as you

shrink

cause me, my

have

attempting her with I reckon

dishonor. You you leave without I have PARIS, will

As for find

and I have your

acquainted letters.

enclosed

packet

containing of my

to send no

me in return of an

all those incident the

daughter, of

and to do your which without I could remorse.

utmost not

trace

memory

retain

indignation, the honor 7TH

she without to be, etc.

shame,

and you

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

63 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT INDEED, which YES, caused I him WILL to explain write it is Dancenys my letter to and letter, you. it and is, The I incident think, with my the

handiwork, your I will last do.

chef-doeuvre. Athenian

I wasted What that

no time

since

I said

architect, then let

he has said, fine to hero

It is obstacles felicity! slumber to be Oh,

this

of romance give him

needs, some

and he slumbers work: and if he he need

in his had is of this

him

look

me,

I will longer,

is going taught all the

to be peaceful value of time, It were need

any and

I am mistaken. myself said lacking you, him out now that that

Indeed, by now

I flatter also, be

regretting more quality, no repose When your the it.

he has lost. well, my that mistakes

well wont only

he had I

mystery: Ithat until

now. to me; what

have then I did. I finger of I

have

to be pointed Let me tell day you you

take

I have home

retrieved in the

them. morning

I returned letter; I found of the

of the that

before

yesterday, your

read on

it luminous. my sole

Convinced concern by now

had put

cause I

evil,

was to and

to find for

a means the I was

curing

commenced, had not

however, let me sleep

retiring

bed;

indefatigable sleepy: but or I had

Chevalier not at all;

a moment, my desire

I thought him

absorbed him for

in Danceny, it, did my not

to cure an eye, take

of his indolence, only rest. according to after

to punish thoroughly I went project, existed clearly certainly her and all my

let me close that

and it was two hours and,

completed same her

plan,

I could

that

evening

to Madame that and

de Volanges, I felt Danceny. sure

my

I told between in your

confidentially her daughter was that

a dangerous This woman,

acquaintance who sees that I not my as well so was tell

case,

so blind her daughter certain alarm.

that

she answered was a child, and etc.,

me at first etc.

mistaken, I knew; friendship would have but

I could

I quoted had taken and

looks In

remarks I spoke

whereat almost

virtue as a as

short, the

devote

done; I had day of

to strike a letter

decisive and me

blow, received. a drawer

I went That in her

so far reminds desk Do

to say that me, which know Volanges you, up. After this my

I thought one a number has

seen she

given before she

I added, I saw if she face kind

opened

in you de

papers, frequent and

which

doubtless

preserves. Here to her

any

correspondence? some tears rise my

Madame eyes. will I clear

changed, friend,

I saw

thank this

she said,

as she pressed

hand;

conversation,

which

was

too

short

to

excite

suspicion,

went

over

to the

young me

person. in her

I left

her

soon eyes; how

afterward,

to beg me

her

mother the

not more child thus that her my de the

to compromise willingly, were afford she will when

daughters out to her

she promised fortunate

this

I pointed

it would her heart

be if the to me, and

to take me the keep

sufficient occasion her her

confidence of giving

in me to open her my wise she Thus without I have as I like will I am

counsels. doubtless authorized false gained

I feel seek

certain to vaunt

promise, daughters the

because eyes. child,

penetration friendly Volanges, right

in tone

to maintain to for Madame the future

toward

seeming also with

which

I wished

to avoid.

to be as long being

and as privately able to take that

the young

person,

without

the mother I took took upon

umbrage. very evening; and set and when her on the my game of was over, I

advantage the child

of this, aside in

a corner,

subject

Danceny, the of I

which she

she is inexhaustible. will not her forcible, have make of in and when she

I amused sees him

myself

by exciting there

her with is no kind

pleasure folly had blow greater Tis that

tomorrow; restore all that the for

I did

her say. reality; I am

I needs and

must

to her in hope ought more to she render suffers,

what

deprived more will wise, for all, tears? even dream, I think

besides,

the the

persuaded

that, herself

be her haste moreover, great to

to compensate accustom to

it, on the next anyone

occasion. whom one

great

events

destines After few and bad all, into The I

adventures. pay for the Well, pleasure I promise done, will all, of having her but that this her Danceny have with him, a a

may She sooner the

she not dotes than

on him!

she shall storm. and, a spice

she would from

have which after

for

It is like considering of malice

awakening

be delicious; if I have put

she owes

me gratitude: oneself: pastime thoroughly love, excited him with for

it, one must fool provides at

amuse light last,

the wise. df with myself. will or, Either, in said I to

withdrew

satisfied by all

myself, and fool, look well then

Dancenys I shall

obstacles, my power;

redouble if

intensity, but and been will as a

serve

he is nothing

as I am sometimes upon himself on

tempted now, has

to believe, in that been me, on the

he will case, me;

be in despair, at least way, have

as beaten: him as he esteem

I shall on my

avenged the

I shall and I should as I of

have the be am,

increased confidence very and him

mothers

for

daughters object his

friendship, of my brides care, mind, ways

of both.

As for

Gercourt, if,

the first mistress

unlucky, as I intend what

or very

clumsy, more,

over find with

to be even him

I did

not

a thousand these

making I

I mean

to be. I went

to bed

pleasant

thoughts:

slept On

well, my

too,

and awoke I found I could same

very two not

late. letters, one from from laughing you for the mother when alone and one from in any the the

awakening and this

the daughter; both, literally

refrain It

I encountered, that I expect and me, and august been, as to be like

phrase: amusing

is from

consolation. single Divinity, nothing however, precept I began avenges side only of agent

Is it not of two the

to console contrary petitions I

and

against, Behold mortals, that have

directly diverse

interests? of have blind

receiving in to bids with you your my

altering part, the

immutable that my of

decrees. the

deserted and

assume

consoling in their her

angel; affliction.

us, to visit the mother; for

friends I found

wrapped

in a sadness in your

which way,

already on and of the my the quite

in part fair was

the

obstacles

she has thrown has succeeded should which of tone

prude. lest her

Everything

marvelously, take would kindness of indulgent she had of advantage have and

anxiety

Madame daughters with

de Volanges confidence: her the the with

moment easy, and had given

to gain she

been

employed

language air and

affection, tenderness. behaved frustrating so

to reasonable she had that armed

counsels herself only

Luckily unwisely all our

severity; It is true

in short, that

I could by

applaud. course

she thought on of and

schemes, back to this

the

which but it, in both

she had off

resolved this of blow,

sending induced

her her his

daughter merely pursuit; necessary I next her! If

to the convent: a threat of

I warded the

make

event

Danceny

continuing which I

in order

to compel

to a circumspection

believe

to success. to the daughter. but time not take she to You would not believe that how she Struck I was which I brought a moment very rather her I well grief will by improves be this pleased increased nigh afraid to of her hair bare; began Ah, if in I to the her often new to

went she

does this

coquetry, wept in clumsy and in all

I warrant sincerity.... and which

weeping; charm, observe, her sorrow

but which I gave

I had

known but it; no

her,

her at first assuaged She wept her had

consolations, means for

than point.

by this and

choking convulsions. for was waiting falling

more,

was

I advised maid: over her; she she her

to go to bed, made no and herself Lord! must

to which and

she agreed; soon her

I served

toilette, bosom, in my

disheveled entirely tears

shoulders

which arms, beautiful

were and her

embraced flow again

abandoned an that, effort. she

without was than like when

how have

she more

was!

Magdalen penitence When

been

far

dangerous

she sinned. fair one was in bed, I started to console her in good

the disconsolate

faith. in her

I first of said

reassured seeing

her as to her fear in secret;

about sitting

the convent. upon I led affliction. the her

I excited bed: from We If

a hope he was

Danceny

and

here,

I; then, until

embroidering she had quite

on this forgotten with

theme, her

distraction should have wished Here

to distraction, separated to charge are my To

in a complete me with for it

satisfaction

one another, which doubtless

if she had not refused.

a letter this, would this plenty been

to Danceny; you will to only

I consistently approve: myself

reasons with, and there

which have was of

begin

been the

compromise reason

openly with and our And

with the me. young then, I this must surer not to the

Danceny; little Would people should one,

though are

I could

employ you

others the of

which fruit of

hold my

between

it not so not

have

to risk so

labors their some is what and the

to give pains?

soon

a means

easy

lightening to introduce which marriage, a miracle,

be sorry for,

to compel

them out after

servants I hope for,

into it

adventure; become methods speak,

if it is to work immediately it. Or

well, the by

known of

there servants

are

few

publishing speak

if,

were

we would

ourselves,

and it will

be more

convenient

to lay

indiscretion You the must waiting

to their give this

account. idea, of the then, little to him, This today to Danceny; and she and as I am to not sure of her that the the

maid my is will story.

Volanges, my faithful idea

seems I will all the for

distrust care as at

herself, the

suggest

own

Victoire. me

take more,

enterprise

successful. only be useful

pleases not

confidence end of my While every which in her reply speak being her take ... To

to us and

to them:

I am

not

I was moment I could

excusing that hardly

myself she would

from

carrying that

the

childs

letter, send it

I was by the

afraid post, or on a not her to to joy? today; be my done

suggest

I should either

have

refused because not

to do. Luckily, she was have this less

in her confusion letter than she did

ignorance, to it, of able which

or again she could but,

set on her by this

obtained idea

means,

it to me;

to prevent up my to And old send

coming

to her, and for heart

or at least on returning some beat her time, with

to use it, persuaded

I made her

mind her

on the daughter

spot; away your

mother, her

to the Aunt, you

country.... to the authorized you de with

where?

Does She

not

your

Rosemonde.

is to apprise who

of it

so, behold able pains, you. But listen

to return the

to your of

Puritan,

will and

no longer thanks she had to

to reproach Madame

scandal will

a tte--tte; repair the

Volanges

herself

wrong

to

me,

and

do

not

be

so constantly

wrapped

up

in

your

own

affairs want people. no

as to lose you to

sight

of the

this

one;

remember and and letter the spot

that

I am of

interested the two

in

it.

become Danceny except

go-between journey your on

counselor offer of him credit by but

young Find ones the and heart,

Inform

of this

your into

services. the fair to him

difficulty, and

as to getting this obstacle There your Poor this

hands; services you which you will

demolish waiting

suggesting that he will

of my have, is always

maid. for

is no doubt trouble,

accept;

as reward interesting.

the confidence how she will blush against

of a young when which

child, rle to me

she hands a sort when of you

her

first has

letter! grown

In truth, up,

of confidant, a very pretty

prejudice

seems and that that the the

relaxation, you will be. will

are occupied It is upon Judge the

elsewhere; your attention when

is the case in which denouement must fail of this

intrigue The

depend. offers signal. a A little

moment ways; and

actors cannot ... what away,

be reunited. to be ready But with send

country first me,

thousand night, girl that

Danceny

at your mark you. word

a disguise, comes back

a window as she went of any

do I know? I shall quarrel from me,

if the

If you to me. letters, of

consider I think that making I

she has need given venture pupil. I forgot

encouragement lesson now;

I have may

her such to write

a good to her

on the danger and I still cherish

of keeping the design

her my I believe

to tell fell

you

that upon was

her suspicions her a way writing waiting of killing to and you

with maid, two

regard but birds that

to the surprised I turned them

correspondence toward Adieu, dinner both that Pity if

at first That

the confessor. Vicomte, is the later are garrulous.

with

one stone. and letter, my and and

I have for

been

a long

time dictated by three

now, my

it: but the

self-love rest, it will

friendship you

For

be with

oclock,

is all you me now,

need. if you you. dare; You a friend and go and visit say that he keeps the woods them then? for But of the Comte the adieu, pleasure de B---, of his

they

tempt

friends! PARIS,

Is the man 9TH

of all the world 17 -- .

I am hungry.

SEPTEMBER,

64 THE DRAFT VICOMTE WITHOUT complaining unhappiness sensible victim, to you, things letter painful Permit venture innocence These for an alone CHEVALIER ENCLOSED TO THE DANCENY IN LETTER TO MADAME THE DE VOLANGES FROM (A THE

SIXTY-SIXTH,

MARQUISE) MADAME, I cannot all the TO but three cause justify grieve worthier of it than at my an of conduct, event a happier to that and which fate. of being to so and if without brings More its write many this

SEEKING, of to yours, three grief tried

persons, of being frequently, able that and

to the I have without

even

since the

yesterday, strength. a great must

to have I have, over

the honor however, myself;

being

to find

to say to you has little situation me, to of first, say order

I must

make

effort

sequence, me some

you

be sufficiently

sensible

of my

to grant to that

indulgence. the first sentence your my of your letter. nor I the both.

protest I have

against abused

neither in you

confidence I respected me that

Mademoiselle depended

de Volanges; and I when am not

actions render to add

on me; sentiment,

would

responsible that which may be

involuntary your to you than

afraid

Mademoiselle displeasing me more for You shall subject: my

daughter but cannot

has inspired offend for you.

in me is of a kind Upon judge this subject, you,

which which and my

touches letters

I can say,

I wish

no other

than

witnesses. me to will which did not to present everything not this myself which sudden would and at your it house in future, you give which, I insist to and doubtless on cause very on this for same this than permit of I

forbid submit but

shall total

please absence

order

as much for that

the remarks reason; point, for your me. you in that

you wish

avoid

as the order door?

to leave

at your for

all the more de Volanges and not to

it is far you then

more

important

Mademoiselle attentively, that resolves,

I beg

to weigh your

everything

severity

to lessen your you. in case you Madame by or to

prudence. will

Persuaded your

the simple I shall

interest await

Mademoiselle orders from

daughter

dictate

fresh

Meanwhile, I undertake, opportunity Volanges, reputation seeing This

should you to

permit

me to pay on my privately her. The and

you

my

court not

sometimes, to abuse the de her

(and

can count speak to

promise), with fear of

attempting send me any to

Mademoiselle compromising of

letter this

decides

sacrifice;

the

happiness

sometimes

her will paragraph

be my of my

reward. letter is also the only reply that I can make to what

you which were

tell

me you

as to the would promise and only

fate

you

reserve on A vile

for my

Mademoiselle conduct. can

de Volanges, I should adapt which What, her vow, deceive his plans

and you to me

make you

dependent more. upon

to

seducer but and

circumstances, permits me

calculate

events; courage

the love constancy.

animates I! myself! and I renew

two by

sentiments,

consent No, it

to be forgotten no, never! this There which the day. I will Forgive

Mademoiselle to her,

de Volanges,

to forget my

be faithful me, one

she has received myself, with

Madame, other matter me. already

I am losing to discuss

I must you;

return. of the letters to my only of

remains you

that

demand which deign of my your

from you

I am truly accuse

pained me of:

to have but I beg

to add you, them,

a refusal listen that to the

wrongs and

reasons, consolation retaining The

to remember, unhappiness

in order at having

to appreciate lost your

friendship

is the hope

esteem. de Volanges, They for are always the so precious good which to me, thing have which

letters

of Mademoiselle so they at

become remains of life

doubly to me; to in yield me.

present. retrace you sacrifice, of

solitary

alone

me a sentiment believe my me,

is all the charm not hesitate of an them but you

However, the

may and proving

I should at being

instant would

making to my

regret my

deprived

desire

to you me,

respectful I assure

deference; you that

considerations yourself You cannot

more blame

powerful me for the secret

restrain them. of

and

have,

it is true,

Mademoiselle

de Volanges;

but

permit and not

me to say that of confidence. authorized extend never in this wish confide wishes, cannot As for

I am authorized dg I do not

to believe to blame

it is the result a proceeding your

of surprise which but is, they

pretend

perhaps, do of all not is

by maternal

solicitude.

dh I respect my

rights, most

so far to betray

as to dispense the confidence to the eyes them to you, to mine. let her to

me from which of another If

duties.

The

sacred

is entrusted the secrets

to you.

It would which

be to fail did but to she

to expose to reveal them on

of a heart daughter

Mademoiselle her her letters

your

consents If

speak; lock

are of no use to you. within you. herself, you

the

contrary,

secret

doubtless

expect the

me to be the person in that, a mothers from which in all you that

to instruct desire concerns To have complete foreseen this

mystery

incident

to

be

buried,

rest I all

assured, can cause deposit, now the rival for

Madame, even

Mademoiselle my work

de Volanges, of removing This

heart. you, I the

anxiety which words: bore

everything. Papers de

precious carries course

hitherto

inscription: to Madame

to be burned, Volanges. The

Papers

belonging

which to any which This,

I have fear you

taken that you

should might

prove find find a long

to you in these fault. letter.

also

that

my one

refusal single

does

not

refer with

letters

sentiment

could

personally is indeed

Madame, you regret I have 9TH

It will honesty you,

not

have

been

long

enough, my

if

it leaves sincere which PARIS,

the at

least having

doubt

as to the

of my the

sentiments,

very with

displeased to be, etc. 17 -- .

and

profound

respect

the honor SEPTEMBER,

65 THE OPEN CHEVALIER TO THE DANCENY MARQUISE THE TO DE CECILE MERTEUIL VOLANGES IN LETTER (SENT THE

SIXTY-SIXTH O MY CCILE!

FROM WHAT which How letters,

VICOMTE) of us? What love, my at least, astonishment, de Volanges fall? now? ignorant God give will save us from to

is to become threaten us? Let for you

the misfortunes support sight can them! of my have

us the courage my despair, missive? Could What of all. you have

can I paint

at the Who have they

at the reading us? On whom What

of Madame do your are

betrayed any

suspicions you and I. of also they and, my doing I am

committed said you to you? yourself you

imprudence? know

I would

everything, informed note and than

Perhaps,

are no better your of Mammas what taken you,

I send will

a copy I need event; mine; ever. finding

reply.

I hope of

that all

you the of of

approve

I have since of

said. this fatal you

your

approval with

measures having seeing Imagine, being able

I have news of

are all who

the object perhaps

giving freely

knows?

you

again, my

and more the

than of

Ccile,

pleasure our vows this

ourselves love,

together

again, in our pain

of eyes, will it

to seal in our

anew souls,

of eternal vow will

and of seeing What hope you most

of feeling not

that make

not Ah,

be falsified! well, which care permit I have I beg of this the

so sweet and am

a moment I owe

us forget! same

of seeing to approve. tender to

arrive, What friends; also

it to these I owe request

measures consoling you will

I saying? my sole

it to the is that

of

and

friend

become

your

own. I ought but I had me; not to have given and your confidence for my away excuse. without It is love begs we of your which you should, whom I to

Perhaps, consent; has guided pardon perhaps, speak:

misfortune which was

necessity your

it is that that

claims

indulgence, and without know love the

which which friend

a confidence have been

necessary, forever.

separated

di You whom you

he is the friend

of the woman

best.

It is the Vicomte

de Valmont. My plan in addressing to take succeed, was under can give charge but, in him of was, at first, for the to beg you. mistress, He him did to induce not think Madame this for you the this de

Merteuil could who

a letter of

method maid, letter;

default

he answered will give

obligations her your will hardly for

to him. reply.

It is she who

and you This you

assistance leave

be of use to us, if, the country. But

as M.

de Valmont

believes, who

immediately

then

it will

be he himself

will take and

serve

us. The

lady

to whom pretext him if you

you

are going thither mutual

is his

kinswoman. time that

He you pass.

will do; He

advantage it will me,

of this

to repair that our

at the same correspondence by him,

be through even, that

will he will

assures

let yourself your

be guided running

procure way

us the means compromised. Now, share become despair will my my

of meeting,

without

the risk

of being

in any

Ccile, regret, our

if you will

love you angel? even

me, refuse

if you your

pity

my

misery, to

if,

as I hope, who to you.

you will the It

confidence him, the I should grief

a man be reduced

guardian unable

Without to alleviate me, let me. the it

of

being I

I have friend,

caused not to idea to

finish,

hope:

but to it,

promise not to to May

my break

tender you

abandon of your you carry you

yourself grief happy! some pardon Adieu, PARIS, is

overmuch insupportable You know

down. my you

The life are

torture that well. soul!

I would certainty has need suffer.

give that

make

adored that

consolation love my for

to your the ills adieu,

Mine

of your

assurance

it has made my tender 17 -- .

you love!

Ccile,

9TH

SEPTEMBER,

66 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL You letters, today, WILL SEE, MY lovely well friend, fulfilled by your at my a perusal project. house, One judges assuredly, make him. a short of the two both my enclosed are eyes; dated that before of your

whether they were girl

I have written says

Although and beneath humble

yesterday

to the little the profundity measures. you will

all that views,

we wanted. when fire; one and to

can but

oneself

of your

of it by the success at the If first his fair after

Danceny have no

is all more

on

opportunity, ingnue her to your for him arrival care, to dj

reproaches dk all will

chooses

to be tractable, I have

be finished methods of

time

in the country; behold become He been me

a hundred the friend

all prepared. it only

Thanks remains

decidedly dl young,

Danceny;

Prince. very

is still able

this

Danceny! to promise

Would

you

believe

it,

I have

never as to

to prevail much

on him hindrance be deceit, in the

the mother when

to renounce one

his love; not

if there keep it!

were

in a promise, he kept would-be in their probity. Madame dm

is determined is not this That

It would especially

on repeating seducer designs, of

to me: the

scruple is so in

edifying, like men!

daughter? they

all equally they

rascally christen

the weakness

display

the execution It is your little sallies affair dn

to prevent which our

de Volanges man also has permitted

from

taking himself

alarm in his

at

the

young try with,

letter; for not

preserve the wish read childs

us from letters.

the convent; To begin

to make not and the

her abandon give reason tedium them

her request up, he does

he will here love

to, and them,

I am of his opinion; these letters; I will I have

are in accord. of them. They

I have may

assimilated

become In spite this

useful.

explain. which we shall would employ, it not? there and may spoil arise all our I a scandal; Gercourt reserve carefully the to little have even her Danceny attacked, to one that I of

of the prudence break But, in off

would

the marriage, side I have the

projects. for from myself this

as on my such

to be revenged dishonor. only the first of any that

on the mother, By a part selecting of it, and

a case

daughters producing made head. would, quite but, all

correspondence, would thrown the appear herself mother,

and to have at his

Volanges absolutely compromise unpardonable would think

overtures, the rate, the letters

Some at

would

and I am at first; to

convict

negligence. against be this open

aware

scrupulous

revolt he

as he would It

be personally chances

would

reason.

is a thousand

things Adieu, tomorrow

will my

not

turn

out friend:

so; but

one must be very

foresee amiable not you

everything. of you to come and sup

lovely

it would de ---s;

at the Marchale I have upon no need my

I could

refuse. secrecy, as regards decide again Madame to stay the in

I presume de Volanges, Town: day;

to recommend project. there,

country arrived

She would she will not for

at once start off

whereas, and,

once

next

if she only 9TH

gives

us a week, 17 -- .

I answer

everything.

PARIS,

SEPTEMBER,

67 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT I DID NOT MEAN I feel However, I wish to answer you again, Monsieur, is itself you and, perhaps, proof the that

embarrassment I ought not. me;

at the present I would

moment not leave that

an effectual cause for you of

any done

complaint I

against could.

to convince

you

I have

everything

I permitted of that

you

to write

to me, think

you

say?

I agree; on what have This

but

when

you

remind

me

permission,

do you

I forget as you

conditions

it was

given? you and this

If I had been have when received you

as faithful a single do all that

to them reply in

proved is,

the reverse, however, me to the break

would third; off

from you

me? lies to with refuse value

compel the means to take

correspondence, is one, but you then, only

it is I who one; say, and how

am busy if you

of continuing it, it it. not listen; would will prove

it. There to me,

whatever Forsake, a sentiment

may

little

you

set upon and will

a language offends if you the one

to which

I may me,

not

renounce perhaps us. must

which

and alarms that then,

and to which

you which-

be less attached, Is this love Would whom that hope In sentiment this

reflected one, the

it is the obstacle that you eyes, to can that wish

separates And

only

understand? it excludes for your

have you you

fault be

more

in my as not

friendship? friend her in it:

yourself have

so wrong more

desired idea

tender me,

sentiments? would divide

I would me from

not

believe you without

humiliating of return. you of which

would

revolt

offering all

my

friendship, dispose.

Monsieur, What can to my this have

I give you

you

all

that To

is mine give

to way

give, to this and

I can

desire

more? await

sentiment, word

so gentle, I ask all

so suited of you, that my that

heart, friendship been

I only will

your for

assent your to

the

which

suffice trust

happiness.

I will

forget

I may choice. prove

told;

I will

in you

be at the pains You with word that If, see my you only,

of justifying frankness;

it should

to you

my but

confidence; I warn you

it will that the

rest first all,

if it is to be further destroys it forever, for

augmented: and restores my eternal from

of love it will

to me all my silence your with

fears;

above to you. not

become say, you of

the signal have turned

regard will you

as you

away

errors, than having of

rather

be the remorse?

object

a virtuous Monsieur; until you

womans you have feel replied

friendship that, after

a guilty spoken

womans thus, I can

Adieu, more

say nothing

to me.

AT

THE

CHTEAU

DE

... , 9TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

68 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL HOW, when have deserve that MADAME, my the sincerity courage. you than never of it. that, of to as you joy reply. say, I have have speak you to turned read me me away that from same my letter, frank errors! to With which you good am I I AM may I tell I to ruin answer my cause I and, your with last you? to you letter? No How matter, that it dare be I true, will to

I must; is

myself, you:

repeat must

myself, deny prove

better

to obtain cease

me forever to you

a happiness that my heart

I shall

to desire,

I must

at least

is worthy What what tremble display things,

a pity, transports today me

I should You and

therein your

with friendship:

ness, what Why

confidence, and I was? if I felt of how

offer that

Madame, what

I regret

I can not

profit

by them!

no longer If I were, is

indeed, the child

for

you

only and

an ordinary pleasure,

fancy,

that

light however, that I

fancy is could me you it; What, a true your I

which

seduction hasten

which

today, from all

christened obtain. success, out; should Madame! picture friend. What, from I I! your With

love,

I should delicacy encourage your

to extract

advantage provided from the hope ... Ah,

scant

as to means, your frankness with the

that my design of well,

they of

procured finding

I should

need of

I should accept does of me,

desire your this were

confidence with alarm you

betraying it.... be than

friendship picture I to tell

beguiling it would

you? that

I consented

to be no more

I consent soul! seek love that value all

to share tell

with you you;

any

one

a sentiment believe desire

which me. From still,

has that but

emanated moment I should

If I ever to you deceive

so, do not I might

should

you

assuredly It is not without by uniting how

no longer. frankness, eyes.... But sweet love! by them, confidence, True giving to that which I will love, them sensible and more such friendship as you are inspire, not of No, tender, it to

amiable in my these

sentiments, itself, like

energy, to that

would coldness

know soul,

to lend permits not

tranquillity, even love suffers you with

which

comparisons, be your love, friend;

preferences. the You most

Madame, even

I will

the most but

ardent

although it. to

the most

respectful.

can drive

despair, By what

you

cannot do you

annihilate pretend

right By what

dispose

of

a heart rob

whose

homage

you

refuse?

refinement

of cruelty

do you

me of even

the happiness

of

loving how once take out

you?

That

happiness

is mine;

it

is independent ills, it is also but leave

of

you; their me

shall

know No, You wear fate; hope

to defend more, pleasure my no.

it. If it is the source Persist in making I shall day in your me know you will cruel

of my

remedy. my love. to my that will I

refusals, ah, well! to force

unhappy! how

be it so, endeavor at least justice. to decide It is not you

courage, some you will

you

and perhaps ever to make you

render but,

me more being him

susceptible:

without I judged

persuaded, ill. To know things you

be convinced; To put loving equally be easier arouse. you, renew PARIS, it rightly, you,

say to yourself: that being

it is to yourself you and, to feel without in spite pity

you

are unjust.

without are must you

to love

constant,

are two which

which you, it

impossible; for For you me, not

of the modesty than surprise is that from you

adorns

at the

sentiments how to

which

whose lose

only

merit far

I have accepting

known your

appreciate offers, I

I will

that; vow

and

insidious

at your 10TH

feet

my

to love 17 --

always.

SEPTEMBER,

69 CECILE WRITTEN You longer am ASK VOLANGES IN ME PENCIL, WHAT to me; use of TO AND I am THE CHEVALIER OUT you ink, BY DANCENY DANCENY) I weep. paper left My mother from and you of me; I no I am have you not I (A NOTE

COPIED doing;

I love pens, has

and and

speaks

she has taken which your not

away to me, all

making on I love of giving he was love him

a pencil of well

happily I needs every like

been must

writing done; and know will

a fragment you you too my

letter. to take

approve of having

means M.

news and

own. a friend sake. maid

I did

not

de Valmont, try to get used

I did

so great for your waiting

of yours; I do not or my

I will who

to him,

and

know

it is that I am very for try how to read

has betrayed miserable: long. me. My

us; it we are

can only going

be my

confessor. know adieu, but

to the

country

tomorrow; no more

I do not room:

God!

to

see you traced on my PARIS,

no more! in pencil heart. 10TH

I have will

These

words

perhaps

be effaced,

never

the sentiments

engraved

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

70 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I HAVE know, AN I supped not IMPORTANT yesterday all the good warning with to give you, my dear friend. were As you of, think.

the Marchale I think, opinion, only good but and

de --all that the

: you which

spoken

and I said, Everyone as ever was

which

I do not

appeared happens

to be of my one says

conversation neighbor,

languished, when a voice

when

of ones

raised

in contradiction: forbid, But he said, I would than

it was rising, dare to her her; on and,

Prvans. that I should that doubt she the virtue owes it more of Madame more to her to a as stop has the

Heaven de

Merteuil!

believe principles.

lightness follow woman, good short

of character her than to meet

It is perhaps fails, all, when

difficult after be

to please others

as one rarely as, after

one runs may others

the

way;

these

others fancy, in all

as she is, or better; from lassitude cause do and

some

are distracted

by a fresh the woman

she is, perhaps, herself. I As for shall not

Paris

who by Merteuils

had least smile virtue, This and,

to defend

me,

he added,

encouraged de

of some until

of the women, killed six

believe my those

in Madame court which

I have

horses

in paying all

to her. savor his of scandal; and the side which

ill-natured during the

joke laugh

succeeded, which changed. sat, had

as do

it excited, But

Prvan

resumed

place,

general of whom

conversation our skeptic

the two

Comtesses conversation

de B---, with

by the him,

a private

luckily The that this there

I was challenge everything adventure, you

in a position to render was this

to overhear. you susceptible was accepted; that word might was pledged in But

to be told: one would

and of all the pledges assuredly know this be the most

be given kept.

religiously

are, forewarned, for me to tell and

and you you that more that

the proverb. whom have him, you do not know, heard is me

It remains infinitely declare to thwart dp

Prvan, If you like

amiable, the contrary, his

even

adroit.

sometimes that of it is my the weight

it is only and or

I do not not most from without

pleasure of In fact, my I the more eyes which only own

success, thirty for and long, he did the fame that really

that so of

I am our means, dq triple which

ignorant fashionable appearing for

suffrage prevented great

with him

women. on what winning

by this

we call any

scene;

prodigies, of his

that by

reputation. on him,

But gave

adventure, hitherto

turning

peoples and the your

him him

confidence formidable. to meet

he had today

lacked, perhaps from

has rendered man whom

He is, in short, in my path; and,

I should

fear

apart

interest, ridiculous that,

you by

will the

be rendering way. I leave

me him

a real in good man.

service hands,

by and

making I cherish

him the

appear hope

on my

return,

he will

be a ruined through

I promise, concern The

in revenge, yourself has her

to carry with me

the adventure my fair

of your prude. The

pupil,

and

to

as much just desire sent

her as with a letter of

latter

capitulation.

whole a

letter method But her I, so her,

announces more who

to be deceived. easy. She

It is impossible wishes

to suggest her quits

timeworn love new and

or more and I most difficult

me to become mean been to cry

friend. with

methods, should seduction. contrary, one

do not not have

cheaply; to conclude What I

certainly

at such

pains

with

with propose,

an ordinary on the

is

that

she

should she shall

feel, make

and me;

feel not

thoroughly, to lead in

the value swiftly

of each for

of the sacrifices not her, the to follow unceasingly, happiness of her her;

her too

remorse

to let her virtue upon the me

expire

a slow

agony; and only

to concentrate to grant no longer if I am for not her

heartbreaking in her arms, of I to

spectacle; after little take

having desire. of asking who

compelling worth a less that indeed, revenge

her

to dissimulate worth the

In truth, for.

I am And can

trouble

the haughtiness

of a woman

seems

to blush

confess I have, of lover. a verbal great disorder irrational there

she adores? refused deny the precious that this friendship, title, which and have seems at first held to my title than a that as

therefore,

As I do not quibble, of which

no more I have lavish short, be

is, however, with can my

of real letter, depict for me

importance and

to obtain, to be in

taken of been irrational,

deal

pains

endeavored I for, have, without

alone

sentiment. to be: this

as it was

possible and

one

is no tenderness; our superiors mine with

it is for letters. of

reason,

I believe,

that

women

are

so much

in love a piece

I concluded my profound

cajolery;

dr and heart

that has

is another been that for

result some was,

of time to

observation. it has need pillow

After

a womans and I have

exercised, all,

of repose; that could I leave de ---,

remarked

cajolery

the softest my me for I am

be offered. tomorrow. I will halt If you at her you. have any commands at any your rate to for

Adieu, give dinner.

lovely the

friend; Comtesse to

house, Send me

vexed

leave

without your against wise

seeing

sublime

instructions, Above amends PARIS, all,

and aid me with defend yourself for

counsels, and

in this grant

critical that

moment. I may make

Prvan; Adieu.

to you 11TH

one day

the sacrifice! 17 -- .

SEPTEMBER,

71 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL MY IDIOT those OF A chasseur has left to the little off you my letter case all in Paris! have My fair ones behind, while you he to

letters, and

of Danceny of all. horse, waste in de M---. you

Volanges: to repair my nights

remained and I beg

I have

need his

He is going I will my tell

his stupidity; story: for

is saddling believe The

I do not adventure

time. is it but a small me thing; in its for a rchauff ds with the

itself But

Vicomtesse moreover, nonetheless, or the merriest action, I found

interested if I have

details. ruining most

I am women, difficult

delighted, I have course a good

to let when

see that,

a talent them.

I wish

it, that I choose;

of saving and

The reproach

is the one that

I never

myself me.

for

provided the

it has kept here, they

me in practice and would as she make on

or amused joined me her pass

Vicomtesse with which I consent,

entreaties the that night I pass So far,

to at it I

the the with had

persecutions chteau: you. but Well, That meant

I said

to her,

condition

is impossible, to say I felt the polite

she answered: thing to her;

Vressac but the

is here.

word

impossible and I

revolted resolved

me as usual. not to suffer

humiliated

at being

sacrificed

to Vressac,

it; I insisted were offense him not

therefore. favorable to me. This Vressac so that to the and ill snatch had been awkward can had The

Circumstances enough no longer to give

to the Vicomte; at home, them, even and

so much this visit

the Vicomtesse good Comtesse nights.

receive

been

arranged had but,

between at first

in order signs

to try of

a few

Vicomte there;

shown

humor than

at meeting his jealousy, he

Vressac stayed after the The

as his love and the

of sport Comtesse,

is even always

stronger the put

nonetheless: lodging lover evil That believe, distaste wifes judged means

same

as you

know

her, side and

the wife on the other,

in the great and left

corridor, them

the husband things

on one

to arrange

among opposite who, with

themselves. them. as you will of in

destiny very

of both day, that

willed is to

that say,

I should yesterday, went out on

be housed Vressac, shooting consoling

well his the I the

cajoles for arms that

dt the and the would

Vicomte, quite

him

in spite at night all day:

sport, for he

counted which need the of

himself caused him

ennui have

husband repose, him

but

and

busied

myself it.

with

of persuading and shooting

his mistress her

to give to pick very

the time with

to take him

I succeeded, very same

persuaded party

a quarrel obviously,

concerning only

that

to which,

he had

consented

for

her

sake. is better

She

could

not than humor as

have

chosen

a more with

sorry that

pretext; talent,

but

no to

woman all so

endowed ill

the Vicomtesse in the place she is and, in

common

women, difficult

of putting to appease

of reason, the wrong.

and

of being was for

never the one

when

Neither wished her

moment night, Vressac he was served take would

convenient I consented was greeted He

for to their

explanations; reconciliation

as I only

on the morrow. He sought the husband, finally, was night: against absent, it the was to demand who was the cause; present, to she the men they

sullenly tried

on his return. himself; the

abused. for

to justify off when listen She

a pretext

to break

conversation;

he attempted to ask that then that of that

advantage be kind

of a moment enough to

the husband to him that

Vicomtesse who, have them; and was friend In love disturb Vressac, and, the because the right and, delicacy tempted

became they

sublime. have

declaimed a womans when

audacity suppose

experienced her, even

favors,

to abuse thus

she has cause the dumb for issue, and you

of complaint she talked and know

against sentiment I that, myself as a

having so well

skillfully Vressac that I made she

changed grew was

that

confused, must

to believe of them,

right: at this

of both end,

a third

conversation. not add the fatigues were she of to

she declared of the chase, sweet was no

positively and that The

that

she would

to those such who

she would husband

reproach returned.

herself The

pleasures. longer length,

disconsolate to as to me; well do

at liberty expounded

to reply, his

addressed which

himself I knew

having,

at great

reasons, and

as he, he begged so. I spoke the hour She told to her,

me to speak in effect; of our

to the Vicomtesse, but it was in order

I promised her,

him

to thank

and to

arrange

and manner me that,

rendezvous. as she was between her husband and her him it as lover, in her was her and

situated it more

she had thought apartment; safer waiting await also and

prudent I was that

to go to Vressac placed opposite repair only

than her, to my

to receive she room my

that,

since

thought as soon door

to come had

to me; left her

she would that

maid her.

alone;

I had

to leave

ajar

Everything about In

was

carried

out

as we had

arranged;

and

she came

to my

room

one oclock such plain

in the morning, array,

just

As beauty

wears

when

fresh vanity,

from I will

slumbers not with

sway.

du of the night; but

As I am quite you know me,

without

go into myself.

the details

and I was

satisfied

At

daybreak,

we woman was

had had left

to

separate.

It

is here left

that

the

interest

begins. it

The shut,

imprudent and with admit could me? the key which it

thought You said

to have have

her door

ajar;

we found of

inside.

no idea

of the expression Ah, her had I am lost! in this not

despair, must but by by have

the Vicomtesse have been

to me at once: to have for me left

You

would

amusing

situation: been ruined

I suffer And should

a woman I, like A method friend? that

to be ruined the commonalty

who

of men,

let myself What it was

be overcome would successful. you

circumstances? done, I soon my fair

had to be found what was my

therefore. conduct; could

Hear the door amount to etc.

realized

in question of noise. utter

be burst

in, on condition

that

one made not without

a mighty difficulty,

I persuaded piercing that,

the Vicomtesse, cries at the You of terror, cry,

therefore, such I as

some we

thieves, break how

murder, in the door, time

etc., and it

And

arranged rush

first would she

should believe

she should to that not

to her her,

bed.

not

much

needed

decide way, to lose

even

after first

had the door

consented. yielded. the also

However, The

it had to be done did Vressac mistresss extinguish you terror their my can with well were

and at my time; for, and kept which

kick

Vicomtesse and

at the the

same

instant, had I

Vicomte run

in the

corridor, I alone

waiting coolness, burned, it would took

maid and and

up to her

chamber.

my still

profited it to to and which five

by it to go and the feign lover I had ground, this for panic for

a night-light imagine a light how

throw

ridiculous room. them

have

been

in ones assuring open

I then that had

husband at

to task run

sluggish efforts

sleep, to burst

the cries, lasted

up, and

the door,

at least

minutes. The Vicomtesse, and she who swore had by all with life. regained her all We gods the her courage there sincerity everywhere and the in bed, had in seconded a thief she found that, my had me in well her never

enough, chamber; had when doubt, accepted subject praying Vressac, tenderly at me, such

that more

been that and

protested in her

a fright

searched night-light,

nothing, without a was on the

I pointed a rat

to the overturned had caused the and,

concluded alarm;

damage after some

and

opinion

unanimously; of rats, his wife who that He was it was was I the Vicomte for

well-worn to regain

pleasantries his chamber

was

the first

and his bed,

the future alone

to keep with

her rats quieter. the Vicomtesse she answered, ample to tell her

left

us, approached of Love; to which

a vengeance angry

glancing but,

indeed

then, with

for

he has taken and I want

vengeance;

she added, I was in

am exhausted

fatigue

to sleep. before we separated, I

a good-humored

moment;

consequently,

pleaded embraced, for We the went

Vressacs and kisses out

cause

and turn,

effected was

a reconciliation. by both. that I had

The

two

lovers relish me.

I, in my of the

embraced but

no more pleased thanks,

Vicomtesse; and after

I confess accepted

Vressacs

together;

I had

his lengthy

we both

betook If you

ourselves find this

to bed. history amusing, out I do not ask you just to keep that it secret. Now should we

that have shall

I have

had my For

amusement the moment,

of it, it is but speaking

the public

its turn. soon My

I am only

of the story;

perhaps,

say as much chasseur

of the heroine. has been waiting you, for above an hour; all, I take only the time to

Adieu! embrace AT THE

you,

and to recommend DE

to beware 17 -- .

of Prvan.

CHTEAU

... , 13TH

SEPTEMBER,

72 THE CHEVALIER UNTIL HOW give you DANCENY THE 14TH) Valmonts letter, and lot! Tomorrow he will afar and pity from see you: you, My your it TO CCILE VOLANGES (NOT

DELIVERED O MY CCILE! will my

I envy this

is he who drag my on tender

I, languishing unhappiness above deserts all, me. your forgive me,

must friend,

painful friend, pity

existence my that

betwixt

regret. me for

misfortunes; my courage I should tranquil. also that

own:

it

is in the face How me, that love seems You forget my mine Alas, which terrible you you me.

of them

it is to me that be happy me; that tell you

have Can you

caused you love It

misfortune! me? you Ah, will it:

But say,

for say

would forgive I need

and me

that that

always but it I do it has it

repeat sure Yes,

it to me.

is not

I doubt

to me that, love that me,

the more not? word

I am of it, the sweeter you love you me utter. And with How with all

it is to hear your I have soul.

said. not in not

do you

it is the last How deeply

I heard

treasured

heart!

it is graven

there!

what

transports

replied in that awaited

to it! moment us! Let of happiness, us occupy I was ourselves, my friend, far from my it will which foreseeing Ccile, suffice, with the awful the means this, fate of that

alleviating you should

it. If I am to believe treat him with

to attain

the confidence at the unfavorable the prejudices past, for I had me;

he deserves. you Mamma; that truly labors my dear appear it was to have to had

I was of him.

grieved,

I confess, there some

opinion of your neglected in

I recognized that, for does

submit man, us, look that you. he If well if is is

to them who whom upon wishes these

time

amiable to reunite friend,

today your him

everything has

who,

short, you, that

Mamma with a more

separated. eye. afford

I implore Reflect me the

favorable he can

he is my of

friend, seeing

to be yours, reasons you, were do not you

that

happiness you do not used

convince love

you,

my

Ccile,

love

me as me.

as I love ever mine, you

do not

me as much me less! But

as you no,

to love of my

Ah,

to come for life;

to love and will

the

heart

Ccile which

it is mine

if I have save

to dread

the pain from

of a love

unfortunate, betrayed. Adieu, rests my with

her constancy

me at least

the torments

of a love

charming you to make

friend;

do

not

forget

how

I suffer, Hear

and my

that hearts

it

only vow,

me happy, kisses

completely of love.

happy.

and receive PARIS,

the most

tender

11TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

73 THE VICOMTE WITH WHO DE THE VALMONT PRECEDING) you provided you occupy, ink, and knows for this that want. the which you you You great have will no find writing in on the the TO CCILE VOLANGES

(DELIVERED THE FRIEND and of side, it,

SERVES

materials, anteroom left-hand you place, require

he has already apartment

the

beneath paper,

press, dv renew in the

a supply and

of pens,

he will can leave

when same

which, find

so it seems a surer dw with one.

to him,

if you you public,

do not not

He asks you him need, and in

to be offended and in only order him will

him, you the

if he seems

to pay

no attention seems he

to to has

to regard to inspire to work try you to find or give

as a child. sense effectively for and of

This security for

behavior of which

necessary, and your

to enable own. He

more

his friends with

happiness you, if when you

occasions to you;

speaking

he has anything show He may any also zeal advises

to tell to second you

he hopes

to succeed,

dx him. to him, that successively, there may the be letters less risk which of you your

to return in order

have

received, yourself. by every two

compromising He concludes take

assuring care

you

that,

if you

will

give

him that his

your a too best

confidence, harsh friend, mother while

he will is using the other AT THE

to alleviate

the persecution one is already tender

against seems

persons worthy DE

of whom

to him

of the most

interest. 17--.

CHTEAU

... , 14TH

SEPTEMBER,

74 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT AH, Prvan have SINCE WHEN, MY friend, then? haughty your letter do But you take alarm simple I hardly me to pay at the Opera, at any by being it will confide succeed. so and easily? modest Is am this I! I It

so very often met

formidable him, this

see how

conqueror; to cause He was

looked him any

at him! attention. exactly yes, close

required I repaired opposite handsome: hand.

nothing my me,

less than injustice

yesterday. stock of him. features!

almost rate, seen

and I took and tell

He is handsome He must me! for know gain

very at

fine you

delicate

And

me he wants I have steps.

to have a fancy

Assuredly

be my

honor that the

and pleasure. I have matter He was very Friday him. taken stands. not

Seriously, the first

it, and I now if they will

to you Thus

I do not

two

paces an

off

from

me,

as we came with the the

out

from

the Opera, de --to

and sup

I, on

loudly, with I have But

made the

appointment

Marquise only house

Marechale. that

It is, I think, he heard think me.... he will

where fellow know

I can were that, You will would,

meet not if he

no doubt tell me,

If the ungrateful come? Do you

to come! were he not will

do you

to come, not you six find

I should so much he will in paying have

be in a bad humor difficulty have still in less

all the evening? me; what me. save

see that more he

following in pleasing Oh, so long languishing,

astonish said, lives! not kill

is that horses never my

He

his court

to me! to wait

I will

those

horses it is I am

I shall one of

the patience to leave

a time.

You

know once

principles him.

people

when

decided; Please not

and I am for now confess

that

there

is some been for This the

pleasure

in talking But than

reason what six

to me! would

Has you

your

important been

warning vegetating a diversion. worth take

a great

success? It is more

have?

I have

so long! one

weeks

since myself

permitted it? Is not

myself the sense

presents Is there

itself; any

can more

I refuse

object you are

trouble?

agreeable,

in

whatever You you you; do. same

the word? to do Ah, one well! should judge, I already Is it not him justice; you do more than praise the two I want in affair occupy and as a him, of to the is

yourself are jealous but, I shall

forced

of him. with,

I will

set up as judge and shall your just yield that

between is what

to begin

investigate, and you

be an impartial As for you, into.

both papers,

be weighed and your now grace;

balance.

have only now,

thoroughly myself with

enquired your

that with

I should a good

adversary?

Come

commencement, which else, he is the and I do during to that they and

let hero. not my me

me

hear,

I beg

you,

what

is this

triple I knew

adventure of must nothing

of

You know

speak the first

of it to me word of

as though it.

Apparently, jealousy at alien the to but which

it

have you

occurred from

expedition about it.

to Geneva, Repair interests this

and your fault is

prevented

writing

earliest me. 9 I I was is not

possible; certainly otherwise the affair

remember think that

nothing were I rarely still

which talking

him

of it when

I returned; sort

occupied, of today Even

listen

to anything

of that

or of yesterday. I ask you back her? to You after love of you can pay should for go somewhat I have when who the often you to against taken for the grain, is it not these

if what price you

the least not you sent from

the pains

you? had your of

Have

to your Was revenge have it

Prsidente, not I, again, for so Now, but

your put bitter of have

blunders into zeal the them they time under both with owe

separated hands the de in

wherewithal Volanges? searching Betwixt same strike the

yourself complained

Madame you your lie one waste

your and you

adventures! you have

thumb. the and of be

hate, can

choose;

under hand

roof; with

and

double

your to me,

existence, again, with it; that

caress you

the other. I am for

It is even quite

the adventure say, it must to

Vicomtesse. about;

satisfied could

but, you,

as you

talked for

if the situation to clat,

induce

as I conceive, nonetheless,

prefer that the

a moment did not

mystery merit

dy it must

be admitted,

woman I have,

so honorable of

a procedure. against liking; with her. and, her: The for Chevalier many none reasons, is more that de I

besides, finds

cause her prettier

complaint than is to my for to

Belleroche shall

be glad

to have than to be

a pretext obliged

breaking say: One

now possibly

convenient woman Adieu, shall PARIS, any

cannot

know

longer. remember that, situated myself 17 -- . as you with are, time is precious; I

Vicomte; employ 15TH mine

by occupying

Prvans

happiness.

SEPTEMBER,

75 CECILE [N.B. VOLANGES In this letter, Ccile TO SOPHIE Volanges CARNAY relates with the utmost detail all

that

concerns

her

in the events

which

the Reader

already

knows

from

the conclusion

of the fifty-ninth

and

following

letters.

It seemed

as

well

to suppress

this

repetition.

She finally

speaks

of the Vicomte

de

Valmont,

and

expresses YOU but

herself

thus:] remarkable says man. much Mamma speaks and I me saw not quite very he would say,

... I ASSURE mighty think ill that

THAT

he is a most

of him,

the Chevalier I have never

Danceny seen a man

in his favor, When and because

he is right. letter, of it: it

so clever. company,

he gave nobody I had

Dancenys anything expected understood easy wants. appear to

it was is

in the I now

midst

of all

the

true but

was I

terribly shall be

frightened, prepared. I give a look me him I

anything; what understand I dont not know

have

already It is

he wants him, how

me to do when because he does he it: has

my

answer. says note

which in his

anything that he

he told

to take that

any

notice

of me before of me,

Mamma;

indeed, time

one would I seek

all the time, I am sure There has the

he never them friend

thinks

and yet,

every

his eyes,

to meet

at once. of Mammas M. afraid here, whom too bore would I did well, not know, who also of life must to but I his do I

is a great air of for here,

not her. and

loving I am

de Valmont that he will that

although soon

he is full with the He

attentions one leads

himself be very

go back heart

to Paris;

vexing.

indeed friend not

have and

a good me.

to have much like with

come

on purpose my

to do a service to him, the

I should to get

to show him; and

gratitude I find

know

how

speech that,

when not

occasion,

should

be so ashamed to Madame even if in all we spite that

perhaps,

I should that I talk

know

what when

to say to him. I speak I should of my feel felt, from and only would one I

It is only love.

de Merteuil with you, talking. myself, to

freely,

Perhaps,

whom

I tell

everything, himself, which greatly

embarrassed as though telling would once, be him give how

were of

With a certain

Danceny alarm myself

I have prevented for this him that, us

often me now, once, if I to

I thought.

I reproach

everything much by I love he

in the world him. would M.

to find

a moment promised opportunity

to tell him for

de Valmont contrive an

guided

him,

see

another conceive left. dz AT THE

again. how

will

certainly Adieu,

do

everything my dear

he friend;

wants; I have

but

cannot room

it is possible.

no more

CHTEAU

DE

... , 14TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

76 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL EITHER or you well, may It is YOUR were my say, in LETTER is a piece delirium truly easily. reread your sense to an letter, which say? I am none the of it to he more the was be is of bring first the none that or at he of banter when you which wrote alarmed; I have not understood, you less you

in a dangerous friend, take I

it. If I knew and,

lovely I do not vain for What to take

I should alarm read too and

be most

whatever

that

advanced; question. useless feared? more so

to take was

it in the natural it then you

it presents Is it merely was

is out that

wished with

so much case, you you believe; greatly and

trouble might he

enemy Prvan all,

who

so little attractive; useful

In that than

be wrong. has, above

is really the with making who most

talent

interesting it up in

people society, which reply to

in his love, before the There

by the skill by women

which use do not to

he will of fall the into

company, are few all having

conversation trap wishes the least has and

occurs. him,

because,

pretensions it. Now you

subtlety, aware it, which the

to lose

an opportunity consents as if to

of displaying to talk of He in defeat; love gains that and

are well by feeling

woman by really

who

soon again he this

finishes at this can often

behaving brought

she

did.

method, call

perfection, of their

women who has

themselves seen it. I was intimate Comtesse air told all indeed, us, with that had never

in testimony

I tell

you,

as one

in

the Prvan:

secret but,

except in herself was not both a

at

secondhand; there artful all

for were the

I have six time, of

never us: and

been the the

with

word, very

de P---, to any

thinking one who

and

having

initiated, how

of conversing

in the

abstract, and

the utmost passed that

detail,

she had succumbed this narrative with which

to Prvan, such came that

between not

them. even

She told disturbed

a sense over all us, or

of security our six

she was

by a smile always a doubt

faces sought, of what

at the same by way

time;

and I shall to feign

remember

one of

having rather certainly, even which I was to

of excuse,

as to what gravely and if she

she said, that

she had the air of saying, of us, so well herself true. in believing it not enough this that man to informed Prvan, and

she answered as she was; ask him

we were afraid a word

none address not then was

she was had

not

said

was right

dangerous handsome,

to everybody: very

but

for as

you, you

Marquise, tell

he was make

handsome, on you

me yourself?

Or that

he should

one of those

attacks

which

you you

sometimes find them for and

amuse well any one

yourself

by rewarding, Or that you

for should

no other have

reason

than

that to the which of was what

contrived? reason

found Can

it amusing I divine in

succumb thousand alone the you

whatever? which after

Orwhat govern your sex? you you.

do I know? a womans Now that easily to my

caprices to take no

head, you

and

continue I have

are forewarned it: but it

danger,

doubt

that

will I return

avoid text

nonetheless did If it you mean

necessary to say? a piece of no use, piece

to forewarn

therefore:

is only it was

of

banter addressed

against to me; and

Prvan,

apart

from that

its

being

very suffer

long, some subject. Ah! what

it is in society I renew my

he must to you on

excellent

of

ridicule,

prayer

this

I think you

I hold will

the key

to the enigma! he will think for

Your you

letter ready

is a prophecy,

not

of

do, but you

of what have

to do, at the moment approve of this plan: as it far is very will air of not

of the fall requires, as the

which however,

prepared

him.

I quite

great

precautions. to have unless gain the the

You a man man

know or

as well to receive

as I do that, his

public the being.

is concerned, same If thing, he can will your but

attentions is all

absolutely far have from been

be a fool,

which

Prvan and the

appearances, him, the

he will

boast, will

said. where your

Fools will skill:

believe resources

malicious

have

believing; that I doubt

be? Remember, swimmers as for

I am afraid. who means get drowned.

It is

it is the good than

I hold woman, busied

myself I have myself You

to be no duller found to seek a hundred, how

another: found could

of dishonoring but when I seen have

I have

a thousand; escape, I have

the woman my fair you friend, to have

never

the I have

possibility. have shown But,

yourself, times

whose

conduct good

is a masterpiece, luck than you

a hundred skill. after all,

found

had more

I am,

perhaps, to think

seeking that, for

for the

a reason last jest make mistaken, both. to that

where I

none should part.

exists. have intend

am been to of

amazed, treating make

however, seriously fun of me!

hour, on your haste, it

what Ah

is surely well!

a mere but

You let

so be it; else!

and is

us speak the

something always I have kinds, than awaits same

else. women here,

Something to have

I am

always

same;

or to ruin, the ease.

and often wherewithal I foresee

as you with little

remark, equal

exercise

myself will for But go

in

both

but love.

not The

vengeance I answer it about. is

quicker she only the not

Volanges and de

has succumbed, I undertake this to bring woman

that;

an opportunity, with Madame

it is not I did

Tourvel:

disheartening,

conceive thousand The guess first stages the first that

it

of

her;

I have

a hundred and, return for in truth,

proofs

of

her lest

love,

but

I have me. You seeing will

of her resistance; effect which my

I am afraid gave and, me

she escape hope. of

produced myself;

more

I wished I sent

to judge no when divinity one

to make me,

sure and

the my from a

emotions,

ahead

to announce be at table. opera, 10

I calculated I dropped to effect

so as to arrive like a

they at

should the

In fact,

clouds,

who

comes

dnouement. Having see, made enough the noise joy at my of my entry old to attract the all eyes to me, of fair I could de to

in one

glance,

aunt,

annoyance My

Madame one, owing

Volanges

and

the confused had

pleasure her back not at

of her daughter. turned even the in turn first to the door. her head:

the seat she occupied, in carving Madame recognizing more love something, de Rosemonde my than voice, terror

Busy but

at the moment a word Puritan, to

she did

I said sensitive I

; and uttered or surprise. the struggle of

sound,

the

a cry

which then

I thought

distinguished face; were by her She not strong the take prude alone, a

I was

in a position her ideas

to see her

the tumult depicted side; she

of her soul,

between

and sentiments, to table did or

on it in a score did to not go know on

different

fashions. anything of of

I sat down what the she

precisely eating; her it

said.

endeavored quarter for her, of

was

out and than

question: becoming

finally, too

an hour

later, devise

pleasure better

confusion

she could

nothing into

to ask permission that

to leave to

table, the air.

and

she escaped

the park, wanted

on the pretext to accompany to have

she needed the for tender being

Madame not permit way

de Volanges it, too without happy,

her; a pretext

would

no doubt,

and to give I made served, to injure had the when

constraint as it

to the soft was possible

emotion to do.

of her heart! Dessert was hardly

dinner

as short

the infernal rose this from project for

Volanges her

woman,

pressed find

apparently

by her need invalid: to take at the the table We near just but this same double with all the as I

me,

seat to go and I thwarted general the

the charming therefore risen

foreseen

and the and

it. I feigned and, the was also we and

particular time, the

movement little so that Commandant to as it to return as I rejoin was

signal; cur of

having

Volanges Madame

place left

followed alone at the

example; the old went

de Rosemonde and they one, she whom wanted

ea de T---; my fair

both found not with de

decided in the

to leave. grove she was

then

chteau: pleased As soon

solitude

a walk, her.

with was

us as to make certain apart that with

us stay

Madame her, I thought

Volanges of fulfilling

would your

have orders,

no and

opportunity

to speak

busied went I took piece

myself up to my measures of

about room,

the interests and went the

of your into little a word

pupil.

Immediately also, to explore

after

coffee,

the others girls of

the territory; after and this to beg I first for

to ensure

correspondence; instruction from to her

benevolence,

I wrote my

her confidence; to the salon. of delicious This this that eyes that

and I added eb I found unconstraint. while exciting and it into my

note

to the letter

Danceny. chair,

returned attitude

beauty

reclining

on a long

in an

spectacle, must

my

desires, and first

illumined myself

my

gaze; in such the I

I felt

that

be tender bring

beseeching, play. Its

I placed effect down. was For

a position modest

I could of the

to cause some

big,

heavenly face; and After My then,

prude

to be cast over

time

considered myself by have from it was eyes. of

angelic

glancing

all

her

person, clothing, head was

I amused which

divining wished feet to

forms away. head....

contours having fair but

through descended her

the light from soft gaze

I could

to feet, fixed

I returned upon me; my treaty of

friend, wishing

immediately Then bashful allows they was

lowered; established which, to

to promote us that to satisfy another, tacit the

its return, convention, reciprocal the

I averted a first need

between in order

love, the

seeing, when

looks

succeed

one

until

moment

comes

are mingled. that myself assured of this with myself the new the that pleasure task of occupied watching was to For that at my over brisk fair our one common completely, safety; us that but, from they certain and be as I

Convinced charged having the

conversation I sought language. reserve more

enough from her

to save eyes

notice

company, their

obtain this,

should glances, to put

frankly but the

speak with

I began could ease, I

by surprising not take alarm; to

so much

modesty her

bashful as herself.

creature

appeared

embarrassed Little longer hers was by little

our

eyes,

grown they

accustomed quitted

to encounter, each other

were

fixed and

for

a in it

interval; that only sweet for

until languor

at last which soon

no more, and

I saw but without

is the happy recovering and her look.

signal herself,

of love

desire: not

a moment;

she changed,

a certain Being

shame, unwilling

her attitude that with she

should

suspect asking rushed

I her, round

had with her. was

observed an air I let of

her alarm, all

different if pass tapestry I seized she in

movements, were front near unwell. of me;

I rose At and

vivacity, everybody little some

once, as the

them

Volanges, time before letter.

who

working leave

at her her task,

a window,

needed

she could

the moment

to deliver

Dancenys

I was she did air lest of

at a little not surprise know

distance what

from to do.

her; You

I threw would however,

the have

letter

into

her over

lap. much for and

In at I

truth her

laughed not

and

embarrassment; might gave

I did

laugh, glance

feared gesture, the

so much

clumsiness

betray

us. But

a quick at last that

strongly packet The will, rate time

accentuated, in her pocket.

her to understand

she was

to put

rest

of

the

day bring

contained about pupil ones sheet

nothing with

of

interest. you

What will

has

passed at

since any ones

perhaps, in so far in

events

which but than in

be pleased, to employ them.

as your out

is concerned: projects written, my had

it is better describing

carrying

This

is,

moreover, You replied wrote you is will to

the eighth rightly Danceny.

I have without also

and I am wearied; telling a reply you tedious insipid it you, that my

and so, adieu. the to You which any child whom will has I or

suppose,

ec I have of my for to

from the two

fair,

on the morrow will not too read them:

arrival. this

I send

letters.

incessant, must be

repetition, indeed to

already not

none

amusing

me,

person

concerned. Once write AT more, adieu. I am ever mightily fond a manner SEPTEMBER, of you; that but I may 17--. I beg you, if you

to me of Prvan, THE CHTEAU

do so in such DE ... , 17TH

understand

you.

77 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL WHENCE, shun yours me? only MADAME, How with can CAN it be that ARISE the which the cruel tender would cause pains zeal barely which on my permit you part are meets at to on with Love your than turn one so to

most one

the treatment whom to your

oneself What! me at

the man calls side, me you

against back prefer to remain

one had the greatest feet; and when

to complain? chance your places friends, did

a happy to alarm times, favor severity less

to feign near to

indisposition, me! How me of many the

rather you if not for was it than

consent away single short make That that you

yesterday, of a glance! there, to have that

your

eyes

deprive able

And moment

moment that

I was

to see less you lose

it seemed what

as though I should to say, may the one

wished

me enjoy

me feel is not, which know

by being the

deprived treatment and yet, me; did not

of it. which of these and the love two other This you deserves, sentiments, I was, precious were kind Could my it or

I venture friendship whether

either

be allowed; does not that

animate you

seems

to me,

authorized you

to believe doubtless have

withhold. since lose

friendship, enough I have

of which to offer

thought I done

me worthy, that and you friend her only I should will abuse that alone you

it mewhat myself least, it not it have

it since?

damaged At was

by my you

confidence, no fear lest

punish

me for

frankness? In effect, my heart?

the one and the I entrusted that

other? of

to the bosom not face to

of my face with I had

the secret

Was

I thought in order to them force obtain

myself obtain to my me to

obliged the facility

to refuse for

conditions them in

which unfulfilled, short, but to

to accept

leaving you,

and perhaps a rigor you

of abusing

advantage? believe that

Would I had

by

so undeserved, in order to

needed

deceive

greater

indulgence? I do not by for what repent fatality of a conduct does each which I owed you, action as I owed of mine it to myself; become the but signal

praiseworthy

a fresh after

misfortune? giving my of occasion that for the only to you. of the wished praise you for have first proving you, ever yet deigned over my the

It was to

accord

conduct having

I had

groan, It was

the after

time,

misfortune submission reassure with had me,

displeased myself that you feeble from

perfect to

by depriving your delicacy, me to

happiness to break

of seeing off for very all

simply

correspondence which alone you had

to rob

of that take

compensation me even the

a sacrifice love which

required,

and

given

you

the right which like

to ask it. It is, in short, even some the interest of that

after love

having could

spoken not

to you that have

with you found

a sincerity shun out. Will new dictate to fulfill AT THE you, wrongs

abate you

me today,

dangerous

seducer

whose

perfidy

then, can

never have

grow urged which great

weary you you

of to

being such

unjust? severity,

At and

least, do

tell not

me refuse

what to

to me the orders them, is it too

wish

me to obey; to ask that

when I may 17 -- .

I pledge know

myself

a pretension

them?

CHTEAU

DE

... , 15TH

SEPTEMBER,

78 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT YOU SEEM SURPRISED AT to you have my for behavior, it, as though it was since Monsieur, you rather the and within to an ace

of asking

me to account that I should and

had the right I who was

blame

it. I confess

thought but,

authorized in your

to be astonished last which me for within willing Anyone think seems letter, I have

to complain; the course for

refusal myself

contained in an

adopted

of wrapping

indifference as you of I am ask

affords

no ground and should once your in my above felt more

remarks

or reproaches. be to Heaven,

However, am conscious

enlightenment, me which

I, thanks prevent into

naught quite

my

granting

your with

request,

to enter reading it is not to me,

an explanation believe me

you. or unjust. of me; to form me I it it. to

letters deserts all, that, that in

would that you,

to be fantastic have other, this have opinion cause

anyone

should any

less than my

Doubtless, recall to gain by it,

you

requiring

justification, you believe to

you thought I have it.

forced you nothing Perhaps,

all that by this at least

has passed examination: in your

between

us. Apparently, side, fear which

had only to lose it is

as I, on my I do not

eyes,

undertake

indeed

the only

means

of discovering

of us has the right

to complain

of the other. To start, Monsieur, from that with the your the day of your arrival in this authorized confined fearing treated me chteau, you will a bare with

admit, certain

I suppose, reserve of

reputation,

at least, have without have a woman yours. cost me

me to employ myself to be to the taxed

you; coldest You

and that

I might

expression excessive and would have part will your the of not

politeness, yourself it natural would that

prudery. have

with formed

indulgence, should had been in that, me and not the I of of

thought merits and from

so little That, the less

necessary prudence; conceal

to appreciate have

surely,

it would you, when

to follow informed for

Madame myself greatly yourself you will soon

de Rosemonde of my this friendship

arrival, for

I had you,

need

to remind how

her, me.

her own I admit aspect but

not that

to betray you

news

annoyed under

willingly than I had while, you

showed but

at first agree, tired of

a more turn, that for

favorable it lasted which, by the my a and

imagined; and did not it had you

in your

a little

were

a constraint compensated then that,

apparently, advantageous good faith,

find given

yourself

sufficiently It was not that afraid

notion my feeling

me of you. you doubt were but

abusing me with

of security, could not

to pester

sentiment

by which

you

I should

be offended;

I, while sought least thought indulgence, doubt, in

you

were for

occupied forgetting

in aggravating them, My refuse it to

your

errors you

by

repeating

them, of, yourself of my a at

a reason part, you

by offering request it; ask you, but for but was

the opportunity that right which, you them; you out

retrieving ought you not not

them. to by

so just a

making a permission which,

profited to have attached has been

without obtained. and your made your perhaps

I ought

granted to it: of such to you. to send

however, one one very me of

Conditions correspondence it my duty

were

you

have

kept

no

a kind It was you

that

each

of your moment that,

letters when by a

not was

to

reply me

at the away

obstinacy culpable

forcing

from means

condescension, with you for your

I attempted you: but what and, you

the only value in

which

could sentiment

permit in

me your

to be concerned eyes? shame As you after Friendship and misery in your

has

virtuous mad

despise; naught,

your only for

intoxication, and for your

counting victims.

seek

pleasures ed in

frivolous forget

proceedings or rather away for from my

as inconsequent you make you or a jest

reproaches, them; and, being even me to been from you it. a At

promises, to go

of violating here

consenting without

me,

return my

without without to expose

recalled; having

thought

prayers me, you

arguments; not afraid

the consideration whose to my to distract effect,

to inform although by

were very who

a surprise interpreted seeking had table

assuredly the persons the

simple,

might us.

have Far

detriment from you

surrounded

or to dissipate to have

moment all your side

of embarrassment pains of to increase my own;

occasioned, you choose

seem

given at before that

your me

seat to

precisely leave contrive

the the all

slight of to I

indisposition respecting trouble find most which you it. my On

forces solitude, my

others, company

and, should make reply

instead come but

you

the

return

to the

drawing

room,

I cannot you who

a step to me.

at my

side;

if I say a word, serves which you might you

it is always for a pretext even may

The

indifferent I refuse

remark to hear,

to bring

up a conversation me; I think for, in short, what I

compromise bring to bear,

Monsieur, understand Forced continue yours. I

whatever may thus to to also take

the address be understood refuge me; in

that

by the others. immobility raise to draw have and my avert upon even silence, eyes my me you nonetheless encountering and eyes it by of an the to

persecute

I cannot compelled you I

without gaze; the

am

incessantly

incomprehensible company escape And at from

inconsequence a moment my own. of my behavior! when

would

wished

possible

you

complain

and

you

are surprised

at my

eagerness

to avoid leave you finally forget respect reduced I should AT THE

you!

Ah,

blame

rather

my

indulgence; I ought, but No,

be surprised perhaps, to have course, forget, I have if ever

that done if

I did so, do

not and not shall I

at the moment will compel cease what and your I owe cherish; me

of your to this

arrival. violent, pursuit. what you

necessary, I do not

you

offensive to myself, and

I never formed, I found

I owe

to the ties that, them,

which myself myself,

I pray choice

to believe

to the unhappy not hesitate

of sacrificing Adieu,

or of sacrificing

an instant. DE

Monsieur. 17 -- .

CHTEAU

... , 16TH

SEPTEMBER,

79 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I INTENDED All TO that It will of very Prvan. my GO I have hunting to read hours, of to this is a new at the yesterday, weary never you, morning: romance earliest, I will for I of but which before have shall his that it. three the ever to find were, as to their women, same since all three the weather bore was even so with of the

detestable. a schoolgirl. that, you.

would we

be two long

breakfast: talk you

in spite I am

letter not was

another tell famous you will

certain How

handsome

it you

heard I wager you

adventure, recall it at

the one which the first You pretty, should of their extreme whose eagerness the that lead of firmer; of the will all word.

separated Here

the inseparables? since

it is, however, that like all Paris

desire that to make

remember three with

marveled and able

qualities allied At

pretensions, the moment in their court by the

remain entry

intimately into

among first,

themselves, one seemed as they

the world. but they soon,

the reason

shyness: homages and zeal and two

surrounded, and they have hoped

by a numerous their union of one value only was

shared,

enlightened the objects, that the that

of which would One Our

were said

became always would apple great

one

triumph the

others. rivalry.

at least

moment

of love the the

to a certain

rakes ee disputed should have

the honor their held

of being ranks, had

discord;

11 and

I myself

entered was

consideration

in which

the Comtesse

de ---

at the time

permitted

me to be unfaithful However, as though predicted, our three

to her before beauties, and, far

I had obtained the same this exciting more

the favors carnival,

I demanded. their choice been charm

during from

ef made

in concert; it only

the storms interesting,

which by

had the

rendered entailed.

their

friendship

of the confidences The and crowd such

of unhappy scandalous that, in this

suitors constancy society law

was

added, was held

then, up

to that to (so of if

of jealous censure. dubbed and

women, Some at that that love were

public it was goods, the from

pretended time), itself exempt people sake, These predicted. they the was

of was others

inseparables the community that, were but

fundamental included rivals so far

therein; of their

asserted they had

three those

lovers

from went

own

sex, they

not been

of the other: for decencys

as to say that only or false, a title

admitted eg which one they

and had obtained rumors, The true three at such

without not the they the

an officer effect felt

had on

would were heads

have lost against if

couples,

contrary, decided

that

separated

a moment;

to set their

the

storm.

The satire.

public, Borne

which on the

tires wings

of of

everything, its to into natural that

soon levity, one with As all a real the

tired it busied its things

of

an itself

ineffectual with other

objects:

then,

casting was

back

habitual go by

inconsequence, fashion Prvan about here,

its criticism the enthusiasm to verify

converted it was

praise.

gained; these

become and

delirium, public

when opinion

undertook them, as well out

prodigies,

settle

as his own. these models of perfection. omen from He was this. easily admitted well aware that this than were

He sought into that so their happy vaunted He

therefore

society, persons

and drew are not was, that, for and already

a favorable so easy like among

He was

of access. that of

He soon rather

saw, to

in fact, be

happiness remarked to seek

kings, pretended and

envied they

desired. beginning with

these abroad,

inseparables, to occupy bonds of

pleasures he concluded loosened

even that and The that

themselves of love or

distractions; were

therefrom, or broken, strength. up among who were

the

friendship and need the custom

those

self-conceit whose of

eh alone them

retained together, but the

some kept men, or affairs

women,

however,

brought same

themselves freer on; the in they

an appearance their still proceedings, complained were

intimacy: duties no ei on their

discovered these, complete. This being offering each of but

to fulfill, longer

to carry and

of rarely

neglected

them,

evenings

conduct naturally

part beside

was

profitable

to

the

assiduous

Prvan,

who, of to

placed

the deserted

one of the day, the that

found same to make

a means homage a

alternately, the three was

and friends. to lose

according He could

to circumstances, easily that preferred them him perceive false one the with

choice first

between to be

them unfaithful of the

everything; the

shame afraid; enemies the revive

at proving that the

the

would two others not that

make would fail

wounded new lover, high rival triple was

vanity and

render

of the

that

they in

would short,

to oppose would

severity the

of their zeal of a

principles; who project interested Prvan, enough homage Court from three might all

jealousy

surely would was

be still became in it; each

to fear. easy: man, at that

Everything each because time, woman

be an obstacle; indulgent that he was to

in his she

because not.

he thought but one

who to see

had, her

woman Her quality had

sacrifice, of foreigner,

was and

lucky the

become Prince, 12

a celebrity. adroitly refused,

of a great and it with the

fixed in the

on her the eyes honor, was had, of to and

of the

Town; his at new an

her

lover

participated The their only

profited his to be

mistresses. equal pace;

difficulty

conduct

intrigues

progress

course,

regulated one which At was three last of his was

by

that

of

the

one

which his

lagged

the

most; was before obtained

in fact, to hold the rest.

I heard in hand

from one

confidants, ripe for

that gathering arrived.

greatest

difficulty

nearly Prvan,

a fortnight who and the had

the great

day

the three will the were

avowals, the at the ej

already

master one

of the situation, was absent,

arranged other was

it as you leaving friends

see. Of next day

husbands,

daybreak, future

the third but there. into

was

in town.

The

inseparable had not

to sup at gallants the

widows;

the new

master

permitted very one day, the

the former he divided portrait which which

to be invited of his fair

On the morning lots;

of that in

letters he had

three her, third

he enclosed

received herself, third of

from in the

in the second a tress as the of whole,

an amorous her hair; and each

device of the in

she had received to send

painted this to her

friends return,

a sacrifice lover much;

consented,

disgraced This could was

a signal but

letter

of rupture. not enough. day; her from entirely and it She was going whose arranged to supper husband that with was a in town

it was of

only

dispose should

the

pretended and

indisposition that by

dispense

her friend, was

the evening her whose

should husband

be given was spouse,

to Prvan; daybreak,

the night the for

granted of the

absent; was

moment the

departure hour. ek Prvan, there having of liberty. some The none spite

of the third

appointed

by the last

shepherds

who and

neglected aroused the

nothing, humor a quarrel thus

next which which made,

hastened he

to the fair el

foreigner, and only

brought left after hours to take

required, him

brought His

about

assured

four-and-twenty home, intending

dispositions Other had doubt

he returned awaiting of light been humor

hours letters

repose. of rupture had

business brought but

was

him. to the sacrificed which disgraced to Prvan; is almost all concert, it from three, lovers: and always without to

a flash that

of them at being

any

he had the of but ill

tricked the with and

uniting petty one took

with

engendered communicating have rival. The loyally, this gave

by

humiliation another,

being

deserted, in

as though of demanding

resolved their fortunate

satisfaction, em latter but found not

the course

the wishing he

three

challenges

awaiting either his for place 13 course with

him; pleasures

he

accepted glamour

them of and at

to sacrifice the

or the

adventure, all three

fixed

rendezvous same

the and

following the same

morning, hour. It was

assignations of the Bois came,

at the

one of the gates When evening

de Boulogne. his triple

he ran

equal

success;

at

least,

he boasted three times

subsequently the wage are out beget

that and

each

one

of his en of all

new his

mistresses In this,

had

received may can exalted was from are to all more

declaration to history; incredulous nay

love. the

as you historian and which

imagine, do is to

proofs point can brilliant the

lacking to the

that reader

impartial vanity

that

imagination follow concern authentic. Prvan found them, so for

prodigies;

more, to

that

the morning

a night Be

seemed that

promise the facts

a dispensation which follow

future.

as it may,

repaired there his

punctually three a rivals,

to

the

rendezvous surprised the

which

he

had

selected; and each

he of in this

somewhat at

at meeting, of affable to me: you his air,

perhaps, He

trifle

consoled them with

sight but

companions and used

misfortune. language Gentlemen, divined am ready the right. include to his three I that

accosted

a blunt

to themit said you

has been he, as

faithfully you the all

reported here cause

I find three

together,

have

doubtless me. I of

have you first

all

same Let

of complaint decide between you have

against you all I

to give shall have any

satisfaction. attempt with

chance

which an did

a vengeance me I seek neither none

to which second in my nor

equal not

brought in my

witnesses. Then, one me, love rarely one of

offense;

reparation. I know befall the

agreeable holds has women in

character hands long

as a gamester, but, when

eo he added, fortune time

three lived

running; enough of men.

whatever one

may

always and

has had

to win

the esteem While delicacy, fair, I

his astonished perhaps,

adversaries reflected that

looked this triple

at one

another

in silence,

and

their

contest

rendered

the game

hardly

Prvan

resumed: from It you that be orders the night generous for which of you I have to just passed me to has recruit cruelly my do let I

do not

hide me.

fatigued strength.

would given

permit

I have

a breakfast us breakfast for such

to be served together, trifles; but

on the ground; and, they above ought all, not,

me the honor us breakfast think, The He to spoil breakfast was skilled them make slip. was did

to partake gaily. our was One good

of it. Let can humor. Never, avoid fight

accepted. to

it is said, humiliating easily than had

was any

Prvan one of

more his

amiable. rivals, to

enough that they admit facts

persuade all, to

would that, once before that men

have no

a like would

success, they arranged

and, have itself. that This

above let the The such idea

them These not

more

he,

occasion breakfast women

admitted, they

everything

finished

had repeated should

a dozen fight for

times them.

not

deserve

of honor

promoted later, it

cordiality; was not

it was enough

so well to

fortified bear no

by

wine ill

that, will:

a few they

moments swore an

merely

more

unreserved Prvan, not for who that,

friendship. doubtless however, liked lose this any dnouement of his In faithless celebrity. truth, as well In as the other, would adroitly victims, take like of you

consequence, to the three you feel for if

adapting it is not

his plans on I me

to circumstances: but you on the which your

he said

mistresses I begin

that to

should already, none all

revenge. yourselves, could Your maison, wished

offer

opportunity. would a single own. soon one,

an injury

be my how

share:

succeed quarrel and

in retaining becomes I hope him my your

can I hope this be

to retain

three? petite They the I in they

Accept

a supper may not

evening

at my

vengeance but, with

long of

postponed. which

to make

explain: him my

that

tone

superiority Gentlemen, a certain their new

circumstances have me. proved All

authorized to you that and,

to adopt, conduct having

he answered, is founded embraced on

I think wit; friend, trust

consented; till returns

after to await

separated Prvan usage, come them fixed After

the evening to Paris his new

the issue wasting He

of his promises. and goes, according from house. to each Two after? his the to of He

without conquests. and sup but

time, obtained

to the raised the

visit same

a promise pleasure

evening

tte--tte what hour, retired,

at his

a few rendezvous

objections; for

can one refuse time being

on the day for the

a late he went

necessary to

plans. three

these

preparations and all four

sent

word their

other

conspirators, The first

gaily

to await comes

victims. alone, receives she her with

is heard

arriving. ep conducts divinity;

Prvan her

forward

an air herself allows You of

of alacrity, to be the himself may guess

into

the sanctuary under

of which some slight lover. had not any once be able was

believed he

then,

disappearing replaced

pretext,

to be forthwith how rendered for the

by the outraged who

confusion triumph

of a woman easy at such the too The stage

yet

the

habit not

adventures was to

a moment: slave, to

reproach more to

made over pardon more other Each Their three

counted former

a grace;

eq and only

truant happy treaty was and

handed hope in by for a the

her

master,

was

by resuming solitary actors place, in almost

her former and the the

chain. empty

of peace successively with alone when, its

ratified filled

same

fashion, still thought

always

the

same

result.

of the women, astonishment couples were in their

however, and

herself

to be in

question. the Prvan, three

embarrassment but had confusion the cruelty

increased reached to make

at suppertime, when

united; midst,

height

reappearing

his excuses

to the

faithless what

ones,

which,

by

revealing fooled.

their

secret,

told

them

completely

to

a point

they

had been to table, up,

However, men hearts; which, until gave but

they

went

and soon women

afterward submitted.

countenances All had gaiety

cleared; hatred aroused orgy thought made in

the their

themselves

the was

the conversation turn, and, the lent

nonetheless fresh charm.

tender: This

desire, lasted to on be the with their two

in its morning; but

to gaiety they who

astounding had

when men,

separated, retained was

the their

women

pardoned: following leaving adventure other That

had which they time

resentment, and, not

morning their fickle

a rupture mistresses, Since that

never their

healed;

content

sealed

vengeance into

by making and the

public.

one

has gone

a convent,

languish

in exile

on their

estates. you to say whether Your you letter wish to add to

is the story

of Prvan;

it is for

his glory, me some to the last Adieu, easily alone In my

and tie yourself anxiety, I wrote fair and you. friend;

to his car of triumph. impatiently a more

has really and clearer

given reply

I await

prudent

distrust

those that,

queer

or

amusing which you

ideas

which

too wit ill. your

seduce does not allow

you.

Remember one

in the career imprudence to be

are leading,

suffice;

single friendship

becomes sometimes

an irremediable the guide of

short,

a prudent

pleasures. Adieu. I love you nevertheless, just as much as though you were

reasonable. AT THE CHTEAU DE ... , 18TH SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

80 THE CHEVALIER MY How and DEAR shall the DANCENY CCILE, to live TO when afar never CECILE will from shall the VOLANGES time come Who will to for us to give support is no me er term meet the this to

CCILE, again? courage fatal look

I learn strength? day

you?

Never, adds

I be able and

absence. forward who

Each to! had forgets one write

to my

unhappiness:

there

Valmont, and, one me, and me?

promised me!

me

help

and

consolation,

Valmont

neglects what to

perhaps, feels he did by what You when

He is near from

the object it. When however,

of his love; forwarding who Has could

he forgets your last tell letter

is parted to me. I shall do not

not

It is he, be able

should he nothing

me then you

when, to do tell not you

means,

to see you. it to me; Cecile, makes

yourself in my ever:

speak Ah, love

of

it be that unhappy! of my

participate more than

desire? but this

Cecile, which

I am very the charm

I love life

becomes

its torture. No, I can no When I have All source anxiety you longer live thus; I say her.... I must to myself: long, despair; every you will see you, I shall long I must, not were see her. it only I lie for down of me a

moment. saying: happiness. from pains think afflicted, consoled, Ah, did! the how All the my of

I rise, not seen

The

days all

contain these Add

no moment ills to come these to

is privation, whence about

regret, I expected

and

pleasure! have without sorrows; I find dwelt seeing

mortal I you and

yours,

and and for all

an idea

of my If you

situation. I see calm

uninterruptedly, I suffer

never your

dismay. if I see

unhappy, my own

are redoubled. it was from this, The time

Everywhere when you of had

unhappiness. in the same you places as even you never of when not have sweet slightest advantage. evening I

different was

pleasure

then. the

certainty which

embellished away from

moments you

of absence; nearer

to be passed use I made

brought unknown you; the

to me as it glided If I fulfilled any talent, world my

away. they

The

of it was worthy Even I was would our the the

to you.

duties,

rendered

me more you. you, what and

if I cultivated distractions from you; you. a In of

I hoped carried

the more me far

to please away to from

the At

parted pleased

the

playhouse reminded on you was my

I sought me of

divine talents

concert company,

your I

occupations. resemblance. Every moment

walks, all;

seized you

upon had

I compared of the day

with

everywhere by fresh

marked feet.

homage,

and every

I brought Nowadays,

the tribute what

of it to your to me?

remains

Dolorous

regrets,

eternal

privations,

and

faint

hope

that

Valmonts Ten becomes friend,

silence leagues

may

be

broken, divide

that

yours that

shall

be

changed so easy when remain What all,

to inquietude. to traverse, my

14 alone

us, and

distance, And it, reply. above in both

to me alone my mistress, aiding

an insurmountable to help me, me they of

obstacle!

I implore cold

to overcome do not even

and unmoved! then of your means to desire duties; you not of

Far from the active

has become has become the ceasing

friendship which

Valmont? you

What,

tender of our them, what

sentiments, daily

made

so ingenious I remember,

discovering without for many Ccile, of it;

meetings? myself not

Sometimes, compelled say And to me

I found did my way you

to forego then? With you,

them how my

considerations, pretexts my it has did

combat gave of

reasons? to your What turn; and

let me remind I do not desired what make

reasons not

always that now

wishes. you and

a merit I was To

even But

sacrifice. I ask in my to you your

to obtain

burning see you love. aside love doubt Adieu, PARIS,

to bestow. for

is the request? a vow of I ills.

a moment, that no longer

to renew make which love me,

to receive

eternal thrust You never longer.

Does that me, it:

happiness set the

as it makes crown upon

mine? my

despairing you but will my

idea, always

would

I believe and

it, I am sure I cannot endure

of it, I will it much

situation

is frightful,

Ccile. 18TH SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

81 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT How YOUR FEARS over you! what EXCITE And you my want there pity! to teach How me, they prove to me Ah, all my my the

superiority poor pride us.

to be my you and

guide? me! which No,

Valmont, of your Because

a distance not

is between over

sex would you Proud could and

suffice not

to bridge my

the gulf

separates them weigh

execute it well

projects, you Vicomte, it from

you

judge to

impossible! my have That, blazon out means put

weak of my

being,

becomes truth, conceal your

to seek your you.

and

judge

resources! and I will stupidity the fact who

In not

counsels

me in an ill your

humor, incredible

to mask

with

Prsidente, having who for loves and your

you a moment you: grant conduct, I

should put agree you. you

out es to me,

as a triumph, et this woman a look, yourself, attention

of your

of countenance of having feeling, hope in

is timid look:

and

to that; That, should of your

obtained spite of my

a single the from

I smile, of

it

poor

value

to distract effort and desire:

it by gratifying two children who

me with are both owe you me, out in ones

the story burning alone feel

sublime

to bring who,

together I may you

to see one the ardor authorized tones, than But lose in that my that

another, of their by

mention that also.

by the way, That, to write finally, to

to me should

I grant

these

brilliant to employ such that

achievements ones vanity I had to your Vicomte, time does need

doctorial projects it.

it is better

in carrying me no harm,

describing you way could unless

them: believe

and

I forgive that I

of your that

prudence, I ought

should to it

I deferred in truth,

advice, that

to sacrifice to plume

a pleasure over And, You have therein chance; eu would solely your will much pray, have you

or a whim:

is indeed willing surpassed but

yourself

on the confidence what have you

which done even, What own? almost at need; first that

I am quite I have many not

to place

in you! times?

a thousand what What the pure

seduced, had

ruined

very

women:

difficulties merit result but perhaps these lies of

to overcome? is really which your habit

obstacles A

to surmount? face, wit,

that

handsome brings;

graces, supply

always

in truth:

jargon due are you to a

its place of your

a praiseworthy if have much I am

impudence, not mistaken,

to the means, not ask

ease for, me,

successes; you for

as for

the celebrity to count

succeeded the art of

in acquiring, giving birth

I suppose,

scandal As for who

or seizing prudence, more

the opportunity finesse, than I do not you? Why,

of one. speak your of myself: Prsidente but leads where you is the woman like a child!

has not

Believe dispensed precaution. a match, do not many under

me,

Vicomte, Fighting you men,

it

is

rarely

one risk, is but

acquires you one lose, are success

qualities bound

which to act

can without

be

with. For

without a defeat

the less.

In so unequal if by we you how are

we are fortunate win. Even we were not

if we do not I to grant you

as it is your talents from

misfortune

as many you,

as ourselves, the necessity

should to make I

still

need

to surpass

a perpetual admit, that show

use of them! you brought as much skill to the task you of will

Supposing, conquering at least solely reserve: In fact, you

us as we agree that new

in defending useless abandon

ourselves to you yourself after

or in yielding, your success. fear,

it becomes fancy, you that

Absorbed without

in your

to it without

it is not those can

to you

its duration given at your to

is important. and will: noise, the idol received, we to talk loves if, jargon, in with victim your a of

bonds tighten

reciprocally or break mystery without

alone

are even are

lucky satisfied the

wantonness, humiliating tomorrow. But what lighten her the when risks it! an

preferring desertion,

you of

making

yesterday

unfortunate

woman if

has

once

felt

the

weight it off,

of

her

chain, but to

she has to run, It is only whom with her yield still;

she endeavors that she with

to shake can

or tries to dismiss

trembling heart

attempt

from on

man

repulses what

violence.

Does to love:

he

insist

remaining, Her Her have arms

she must are open must At the

to fear her heart

she had granted

is shut. those same bonds which you would she when, for

prudence broken.

skilfully mercy and

unravel of her how

enemy, she for

if he be without hope generosity it, he is

generosity, from never him blamed

is without although lacking Doubtless, become events, caprice, known, service my that, it?

resources: he is

can

sometimes

praised

having

you trivial. making depriving turn by

will If,

not

deny

these you

truths, seen

which me, toys

are so evident disposing of my

as to

have and my

however,

have men

of opinions fantasy me; and

these some turn, far has

formidable

the

of the power, to my

some fickle

of the will fancy, of these you not

to hurt how

if I have to my

according from remained my

to attach

or drive

away still

me if in midst pure; sex and ought

frequent to have

revolutions concluded devised

reputation being born

to avenge unknown? tyrants advice that and

to dominate

yours,

I had

methods These Oh!

previously unthroned

are your

now fears

my slaves, for those

ev . delirious women who call

keep

your

themselves believe never mad sole faith their that

sentimental; nature has

ew

whose their

exalted senses love

imagination in with have the more their the

would heads; lover;

make who, who, in

one having their is its and who,

placed in

reflected, illusion, depository; which vanity

persist believe and,

confounding he with whom

that truly

they show Be still

pursued priest afraid know, those

pleasure the for respect those

superstitious,

is only being

due larger

to the divinity. than their

prudence, above women such they of

do not all, for

at need, women, and over of

how

to

consent in love their

to being indolence, hold with

abandoned. whom so easily it, even you and

Tremble, call with

active whom being giving forth are not

sensibility, who feel

takes

power; are not

the need it; ideas, and,

occupied themselves from afraid it: them

when

enjoying of their

up unreservedly those letters these who

to the so sweet,

fermentation but

bring and which present

so dangerous weakness how

to write,

to confide

proofs

of their know

to the object in their

causes lover

imprudent enemy what ever

ones, to be. have I in

do not

to discern

their But you

common from

with

these

unreflecting I have laid

women? down,

When to are

have my not,

seen

me depart my

the rules and

or be false for they

principles? like and have those followed created

I say of other out them, world

principles,

I say

so designedly; received

women, of habit;

the result they

of chance, fruit

without

scrutiny, I

are the

of my own

profound handiwork.

reflections;

and I may at a time and While

say that when,

I am my still a girl, how

Entering condition observe truth, carefully This

the

I was

compelled by that in

by order and, to me,

my to in I

to be silent and reflect. little

inert, I was

I knew thought that they

to profit or careful

heedless were

inattentive, to make me. also attention my own look I tried I

listened

to the remarks up those which

they sought to

gathered useful

to hide

from me,

curiosity, often who

while forced

serving

instruct

taught from whither which to

me the I you govern some carried at and thus have

dissimulation; eyes of those

to conceal me,

the objects I sought at will this my first face. to

of my direct

surrounded then how

desired; have equally vexation, my that zeal time,

I learned

to assume by of

that

remote

so often the

praised. different

Encouraged movements

success, Did even

experience I have

I studied so far an

to assume

an air of serenity, voluntary pain

of joy;

as to inflict expression of

on myself, with

in order the same joy. at

to seek, care

pleasure. the

I labored, of

greater that I

difficulty, gained that

to repress command

symptoms over my

unexpected

It was I

physiognomy

which

sometimes

seen you

so astonished.

I was that

very I had,

young and against

still, I was my

and

almost

without that with my different these these

interest: should first self

my be

thoughts stolen from I tried I

were me to

all or use

indignant will. Armed not

surprised them; myself kept not by

weapons, be Sure

satisfied showing upon

with myself my

letting

real

manifest, of my

amused I

under

forms. both

gestures,

a watch merely was

speech;

I regulated whim;

according moment

to circumstances, the color it was of my

or even thought for This faces glance which,

according secret,

to my and

from

that more

my

I never

revealed

of it than

useful

me to show. labor and spent upon myself had fixed my and has taught me. the only well attention I thus on the gained expression penetrating entirely, years old, but I of

the character

of physiognomy; indeed,

that

to which

experience,

me not I was not

to trust fifteen of our

on the whole, already reputation, the

has rarely talents and I was You love to

deceived which as yet may and

possessed owe which I sought their

greater

part

politicians science girls, to

at the rudiments imagine that, but being like

of the all young

I wished to find

to acquire. out about

its pleasures; friend, which and

having watched not fix; but

never

been

the convent, mother, which afforded

having only

no confidential vague assuredly, One might notions, no

by a vigilant even praise, nature, as yet at not

I had later

I could to do

I had,

reason have said head the

aught ex it was was for

me no hint.

that alone desire

working

in silence I did

the perfection desire

of its handiwork. I wanted

My to know:

in a ferment; information

enjoyment,

suggested

to me the means. I felt that the only man with was feeling I whom my I could I and myself speak took on my this matter at without once; a I sin that in

compromising surmounted which women truth, nor I had my

myself slight

confessor. of shame;

course myself

vaunting of

for all

not

committed, was my

accused but, My of

having so, I did

done not

do. That what idea

expression; expressing.

in speaking hope was not

know, deceived, me

I was

altogether prevented the ill

entirely

fulfilled; myself:

the but

fear

betraying father

myself

from that it the

enlightening I concluded desire I do

the good

represented and

as so great

the pleasure

to be extreme;

to the desire

of knowing

of tasting not know

it succeeded. whither this desire time, my would have a single me, led me; and, devoid would later, curiosity of have that I at

experience ruined was once, me:

as I was luckily

at that for the me,

perhaps

opportunity a few days my

mother of

informed knowing of M.

to be married; and I came

certainty

extinguished de Merteuil.

a virgin

to the arms

I waited had need night, of

with

calmness

for

the

moment to exhibit entertains

which

was

to enlighten and fear. or and

me,

and first

of reflection, which itself all

in order one

embarrassment an idea

The so

ordinarily to me only carefully, and

so painful pain sensations soon

sweet,

presented I observed upon which

as an occasion and saw in these This

of experience: different

pleasure, facts in

only succeeded

to reflect but, ought appear This of his air when I will

meditate. to my

form and

of study feeling

pleasing that no

me: one to was.

faithful

principles, from my in was

by instinct than the my more the

perhaps husband, sensible I I

to be farther the more

confidence his eyes,

resolved really

impassive coldness

apparent blind which I was admit, myself

subsequently reflection, he never

impregnable to it the of

foundation mischievous a child than

confidence; my

on fruitful and

I joined thought

age justified; him

me more

tricking

most. let myself be dragged into the vortex But, of after estate, myself of to the my

Meanwhile, society, some and months,

I, at first,

gave M.

up completely having the taste whose profited

to its futile taken

distractions.

de Merteuil revived by people I

me to his dismal in me: from to give and me a

country

the dread there reach

of ennui

for

study

as I found put me out

surrounded of all

distance by that our it

suspicion, It was there

vaster that

field love,

experience. they pretext The was died, vaunt for

especially cause of

I assured pleasures,

myself is, at the

which the

to

us as the

most,

only

them. of M. de Merteuil him came to interrupt where and him, my of these he went sweet occupations; for all aid. it He

illness

necessary as you

to follow know, shortly

to Town,

to seek

afterward; against which advantage

although, I had,

considering

things, feeling and on my either country I

I had no complaint of the value of the to

to make liberty take or

nonetheless, would mother her.

a lively give calculated to take same me,

widowhood it. with My

promised entering course, estate,

myself a convent, and where all

returning

to live was

I refused to the

I granted were

to decency, still some the help

to go back left but for

there

observations of reading: our

me to make. imagine our it was

I supplemented all of the kind

these you

with

do not in novels, moralists one My any

suppose. I even us; and and matters, of

I studied went I thus how the

manners severe of what appear. presented

opinions what

in the they one upon

philosophers; from think,

to the made one

most sure

to see

expected ought these to

could mind

do, of what once settled in its

must

three I hoped

last

alone

difficulties

execution; I began

to overcome of my

them,

and I meditated which

on the means. were not varied enough

to grow

tired

rustic

pleasures,

for love, vain

my

active

brain;

I felt that told,

the need really had I

of coquetry, feel read, it, but

which

should and

reunite inspire feign talent kinds, applause so

me to it. In this of a

not had

in order I been I saw ey with to

I might and

to feign one could to join in the that

that

not the

sentiment; comedian perhaps, the

that, an

to succeed wit. but, I

there,

it sufficed myself seeking

authors success: to

exercised of

both vain which

and, of many

some I resolved

instead for my

theatre,

employ

happiness

others A year me to

sacrificed passed reappear, for

to vanity. in these different to occupations. Town with My my mourning great projects; then allowing I was not

I returned obstacle

prepared My long

the first

which retreat beaux;

I encountered. had they covered kept who their all me with a veneer and left for of the of

solitude which of

and

austere our of

prudery the hand. refusals of which then,

frightened a crowd

distance, were

me at my these time

mercy The

tedious did not and

fellows, lie

aspirants but many I lost I was

embarrassment my

in refusing internal

them;

displeased I had

family, myself some

in these

disputes use.

promised to recall

to make drive

such away pains

charming the others,

obliged, certain as may

in order

and

to display my

inconsistencies, I had believe: necessary, As soon thought but,

ez and to take to being take in

as much it.

in damaging

reputation as you

preserving away out my the of my by

I succeeded I only

easily, did with attain, of those

carried

no passion,

what caution.

thought

and measured as I had touched

doses goal

of indiscretion which I would to some to charm a move duennas they

I retraced women fall value up was as

my who, back to my

steps, being

and gave impotent of merit I had and an extent party

the honor as far and hoped. their

amendment

as any virtue. These blind

pretensions This was

are concerned, was of more

on those me than

which fa set called which

grateful for what

themselves their might work

apologists; to such the

zeal

carried on me,

that, of

at the

least cried

reflection scandal

be made The same who,

whole

prudes

and

outrage. with

method being as to

procured persuaded theirs, prove

me also that

the suffrages renounced as a subject not speak ill

of the women the thought for their

pretensions,

I had me did

of following praise, each

the same time they

career wished

selected that they my

of all the world. had brought back the who of lovers; had rigor, and to my the

Meanwhile, compromise patronesses, excess I then

previous them

conduct and

between I passed

the unfaithful of

women but

become whom

as a woman furnished upon with the

sensibility, arms against the

of her delicacy began to display

love. talents which had been

great

stage

given To

me.

My it,

first the

care

was

to acquire did not of

the

reputation me were

of being always the

invincible. only usefully lover never been ones to I

attain

men I had the

who the

please

whose obtain

homage for me

air of fear.

accepting.

I employed while my to the

them

honors without

resistance, But

preferred shyness

abandoned permitted always You

myself to follow

the latter, and

pretended of society

me in the world; lover. I choose:

the gaze

has thus

fixed know

on the unhappy with what the may does to be here rapidity previous

it is because which

I have

observed

that secret. success. found

it

is nearly Whatever This less

always one

attentions is never

disclose before

a womans and and after

do, the tone not escape

the same

difference dangerous

the attentive in my choice

observer; than to

I have that

it be we

deceived again

let

choice alone

penetrated.

I gain

by removing

probabilities,

by which

can be judged. These my precautions defeat, might I have I saw is of seems might and that of never excessive, into there to known than power my own writing, and heart, who not we, of never to me giving have studied not keep any ever proof appeared heart there which of I of

appear looked that

insufficient. of others. which antiquity Samson have it

I have does be and

in it the a secret a truth

there

is nobody him should than

importance to have

divulged: of which Like important fallen are

better

the history a new Delilah,

be no more employed of our these, my modern I have

an ingenious in surprising have to fear

symbol. this

always many And I have

secret.

15 Ah, my ones with them

of how shears? whom

Samsons ceased

not

the locks they

beneath only supple to

them;

the

sometimes

permitted them

myself unfaithful

to humiliate. lest of one

More

the others, fickle,

the art of rendering of friendship, notion, me

I should

appear a few

a feint

an appearance which their each

confidence, retains,

generous been my

measures, only failed ridicule obtained. All doubt me this lover, me,

the flattering have secured

of having when these

discretion. I knew which how these

Finally, to crush

methods beneath have

foreseeing

the rupture, the credence

in advance, men could

or calumny,

dangerous

which

I tell prudence!

you

you Ah,

have

seen recall

me

practice

unceasingly; the time when

and you to

you paid

of my your first you

indeed! no ever homage seen

to mind ever Seduced glory;

attentions: before that I had you

was you.

more by

flattering your

me;

I it

desired seemed for ever

reputation, with fancies had a desire which

to me

were

wanting you. over

to my

I burned one of my if you

a hand-to-hand had

combat

with

It is the only me. However,

a moments

empire

wished

to

destroy no trace suspect, would time, unite

me,

what

means it, which

would your

you very

have

found?

Empty have

talk

which

leaves to render

behind and have

reputation facts, conceived

would the

helped

a tissue had the

of air you

improbable of a badly all my of

sincere novel. It

relation is true, what

of since

which that

I have us, and

handed that, if

over

secrets: it

but

you I who

know can

interests with

it

be one

us,

is not

be taxed

imprudence. Since hear I have you

fb started me in fact, When and is that you my you now off now to render that I account am at to you, any rate I will at do it precisely. the mercy of she is that for my of I

tell

chambermaid; my sure actions. of her;

if she is not spoke proof have that

in the secret

of my before,

sentiments, I answered then dangerous at Prvan, me anymore

of it to me once that since you this reply

I was your secrets

was

sufficient

tranquillity of your

confided have taken you

to her mighty umbrage believe

own.

But,

and on

that my

your word.

head

is turned, therefore

I doubt edify

whether you. foster force better

will

I must

In the first seem addition, she would me. was one

place, to us,

the girl is not her if

is my without and

sister, among still, Her her

and this people the victim

bond, of of

which her

does

not in

condition: madness,

I have ruined,

secret not

a love with

I had

saved less useful the

her. than

parents,

bristling They be

honor, to I

be satisfied I saw at them to the

by nothing how

imprisonment. anger might I obtained. I persuaded I made to stay of my not

applied to me.

a glance and side

their

made Then, her

seconded turning profiting make me

solicited of

order, to

which which minister, free

suddenly and to its future if, is to it

clemency, with of the

parents, all consent

by my the

influence depositary to then,

the old this

them it or the

order,

demand girls and her,

execution, conduct.She assume not the

according knows, impossible, that

judgment I have potent

I should her lot

form within

that

hands; prevent

these

reasons

should and

evident soon

the revelation her language which

of her conduct of all credit? I which would must if you been call

her authentic

punishment

would To

deprive

these

precautions,

fundamental, and reflection

are

joined allow their pick out

a me

thousand to find at is the

others, need;

local of

or occasional, the which details you

habit be take would

which and view

tedious, the

although to

practice from

important; general But fruit high

trouble succeed pains, by to

of my that that, other

conduct, I have after women,

in knowing and my am not

them. to cull labors, like the so them,

to pretend of them;

at so much raised to

having I am

myself, consent

arduous along,

above

grope

betwixt such never! shall two

imprudence an extent I must have him; is our

and

timidity; other

that,

above

all, than

I should in flight?

fear

any

man Vicomte,

to

as to see no conquer

salvation As of for it,

No,

or perish. to tell

Prvan, and

I wish not

to have tell of

him, it:

and that,

I in

he wishes little

he shall

words,

romance.

fc Adieu. 17 -- .

PARIS,

20TH

SEPTEMBER,

82 CCILE AH, GOD, VOLANGES WHAT PAIN it! TO THE CHEVALIER letter gave to find it. you; me! DANCENY I need well have and tears wept time, felt here I such am read times the I

your

impatience more

fd to receive than with

I hoped

in it consolation, I shed I have to me. many already But this

afflicted that

I was which

ere I received I reproach

when many

it: it is not because same What you, Do

of you,

without

its being

painful

it is not

thing. is it that that you mean you cannot that wish to say, live pray? thus, that nor your any love more is grown support me, I am a torment your situation? it is not than If M. him so you de to, to

longer you

you

are going

to cease to me love

to love that you my

because no happier for

agreeable are, quite

as it used the contrary; has not I have

to be? and

It seems yet I only

the more I could

that. beg

Valmont because never

written been

to you, alone

it is not him,

fault;

not

not

with that

and we have is for your

agreed sake,

that

we would he can and you

speak

before do what

people: you

and

again

so that

the sooner you ought

desire. of this:

I do not but

say that would

I do not you

desire me

it also, do? If

to be assured

what

have

believe Do you

it to be so easy, think who than that

please

find

the means, for me

I ask nothing to be scolded Quite myself

better. every day Now by it by I was in

it is so very once never

agreeable said anything

Mamma, is worse reflecting quite the

to me? I consoled

the contrary. for when without all that

if I were it was but fault, for

at the convent. you; there

it, however, I found its has

were you

even

moments too, for

content; least my

when

I see that more

are vexed than I had

being hitherto

I have

grief

happened Even Valmont what

to me. to receive your letters and is embarrassing, as he is, is more by me, able harp; hear so that, if not All come, afternoon, I have Luckily her that leave no hide You it is to M. de

merely were

not

so obliging as to writing because my room. or

so clever that

I should still.

know the at

to do;

and,

to you, Mamma

difficult

morning any under interrupt my waiting

I dare

not, into of

is close

and she may to, even in the then

moment, pretense myself

Sometimes, playing to let sleepy on

I am the

singing every

after

line, grows

them

I am

studying. and I tell

maid well And

sometimes get to bed

in the evening, she may behind my sound, were to do

I can me light

quite light.

by myself, obliged to listen

so that to get for

go away curtain, so that there it. In

and

the

then, and bed,

I am then,

so that I can to see! short,

can

be seen; in my

the least I wish

everything would soon

if anyone one must

comes. indeed

you

see that

love

anyone

quite more.

true

that

I do all

that

I can,

and I would

it lay

within

my

power

to

do

Certainly, love you you; had

I do not I never assured You cannot

refuse told me,

to tell

you

that a fuller it,

I love

you,

and

that

I shall vexed!

always Yet you no day. But I am!

it you before it;

with I said

heart, that

and was

you enough

are

that

to make I have them

happy. longer, And

deny them you will who letters,

it is in your as when now,

letters. I used no

Although to read think how

I remember you, because this absence you

as well are not absent

them the

every same!

longer God,

perhaps And With took

always

last? of it! you back

Ah, ... have to

unhappy

it is indeed regard from

are the cause I hope she that sent

to your me, and

kept you;

those a

which must you

Mamma come, give them

which not How can

time and able to M.

someday, them for all good,

when back and there

I shall to me. no would one

be so restrained happy object! much I shall Now danger a deal with

as at present, be when I return otherwise; I am them

will

to keep de

Valmont, I never

because give Adieu, life. should that AT till THE

be too

in spite

of that,

them my I hope not

to him dear that

without friend. now

feeling I love you

of pain. all my vexed, as soon heart. I shall were are love you all my of I it, feel I

you

are Write

no longer to me,

fe and, as you

I sure able, for

be so myself. I shall continue DE

then

sad. SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

CHTEAU

... , 21ST

83 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL FOR MERCYS SAKE, broken! I differ all, Oh, from MADAME, that the again many you lies I could odious enjoy let us repeat complete portrait that that my which amiable with render it interview which was to you of me; you how virtuous it is the to

so unhappily how that, began endow sentiment! only much above

work has

of proving been made which know

I could me! How

confidence which dear, you

to grant virtue! Ah,

are the charms and

How therein

beautify, your

every

fascination; and worthy to desire But read

is the

strongest;

one which

is at once

powerful

of respect. to please he who in your you; to hear you in of to a

Doubtless, company knowing more in you love

it is enough for you that desire who

to see you

to be redoubled. can sometimes and, penetrated virtues.

has the happiness soul, soon yields

better, enthusiasm,

noble the and

by veneration made by than certain brought you make

as by love, another, errors me back,

worships to had have new

image follow me from

of

all

the

Better seduced who

perhaps, which who of this you

them, them, anew

although it is you all their blame

separated caused love of

have will

me to feel mine? even from in it? alarms love; never do

charm: your

a crime

Will with

you

handiwork? you might take

Would

reproach harm not is to be

yourself be feared to taste My love

the interest

which

in it? What might

so pure

a sentiment,

and what

sweetness

there

you, not

you disdain

find the

it

violent, empire I dare hard

unrestrained! which believe, to me, I offer would once

Temper you, not sure who from

it

with which

a I lost

gentler swear

to escape, sacrifice for

and which, could me?

be entirely that your

to virtue. could not keep

What

seem

heart as

its price how

Where

is the man,

then,

is so unhappy on himself, which and

to know

to delight a word,

in the privations a glance, accorded, believed

which to all that

he imposes the pleasures

as not could feared

to prefer steal me!

he you What

or surprise? Ah, why

And does

you not

I was depend you

such on

a man, my But

your by

happiness rendering

own! this

vengeance empire That union, that you

I would

take

on you,

happy!

gentle

is no result word frightens

of barren you! thought, soul? I Yet And

friendship; why?

it is only A more

due to love. attachment, pain, what a stronger in

tender and Such, above a like

a common alien inspire to your and

a like love

happiness is all that! It is that,

is there

at least, all,

is the love

which

experience. how

which,

calculating to their merit

without

interest,

knows

to appreciate

actions

according

and not things What,

their become then,

price;

it is the inexhaustible that are done for

treasure or by it. to grasp,

of sensitive

souls,

and all

precious have these fear,

truths, either, happiness

so easy can a man than

so sweet

to practice, you, to

that whom vow I it you it

can alarm? love make permits today:

What

of sensibility own? This

cause

no other I will and this

your

is the solitary

sacrifice sentiment will. But

all to fulfill itself, let

it, except if you do but

the sentiment consent

by which it,

is inspired; shall should if, order unite

to share

as you

us suffer you

it no longer offered

to divide me is not

us, when an idle to word;

us. If the friendship told me yesterday,

have

as you

it is the

sweetest not

sentiment reject to hear

known being

your arbiter an

soul,

let that let

be the bond it consent

between

us; I will a refusal

it: but, it would

of love, injustice, A second can

to listen is not present occasion; to believe me than

to it; unjust.

become

and friendship interview furnish I am willing to convince inopportune been of your brought power? will the

no greater you that

difficulty yourself

than

the first: the not my be

chance right better

again

could

indicate you doubt

moment. pleased If that already extent Shall without sovereign fear which them.

I am wrong; me, come and

would do you

to combat had entirely not

docility? I the had full

third

party

to interrupt opinion:

us, perhaps who knows

round

to your

I say

it to you?

This

invincible this my

power, irresistible actions: should by my which,

to which charm,

I abandon which to me of this

myself you to for myself

venturing of my

on calculation, thoughts perhaps it, as of

renders sometimes interview see

it comes be afraid promises,

Alas, After

it is I who bound with

I ask!

perhaps, away

I shall aware, Ah,

compelled be

to consume without do not

a love to

I am well your aid!

can never for be are with more they fresh the for I am

extinguished, sake, for

daring your

implore

Madame, if you what are to pains again myself letters; them brave

mercys

abuse

authority! to appear ideas! against to defend but of you

But

what

then! of you, it;

the happier not you alleviated

it, if I am thereby by these you will. very consoling arms

worthier I feel

Yes, me;

to speak

is to give to your your

stronger

it is to submit against there leads your to lend me

entirely are

It is easier utterances, the pleasure have and the

myself are not you of

indeed

strength. danger: you, too

However, at least against to prove that dearest you to my

hearing

to

I shall myself;

pleasure sacrifices

having will

dared

everything

even happy

my

become

an homage. in a

to you are and

in a thousand ever will be,

manners, without

as I feel excepting

thousand the

fashions, object

myself,

heart.

AT

THE

CHTEAU

DE

... , 23RD

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

84 THE YOU long VICOMTE SAW I was HOW unable find DE VALMONT TO the chance you easier the letter CCILE was which VOLANGES against I had us yesterday. for you; All day not you, myself

GREATLY to hand it any zeal which rendering of with dint found love; any of than

I know

whether by for

I shall

today.

I am afraid and so fatal I should to you,

of compromising never forgive

showing

more

discretion; prove

an imprudence friend, by

might you

and cause However,

the despair I am in know aware your at the pains,

of my of the

eternally how in the myself

miserable. painful only with

impatience to meet By

I feel delay

it must consolation the

be to you, you of can

situation, this

moment.

busying

means if you

removing some

obstacles, will

I have

one the execution

of which,

take

be easy. I have into remarked the would of it, ff I will in this, or two. corridor, be easy procure it will You that is with you the key of the on key, like door your you must of your chamber, which

I think opens

always this one

Mammas be well will serve at my for

mantelshelf. aware; in its but in

Everything default To for

it, which

stead.

succeed an hour that

be sufficient will may easily not find

to have

the other

disposition it; of and, my try

an opportunity I enclose, will only take

taking one

in order own

its absence is so far are not like like likely

be noticed,

in this,

which they

it that

no difference must own. key

be seen, care

unless

they

it; this blue

to do. You is on your have this

to tie it to a faded

ribbon,

that

which and

It would breakfast can might be

be well time; returned pay more

to try because to its

by tomorrow for you to give

or the day it me then,

after, and Mamma

at it

it will place to well. move

be easier in it. the I

evening, shall be

a time able to

when return

your it to

attention

you

at

dinnertime, You always You even then me. aunt do will know

if we arrange that, when we

from who

the walks in

salon last. putting

to the I shall away

dining give your her

room, my

it

is

Madame only

de Rosemonde have to take drop,

hand. or see

some so that me,

time you which

tapestry, you will

to let how You and

something

may

remain

behind:

to take must pay not

the key neglect,

from

I shall have

be careful taken you it,

to hold to rejoin

behind my old fall, and I

as soon

as you

her a few your

attentions.

If by chance I will feign that

should done

let the key by me,

not

lose for

countenance;

it was

answer The lack

everything. your this Mamma little shows in you, and her harsh the only behavior way to

of confidence you, authorize

toward

deception.

It is, moreover,

continue others my

to receive are really too

the

letters

of

Danceny, might

and ruin itself,

to forward you both I

him

yours;

all thus them

dangerous would

and

irretrievably: to employ

prudent

friendship

reproach

were

further. Once the the having noise same the key, and where there lock; I room remain but they some precautions easy. oil for You and us to take will a find, feather. you pay also you against beneath You must is to until are

of door press

are very your when The

placed at times

paper, you only

sometimes profit

go to your

are alone attention had

there: you need wait

by it to oil

the lock which

and hinges. might betray

be careful night

of stains

you.

You

better

arrives, there

because, will

if it be done

with

the intelligence

of which If,

capable, it should must had with unlikely reason. renders it. After you in with all

be no trace then you the

of it on the following must say that and even

morning.

however, You you rust be the

be perceived, this him: the that It is case

it is the indoor the this you conversation precaution see that

polisher. which against it would asking

specify

time, that not

as, for locks you

instance, are have

he takes in use. this give For

which should little

witnessed which

proceeding probability; peoples

without and desire

these

details

probability to verify

a lie without

consequence,

by diminishing

have with, to

read

this

letter,

I beg you

to read

it again with what

and even

to

study to do Little

it: to begin well; next,

one should assure

be well

acquainted that own my I have

one wishes nothing. no great for

yourself finesse

omitted I have

accustomed it; indeed the interest however deception; such You

to employ it needed which innocent that

on my

account, keen

use

for and

nothing you they inspire may

less than in me, be. I

friendship

Danceny, these has the

to induce hate your

me to employ which have them. once you speak the

means, air me of to

anything misfortunes

is my that

character. attempt with this easier

But

touched

a degree can

I will that,

everything means for

to alleviate

imagine us, it will

of communication me to procure do not for yet and it to him, on your tutor I my am

established interview of all for calm Adieu, above with all your

between with this:

be far

the

Danceny you

which

he desires. only yet increase quite

However, his

to him moment to

would it is not to excite for him:

impatience, You owe matter your

satisfying rather my be fair docile than

arrived.

I think, delicacy. and

him.

I depend pupil. be

in this Love

pupil, to

you

are my you that DE will

a little, occupied

rewarded. find therein

happiness; AT THE

rest assured CHTEAU

I shall

own. 17 -- .

... , 24TH

SEPTEMBER,

85 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT AT LAST YOU MAY and adventure what that himself. it be just do be not with implies? The that tranquil, confound Prvan Now story you, reap will who and, me to you above again all, with To judge you other a close! whether can render I you me have fully he,

justice. brought

Listen, my

women. Do

a close. shall

understand who neither well given In the

it is I, or

can vaunt would about my

not have

be as amusing done no more from

as the than

adventure: ill or

reason

the affair, time

should

as much

pleasure

it as I, who

have

and labor. if you have in which time. he He will some this great scheme rival free from to try, should to you, the if you seem would to you for have

meantime, some

attempt

enterprise this is your

dangerous the field

to be feared, some given How you. word, yourself you drive invoke, thanking take The I had politely her have time; him. fortunate You and

leaves never

at least blow I

perhaps,

even,

recover

you

are to have afar from

me for the

a friend! who at her I point to your

I am a benevolent engrosses side. out You to you you; wish the

fairy I say to

to one

languish you find

beauty more you; her

yourself who and

once injures

revenge where to you in and

on a woman to strike,

place Finally, I whom your

abandon from you. you

tender

mercies. more spend to my

a formidable and me, I give

competitor heed that to

the lists, fg it is once Truly, if you do not

life

it means

are an ingrate.

I return

adventure

it up from rendezvous hoped. that

the beginning. made Prvan so loudly, repaired on leaving to it; fi and herself to reply the Opera, when the him fh was understood said to as him at had of know of this me his was

Marchale twice

she congratulated he was careful

on seeing that, in order since that

in succession night, thus he

days; fj

Tuesday he might

cancelled that with

a thousand A bon certainty zeal, dominant

engagements, entendeur, whether

dispose to

evening. more

salut!

fk

As

I wished, the

however, object

I was,

or was the new that not

not,

veritable to choose not play; my first

flattering and side, over his

I resolved passion.

to compel I declared for

aspirant

between he, on

I should

and

found

a thousand fl Bishop the hero me. I was

pretexts

playing,

and

triumph

lansquenet. the with

I secured intimacy

of ---

for

my

gossip to whom also

fm ; I chose I wished

him to give

because every witness,

of

his

of the day, contented

facility who

to approach

to have

a respectable

could, was After the

at need, successful. the vague

depose

to my

behavior

and

my

language.

This

arrangement

and the

customary

remarks, tried please

Prvan, different me.

having tones in that

soon turn, of

made in

himself order to as which delicate our

leader

of which

conversation, likely to

discover though seemed friendship; reciprocal At and

was

I refused

sentiment,

I had to

no faith too it

in it; I stopped, frivolous for

by my fn

seriousness, he fell flag

his gaiety, back that upon we

me and attack.

a dbut; this

was

beneath

well-worn

began

suppertime, was

the Bishop placed much skill

did by our

not my

descend; side at

Prvan table.

then One

gave must

me his be just;

hand, he to

naturally with with

maintained be occupied the largest to be given regret the not box that

private

conversation, to which spoke at the me

while

seeming

only

the general At following my box;

conversation, they

he had the air of being piece fo which was some as I of it is did his was and

contributor. on I had the not

dessert,

of a new Franais. his own,

Monday he offered

I expressed which at first, that

usage,

I refused: him; whom

to which that

he answered he would know; but

humorously not that make

enough, the

understand to anyone

certainly, not

sacrifice

he did

he only

let me know pleasantry,

at Madame I accepted. On our

la Marchales

disposal.

She lent

herself

to this

return box;

to the salon, and when the

he asked, Marchale, good,

as you who

may treats it the have

well him

believe, with great

for

place

in this promised

kindness, of to those me. under many take to the spoke one and I left

him

it, if he were conversations, fallen for on his

he made you

occasion extolled child,

of one his talent

double-edged Indeed, pretext having

at which knees, like

a submissive

he said, he uttered easily

of begging

her counsel thing,

and asking

her opinion, of which to

a flattering myself.

and tender Several was our of

the application not and have must effect

I could play but mine I was after our

persons more eyes:

having general I should He

returned less

supper, eyes but

conversation much. I say

interesting: his; thought for

said have

spoke

languagethat quite him absorbed highly

surprise.

astonished, I think

in the

prodigious I was

which

he had

on me.

satisfied;

no less pleased I was

myself. as we had agreed. In spite except failed: it the

On the following of your that that had literary has that

Monday curiosity,

at the Franais, you for nothing cajolery,

I can tell talent sorry

of the performance, and that the piece

Prvan is all really

a marvelous I was mightily;

I learned. me

to see the evening in order to prolong

come it,

to an end; I invited

pleased

and,

Marchale it to the

to come amiable de back

and

sup with who free

me: only himself

this

gave

me a pretext the an time to

for

proposing to the name his to this

flatterer, and anger;

asked from that

hasten This

Comtesses brought

P --- , fp all my

engagement. going

I saw your

plainly wise

he was and

to begin myself... him of

confidences; proceed dangerous Being owed me his tremble respiration. being changed not that afraid new with

I remembered the adventure;

counsels, that

promised cure

I was

certain

I should

indiscretion. to my company, which was thus, not when when my very we numerous went that evening, he he

me the customary hand. I was

usages;

to supper, it, to allow down, of my the and

offered mine a to

malicious and the to air walk of He

enough, with

accepting eyes cast

slightly, I had of my

quick and of

having noticed

a presentiment it readily; been gallant, much then

defeat, traitor

victor. aspect. did

promptly It was

his tone his that; of his

and

He had not

he became the same:

tender.

language but

remain

circumstances caressing; of the

compelled inflection but

his gaze softer;

had become his smile

less keen was

and more

voice

no longer

the smile more could

finesse, and more have

of satisfaction. of his sallies, yourself? I grew and

Finally, wit

in his conversation, gave place to delicacy.

suppressing I ask you,

the fire done

you

better side, it;

On my perceive defend

pensive

to such

a point

that for on it,

the company I was clever

was

forced

to to and lest

when

I was

reproached and to cast him

enough yet fear shy was

myself

indifferently, glance, that was

Prvan that

a rapid, all my

embarrassed he should After telling my

to make

believe

divine

the cause I profited stories

of my by the which

trouble. moment when the telling, good Marchale myself by a was on

supper, one ottoman, I was most did

of those in not that

she is always condition which

to settle

languorous for Prvan

is induced in truth, imagine but

tender me timid toward

reverie. with glances him the

sorry

to see me thus; You may of my soon well

he honored that my

particular not dare humble

attention. to seek fashion,

the eyes they

conqueror:

directed I was

in a more effect which

informed needed

me that

obtaining him that I I

I sought when

to produce. the Marchale tender but, voice,

I still

to persuade she was I was of her, going so

shared cried here! plans, know this,

it; so that, out in

announced Ah Dieu! leave her of the

to retire, comfortable her

a faint however: to

and

I rose, in that order

before for the

taking telling whole

I asked of but

her her Upon

have stay

a pretext at home

mine, next

and day

letting one.

I should

we all separated.

I then sort find sure of

started

reflecting. I had that to

I had given the my little

no doubt him;

but

that

Prvan

would early but

profit

by the to quite that with a the

rendezvous alone, that, which, and

that would

he would be a fierce he would

come one: not

enough I was

me also

attack

owing

reputation, practice who the me. dealings

treat

me

with

lightness women certain pretension How

however or with

one have word

has had,

is only

employed and I foresaw

of occasion success, if

those

no experience; love, above

he pronounced it from is to have

all,

if

he had

of obtaining it

convenient

with

you

people

of

principles!

Sometimes us with and your The I will yourself. power: might

a clumsy

lover

disconcerts it is a fever varies in

us by his bashfulness which, like the other, But the

or embarrasses has its even chills of

his fiery and

transports; sometimes divined!

ardors, way arrival, not

its

symptoms.

tenor

is so easily the aspect, report Only our remark

the tone,

the language: to you, feigned time then;

I knew you will

it all the day easily him supply with

before. it all that and for my he that

conversation that, in my

defense, to speak; his for

I aided sorry

embarrassment, combat refrain which all them;

to give distrust side but and

him fear,

reasons,

to revive you him only

protestations; a word; to make times, day we and him the

perpetual on mine, more:

on his seemed that,

of I ask to delay seized

silence the

in order

desire

during yet hour:

a hand

a hundred

a hand thus; had we not

always passed heard naturally a

withdrawn a mortal carriage rendered out him was

never we

refused. should my

One

might

pass a whole still, if

be there, courtyard.

perhaps, This

entering

fortunate

occurrence arrive sigh, soon

his entreaties of any

livelier; surprise, The

and

I, seeing myself

the moment by a long and

when and

I was granted I

of danger the

prepared visitor circle. to come was

precious

word.

announced,

afterward,

surrounded begged but,

by a numerous to be allowed to time that

Prvan consented: remain know, that

on

the

following my

morning, waiting

and maid

I to

careful the

defend of this

myself, visit in my in

I ordered my

all one

through can

bedchamber, room, having and

whence, it was the rid of

you there same this

see all him. soon

passes in our

dressing and

I received we were

Free

conversation but it was

both to get

desire,

in agreement: it was for that picture

necessary

inopportune Then, without must and painting

spectator;

I was of find

waiting. my home life, I persuaded liberty, enjoyed myself and that yesterday, to, since him he

an imaginative that we should of too

difficulty consider

never that a risk

a moments we had

as a sort contained

miracle great

which for

even

that

me to expose

at any these

moment usages with

someone were me; them

might

enter

my

salon. until same

I did that time myself

not day, upon in

fail

to add they had

that

all

established, and I insisted

because, at the

never

interfered of changing

the the

impossibility eyes me that of I my had

without

compromising sadness, how assumed much all

household. little love;

He and the

attempted you

ill that

humor, touched to my

told me!

can guess blow, weeping. he had for

But,

wishing precisely gained

to strike the over stood This day Zaire, me, him

decisive are

I summoned The empire

tears which

aid.

It was to have ruin

you and

he thought my 16

the hope stead

conceived

of compassing of Orosmane. returned our

at his will,

in good

all the love we

dramatic being out

scene

accomplished,

to our

arrangements. to the night: not but

The my any this

of the question,

we turned

attention and

Swiss fq attempt I had

became to bribe

an insurmountable him. and He suggested I invented demon well a dog

obstacle, the wicket who, The

I would

permit but

gate fr of my calm

garden; silent

foreseen, became details the

although

and

enough into on which to I

by day, all these

a real was

at night. to

ease with him. and

which Thus

I entered he went this

fitted of

embolden

propose accepted. To begin me;

most

ridiculous

expedients

to me,

it was

with,

his servant quite

was

as trusty

as himself: I was to

in this to give

he did

not

lie

to

the one house; leave while

was

as little to

so as the other. and was

a great

supper he the one

at my could door, side.

he was alone. he, The

be there,

select call would

a moment his carriage, slip adroitly while me; the

when open on

cunning instead

confidant of entering

would it,

Prvan, could

In no way him

his coachman left, he had reach

perceive really my

this;

so that, with I confess project instances. he the

everybody question at first, enough hear had for him, often the I

believed remained had some him

to have

remained

whether difficulty

he could in finding to destroy;

apartment. against me this with

that, weak To

reasons he answered than one

to be able was it;

nothing employed least

more it was

ordinary even that

this which

method; he used

himself most,

as being

dangerous. by these staircase leave and irrefutable which the wait, key authorities, led of to the it, and fs I admitted near it risk, neighborhood was possible my the with candor of my for women moment him had after docility, my that I

Subjugated had ft that himself and then, a private

boudoir; to shut

I could in there

without

undue to my the

until

retired; I was of love a to

to give I only

more

probability on

consent, of

unwilling: proprietyoh,

relented

condition I was quite

a perfect

a propriety!

In short

willing

to prove

him, The wicket when hour, heap What thing known. You

but exit,

not of

so much which of my

to gratify I was garden;

his own. to only utter tell you, was of Not If you our nothing certain to be made for by the

forgetting it was not

gate the and of

a matter a sound.

waiting a soul

daybreak, at at that this

Cerberus people sorry had

17

would

passes

are in the soundest reasons, we of and day that society. her to but there it is because ones? me,

slumber. you He I was

are astonished reciprocal better that than

forget

situation. for not the be

need

better as for

asked quite fixed.

to be known, The next

it should

one was

the day

will in

notice my

is the affair him for

settled, at supper piece, piece

and

that

no one house of

has yet one of

seen my I

Prvan friends, invite hardly days

I meet his box

at the and and

he offers this avoid woman

a new the

I accept before and

a place Prvan; pays

in it. I me

supper, him

during

can two

inviting

to be of the party. by custom. but besides Tis

He accepts, true, that too me, he comes morning free; and

later

the visit of the next

exacted day: with

to see me on the visits in fact no longer him to

morning count,

the fact this one with with

it only

rests

me to find less

I put

in the category a supper The my fatal

of persons

intimate cry, day

by a written 18 Albeit to lose

invitation that my is all!

of ceremony. day having I gave as you a great with

I can well come, my will the

Annette: I was the

on which to

virtue and

and she

reputation, them

instructions presently with

faithful

Victoire, evening was

executed I had received my

see. In the meantime, me, when Prvan testified

arrived. I of as

already him

company

announced.

a marked with him;

politeness, and whom I put I

which him had the

to the slightness of the Marchale, evening found produced a means

acquaintance the but me, I could person

by the side made discreet custom, word etc., it.

being nothing giving that

through short

The lover

a very and trust words,

note, according and this

which

of me

which, him; such

to my essential happiness,

I burned. was which

It informed by fail to all

surrounded never

the

parasitical at such By the

as love,

appear

a festival. the design to as be a rubbers of being over, Prvans could was I had not not not I proposed escape, fail sorry, been to a short and medley. same fu I had of his be alone. and thus quite I

midnight, double it

favoring that I that

at the

time

causing reputation

noticed; gamester. were,

happen, either,

considering that it might

remembered, The was game

if need lasted

in a hurry devil

to be left me, I was having

longer to my

than desire ruin,

I had

thought.

The

tempted prisoner. once

succumbing on to

to console when I

the impatient that,

rushing

my

reflected

surrendered, the costume

I should of

not

have which and

sufficient my plans

control required. not

over

him I had some

to keep the ill and

him

in to to

decency my

strength humor, everyone and

resist. resume left. them Can As

I retraced my for place me,

steps,

returned, game. women,

without

at the I rang

eternal for my

It finished, undressed

however, very

rapidly,

sent

also you

away. see me, steps Vicomte, and in my light toilette, the walking door with to my I say timid and

circumspect He saw me;

trembling is not more

hand

to open What

conqueror? I him was or

lightning quite

prompt. I could

shall

to you? to arrest and one

vanquished, defend suitable aloof timidity him His time. rights myself.

vanquished, wanted

before to take

say one word position which, arms:

He then

a convenient his finery with and equal my soft

more him

to the circumstances. from was me; he would

He cursed combat project, other me

he said, but my did

kept

extreme not leave

opposed

to this

caresses

He was were I said;

occupied

with

things. were renewed; story I am but then: to tell Listen the two how bell was I

redoubled, you will

his pretensions have thus

to me, Comtesses you with quicker heard near voice: presence Poor will all

far a merry others; but

enough curious thus, and

de P --- , and relate my than the end

a thousand of the the He up

to know I rang my the

adventure. nonce it was

Speaking my turn, out

strength. his

For

action when had

speech.

had and Then, I

only calling

stammered the servants, my on,

something, whom she

Victoire her,

running

kept my my

as I had me,

ordered.

assuming went

queenly never entered.

tone, come

raising into

Leave again. lost

Monsieur,

and people

Whereupon his head,

a crowd and, fancying himself

of my

Prvan than

an ambush to his and sword. active,

in what It did caught fright,

was him him

at no

bottom good, the cried as was should

no more for body my

a joke,

he betook fv who

valet-de-chambre, hurled to cease, certain him and that among fail in

is brave I was let gone. they toward his My

round I

and

to the ground. bade them

in a mortal retreat men

I vow.

to them they great have

go unmolested, obeyed me: that but

so long there

made

he was them; respect

commotion dared to

were their

indignant virtuous and

anyone

mistress. with

They

all

accompanied I desired. this My interval household

the unfortunate Victoire only stayed

Chevalier, behind,

noisily and of my state lucky of we bed.

the scandal ourselves

which during

occupied

in repairing returned asked Victoire

the disorder in the them same

commotion; they

and

I, still

upset not

by my emotion, yet gone to bed.

by what related

chance

happened

to be two

then

to me how

she had asked

women

friends had one

to supper, agreed

how

they

had

sat up with them

her, all, and and

and, let

in short, them my from

all

that

we

together of them, to and in

upon. to

I thanked go

retire,

bidding It

however, that

immediately in

summon ill effects

physician. my to the mortal

seemed fright; He

me

I was a sure

justified means of

fearing wind

it was effect,

giving me

and and

celebrity prescribed and

news. In the

came

condoled

with

mightily,

repose. gossip in

addition,

I bade

Victoire

go abroad

early

in the morning

neighborhood. Everything awake, and for the my succeeded pious of so well was that, before noon, and as soon to know to moan later, five as I the with was truth her from to to my

neighbor this

already adventure.

at my I was

bedside, obliged

details over

terrible

an hour

the corruption which

of the age. I enclose. --of only arrived.

A moment about

I received oclock, me, so

the Marchale great his

the note

Finally, fw

astonishment, excuses that an

Monsieur officer He had

He came, should

he told have been

bring grossly

his

regiment

wanting and had

in respect. immediately for his I

heard

of it at dinner, to consider it me. on door I then my to side,

at the himself thought and at

Marchales, under that, least word arrest. as an

sent

word and

to Prvan

I asked accomplice, myself given Tis

pardon, ought to guard.

he refused myself my

dispatch I caused

keep to be

under that to my de you

strict

be shut,

and

I was

indisposed. that you owe she this will long be letter! to I shall read I forgot fight write and you The I one to

solitude Volanges, hear enraged, I shall my

Madame which

which this story and have

sure

aloud, to tell

from that poor am

will is

as it is to be told. wants his to head. writing.

Belleroche fellow! going PARIS,

absolutely time to calm is tired 17 -- .

Prvan.

Luckily to repose 25TH

In the Adieu,

meantime, Vicomte.

own,

which

with

SEPTEMBER,

86 THE NOTE AH, that What Truly never such MARCHALE ENCLOSED HEAVENS! little Prvan not events myself at your more will you IN WHAT should exposed console is that house. DETO THE DO commit to! THE PRECEDING I hear, such One for my MARQUISE ONE) dear Madame? And safe But in that Is it possible to you ones for above that all! DE MERTEUIL (A

abominations? longer old. partly you doors; if they and

is one such console a monster never

is no being been

own which I

house! shall

one

I have

the cause that, that if what is the duty.

of your I am told course

receiving is true, all

I promise within my him, ill,

he shall

set foot adopt have

which

nice fx persons I am told Give if you me, that

toward been quite

do their

I am anxious or send a word been I must

about

your

health. women, I should my this

I pray

you,

your yourself. this me

precious I only

news, ask had

by one

of your me.

cannot hastened will

come to you not allow

to reassure for my go to

have doctor

morning, to

it not and

baths,

which

interrupt;

Versailles

afternoon, Adieu, PARIS, dear

always

on my

nephews upon

business. my sincere friendship for life.

Madame;

count 25TH,

SEPTEMBER

17 -- .

87 THE I MARQUISE TO YOU and DE MERTEUIL from my bed, TO my MADAME dear, kind DE VOLANGES friend. The has made I have aught woman, attention been I may is the able not most me to

WRITE

disagreeable ill with fright

event, and

the most

impossible

to have not

foreseen, because for

annoyance. with; but it

It is, assuredly, is always becomes anything

reproach who drawn to avoid decide I allude I met

myself the her

so painful her sex,

a virtuous public to have whether This

retains upon this

modesty that

which

to have

I would

give

in the world uncertain

unhappy

adventure; and

and I am still wait until

to go to the country to. at the Marchale by name, and

it be forgotten.

affair

de --- s a certain whom I knew to me,

M.

de Prvan, way.

whom But,

you

are him to

sure at be

to know such

in no other quite justified

meeting him

a house, society. in with wit.

I was,

it seems

in believing and left of me the seemed the

of good lacking alone occupied suppertime. him was

He is well Chance and the and

enough the

made tedium of

personally, of play rest us

to me not woman being till gave it the the

only

him with At

Bishop The a new his box have was to this me the

--- , the of

company together some talk,

lansquenet. the table, to offer I should

three

conversed there was

piece,

of which

the occasion arranged that

to the Marchale, a place coming gentleman in it. It was to sup with

who for

accepted Monday

it; and last at of

Franais. performance, Two days

As the Marchale I proposed later and day, bold; he paid without

me at the close her, with and

to accompany passed of anything and this him

he came. customary On to by the me my that this

a visit,

which

the marked.

compliments, following a trifle fashion we end for four were I sent a supper words

occurrence

he came but

to see me in the morning, that, it were instead better a footing a very the dry day and admit after of making

appeared feel this

I thought him,

of receiving not yet

to remind

him,

by a politeness, to imply. To

on so intimate that same day giving

as he seemed and before he, very

him

ceremonious I did retired

invitation not speak as air

that to him

I was all

yesterday. side,

the You

evening; will

on his thus

as soon

his game of leading which It must when and

was

finished.

that the

far nothing games, I went we

has less the played a

up to an adventure: till nearly two

other

medley

lasted have I heard saw

oclock, half room. hour

and finally at least

to bed. women with boudoir. had much retired, alarm, a de

been

a mortal in my

after my

my

a noise enter

I opened which leads light

curtains my

a man cry;

by the door

into of my

I uttered this M.

piercing

and

I recognized,

by

the

night-light,

Prvan, that

who,

with

inconceivable me any not But was; By

effrontery, mystery

told of

me his

not

to alarm and

myself; that I was petrified what was all not yet to my in he so

he would me not

enlighten to make I could more.

as to the noise. speak. he had and my an

conduct;

begged

Thus His not only

speaking, tranquil said two

he lit and

a candle; air

confounded me, this clutch I think, pretended my

that even

assured when will

words, as you of

I saw

mystery bell rope. been

reply, piece of my to

believe, fortune, were

incredible one coming summoned people were

good and

household bed. much imagine when the My

had

sitting

up with on and My

women, me, all heard this

chambermaid, was alarmed,

who,

me

speaking You a

with can

heat, what

company. there was

a scandal! my I was have have me.

furious; kill myself if only perhaps,

moment that, reflection had all this at

I thought moment, I

valet-de-chambre quite relieved it to

would find

Prvan. in my

I confess on

force:

today, come; noise

should

found sufficed,

preferable and I should,

chambermaid have escaped

she would which afflicts

In place it is the order call

of that, gossip

the tumult of all Paris

awoke since officer

the neighbors, yesterday. of his M.

the household de Prvan who This had

talked,

and by to

is in prison the will courtesy still

of the upon

commanding

regiment, he said. that their I have against not detract

me to offer the noise, but

me his I could been The public

excuses, not

arrest

further The I is

augment Town have and

obtain

it should names seen

be otherwise. at my tell door, which justice

the Court

have

to inscribe few persons

closed me,

to everyone. and that merits

me that is at its

rendered assuredly, of this

indignation that does has who how she

Prvan from some who

height:

he well adventure. are bound to my done

it, but

the disagreeables friends; tell and what his they

Moreover,

the

man

certainly knows,

friends will She

to be mischievous; injury? Ah, yet, even Lord! when to give you

can

invent has

unfortunate put herself

to be a young out of the

woman! reach of

nothing

has

slander; Write my

she has need me, I beg

the lie to calumny. would have done, from what you you that would do in the that

of you,

what

place;

in short, consolation

all your and it. kind

thought.

It is always prudent

I receive you also

sweetest I love Adieu, attach PARIS,

the most

counsel;

it is from

best my

to receive dear and

friend; your

you

know

the

sentiments

which

forever

me to you. 26TH

I embrace

amiable

daughter.

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

PART

III

88 CCILE IN SPITE VOLANGES OF ALL Danceny, be able dared place, place, that the the TO THE VICOMTE that I take, I am again DE VALMONT in the letters of M. that not,

pleasure and

Monsieur, no less without

le Chevalier we might

although another suggest

desirous hindrance,

than

he is I have

to see one

however, In the first the others

to do what it is too is like

you

to me. this key, in which truth; and you but want not me to put so much at use in so, and of to it

dangerous; enough is not Again, there for

to

it,

however, takes since

difference

to be seen,

Mamma yet been fy and,

looks made

notice we

of everything. been I should wrong; that here,

although needs ever. but And

it has not a mischance; then, key

have

if it was that

be perceived, would far! be very It is true

be lost

it seems like that:

to me too it is going

to make who

a duplicate would

very it; but the

it is you

be kind

enough nonetheless,

to undertake have had done

in spite blame I have were have If you will the we

of that,

if it became since

known, it would it, and

I should, be for certainly why,

to bear

and the odium, twice anything never tried else:

me that it would I always

you

it. Lastly, if it and

to take but

be easy started stay

enough trembling,

I do not

know

had the courage. to have a means which been

I think

then

we had better

as we are. as hitherto, the last, but you for

continue find

the kindness of giving you me

to be as complaisant a letter. turn quite Even round feel with

easily ill

chance

made quite

suddenly I can

at a certain that have you more speak me too

moment, like and for, he

should

have

secure. but

cannot, patience as I do:

myself, not every always I will that of risk

be thinking so much. that

only I am

of that; sure that

I would Danceny which be. same

rather

M.

would caused

time

he wanted that back,

something not

much

pain,

consented give M. you

it should Monsieur, and your you you

at the key.

time

as this

letter,

your for all that after that perhaps I

own, your am all, M. a

Danceny, and

I am

nonetheless them. be even patience. do not

grateful

kindnesses, most she is

I beseech and without I must

to continue I should have you

It is very more And abandon so;

true but,

unhappy, my

mother; goes on

needs me, and

provided me,

Danceny happier I have

loving come.

time the

will

honor

to be, Monsieur,

with

much

gratitude,

your

most

humble

and obedient AT THE

servant. DE ... , ,26TH SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

CHTEAU

89 THE VICOMTE AFFAIRS it is not DE VALMONT DO not always me here. ones; TO THE CHEVALIER as quickly must and friend she I know blame. severity also does better DANCENY as you I have could more wish, than de my as must I

IF YOUR my one friend, obstacle

advance you vigilance young

entirely

whom The your or

to overcome the only

of Madame some do in

Volanges way. advise

are not

throws not than

Whether her; and

from I think,

coldness

timidity, that

always

nonetheless,

she what

be done. I had found a sure, convenient and simple means of giving which her your you letters, but this, even us that all risk

and even I could

of facilitating, not persuade see any her

subsequently, to employ means I am of

the interviews it. I am all bringing

desire: at as,

the more you

distressed and

as I cannot with three. myself I should were your Now than

other

together; of

correspondence, you may imagine either

constantly I am to it. if your no

afraid more

compromising to run

that of you

anxious

to expose

be truly

grieved, me from

however, being

little

friends perhaps,

lack you

of confidence would do well you also to a

to prevent to her to decide; them

useful Consider

to you; what to serve might you;

to write alone serve assure will Tis

on the subject. for it is not own

you ones also for

want

to do,

it is for must the more who keeps

enough This

friends,

one

in their

manner. sentiments

be one

means

yourself

of her does

toward

the woman

of her own not that

not

love

as much

as she says. but know, too long she is very only seeks young; to injure occupying by what solicitude I

I suspect fear

your

mistress

of inconstancy: who, as you to stay yourself distrust;

she has a great you; and perhaps

of her Mamma,

it would not,

be dangerous however, render for

without anxious the

her with tell you.

you. fz Do I have

unduly

at bottom

no reason

it is entirely

of friendship. I do not my own. write I am to you not at greater as far and, useful my length, because as you, I should but not I too have certain affairs ga that myself, has been is if well of a I

advanced even if

I am

as fond; for time

consoling succeed employed. AT THE

thought; in being Adieu, CHTEAU

succeed that my

to you, friend. DE

I shall

consider

... , 26TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

90 THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT I AM you which this would then, the more depart; interviews succeed what Only was do, never Do not GREATLY any distress; DESIROUS, or that, Monsieur, that this letter should not cause by that by

if it must

do so, it may You my must wish

be at least know

softened

I experience time to be well wish, name even, of which

in writing assured

to you. that

me well you;

enough but

it is not

to grieve despair.

neither you in not

you in the

doubtless, of the the

to plunge tender

me into

eternal

I conjure you,

friendship perhaps for me: let all

which more

I have vivid, to

promised but see and

name,

sentiments, have

assuredly one too

sincere, and,

you

us cease those

another; perilous I never to

in the meantime, in which, forced

let us shun by some

private power,

inconceivable

though

in saying ought

what

I wish

to say to you,

I pass my

time

in listening

I never yesterday, to tell but

to hear. you which with for pitys will came I am your to join writing me in the park, 1 my to you today; love-to yourself sentiments and which from for me! you: how shall to sole yet, intention what I am did bound I

when that

you

occupy

myself Ah,

loveyour remove alter when all; my

to respond! think succeed them? that

sake ever them, you

absence

I ever combat than shall cost Alas! having for

in overcoming You see, I tell that

I have less

no longer to confess lost over

the courage my my weakness feelings

I fear which retain

to succumb retain of my over life.

to it: but my actions;

control yes,

I have

I shall

it, I am resolved,

be it at the

the time such

is not

far

distant

when

I believed

myself myself,

very

sure

of

never myself this

struggles

to undergo.

I congratulated has moment be doubly that I have that let you punished, when

I vaunted punished

this, but,

perhaps full before

overmuch.

Heaven

cruelly it strikes

pride:

of mercy, a fall;

at the very and I should

us it forewarns to fail

me again in prudence, You have

guilty

if I continued strength. have of none

warned told me

as I am already a by hundred my tears. calm. what

no more would

times Ah!

of

happiness but In leave acceding And

purchased me to regain to my from

us speak

no more

happiness,

some

request, rights, pleasure

fresh

rights upon take

do you virtue,

not

acquire have I shall At I am

over no need owe

my to you

heart? defend

those What

founded I shall

I shall

myself.

in my

gratitude!

the sweetness on the contrary,

of tasting terrified

without by my

remorse sentiments,

a delicious by my

sentiment. thoughts,

present, equally

afraid alarms me, Is it

of occupying me: when it. for

myself I cannot

with escape

either from

you

or myself;

the very

idea drive

of

you

it, I combat

it; I do not

it from

but not

I repel better Oh,

both whose friend my violent

of ever of prayer!

us to

put

a stop soul, will but

to even

this

state

of

trouble

and

anxiety? has you

you, the reject these

sensitive virtue, you

in the midst my less painful tender again say, in

of its errors, situation, interest through will your of my

continued will not to

respect not

A sweeter, then,

succeed

agitations: existence, friend.

breathing shall

benevolence, heart: This

I shall calm, you

cherish

and

the

joy

I owe

it to my a few will

In causing you, but

to undergo I beg dear

deprivations, you if, think to

which you make me,

I do not

impose the end I had hesitate would of of

upon my to a

which at too to

of you, a price? you

are buying you I would no; the happy, not rather eve

torments consent moment.... thousand dread in both

Ah! may

but for

unhappiness, But deaths. others I lead most to become Already,

believe ... No, by my

guilty! assailed

friend, on

I die a I

shame,

remorse, and tremble unless you me;

and myself; only a life

I blush of

in the midst I shall

of company, no peace

solitude; My this your

pain;

have

consent. formed Behold you been feel for

praiseworthy

resolutions

do not passed suppliant But for

suffice the night and you,

to reassure in tears. confused,

one yesterday, friend,

and yet I have you Ah, love, God!

she whom and repose.

begging have I

innocence

would you resist

she ever with an nothing;

reduced too

to so humiliating myself, is not how

a request? difficult

I reproach it Do, you is out to

strongly,

imperious what I I do will

sentiment. from duty;

A complaint and to all

a reproach. which

of generosity, inspired

the sentiments Adieu, ... , 27TH

have adieu.

in me,

add that AT THE

of eternal CHTEAU

gratitude. DE

Monsieur, SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

91 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL IN how CONSTERNATION I can reply and but all, such to my it. AT YOUR letter, if Madame, must I am still choose myself, seems ignorant between and to I do to as to your not be, if we

Doubtless, it is for

I needs me to

unhappiness hesitate: before

own,

sacrifice so it

important and

interests discussed,

deserve, and how

me,

investigated

can that

be contrived,

are to speak What! while

and see each the sweetest us, perhaps reclaim is this their pressing conceived

other

no more? unite In voice us, shall shall not an empty tender fear suffice and why? such

of sentiments beyond rights: danger are return! their which already,

to separate ardent What fears reasons Permit that one love then so

vain

friendship and me,

shall

be heard: Ah, believe potent

besets it

you? to

lightly for

seems

me,

enough

security. you that you I find about not, here me. traces One all, of the unfavorable not tremble him impressions before whom man the one whom man has one

me to tell been

have

given one of

does drive

esteems; worthy

does

above friendship:

away

judged dreads Who, Already, permit ceases receiving it is the these Listen promise Do still But And little again? one must you

a certain

it is the

dangerous

and shuns. however, you myself to give was may those you ever more I am respectful circumspect so dear and submissive language; heart, and than I no it myself? longer never lover, friend;

observe, names in secret.

in my to my

so sweet,

which unhappy

It is no longer

the faithful of a tender

the counsels accused titles me, more: feel before impose and, if

and the consolations his new you prefer the judge, duties; the slave

and sensitive his master. to fulfill

before myself

Doubtless them and a I go. hearing? I will all. I

new to

I pledge me,

condemn the

I obey which

the judges

verdict without

do you you

tyranny

possess

courage

to be unjust?

Command,

and

obey. this why, you judgment, you know will or ask this command, let turn. heart! brought me from the me Ah, hear if you it from put this your own lips. how once

me in your and shall of my have

question, to see you soul,

of love you

Is it nothing despair

then into

Nay,

when glance renounce shall this

my

perhaps if exist, if I for I

consoling needs you merit

will the

prevent love, work, and

succumbing for

to it. In short, which with alone me; I

friendship, pity will

at least do not

see your slight

and your I am

abide

even

favor,

prepared,

methinks,

to pay

dearly

the hope What! becoming although but You which even And your would in-grates? I come grief urge

of obtaining are going

it. to to one me that in drive me from What will you! am not You consent, You then, desire to it; you our and do

you

strangers you my assure

another! absence order

I saying? alter your

sentiments, at their Thus, the

departure, already of

to work them from by you

more

easily

destruction. sentiment service, offer your to own; gratitude, you are or me! if

speak

replacing obtain

gratitude. for the

an unknown your you lover, you enemy wish if not my your say

would for

most

trivial you

ceasing

to injure

youthis with day this!

is what

heart friend to

to be satisfied came with one

Interrogate to you Depart of from

to talk

their me,

them

indignation:

to a stop, you But which for

and

beseech given

your birth; in

indulgence. it will my turn, do not in not

Pardon detract the refuse have

the expression from of hear my

of

to which

have

complete sweet and do in not

submission. sentiments pity, defer AT

I conjure you

you,

name to

those me; me,

yourself

invoke,

at least,

the mortal long.

distress

in which

you

plunged

the moment THE CHTEAU

Adieu, DE

Madame. SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

... , Z7TH

92 THE O MY CHEVALIER FRIEND! ... 0 God! truth, DANCENY YOUR letter TO has Cecile in receipt THE made VICOMTE my blood loves friendship blow; DE run me. VALMONT cold Yes, covers I thank for fright. this You for that doubt this what all to

Cecile direful wished your

is it possible? the for veil the

no longer your this

I see it. you of all

through me

which of

to prepare pains; it: but

mortal It is ever

can one not

impose hear

on gb love?

in advance

interests of mine: of you.

it does

of its fate,

it divines you gave rise

it. I have may

no more I beg

speak Inform

to me without me them? of everything; The least word often to

concealment, what details in place two

do so, and

to your

suspicions, above a have say to

has confirmed recall her

are precious. of another

Endeavor can You did

words. the same

One word

change may she defend difficulties with

whole been you? for which

sentence; deceived: Does her she

bears

meanings.... still! does What

alas,

I seek me any

beguile

myself At this least,

she make faults? raises

reproach? foreseen everything.

she not from the

herself

I might lately

have about

change, is not

Love

acquainted

so

many

obstacles. What course ought I to adopt? What do you Absence me! You counsel me? If I attempted so dismal me what ... it was; to and if for to write and, To my to if

see her!

Is that

utterly a means too much but

impossible? of seeing danger, But I

is so cruel, do not well your tell that

she has rejected there her was to run in truth too

much risk.

she knows also know

I am unwilling so How her; her?

prudence;

misfortune her! they them her. Oh, her her her If I let

I cannot her

believe

in it!

What they for

am I to do now? will, perhaps, grieve

see my could

suspicions,

are unjust, from her

I pardon her,

myself and

having not

distressed how

hide with

is to deceive

I know

to dissimulate

if she could sensibility; love. mother Too

only

know

what

I suffer, heart,

my and

pain

would

move

her!

I know of And restrain Even if and

she has an excellent much her timidity, with her such some

I have

a thousand she

proofs

embarrassment: I will write

is so young! I will hands.

treats only

severity! herself

to her; in your

myself;

I will still

beg

to leave

entirely take

she should perhaps To you,

refuse, consent.

she can

at least

not

offence

at my

prayer;

she will my

friend,

to you you that

I make she

a thousand the value

excuses, of Be your

both

for

her and that she

for is

myself. grateful quality

I assure for them.

feels not

efforts,

It is timidity, Yours

distrust. precious

indulgent; and

it is the not

finest how to

in friendship.

is very

to me,

I know

acknowledge I feel me an all my effort

all that fears to

you

do for who

me. would Alas,

Adieu, have only your

I will told

write me that it for

at once. it should was me, my and ever cost

return: write my to

her!

yesterday cares

sweetest pity me

pleasure! mightily. PARIS,

Adieu,

friend,

continue

27TH

SEPTEMBER,

17 -- .

93 THE CHEVALIER IN THE DANCENY PRECEDING) FROM confidence friend, you you that how grieved I have been in him. who to hear You can are bring from not us with at least TO CECILE VOLANGES

(ENCLOSED I CANNOT Valmont ignorant together you; you which

CONCEAL of the scant that once he is my more: pain

continue

to place only titles person would May again without your ... of

he is the that these

I had thought that I have

be sufficient I hope that

I see with will inform will

made

a mistake. Will you

me of your you? conduct. to betray you

motives?

find your love;

fresh help, doubtless

difficulties penetrate you too

prevent of this venture then that

I cannot, I dare mine.

however, not Ah! suspect Ccile!

the mystery would Is it not true

have

rejected

a means that

seeing love

me? me?

A An

simple, absence Why in at

convenient so short tell has

and sure indeed you your you which then, me? love love, some you

means? changed

gc And your

is it thus sentiments.

you

But

why

deceive Your If

me? Mamma,

me that

me always,

that

you

love

me more? your

destroying least tortures Tell me left

has she also pity, you me. will Ah! closed

destroyed not I should to me learn

sincerity? sorrow

she has the fearful

without

cause

suffer beyond I know will

less were recall? not either to you

I to die. Have you you utterly will

is your Thanks

heart

forgotten hear my

to your nor our

refusals, you

when

complaints, had found no assured it

when

reply but you, be whom

them. have

Valmonts not No, wished I if shall my

friendship it; you

correspondence: you in preferred faith. it

irksome; in love, me? is it true

to

infrequent. can

believe Cecile Answer possible; moment true, happy tender Ccile, means! coldness! Can I my

more

good

Nay,

I believe,

has deceived me you then:

that

you

no you

longer belie

love

me?

No,

that

is fear, is it

not a not How you

are under

an illusion; which

your

heart. caused to

A passing to vanish: accuse love

of discouragement, Ccile? Ah,

love and wrong!

has soon I was How

doubtless;

wrong

you.

I should excuses, Cecile, Look

be to be proved to repair have upon pity the look, of this

I should with

to make

moment

of injustice

an eternity employ for

of love! that every even what! ever. most to

on me! effects

Consent

to see me, Fears, and it we is

of absence! word, Perhaps between one

suspicions, shall lost to

perhaps But for the

A single still by talk fear,

a single

be happy. me, lost and

happiness? buffeted in any Ccile,

Tortured cruel love truth, you

cruelly stay

unjust

suspicions maintain the right

I cannot to suffer.

thought; alone

I only have

existence to make

and

Ah,

you

it dear

to me; happiness PARIS,

and

I expect,

from

the

first

word

that

you

will

utter,

the

return

of

or the certainty 27TH SEPTEMBER,

of an eternal 17 -- .

despair.

94 CECILE I CAN What VOLANGES GATHER has M. that for TO THE from written loved CHEVALIER your to you, you? letter, then, DANCENY except and the pain what can it causes have far hard, led me. you

NOTHING

de Valmont I no longer certainly

to believe for love me, you

That

would

be, perhaps, and it is very that that

happier when and that, hurts telling if I I

I should

be less tormented; you is always from believe you believe always

as I do, to find of consoling me most is not the me, pain. truth;

that it

I am wrong, I receive you, have of and me! interest have than

instead which you were

the am

give what

You

I am deceiving notion me with you being,

it is a pretty reproach you me;

But,

to be as deceitful Assuredly,

as you

what only

should so, it

I have? and must What key, cause seems

if I loved praise

no longer, but feels you unhappily

I should

to say I; and

everybody needs have because me

would be for I done, I was some

it is stronger to me for I did not

one who to make that and

no obligation so vexed? would on my only you M.

it at all! to take it would it a

pray, afraid

dare

Mamma you too

perceive account,

it, and that and again who

more

trouble, action. not Now

because had you to take you spoken knew

to me a bad

But

it was whether that and

de Valmont

to me of it; I could nothing key? have about I will to say. well for as he it.

know I know

wished desire it,

it or no, since do I refuse

you then

this will

take

it tomorrow;

we

shall

see what

more

It is very least always because the key, shall comes ready If you know not

M.

de Valmont and yet

to be your it is always angry.

friend; he That who

I think

I love and

you I

at am you,

as well wrong. you

can:

is right,

I assure know that

you

I am very quickly

is quite but, to; now and

the same that I assure have see

to

I am

appeased: when this. I want I would from

I shall you

have that that are I

I shall want

be able to, when

to see you you act like that it

rather you

the grief what you

from

myself,

than

came

you:

to cause. liked, how we would that love each other! And, at least, you we should that, if I me: it will we shall only were but not if be

the troubles you would

are caused have

us by others! any complaint be very to meet,

I assure to make unhappy, and that

mistress, you my

never me,

against and then

do not fault.

believe

we shall soon

always be able

I hope

we shall to fret

have

no further If I had truly, Do not

occasion been able

as at present. this, right. love I would Do not have taken with the key at once; but,

to foresee doing

I thought

I was

be angry

me then, as I love

I beg you. you; then I

be sad any

more,

and

me always

as well

shall AT

be quite THE

happy.

Adieu, DE

my

dear

love. SEPTEMBER, 17 -- .

CHTEAU

... , 28TH

95 CECILE I BEG gave needs VOLANGES YOU, MONSIEUR, in the place also. why you wrote to M. you me for too. Danceny reason I am that I no longer so; and aware me that either. the you next that loved it has you You time he has and am him: caused are his I TO THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT me the key wishes which it, I you must

to be so kind of the other;

as to return since

me to put consent know believe

everybody

I do not do not him friend; give write most

I have deal of is not pleasure and that and know you

ever pain,

given and

to think quite nor

a great but me

that

a reason by you for what can be letter. same

vexing him of I to it;

him, the for have

would you the not

great

telling are me, sure

contrary it is in said

to him, confidence;

when

a thing,

believed, As for

I do not the key, me

to do. quite easy; I if well you I will remember still have all it, that and you would to other to me take it. of

recommended like to give

in your

However, I promise

it me at the be tomorrow after manner there once tomorrow,

time,

pay

great give give

attention you the

it. If it could key the day

as we

go to dinner, and

I would you could pleased

at breakfast, I should for you

it back not

in the same long, Again, because when

as the first. will you

be very

if it does

be less time have that and, key, in that

the danger will

of Mammas kind

seeing use

be very M.

to make will more

it to take receive

my

letters of me. but

also;

that it will

way,

Danceny more

often than it

news

It is true

be much too

convenient you to

is at present; me, past. I have AT and

at first you will be very

it frightened nonetheless grateful

me

much:

I beg

excuse the

I hope

continue to you.

to be as obliging

as in

I shall

always

the honor

to be, Monsieur, DE ... , 28TH

your

most

humble

and obedient 17 -- .

servant.

THE

CHTEAU

SEPTEMBER,

96 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I WILL WAGER my of THAT since and long one your praises; silence: has naught her, own and adventure, I doubt but but what praise oneself not do you even you have that been you I daily feel have one a

expecting trifle always may out

compliments humor that, at my when

expect?

thought be at ones

to give with

a woman, other you that

ease you

about on my you

occupy and happy

matters. on yours. this time side, I I

However, am you have even have come

I thank ready

account

congratulate by admitting

to make my

completely After

surpassed

expectation. at least

that,

let us see if,

on my

up to yours,

in part. that you. I want You part to talk only to you; her too laggard facts. pleasure this admits in prudent of no of runs, can as

It is not progress, Spun-out I find woman, return, herself in

of Madame I know,

de Tourvel displeases you; for

love

accomplished tasted to such

scenes these engaged, whose and

weary feigned without rapid her

my Yes,

I had never to see,

delays.

I love

watch which her on

her perceiving dangerous me. hold they

it, on a course declivity carries

and

spite she

forces fain

to follow but cannot yet

Then, herself must

terrified in. Her

at the danger skill and

she would indeed

halt, her

caution one and, fresh once

shorten not

steps;

inevitably she shuts More

succeed her eyes often, attempt a

another. letting alarm more distance; she with me in and the had no to to

Sometimes, herself reanimates turn and vainly more retard terror would which invokes touching How eagerly engrossing dreads even the when back; soon go,

daring

to behold herself to

the danger, my care.

abandons her efforts: she wastes

in her mortal her strength replaces having me for

terror

she would

in painfully her only an nearer

overcoming to that guide fall, all them myself her, the the time danger and she that

a short which support, implores mortals her;

a magic

power Then,

sought thought it. offer have she for

to fly. to

me for inevitable

reproach prayers, divinityit deaf me, support! between to

Fervent to the

humble

supplications, receive and

their you cult she those

is I who her entreaties, to leave

from

me, pays her

destroying power

employ, Ah, love that which Those which it

precipitate me at least

which

to observe

combats Do the in real

and virtue. the same spectacle which with and ceases makes fury, soul defend you is run less which itself they be

then! to

you

think

theatre, life?

you sentiments desires, listen

applaud

there

of a pure and never

tender to

happiness it ceases

to resist,

you

to with

enthusiasm;

should

valueless delicious reproach soon ordinary But, her.

only

to

him

who

has this its

called heavenly

them

forth?

That,

however, me daily;

is and only than

the you too an

enjoyment me for

which relishing by

woman Ah, will the be

offers time to me

sweetness! fall, she

will no

come more

when,

degraded

her

woman. of her know when again my being to you, what I forget power that I did not want drags her to talk me to you to idea; your of her let

in talking I do not

constrains her. Away

me, with

back

ceaselessly, me who Some become is now days

even myself become ago,

I outrage to treat own,

dangerous

a gayer

subject. that by here my that folly on

It concerns you will

pupil, me. and in was, with

and I hope treated

recognize Puritan,

better

gentle

consequence in fact, her, from just, myself like her

less engrossed pretty, there

by her, and, was, that

I remarked if there no was less

the little in being my part

Volanges in love in not

extremely Danceny,

perhaps, necessary for offered myself the

seeking to me

a distraction

rendered myself had

by my care

solitude. giving

It seemed her: Danceny certain and I

moreover, as well and which

to repay that you

I was

reminded had rights any on

her

to me,

before

pretensions; a property it. The little

I considered he only pretty these

justified because

in claiming I had refused

possessed face, sage

relinquished air, her very on

persons fortified

her fresh resolutions; crowned

mouth, I

her infantile consequently

gaucherie, action, You the

resolved

and my must

enterprise

has been

by success. means I have so soon youth at all. by by supplanted and such

be already lover; Spare skilfully

wondering what form the

by what of

favored

seduction

befits

such none triumph

inexperience. you, wielding his

yourself the

trouble; of gd

I employed your to sex,

Whereas I,

weapons rights get within which which of into

subtlety, authority. a ruse

rendering Sure of my

imprescriptible if I could that letter her to get

man,

subjugated

prey

reach

of it, I only barely from

required

to

approach I profited and, after

her; by

and even the first let skill

I employed I received it her by the

merits Danceny

the name. for his fair; of of

having my

know it

concerted I used gave rise it

signal, to find

instead a lack to

employing means and, The

hands, this out one

to do so: the after having person but,

impatience the ill,

to which I pointed

I feigned

share;

caused

the remedy. door away of which opens It was into merely the a I the

young

occupies

a chamber

corridor; question only

naturally,

the mother possession

had taken of this. for

the key. more and easy

of obtaining to have one

Nothing two

of execution; for

asked of

it at my

disposal Then,

hours,

I answered

procural

similar

to it.

correspondence,

interviews,

nocturnal

rendezvous believe have piquant did it? been

everything The timid

became child for my took part,

easy alarm I only

and and saw

safe: refused. there

however, Another the occasion of this

would man for

you would a more and from request I

in despair;

ge pleasure. that

I wrote our

to Danceny had urged to my

to complain no peace her, that until

refusal, obtained my

it so well

blockhead and even utterly

he had

his timorous

mistress, herself pleased, young

she should

grant

and so surrender I was induced him. soon night. After dark assuring lantern, This mighty the

discretion. thus changed the rles , do thus, was and for as last

I confess, to do for

at having me eyes, what

man doubled, precious

he calculated

I should

notion the

in my key,

the value

of the adventure: use of it; this

as I had

I hastened

to make

myself

that

all

was

quiet

in

the

chteau which caused

, armed

with

my

and in the costume, I paid (and sleep, my that first visit

befitting to your

the hour, pupil. I had

the circumstance all preparations She was

demanded, to be made in her first she had

by herself)

to permit

of a noiseless I reached even and

entrance. her bedside farther, the noise

the sleep At but, first

of her age; I was

so that

before try to it in

awakened. a dream; I preferred

tempted

to go of surprise

and

pass for entails, fact After risked convent

fearing

the effects the lovely

which and did

to awake

sleeper

with

precautions,

succeed calming a few

in preventing her first

the cry fears,

which

I feared. not has come not there been for well conversation, taught at I her that

as I had she timid

liberties. many

Doubtless varied perils not

to how

innocence for, a kiss, who and to

is exposed, devoting which could all was fail took the

and all her

it has to guard all her strength, attack, from Here mighty drowned adroitness What come: here means could This about it! we she left

if it would to defending all the my rest

be surprised; herself from defense;

attention, a feigned profit

only

without

to draw the

I changed both scare, by alike tried tears.

tactics

accordingly, ourselves in good herself

promptly be lost:

position. girl, in a

had to She

thought cry had out

little her

earnest; upon

luckily the bell

voice but

was my

thrown in time.

rope;

restrained you does

her arm do, I asked

would what with

her then; Whom but which you

ruin will

yourself you

utterly?

Let that

anyone I am not the I

it matter

to me? Who else key,

persuade furnished from

your

consent? And from

you

can have

me with you, which

of entering? only short her obtain harangue submission.

this

I have undertake grief

obtained

youwill neither not

to explain nor her anger; of

its use? but it brought it is

calmed I know

her if

I had

the

accents

eloquence;

true, force,

at any the

rate, other

that in

I had

not

its

gestures. could you will

With pretend

one to

hand

employed in least and, such it as

in a was you

love,

what imagine but,

orator it,

grace at

situation? favorable say, This course, had

If

you

rightly attack:

admit no head

that

to the

as for

me,

I have

at all;

the most one, and

simple still into

woman, in high

a schoolgirl, dudgeon gf

can lead felt that

me like she

a child. adopt some she no, I did it

while enter

must

a compromise. You a kiss. I had By dint it think

As prayers I sold

found

me inexorable, post dearly:

to resort

to bargaining. everything for but

the important the kiss Had we once

I promised not was over guiding with nay no one keep

It is true good

that,

obtained, whether

my

promise:

reasons.

agreed into be an

to be taken the second; her of timid

or given? and arms the this

of bargaining, was body, said, and

we fell was pressing to

agreement Then,

one, my

received. more nay could

round soft

her

amorously excellently, have granted I done her found will you. I I

mine,

kiss

was

effectually that

received; love thus not itself

perfectly better.

received: Such good was You

so much faith

so, indeed,

deserved but

a reward; I know me then a taste

I at once

request. myself you Once was found however, fortified was

My

hand

withdrawn; will

by what eager, delay, such

chance

in its place. By

suppose

mighty for

energetic, I have told

not? sure mighty it

no means.

I have why take

acquired the once

of arriving, pleased here and devoid love

journey more

with

haste?

Seriously, and against, all,

to observe of all

the power aid. It had

of opportunity, love to fight

extraneous by I had it was

sustained which but

modesty excited, there,

and and always

shame, which had

and much always

above effect.

by the temper alone; absent.

It

opportunity was my be

offered,

present,

and love To than nature, whose further yielding was they busied reproach, another, I did with not not were verify could

observations, resisted. inclined effects the ended

I was Only, if

cunning my me,

enough

to employ enemy, her well! of this I am they her

no more my same any began

force good fear other by there

charming

abusing by that

seemed happy trouble, and

to escape just

I constrained Well,

I had

experienced. fair, not

without vows,

languishing by consenting:

forgetful that, and after tears;

first

moment,

a return real

of mingled or feigned: in giving to

reproaches but, cause frailty, as ever for

uncertain

whether as I to one

happens, anew.

ceased

as soon frailty with

myself and

them we

Finally, well

from satisfied

reproach

separated,

and equally retire to my

agreed own

on the rendezvous room until the break

tonight. of day, both and I was to my exhausted to be

fatigue

and

sleepiness:

however,

I sacrificed

desire

present the day

at breakfast after. You

this

morning; have

I have no idea

a passion of this

for

watching There always Nothing

faces was lowered,

on an

can

one. eyes

embarrassment and so big, have this been extreme

in the attitude! and so heavy! more amusing. The And,

a difficulty face for so round the

in the gait! was time,

elongated! her interest those them

could at the hers that

first

mother, in

alarmed her! And of and

alteration, too, who was

displayed very busy

a most about

tender her! Ah,

Prsidente are only day AT

attentions herself,

lent; gg a day far distant. CHTEAU

will Adieu, DE

come my

when lovely

she will friend.

need

is not THE

... ,1ST

OCTOBER,

17 --

97 CECILE OH, will in MY VOLANGES GOD, MADAME, TO MADAME I am in such will ... DE MERTEUIL I am so unhappy! Who

distress! advise and

console which

me in my I am? That

trouble? M. de

Who Valmont How

me in the Danceny! you? is How

embarrassment No, the idea it? of I to in. I has so me the

Danceny do not

fills know and

me with what you to

despair.... do.

can I tell my whom But heart

can I relate I must I dare any for speak confide

However, only one

full.... whom have

someone, You have

are the

I can, do not

shown

me so much of it: what shall

kindness! I say? ... they it! but Oh,

me now, here I felt scold not

am not shown much well,

worthy

I do not have scold all me

wish

it. Everybody my grief.

an interest that for I did I am

in me today not very deserve guilty: me, hand I shall

increased on the if

contrary; you have

afterward

save

me;

goodness Listen my face

to advise ... my

die of grief. as you see, I can the blush for my hardly write, Ah I can well, tell I feel will you

then

trembles, Oh, first

is all on fire.... it; it will be the

it is indeed punishment

of shame. fault. Yes,

endure all. You

I will

must

know

then,

that

M.

de Valmont, found truly

who it was

has hitherto too difficult; that I did also

always

handed to this: it; and

me M. have but

Dancenys to my so far it gives

letters, chamber.

suddenly I can

he wanted not want

a key he went me, my

assure and to

you

as to write me

to Danceny, pain him

Danceny him

wished

as for since

so much makes

refuse so

anything, that lead into I

especially ended to. my room me by

absence, I never M.

which foresaw

unhappy, it would to

consenting. Yesterday, when very I was much

the misfortune made so little me: out; but use of

which this for key

de Valmont I was

come that

asleep; when

prepared

this,

he frightened

he awoke not cry

as he spoke the idea from to kiss

to me at once, came

I recognized that he

his voice, had come, that. myself, for what addition came, very second me; and A

and did perhaps, moment as was

and then

to me at first It was very I have

to bring afterward,

me a letter he tried

Danceny. me; and

far from defended suffered for in

while not

natural, world... to not know

he contrived but he would the able,

to do what have a kiss

I would first. tried to tell

the whole was to

It had to me and,

to be done, out; if but,

there my

do? being

All

more, he was all

as I had careful

call that,

anyone it was a

he would easy, one;

how

to put

the blame he still

on me;

indeed, He

because and

of the key. this one, it

Then

refused it was, before.

to retire. but

wanted confused this

I do not even

know worse

how than

it quite indeed

afterward,

was

Oh!

is

dreadful. but What speak do not the

In short,

after...

you

will

surely

excuse

me

from

telling

the

rest:

I am as unhappy I reproach to you, know

as anyone with

can be. the most, I did not and of which as much love M. just I must nevertheless have. quite I loved no to of I

myself

is that how and can

I am afraid

resist do not

as I might de Valmont, as though saying

it happened. there were that I did I was

I certainly moments did not not act

contrary; You but

when prevent

it was me from

him.... him: myself; as that Valmont answer. I was

imagine sure that

always that

I felt and

as I spoke, confused! accustomed to which

and

was

in spite as that difficult M. how

then

again,

mightily

If it is always to it! one It is true not

to resist,

one ought of

to be well things

de to

has a way At sorry; that last, would I

saying you

does away, to

know

believe weak

it, when enough even truly to than that I felt rest Every and here because one of

he went consent

it was

as though this

and

was

his

returning

evening: Oh! He

distresses

me more you

all the rest. I will how the prevent very time. him from I had coming. been Danceny, my tears ... in

in spite had

of it, I promise gone I wept I am that you away, too

hardly him. that so fast again,

before all the

wrong It

promising especially, flowed and never and when now

is about of but him, think

so grieved! suffocated,

time I did is my

I thought nothing paper all At this

I was

of him No, I

see the result; were able it only to sleep in the

soaked. last I was

shall out, rising, had I

be consoled, yet I was not

of him.... And

worn on

minute.

morning,

I looked

at myself

mirror,

I was

frightened,

so much

changed. Mamma matter. me, spoke that! There myself. Mamma, from not her. I implore ought grieve. but, you, for you write Madame, I have write not to me as soon as you can, and tell me what only I perceived As for me, it as soon I started that as she saw at once. hurt me, and asked me what about was the

crying have

I thought me it. less: She

she was but on me the not

to scold she like ill!

and,

perhaps,

would did the

contrary to grieve myself not to her,

gently She are I did

to me! not

Little

I deserve of my like into miserable! only for

told

know

cause I should

grief. to be

I should dead. and

make

moments threw your

when myself

I could said not

contain Oh, herself she did

sobbing is very all this

her

arms, Mamma my not

daughter a little; I was and

could grief. have

keep

crying

increased I should

Luckily known

ask me why

so unhappy,

what

to tell

to do: Will

the courage as to send

to think your

of anything, through I beg

and I can M. de tell

be so kind to him

letter

Valmont; him that I

if you

at the same

time,

do not,

you,

have I have humble I dare AT

said the

anything. honor to be, Madame, always with great affection, your most

and obedient not sign this

servant... letter. DE ... 1ST OCTOBER, 17 -- .

THE

CHTEAU

98 MADAME IT for IS BUT DE VOLANGES days ago, TO my today, THE charming it is my MARQUISE friend, turn; that and DE you MERTEUIL were you and from asking the I fear which me same that I

A few and you

consolation which not

advice: made

I make

request I have suffer. It is my seen had

to me.

I am indeed to remove

in real the

distress, vexations

taken

the

best

means

daughter

who

is the cause sad and with would than sojourn

of my

anxiety. but

Since

my

departure for that,

I had and that rather having herself that visibly was

she was armed

always heart

melancholy; severity destroy

I was

prepared

my

the soon as

I judged a love

necessary. which I looked far

I hoped upon from

absence, as

distraction, error our

a childish since more

a real here,

passion. that

However, the child

recovered more her and health

I notice

abandons actually days, afraid it has here

to a dangerous Particularly above all,

melancholy; during it struck the

and last

I am few

is suffering. Yesterday, alarmed. to me, overcome

altered. genuinely What

me,

and

everybody

proves to

besides, the at the herself till to my from

how

keenly she

she has

is affected always to her, me describe I had I had to tell only

is that shown

I see with

her me. she very it

prepared Yesterday were ill,

shyness mere into

morning, she threw

question my arms,

I put telling

as to whether that she was

miserable; caused away, to put me;

and she cried tears came her

she sobbed. eyes

I cannot and

to you

the pain to

at once; them.

the time

turn

to prevent no questions

seeing and

Luckily not dare

sufficient me any which is

prudence more; but it

to her, that

she did

is nonetheless her. What course

clear

it is this

unfortunate

passion

tormenting

am I to take, unhappiness? sensibility stifle that children; be the have

however, Shall

if it lasts? her Am for

Am the

I to be the cause most precious only makes for us what if

of

my

daughters of the soul, if I should

I blame

qualities that? desire I hold, I force And the on her which daughter

and so

constancy? natural

I her mother which

sentiment, regard sacred the

happiness the contrary,

of our to

if I should first and most for

as a weakness of all duties;

choice, may

shall

I not What

to answer

disastrous authority,

consequences to give my

ensue?

a use to make unhappiness not imitate for

of maternal

a choice My might my friend, try

between I shall to make

and sin! what my I have daughter; which so often I did, blamed. but Doubtless, aid her with I I

a choice not

in that, but

experience;

it was

a right

I exercised,

a duty

which

fulfilled. the neglect

I should of and No,

betray

one,

on the the birth

contrary, of I

were

I to dispose not been

of her able or

to to the

an inclination, of which never neither endure rather I

which can

I have judge the

prevent, extent. love I

she that

nor

duration that

I will

she should

marry my the

one man than prudent You

she may

another;

and I would that

compromise be taking

authority more

her virtue. course just in heard I

think,

therefore, the promise for this;

shall given

retracting my reasons

I have it seems in which

to M.

de Gercourt. ought

have my

to me they things all,

to outweigh my

promises. would to betray abuse

say more: really her

in the state

are,

to fulfill it to my him for Shall and, him

engagement not to

be to violate secret to in M. which himself, when

it. For, de

after

if I owe it to to do

daughter not that

Gercourt, I keep him,

I owe and

at least him all

the he

ignorance would him

I believe

do for ignobly,

if he were he relies on

informed. my faith,

I, on the contrary, while he honors

betray me by to me

choosing make

me for

his second of his

mother, children? than

deceive These

in the choice so true,

he wishes and to

of the

mother alarm

reflections,

irrefutable, With happy from equally neither that future restrain gain of the with the

me more which

I can say. make me dread I compare knowing them; day her my upon my daughter only

misfortunes the

they her she

bridegroom which and finding to

heart finds

has chosen, in fulfilling

duties

sweetness contented

son-in-law his choice; and in a

congratulating happiness augment to vain save my

himself

each

of them

in the happiness Ought the And

of the other, hope of are will

cooperating to be sacrificed me? Only

own.

so sweet those my which daughter

considerations? Pray, what

what

interested born rich,

views.

advantage

from that

being M.

if she is, nonetheless, is a better indeed, after in all, match, that

to be the slave perhaps, than

of fortune? to hope at the as de not

I agree for my

de Gercourt I confess, of no her. gh But,

I ought flattered

daughter; he made

I was

extremely is of

choice his;

Danceny

as good he has

a family over M.

he yields the

whit

to him

personal of being for whom two?

qualities; beloved: Ah, why

Gercourt rich; sweet Those calls taste but

advantage my

of loving

and

in truth, ravish

he is

has not

daughter

enough him

from

her the

satisfaction marriages marriages and

of enriching which one

she loves! instead of assorting, gi which one

calculates and which not

of convenience, they

are in fact most day my her

convenient source frequent? whom sorrow,

in all save of those to not is

characterare outbreaks I shall indeed, which have the

the every

fertile more

scandalous delay; know.

become time to

I prefer I do if she

at least I have,

study

daughter, a passing

courage

to cause

to gain, risk

thereby,

a more

substantial despair. ideas topics

happiness:

but

I have

not

the

heart

to

abandoning my dear

her to eternal friend, These hardly are the serious fitting

Those, ask your

which

torment

me,

and with

as to which your has amiable so and which far

advice. and seem

contrast youth: will to the

mightily but your

gaiety, outgrown have invokes Adieu, AT THE no

to your moreover, be refused

reason

that! fear them. my

Your that

friendship, will

assist

your

prudence; solicitude

either

maternal

charming

friend; DE

never ... , 2ND

doubt

the sincerity 17 -- .

of my

sentiments.

CHTEAU

OCTOBER,

99 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL A FEW more even: retreats, myself to my MORE SMALL Arm incidents, my lovely with friend; patience, so but scenes merely, a stock your to mighty a I not of pupil amuse well single find upon no it

actions. for

yourself, my

therefore,

assume

while which is

Prsidente still!

advances Well, well!

imperceptibly, wit enough myself experienced In What will not fact, more do

worse vexations. and my

I have

with sojourn of

these

Truly, I may say

I am acclimatizing that dreary and I have not

here; in

moment here

ennui

old

aunts

chteau. hope?

enjoyment, stage?

privation, Spectators?

uncertainty, Ah,

has one

a greater do not only predict this its

let me be, they them Yes, of my they my

be lacking!

If they they will I can

see me at work, to admire certainty at the I fix I hear the you

I will

show

labor will

accomplished; applaud; Puritans frailty our next for

have with

and the death time crying

applaud. moment struggle at a date out

at last I now

austere Sweet than

fall. will

assisted rule in but victory, I will

evening stead.

of virtue. no later

interview: ones modesty,

already to boast begin In very child, no what manner in the What eve: I did

against calm

vainglory. yourself! To

To announce prove my

in advance! the story your

Prithee, of my pupil

with

defeat. ridiculous little person! one would you She is, indeed, favor by doing that, after a

truth, whom than

is a most treat her us,

one should putting between

as such,

and whom Would

more

under the

penance! day before

believe after the

passed

yesterday, morning, her when door

amicable to return inside? on the

in which evening, say you

we separated as she had

yesterday I found

I sought on the

agreed,

bolted

to that?

Such

childishness amusing? at first; Assuredly,

one

sometimes

meets

with

but

on the morrow! however, of my

Is it not at it

not,

laugh

I had I was

never going own

felt

so strongly

the

imperiousness without great I had with that pleasure, need,

character. out for

to this bed,

rendezvous I had and met all, ill this the her this

and solely to me, from

of politeness.

My

of which elses, had

seemed myself

the moment, regret.

preferable No sooner,

to anyone however, humiliated, in no on

dragged an obstacle a child and, child

it with

than

I burned tricked

to overcome me. of

it; I was

above

should with and her

have the

I withdrew,

then, myself a note,

considerable further the with spur of

humor; silly

intention

concerning written her today, counsel, her

affairs,

I had to give brings

moment, at her

which just value.

I intended But night

and

in which say;

I accounted methought

as they

morning one:

that,

having

no choice therefore, the have in my

of distractions severe letter.

here, Since the

I had

better

keep upon

this it, I an

I suppressed, that I can

reflecting of

wonder adventure Observe, friend, one! your Now

ever

entertained hands

idea

concluding the

before however, is he who

holding whither has

the wherewithal impulse as you impels have, I have

to ruin us! never made

heroine. my way fair to to

a first himself, my

Happy, to give this

trained

In fine, intentions that I

I have

postponed Gercourt. longer

vengeance;

sacrifice

toward am no

angry,

see

your

pupils what

conduct

only to

in gain

ridiculous thereby! must tell may well love,

light. As for that

In fact, myself,

I should

be glad

to know

she hopes

I am at a loss: late enigma.

if it be only

to defend

herself, have it.

you to It

admit me

she is somewhat the key to this that without of the Achilles, little wry

in starting. I have herself

Someday a great

she will

herself

desire

to know that

be, perhaps, be possible: like the

only for,

she found a doubt, bear

fatigued

? Frankly, that for

might of they wager

she is still their she there it! who fair Ah, own pulled

ignorant remedy all day,

the darts the ills

lance by into

cause. 2 But that there

nay,

face

I would like it to the

enters

it ... repentance... to show one my

... something... let her leave how but and I still to

virtue.... woman it, who

Virtue! veritably could that which it.

It becomes born make to it,

her indeed to the only

knows friend:

to embellish it is this myself feel some me very the

it lovable! occurred

... Pardon, between

evening scene of at the have first

there

Madame you

de Tourvel and in

I am about need which to write to

to send do

an account, violence, me; tis

emotion from I

I have

myself upon

order

distract

impression sat down

it made to

even must

to aid be

me in this pardoned to

that this

you.

Something

moment. It is some upon our days, already, since we are agreed, about love; and, but not Madame It was de Tourvel always, in and truth, I,

sentiments; which things

we only responded in less

dispute to my

words. but had less this we

her friendship did have was not change

conventional thus,

language I even at first; to should there and

substance; quickly,

remained

gone, no more

perhaps, question

surely.

Already wished my As cares it is

of driving which

me away, daily, to

as she had if I devote

as for her when set in

the interviews occasions, that left much

we have hers

offering ordinarily which not

the

she our me

devotes little no

seizing occur,

them.

walking today, how unable

rendezvous hope; I was from

the shocking really vexed

weather, by it;

even this

I did

foresee Being

I was

to gain they

contretemps. after rising from table; as I play

to go out,

started

play

little, room, to be

and with over.

am

no longer

indispensable, than way about she to

I chose to wait rejoin there the

this until

time the

to go to my game when and, voice, was I met

own likely the from are may I the hardly love

no other I was

intention on my

company,

charming imprudence you going?

woman;

she was

to enter to me salon. I

her apartment, in her gentle

whether Where as you

or weakness, There try It is is nobody and true enter that door,

said in the

I needed met with

no more, less

believe, expected.

to

her I had

room; taken

resistance to commence gj but

than

the

precaution it

conversation were for

at the than Her

and

to

commence the real simple, do

indifferently;

we settled, my friend. Oh,

I brought first reply, you, woman! to

back though said

subject,

and spoke to me

of my

seemed let

sufficiently here;

expressive:

I pray Poor was

she,

not

us speak

of that

and she trembled. However, success strength wait, she some in

She sees she is lost. be and afraid. seeing For that some she to time was past, spending my own, lassitude. that I wish assured so of much and to You to

wrong or other,

day

useless further that

struggles, effort, here

I had until

resolved

husband from

without

she should a complete was, indeed,

surrender triumph, owing

are quite owe plan, came was longer

aware to

I require It

and to this

nothing and back in

opportunity.

preconceived too that Her owe far, my refusal me that ardor no some I

order to this

to be pressing word believed it pained love, in,

without

engaging declined: more sensitive

myself sure

so obstinately I tried me: did a tone not my

sufficiently put

tender. friend

me out, ?

consolation

As she consoled leaned upon my

me, arm,

withal, and

one

hand

lingered

in my

own, near.

the lovely You have

form surely of head the is

we were how,

drawn

extremely

remarked, defense, averted voice,

in such entreaties and the

a situation, and refusals down;

in proportion at closer remarks, These consent:

to the quarters; always

weakening how uttered the

pass while

gaze rare

cast and

in a

weak

become

intermittent. the souls

precious but

symptoms yet

announce, extended just then being dispel of it, the

in no equivocal to the any never without defense. But, senses;

manner, I even hold

it has rarely

that

it is always this

dangerous of knows invariably

to attempt

too

marked

assault; a very rise to

because,

state one is

self-abandonment not in how the to

without giving

sweet

pleasure, which

a humor

favor

in the present above not fail all,

case, to

prudence the

was alarm gentle

all

the more this

necessary forgetfulness this

to me in of

that

I had, could

dread

which dreamer.

herself which I

to induce

in my

Thus,

avowal

demanded, would My

I did

not

even

require

that

it should happy.

be pronounced;

glance

suffice; lovely even

only

one glance, her fine Well failed, time her eyes to eyes

and I was were, I this

friend,

in fact, ... But

raised on

to mine;

her her into

celestial gaze my was arms. with ... O was I she be my And sobs. me the to

mouth

uttered, her voice had

yes, and

a sudden woman fell

withdrawn, Hardly convulsive my on God, her had

adorable her, hands when,

receive wild, her and me. ; but, even who me;

extricating to Heaven... than her of my me!

herself God she suffocate. which it shall wish me!

force, save knees, to with said, me; me! ten her

raised swifter hear one

she cried; paces from

at once, I could seizing

lightning, to

ready my

advanced bedewed you, death, these she

assistance sometimes shall me;

hands, Yes, do not

tears, it

embracing will in the escaped save name

knees: You

be you leave

leave

save

of God, her did in my her not

leave

inconsequent she then, her tears

utterances held me with my she

barely

through which her all

redoubled permit At

Meanwhile, withdraw: instant, violent I was, her

a strength own, said to this and I raised no more:

collecting ceased;

arms.

same and

limbs

stiffened,

convulsions I confess, had after

succeeded deeply not moved,

storm. I believe compelled I should me to have do her almost consented so. The to fact prayed the

request, that,

circumstances her some

remains me, and

rendering myself

assistance, I have

I left

as she received

I congratulate

on this.

already

reward. I expected that only was soft, evening. informed dejected, and was me she that, as on the day toward of my first declaration, she came been greatly she would down to the not salon, Her gaze appear and face was even During I felt The

But,

eight that

oclock, she had her

the company her voice

indisposed. but play at my her

feeble, fixed her alone

attitude me. she Her took

constrained; refusal up hers we to

often to take

upon place, in the

having side.

compelled supper, saw that

remained

salon;

when

returned I feared

methought she still

she had wept:

to make

certain, to which

I told

her that

the effects complaint I gave with her vigor.

of her indisposition, gk does my Tis but wager is paid; not

she answered

me obligingly, when she to

go as quickly and, this at the

as it comes! door of her

Finally,

we retired, mine

hand; true,

apartment, to me

pressed

movement

seemed it is a proof

have of my

something empire. this while And stage; I even am if

involuntary; I would the cost

so much that

the better;

the more to have enjoy. soft

at present

she is enchanted left but with to

reached

there

is nothing

Perhaps, thought!

writing

to you,

she is already

occupied

this

she is employed, know farther be some taken, veritable run In after short, do well than what our

on the contrary, becomes next of all

on a fresh such I quite plans?

project I ask

of defense, you then, that

do we can there it

not go will step is a

interview?

expect, very

by the way, good! But, once

ceremony these

about austere

the surrender; prudes ever lends after

the first love

know

where force.

to stop? My

Their

explosion; me, my of me For For not

resistance to run

it greater her. on an early not

shy Puritan

would

if I ceased lovely your after

friend, word. success: I desire to know

I shall You that it you

day

be with

you,

to what

claim you you each

fulfillment promised ready? other. Justice, Moreover and I

have

forgotten, to as if your we

doubtless, Chevalier had for never desiring

infidelity

? Are known it more:

myself, the rest, courtesy,

as much is perhaps me. gl

a reason

disposes

it shall promise

be the first you hours to from Do

infidelity by

I will the first

make

to my to

serious be for

conquest, absent keeping for me me that That I am I

profit her. you Yes, it will

pretext

four-and-twenty so long for more away than

It shall know two not

be her punishment that this adventure

from two

you.

has occupied days; tis till true then.

months? since Madame

months be truly

and three

include reminds most than Adieu, has led

tomorrow, me that

consummated for three more whole power

de B--frank

held

out

months. of

pleased austere my me

to see that virtue. lovely on friend; farther fain friend. DE

coquetry

possesses

resistance

I must than

leave

you,

for

it is mighty as I am

late. sending one day

This to

letter Paris in

I had

intended;

but,

tomorrow, the joy AT THE

I was of your

to profit

by it to let you

participate

sooner

CHTEAU

... , 2ND

OCTOBER,

17 -- , IN

THE

EVENING.

100 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL MY FRIEND, I AM tricked, betrayed, lost, not her she I am know in it! despair; And Madame I was not Ah, yes, think! has abandon de there do she in fallen all

Tourvel to oppose not would credulous upon hope When night! hand! women! that What me. think

has gone. departure, I would

She has gone, to reproach have if I slept I let her

and I did her with

unworthy would have

treachery! stayed; ! But

leave; had to

have

stayed,

had

employ and

violence

security, No,

tranquilly;

I slept, this

the thunderbolt at all; I must

I do not

understand women.

departure

of understanding I recall That And the

events

of

yesterday! that voice

What

do I say? and

Even that

of

yesterday of the

glance all the this,

so sweet, time, she

so tender, flight deceived!

pressure me! any O

was that

planning you are

from Yes,

women, gm

After

complain from

perfidy

one employs pleasure

is a theft I shall take

your

store. gn myself! empire will it I shall over not her. do find If her love again, sufficed assisted and bathed this to by in

in avenging resume my what

perfidious procure vengeance? tears, What herself pleasure could Madman fear. And not crying does for

woman; me the

I shall means see of

that, again

when

I shall for she having to

her with

at my

knees, voice; she

trembling and I-I shall

mercy at

her deceitful What me; does and,

be pitiless. she of her applauds sex, this virtue effort. to

present? deceived her the the spirit I dreaded

think? to the the so

Perhaps tastes greatly

faithful What has

seems obtain, that

sweetest. of ruse her

vaunted an that

brought it was

about her ill

without faith

I was,

virtue;

I had

to be obliged sorrow,

to swallow when I have

my

resentment! full of

To rage!

dare To

show

no more

than

a gentle once sway! timid have

a heart

see myself has escaped

reduced from By me my a to

more

to be suppliant I to who

to a rebellious to such

woman

who

Ought woman, established

be humiliated was never

a degree? in fight.

And

by

whom? it serve all the of

practiced

What

does

myself carried

in her heart, the trouble

to have of her plume

scorched

her with verge

fires

of love, if, calm

to have

senses herself it? My

to the more friend,

delirium, than

in her retreat, my have victories? no such

she can today And should

on her escape you do not

I upon it; you But others

I suffer idea to this Will

believe

humiliating me

of me! woman? they not Are be there eager not to a hundred to

what who

fatality desire

attaches my

attentions?

respond

them? the

Even of Why

if none fresh run

were

worth

this the

one, pride eludes I feel

does of

not

the attraction offer neglect

of

variety, sweet our

charm

conquests, after that not, or and

numbers us, and

pleasure what

enough? path? There woman from I shall this and want shall how take Ah, is

which but

is in

why? no

... I know

it extremely. save fury. in the possession only tranquil which Hope good support and of my this lot

happiness I hate

peace love with

for

me, equal

whom

I will Then,

the moment see her

when in her

I shall turn given

dispose over

of hers. to the others hate, all

satisfied, at

storms more! the

I experience and fear, love will. security affords, That

moment; distrust, them come.... far any away

I will all to fill But the

excite ills

a thousand devised by

that

I time And not

her how

heart, many

to succeed labors today! that, yet! How

one

another near

at my I was her course,

How

yesterday! I dare

I see myself I feel blood

to approach I adopt any

again?

measure; and my my upon

before within

I need

greater

calmness, What my

leaps

my

veins. with which everyone and no all the here replies to

enhances questions it

torment this

is the calm event, upon knows spoken

its

cause, anything,

extraordinary cares them this of to know

features anything: of anything when that

presents.... they would

No hardly

one have

one

of it, had I allowed to whom with the I hastened indifference which seized

to speak morning her age, de

else.

Madame the news,

de Rosemonde, answered me,

I learned it was

the natural that

result

of the indisposition afraid

Madame preferred the the who is

Tourvel

yesterday;

she had been it quite could only life!

of an illness, she would in her, common and the

and had done

to be at home: she told me: her,

she thinks as if who there has

simple;

have

same, two! the

be anything death before

between other,

Between charm Madame seems

and torment

of my

de Volanges, only to be affected I confess, again that if that that she

whom

I at first

suspected not

of

being

an

accomplice, I am That I

in that

she was had

consulted

as to the step. of harming to the me.

delighted, proves feared: herself, swollen importance will begin

she has not in this

the pleasure

is not one that if

womans How the

confidence pleased cause her God, her

extent be with How

is always she knew pride,

enemy it it was had

the less. I who been

she would of the flight!

was

with

through Great mold

counsels! how to my the I hate fantasy: little

How her! I Oh,

her I

would again I shall able

have with

been

enhanced! I will some

her

daughter, here for

think, I

therefore, have Do been you

remain to make in

time; course.

at least,

reflection

leads fact,

me to this after

not

think,

that,

so marked

a step,

my

ingrate

must

dread her,

my she

presence? will her to for not fail

If

then to

the

idea her

has door

come to the

to her me; and

that I

I might wish

follow to the

close

as little on

accustom contrary, entreaties appear must have my here; The

to that announce her

means to her and

as to endure that when I shall

humiliation. here;

I prefer, I will even

remain

make I will I I for reply

return; we order

she is persuaded she the supports effect,

of my the

absence, interview. not

at her postpone

house: it, in

shall

see how

But yet if

to enhance times today

and

I know my mouth to await

the patience; horses. I only thing However,

twenty I will my

I have myself; not

opened I promise

to call your for it. what access

command friend,

beg you, which would

lovely thwart who will I beg be

to keep would has serve it good them

me waiting be not

me the most is in Paris, able to

to know of

is to him

passing; the

but

my

chasseur, he

certain me. that to I

rights am I join by

waiting

maid; and also

sending both one to of

instructions letter, people, because him, and with the

money. to be

you pains

to find to send

this your

at the

him I take the

orders rascal they

to place is in the

them habit him to me

in his of failing some

own

hands.

this letters

precaution I write for to the could

to receive which of irks his

when

command not seem

task

him. conquest

And

moment wish Adieu, him

he does to be. lovely my of

so enamored

as I

my

friend; progress, useful moment: to

if

any

happy me of

idea it.

comes I have, can be

to you, more to me;

any than

means once,

of had it at the I in

accelerating experience once least again I am

inform your for some

how

friendship I feel one calmer who this that

I experience to you; not the to

at this

since

I have me, In

written and

speaking whom

understands morning. you and

automata

with

I vegetate

since

truth,

farther people

go the more the world AT THE

am I tempted are of any DE

to believe consequence. ... , 3RD

I are the only

who

CHATEAU

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

101 THE VICOMTE IN BE DE THE VALMONT PRECEDING) indeed, de me. drunk to employ Of with in Tourvel what to was start hence this or, you morning if you TO AZOLAN, HIS CHASSEUR

(ENCLOSED You without knew, spend time MUST

ADDLE-PATED, that and Madame warn

knowing not my which to come money you

leaving pray, you in

also; that

use is it,

should pass the

in getting ought

the valets; my

that

should making

service

yourself This, single

agreeable however, instance I require Tourvel: abroad, consists; particularly

to the maids, is what occurs you to comes

if I am no better of your

informed But you that shall

of what I warn commit

is passing? you, if a

negligence!

in this keep

matter, me

it is the last of all

in my

service. de goes it

informed

happens or gay; company, ill humor her; what

with

Madame

of her health; and how whom

if she sleeps;

if she is dull

if she often and with she of whom her does

she frequents; her time; she

if she receives if she shows here with

she passes with if, the when one

women, when her to to

brought

she is alone; reading become do this those those, aside

she reads, and

she reads when

uninterruptedly, she is writing.

or often Remember Offer only

puts also often

to dream; of him for to

alike,

the friend commission which if you seem come

who him

carries in his

her letters and if

to the post. he accepts, me the

stead; and

dispatch above all Make Julie. If and same your for was a all,

you

indifferent, any,

send

others,

across

addressed longer, make her

to Madame the happy consent

de Volanges. lover of your

arrangements

to be, for as you yourself others

some

time

she has another, do not case plume

believed, on any who

to a participation, you you. will If, you and means, you. be in the however, perceive, that or she seek

ridiculous are worth

delicacy; more than go during him by I will

with

many should that with him: that even to seek you to left get

substitute instance, less often with quit

become

too Julie

importunate; too get much rid of

should the day, some

he occupied her

mistress, no fear

quarrel do not If

have house. should his

of the results, that the

support

Above

It is by assiduity cause one of

one sees all, men to be

and sees clear. dismissed, to me. house. keep Say present in that

chance

yourself case in that

place,

as being

no longer and I shall

attached regular

me to seek yourself time:

a quieter

more

Endeavor, you in my and

short,

accepted. it will

nonetheless with

service

during

this

be as it was will recompense these

the Duchesse you as well. ought note

de ---;

in the end Madame If you make had skill and

de Tourvel zeal enough, you

instructions The enclosed

to suffice authorizes

; but you,

to as

up for

both,

I send

money.

you have

will no

see, doubt of rest

to receive that sum serve you

twenty-five are without

louis

from

my You

man will

of business; employ

for

I is

a sou.

what

necessary me. takes that The

this will

to induce to make

Julie

to establish drink. of the do not

a correspondence Have porter forget a care of the that that house, it is

with this so your

the household in the come. that report lodge But

place he may

as often be glad your

as possible to see you

services, Accustom

and not Julie

pleasures, and that which

I wish

to pay

for. even what might sentences what appear than

to observe better one

everything, write

to her trivial. that she should

It were omit

she should was of

ten useless ; and often

interest

appears at once, attention, message orders; the if

indifferent anything immediately horse it will post will

is not were

so. As it is necessary which of this at... case should letter you

that

I should to you send

be informed to deserve on the further

to happen

seem will

on receipt himself in

Philippe there until

to establish make

; gp he will of need. For

remain the

a relay

current

correspondence,

suffice. not have to lose forgotten do You all that this letter. Read as well it over every day, sure one you, to assure that you yourself still with be so have my with

Be careful that it. In you

nothing, needs that,

as to make when with

short,

to be done,

is honored you will

confidence. me. AT THE

know

if I am satisfied

CHTEAU

DE

... , 3RD

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

102 THE You you but PRSIDENTE WILL BE DE TOURVEL astonished, proceeding redoubled, in confiding to are TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE that very my I am leaving

GREATLY This will find be that,

Madame, will appear you

to learn to you learn

so precipitately. your surprise you the will

extraordinary: reasons for it!

when them your your

Perhaps, respect sentiments Madame, its griefs

to you, that by

I do not I so even many a need as she

sufficiently infringe titles? to pour is child. the Ah! out

tranquillity of veneration me: the but

necessary which my of heart

age; due

forgive upon save

is oppressed; who Look it. it. absorbed which, the

it feels

bosom could

a friend

is as kind upon Perhaps

prudent: Show toward

whom me the

else,

you, of

it choose? I implore to expect when, of those me upon I say which ever who of

me as your my

kindness give has

a mother; right gone

sentiments

yourself Where

me some the I was time

entirely afflicting to this I

in my

those soul

laudable with at the the been to so the time; my I as am to you

sentiments, mortal same my sorrow time ruin!

ignorant deprive

I feel, they What

strength Ah, fine? for the

combat fatal

them visit yes, that my I has

that ...

impose shall

me the duty? to you, I write obtained, has inspired it. He in

love, time, pay

love word life

distraction. often sweet and

Alas!

that without

word being him

first

entreated privilege yet I must toward unhappy! there?

I would it hear will

with

of letting unceasingly him; Why

it but

a single to doubt

withhold think

continue

feelings indeed reign

he will

he has cause for him

to complain to read all that idea cause be far

of them. heart but

is it not suffer

as easy less, still to fly me,

in my

Yes,

I should

if he knew but

I suffer; of it. him away; grief.

yourself, In a few he will when been,

to whom moments, still I was where believe

I say it, will I am about he is near

have from

a feeble and

him

While hour never

I shall daily,

already I shall

at the he has

accustomed I must all not not

to see him permit him

be where all them my

to come. my eyes;

Already, I can let

preparations on nothing except

are complete, which myself... And does !

is there speak of

beneath this cruel

rest

separation.

Everything

is ready

the more

my

heart

resists,

the more I shall

does

it prove

to me the

necessity to only yet of me;

of submission lead saved remains seeing a life my to him, of

to it. Doubtless, guilt. I feel my to

submit I know Must

to it; it is better it but I confess too well;

to die than I have

it already, is gone. generosity. with the

prudence, me of

virtue his

it to youwhat with the pleasure near

I owe hearing

Intoxicated sweetness of

him;

feeling

him

with

the

still and

greater without enough my

happiness strength; to resist; trouble and

of

being

able

to was

make left

his me but

own,

was I flee than

powerless

hardly I trembled had than pity

enough at my on me.

to struggle: could not else

had no longer it. Well! cherish Ah, I had not if,

danger, Could

he saw him?

I do aught

I owe

him near

far more him,

life. to tremble is life to pity for that, do not him? of his suppose Should eternal him; cares to to to must I chose I

by remaining ever consented happy my to own; daily pain,

I had but What

to go away! lose to it? dare

to me without be the cause nor

be

too and

Condemned neither to

misery defend causing live

myself myself; them Yet all

console my

myself him

against when to die

him,

and against consecrate times? have

to devote to his is what O you,

I would a thousand I will vow.

happiness; my fate

thus,

is it not endure

that

be. I will for my

it, however; receive this

the courage.

whom

mother, also

Receive receive thus, always doubtless, by this

that

which you; you

I make, I beg all,

to hide

from

you

none

of

my

actions need: myself Never, restrained friend, angel

it, I beseech pledged in to tell your shall powerful

it of you

as a succor the habit

of which of

I have

I shall Your

acquire virtue

believing my own. and, indulgent

presence. I consent check,

shall you

replace with

to come while

before

a blush; the

I shall I shall

cherish also

in you

the confidant who will save enough

of my

weakness, shame.

honor

in you

the guardian

me from must

Shame of

I feel,

in having Why Why did

to make did I not

you dread myself

this

request. this

Fatal

effect

presumptuous I felt

confidence! up? will?

sooner that

inclination master was! it or Ah, if

which

springing

I flatter How little

I could love

overcome I had fought

it at my against perhaps

Insensate! more

I knew

what

it with then this

care,

perhaps would step, been

it would not have

have been not

acquired necessary; broken render ...

less or, off less But

dominion; even entirely frequent! what

separation sorrowful would

if I had

submitted which all

to that it

I need

have to

a relation But

have and shall least

sufficient 0 my away

to lose Even away,

at one

stroke,

forever! I be led

friend! to vent

is this? Ah!

in writing away!

to you, and at

criminal errors be

wishes? expiated Adieu, and

let

these

involuntary

by my my

sacrifices. friend; of love my me as your weakness, daughter, I would adopt rather die me for than such; render

venerable that,

be sure

in spite of your DE IN

myself AT AT THE

unworthy CHTEAU OCLOCK

choice. ... , 3RD THE OCTOBER, 17 -- ,

ONE

MORNING.

103 MADAME I WAS DE MORE ROSEMONDE GRIEVED a long at your and TO THE PRESIDENTE my fairest DE dear, you TOURVEL than surprised in me had all must me. If be it of did who of

departure, the interest state nothing, of

at its cause; sufficed told, had whom not

experience me

which heart; your

inspire if

to enlighten was my nothing, only you

as to the or almost

your that

and, letter

there been

taught

source loved; his

of information, for, name. in speaking I had I remind

I should

be still

in ignorance you

it was once

to me of him of that; that

all the time, I am well

even

write

no need myself

aware the style

it is. But love. I had far

I remark

it, because

that

is ever

I see that hardly removed I

it is still

the same ever

as in past

times. to hark my back to memories Since them, yesterday, through the to you. course that you to so

expected from have

to be in the and been in them admire me, one from lose if you so alien

case to

me, truly

age. with

nevertheless, desire But you judged remain attracting to your succumb yourself And then, which what have can

much

occupied which you?

I felt I do,

to find except it and,

something and pity

might I praise

be useful the from wise it

taken:

but

alarms when

because has gone him to

I conclude so far, our

it necessary; always

it is very heart should have is be

difficult incessantly impossible

at a distance do not even forbid!), consolation

whom Nothing someday my

us. However, noble soul; and, God the human you

courage. should

the misfortune dear, all reserve your

to for

(which at least what Perhaps grievous you

believe of having

me,

fairest with

struggled divine and

power. so

prudence are on the will

cannot eve issue

effect,

grace your and

will, virtue, more you

if it be

pleased. by these Hope Do not

of its succor; from the them strength upon

proved lustrous. today. you to

struggles, may receive this

purer

that

tomorrow

which

lack

count

upon own.

in order

to repose

it, but

to encourage

use all your While which consoling will share leaving I

to Providence do nothing, I

the care reserve me lies. of

of succoring to myself not I

you that

in a danger of sustaining your

against and but your itself. I to poor this speak talking I

can you,

as far as within It is that age by your has

I shall that have chilled

assuage will gladly

pains,

them. I feel to You you;

virtue heart not find at least much

this

receive

confidences. open mine

must yet so

need it

of unburdening that you. it is

insensible be a when to

friendship. solace unhappy

will sorrow;

always but

it ready you will

to receive not over weep you, with

It will and you

to your love,

alone: compels him. Here

obtaining that

too

power

of it, it is better

it should

be with

me than

am I

like name:

you; for

and

I think

that,

between

us,

we

shall

succeed

in

avoiding

his

the rest, whether

we understand I am doing

one another. right in telling be wiser, which length. you that he seemed not its to speak Yet keenly of I it: am

I know grieved but

not

at your no

departure; love about for the

it would prudence

perhaps, grieves My weak to write child: that

I have

friends. sight them yes, and

forced hands Adieu you pride AT for

to speak do not then, my

it at no greater letters, adieu, have,

tremulous

admit my

of long dear; and

when my

I have amiable all

myself. I gladly to make adopt the

fairest

daughter,

you

indeed,

is needed

and pleasure THE CHTEAU

of a mother. DE ... , 3RD OCTOBER, 17 -- .

104 THE IN MARQUISE TRUTH, MY of pride DE GOOD when You this MERTEUIL and I read even dear your TO friend, letter. to ask opinion MADAME I could What! for my DE hardly you honor Ah, VOLANGES refrain from your happy owe motive it deserve to tell is it a

movement entire indeed, only may only it. you from them; shall you. If, however,

me with I am

confidence! if I deserve to the be, one

deign

advice! part:

favorable of

on your For the

if I do not the obtained to

prepossession

friendship. to my eyes why

rest, and

whatever to have

it is nonetheless reason going my the more then fashion when (but

precious in my without

heart;

I should to give myself, reasons to your I do not

labor you

harder

I am freely

pretending I distrust my

a counsel) it is you will

of thinking. I have

because to you, judgment think

different judge I

yours;

but

exposed

and if you at least show

condemn thus

them,

I subscribe that

in advance. wiser than

much

wisdom,

myself

and you this must

in

this seek for

single

instance, of this one, it is

my

opinion

should of

seem maternal

preferable, love. you. Since Indeed,

the cause

in the illusions must course have

sentiment very

is a laudable recognizable that,

it needs in the

a place you to make

in are a

how

which to you

tempted mistake, Prudence, disposing it by that her order

to take! it never it

It is thus arises to

if it sometimes through a choice to

happens of virtues. be

except me, fate; and is

seems

the

quality all, such

preferred,

when of Tis

one fixing

is

of anothers

and,

above bond, tender, Now,

where

it is a question of marriage. say what her

an indissoluble a mother, daughter equally with

sacred and

as that

then to aid in is

wise

ought, I ask

as you you, for

so well, is she between

her in this,

experience. if it be not

to do what

to succeed and what it not, it, if you of which is despised?

to distinguish

pleasant Would annul power as it

is suitable? be to degrade to subordinate felt by those the maternal authority, would it not be to

then, were

it to a frivolous who dread I have which,

inclination, it, and never disappears believed

the illusory as in soon these

is only For

myself,

I confess, through

irresistible to pay which than more by her

and engrossing excuses for

passions, our and

it seems, conceive can have and virtue; can

we are agreed how more and a fancy strength I can justified money, no

general is born

disorders.

gq I cannot dies,

in a moment, principles why

in a moment of honor, who a thief

the

unalterable

modesty

understand pretended

a woman than

is false would

to them be by his

be held for

passion, for

passion

or an assassin

by that

revenge.

Ah, ever the What in

who

is there

that

can say that myself at least,

she has never that, in order experience which

had to struggle? to resist, has it sufficed my

But to

I have have

sought will; and

to persuade thus virtue far,

my

confirmed

opinion. lies be and

would

be without its

the duties in an our

it imposes? These in

Its worship truths cannot them,

our

sacrifices, except already their simple education which to by

recompense who hope have

hearts.

denied who,

those

interest a moments

disregarding illusion could one and by

depraved, bad child; can

to have by bad

endeavoring it from pure it is to that you a and this are had as you

to justify shy and

conduct a child but to

reasons. you have her to

But

fear

whom fortified

borne,

whose Yet

modest fear, ready contrived know, and my

have call

happy your

nature? daughter, your

I venture sacrifice for her! seen the I like little

humiliating

advantageous Danceny of M.

marriage greatly; and : but

which for my

prudence past, with

a long

time

I have

de Gercourt the other

friendship me from

the one the

indifference difference is equal, that,

toward which I admit; even

do not

prevent

feeling

enormous Their other him must birth

exists but without that it

between one

the two

matches. fortune, have make it. while sufficed that to of the

is without it would does

is so great everything. be admitted, is rich livres, Danceny; with

birth, money greatly as you

obtain but it de

I quite also, enough which

agree that for

not

happiness, Mademoiselle an income when one of

facilitates say: however, over and

Volanges thousand name of

two,

sixty the

she will one

enjoy, must

is not furnish

much maintain

bears

when it. We

a house de

which Svign.

corresponds Luxury

no longer

live

in the days it, but

of Madame we needs must

swallows

up everything;

we blame

imitate

it,

and in the end the superfluous As to the M. personal qualities

stints gr us of the necessary. which you count for much, on that in fact, and with good and, as that that spite makes virtue being and he

reason, for him,

de Gercourt proof

is, assuredly, I like to but from

irreproachable think, are we the faults for knows and,

score;

his

is over. his

I do

think,

Danceny thus of far

is no whit

inferior: exempt

as sure

of that? and

It is true that, which apparent of in

he has seemed tone of the day,

of his age, good

the

he shows him: but

a taste who

company this

one augur be not a cheat one would because I do not may due

favorably

gs for

whether aside

to the mediocrity one

of his fortune? needs money

Putting

the fear

or a drunkard, yet love be the

to be a gambler of which to frequent one

or a libertine, dreads. In short,

the faults first in

the excesses a thousand of doing that

not

good

company

solely

he lacked say (God

the means forbid!)

otherwise. all this of him; but it would be

I believe

always yourself, daughter,

a risk if if

to the she

run; event were

and

what not to

reproaches happy! you, by

would How

you would

not you young

have

to

make your without

were to say

answer and

Mother, an error had then, it for

I was pardonable granted forgetful me

experience; Heaven, to remedy did when not to you

I was which it and consent had

seduced foreseen

even my

at my me a wise of your a

age:

but

weakness, it. Why, Was state?

mother, prudence, husband, it

protect to my

me from

unhappiness?

to choose wished

I knew your duty you, in the which my ruin!

nothing

of the marriage me? your which the rebellious But

If I had this

to do so, was Determined ; I today never

to oppose I awaited submission is only ... would the upon it by

I never with

had

mad

desire.

obey

choice

respectful to you, and

resignation yet I bear your

failed penalty been

I owed

the has

childrens

due.

Ah!

weakness

Perhaps, divine

her respect them; and drip Will and

stifle of

these your heart. mad

complaints: daughter, Where love against you

but

maternal

love

would would

tears your that

though then will

hidden, you you look

nonetheless consolation? armed seduced? I know this not, her,

for have to be

be to

which would

should yourself

which,

on the

contrary,

have

my but

dear

friend,

whether

I have even

too in

strong

a prejudice It is not

against that I the

passion:

I deem

it redoubtable of a soft and

marriage. sentiment

disapprove marriage but it is

of the growth bond, not of to and that

virtuous sort,

to embellish which it not in when cannot

to sweeten, passion to settle compare; object,

in some that the and when it

the to

duties form life. be object it; In

imposes: for order one know, the to is

belongs of can

it

is

illusion choose, occupied plunged I have, this hear these heads at their often clothed themselves Either illusion;

a moment must

choice how

our that

fact,

one by

done, one

a single

even

that

as one is in intoxication as you may ill; well of believe, of

and blindness? come them across many received is not women the afflicted confidences. being: with To but

dangerous them, there

some one

I have whose

is not

of them exist and whom but of

lover

a perfect Their adorn drapery

chimerical dream only

perfections of the virtues object

only

in their

imaginations. they it is the it may

feverish them, a god, they

accomplishments; they prefer:

with of

pleasure, worn it by

an abject the it. does

model; dupes

whatever own

be, hardly they

have

than, to adore daughter

their

handiwork,

prostrate

your

not

love

Danceny,

or else

she is under Thus

this

same reason

if their

love

is reciprocal,

it is common

to both.

your

for

uniting

them know

for

ever

resolves But,

itself you

into will No,

the certainty ask, do M.

that

they

do and they a

not, my are case

and cannot, daughter simply between studies what slight been fortifies little, esteem, The less which

each

other. any

de Gercourt but at least

know ignorant, two

each they

other

better?

doubtless; What

are under persons face

no delusion. I assume

happens

in such Each soon

married looks

whom to face give

to be virtuous? seeks and

of them discovers These

the other, tastes

at the other, up for because

and wishes are soon inclinations sweet

he must not they irksome, give which

the common they are

tranquillity. reciprocal, and and habit,

sacrifices foreseen: all that form,

have which

birth

to mutual not

kindness; brings

it does that

destroy, confidence,

about, which,

little joined

by to

friendship,

tender

so it seems of love And may what

to me,

the true but

and solid who does

happiness not about know by

of marriage. that the they are

illusions durable? destroys

be sweeter; dangers are that

not the

brought least form faults with

moment and

them? by the

It is then contrast

appear the idea

shocking of

unendurable, which the

which

they

perfection that as only that

had seduced other in has

us. Each and

one of the couple that he had has been

believes, the

however, same to him. value

changed,

always attributed

which, which is

a mistaken

moment, experiences

The producing;

charm he

he no longer at ill

he is astonished vanity hate; and

at no longer the

humiliated causes by long my dear

this: humor,

wounded begets

embitters frivolous

mind,

augments are paid for

injuries, finally Such, occupies But the

pleasures

misery. friend, is my defend manner it, I simply opinion, outweighed above all, I I beg my of thinking expound you own: upon it; tis the for subject you to which decide. with to your my

us; I do not persist which from

if you reasons light

in your have you, whose

to make I shall

me acquainted be glad indeed of

gather amiable

and,

to be reassured ardently unites desire,

as to the fate both for

child, for 4TH

happiness that

through life.

friendship PARIS,

her and through OCTOBER,

which

me to you

17 -- .

105 THE WELL, ashamed. He dares what you MARQUISE WELL, And that DE LITTLE M. MERTEUIL ONE! So TO CCILE you VOLANGES are man, love In truth, quite vexed, How quite now! you are for and

here

de Valmont as the woman

is a wicked he would

is he not?

to treat are

you

the best! these to keep

He teaches proceedings your virtue of love

dying And

with you, not

desire on your abuse could

to know! side, it): you you

unpardonable. your not well fine lover its in (who

wished only you all,

does

cherish and

the pains will virtue: figure what one

pleasures! a romance. In

Nothing Passion, the midst but then, What sweet

be better,

marvelous a heap feels of

misfortune, of this

above brilliant

things!

pageant,

ennui

sometimes, See worn, look men truth, the poor

it is true, child, after? my

one pays how will

it back. she say, you not is to be pitied! pray, will not when Her eyes lovers them eyes! in and them even so; Oh, looked that all in

much you

the thus? are

day

it is your have those read women

Nay,

angel, then,

always to raise have our

not

Valmonts. were right me,

And there;

to dare would so,

you

everybody if

your our

adventure. damsels In spite admit

Believe would have

however,

it were gaze. you,

a far more I am forced in your

modest to give

of the praise that you to yourself And what failed your into

as you gt

see, I must, was You to had, what a

however, have told

chef-doeuvre; You you had started

which

everything thrown scene! ravished a convent as much broken come

Mamma. her arms, not and

so well!

already, pathetic quite up in

sobbed, completed your

she also it! Your would could

wept:

a pity

to have to assist life;

tender have have sin:

mother, shut loved you

with for

delight, the rest

virtue, you

of your

and there rivals and and

Danceny have have

as you your heart

wished, at your grief

without ease; with can you of

without

you would

could not

Valmont,

assuredly,

to trouble at past

your

vexatious

pleasures. a child my with you! do with intelligence as you Yet are? You are be

Seriously, right, your and

fifteen

one

be so utterly deserve perhaps, give one

indeed, friend: the

to say that you have whom would

do not one, would have

kindness. the But you? in if

I would you

need she

mother you What girls

possess not form hope the

husband more, that

do

yourself for, when

what which

you

can one seems, on

generally you of it?

excites

contrary, If you

to deprive could ought bring

yourself

to reason yourself,

for

a moment, instead Well, of calm

you

would

soon But the

find you shame

that are

you

to congratulate and that

complaining. yourself;

shamefaced,

disturbs

you!

caused feign remains, from much. acting made really things from it

by love

is like

its pain; one

it is only no longer

experienced feels it. even were The

once.

Indeed

one

can

afterward, and that

but is surely chattering a little

pleasure, I gathered to

however, the it fact, for from which was saying arisen fibbing it

something. letter, honesty. made were it, or that That you

I think you

that

your Come

little now,

inclined which

count you

trouble find

prevented

as you you feel

spoke,

which you

it so difficult Valmont and may

to resist, went his that away, way not of have are

as though which

sorry was how girl,

when

shame to which his way friend. would

caused not Ah,

it pleasure? to answer, you

one does of acting? That

know little

are fibbing, that.

and you

to your What in your mother be loved opposite new

is not

right.

But

let us leave and could

be a pleasure a veritable love

to anybody, happiness. to you, see that

be nothing as you by whom of

else,

becomes a to

position whose

In fact,

placed

are between you obtaining by the her, air in desire

is necessary do you not

and a lover the only a third eyes,

always, ends

means party? you

these this of the

is to occupy while, in

yourself your

with

Distracted have

adventure,

Mammas an inclination acquire the love, painful to

will

sacrificing eyes of

to your your him lover

submission you will of

which honor of

displeases a fine not grant

defense. him the

While last you of the it in

assuring proofs will them, double those Oh, of how

incessantly refusals, not but fail he

your

you

will

of it. Such be, he will

so little to attribute love

to you your

in the case in which he will and complain to obtain

virtue; for them;

perhaps, merit the

will

you love nothing their able

more

of having other, will

sacrificed cost have you lost been I

in the eyes more reputation, to retain to you that you know your

of one,

of resisting its

than

to taste they

pleasures. have

many

women

which

would means!

carefully Does not

preserved, the course

had they which

it by similar seem what Mamma that to

propose Do Only

you

the

most gained

reasonable, from your and that

as it is the most which you have

pleasant? adopted?

you

have has

attributed at it, just from as a

increased that,

melancholy you,

to an increase she make only every waits

of love, for

she is incensed proof. the She has

to punish to me;

additional to extract

written you.

she will go so far, that,

attempt

admission to you, letting

She

will and

she told

me,

as to propose you to speak. you

Danceny And if,

husband, be beguiled you, your This soon, blind ruse

in order deceitful for

to induce

yourself heart weep bade for

by

this

tenderness, time,

answered forever,

as your you would

confined credulity which

a long

perhaps

at your she wishes

leisure. to employ against you you must combat with

another. that you

Begin think

then,

by

seeming

less She will

melancholy, allow herself

to

lead

her

to

believe easily be the for But if, gu

less of Danceny. this to you own

to be the more and she will

persuaded better

in that

is the ordinary for it, since which she were, to you of

effect she will

of absence; find in this

disposed her still were upon

it an opportunity means to her.

applauding some you, doubt and

prudence

suggested nevertheless, marriage, a matter is worth

remaining, to speak

to persist fall back, as

in proving a well-bred

daughter, As far

perfect

submission.

As one

of fact, no more

what than

do you another;

risk? and

as husbands

are concerned, is always with in your take you,

the most Once then, to quit this, when with

uncompromising satisfied hampered and

less troublesome mother you will will

than at last be able, them men

a mother. marry at your both. whom For, one you; and

more less

your

movements,

choice, mark has then, and one in He in of your

Valmont Danceny wills

Danceny, but as one with must On

or even he is one wills:

to keep

your one him.

is charming; as long the him. same One

of those can

and

one

be at ones to keep tact,

ease, him, or, if

It is not to leave that, him much

Valmont: employ the what other

it is difficult with hand, him if

dangerous has not

much you

docility.

could that

succeed be! It is dint on

attaching would this tears knees. If you

to you

as a friend, in the

a piece

of fortune women world, take

would

set you, way and that

at once, one

first

rank

of our in the you

of fashion. and your not dinner by

acquires as when

consideration your nuns

blushes,

made

are

wise

then,

you wroth do that, not if

will gv fear men You

endeavor with you;

to and,

be reconciled as one should

with know

Valmont, how to

who repair you

must ones will

be mighty follies, learn

to make make have

a few us the

advances first, for we them:

to him; are for almost you

besides, always must as in not you order to and, I

soon to make

obliged keep have

the second. and not I require forget, the your

a pretext

this read

letter; it. for to Do

you however,

to hand to seal the the in the step air

it to Valmont it beforehand. you of are being save taking

as soon First, with to of

to secure him, and

yourself prevent there

merit

of

regard it; whom

having

advised yourself,

secondly,

because

is no one to speak my

world,

am sufficiently Adieu, better P.S. sweet for By it. the your

the friend angel; follow

to as I do to you. and you shall tell me if you feel the

advice,

way, style

I was more.

forgetting You write

... one always you

word like think,

more. a child. and

Look

to it that

you

cultivate it arises;

I quite

see whence of what you

it is because

you

say all

that

no whit

do hide You

not

think. one

That

may

pass but the

between with air of

you

and

me,

who your must

have lover

nothing above

to all! that, must, him

from would you

another: have to less

everybody! a little him fool. and you

With You not think for

always write think

remember you will give

when

anyone,it of telling

is for him

yourself: what

therefore, most Adieu, will

what

than

pleasure. sweetheart: more I kiss you instead of scolding you, in the hope that you

become 4TH

reasonable. 17 -- .

PARIS,

OCTOBER,

106 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT AMAZING, after the first me; VICOMTE, of your and two AND THIS time I love expect of your you furiously! For thus the rest, not were I had

letters, proud

I could already

the second: success

it did you that

astonish soliciting no such of that

while,

to come, clearly

its reward, need tender worthy The for

and asking Yes, which

me if I were my honor; you

ready, reading so

I saw

haste.

upon had days

the beautiful observing to myself

account your a score

scene,

moved of our

deeply, I said

restraint, of times: But poor case does. taken that

of the fairest has failed! it could

chivalry,

affair

is because

not

befall and honor; who effect, which trouble ever.

otherwise. is not and can

What My

do

you

expect in such Prsidente

a a

woman one must

to do who at least well not that, without serious

surrenders, save for ones myself, some occasion

taken? that

faith, your the

is what that

I know is really

perceive

step

she

has

I propose presents profits

to make itself: no better

use of it but than I promise you

myself you it,

on the first that,

rather

if he for

whom

I go to that

from

he may Here women, asking boasting, to you of you your

assuredly are then, one nothing

renounce reduced, had than

me for brought already to do

you

to impotence! crossed

And

that 4 and

between the other that I

two was am

of whom better

the Rubicon, well, after you what you

so.

Well,

will

think but really

and say that that I expected you

it is easy as much. know Thus,

to prophesy It is because

the event; have you not

I can swear the genius and lend leave of

estate; gw nothing. to your road,

nothing as soon

except as

have no

learned, longer to

invent

circumstances and you

themselves the beaten

accustomed pull one up

formulas, short a return do not like

are compelled In short, other,

you

a schoolboy.

a piece are

childishness to disconcert know you not teach

on the you, how

side, you

of prudery meet with them.

on the them Ah, and

enough and you

because

every

day;

either

to prevent men such

or remedy by their a day, you

Vicomte, soon And me! that

Vicomte, have have that I be

me not

to judge and

successes; he was

we shall when It you

to say of you: committed have work nothing enough may my

On such after

brave! to

follies else there.

follies,

come them.

running

seems

to do but

to repair

It is true,

there

would

Whatever against brought

be the and

state I will

of not

these

two

adventures, in it; for upon the

one

was

undertaken as you have it my

will,

meddle me to

other, it, gx I

some

complaisance

for

bear

make

business. give but,

The

letter

which

I enclose, is more attention mother than

which

you

will

read

first

and

then

to the little I beg you,

Volanges, give some of her

sufficient child, Gercourt. little

to bring and let

her back us make need not not take

to you: her, fear in to

to this and of

concert, increase and, I am make our

the the

despair doses. upon without

You will

I see clearly her once interest

that

the

person become I had and the stuff

alarm;

views

fulfilled, on her gy she not which a woman always busied

she may account. in intrigue, not

what had to

she will. desire to to play has gz a

entirely of her, to

some take her

at least, me: but

a subaltern I see which that has

understudy foolish have me,

has even

in

her,

she

ingenuousness, employed, though dangerous

yielded fails;

to the and

specific

you to all, a

it be one disease almost we

rarely

it is, according above

the most

can have. and

It denotes, opposed this

weakness in such intrigue, know knowing resist.

of character wise that, while

incurable, ourselves

to everything; little girl ha Now without not how pleasure to for I

in forming a facile which and

we should nothing how Women

have

made as that

nothing idiotic

of her but facility,

woman. surrenders knows

so insipid or why, of this

solely kind

because are

it is attacked nothing

absolutely

more

than

machines. You plans. machine, in order at the of shut doubt matter I say settled. The me course I deem the renders might the better, little person and upon which I have decided, will has induced my her this. the is case, to will tell me that and good! soon to employ and this is all But do there not is to do, let us and that that, it is enough with that and for kind motors; stop lack will longer will What affair is it our of

Well

forget

everybody therefore

attains this

to a knowledge one without

of the springs danger, one there must will

hasten, be no rate,

right

moment

break

it afterward. of it,

In truth, and

means

to disembarrass when

ourselves it is our

Gercourt, when

at any

it up securely, of his

pleasure.

Indeed, and

he can no what himself? thus the

dishonor,

when

it is quite that think

public

notorious, console,

to us if he avenges, of the husband, you

provided doubtless

he do not of the

mother;

to conduct it also which precaution concerns we have had, one

somewhat important us, and

rapidly, that I beg nothing you with the issue

as you should to pay the

see by in to

letter; hands This rest cured, have do:

it most compromise taken,

be left

attention

once you. If,

I charge we

myself see in our

moral

teaching;

however, time

that

ingenuousness in any

always day

to change to occupy be wasted.

project.

We with

should, what

or other, our pains

ourselves

we are about

in no case will

Do near show

you

know

that

mine

risked over

being my

so, and

that Did

the Gercourts not Madame not want by that again the her. de to

star

came

to carrying a moment

the day of

prudence? Did was after.

Volanges marry her tender would mother so much I am

maternal It was remarked of this that all

weakness? that the noble my which day

she

daughter interest have wrote virtue right. I am sorry you who with

to Danceny? which you cause and and

presaged

more who

It is you Luckily, disillusion

been

the

masterpiece! reply her will

tender I talk

to me, in it,

I hope above

I flatter

so, that

she is bound

to think

that

I have

not

found

time

to make You would Tis

a copy

of my

letter,

to

edify

the austerity

of my

morals.

see how

I despise to be a

women rigorist impedes her sorry for little to the

are so depraved

as to take no hurt, I am other before my

a lover! except aware young

so convenient and good and I

in conversation! ourselves.... peccadillos humiliate praises the idea Adieu, some but And like her, I gave

It does then, any

to others, that the

in no way lady was had not

quite in her

days,

at least

her conscience; own. gave It was

it consoled similarly that,

me a little in the same well in

her against

letter,

of harming Vicomte;

Gercourt I thoroughly you are.

me the courage the course of

to speak you adopt

of him. remaining progress: myself, to wait,

approve I have yourself

time

where you

no means with you our

spurring

on your pupil. As for have still

I invite

to distract obliging

common that

in spite and you PARIS,

of your will 4TH

summons, admit that

see well my

you

doubtless OCTOBER,

it is not

fault.

17 -- .

107 AZOLAN MONSIEUR, Conformably letter, ordered off but from to M. to your orders, who him for I went, gave two me more immediately the for twenty-five Philippe, me, saying on the receipt of your had to set TO THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT

Bertrand, I asked

louis, whom

as you

him.

I had told

immediately, your you man for will set off the inn, of

as Monsieur business I was

had commanded would not do so,

and who that him

had no money; no order and

he had these

that. hold

obliged

therefore of them,

to give

myself,

Monsieur Philippe leave him. I went

me acquitted evening.

if it be his good impressed him

pleasure. upon him not need to of

yesterday

I strongly

so that

we might

be certain

of finding

if we had

immediately Julie; whom house but

afterward she was learn

to gone nothing,

Madame out, and

la I could his

Prsidentes only arrival, who with speak

to with

see La only the I

Mademoiselle Fleur, been service, began from to the and today. this

I could

as, since second not

he has does him. all

at mealtimes. knows

It is the that I was

lackey

Monsieur

acquainted

But

I returned see me. told me

morning

to Mademoiselle her upon naught failed not she known spent the of cause it;

Julie, of

and her

she seemed

delighted but truth. and

to she I she

I questioned that she

mistresss she

return; told the

knew

and

I believe me the night not

reproached assured Madame wench that me

her that

with she

having had

to inform it till all the did

of her

departure, when and

night in

before, packing, her

putting the poor

to bed; had not until

so that hours one,

two past

sleep. and left

She

leave

mistresss down

chamber to write. to the she of it. by

night

her just

as she was leaving, does not

sitting handed know does

In the morning, porter says During reason that ... hb of that the

Madame chteau. perhaps, journey, could

de Tourvel, Mademoiselle for Monsieur; Madame not see her: not her had speak coming, not

before Julie but had but one

a letter for not whom: speak her feels not

it was, the whole

Monsieur a great

hood

over Julie

face;

of this

one wept. had

Mademoiselle word, and was But,

assured halt at to the

she often as she

She did on

she would none too

done

which

pleasing to her,

Mademoiselle masters

Julie,

who

breakfasted.

as I said

are the masters. Madame went to bed: her Swiss, but she only remained him orders for there two hours. nobody. only took

On arriving, On rising, She made

she summoned no toilette at all.

and gave

to admit but

She sat down

to table

dinner,

a little and

soup,

and

went Julie in her they

away

at once.

Her

coffee time.

was

brought found they

to her her were

room,

Mademoiselle papers wager to her that

entered writing were

at the desk,

same and

She that and

mistress letters. which her But that I

arranging would came all why matter, Madame two books that and the

she saw Monsieur;

those there certain

from was that That

of the still

three before

in the afternoon, I am she quite

one

which

she had one from

evening. did

it is also is what

Monsieur. me. For

then

leave

like

this?

astounds

Monsieur

is sure

to know,

and it is no business

of mine. and took thence Julie the her to I to whole head know is

la Prsidente which she did she not

went carried read

in the afternoon to her boudoir:

to the library, but

Mademoiselle during with

certain day, resting what

a quarter but read that

of an hour this letter

in them and would could of

that

she did

nothing

dream,

on her hand. these books today only

As I thought and the

Monsieur Julie

be pleased not say,

are, to two

as Mademoiselle under missing: the other, the one

obtained see of it. the

admission There Pen-sees I write Yesterday She went, wished week She rang are

library

pretence is the

wishing volume entitled know some for

books hc and

second

chrtiennes, the name evening, at an early nine

the first will,

of a book perhaps, took

Clarissa. what it is.

as it is written: Madame hour did this

Monsieur not sup;

she only asked

tea. horses, mass. return and She for a

morning;

at once

her

before

oclock, but

to the Cistercians, was

hd where away, and

she heard he will not

to confess; or ten days.

her confessor it well

I thought

to inform and I soon I who

Monsieur then found carried but began

of this. to write, to and do she what post.

returned thus

immediately, for nearly the most; for

breakfasted, an for hour. it was de

remained Monsieur There which was was

occasion the letters one should

desired none for M.

to the to

Madame

Volanges:

I send this

Monsieur be the most I imagined it go. For

le President: was one always is sure also

it seemed for

to me that

interesting. that Monsieur

There

Madame when

de Rosemonde; he wished, since future and Madame obtain every all

but I let la

could

see that

the rest, has

Monsieur to desires;

to know I shall

everything, in the

Prsidente which gives me,

written

him for

also.

those day, who

Monsieur them

it is Mademoiselle and she has assured gladly

Julie,

almost out

to the servants, Monsieur not even too, want like

me that,

of friendship

for

and for She did

she will the to

do what

I want. her: but and easily I feel if find sure this out is that his what

money her

which some me with

I offered little it,

Monsieur wish, will and give

would

make

present; I shall

he is willing her pleasure.

to charge

I hope service,

that and

Monsieur I have If

will set my

not

think

that

I have

shown myself

any against

negligence

in his

heart know zeal made

on justifying of Madame

the reproaches departure, was in the the it

he makes was, since which before, have As first, then that

me.

I did

not my

la Prsidentes service which

on the it was was

contrary, that the

in Monsieurs me did start not

cause,

which reason having

at three see

oclock

morning; the I might night not

that gone

Mademoiselle he to sleep,

Julie so that

as usual, to arouse

to Tournebride

the chteau. Monsieur I like to keep the honor makes myself of the for me of being often without may I know, I trust money; see; and

for

the

reproach

it is because one must

decent, coat the

as Monsieur one future; wears: but

maintain perhaps,

indeed, to

I ought,

to save

a little

entirely

the generosity As for entering

of Monsieur, the service I beg that

who

is so good

a master. while this I remaining of me. would had in that very a of of his

of Madame will

de Tourvel not but require certainly

of Monsieur, different livery, being him most ROUX PARIS, with and

Monsieur la the

It was not the

Madame of

Duchesse; robe no

wear honor

a livery

less, 5 after other with way,

having Monsieur affection

Monsieurs who has the

chasseur. honor

In every

may

dispose

to remain,

as much

as respect,

humble

servitor. CHASSEUR. 17 -- , AT ELEVEN OCLOCK AT NIGHT.

AZOLAN, 5TH

OCTOBER,

108 THE O MY PRESIDENTE INDULGENT need from DE TOURVEL how TO MADAME thanks DE I have ROSEMONDE to render I you, cannot spent then if pains to to you of have be

MOTHER, letter!

many

and what put since how knew love; any it away my

I had of your me. I owe How hf are

I have

read

it again

and again;

to it the few good you are! You I thought that from

less painful Prudence take pity

moments and on virtue ills!

I have know Ah, the felt love, will still,

departure.

to compassionate them! but idea the of for the a time self own ... they

weakness! terrible. torment, separated the my pain life!

my

I had which the

experienced must of me have ones today

inexpressible it, is to be

one object

separated tomorrow, how To with feel word When hoped greatly completed but, him; own they even often were long

ever! day

... Yes, after, all

which My

crushes God, how

return and

young

I am

I have

to suffer! of ones while own misery; these cease to tear insupportable with a word, out ones sorrows, and that heart to this

be ones ones at each

the architect hands; that Ah, this my and,

suffering them

instant

one can make friend! ... course, augment It seems,

is a crime! I adopted that I

painful would

and my on

separated courage and

myself my as

from strength: though

him, how it tis had true: saw

absence was

deceived!

the more

contrary, to struggle at least eyes them;

the work while even, fixed

of destruction. all was

I had not

against,

resisting, without on my me. soul; at my to me,

privation; my I felt passing in my

I sometimes him, I felt as eyes,

daring Yes, and my

to direct friend,

toward

his

it seemed my solitude, every nothing and

though they

warmed

without Now, with by

through grievous

nonetheless from my all that

arrived is dear

heart. closeted

isolated moment of its have are

my

misfortune, and

sorrowful

existence no consolation

is marked is mingled served

my with

tears, my more

sweetens those I

bitterness; thus left far

sacrifices; dolorous

made

have

only

to render

those

which

to make. again, me, there I had was it my a lively feeling him; the rest. they of this. still Among two the paces letters off from they me I

Yesterday brought when could A

one from among emotion;

were

I recognized hardly hide later, and letter, left

I rose state

involuntarily, was not altogether

I trembled, unpleasant. soon actually which

and this

moment

finding me but which,

myself one

alone,

this

deceitful to make. In

sweetness Could the I

vanished, open pursues this

sacrifice

the more

however, which

I burned seem

to read? to present

fatality

me,

the consolations

themselves

do nothing,

on the contrary, from There it costs the thought

but that

impose M.

fresh

privations; shares

and those them. fills

become

crueler

still

de Valmont which the

it is at last, me me.

that

name to

so constantly sort that I fear which of

my you

mind, make not

and me altered

which really my my he is not to

so much I beg

write;

reproach shame

alarmed confidence sentiments, worthy come write You then, you

you

to believe should

a false

has Ah,

in you; but not

and why for

to name causes not time,

him?

I blush other name

for

the object However, and,

them! why, I had

Who this need

than does

to

inspire

them? pen;

I know this

naturally it. I return tell did me that

to my to him.

even

of reflection

he seemed did

to you he say?

keenly Did

grieved

at my departure. of returning judged feel to Paris? me also torments are surely

What, I beg he a to my

he do? What him any

he speak can. If but

to dissuade bear from what that only me

as much ill will for

as you this

he has he must

aright, that it is is not of

cannot course know opinion It is

step: One

which he thinks. I ought through

there

is no return. still

of my there...

greatest but you

I have not you, from that two my

his letter it.

to open my

indulgent I would

friend, not cannot

that abuse

I can your

feel

myself ;

not I

entirely understand, not deny

separated perfectly, your her. 5TH child Adieu,

him. your

kindness but you

letters one

be long

ones:

will to

words; venerable 17 -- .

to sustain

her courage,

and

the other

console PARIS,

friend.

OCTOBER,

109 CCILE IT VOLANGES TODAY, have done TO THE MARQUISE that I have to write lest given me. DE M. I kept MERTEUIL de Valmont it for four the letter days, in

IS ONLY you

Madame,

which spite it very

me the honor I often when my felt grief

of the alarm carefully; it.

which and,

it should more

be found; seized me,

but

I concealed myself

once

I shut

up to reperuse I quite all; and see that I must grieve

what confess about

I believed that it any me. there

to be so great is certainly It is only there it is

a misfortune pleasure the thought

is hardly

one

at

in it: so much of Danceny when is

so that which I do not

I hardly still think amiable! I was but

more. But

sometimes of him

torments at all!

are already true that M.

moments de

Moreover

Valmont

mighty

reconciled two

with

him to him,

two

days

ago:

it was

very

easy if I had

for

me;

for

I to had

had say to he did ... me. and

said

words

when

he told

me that, in the

anything I only

to him, answer seemed not just scold like

he would that I was

come very vexed afterward,

to my willing. than if

chamber And I had then,

evening,

and

as soon done

as he had come anything and it was to him.

there, He

no more me till you; not I never

never very

and then

gently;

in a manner for to me, You

which know

proved how

to me that you all

he also the odd

had much things about true. once

friendship

I should which give that which had have

to tell

he related Mamma. What I burst have

should pleasure not

have by

believed, telling

particularly me if it is all so that Mamma become moment.

would sure is

me

much

is very out

I could gave come sent

restrain

my fright: would

laughter; for have that very

laughing, and she if she

us a mighty to see, what

might of me?

heard; sure

I am

would

me to the convent be prudent, risk and

As we must would agreed we been not that

as M. me

de Valmont for only there now, anything come

has told in

me himself world, the door, I have I am scold

that we and

he have that

compromising

the

henceforward go to his yesterday, him to come. room. and

he should In that, even

to open

should there,

is nothing while I hope I write you

to fear; to will

already again any

you, not

expecting more. There

Now,

Madame,

me

is one you and

thing, tell M.

however, me against

which the

has greatly time when that one

surprised I am day, only for that married, at the love

me in your with Opera, my

letter; to told and have

it is what Danceny me, that

regard you

de Valmont. that, have once to

I fancy married,

on the contrary, I should even

I could

husband, I may

forget

Danceny:

matter,

misunderstood not shall such never be so much have more

you, afraid

and

I would

far for

rather my then of for

have marriage. that

it different, I even

as now desire

shall I in shall

of the time and

it, since

liberty; that happy

I hope only with think

I shall

be able I feel of him sure

to arrange that I

a fashion be really

I need except

Danceny. the idea

him: except

always

torments of once

me now, him,

and I have is very

no happiness difficult; and,

when

I succeed as I think

in not of him,

thinking I at

which

as soon

become What more me!

sad again. consoles for this: is me a little but are you is that quite you certain? that perhaps what finds tell it is assure me Danceny yes, you I love, Well, my will would and love not that me the

... Oh, Danceny

deceive M. de

It

amusing, But,

however, say, well

Valmont... I understood seems however, Valmont: Mamma

as you too

it is fortunate! you said letters nothing to be afraid. marriage: me, about good of

we shall

see. It feel, M. de

none that I you yet

fashion are.

of writing. I quite with

to me that thus

Danceny ought have to

my him

as they what

passes

no reason

has not

spoken

to me of my it is to entrap

but

let her do so; you I shall

when know

she speaks how Adieu, never oclock; AT THE to lie. my forget

to me of it, since

I promise

dear, all

kind your

friend;

I thank

you

mightily, I must now.

and finish

I promise now;

you

I will one

kindnesses cannot ... , 10TH

to me. be long

it is near

so M.

de Valmont DE

CHTEAU

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

101 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL POWERS felicity. himself. Yes, since my you hg OF It HEAVEN! is the I had tender than a soul for sorrow, I think, two and grant who me one thus now for

Saint-Preux, he, I possess time most I owe

expresses at once. and of my

Better friend, have

balanced

these happy you

existences most

I am at the same my entire pains. ungrateful which

miserable; relation

confidence,

the double

pleasures Know then

and my that

my

Puritan has been

treats

me ever

with

the same I am wrong

rigor. to call first,

am at the fourth it the fourth; that waste it would my for, be time,

letter having

returned. divined,

Perhaps

excellently by many the

well

on the return being my unwilling

of the thus

followed I adopted

others, of since

and turning

to into

course and,

complaints post,

commonplaces, the same fair one letter ends keep

and putting which comes

no date:

the second change

it is always If my

and goes; end the fair,

I merely and

the envelope. from then

as ordinarily the missive You see well

softens, be time manner

if only enough of

lassitude, to pick up I

she will the

at last; that, with

and it will this new

threads.

correspondence,

cannot I have

be perfectly discovered, at least, no letter two as she for

informed. that made from the sure her for fickle that, creature since her has changed from while nothing of her that the with have for, the The her the there to us

however, I have has come the old

confidant: chteau, have of fair, she been

departure

Madame

de Volanges, says

Rosemonde; opens she never her

and, mouth

as the latter on the to speak, that, on

them,

no longer

subject

dearest it was of

of whom who had

previously her

ceased

I concluded one side,

confidence.

I presume a little

need Madame

speaking

of me and, to the revolution. grow, have told the

on the other, subject I fear more

shame

at returning disavowed change:

de Volanges this great

of a sentiment that I have and of me: more

so long lost severe but fear by the do

caused older first

women would and

crabbed ill far

they will

become. say more

her far more prude has

the latter of the

of love; of the

the

sensitive

sentiment

than

person. The only means of getting at the I have its facts, already is, as you the I can in vain see, order do to intercept the

clandestine and I am

correspondence. daily thus, awaiting for the last in the

sent

to my nothing

chasseur; except recognized I can find at

execution. I run and

So far, my mind private

random: means,

week,

over

all

all

those

novels

in my

recollections;

none of the

which

befits

either

the circumstances would to induce than two not

of the adventure be to present and

or the character before her,

heroine. in the night, but,

The nor

difficulty again

myself make

even

her slumber, months to me! of care

of her a new to have

Clarissa: recourse of others,

after

more which

and

trouble,

to means and of vice her, I wish

are foreign without

To follow No, hh she Tis for

slavishly shall not

in the track have for not me only the to to her eyes to I

triumph and her the

glory! of virtue. herself.

...

pleasures possess penetrate alone

honors

not that,

enough I need consent;

to give but

Now, her

to her

presence, the intention for

to reach

by her

own

to find her

and with

of listening

to me; know

above how the

all,

to close

as to the danger; die. find more, But its the more

if she sees it, she will I see what though my I need

to surmount more to laugh in difficult

it or do

clearly ; and that

to do,

execution I will

it should embarrassment me. were I owe Would days idea that and it not

induce

you

at me proportion

once to

confess

is enhanced

the extent My our else taken brain

to which would pupil

it occupies reel, I think, me; elegies. three one

for

the that

lucky

distraction still little

which something girl had

common to do than such

affords

it to her you

I have that this

compose that thus not out

believe before

fright Tis it was

whole false

passed can spoil she

your

letter fortunate

produced nature! me, voice, blush I had to my

its effect? In and short,

that until a few

the most and

Saturday words, it was made

came

hovered

round a the far,

stammered with

those

pronounced to hear their

in so low them. But

so stifled which retained promise part was

shame,

that them

impossible me guess

accompanied my pride:

sense.

Thus

but,

subdued penitent all the

by so pleasant that same

a repentance, evening; and this great a

I consented grace on

a visit

to the fair with

received

gratitude

that

so

condescension

demanded. As I never by this lose sight either of your a just But change your security innocently her, projects of this of or my the work our from own, I resolved value, greater ; for her and to profit also to I

occasion her

to gain education. to

estimate to pursue the place

childs with

accelerate found closet, not it

freedom, a simple could ease. cause this

necessary

rendezvous that of

which

separates sufficient

pupils to allow

room her

mother, at her would asylum;

inspire

to reveal some noise, to seek

herself which a safer

promised her enough trouble The

myself alarm

then

to make for

to induce me again. loves

the future,

she spared person during our

little

laughter;

and

to

promote to her all

her

gaiety,

bethought anecdotes

myself,

entractes,

hi to relate

the scandalous

which better thus that

occurred to fix pleased I made else, for her

to my attention,

mind;

and,

so as to render them all

them

more

piquant whom I

and was

I attributed with it vice and

to her It was timid

mother, not

to bedaub this and her choice;

ridicule. my

without better

motive than

encouraged her,

schoolgirl with that, girl, if

anything contempt necessary and often

I inspired mother. this most respect

at the same long

time,

the most it be not

profound always

I have means

remarked a young one not been

to employ even does the not

to seduce when will

it is

indispensable, her; for truth

efficacious, her mother that

wishes

to deprave herself:

she who which

respect glad

a moral

I hold

to be so useful in support your pupil,

I have

indeed

to have

furnished

an example Meanwhile, laughter with noise. better three that, I have it.

of the precept. who finally, had no thought almost her that of morals, thought was stifling burst a her out

every I had I feigned remember

moment; no difficulty a huge it, I did than

she had

to have made

in persuading fright, not was which allow

she had That

terrible the alone,

she easily pleasure

shared.

she might her

to reappear,

and left

hours from

earlier

customary; in my

we agreed, room that

therefore, meet. period

on separating,

the morrow, twice almost even to

it was received

we should short in truth, made

already

her there;

and in this Yes, only

the

scholar her of

has become everything, precautions. Occupied day; hardly adopted again, my and

as learned

as the master. hj I have

I have an

taught

complaisances!

exception

thus as the

all

night,

I gain society salon eating walks. that It cost for

thereby of the an my These

in that chteau hour room,

I sleep has

a great

portion to attract Today, I

of me,

the I

actual in the of short

nothing the day. not pass

appear the except

during and

even it of also and Love

course for

in

I do

intend on the ; hk in for

to leave ground I have a slow that.

eccentricities out with than trust

health.

I have a little As for hl leisure I for have

declared fever.

I am worn me no

vapors to speak

announced faint will voice. provide.

more face,

the alteration

in my

your

pupil

I employ advantages debauch except

my

in meditating lost; and also

means in

of recovering

over of

my

ingrate

the of

composing myself in

a sort

catechism nothing interesting herself than of child

the use of my its technical which this

scholar. and

I amuse I laugh

by mentioning at the and amusing she knows This

by

name; ought marriage. she makes

advance Gercourt be more

conversation the first night with

to furnish Nothing

between could

on the this is

of their which

ingenuity tongue!

use already that one

of the little

She has no conception

can speak

differently.

really effrontery only

seductive does

! not

The fail which

contrast to have give

of

naive

candor and,

with

the not

language why, but it

of is

an effect; me any myself

I know

bizarre I

things am by

longer

pleasure. to this, but I since hope of the Puritan, I doubt a great wager the she state I that am my

Perhaps, compromising feigned room, ferocious that

abandoning it both my

overmuch and my health:

time

malady, will,

besides

that

it will some

save use

me from with

the ennui the rigid

drawing whose not but

perhaps, virtue

be of

to me with

is nonetheless informed

allied of this

soft

sensibility. and

she is already what

mighty

event,

I have I will

desire does of

to know not my Here myself. you much AT to fail health you

she thinks the

of it; all honor of

the more

so in that I shall it makes

to attribute according are, my

it to herself. which

regulate upon my to tell myself, her.

to the impression fair friend, shortly, the as fully more

acquainted interesting which you.

with news

affairs you;

as I

am

I hope believe the reward

to have, that, in

and I beg for

pleasure from

I promise

I count

which DE

I expect

THE

CHTEAU

... , 11TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

111 THE ALL from doubt COMTE SEEMS day that DE TO GERCOURT BE the quiet in this TO MADAME hm DE VOLANGES and we you expect, will not and de know, from on me two profit

country,

Madame;

to day, I have

permission the same

to return eagerness

to France. to betake

I hope myself

always which M.

thither,

to tie there Volanges. I am Naples. his road, under He

the knots Meanwhile, so many tells part him me

are to unite le Duc de ---, has

me to you my cousin, informed through

and to Mademoiselle to whom, me of his and as you recall

obligations, that he intends with

just

to pass

Rome,

to see,

that

of Italy on this hide from feeling other

which

he is not which will

yet acquainted. take about six

He begs weeks to me to with or

to accompany months. by find this the

journey, you sure

I do not opportunity; time also, for

that that,

it would once those to wait kinsmen

be agreeable married, which till will my in should I shall my winter

difficulty demands. wedding, in Paris; to be

absences be more then that

than proper all my

service for the

Perhaps, since and you. entirely preference you only

it would be till

it will notably In spite

not M.

be assembled hope this

le Marquis of these to first

de ---,

to whom my and if

I owe plans you

of belonging respect the mine. on will slightest I

considerations, your own;

subordinate for to I will with most your let me

have

arrangements, as early reply here, and

I am ready as possible, and it alone all the

to abandon your shall

beg this

know, your

intentions regulate that my befit

subject. I am your THE

await

action. a son,

respect, humble, DE

Madame, etc. GERCOURT.

with

sentiments

COMTE

BASTIA,

10TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

112 MADAME (DICTATED) I HAVE ONLY THIS instant received, which and have desire me my dearest fair, your letter that you of the were that would able to and My this it is, DE ROSEMONDE TO THE PRESIDENTE DE TOURVEL

11th, hn and the gentle quite you have reply you disposed were been to make

reproaches one you more; would the

it contains. that, if you

Confess had not me. of day

recollected Yet you

my daughter, very unjust!

really and

scolded hope this

It was which

I had from

being

to you see that,

myself even

made

postpone to borrow again;

to day; maid. abode what for

today,

I am obliged back

the hand

of my up its

wretched time young in

rheumatism the and right fresh arm,

has come and are,

it has taken crippled. a friend!

I am

absolutely so old

That One

is

as you

to have

suffers

those

incongruities. As soon with letters; friendship in all that My for nephew the least his you. as my pains give me a little I merely respite, tell you had I promise that that I have been to have received possible, a very a long your my lively talk two tender interest

In the meantime, they for would and you. have that

that

redoubled, I shall never

you;

cease

to take

concerns too

is somewhat

indisposed,

but

in no danger, which, see

nor

is there to of

need me, him

anxiety; humor

it is a slight more than his

indisposition health. We

as it appears anything

affects now. His The

hardly

retreat little

and

your

departure

do not

add misses

to the you few

gaiety

of our

little and

circle. yawns she has

Volanges, ho all day

especially, long. Since into

furiously,

consumedly done Adieu, your to you SIGNED: AT THE

the

last

days,

in particular, afternoon. your I am

us the honor my sister dearest even,

of falling fair; did my

a profound your

sleep very that

every

I am always great

good title.

friend, In short,

mamma, attached

age permit

by all the most ADELAIDE, CHATEAU

affectionate FOR DE

sentiments. DE ROSEMONDE. 17 -- .

MADAME

... , 14TH

OCTOBER,

113 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT I THINK themselves already was and said I OUGHT with divining positively love: you the to warn in Paris; cause. that joy you was and you you, your I was were Vicomte, absence yesterday retained that they are beginning there, numerous by an to busy are it

is remarked at a very in the

and they supper;

country

unhappy those

romantic

immediately of all will

depicted

on the faces whom you have

of all

envious If you credit,

of your are advised but will that, will that

success, by me,

the women not let these them idea

neglected. acquire

dangerous

rumors

come if

at once you find once that

to destroy allow it will, too, will the

by your that you of respect

presence. are fact, for himself irresistible become you, and to easier dare be to to than have

Remember lost, resist combat virtue? you you;

soon your for

as a matter lose their not

rivals, of all

you: Reflect

which

them

does

believe

stronger whom to you

above

that,

in the you

multitude not

of women

advertised, the public, you you Come caprice. your her, fetch far At must have

hp all those while expect been,

whom

have exert

had will

endeavor to hoodwink below

undeceive it. In short, as

the others

will

themselves

to be appreciated, hitherto, Vicomte, done all beyond it.

perhaps,

as much

your

value,

back, You

then, have

and do not we wished

sacrifice with the

your little

reputation Volanges; ten leagues

to a puerile and away will come as for

Prsidente, that you? occupied any rate, you will

it is not, get over

apparently, your

by remaining Do you

from to so you.

fantasy. ceased

think

she

Perhaps with here : and adventure,

she has already you you you

to dream

of you,

or is only

as to congratulate will be able need see

herself some and

on having opportunity even return if you

humiliated of insist it... a

to find of one;

brilliant on on your the

reappearance ridiculous contrary. In effect, said

have

I do

not

how

your

can

hurt

if your

Prsidente

adores

you,

as you

have

so often pleasure you

told now,

me must

and be what

so little of you,

to prove,

her sole

consolation, you

her sole what

to talk you

and to know even

what

are doing, which of

are saying, you. These one

are thinking, in value

the slightest to fall them the

detail extent

concerns the privations table:

trifles

increase They but

according that

endures. them; the poor

are the crumbs the poor man gathers

from

the rich and

mans feeds

he disdains Now

collects

greedily, crumbs herself

on them.

Prsidente less will

up all these to abandon

at present;

and the more for

she has, the

be her haste

to her appetite

the rest.

Moreover, her letters

since

you

know at

her confidant, one little

you

cannot and

doubt all her

but that virtue.

that she hq

each

of

contains to

least her

sermon, and fortify

thinks Why, of

befitting then, injuring It is not sustained Volanges ingenious leave

corroborate to the one

prudence to defend

resources

herself,

to the other

the means

you? that by I am at all the of your of opinion confidant. hatred All is as to the loss In always of your a single upon the first you believe you have de more

change you, and

place,

Madame and not virtue

hates than ill

clearer-sighted old aunt will for

friendship. of her dear Next, your

the virtue for

persuade also which has is

her to speak its weaknesses.

nephew fears

moment,

depend

a consideration

absolutely It is not become. sight of

false. true It that the older the faces, pleasures shrews. but, women ages their of grow, forty rage the more and fifty crabbed that obliged cling, interval their and severe at they the their all great

is betwixt fading and the and

despair

their

at feeling they this as it still

to abandon render to make all the almost the

pretensions women sacrifice themselves have had

to which need

scolds in its into

They

long

entirety; two in and

as soon The most save from

is consummated, that and of

distribute who an few

classes. their only ; this

numerous, their this faces for

women falls into

nothing apathy,

favor issues kind

youth, of play fond One

imbecile practices sometimes either,

the sake often

or of a of

of devotion a little these they and really not

is always but

tiresome,

scolding, tell, without all that class,

mischievous, women are,

rarely

malicious. severe: without

cannot ideas,

whether

or are not, and remain of the

without

an existence, they far hear rarer, said, but and

repeat

indifferently,

understanding, null. who, The having know other

in themselves precious, having for

absolutely women their of the last solid,

is that

possessed how to and they a very hr by it is

character, create adopt had sound They an the before

neglected themselves to

to cultivate when their that

reason, nature

existence plan of

fails

them, which

transferring for an their

minds These at once

adornments have, gay, kindness,

employed and seductive the charm they loved succeed,

faces.

as a rule, and

judgment replace

intelligence charms of which after by

gracious. and even age:

ingratiating

sprightliness, thus that

increases

in proportion in attracting as you

to their youth say, upon by

a fashion, far from long youth,

making and frailty, have of

themselves severe, and,

by it. But of indulgence,

then,

being,

crabbed human

the habit all,

hs their of their place

reflections through too

above

the memories would rather

which much,

alone

they

a hold

on life,

them,

perhaps

on the

side

complaisance. What women, I may the

ht say utility several I stop I should to of you, finally, support them is that, having always sought age, out I old have

whose

I recognized I was you

at an early led as much take fire

encountered as interest. so morally, aunt, lived In little found your and

among there: for

to whom

by inclination so quickly with your and aged already

nowadays, lest her you

when fell

be afraid with then. of

suddenly tomb

in love

buried

yourself

in the

in which

you

have

so long. of the

I resume state

spite

enchantment believe you it. took To that her: tell

in

which

you

seem

to be with projects. be

your You that

schoolgirl, her to your fancy you

I cannot hand, into

she counts well and

at all in your good! it is But not

it cannot even a

enters

the

truth, beyond take

complete speak but it, I

pleasure:

possess in which

absolutely I do not her head. the

nothing doubt I know of you

her person! the slightest you letter when even not call out have she

I do not interest; perceived sent

of her heart, you but, send do not for

not

even

fill

not it in

whether the last that ideas,

myself, that

I have you may

proof

me; hu of you, you

it you,

judge

of it. Observe that all her

she speaks those him from only which

it is always give rise

as M.

de Valmont;

to, always Danceny while

end in Danceny; always. Thereby, herself to you modest

and she does she singles

Monsieur, all the with

it rest; him.

is plain and, even

him

abandoning seems

to you,

she is familiar if the pleasures

If such you, retain to me

a conquest are

seductive, and not forms

she gives That you But of an over you it

attach should seems hours her, have

you her,

assuredly

hard part

to

please!

I consent it is not

to that; worth that for

it even putting had

of my to

projects.

that

yourself best acquire

a quarter some

inconvenience; and made Before tell you not allow

also, her, him

you

dominion until after

instance, more. myself means of

to approach

Danceny

her forget I cease again

a little

to occupy that this

with

you,

and which

come you stale.

to myself, announce Truly,

I wish it is

to your you

sickness, and

resolve have

to employ, no invention! I try

is well hv

known

mighty myself

Vicomte, are

I myself myself to try have

repeat

sometimes, and, above after but

as you all, a new at least I am

about

to see; but by success. admit that

to save

by the details, another merit with still, of ennui.

justified I a

I am going it will not

and run difficulty;

adventure. it will be

the

distraction, I know not

and I am perishing why, but, He to such since has

the adventure redoubled that his I can

of Prvan, attention, no longer

Belleroche his submit

has become his anger

insupportable. veneration

tenderness, to it. His

a degree

seemed calm there then but

to me,

at the him

outset,

amusing;

it was have listen been

very

necessary,

however, myself; the

to and

it, for was

to let

go on would of making love, him

to compromise I adopted

no means him this

to reason. to make since trust me

course easily: eternal and really he has

of showing he has taken I notice, with by it.

more

in order and ever

an end

of it more his

seriously, the he

surfeits which as his

me with he shows forever. if he I

delight. the

especially, which He must

insulting

in me, am

security

considers me lightly Did

humiliated worth never my

rate

indeed, tell

believes that

enough have

to make anyone

me constant! but himself? him forsooth, and but of

he not for

me recently

I could of all

loved not

Oh,

the moment by telling he has

I had need him how

prudence A that

to undeceive gentleman,

on the spot, to think

matters rights! but, all the I

stood. admit

merry he he is

exclusive

well in

made fact,

a fair

enough

countenance; hw In

considered, moment I have turn, is not

is,

a journeyman separate. the and last

lovemaker.

short,

has come been

when

we must this ill for

attempting caprice, thus to lose

fortnight, but

and

have

employed, personage be We adopted leave

in

coldness, made

humor, his hold:

quarrels; violent to my only

the tenacious method must place.

a more him will shall surfeit

therefore; day after

consequently, tomorrow. With

I am taking us there and we

country

the

be a few almost with one the fortune; tell me

uninterested as much love and

persons, liberty caresses as if to

by no means we such were there

clear-sighted, alone. we will There live

have hx

I will there

him for for

a degree, be more

so entirely myself of of good him,

another, end of this and, that if

that

wager

he will which return than My with

desirous

than

I am a piece I am

expedition, he does no not more

he considers more you, pretext my weary

so great of me

than it.

I know

and I will for great this

admit sort

of retreat which, winter. whole

is that in I fact, am fortune

I wish will very

to busy be glad at of thus place,

myself last it;

exclusively at is Tis the

lawsuit, of the

decided for it air.

commencement disagreeable that

really not right,

to have anxious assure not

ones

hanging in the first if I were where aged of this and

in the

I am at all lawyers if

as to the result; me so; and, how to gain even

I am in the be

all my indeed minors, however, have

not, my

I should only

maladroit are

I knew still of

a suit and

adversaries As

immature be neglected on my me

years, in

their

guardian!

nothing, I shall gay? I

should advocates if think

a matter not suit

so great expedition rid myself

importance, seem of

two

side. to win

Does my

to you Belleroche,

However, shall not

it serves the time

wasted.

Now, what

Vicomte, is the use?

divine Do

his I not

successor: know that

I give you never

you

a hundred anything? after all

guesses. Well I am to not form His one

But then, yet an great finds Not more a for be he is not save not first of

guess For one not all

it is Danceny! reduced exception; reserve him that than very him. only I have to the

You

are astonished, of

are you But youth,

not? this and

education but the

children! of

deserves its frivolity.

he has in society the more had

graces calculated when him

is well

to remove he lets on my veil that so little

suspicion,

and

amiable, one but with beneath and pity upon that

himself own

go in a tte--tte. I am I believe still no

yet

account,

his confidant; lively It taste for

this I feel that

of friendship, I am

I discern one

me,

conceiving and

a great

were and in

a mighty wasted believing

much fool of

wit

delicacy I

should hope it! Tis

debased deceived that

that

a Volanges! deserves

he loves

her:

she

so little

I am jealous I beg his

of her; you

it is because Vicomte, has than

it would to the one take bad thinks;

be a crime, precautions habit and of

and I would that he may her). feel my A sure

Danceny. approach fancy nothing, On my I thought made has

then, (as

Ccile

he still sway

calling I should during for

always

more

were return,

he to see her again I charge myself with

at present, everything, man

especially

absence.

and answer with me: but, have and

the result. I have lest be in at as

seriously

of taking to my

the young

as usual, been

a sacrifice

prudence; between the

moreover Belleroche least idea of

I should and what and myself, was

afraid

he discovered despair least if offer

anything

I should

he were myself

to have to his

passing. such

I would indeed

imagination worthy 17 -- .

as pure of him.

spotless,

one should PARIS,

be, to be really OCTOBER,

15TH

114 THE MY PRESIDENTE DEAR FRIEND, whether you. does The not DE TOURVEL to will the TO MADAME of my DE ROSEMONDE anxiety; and refrain tell me to are the we

I yield you

impulse

grave

without from is not have. the body, reproach It seems who

knowing questioning dangerous, It not rarely and

be able of M.

to reply

to me,

I cannot you

condition leave that of

de Valmont, confidence and disgust the

which

me as much melancholy some grave

as you with

appear

happens precursors the

the world of often

symptoms like

illness; of

sufferings and

those with ill

of

mind, him

make who

us desirous merely to consult

solitude; for

humor that

should

be pitied someone. side?

his pain. How is it that I

to me are ill this

he ought have and

at least not

you, have

yourself, morning,

a doctor I do

by your not

My from

own, you,

whom I this have sort

seen

whom, that, be

conceal naturally and, yield as

indirectly of sudden

consulted, apathy that

is of opinion should taken never

in persons neglected;

active, he said

besides, Why let

sicknesses one who What days. he

are not

in time this

no longer risk?

to treatment.

is so dear my Are

to you anxiety you

incur

enhances My God!

is that

I have

received

no news

of him Why effect

for

four

not

deceiving to write? to him,

me as to his condition? If it were only the

should of my this have Ah,

have

suddenly in returning sooner.

ceased

obstinacy course been, perhaps You

his letters although past, in

I think believe gloom

he would

have

adopted I me.

In short, days

I do not a state of

in presentiments, which alarms

for

some

I am on the eve of the greatest not those sure him! tears the you, believe, same that I did were customary my indulgent and letters he was not

of misfortunes! to tell you, how still pained refuse something when I am not to read. which at I

would

I am ashamed which, thinking those and however, of

to receive was came them:

I should and but

at least from my

me,

I saw I wept and they

open

letters, more in

I looked partially return. as you

sweeter

easy, which

alone my

dissipated conjure able,

depression friend, have said write your

I live

since

I are

to me yourself news and his sent

as soon

and,

in the meanwhile, that my friendship; I have hardly

to me daily. but you know for my your the the heart: all. you

I perceive sentiments, sensitive terrible cause. this

a word

as to yourself, my trouble, of tender my

unlimited you having this lacking love will

attachment, pardon my

gratitude mortal

sufferings, perhaps, my

torture Great

of

to dread agonizing me, me,

calamities idea

which me

I am, and

Heaven! was

pursues that

rends

misfortune my dear

and I feel pity me.

I was

born

to experience a letter from

Adieu,

friend:

Shall

I have

today? PARIS, 16TH OCTOBER, 17 -- .

115 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL IT IS AN are near INCREDIBLE separated, you, we and, they had thing, cease but for my lovely friend, one feeling, months how easily, As like when long fashion to two as I of see

people was seeing you,

to understand one same three

another. one I have

never

things;

because

nearly

ceased

we are no longer You polite, would do not

of the same certainly decide. conduct. for not

opinion hesitate only

upon about going

anything. your

Which reply: your but

of us two I, wiser and

is wrong? or more continue To begin are have shall more I hope something were lover; current

I am

to answer

letter,

to expound with, I thank

my

you but

the notice not yet

you

give

me of the rumors I believe I am

which to I

about

me; soon

I am

uneasy: them

certain yourself;

something reappear worthy that

wherewith world only

to make more

cease.

Reassure ever,

in

the

celebrated

than

and

always

of you. even to me, the adventure you in one of the little Volanges so little girl will be counted as though her and obtain wenches her tender as you say, cherished absolutely from her whose love; I do for it

although off,

appear

to make

of it: from

nothing to make own

to carry

evening,

a young as one

use of her afterward property, one does without not even

as much any dare further demand

wishes, to all the

as ones favors trade without not her even to

pother; from

which

it is; and this rendering fill

without her

in the least

distracting unfaithful: fantasy

her from for,

inconstant So that, lover,

or even when so to my

her head! arms of her

has passed, her And

I shall

restore

the

speak,

without

having then,

perceived believe me,

anything. once not flight If,

Pray, from

is this my

a very hands,

ordinary

achievement? which

issued fail

the principles that

I am imparting will soon

to her will soar upon a

to develop; fitting

and

I predict

the shy

scholar

to do honor you

to her master. prefer the heroic of all that I say, two manner, the virtues! one had given I will show even the you by the our

nevertheless, that

Prsidente, veriest

exemplary of such I will reputation

model a virtue her, and

respected up even

libertines! her! her of herself things her; and

thought

of attacking sacrificing happiness finding glance, leave

show

forgetting of herself for always woman, such

her duties prudence, with to that

and run of by

her virtue, after loving a word, I will me a the me, a

years

pleasing sufficiently which either

me,

to

intoxicate

compensated not even this

sacrifices I will

she will I do not

obtain.

do more, not give

know

or she will

successor. even and, barrier. my You the

She desire

will

resist

her

need

of

consolation, she will shall I will have have

the

habit

of only and rivals:

pleasure, for shut me; the

of vengeance. short or

In short, long, this

existed opened

be her Once

career having

I alone triumph,

attained

say to my for a second

Behold

handiwork, will for me ask

and seek me,

throughout comes I have but have I

the century today in my this fair

example! It is

whence week

excessive ones Two

assurance?

because not tell

the last her

been

confidence; letters me, nothing and from

she does her to only ensure

secrets,

surprise

them.

Madame read

de Rosemonde out

sufficiently I require and I have

instructed absolutely found

I shall to

the others than them. curious,

of curiosity. her,

else I shall

success employ You my are

to approach

the means.

instantly

I believe? you shall withdraw were speak hope it of that

... But not know my not for

no,

to punish Once from

you for

for all,

not if at have

believing had in on

in your this my

inventions, I should

them.

you least

deserts, adventure; success, However, with my this rash

confidence the sweet

you, you

indeed, I should in the slight projects

price You

set I am

it no further you will

to you.

see that I am

vexed. to stop forget

correct once more

yourself, grown own

willing will

punishment; for a moment,

and,

indulgent, with you.

to discuss which Belleroche! oblivion,

your

There sad

you

are then,

in the country, And the that waters it? poor of

is as tedious You 8 you are

as sentiment not also contented put the him

and

as

as constancy! him How I would drink does give

with to the of I am

making torture! love? curious I pity Once

must

he like much more that life since you have

Does

he bear become remedy

up well only you

beneath

nausea

to see him efficacious have I made been

the more would to have

enamored;

to see what you, only truly, in my reason,

succeed recourse I had and

in finding. to that. an I I of real

compelled from Comtesse

love

calculation. de ---;

certainly times place

excellent was

it was in

to the her

twenty the

tempted

to say, permit I have ill.

while

arms, from

Madame, that only which one of

I renounce I occupy. whom

am soliciting; all the women

me to retire had, she

Wherefore, it gives me

is the

pleasure As for you for to

to speak your own

motive, in believing

I find

it, to tell never trouble! do

the truth, guess Oh,

of a rare

absurdity; What! leave at hands, you It

and is

were Danceny adore

right

I should all this and to form little

the successor. my dear friend, yourself nurses can

you

are taking Ccile, boys at

him these or to

his games.

virtuous Leave

not

compromise in their How

childish play

themselves

with

schoolgirls

innocent

games.

burden

yourself leave

with you,

a novice, with

who whom of this

will all

know will

neither have to

how be

to take by

you you! it may

nor

how

to you, it

and

done

I tell remain,

seriously, will You

I disapprove you

choice; eyes fancy

and however and in your to him:

secret own

humiliate have

at least say, believe

in my a great I have to

conscience. you surely error. and, volatile, your you return dread to you make This as fine Paris turned you the to a

taken,

you

nay,

nay,

mistake; disgust offered toward will

and I even with you the

found you

the source at a time are But of

of your famine; too on in fine,

Belleroche no first choice, object

came your they

ideas,

which

always reflect: if,

encountered. a thousand; if you

be able in your time or

to choose which leisure. of your you

between risk falling

and delay,

inaction amuse By the

I offer

myself

arrival, and

my

great

affairs

will the then

be terminated little as to even, into may Volanges prevent between the say, hands that

in nor me now of

some the from and her a her

fashion Prsidente being then, discreet pleasure life with from family You period do

other; herself you

assuredly occupy as you me

neither so much

will as much

with I shall

desire. the

Perhaps, little girl you that

have

already

restored

lover. which

Without attaches, notion

admitting, as it is my

whatever intention of all up long to her

it is not all

she should I have

retain adopted

a superior her, which

of me to that not only keep drawn

other without by

men,

a tone and, to

I could I am

injuring care

my

health; one owes

henceforth, affairs.... not to

the

which

understand my

me? hope,

...

The to

fact

is that me friend, will the

I am that

awaiting I have

second

confirm in that my the

and my my head

assure lovely

thoroughly a of will first dying be fantasy, that, the story. it if in

succeeded indication without future this you

projects. husband and that

Yes, of the

I have run of me the

already risk

pupil of

not

posterity; only a cadet

house let

Gercourt finish,

of that I only

of Valmont. undertook you

9 But at your destroy

at my

adventure render

which Danceny

entreaty. all the

Remember of you,

inconstant, offering,

raciness him for

Consider, seems I count

finally, some

that

as I do,

to represent

I have,

to me, so

right on

to be preferred. that I am the choice. after not afraid lovers to cross tender having disturbed I asked your views, for by the pupil sweet letter; thus

much myself

this,

endeavoring first and

to augment of to sake his

discreet

passion found her your at this

worthy in for

object

Yesterday, first

employed occupation and

writing the

him,

I had sweeter

of another, constrained,

still,

to see her it was not

as I found

it cold

and

I made

her feel

that

that

she should

console

her lover,

and

persuaded as I could, certain

her to write her little hope. The

another

at my to was and, have I his

dictation; foster quite for not

in which,

imitating, love said,

as well by a more to find

prattle, little

I tried person

the young enchanted,

mans she I am this

herself with

expressing the

herself

so well; What his

the

future, for

to be charged Danceny? and I

correspondence. been at this at once

done

shall

have Again,

friend,

confidant, him

his rival

his mistress! him from you regret.

moment, chains.

I am rendering Yes, dangerous of the

the service a doubt: with

of saving for an

your and

dangerous lose you my can. and

without happiness courage and

to possess eternity Belleroche to receive first of

is to buy lovely Leave to

a moment have

Adieu, as you more,

friend; Danceny to

to dispatch yourself

as soon once 10

alone, me, the

prepare

renew

delicious P.S.

pleasures

of our you

liaison.

I congratulate be delighted CHTEAU

upon

the approaching event occurs

decision during

of the great my reign.

lawsuit.

I shall AT

if this DE

happy

THE

... , 19TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

116 THE CHEVALIER DE Ccile, your DANCENY MERTEUIL I am now LEFT deprived that TO CCILE morning sole VOLANGES for the country; which friend title; thus, my

MADAME charming

this

of the

pleasure to your her that

remained and and I mine. have me a

to me during For some time by to

absence,

of talking me

of you to give because woman

past,

she has allowed all the how knows is more

profited nearer flattering that denies

it with you.

eagerness this

it seemed is! And

to bring with as all her what

Lord! she

amiable how

charm

to endow and

friendship! fortified you, which how draws entirely the in

It seems her by

though she hear

sweet

sentiment If you

embellished how

that to

to love.

knew

she loves

it pleases

me speak her. What

of you! happiness

... Tis

that,

no doubt, to be able of

me so much for you of both,

toward to pass to union myself other. greater Since should you fain every feel I I

it were, the

to live love to

uninterruptedly consecrate of with Love, value have your all mutual

from my

delights

sweets

friendship, of

existence

to it, to be in some and to feel always

measure that, equally in for

the point occupying that

attachment,

the happiness love still tasted dearly, to the the

of the one, my charming

I was

working this her I

of the Give in it. you with would its still

friend, I have for

adorable by am which Yes,

woman.

attachment charm turn. of

participating desirous I do not my Ccile, so and that

friendship, pleasures

experience seem surround vibration that derive Why only

it in your to your might never you. it be that obtain heart give

From

share I that

a half with you all

enjoyment. the softest of

sentiments, happiness;

a sensation you more than

I should which

I could from must

repay

a part

of the felicity

I should

these reality The

charming offers which I must that this, on this that you like is should me,

projects

are

only

a chimera only indefinite

of

my and you

imagination, dolorous

and that privations?

on the contrary, had held out

hope that myself me

you

to me of seeing no other

in the country than you that refrain have Ccile, but your of

I see well persuading from my telling complaints

renounce. you from

I have find over left all

consolation And Twice Ah! your me be that

do really grieving been me with own. not know Why my

it impossible. it with me! a reply. of with to

already Ccile, soul; to

subject love my it

without

I do believe soul the is not

the faculties it not that prove lie

ardent

does

overthrow

obstacles? of yours? to love. either,

Why I

interests how to

have to you

considered nothing You tell

instead is impossible me nothing,

of the

duration

of this

cruel

absence:

here,

at

least,

I should soul;

perhaps their need in to my

see you. touching of it.

Your

charming would my

eyes

would my this Ah,

reanimate heart, fear I should And the is

my which not be a too

drooping has

expression Forgive love, it. very in me, your

reassure Ccile;

sometimes

suspicion. unhappy, renewed! of Madame Adieu, grieving, PARIS, my

I believe if I were sad,

your

constancy. many

doubt friend,

But sad.

so

obstacles! as though

always departure woes. lover is

I am

It seems

de Merteuil Ccile; you

had renewed adieu, alone my

in me the sentiment Remember him to happiness.

of all my that your

beloved.

and that 17TH

can restore 17 -- .

OCTOBER,

117 CCILE (DICTATED Do YOU VOLANGES BY THINK VALMONT) THEN, I know your one my dear that friend, that I had any And share when do you those need doubt which you you; you: of scolding that to TO THE CHEVALIER DANCENY

make

me sad, when as you, and Oh! times such want

you

grieve? I even you

I suffer you do that, was that much were I

as much knowingly; me the the what difficulty here? should See, justice. last

at all I have that

sorrows? more right! than

I cause do not it is but

I see that vexes answer

is not asked

Indeed, here, Do

I see what I did you yet, pray, to if what console not

two

you

to come to give? And

answer you

an easy is very you

one

suppose I have would you

I do not already

know so

wicked?

in refusing And then,

at a distance, I had wished

it be if you for a moment,

because all my life.

be sorry I have

nothing

to conceal perhaps, have news arrive more what my

from done that yet

you; what M.

here you

are

my

reasons, had it not

judge been

for for

yourself. what of all past, much

I should, told

wish,

I have our has

you, will me who

the not much

this awhile;

de Gercourt, and as Mamma,

who for

is the some

cause time her as And with, often them than not be

grief, shown

kindness; I may having If I am not

as I, on my be able

side,

caress from

as I can,

knows without

to obtain to reproach what if they me and

her?

if we could would told, not men

be happy that no

anything to believe so much, fear of my

myself been loved more

be much longer they love

better? their

I have have even will

wives That sure

overmuch the rest.

before My time? I promise M. de shall even you

were are you

wives. not

restrains heart,

friend,

there

always Listen; marrying him, am

you Gercourt, any

that,

though

cannot so much from

avoid

the

misfortune before I

of know as except fault, me I

whom

I hate me As that,

already yours

nothing able, and and will

longer

prevent

being care

as much

before

everything. well

I do not

to be loved it is not promise my

by you, the rest always as I am; declining I should only

must

see quite

if I do wrong, that my you

be just

the same

to me; But for

provided until a thing then,

to love

as much and ask

as you me no

do now. more

friend, I have you. not have would

let me good

continue for

which

reasons

to do, and which be very glad, too,

it yet vexes if M.

me to refuse were Oh, that you you

de Valmont still more.

so urgent a very

for good

you; friend

it

serves

to make you! love;

me grieve He does

in him, adieu,

I assure my dear

everything late when

do yourself. to you,

But and I

it was

very

I began

to write

have for AT

spent the lost THE

part time.

of the night I embrace DE

over you,

it. I am going but do not scold

to bed now, me any 17 -- .

and to make

up

more.

CHTEAU

... , 18TH

OCTOBER,

118 THE IF that CHEVALIER TO have Now, believe; affairs believe been DANCENY my almanac, but, if TO my THE MARQUISE friend, believe DE MERTEUIL two it is that days two one and be the how

I AM you

adorable to

it is but my ones heart, heart

absent;

I am

centuries. should all your

I have

it from

yourself, quite than time finished. be it lost Oh, ill

it is always then that you can

it is therefore must be more

should expect

return, me to pay And it!

How or won, how

you

interested costs by

in your the tedium

lawsuit, of your

when,

I must

equally I feel!

absence? for

querulous but no right

sad it is to have Is it not, far with you away your however, from

so fair

a subject infidelity, having will ill

humor,

to show your to they

a real after

a black accustomed you consult and

betrayal, him your then

to leave

friend dispense will find talk

you,

to be unable advocates, those gentry

presence?

In vain for this

no justification

behavior; sufficient

do but

of reasons, For this not myself, journey, even

and reasons you that when reason: have

are not told

answer that with it was

to sentiments. reason which sent listen a suppose. of you; you to on it,

me so often entirely me to done forget

I have it tells in

it. I will That

no longer is, however, as you thinking

you.

most It and

reasonable would nothing Our far even you,

fact,

it would to lose would who

not

be so difficult of always to me.

be sufficient here,

merely you, those they

the habit recall are said you

I assure women,

loveliest below that, you with

to be the most a very one feeble

amiable, idea of

are yet you. I

so

that

could eyes,

but

give

think

practiced difference display of lies

the more

thought afterward: always when builds

at first

they

resembled efforts, you; and long, one would please, portrait of

the more their

one would all the they charm.

remark they

in vain fail the castles

their

in vain therein, and one

know,

in being days in

positively, is ones beautify one arrives

Unhappily, one

are so the air,

unoccupied, chimera; ones

one little work,

dreams, by little one

creates fain hy finally recalls you. At will this

the imagination gathers together as one that

is exalted; all that

one may the

at perfection;

and,

as soon to find

is there,

the model,

and one is astonished

one has but

dreamed

very

moment, perhaps, to you?

I am again that Not it was at all:

the dupe in order it was you

of an almost to occupy

similar with from things

error. you you.

You that I had as that I I

believe,

myself myself

started

to write things

to distract not

a hundred you have know, been

to say of which me very And keenly; since

were

the object, these, the

which,

interest distracted.

and it is from pray, does

nevertheless, charm of

when,

friendship

divert perhaps forget ignore Why, to talk derive friend? even

us from I should this it. then, little

that

of

love? a slight for

Ah,

if

I were

to look

closely myself! and let

into But my

the hush!

matter, Let us

have error,

reproach of reverting

to make to it,

fear

friend

herself

are you

not

here

to reply

to me,

to lead

me back

if I go

astray, I your

to me of my from Yes, more her love

Cecile, by it, since the

to enhance, sweet love

if that that, she

be possible, in loving inspires kind to you, in

the happiness her, me to my I love has

thought which

I confess precious I love into

the

become my

you

have my

been heart

enough to pour them and

receive

confidence. unreservedly you deign

so much yours!

to open

sentiments when It

It seems them; and

to me that again

I cherish at you

the more,

hz to receive all my new her motives nor you; one one out

I look up.

say to myself:

is in her that I have received However, her for am ones delicate allows one my nothing from her them

happiness to tell you

is bound with and

regard assures and you not

to my my so pure do not

situation. hope, that but I can

The

last

letter it still. blame what all are

increases are

delays neither too may well say

so tender Perhaps are you it. them must

complain. but why not not

understand one love, their let

I to so one

telling friend,

here?

Although of upon never refuge.

dare may

write let one

The go

secrets thus

especially, parole. them out ia of back

that them

If

sometimes, see them you

at least their new

sight; then, in me

must, adorable the

as it were, friend; thousand you

reach

Ah,

come return. are,

see how which

very

necessary you

is your where you

Forget, or teach

short, to live I have PARIS,

reasons are not. to be, etc.

detain

where

the honor 19TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

119 MADAME ALTHOUGH endeavoring what every interests day most for DE I ROSEMONDE AM STILL to you My TO suffering myself, still THE PRSIDENTE greatly, my DE dearest to speak TOURVEL fair, I am of

to write you.

in order keeps my

to be able up his but him

to you He come

nephew

misanthropy. he has not

sends once no

regularly himself,

to ask after although I have

health;

to enquire more where first four When

begged I met him

to do so. Thus however,

I see

of him I little time days I

than

if he were him. painful

in Paris. It was

today, whither

in a place for the the last

expected my

in my

chapel,

I had gone that that this for

since

indisposition. to hear up state which to

I learned mass. me, God and health.

today grant

he has gone entered, he

regularly came

last! me most

congratulated As mass was

affectionately I cut had found of my short

on the improved the conversation, before

of my

beginning, but you that he I

I expected him. my by

to resume not hide

afterward; from make and, you.

disappeared him

I could changed.

rejoin But,

I will

somewhat

dearest a too

fair,

do not anxiety; deceive adopt

me repent above all,

confidence that

in your I would

reason, rather to keep

lively than

rest assured If my soon nephew

choose aloof him

to pain from in

continues better, cause of of

me, his

I will

the course, I will believe, I may try

as to has find

as I am the

visiting singular I will

chamber; I can you move scold

and well

penetrate something out. if Now

this you.

mania, write and

which, tell

to do I take knew dearest

with leave that fair.

anything my me

of you, I had

as I can written,

no more she would

fingers: all the

besides, evening.

Adelaide my

Adieu, AT THE

CHTEAU

DE

... , 20TH

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

120 THE VICOMTE DE OF THE THE VALMONT MONASTERY of being Madame how TO THE PERE RUE ANSELME HONOR) but I know reposes deserved. of in I in office, (A

CISTERCIAN I HAVE the you, believe, order entire and NOT

OF THE known to you,

SAINT-

honor which

Monsieur: de Tourvel is

confidence I then, know, that

la Prsidente much this to truly

moreover, I may

confidence you without of

address

myself service,

indiscretion, your holy

to obtain

a very

essential

worthy

and one in which I have entrusted into which, myself her in my

the interests important

of Madame papers which

de Tourvel concern

and myself her, which give because I do not of

are one. cannot up be

hands

to anybody, hands. perhaps, authorized I have you

and which no means have

I would

not,

and must her but

not,

except reasons consider all

of informing from her her,

of this, which

will

heard led

to state, with me; not were forced

have a course foresee only to

to take today, which

the

course

refusing I

correspondence blame, expecting, force which since

that, events

I confess I myself by

willingly, was that you, very

cannot far from

she could and we which are

rendered in

possible them. new

superhuman therefore, and to ask repair

recognize

I beg

Monsieur, her my to grant errors

to be so good me by existing my a private excuses; traces

as to inform interview, and,

her of my in which

resolutions, at least destroy

I can,

in part, in her

as a last or fault

sacrifice, which

presence in

the sole her eyes. It will your your

of an error

has rendered

me guilty

not feet

be until the

after

this

preliminary of

expiation my long and, you deign

that

I shall

dare and more to

to lay

at

humiliating for May necessary feet into

confession more

disorders, unhappily, will not

entreat difficult me this

mediation

an even I hope, aid,

important that you which will

reconciliation. precious and guide but which, your and my

Monsieur, and that way

refuse my

to sustain most

weakness to follow,

the new

I desire

ardently

I blush reply

to confess, with and the I beg

I do not impatience you to

yet know? of the repentance with which equal desires to and

I await make

reparation,

believe

me,

gratitude

veneration, Your most humble, etc.

P.S. this duty

I authorize letter

you,

Monsieur,

should

you

deem

it proper, whom

to communicate make to it my

in its entirety all my

to Madame life long, and

de Tourvel, in whom

I shall never

to respect

I shall

cease

honor

one

whom

Heaven spectacle CHTEAU

has

used

to

bring

back

my

soul

to

virtue,

by

the

touching AT THE

of her own. DE ..., 22ND OCTOBER, 17 -- .

121 THE MARQUISE RECEIVED you, I must you me, shall that DE MERTEUIL YOUR scold have you, letter, and TO my I warn answers which is that befitting which one THE too CHEVALIER friend; if you DANCENY but, do then, not before correct will it is my any that not I am I

I HAVE thank yourself, believe not

youthful that, me.

you from

no more

Quit

if you ib when No, of

tone

of flattery, Pray, its

is no more the language speech,

than

jargon,

the expression every

of love. has

of friendship? to make use

friend, other our

sentiment

and

is to disguise frivolous in women some

the thought understand way, that into you

expresses. that is said jargon; between to be,

I am well to them, but

aware if it be

nothing this

translated, thought truly

customary distinguish

I confess and me.

that I

I deserved grieved, and

should more

them that you

perhaps

than

I ought

have

judged

me so ill. You will only and find then in I my will letter certainly the qualities tell and that who where you these Ccile owing you, which for yours lacks: that only very I it

frankness would tiresome phrase suppose, unless being however, nowadays, no most My more give

simplicity.

instance,

me great round

pleasure me thus: are

to see you,

I am vexed please you will me; are not who fails

to have but not; this

people you

instead Teach

of people me to live

translate you a third.

so that, to fail live

when I make me:

with pity find

your of it! that

mistress, And your which, jargon which

be

able

The you

women also

always in that! made has

in

perhaps is the result

That, of it

of a language than the in

to the

abuse and believes

is even than

lower

of compliments, one no more

become in a

a mere servant.

formula,

than

humble friend, and

when feeling,

you

write and not

to

me,

let

it

be

to

tell which

me

your

fashion without you a little of

of

thinking your not aid,

to send

me phrases novel

I can find, I hope detect

more

or less well at what

turned

in any you,

of the day. should even that

will ill the is, It and

be angry for for

I am telling deny I feel you,

even but, not

if you to avoid tell you

humor; fault

I do not

some: I will by the you than

the shadow this I am than ill

which

I reproach

humor you.

perhaps, seems two You

somewhat to me that,

augmented all considered, even of upon your I prefer

distance are worth

at which more

from a lawsuit

advocates, see that,

perhaps instead

more

the attentive at my never and

Belleroche. absence, paid you you so ought pretty to a to then,

despairing it, for I

congratulate compliment. flatter you;

yourself I believe but nay,

have

example to keep

is catching, to my

I, too,

am inclined alone,

frankness;

it is that

which inspires occupied seems from early

assures in me.

you It

of is

my very

tender sweet is not

friendship, to have

and a young of all more thus

of

the friend

interest whose but

which heart

it is It

elsewhere. to me that one one can

That

the system oneself to role with fear: of

women, pleasure I have But for

it is mine. sentiment with

abandons have into you

to a

which enough,

nothing the have

passed you

you, your that long be

perhaps, that You

confidant. me perceive in preparing all my

choose time a may

mistresses I begin career

so young to grow old!

made well with

the first for yourself that it

have I

acted wish

of

constancy,

and

heart

reciprocated. You are right you in yielding tell who than how me, delay to the pure your and tender A long motives defense which, according merit

to what left in

happiness. always; the a

is the only find be has You it!

to those any other

do not

resist like

and what little

I should would she love.

unpardonable the been men But, lack of

a child to escape

Volanges of which of her to

knowledge forewarned idea of what a

danger

amply have no

by the confession virtue woman of to her; the is, nor may sin of be

she has made what of she it costs

sacrifice she ought

however that, of

incapable independently misfortunes be caught, Do not

reasoning, commits, how

to is the

know greatest let

which

a frailty anyone

and

I cannot for this

conceive

can

ever

herself

if she has time to dispute will save hitherto for

a moments idea, for

reflection it is this

on the subject. which principally and, your although aid, I attaches I have

proceed You

me to you. known well

me from

the perils myself love God

of love; without for have

enough to you my dear

to defend

consent

to be grateful Upon holy AT this, keeping. THE

it, and I shall I pray

you to

it the more you in

and better. good and

Chevalier,

His

CHTEAU

DE

... , 22ND

OCTOBER,

17 -- .

121 MADAME I HAD anxieties; them. that him. Be DE HOPED, and calm, ROSEMONDE MY amiable grief, my TO THE PRESIDENTE to be able that DE to still TOURVEL calm your

daughter, on the

at least I must

I see with however; ill. But

contrary, is not

augment even say

nephew

in danger:

I cannot

he is really I understand perhaps although of what to live

something of it;

extraordinary but which from rest I left his

is assuredly room with for

passing a sentiment causing This

within of you is to the for,

naught even

sadness, share, narrative if I were which I visited sundry was turned I noticed and

of alarm, refrain you eighty upon

I reproach discussing assured I should

myself it that never with

I cannot passed: another

you.

may

it is a faithful forget the

one;

years, me.

impression

this

sad scene my nephew of

made this

morning; seemed in had

I found

him

writing, object of his of

surrounded his labors. before

by He he me,

heaps

papers I was

which already who

to be the middle

so busied his head clearly this

that

the

chamber

to discover that, fact,

entered.

As soon

as he recognized his

on rising, perhaps, and

he made further no

an effort attracted

to compose my

features, In pale we truth, and have

it was

which wore

attention. him which short, for

he had wan, known ourselves, very which Although

made

no

toilette all, and

powder;

but His

I found glance, in

and, so

above gay

of a changed keen, not have was cared

expression. sad for I dare snares noticed, and you

downcast; to see him

between he had tender pity a

I should air,

thus;

pathetic

and most

fitting, dangerous

believe, of love.

to inspire

that

is one of the most impressed by

what I had not

I had

I nonetheless I spoke good, of his

commenced to him first of

the his did which

conversation health; not had mild say and, that

as though though it was the air but

perceived tell

nothing. it was

he did bad.

me that

he nevertheless retirement, gaiety It is one His

Thereupon, and

I complained I tried to infuse

almost reproof;

of a mania, he only but his him

a little

into

my

answered, it shall

in heartfelt with

accents, the rest. my

wrong

the more, even more

I confess; than to tell

be retrieved

expression, and a mere I

words, that he

somewhat attached

disturbed too much

playfulness, to

hastened friendly We then

importance

reproach. commenced an affair, but to talk quietly. He affair told me soon would afterward shortly fair, and not that that recall feared I

perhaps him lest put

the most as I was should to him,

important afraid lead and

of his life, it, my

to Paris: this no

of guessing

dearest which

prologue question

up to a confidence contented myself

I did

desire, a little

with

replying

more not

dissipation press him to

would remain,

benefit

his

health. my

I added friends and, aunt, you;

that, for

this

once,

would at this

as I loved my you: and about which forgive I hope

themselves; with to me, a

simple which well for any that your whom I think, betrayed Moved my

expression, I cannot a nephew

he grasped describe to

hands, Yes, cherishes his

speaking he said and, and

vehemence love, love love him with to I me

who Do not eternal me, but

respects grieve peace you

as you do not

say,

himself. regret, you

happiness, soon you

trouble, Repeat me, from

the love

he hopes me. for Yes, the

to enjoy. will forgive

that

know those as

goodness; I have

how

can

same stooped

indulgence over

so greatly of grief

offended? which,

He then in spite

me to conceal, of his

the signs to me. more for, me, than

of himself,

the sound

voice

I can

say, growing

I rose more that

precipitately; composed:

and

doubtless me, of my

he

noticed

alarm,

at once

Pardon in spite my my

he resumed, will. I beg I

pardon you shall my

Madame; my

I feel

I am wandering, to remember and that renew this last

to forget not fail,

remarks,

and only to to come me

profound respects

veneration. to you before that

he added, It my seemed

departure. bring

sentence away. what

suggested

should But What ask me? being relates those that

visit

to a conclusion, upon it, the less important that

and I went can

the more is this my

I reflect affair,

I guess

he wished ground

to does

say. he to

the most Whence asked to

of his life? involuntary

On what

forgiveness? already to you: reply

emotion

when

he spoke times therein without

I have able to

myself them.

these I do eyes not

questions even love see are you

a thousand anything more

which than anything

however, I was my attempts for

as the unwilling

of

clear-sighted of

of friendship, passed made between four

to leave

in ignorance

nephew

and myself. this long letter, my which would fair. be longer

I have still, AT

to finish I feel.

were THE

it not

the fatigue DE

Adieu, OCTOBER,

dearest 17 -- .

CHTEAU

... , 25TH

123 THE PRE ANSELME THE TO honor of THE VICOMTE your with and as she upon of my DE letter, your VALMONT M. wishes, le Vicomte; to the person you and in had

I HAVE yesterday question. asked which refusal your me

HAD

receiving

I betook I explained to pay

myself,

in accordance

to her the object her. Determined at first,

the motives was upon

of the visit the out to prudent her in

course that by a of

she she, happy of

had

adopted

pointing

perhaps, return,

incurred and thus she be the Thursday will will you

a risk of

putting in to

an obstacle some manner, your me this inform

the the

way merciful

opposing,

decrees condition will be

Providence, that it shall on

consented last, and

receive

visit, to tell day her,

always you that not

on she be

has charged the good 28th. as to If

at home to Your M.

next, be so

should and

convenient another. Meanwhile, grave sooner me. the

you, letter

appoint

be received. permit that you me may to invite be able you to not to delay, without the to runs is may

le Vicomte, in order entirely that being use

reasons, and more

abandon which

yourself you display

to the laudable hesitates from

dispositions

Remember risk of yet when its the

he who

to improve him; by turn your that,

the moment if and the

of grace of God

withdrawn of

mercy

infinite, come If you all

it is regulated shall with

justice; a God

that

a moment

the God

of mercy me be

into

of vengeance. I beg you it: to believe however fulfill the the can we to soon that we

continue my I may of

to honor shall

confidence, as soon

that greatly the finest

attention be busied, my of sacred my

yours,

as you will

desire ever

my

most

important

business I am

be to

duties

office, life will efforts But

to which be that

peculiarly by the

devoted, blessing

and of

moment I shall by alike

in

which,

Almighty, do nothing shall Him, owe

see my

prosper. the God

Weak who

sinners you desire

that can

we are, we do all; and

ourselves! to His

recalls

bountyyou, of being Holy your

the constant guide. alone in the

to be reconciled aid that in this I hope world, passions

and I the means you durable that

It is by His can give, blindness

to convince solid seek I have PARIS, and

Religion which

even

happiness

of human

in vain. the honor 25TH to be, with respectful 17 -- . consideration, etc.

OCTOBER,

124 THE IN PRESIDENTE THE MIDST has thrown you, and either life of OF DE the me, TOURVEL astonishment, Madame, I cannot you TO MADAME in which forget with DE the ROSEMONDE news I received which is it no by have he with letters, him to

yesterday must longer a more been applied me, which the cause

the satisfaction it. M. de Valmont only his

I hasten with the this

to acquaint me or with or event and also

occupied edifying informed for future

his love; the the

he would of

retrieve I

faults, great

rather by

errors, Pre

youth. to

Anselme,

whom

direction, object of

in order

to contrive to be the the request

an interview of my

principal he had

which

I judge of

return I had

hitherto

retained,

in spite

made

the contrary. Doubtless, myself, it that repose? other if, I cannot but applaud this way and happy termination, for it. But cost and why felicitate needed lifes any this but to it,

as he states,

I am in any

responsible should

I should Could means

be the instrument, not than M. my that Him de Valmonts misery? it is not ceaselessly, love,

why

it have have been

me my by me

happiness my indulgent

secured forgive

Oh, mine

friend, the in

complaint! while conquer I

I know pray my to

to question and always

decrees vain, for

of God; strength prayed for

unhappy me without this

He lavishes utterly

it on one who abandoned I not father to we

has not

and leaves But his been

succor, guilty

to my that

weakness. the prodigal had son on never us Him, owe

let me stifle return obtained 11

plaint. favor

ic Do his we

know than ask had

more What

from have

the son who Him rights already complain who

absent? And

account it

from any that I dare

owes

nothing? what

even my

were own?

possible I boast and will for have

that

before I do but if I

had been

Could me,

of a virtue should

to Valmont? for his sake!

He No,

has saved my

how

suffer is the

sufferings needful must only

be dear him

to me,

if his to the

happiness common He me

price. The create penalty was him? Tis You

Doubtless, God this who

it was made him

to return His

Father. did not the it

cherished

handiwork. Tis to have for felt

charming

being

to be a reprobate. ought never I not

to pay since

of my

audacious me to love

imprudence; him, I ought

that, myself

forbidden

to have

allowed

to see

my

fault

or my witness,

misfortune my dear

that and

I held

out

too

long that

against I submitted failed

this to in to

truth. this being you pride,

are my

venerable its did

friend, but it.

sacrifice complete, that

as soon in that idea

as I recognized M. de Valmont at present,

necessity: not share

it just Shall

I confess Insufferable

it is this

which,

torments

me most?

which will

sweetens conquer all this

the

ills

we

bear heart,

by

the

thought accustom I have M.

of

those

we

inflict!

Ah,

rebellious this

I will that of

myself

to humiliations! to receive, hear

It is above on him Thursday tell me

to obtain next, the

result visit

at last

consented Then weak I shall of

painful I am upon

de Valmont. that effaced! the letters his no fear the

I shall and

himself I had

that made

nothing him

to him;

fugitive gaze own long give him; it is see him,

impression directed will make

is entirely while same

see his my so

toward

me

without my eyes.

emotion, Those

betraying he refused

me lower

which

to my them and given him will And make

repeated up to me trembling

requests as useless hands, by a hand

I shall things,

receive which this is firm forever; to me! so much

from have deposit and

indifference; further

he will interest will then will feel for that

my

receiving which

of shame, And which

to them depart not from

tranquil! eyes,

I shall follow

me ... depart look back for

and my

see his own been

I have

reserved allowing these

humiliation! me no with

Ah, the cares shame my which tears;

let

me,

at of I

least, my will them own my to I

use of it by Yes, preserve. the last

it to impregnate which on he

sentiment to of keep, reading and his

weakness.... religiously daily will soul. which one no until burn Oh,

letters,

longer the by

I will traces by of

impose them

myself

are effaced poison makes

as infected what is this

the

dangerous then, can if it

has even

corrupted the risks

love

us regret of feeling

it has exposed longer save inspires betwixt

us; if one it? misery virtue. still! forget Let or

be afraid this nay,

it still, which them

even leaves both:

when no let

us shun shame,

dire

passion, unites

choice prudence How far

often

at least away

replace

is Thursday and

Why at once

can I not its of it. object Alas! now? on his

this

instant its

consummate cause! This

the visit see I I

grievous troubles me

sacrifice, me;

and What If wish him; by his he to

I repent What are

of my we to

promise one him

need has

has he to me, faults;

again? him. him by

another even I will

offended his

forgive praise beguiled his What other? If you

I congratulate for it. I will errors,

repair I, who

do more, shall from either

imitate back does

and

have But, me forget care.

been since out? the

like

be brought me, of why

example. by seeking should sole

intention is most

is to flee urgent that for

he begin that

us, is it not henceforth, friend, task. If it

each

Doubtless will permit

is so; and that, my amiable

shall

be my

me, this

I will I have from

come need any to my

to you of

in order

to

occupy even alone of

myself

with

arduous not

succor, than Your

perhaps you. You

consolation, how

I will

receive me and

other heart.

know

to understand

to speak

precious

friendship for my me

shall to second

fill the my

my

whole that

existence. you my must virtue,

Nothing take and

shall

seem

too

difficult owe you to

care

of yourself. the fruit of it. I gather me blush, while cover It

I shall

tranquillity, be that, written

happiness, I shall

of your

kindness

me will I have the

at last, very

become

worthy

wildly, has in it

I think, unceasingly

in this

letter;

so, at least, writing. them is not If with from

from any the you

trouble

which occur of your

harassed I ought to

sentiments indulgence that I would my

at

which

friendship;

I rely

upon

it entirely. heart. days,

hide

any

of the movements friend. I hope,

of my

Adieu, my

venerable

in a few

to announce

the day

of

arrival. 25TH OCTOBER, 17 -- .

PARIS,

PART

IV

125 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL BEHOLD think HER VANQUISHED resist me! Yes, left THEN, my for friend, this proud woman mine who dared to

she could there too

she is mine, me. to

entirely;

since

yesterday I am amazed virtue Nay, still

is nothing full of my

her to grant to

happiness I have

be able

appreciate Can

it:

but then,

am that fall? Does at a

at the unknown enhances the value this

charm

experienced. even with

it be true, moment wives

of a woman puerile notion

at the very other old

of her tales. resistance

let

us relegate almost always And that

one not first Yet

encounter I found for,

a more

or less well-feigned the charm of

triumph? it is not

have

elsewhere all, of always

which had,

speak? this that and as I I

of love;

after

if I have weakness known

sometimes which how

with

astounding pusillanimous return believe shared would should to my it did, the

woman, id passion, principles. somewhat and by

moments I have Even farther intoxication now: and a sweet

resembled them me,

to overcome had carried if, for

if the scene than

of yesterday on; even

I counted which

a moment, illusion subsists. myself age, must

trouble

I caused, the pleasure Shall

that same

passing charm

be dissipated even find, not

nevertheless enough

I confess, cause by

in abandoning

to it, if it did like before Perhaps,

me some

anxiety. and it. already

I be dominated sentiment?

at my Nay: I

a schoolboy, all combat as far with of

an unknown

involuntary

it and understand goes, idea, I have at any with

as that this

caught

a glimpse fain have played one

of the cause! it true. the who her part had to it; more not I and

am pleased In the crowd

rate,

and I would I have never

women

whom

hitherto yet met

performed least even meet did

the

functions desire

of lover, to give calling

I had

at was

as much in the

herself those

as I had women

to persuade who did

habit

of

prudes others

no

than

me halfway, but imperfectly on was the

in contrast conceal

to so many the first with

whose they

provocative

defense

advances

had made. unfavorable and stories timidity, prejudice, of a spiteful by an with of aim

Here, which but

contrary,

I met

a preconceived by the advice and to extreme virtue

subsequently woman; an

strengthened a natural attachment to its different

clear-sighted

fortified by religion,

enlightened already conduct escape It is not two

modesty; years of by

directed finally, which

victory these

account; motives,

a vigorous all had for

course their

inspired from then, my

pursuit. other adventures, a mere capitulation, more or less

as in my

advantageous, a complete

whereof victory, by cunning

it is easier purchased

to take at the Tis seem

advantage cost not all of a

than hard

to be proud; campaign, then, that to me; and

it

is and this and I I

determined success, due

maneuvres. alone, which should

surprising, the more

to myself

precious

the excess feel still,

of pleasure is no more

I experienced

when

I triumphed, of the sentiment the humiliation the slave the

which

than

the sweet which

impression me from upon

of glory. of thinking

cherish that I

this can

point be that and in I

of view, any do

saves

manner not

dependent in giving myself me

whom

I of

have my

subjected; happiness; should These occasion; to such them do not and

possess of

alone the whole

plenitude energy of

that

the

power

pleasure

be reserved deliberate and you

to such reflections may that But rest

or such shall assured

a woman, regulate that play

excluding my conduct not

all the others. on this be important enchained and while read I break you then, studied to be

I will with already

let myself new

a degree will. know to what my

I cannot

always

these

bonds

at my yet

I am talking

to you

of my my

rupture, rights: folly. that

the means virtue

by which

I have when

acquired

learn

is exposed and

it seeks

to succor

so attentively able You chose to repeat will to

conversation to you the me two with with

the replies that

I obtained will delight

I hope

them

a precision of fair, letters and

you. mediator personage I the learned petty I

see from reconcile to reunite letter

copies my thing in had her the

enclosed what zeal tell the

ie what the you, fear the holy which and austere

employed from a

us. One

more usual

I must way:

intercepted quitted filled

humiliation prudence, which was were after

of being and had

somewhat and because for

disturbed head they you and with were

Puritans and ideas It

heart

sentiments not

nonetheless these

interesting

commonsense. that yesterday,

preliminaries,

necessary the day

to know, appointed

Thursday presented leave It was

the twenty-eighth, myself before with

settled

by the ingrate, slave,

I to

her in the quality victory. when

of a timid

and repentant

her crowned six oclock her door but

in the evening has been shut

I came

to the fair

recluse;

for

since when in this of to I

her return was

to everyone. knees did her had up no

She attempted not seat. allow She me

to rise

announced; she

her trembling

her to remain showed had

position: impatience, perform in

immediately the

resumed servant We to who filled waste

signs task

because the

introduced the interval when

some the

apartment. But, in order

with

customary were so upon there

compliments. precious, the scene

time, and

moments my

I carefully of my

examined I could

the locality; have

at once one more

eye fixed for

victory.

chosen

suitable,

was

an

ottoman of the lest all my

in

that

very and

room. I confess glance last, we

But that, in

I noticed with such

that,

facing

it,

was

a I the the

portrait was result question. After

husband; one

a singular should and

woman, destroy

afraid of

haphazard At

that left

direction alone

labors.

were

I broached

having her

explained, of the

in a few motives subject of

words, my

that visit,

the Pre if Anselme I complained of

must the

have severe which

informed treatment had would I had answer been

I had

been

to, and defended my

dwelt

particularly

on the scorn and, and her fear

displayed yourself, on

me.

She

herself, proofs

as I expected; on the distrust had etc. ensued,

as

you

expect inspired, my

I founded scandalous to receive have for this

which to

the even

flight them, been

which etc., very

refusal

letters, which

As she was I felt bound I covered made

commencing to interrupt it at so once

a justification her; with and,

would pardon so many heart,

easy,

to obtain If

brusque

proceeding, on, have

a flattery.

charms, the effect

I went

profound no less

an impression upon my soul. myself

on my Led

of so many by my desire you she for

virtues

has been them,

away,

no doubt, I do not my

to approach having

I dared

to deem but I am

worthy. for

reproach As

judged an

otherwise; embarrassed

punished

mistake.

maintained

silence, It was

I continued: my from wish, you Madame, pardon end, you for either to justify you myself suppose in your eyes, or to

obtain so that no more Here, My which therefore, fled? you? that,

the wrongs a certain refused

me to have days them.

committed; I attach

I can at least value since

with have

tranquillity, to embellish

to which

however, duty duty in did

she endeavored not permit did tender was And me.... not

to reply: And the her difficulty to finish that that of her completing phrase. me me I the lie

required, a more departure

permit tone: Is

resumed, you have from you was

it true And I

it is from you I have drive

My It

necessary. forever? the not

away to tell prude

must

be so. this short

must. voice

no need gentle

during

dialogue, were

of

the

oppressed, I judged rising all my with own. And

ig and that it my duty

her eyes to give

raised scene

to mine. a touch I then of animation; said, even restores more the thus, to me than you

this

languid

an air of vexation: Well, you yes, Madame,

Your

firmness,

we shall yourself surprised you have with

be separated at your at taken passion. this ...

think. of your

may

congratulate Somewhat resolution I resumed

leisure tone said

over of she. wished

success she the be

handiwork. to reply: of my The despair.

reproach, It is but me to

sought result

You

unhappy; I to desire

I will your

prove happiness,

that

you

have

succeeded And

even

beyond

your

hopes. began knees cruel no

she answered. emotion. dramatic Casting tone

the sound

of her voice on my Ah,

announce her,

a strong and in that Can can

myself, you for

therefore, know in

before one! share? that, support constant for in

which exist

is mine: which you

I cried. Where

any I find

happiness it away to from

me Ah, I had

have I

from this ill

you?

never,

never! much

confess on to the the

abandoning of tears; but,

myself either attention

extent,

counted

disposition, giving

or perhaps

owing

and

painful

I was

to everything,

it was

impossible

me to weep. I remembered good, and that that, in order to subjugate a woman, her all means are great and

Luckily equally change profound. terror; keeping feet, know rose

it would

be sufficient

to astound

by some favorable I my

of manner Thus, and for

in order for that, the

to produce sensibility changing Yes, As

an impression which the proved inflection I last

at once lacking, of make words,

substituted voice, vow eyes at and your I she had often became really while but loud

merely posture, or die.

in the same you

I continued, these

this our

to possess not with what

I uttered saw, escaped nothing rendered prolonged, far in from a low

met. but I

the timid air, true, of

creature and I did

or thought from to the

she saw, arm her: lively one with

in mine; which I had

a terrified her. that if It is

encircled remarked ridiculous, tragic she

retain in or too left

for

scenes they were

despair unduly very I added

a key only such

resources withdrew for rose; glances, air.

as I was from me,

wishing and

to take. ominous

However, whisper,

enough I then wild

her to hear and, after

me:

Well

then,

death! cast upon her, as if at random, for their

a moments were nonetheless

silence,

which Her

clear-sighted her heavy of her such except

and

observant the

distracted of all her

ill-assured the

attitude,

breathing, trembling

contraction all gave

muscles, proof

half-raised

position was

arms, to

sufficient but, were since, still

to me that nothing distance together.

the effect ever from It was

as I had at close it became

wished

produce: and we

in love, at some to draw

finishes one

quarters, necessary that I

another,

before passed, the

all things as soon effects This your

in order

to succeed

in this, capable

as possible, of so violent

to an appearance a condition, I am

of tranquillity, weakening

of calming

without very

its impression. my for wish your air: to live peace, for and

was

my

transition: and

miserable! it. I devote but

It was myself

happiness,

I have Then,

troubled with

I trouble me,

it too.... little

a composed,

constrained,

Forgive I know ill

Madame;

accustomed

as I am to the storms

of passion,

how

to repress

its movements. tis this be for the long

If I was last time. I the

wrong Ah,

to abandon be calm,

myself I

to

them, conjure

at least you! would tranquil fainter continued, letters? remains my

remember And, have during me

be calm, nearer. pray I. for to

speech, replied yes, be air,

insensibly frightened you, it is

drew fair, said not

If be

you more in a I

calm, well! effort

yourself. voice, with For for If

Ah, the

I promise at least came, them naught did

I added, long.

great, I

But, you your

a distraught sake,

I not, This

return sorrowful tend to my

mercys me

deign leave

to take me

back. which

sacrifice diminish pocket:

to perform; And, I, the drawing deceitful take it

may

courage. said me to

the

precious

collection of your

from

Behold, It bound

receptacle back from you

assurances me thus,

of friendship! yourself, the

life;

me.

Give

signal Here, M.

which my

must

separate mistress

me from gave way

forever.... to her tender and what concern: would Is it not led But, say? the you

timorous

entirely you, today are they which

de Valmont, the of step

what which own

is the matter you are

with

is it you one? same

Is not fruit

taking And

a voluntary not the duty

your

reflections? the inevitable that one But defend

which me own.

yourself Well, what put my

to approve then, is that?

course course

has made for my me Here

adopt? And can in this

I answered, The only

is responsible while it separates what any is it? way; and

which, answer herself how risking you

from

you, her

an end to my arms, nor did of

pain. she the

me, in

I clasped from

and, potent

judging was her you never

forgetfulness Adorable conception what to me be

proprieties said I,

strong a little

emotion: have know no to was they me! last heart.

creature, of the you love

enthusiasm, me; you dearer and have will this

which

inspire and how days which

in

an extent than

were May the prayer

adored, all

much be calm you

sentiment may from that to my the

existence! with sincere all

your

fortunate; ravished believe

adorned this

happiness

Reward sacrifice Farewell! While changed choking that

by a regret, will not

a tear be the

at least; most

which

I shall

make

grievous

I spoke

thus,

I felt of were her

her

heart I

throbbing saw, above in their retaining I answered. I must! or rather

violently; all, flow. that

I observed her tears not till

the were then listen to me;

expression her and yet

face; and

few

painful when, me, you,

It was

I resolved she said wish. last

to feign quickly. I must

departure; Leave flee from

me forcibly: You shall

Nay, listen

to me, it is my At As this

No, fell

she cried.... into my the arms. utmost

word still

she flung doubtful of

herself, so

swooning I feigned

I was

fortunate

a success,

alarm; originally return happy Thus which from

but,

alarmed fixed upon until

as I was, as the she

I led

her,

or

carried

her, and

to the

spot

had not her

field was

of my submissive

triumph; and

in truth

she did to

to

herself

already

abandoned

conqueror. far, will the my give true lovely you friend, pleasure, of that real you and war will you find, will I believe, see that as we me combat maneuvres to inspire him was then an a purity I departed often though who the of in method nothing so been do of

principles the

which, Judge to

have as

remarked, I had would choice confidence, I was able

strongly Frederic nothing positions in order add terror

resembles or but Turenne. temporize;

war. forced

1 I had ih by

enemy

scientific able

I obtained the enemy in his with

and of the field; the to more this easily feeling

I was to catch before

up with the fight

retreat;

to to

engaged;

I left

nothing

chance, and until had the

except certainty

in my

consideration

of a great

advantage in short, cover all that

in case of success, I did not engage all that but I I

of resources retreat,

in case by which

of defeat; I could

I had an assured previously at present, 2 Now expected for

and preserve one can do:

conquered. lest, what that tears a sort like

That

is, I believe, I may since. event and, if would

am of

afraid, Capua. I fully the

Hannibal,

be enervated

by the delights

has passed a great despair;

such and

not

be accomplished at first to the slight somewhat character

without more of the

customary and thus,

I noticed both these the

confusion prude:

of shrinking, concerning

I attributed myself with

without purely

differences, of

which

I thought thoroughly sentiment, last, less was

local,

I simply that,

followed

high

road

consolation, would assist which

persuaded and that I did from

as happens action But would

ordinarily, do more with

sensations than any

a single not

speech,

however, indeed displayed.

neglect.

I met

a really from

alarming under

resistance, which it

its excessive

character

than

the form

Imagine having eyes without but, if

a woman

seated,

of an immovable hearing, stream

rigor, nor of

and

an unchanging whose fall, I was by even

face; fixed

the air neither give issue to

of thinking, a continuous

understanding; tears, which while

however, speaking; the by most terror, not

an effort. I tried

Such

was her

Madame

de Tourvel, to me was and, by

to recall this

attention

a caress,

innocent gasping

gesture, for breath, word. were

apparent

apathy sobs

at once at intervals,

succeeded cries, but

convulsions,

with

an articulate These even cries was

resumed that

several I was

times,

and

always

more

loudly;

the for

last a

so violent

entirely

discouraged

by it, and

feared

moment

that

I had and, you

won

a useless their made and its

victory. number,

I fell found

back this At

upon one:

the And

customary you are in

commonplaces; despair woman because turned

among have

my her

happiness? face,

this still

word, rather Your

the

adorable had,

toward resumed can guess And

me; already my

although expression. are happy I joined grew and she, that

wild,

nevertheless, she said. You

celestial You me!

happiness! I redoubled and my tender down a hand and

answer. through all her

then?

protestations. speeches. languorously, which relieves You the may right While

happy

praises supple;

I was leaning

speaking, back to take: in I

her limbs armchair; said

she sank to idea me

yielding that

I had ventured me. judge and, success, before of my that, perhaps,

feel,

consoles

thus the at me to tender in

shown only first,

the one. with

way,

I no longer when

left

it;

it was fain

really a had same effects: support

So that, a certain but,

I would

attempt what this

second passed idea You my

I met, rendered

resistance, having

and

circumspect: my aid, I soon said

summoned its can favorable no longer you

happiness the except entirely on my

perceived to me, serve I to

are

right;

creature far as it

existence, myself meet,

so

may

render

happy. to you, and with

devote you this

to that: side,

from neither that

this with

moment, refusals

I give nor

myself

shall candor,

regrets.

It was and

naive

or sublime, my

she abandoned by participating for the first

to me her person in it. The time and mine swear I said. I was

her

charms, was

and

enhanced and left

happiness and to fall truth,

intoxication survived the love after make

reciprocal I only and,

complete; her arms the whole

pleasure. to her; we had an effort Ah, by And why that I

at her knees I believed left

an eternal And, obliged even to

to tell

what me, and

separated, in order are you of the hope I

the idea to distract not here But

of her never myself. at least I shall as letter. will time. mawkish what Do

to counterbalance lose settled You nothing the see that by happy

the charm waiting,

of the action that which and that, me to heavy occupy that you? in your of so? I

reward? may

is not

consider last affairs of my the But me? to

arrangement my word,

proposed

to you

in my my

I fulfill

as I promised give you a

you, portion and

be sufficiently Hasten then

advanced to where so long I should I do dismiss he

to enable your is, to

Belleroche, yourself you But only

leave me. answer tends

Danceny doing that then

with

are you you know And

in the country, like not submit will to scold forget anew lose that, to

do not

even

happiness once

indulgence. of your

entering little

more

the ranks

adorers, that

I must lover

fantasies.

Remember,

however,

the new

no whit

the former Adieu, P.S. Do

rights

of a friend. Yes, that adieu Prvan, my angel! after I send thee all the kisses has been Truly, success he is of love. obliged cruelly

as of old.... you know

his month of all commit, Paris

of prison, today.

to leave punished PARIS,

his regiment? for 29TH a sin which

It is the news he did 17 -- . not

and your

is complete!

OCTOBER,

126 MADAME I SHOULD DE ROSEMONDE REPLIED on my deprived to thank and I own last TO to letter THE you had these the less One PRESIDENTE before, not my amiable back my DE TOURVEL child, pains, if the

HAVE

fatigue have was me

consequent once more anxious nephew,

brought days news to

which arm. given sincere I

me during you was for no

last good

of the use of my which offer you you have my

most of my

eager

congratulations real saved effect of

on your Providence, Yes, my

account. by fair, your Him, have and

is forced the only was your

to recognize heart of one, to try and,

in this has you, in It is if

which, dearest when owe

touching God, who

also has spite not this the our

the other. you little not had

wished exhausted;

succored of your that

at a moment murmur, feel that to you

strength methinks, been that

thanksgiving. to you, been rights any

I do

it would you first, even,

more

agreeable had that not the has

resolution consequence sex would But which shipwreck You will will what

come

Valmonts speaking,

only of of

of it; have are

it seems better slight

humanly

the lose

been

preserved, considerations Does a

and we would in man view who of

them! objects from

these been

important been saved

have

obtained? that my and,

complain soon find, itself; would crime to

he has not dear even

had a choice that were that the to

of means? sorrow which forever easier have severity: but fine you which death, are, you and dread in its than for an not the me

daughter, if feel it

alleviate you for

subsist still

entirety, remorse me to

nonetheless and you contempt earlier which once

it was

to endure been useless love it could is

of yourself. with prudence this can only

It would apparent avoid, by its

speak

involuntary vanquish, absolute

sentiment and lack which, of hope.

born, last

dies

or from gives

It is this to tell who is

case, frankly

in which my

which

the courage one

and the right sick, and

you no

opinion.

It is cruel to aught

to alarm save as

hopelessly

longer

susceptible to enlighten him

consolations to the dangers

palliation;

ii but

it is right

a convalescent with which that may prudence still

he has incurred, and with

in order submission

to inspire

of which necessary Since and you that

he has need, to him. choose I tell and you which with

to counsels

be

me for that

your the

physician, little

it is as such which

that you

I speak

to

you, at in

indisposition some which

experience is nothing

present, comparison Next, will

perhaps

demands malady friend that from

remedies, your and

the alarming as the to add

recovery virtuous

is assured. woman, you, I

as your permit

friend, myself

of a reasonable this passion, which

has

subjugated

already I am perhaps many to

so unfortunate believe what

in itself, is and told who,

became me, my

even

more

so through whom

its object. I

If love, to

nephew, unites for

I confess

to weakness, attractions, is not and I

indeed, danger

many

laudable there

qualities

without

women; price have

are women their seduction him. so many hopes have

whom and Never, others been this

he has wronged, their ruin. Indeed, was

he sets almost believe a person with far that more

an equal you may

upon

converted but

doubtless, have

there

worthy

to do this:

flattered that

themselves I love better

the same to think

thought, you

and their not

deceived, resource. Consider have your had own

should

be reduced

to

now, to run, peace

my

dearest will

fair, have,

that

instead

of

the

many of your been

risks

you

would and cause this is,

you

besides

the repose of having

conscience

of mind,

the satisfaction For

the principal but that that a in you you

of Valmonts in large of part,

happy the

reformation. of your part might

myself,

I do not resistance, my nephew, think

doubt and

result

courageous have left

moment eternal will find

weakness I love your you

on your to think first

perhaps,

error. in that

so, and desire

to see you

the same; for loving

consolations, within and

and I, fresh a few days, calm all, my

reasons amiable

more. have where you of her

I expect announced. you have had

here Come

daughter, in the same

as you spot that

recover above the word

and

happiness with her, your

lost

it; come, kept

to rejoice gave

fond

mother unworthy

so happily

you

to do nothing

or of yourself! AT THE CHTEAU DE ... , 3OTH OCTOBER, 17 -- .

127 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT IF I HAVE have that not you not NOT replied to your it is quite in common it in oblivion: to you the plainly had has Now, ideas what it letter simply sense. but, of the 19th, that it put Vicomte, it is not that and could I

had the time; it lacking than to leave

me in a bad humor, therefore, come take back my that I

I found do better appear

I thought, since you and

to it, since silence for

cling tell

contains, I think.

consent, I may whole thought of it,

I must sometimes seraglio; you you to in By

have but it

the pretension never suited when

to replace me to

in my

single

person of one. ignorant have fancy

a I

make can

a part ij

knew will me. order

this. easily

at least, how to

you

no longer proposal and

be

imagine I am

absurd sacrifice with you!

your a fancy, And

must a fresh myself the

appeared moreover, what favors from Tourvel way?

I indeed! to occupy my

myself turn, like

to occupy slave, for

in

awaiting Highness!

a submissive you want the

sublime

of Your that

When, which you

forsooth, the

a moments celestial you

distraction Madame de of

unknown has alone

charm made

adorable, or Ccile, should come

experience,

when

are

afraid idea you:

compromising, it is your

in the eyes good even but pleasure

of the seductive that you she will

the superior preserve of of

which then, less

condescending keen although You, in truth,

to myself, without rare, will, in your

in search your for

pleasures,

consequence; nevertheless, good for opinion

and suffice

precious my happiness! but,

bounties,

somewhat

certainly, equally

are rich

of yourself: I may this look

apparently, I cannot but

am not find warn I

so in modesty; to such others that of

however Perhaps

at myself,

myself you in

reduced I have many

a point. also. believing

is a fault

of mine;

have,

especial, who

that me,

the and

schoolboy, sacrifices it has been

the to me, satisfied,

mawkish without who,

Danceny, making in

is solely

occupied passion, loves years, to add

with even at his

a merit loves for all

of it, a first me as one

before age, my

a word, you, even

may

work

more and my

effectively pleasure. him an

than I will

his twenty myself not

to secure that,

happiness my whim

permit

if it were rate not

to give

assistant, And well equally politeness, for be

it would what none: cause

be you, do you caprice exclusion.

at any

at this to begin make I am

moment. with, me quite It seems there prefer willing, to me might you very could out that of you

reasons, for your you the

ask me? which

But, might

However, of my

to give

the

reason

opinion.

would grateful believing from in any I should inform your Adieu, account above sure

have for

too them, you

many

sacrifices would my

to not debtor!

make fail to You

me;

and

I,

instead be far

of capable

being of are

as you were

expect, quite

might see that, come

that other

still fashion

as we

each

in our

of thinking, that it might

we cannot need time,

together time,

again before I will keep

manner: change you.

and I am afraid my sentiments. believe

a long

When me, better of old, relegated to wait then,

I am

converted,

I promise and

Until you

then, have

make

other

arrangements, of them! took minor yes,

kisses;

so many But not willing

occasions it seems me until

to dispose to me, entirely I had you to said

... more and, being adieu

as of old, of all, of my me; you

say you? you had quite

a little parts; before also

were

consent. I bid you M.

Be satisfied adieu

if instead

of bidding

you

as of old, Your AT

as at present.

servant, THE

le Vicomte. DE ... , 31 ST OCTOBER, 17 -- .

CHTEAU

128 THE PRESIDENTE RECEIVED me on the DE TOURVEL TO MADAME your had DE tardy still ROSEMONDE reply. been in It my would own You longer it by his vaunt

I ONLY have hands; see that

YESTERDAY, instant, if my

Madame, existence that you less

killed but I of All or

another hide your that his

is its nothing

possessor, from you.

and If even

other must to lose by M. of state

is M. consider

de Valmont. me no

worthy guile. death myself You have believe, can not ever have

friendship, I can tell you

I fear is that,

it than

to retain between I neither

placed in favor

de Valmont latter.

happiness, nor accuse

I resolved myself; after the able

the

on this, will made easily

I simply this, severe to give

the fact. your it contains. in me, It is not when nor that letter Do that I that and must not it do I

understand, me, that with it was

what truths birth

impression which

upon

however, cause cruel

to a regret

me to change moments: endure my but

in sentiment when my heart

or in conduct. is most torn,

I fear

can no longer all vanishes It is to your have ruined

torments,

I say to myself: it converts devoted the life one

Valmont all into

is happy;

before nephew myself. my

this

idea,

or rather I have become as my

pleasures. it is for him that my it I

then He

that has

myself; center of

my

thoughts,

sentiments, will

actions. to me,

As long and hear my

is necessary

to his happiness, If someday nor and reproach. I have he I thinks

be precious

I shall from

deem

it fortunate. complaint moment;

differently already on my You lest

... he shall dared course. how M. to cast

me neither upon that fatal

have

eyes

resolved

see, now, one day have

little

I need

be affected ruin what shall my me:

by the for,

fear

you

seem wish

to for

have, that, to have if he

de Valmont to love hear?

should me; He and

ere he can be vain judge. shall As

he will me lived

ceased not

will

then

reproaches I shall and

which but

I shall for him,

alone that

be my memory

it will that

be in him him, in

repose; justified. the

is forced You losing have

to admit now

I loved Madame,

I shall my

be sufficiently I preferred of rendering this word upon

read, by

heart. to that

misfortune unworthy confidence would be

of

your

esteem

my

frankness

myself

of it by the degradation to the lead kindness you

of a lie. have that shown I have justice your

I thought me. the To

I owed add one

complete more

to on

you

to suspect

vanity

to count to pretend

it still,

when,

the contrary, I am with PARIS,

I do myself respect, Madame,

in ceasing most

to it. servant.

humble

and obedient

1ST

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

129 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL TELL and ME banter THEN, which MY lovely in friend, your whence last letter? it, comes Pray, which the tone of crime you in bitterness have such ill I

prevails

what put

committed, humor? before in the You I had case save

apparently reproach obtained of everybody

without me with it: but

suspecting having

the air that

of counting might between sentiment I did

on your seem you

consent

I believed never when

what

presumption and me, for

could and In since

be taken, has that

aught

confidence: or to love? which and of my

done but we

detriment to as no the near more has it is to us. an the

to friendship natural impulse

uniting us ever for I

hope place the

to desire, the

yield seek was

makes you

happiness of pride well you also it

to us as possible; than the result

took

effect

what that

eagerness. a respectful and

know doubt: I was were

mighty but

custom that to me,

introduced but a form, that

in such a mere these even, is far of love. come for from that

a case

know

protocol;

authorized, no longer

seems

believe Methinks, old relish does me: you That, imagine woman could yourself, reduced a faithful

minute that this

precautions free and

necessary

between on

frank

method, flattery

when which which

it is founded so often I find which still for

liaison, out but but, judge

preferable Perhaps, that

to the insipid moreover,

takes

the value

in this

manner to see

which

I attach it would

to the happiness be more painful

it recalls me to

very

cause,

of it otherwise. is the you world you tell me, a point. But that for only error have which thought I am seriously to to and it, and drawn you, conscious that and, You not only of; there even have found that for I do not any that I at

however, that in the

could

existed less,

whom so ill in this

I could as you

prefer feign

appreciate you

believe. you have

looked yourself you with so? that of it

connection, believe not

to such mirror.

I well you very for

it proves

have more

could I was

have

the conclusion, judged you however,

ease and justice, I seek due, in vain more At

certain strange I have your which little by takes

not

to have

a cause to the

this

idea. permitted

It seems, myself of picking use But of

is

or less, least celestial, de Tourvel

praises it, from

to make out the

other

women. adorable, Madame these

I infer

affectation I made Volanges. chance of the of than

epithets of that less in very

seductive, or of often account oneself the used one at

in speaking are you not

to you aware are situation at the

words, of

more the

from than

reflection, of the if,

expressive which one

person speaking?

finds

the

time

And

moment nonetheless both

when

I was

keenly of you;

affected if

either you renew find

by

one

or

the

other,

was over

desirous since,

I showed not

a marked our former

preference liaison,

of them;

in short,

I could

except for

to the prejudice reproach. It will be with it does who no

of the two

others,

I do not

in that

so great

a matter

more

difficult you seem that

for

me

to

justify

myself

as to

the for, it is

un known to begin

charm with, Ah, alone wish

which not

to be also it is stronger

somewhat from the the

shocked: fact that

result give

unknown. which I did I had you but not

could how

it the

palm ik always that not

over fresh, it

delicious

pleasures keen?

know to tell

to render

as they was of

are always a kind a class know

you, before, today, it.

therefore, but that, I shall I did

which

experienced what and trivial As You with have for I repeat

pretend it may more

to assign

to it; and I added how to combat this

whatever bring even

be, I shall zeal

to conquer task the

to this,

if I can

see in

a homage little not Ccile, forgotten and upon thought pleasure

to be offered I think that

to you. necessary request to speak that of her to you.

it hardly it was

have the

at your

I charged of her. even,

myself I may for a one in

child,

I only her

await

your

permission and because,

to be rid

remarked have takes

ingenuousness

freshness; in a more but,

I may

moment, always any And for way now, me,

her seductive, in ones own

or less degree, she is not her. first

handiwork; to fix ones

assuredly, upon to your confidence the severe

of sufficient my lovely

consequence friend, and

attention justice,

I appeal

to your

kindness which has which me all but for for the a a

to the long

perfect between how but

friendship, us: have it will word, detain into

the entire I deserved be for and you you will

since you it

welded adopt with you and I will

the bonds me? like! all But Say

tone

easy one will and

to compensate see for I will are, that whether a day, prove you

when

charms minute. thousand

the seductions fly to your and feet

me here, arms, that

not and

your

to you will ever

times,

in a thousand of my heart.

manners,

you

be the true Adieu, PARIS, my

sovereign lovely

friend;

I await

your

reply

with

much

eagerness.

3RD

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

130 MADAME AND do you us? Is WHY, seem it to DE MY ROSEMONDE DEAREST fair, TO THE PRSIDENTE you cease DE TOURVEL child? Why

would all

to be my will what you

to announce punish or do you heart too which me

to me that for not me

correspondence guessed pained it can

cease

between all I

having of having that

was willfully? thus of

against Nay, mine. to me

probability; know pain, your

suspect well your to

believe

think less

The than

therefore,

letter

caused

me is far

relative

to yourself! O my being was youthful loved truly that delicate which friend! ever I tell love it you should with make has so sorrow: you not you are far Ah! what too worthy of who very to

happy. found

woman in know this how

and promised

sensitive her

misfortune Do men

sentiment appreciate Tis not

much

felicity!

the woman that many even

they

possess? honorable these, not how in their few actions, know dear same know how child, and constant in their in is

are not among Do they to it;

affections: unison like they that our bring delicate with

but, our

to put that

themselves their often love

hearts!

suppose,

my the

own. more

Indeed, ardor

experience but they

intoxication, that tender The that anxious and mans which

even

do not

eagerness, cares lies

solicitude

which object

causes is ever

in us those the single womans little aim. in

constant pleasure she

of which in the

the beloved which so

happiness difference, il influence is ever them.

he feels, and

the so

bestows. a very of to with often and by

This

essential on the sum

noticed,

has, conduct.

however, The is,

sensible the one

of their desires;

respective that of the

pleasure

to

gratify with

his

other

especially, whereas, are so

arouse her, it

To please, itself.

him,

is but

a means with

to success; women

is

success

And else its than

coquetry, the abuse In is in

which

reproached, that very

is nothing fact proves

of this that

manner

of feeling, taste, a

reality. love,

short, the

exclusive but

which

particularly serving would

characterizes at the most but not

man which, while

naught

preference, object profound which, them it to

to enhance would only and not

a pleasure destroy;

perhaps, women

another it is a

diminish, which than only

in

sentiment, stronger experience that And quote, pleasure do not

destroys removed and

every from

extraneous its dominion, very

desire, allows

but

nature,

repugnance be born. that more

disgust

at the

point

where

seems

should deem

or less

numerous these general

exceptions, truths.

which They from

one

might

can successfully voice,

contradict which

are guaranteed inconstancy im

by the public

has distinguished

infidelity

for

men

alone; and women

a distinction which, who for are

by our its them fair, the

which sex,

they

prevail been

when adopted all

they save

should by

be those good

humiliated, depraved which I had they

has never and

shame, from that

to whom

means of their

seem

hope my

can save dearest to

the painful it might

feeling

baseness. these with which which

thought, to

be of use to you ideas of perfect the it, lying the that

to have

reflections which one love still

oppose fails even

chimerical our

happiness spirit, loss are to of

never

to abuse when the This only

imagination: to abandon too your can

clings and

forced sorrows, task one it is

and

irritates from their

multiplies passion! is the

already

real,

inseparable

a lively number,

of alleviating I would to of the you or

pains,

or of diminishing moment. can a In be sick

fulfill alone

at this that that

disorders applied. person another? hearts, may But

without The is not Let and only

remedy thing

regimen is to pray, to

advice to pity

I ask him. the Who right

remember that Him any alone

to blame us leave dare

are we, to that, judge

of us should who reads of

blame in our

I even

believe

in His

paternal

sight,

a host

virtues

redeem I conjure

a single you,

weakness. my dear friend, are less that, own part guard a proof yourself of above strength another it they is not all than possessor in your from of of power those entire your to and

violent

resolutions

which do not

discouragement: existence, deprive will to your

forget your

in rendering

employ friends

expression, of it which

of the

previously

possessed

never my that

cease dear you

to reclaim. daughter; will ever think sometimes above of your all else, affectionate the object mother, of her and

Adieu, believe thoughts. AT THE

be, and

dearest

CHTEAU

DE

... , 4TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

131 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT TIS than you would Have motive form WELL the last; that, for DONE, but you VICOMTE, now, as for let us talk myself, and I am better friendship, pleased and which with I hope you you to this time

in all

convince to desire

the arrangement

appear

be a veritable you of not the yet union between less

piece remarked of

of madness. that two and by pleasure, sexes, that, the does which not, is, in effect, the suffice sole to

the them;

nevertheless,

a liaison

if it is preceded disgust and love: which does

by the desire repels? one too have Tis

which of one if side. much of

attracts, nature wills? one The being loving, but to

it is no which Yet love one

followed can

a law

alone

change; and

it when

needs

it ever; that been

it would suffices less derives

be really

embarrassing, only on one without happiness keen sets

had

not

discovered has thus

it happily rendered the of the one

if it exists half,

difficulty lost the

by one pleasure

even the less that

thereby; other is

in fact, from that

from

pleasing, pleasure

which of

is a little deceiving;

indeed, up an

which

added

equilibrium, But You tell me,

and everything Vicomte, the story We shall they which

is arranged. of us two sharpers, said We will undertake who they, had to deceive each the other other? while of the their

know

of the two make nothing,

recognized let best which us divide follow,

playing: cards; prudent elsewhere. To my prove own,

the cost believe me,

and

gave and

up the not lose

game. time

example,

together

we can so well

employ

to you and the that

that

in this

I am

influenced from ill

as much humor

by nor

your

interests I do each but

as not of that But

I am acting agreed

neither upon

caprice, that doubt

refuse us will

you

price

between night;

us: I feel and

perfectly even

suffice know

to the other too well that

for how

one

I do not

we should do not sweet You

to adorn

it, not

to see it end with to happiness;

regret.

let us forget be our illusion, I am right

this

regret

is necessary that turn,

and,

however

let us not meeting you for,

believe in my after all,

it can be lasting. and even before the first to it, you have of yet the

see that

set yourself celestial you have

with however,

me:

I was you a

to have still

letter or

prude;

whether conditions would

because of

cling which

because you, received

forgotten less than

the you

bargain me I

interests I have the she is

perhaps, nothing, Puritan

fain Yet, else

have unless

believe,

absolutely must write

nothing. frequently;

make

a mistake,

tender alone?

what

would

she do when

Surely wish,

she has not some slight

wit

enough

to distract to make you;

herself? but

I could

have, over in my

then, in last

did silence, letter.

reproaches of a little it only for

I pass them perhaps, one it request

in consideration Now, Vicomte,

temper for

that

I showed,

remains your sake

me to make as my own; but

of you, a

and

this

is again which think, find risk: closely already present lavish sacrifice more Do

as much I desire,

is to the

postpone of which

moment must, not some more He is at I a far I

perhaps, until my

as much return here; jealousy

as you, to town. and, on

date

be deferred the for necessary it needs than driven that ever

On the one hand, the other, this only I should

we should incur

freedom but a little side,

to attach he now order

tedious holds me; into

Belleroche by a thread.

to my

although in

to exert I put But

himself

to love

to such the this render

a degree which not charm be

as much at the to you!

malice same time

as prudence you can

caresses would the

on him.

see that will

to make

A reciprocal

infidelity

potent. you know when I regret sometimes that we are reduced it was loveI to these was resources! and In you,

the days Vicomte! return? require which, you?

we lovedfor why be longer you will,

I believe

happy; which First, not

... But Nay,

concerned such

with

a happiness

cannot I should and to in fix spite I

say what which,

a return you could and

is impossible. not or would how with

sacrifices like Oh,

assuredly, not

make,

enough,

I do not

deserve; occupy

then,

is it possible the idea; from and,

no, no. I will which you

even

myself

of the pleasure far prefer Adieu, AT THE

I derive abruptly.

at the present

moment

writing

to you,

to leave

Vicomte. CHTEAU DE ... , 6TH NOVEMBER, 17 -- .

132 THE PRSIDENTE TOUCHED, myself entirely DE TOURVEL TO WITH were I not it. Why time that MADAME your DE ROSEMONDE to me, I sort would from I see of it it!

DEEPLY abandon accepting

MADAME, to it,

kindness in

prevented must

some

it by the fear I feel

of profaning at the same to express virtue whose

it be that,

while worthy I will

to be so precious, Ah! above I will all at least that

I am no longer my gratitude; knows our

venture

to you

admire to strong

indulgent them, hearts, deserve and

which potent

only

frailties and

compassionate an empire But can I over still

charm

preserves

so soft

even

by the side

of the charm which no I feel

of love. longer suffices worth, but I for my

a friendship of your

happiness? follow them.

I say the same And it at this they them! how far how

counsels: believe if men

their

cannot when I to

should

I not Yes, be

in a perfect are such then violence

happiness, say, is

experience shun them,

moment? to

as you Valmont

we ought so far

deserve If, like

hated;

but

from you friend! I owe love as I He

resembling call You it to ardor, talk love, nephew, I love

them,

he has that by his take the

of passion delicacy. in my its did than

which

it is surpassed my troubles; does

excessive then,

O my

of sharing and how you

a part, object Ah,

happiness; value! but know You

greatly

enhance if you less errors; more

your do! may, but feels You never

say,

perhaps,

foolishly. and, even

him

him

with have knew

idolatry, been true it. this our is one

so, far

he deserves.

doubtless, who ever

led astray

by certain What

he admits can

it himself; He

love

as he does?

I say to you?

it as he inspires will fails think that

of those but, when

chimerical in that

ideas case, why

with

which he

love have I

to abuse tender, before,

imagination: ardent, in him

should

become will rarely the since

more

more I found

he has nothing of reflection, me,

further

to obtain? which

confess,

an air

of reserve, in spite me

abandoned cruel he and has of we for

him, false been his were

and which

often which

reminded had himself all been

of myself, of him. to

of But, the Who not me to he the really

impressions able heart, not being to

given

abandon

without the If if

constraint of mine.

movements knows reserved die, adore render happiness attaches. then, him. if

he seems born for

to guess each other!

desires

this

happiness

was let

me,

of

necessary to an end. he cease And is the

to his! But no; me?

Ah,

it is an illusion, to live

before Why

it comes should than me?

I am fain What my the which own only

to cherish, could that

to love

other

woman

happier one Yes,

I feel, strongest

from tie,

experience, one which love,

arouses it is this

delicious

sentiment

ennobles

which

purifies such Adieu, would promised you wish

it in some as Valmonts. my write dear, to

sort,

and

makes

it worthy

of a tender

and

generous

soul,

my you

venerable, at greater

my length: other at

indulgent here is

friend. the

It hour me.

is in

vain

that he

I has But

at which Forgive great

to come, me support 7TH

and

every and,

thought this

forsakes it is

me! that I

happiness, it.

moment,

so

can

scarcely PARIS,

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

131 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL WHAT, I would please I permit of me energy? that THEN, not you? you of late, MY LOVELY for you, know the friend, reward and Pray, are those of sacrifices which you deem be to to

make Let

which,

however, to offer have my make!

would them you

me only

them,

if I hesitate what you opinion doubt not

you,

to refuse if even

the homage. in your

conceived or my then,

indulgence not And

sentiments You think,

Sacrifices

which and

I would

or could you

I am in love

subjugated? which

suspect

me of having Ah, thank Yes, Heaven, I will

attached I am it to that,

to the person not you, yet reduced even if you

the price to that, it should can have

I set upon

success?

and I offer be

to prove de

it to you. Tourvels

prove After

at Madame doubt.

expense.

assuredly, I have time met befell, great almost days longer And

no further without

been

able,

I believe, who

compromising the merit dead more

myself,

to devote that

some is rarely

to a woman with.

has, at least, moreover, the myself

of being at and,

of a sort which even this

Perhaps, me

season to it; it is not

adventure when it the

caused current entirely since with never

to abandon

now, that

has scarcely occupy the was

begun me. fruits But of

to flow, remember, three

surprising that it

should eight dallied ...

please, labor. had not

is scarce often

I culled what did you you I will

months and

I have cost

of much

less

value from

me so much!

draw like tell

a conclusion to know you.

it to my cause

prejudice. I am bringing at first to trouble of my power to she it: in is

Besides, bear upon

would it?

the true woman and

of the zeal

This

is naturally this doubt

timid; sufficed

doubted so much this not To

incessantly so that

of her

happiness, just

I am only it was

beginning I was think. pleasure these, than

to see the extent curious to know;

direction. so readily begin else; us, with,

Yet

a thing may

and the occasion

offered for in are our best.

as you many the

women of

is always the mere he who

pleasure, title with

and which

never they whose

aught adorn activity he who

and we

sight more and

whatever factors,

never merit,

commissioners, does the most is

is all does

among

whom

always

In another lover, robbed more or

class,

perhaps

nowadays carried

the most him off

numerous, from a rival, entirely:

the celebrity the fear we count, they obtain; to of

of the being indeed, but it

the pleasure of him less, more

of having absorb

in turn, for

the women in the kind than

almost of

something

enjoyment person:

depends

on the

circumstances

on the

it comes

them

through I needed, sensitive only started (and

us and not then, woman, for

from the who

us. purposes made love of my observation, affair, following whom from and to find who a delicate itself road, for and saw ever

her sole far from

in love

her lover; from I do not and the

whose heart

emotions, to reach

the common I have seen,

the day),

senses; rise

instance in was candor, her to

speak a

of the first later Last, by

the moment in this would Now this you one, a

of enjoyment word which

despair, responsive grown

moment soul.

recover

pleasure unite to all which heart. failing

to her

she must of of

that not

natural permit admit,

insurmountable the are rare; met least and

force

habit, her that, not and why

dissimulate women perhaps, should makes pleases engaged, value

sentiment I dare

will

such never,

believe It should another; happy,

I should

have hold her me

another. than

be surprising if the trouble should to me? I refuse But,

therefore, that it, I take

that with

she her as it is the

me longer happy, instead

perfectly of being that

especially the Nor

disagreeable the heart this

because not.

mind will

does

it follow

is caught? adventure

Certainly prevent

which

I admit or even to such

I set upon from an sacrificing extent

me from one.

embarking

on others, I am free

it to some that I have so

more not

agreeable

even Her my

neglected mother

the brings

little her a

Volanges, back little Can then those it? Ah,

whom,

nevertheless, days; and a few

I hold yesterday

cheap. I assured

to town money you they whom you

in three

communications; did the business. And

to the porter, that

compliments never thought

to his wife, of this On know days, the

conceive tell

Danceny love

simple contrary, to defend

method? it

us that it enslaves.

creates not

ingenuity! I, then, in a few

stupefies from the it;

Shall

how

myself to weaken

may too

be easy. lively division

Already,

I am about

impression, and,

perhaps, will ready think not

which

I have

experienced, them. schoolgirl you

by

dividing

if a simple

do, I will the

multiply little

I shall lover any

be nonetheless as soon as you

to restore proper.

to her have no this

discreet longer signal me. be

It seems I consent

to me that to do poor for

motive Tis

for

preventing

it; and

Danceny

service. He is,

in truth, in

the least the

I can do in return anxiety I calm to him,

those

he has done he will of my his

at present, at Madame him

greatest

discover

whether

received by on with Ccile. or two

de Volanges; in one and, way in the

to the utmost I will contrive

power,

assuring an early the

that,

or another, meantime,

happiness myself of his one

occasion;

I continue to resume and I shall, have on

to charge the arrival

correspondence I have already before six

which letters

he means from The him,

certainly, mighty little

have

more

the happy

day.

lad must

to do!

But

let us leave myself a doubt have but

this

childish

couple with the

and sweet

return hope

to ourselves, your not letter

so that gave you for me.

may Yes,

occupy without it. Pray,

exclusively you I ever never Our will

hold

me,

and I would

pardon Our only

doubting been of our

ceased

to be constant our pretended our in interests disillusion, say with

to you? rupture was

bonds

have

relaxed, imagination. Like the

broken; sentiments, who after

an error

remained I will

nonetheless confess that I

united. deserted

traveler to run strange

returns hope;

happiness The Please, restores different comparable delicious Adieu, pray my you, more

and will

dHarcourt: more . in the the sentiment, pleasures, none shall which in of them find our is

lands no and,

I saw, longer after

I loved the

my country or tasted rather all

then, you

oppose to me;

idea,

having

courses, with still. charming

let us enjoy that which

the happiness we had of old,

of feeling and which

that we

more

friend. forget

I consent how greatly

to await I desire

your it.

return;

but

hasten

it,

and do not 8TH

PARIS,

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

134 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT TRULY, say once you VICOMTE, and to YOU whom A bare not ARE one idea like can which the children, show nothing before because upon of it to whom they which you, one cannot would I warned take it, your whole to if you to at

a word, lay even hold that

of it! I was

comes

to me,

settledbecause my attention

I speak

you

advantage and to

of it to recall make me, in

to it when in

I am seeking spite me of

to forget in the

a measure,

participate, pray, you you

myself,

headstrong burden myself, you were of the

desires! prudence

Is it generous, alone? I tell

to leave again, and

to support it more

repeat

often Even do ready

arrangement all not

which

suggest you also,

is really display or that

impossible. moment, be

to include that I have

the generosity my delicacy be harmful that

at this

suppose accept Now

I should

sacrifices is it not which existed: What, (for I

which true,

would Vicomte, you

to your are

happiness? an illusion It is love, but you me), you prove as to or the love a

you

under

sentiment has never thousand. yourself ascribe

attaches you for believe

to Madame

de Tourvel? fashions, subterfuge with

deny

it in a hundred of to be that sincere you one Ah,

it in toward

instance, you

employ makes nor never you imposes have

which

you

to curiosity this

the desire woman?

which not happy? that. with

can neither say that if you you

conceal had that,

overcome made have any but a

of retaining other poor woman memory!

Would

happy, Nay, and

perfectly it is not

doubt your

Quite bad

simply,

heart but

on your great

intelligence, interest Thus, suppress nevertheless, retained Madame sensitive and such in not while all

is rewarded deceived your which

arguments: am not which

I, who satisfied. you

being remarking the that,

by them, politeness, you

so easily has had

made displeased of it,

rigorously me, I saw,

words

imagined taking

perhaps ideas. Tis but

without true, it is

notice

you

nonetheless the celestial and woman that you more be love,

the same de

it is no longer an astounding

the adorable, woman, in short It is the so be it: you would a

Tourvel; even

delicate a rare

woman, that you

to the exclusion never is not have the

of all others; met another. Well, that you certain finding

would which it before,

same but,

with since

unknown had likely never to

charm, found find it

strongest. to believe the loss are

it is easy future, Either and

would incur

be no would of

in

the

nonetheless Vicomte, Rest

irreparable. or we must that this

these all hope

symptoms any. temper.

renounce time

of ever

assured

I am

speaking

to you

without

have

promised become let

I will

no more

indulge Believe Only one which

in it; I recognized me, do

too

clearly than

that

it might and

a dangerous

snare. with that.

let us be no more justice to my need

friends, in

us be content yes, from my

courage

defending to

myself: refrain

courage;

for

has sometimes one feels you to my

of it, if it be only

taking

a course

to be a bad one. opinion by persuasion sacrifices the word which exact indeed, at your to that I I am

It is only, going exact, for I

then,

in order the you sure

to bring

to answer and am which very

question could that,

you not in

put

as to the I employ you being you

should

make. a

expressly, find refusal, me I

moment, Far from with

will, annoyed that

overexacting: shall thank

so much you perhaps, for it.

the better! Come,

it is not do so. my

I care

dissimulate,

although, I would Madame woman, the alone charm

I had need

exact de merely

thenobserve Tourvel should such

cruelty!that no more you

this to

rare, you not in What

this than

astounding an ordinary yourself; it is love

become

a woman you

as she is: for find the in

must exists

deceive us, I and now

which so as me, it

think

to

others

which

embellishes may be, you

beloved

object.

require, effort in to

impossible promise words. Nor Ccile, all. until my is

would, but

perhaps,

make put

a grand no faith

to swear only even you

it even; be convinced

I confess,

I should tenor The

empty

I could that which

by the whole be capricious.

of your sacrifice not

conduct. of care the little at

all: offer

I should me with

so good

a grace,

I should this I should

about service to

I should fresh empire,

ask you, orders or

on the contrary, part, whether

to continue because or more

troublesome like thus suffice

on my more

abuse me to that

that,

indulgent without

just,

it would your would

dispose

of your I would that

feelings, fain

wishing and my myself you. become and than not makes

to thwart orders obliged For

pleasures. be very you;

Be rigorous! and

as it may, Tis true

be obeyed; think reward would

then

I should even to

to thank I

who

knows? shorten should must

Perhaps an absence see you remember

instance,

should to me. In

assuredly short, you of an I

which

insupportable see you

again, this

Vicomte, is no more

I should

... how?

... But

a conversation, be the only me a little were; my

a plain

narrative it.... at quote them: inclined

impossible Do you

project, know exactly laws, and that

and I would my lawsuit my

one to forget uneasy?

I wanted, indeed, call almost

last, me but I to I the

to know sundry cannot regret reflect

what

prospects all many and

advocates, io as they I am I am ir

above

authorities, justice in

see so much that that I declined the

reason the

them.

compromise. iq is skillful,

ip However, the advocate

reassured eloquent,

when and

attorney

plaintiff would would This

pretty.

If

these

three

arguments the whole for ancient thing

were course

to be of of affairs;

no

more and

worth,

it then,

be necessary become lawsuit

to change

what,

of the respect is now the

customs? which retains He me here. That it of this him

only

Belleroche evenings his for

is finished: ball;

nonsuited, the regret return

costs is divided.

is regretting I will grievous restore

it is indeed liberty on my

of the unemployed! to town. I make he finds particulars this in it.

complete him, but

sacrifice

am consoled write at least DE

by the generosity to me often. for The

Adieu,

Vicomte; me,

of your

pleasures

will

recompense AT THE

in part,

the tedium NOVEMBER,

I undergo. 17 --

CHTEAU

... , 11TH

135 THE I AM able. PRSIDENTE ENDEAVORING Ah God! When me DE TOURVEL TO I write TO to you, of my MADAME without last letter, yet DE ROSEMONDE if I shall my of my excessive despair to feel be

knowing which

think from

happiness which my

prevented

continuing! which leaves

It is the me only

thought strength

overwhelms

me now,

enough

sorrows,

and deprives

me of the power loves me, me,

of expressing he has never me, outrages

them. loved me. me. All and Love does

ValmontValmont not and him Do vanish thus.

no longer He deceives that come! that this can

betrays

misfortunes it is from

humiliations that not they suppose not even

be heaped

together

I experience,

is a mere

suspicion:

I was I have it will to

so far seen him! thy

from

having could not and

any! he even tears

I have say make avail Tis whom? the guilty feel to

the consolation himself? ... But

of a doubt: what wretch! thinking sacrificed But what matters What

him: He

what will

justify the

attempt.... him? then, low

Unhappy

reproaches

with true,

He is far from that he has

of thee! me, am false which exposed I saying? to fewer me Ah, even I have ... and to lost so I

... A

creature.... her! bitter She

even

right

to despise how

has been

duties,

she is not remorse!

as I. Oh, my torments my you just dear will

is the sorrow

is founded

upon

redouble. friend; feel however it for my up me, unworthy if you and I may can form have any made idea myself of your I suffer. I will It was

Adieu, pity, I have try,

still

of what you

read to for

over master the

letter,

I perceive to my relate return never of

it can tell the cruel

nothing;

then,

courage since

incident. to sup

yesterday; Valmont gave may hours know be that which a very me judge later, not

first

time

I was had

going

abroad. He you two I

came

to see me at five that formed his let fall my

oclock; project that air of

he seemed vexed him.

so fond. him, and

to understand that and whether I soon suddenly, I had shortly him

going

out with

remaining tone

However, change.

and

underwent which may

a sensible have

something

displeased some

him;

as it may, compelled lively

afterward me,

he pretended and went

to recollect not

business displaying believed

to leave which

away: and

without I then

regret,

seemed

affectionate,

which

to be sincere. Being first and left alone, I judged since carriage. it more proper not to excuse myself from my my

engagement entered my

I was

at liberty

to fulfill my

it. I completed took leaving;

toilette of in

Unfortunately,

coachman of people

me by way four yards

the Opera,

and I was

involved

in the crowd

front

of

me, My was

and heart the

in

the

rank

next

to

my but

own, it was should

perceived from forward. came to find may fear;

Valmonts and my of of

carriage. only that, mine. at his and hardly idea

instantly desire which that

palpitated, my

not go and

carriage forced was my

Instead alongside a well you an courtesan believe,

it was

his

own

was what

to retreat,

I instantly side, one

advanced; well known seen this quitted quite

astonishment as you my

as such! enough woman,

I withdrew, to wound apparently

I had

already that

heart; informed nor

but by ceased

would odious at

believe

same

confidence, me, In with the

never peals

the window laughter. to

of the carriage,

to stare

of scandalous of prostration to

condition be for me

which

was I

reduced, was to sup; point

let but of

myself, it was

nevertheless, impossible away, On and, my

driven

the

house each

where instant my

to remain; all, I could to

I felt not M.

on the

swooning

above I

restrain de

tears. and sent him to issue orders me not my from to wait that be letter this for the home

return,

wrote not

Valmont,

immediately; state him; of death, but

he was

at home.

Wishing,

at any again

price, with

or to confirm midnight was back, this my

it forever, my had told

I sent

before who

servant him that beg but that

returned, his master

telling would

coachman, that for night. the

I thought of

morning and effect, yet

I had nothing him to visit

else to do than me no more.

ask him I have, It a

return given noon; him. dear and

letters, to this

indeed, is nearly word Now,

orders

doubtless himself,

they and

were I have

superfluous. not received

he has not

presented

from my

friend, you

I have know my

nothing heart.

further My sole

to add: hope

you is that

are

informed not

of long

everything, afflict PARIS, your

I may

tender

friendship. 17 -- .

15TH

NOVEMBER,

136 THE PRSIDENTE DE TOURVEL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT DOUBTLESS, not that expect MONSIEUR, me to receive This to come note, no have you AFTER again; WHAT nor, is to passed yesterday, at all you will

doubtless, written request if less you they you

are you with to

desirous of

I should! you should for

therefore, more, existed, of than

the return

intention the

begging which you only

letters,

never

and the that

which, infatuation

may had and

have

interested can only

a moment,

as proofs to you which that so many now you I

occasioned, that they

be indifferent a sentiment and confess

this

is dissipated,

express I admit

have am to

destroyed. blame me have that for having victims; deserved in and more an shown in you I accuse handed all esteem, than interval, for I by a

confidence myself over you, could, the by and

of which but

before at least,

been not

in that to be

alone: you

I believed, and you

I had

to insult for

contempt. my

I believed rights to my by you

that, own not by

sacrificing others severely immense

losing

alone

nevertheless, public, whose

expect opinion woman

to be judged still

discriminates, who

between These ones not

the frail wrongs,

and the woman be wrongs be silent Monsieur. 17--.

is depraved. are the only heart would

which mention. mine.

would I shall Adieu,

in the case of anybody, on those of love; your

I shall understand 15TH

PARIS,

NOVEMBER,

137 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE PRSIDENTE DE

TOURVEL THIS INSTANT ONLY, it, MADAME, and it has left do you has your me with of letter barely me? been the Ah, handed strength doubtless, all far my from I! you; me life, my to me; to I reply have even soul I

shuddered to it. my were have you! have you! against against cause only had What

as I read terrible and such

idea, faults them been

then,

form

faults, you those

as I shall with your which I respect of pride

never

forgive

myself, But how

to cover ever

indulgence. you you save reproach as much when

with

me!

What,

Humiliate when I of

Degrade never You felt

you!

When

as I cherish you judged they may

a moment

worthy

are deceived me: but and did did

by appearances, not your heart

and contain

I admit the

have to

seemed contend have you a not you

wherewithal that

them, of

it not

rebel mine?

at the

mere

thought you

it could it. even if you then, So

complaint

against

However,

believed but you Ah,

judged exposed

me capable yourself

of this

atrocious your

madness, bounty love,

feared

to it through degraded

to me.

consider all that

yourself is vile

to such in your

a degree

by your

I am myself,

eyes! emotion I should quite which employ another and fix this idea causes me, I am losing, all: facts upon life, of a the

Oppressed in repelling I am which moment cause must of for

by the painful it, the time also fain by

in destroying consideration. your redeem attention with and the the

it. I will Must and rest

confess

restrained I would of error

I retrace my of own my

obliterate, I would even

which I cannot

fain now and not,

which ever

conceive, my despair?

memory

which

be my

humiliation you will

Ah, have

if my

self-accusation far for your

is to excite revenge; However, supreme caused postponed. search.

your

anger,

at any me over

rate,

to seek

it will who charm me too I left

be sufficient would which long you believe

to hand it?

to my cause

remorse. of you. this incident this is the

The

first

I experience to too forget late, him

when important

I am

by

It was

which not I was equally when and and to you, be in

business find and whom was not

which

could

and did at the I met

not

the person my visit

of whom there was

I hoped

to meet milie,

Opera, there,

unsuccessful. I was begged this far from

whom you down

I had

known her yards then

in days carriage, away, that

knowing

or love; at her

milie house,

without

me

to set her seeing

a dozen just

I consented,

no harm that you

in it. But would

it was

I met

and I felt The fear

immediately of displeasing

be driven you

to hold

me guilty. with me that it was

or of grieving

is so potent

bound me to

to be, and indeed try and was persuade fatal to

was, the love.

speedily girl not

noticed. to show like usurped, of to affected that only you it,

I admit herself; all save those

even this of

that

it

induced of

precaution her condition,

delicacy never which willing

Accustomed, ever to an more

to be certain they to allow allow

of an empire, themselves so splendid

by means was more

of the by no

abuse means

make occasion she

milie slip. to The

she

saw and

my her have

embarrassment mad

increase,

the

shew for

herself; a moment cruel

merrimentand yourself which its

I blush

to think

could by

thought experienced, So far,

objectwas was more in being you the but

caused respect than anybody, cannot

the

pain

itself I am wrongs

due to my

and love. and the those only of wrongs, ones you

doubtless, would those But tis be

unfortunate case of

guilty, and

which mention; to me. maintain breaking In the is not of it.

wrongs, in vain silence

wiped pass over

away,

be a cause those too of love: an

reproach not in

in silence I have

I shall interest

a like it. confusion without

concerning

them;

great

in which extreme with or

I am thrown that of

by this

unaccountable myself I would my to recall consent

deviation, the memory

it

sorrow a sense I would pardon. your

I can bring my failings, for how time, can

Penetrated for them,

to pay

the and

penalty repentance for Do my error

wait But

eternal

tenderness, when what is

to bring

my

I be silent,

left

me to say concerns not guilt. can think But be I seek I do looked

delicacy? to excuse I will in or palliate never love. admit, Nay, iu my that what fault: this can I confess

a pretense not confess,

humiliating there be in

upon

as a fault of the and

common followed born in

between by shame

a surprise and soul fruit? by

senses, a pure by

a moments sentiment esteem, love point of and thus! view

self-oblivion, which of can which, all, only

soon be

regret, and Ah,

a delicate is the yourself

sustained do in not the

finally, fear to can rivalry the your

happiness profane never which pangs eyes like But which you,

profane same and

Above things

uniting Leave

which a

be confounded. they feel may

vile

degraded own

women despite, but

to dread and turn

be established as humiliating

in their

to know away

of a jealousy from objects

as it is cruel: sully their glance; it. me that

do you pure

which

might without you

and,

as the Divinity,

it punish what

the offense will What

feeling on

penalty

impose

is more

grievous at having idea in

than

that

I undergo? the despair myself

can be compared grieved of you, you?

to the regret the

displeased of having me,

at having less worthy

overwhelming are absorbed

rendered

You

punishing

and

I ask

you

for

consolations: and they of the

not

that

I deserve

them,

but you!

because

they

are necessary If,

to me,

can only our love,

come and

to me from setting me

on a sudden, you the

forgetful wish, right; once on strike: more

no further over or

price

on

my

happiness, you have

contrary, but of if, more

to hand

to eternal more sensitive,

sorrow, you our and of

indulgent

remind hearts; always us owed perhaps What retrieve word. so long an eternal PARIS,

yourself of felt that more

those of the

tender soul, and

sentiments always fortunate which to that lost it by now. being

which born

united again each

voluptuousness keenly; all

of those those

sweet

days love

which alone

to the other; you will prefer more?

benefits

of love

procures; them. I can one

the power I have lost

of renewing all, you and

of destroying my fault; but add quite but

can all Only

I say

by your yesterday

bounty. you

It is for swore

to decide my will

I will was

to me that Ah, Madame,

happiness you

secure to

as it depended despair? 15TH

on you!

abandon

me today

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

138 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I INSIST, fault you MY CHARMING force for friend: no, I am not the part. I in love, Only am. and it is not and proof my

if circumstances shall soon see

me to play how

consent, I made

return; of it

yourself

sincere by what

yesterday, Know business: whole at first, slight I had persist that then

and it cannot I was the with little

be destroyed the tender

occurs was

today. without was any to pass other the had, a

prude, in spite

and

quite

for

Volanges, V---s

of her

condition, lack I had

night

at Madame me with

infants the but

ball. iv My evening, was the and

of employment even when love demanded

inclined sacrifice promised

to prolong this view; was

hardly by

it granted, idea of this

the pleasure which so much myself, you so and

myself

disturbed or at least,

in ascribing no other you, a violent surprised to meet morning, that

to me, desire it was

in reproaching of being able part. some

me with; to assure

I felt

except pure

that

convince I made fair

calumny and, even Opera; separated,

on your under more and no

resolve and, Emilie when

therefore; doubtless, at the we

trivial For

pretext, myself,

left I

my went that, our

much

grieved.

tranquilly until this

she could regret

testify came to

to you, trouble

pleasures. I had, however, saved from fine me the drew half cause from Opera, it; enough for you Emilie beside for uneasiness, know that had not my hardly that of utter four the

indifference doors austere left other Nor away

must

I was when which

with

in my mine, side

carriage, a block

Puritan nearly

up exactly a quarter

and

occurred see each

us for

of an hour was

by side.

We

could

as clearly is this all;

as at noon, I took it into (You desk).

and there my head

no means

of escape. to milie that it, piece and, she had with peals that it was the and is a

to confide perhaps, not

woman that

of the letter. was the

will iw

remember, She had not

of folly, as she

milie

forgotten until this

laughter-loving at her ease, this

creature, piece

she could of virtue, have

be at peace said, and

examined, of such

as she angered

scandalous Still night! orders milie, but found to this

laughter is not not for sent and all;

as would the jealous but, As my me

anyone. to my she sent up my house the very time, same with with

woman

sent ix

I was to wait I had return

there; me. back fetch

in her soon

obstinacy, made

a second mind

as I had with

to sleep

carriage, this

no other and very as, simply

order on

to the

coachman home, not he be

morning; him

reaching that

the messenger

of love,

he told

I should

back my

that return

night.

You my

can

well

imagine

the effect with

of this all the

news, dignity

and

that

on to

I found

dismissal

announced

proper

the occasion. Thus have not, first, this been as you because adventure, finished, will which as you in your see, this view was never if price to be determined, it is not on its let finished, could that it is is,

morning;

believe, not

because think

I set any that for

continuation: myself be

I did

it decent to reserve therefore,

I should you

quitted;

and again, I answered gave already and lengthy

because this

I wished note, and I have the eternal same.

the honor letter them note, to to full

of the sacrifice. of sentiment I ; have I

severe

in a long to make a second as all, in to I it ought am the

reasons

relied just

on love received

acceptable. still be; be very the seen tone again:

succeeded.

rigorous of it, this I

confirming is is not

rupture, Above

however, resolution concluded myself. instant, nature, that

the

not most

announced that

four I was sent my to

times not

irrevocable before the porter; for in I

fashion. presented and, sins of in

thereby, I have I shall there

lose

a moment over

already go is only

chasseur have my which

to win pardon carries iy trial

an this and

myself, one

sealed:

formula

a general

absolution;

can only my

be performed friend;

at an audience. I fly to make

Adieu, PARIS,

charming

of this

great

event.

15TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

139 THE How too PRSIDENTE I REPROACH much and too DE TOURVEL my TO tender MADAME friend, for I am derive DE having the from rather this state Valmont offensive ROSEMONDE spoken cause me if still to you you are

MYSELF, soon those Yes, and of my

passing which

sorrows! you

grieved and II

at present; am happy. Peace O joy is guilty I reproached a certain to repair? not enter even, is capable I would have that said I do into

sorrows all

endure; all is and

is forgotten, have how

pardoned; to

let me say, of sorrow is

redeemed. anguish. no one

delight heart, loves with my

succeeded can I express Those

of my who him point,

you!

innocent; for and my

so well. so much indulgence

serious,

wrongs

which if, on

bitterness was

he had not had

committed; I not also

necessary,

injustice I will perhaps, which

the

details would

of but

the ill If,

facts

or reasons them: you to the

which

justify

him; alone me of

the mind

appreciate however,

it is the heart to suspect of my own.

of feeling summon yourself, not feel

them. your

were aid

weakness, men, Tis vain, when forget greatly you not

judgment is not distinction, but more? himself, error

With

infidelity that our this

inconstancy. which opinion mine wrong And love justifies complain, which yet and how my I in

nonetheless that of

wounds Valmont

delicacy; even

of what For the

should very

suffers that

do not

believe

he forgives this trivial

or is consoled. excess of his

has he retrieved

by the

happiness! Either been my afraid felicity that strength I should I have daughter judged is greater, I had lost it: or I know but what the I may value tell of it better, you is that, as those for the since if I felt I have excess I I have had just of your scold ever

sufficient undergone, happiness inconsiderate her for

to support not tasted for deem

again

sorrows too my you

as cruel high

I paid O

a price

since. having and her

tender by too him

mother, much

scold hastiness;

grieved

having but, while

rashly

calumniated imprudence,

whom

she should and

adore: her joy PARIS,

recognizing it.

see her

happy,

enhance

by sharing 16TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- , IN

THE

EVENING.

140 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL How my COMES last letter IT, MY lovely to me friend, that I receive one; Indeed, affairs. effect; that, instead that of reproaches and present, I shall of last pupil, rate these no reply three from you? Yet have speak

seemed

to deserve it still! grand full

days

I could not

received to you That

it, and I am awaiting at all, therefore, of my had forth its

I am vexed;

I shall

the

reconciliation it but called

distrust, who tell night, who for For

fresh and

proofs

of fondness; due the But, to tell myself guess, and to my

it is I, at candor,

receive you no

the excuses word not will of this: write not

reparation but for

suspected

and

unexpected as that you with

occurrence concerns your

I should probably

to you

at all.

be in a condition I have may for the charged not

of it herself, the task.

at any

some

time

to come, you

reasons my the

which

or may some days

Madame as these more

de Tourvel reasons attentive and habit

has could to we leads

not not her. led, to

engaged exist Thanks your in

attention case of

past;

little

Volanges, I had

I became

to the obliging pupil and during I, a the

porter,

no obstacles and regular never

to overcome, life. take But

comfortable first days, even the we

negligence: for our

could

precautions an

enough incredible you; girl

safety;

we trembled caused I

behind accident with

the bolts. of which it

Yesterday, I have has cost

piece and

of forgetfulness if, for my part,

to inform the little

escaped

a fright,

considerably We which room that door soul. and were not

more. asleep, but were in that state of repose and abandonment the door defense indeed, no of as the for the living

succeeds open. of our

to iz pleasure, seized pupil; we had

when my

we heard, as much and

on a sudden, for no my own

I at once common open. As

sword,

I advanced, a light, that we had

saw

one: but

but, found

was

I made had been

a search, our

I remembered, no doubt the

then, door,

forgotten only

ordinary to or badly

precautions, shut, had

which

pushed

opened

of itself. my timid companion, she had fallen, there with a view to calming herself, her, I no longer and other my and not

On rejoining found wall:

her in the bed; she was

or hidden

betwixt with

the bed no

stretched violent

without

consciousness, You her may back fall,

movements embarrassment! even long in bringing before

than

convulsions. however, she had

imagine in the and bed, it was

I succeeded, her to, but

in putting hurt herself

in her

she felt

the effects.

Pains soon first

in the loins, enlightened to tell

violent

colic

pains,

symptoms but, before;

even

less

ambiguous, her with it, I

had had of after no

me as to her condition: in which her, she was did anyone to get

to acquaint for

her of that perhaps, all

she had no suspicion so much it! Oh, innocence, this one loses

it. Never doing time But to

before that

preserve rid of

so well in reflection! she lost

is necessary

a great

deal

in bewailing with her, of

herself, then, the that

and I felt I would and, truth for

it was go

time

to come to the they

a resolution. and be sent that

I agreed to for, the

at once them

physician would

surgeon confide

family,

informing under

would

the whole should into her ring

to them, her waiting

a promise that but to part she that

of secrecy; should,

she,

on her side, take her

maid; liked, all, the

or should send de who my two

not,

confidence, and forbid

as she her, above on

she should Madame daughter I made thence whom condition. nothing physician like But lead lead Adieu, PARIS,

her to seek

assistance, and

awake of a

Volanges; fears visits home, before, not

a natural

delicate anxiety.

attention

to cause and my nor came

her mother two have at noon but the

confessions I gone to give he

with abroad

what since;

speed but

I could, the

and

returned I knew

surgeon, patients occurs, the settled

me an account that, maid if is no in

of his accident the will

I was will be

mistaken; in

hopes The

noticed

house. a name;

secret; be

has given

the complaint unless interests I should means

and this for

business

a thousand have me we still to doubt

others, any it; every

it be useful in common, not even

us to speak you and

of it hereafter. silence not my would desire

I? Your did

believe

it at all, of it.

me to seek my lovely

of preserving you,

the hope though

friend;

I embrace 17--.

I bear

you

a grudge.

21ST

NOVEMBER,

141 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT GOOD does for only Tell my lack that me GOD, VICOMTE, matter HOW to you? it? you Do Ah, you trouble you me with your obstinacy! it, that But no; What it it is is

silence of

suppose,

if I maintain it were!

reasons

to justify for you

would them.

to God

it is painful truly: me? are The but

me to tell under an

illusion what two

yourself, you say and

or

are what

you you

trying do true not

to

deceive me Pray, what You but, never not no

disparity between you have

between these me

leaves one? know

choice what

sentiments: to you, when

which

is the do

would

say

I myself

to think? appear pray, said to make what that does you a great it prove loved occasion but with and would you this that this merit for of your your last scene with the mine? Prsidente I certainly her, or I to ;

system, well

or against enough not

woman might would

to deceive

to seize even with have which

every doubted another, raised; one what

which it

seem be very

to you much

easy the

or agreeable: same which to you

never satisfy could mind

the first I am not

comer, surprised to deny

the same that, you,

desires in the have from

she alone of from Who of to ;

licentiousness done once

be wrong have done

you

deliberation does you not all,

a thousand way class

times

opportunity. and from for the custom the rascal

know whoever

that

is the simple to whatever abstains the fault what from with

of the world, you belong,

you

are,

the espces? and that But you what

ja Whoever I think, said,

it, nowadays, which I reproach and

passes you. I still not

a romantic

is not, I have

I have with but enables your

thought,

what Truly

think, with

is

that that that or and her feel her just but and And has

are nonetheless pure for or very

in love tender, which

Prsidente. that to of find

a love

is very kind, qualities puts even for often all

with you

which in

you

are

capable; attractions apart, to may to more

instance, which other you

a woman

she does women outrage sultana, odalisque. him, you or

not

possess;

which rank;

places which

her in a class keeps you

in the second her; which such, does

attached

when a favorite

in short, not

as I conceive him from to me

a sultan preferring all the

prevent

a simple like her

jb My are never

comparison either Thus, this

seems

because, always abased only arrived too

the lover I am lovely

or friend sure

of a woman, you good humbled graces!

tyrant

her

slave. to regain

quite

yourself happy to obtain

mightily, at having your

creatures as you this think grand

succeeded, you

as soon leave

the moment event.

pardon,

me for

In your

last

letter, you will

again, not that

if you tell me

do not anything

speak

exclusively grand maintain

of this affairs; on

woman, they this

it

is because to you

of your you And

seem subject

so important to you of your we still you, sufficient

the

silence

which for for in me.

seems proofs whether once at this

punishment preference any answer interests will already of it. you

it is after that Take and too you care,

these ask me

thousand calmly If I it

decided have my

another common!

Vicomte!

answer moment

be irrevocable: to have said

to be afraid much. I am

to give resolved,

is perhaps no more

therefore, All read your that

to speak I can

do is to tell so much it will

a story.

May

be you

will

not

have

time That

to is

it, or to give affair. At

attention only was

to it as to understand wasted. like you, with

it right?

worst

be a story entangled, at intervals, harm: His that with

A man him later, had

of my

acquaintance He had would

a woman that,

who sooner for it,

did or he

little this not

honor.

indeed,

the wit although

to feel

adventure the courage

do him it off. friends

but

he blushed was all

to break to his when passed

embarrassment he was ridicule, never my entirely

the and

greater that he

in that was by

he had aware

boasted that, He to say tempted and

free;

well

one his

meets life

it is always to commit man had public

increased follies, a friend, in this more to in a

self-defense. ceasing she was

thus,

ceasing This

never and state

afterward: at one thus

It is not moment

fault. him

to give

up to the however, motive, she sent

of frenzy, than last

render

his ridicule for

indelible: some other

being she wished

generous make position without application One If, tires then, one

malicious, attempt, like her

or, perhaps, so that,

whatever It is not the

happened, my fault. She

might him,

be

to say, any

friend:

therefore, whose

other might

explanation, be useful my today

following

letter,

as a remedy

to his disease: angel: of it is a law an adventure my of nature; which fault. had virtue, and that time is as it is not has my fault. me

of everything, I am for tired

occupied

exclusively If, for

four

mortal just

months,

it is not love one

instance, much,

I had

as much that

as you should

saying

it is not my that

surprising fault. for some

finish

at the same

the other. Hence your

It is not it follows

time

past

I have

deceived

you:

but my

then

pitiless

fondness

in some I love

measure

forced

me to it! demands

It is not that

fault. you.

Today, It is not I jc

a woman my fault. sensible nature

whom

to distraction

I sacrifice

am very but, if

that only

here

is a fine men

opportunity with

for

calling while

me perjured: it has given

has

gifted

constancy,

women Believe advice Adieu, perhaps It is not and You what will

obstinacy, me, is good, my take

it is not another good; I took This

my

fault. as I have think it bad, pleasure, taken another my you mistress. fault. without my fault. attempt, letter. you regret: This

lover, if you you

very

it is not I leave

angel; return.

with

I shall the

is the way to tell I promise ultimatum

of the world. you the

It is not of this

moment, from

Vicomte, it: but my

effect

last next

resulted find Until there

to let you as to the

know

in my of the

also quite you for

renewal

treaty

propose. By the

then, I thank

simply, for your

adieu.... details jd my as to the of scandal little on Volanges; the day it is after of an her your

way, that

article marriage. progeny. AT THE

will

keep

the

gazette you

In the meantime Good night,

I send

condolences

on the loss

Vicomte. DE .. , 24TH NOVEMBER, 17 -- .

CHTEAU

142 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL UPON or little MY WORD, MY your lovely letter, friend, and All the I know story not you you whether told is that so that Prsidente. me, this I have and last the misread model to it, a I

misunderstood epistle which and simply for the

it contained. calculated again, tender because, I thought upon time with you as yet

I can tell

seemed copied not lose

me original and, quite

to produce sent it to the was I had

an effect: celestial

I simply I did

moment, preferred and to again, reflect

missive first,

dispatched promised night would event,

yesterday to write not even to her be too though

evening. yesterday; for

it thus, because and

a whole this

long you

her

meditate

grand

should

reproach I hoped nearly oclock; for At

me a second to be able noon, and, and

the expression. my beloveds reply nothing. I shall this morning; wait enquire is difficult. the end of And of not did but until it is

to send I have I have above well

received of her, only

I shall go and step that

five

if then of form,

no news all, tis

myself;

in matters present,

the first

as you of this at need

may

believe,

I am most

anxious

to hear

the story knowing not

man how friend

of your

acquaintance, a woman. her pardon? your if

so vehemently Did he not

suspected amend?

to sacrifice give him

his generous

I am no less anxious am curious, above Ah,

to receive all, to know there

ultimatum, you will much

as you find of it! from love But your

so politically again for in

say! this Still, last

proceeding. make Adieu, the hope

no doubt,

is, and

whom?

no pretensions, my charming able

and I expect friend; I shall

everything not seal

charity. two oclock, in

this

letter reply.

until

of being

to enclose

the expected

At two

oclock

in the afternoon.

Still this

nothing; time, will 25TH

I am you

in a mighty still refuse

hurry;

I have

not

time

to add

a word:

but

the tenderest 17 -- .

kisses

of love?

PARIS,

NOVEMBER,

143 THE THE PRSIDENTE VEIL IS RENT, Grim death, the truth road DE TOURVEL upon me, TO which and MADAME was shows painted DE ROSEMONDE of my and I

Madame, enlightens to which cherish which all.

the illusion but and my no

happiness. speedy will

me naught shame cut short I will for add

a sure remorse.

is traced torments,

between if they

follow you

it, ... I will the letter them

my

existence. reflections nothing is

I send on left it, but

I received The pity time I need, farewell fate,

yesterday; has but that passed strength. I shall

it contains to suffer. Madame,

complaint;

It is not the

Receive, prayer; longer augments all succor

one

utter,

and

grant

my me

last no

it is to leave upon our the earth.

me to my There and

to forget

me utterly, in which When

to consider even

is a stage cannot All now

of misery them.

friendship are mortal, that of I

sufferings

heal emotion save

wounds to me

becomes Nothing my can

inhuman. befit There I have me

is foreign the profound my My faults,

save

despair. will for bury since

darkness if I can heart

in which still no weep; longer

shame.

I will not

weep shed

over

yesterday any.

a tear.

withered

furnishes Adieu, letter PARIS,

Madame. never

Do

not

answer

me.

I have

made

a vow

upon

that

cruel

to receive

another. 17 -- .

27TH

NOVEMBER,

144 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL YESTERDAY, being house in nor polite this out AT THREE at having fair; a refusal I retired, I was OCLOCK received told that in the evening, my lovely myself nothing neither friend, at the

of patience

no news, she was me,

I presented out. I saw I was step

of the deserted phrase than and

more vexed so had

to receive in the

at which this

surprised; a woman

hope

that a word about for

would The

induce desire but I I

to honor

me with

at least

of reply. nine

to receive nothing sent was my dying

it brought there.

me home

on purpose silence, and

oclock, I was not

found I

Astonished for

at this

which if

prepared, person me that with that, servants, acting if

chasseur or

information, At had, last, when

to discover returned, at eleven

the he

sensitive

dead.

I had gone out

informed

Madame her waiting

de Tourvel maid; in they to rule.

indeed, was

in the of

forenoon

that the were The

she

driven she expect is the

to the back

Convent her

... ; and and certainly and,

at

seven saying

oclock that

evening, not to

sent her

carriage This is

home.

according persists which I told reappear show and nay,

convent a resolution,

widows add this your

right to all

asylum; the other will

she

in so laudable I owe you her that time the

I shall which spite of

obligations assume.

of the celebrity ago of these let let let that, the in

adventure uneasiness, with new

some upon

I should clat. Let

only them

stage then,

world

brilliant who

themselves, unhappy let them for

severe

critics,

accused or more

me of a romantic brilliant ruptures: the which success, I am will way I I at be case

passion; do better, them. end Well,

them them them and, But

make present only if one they

quicker

themselves dare to attempt obtains

as consolers, the the that, course least

is clear have yield any run him

from

to end; of honor.

of them will all

the place

discover This

when

pains,

the impression look upon

I leave all my rival. flatters

is ineffaceable. other triumphs

one I am sure

so; and I should I was The that from own ever course

as nothing,

if in this

to have

a favored

she has taken have will What! found

my

self-love, strength between to renew not

I admit; to separate us, then, with

but

I am

annoyed so much of my be her

she should me. There

sufficient obstacles I wished

herself save

be no If

those she

formation! What

her, it, deem

might

unwilling? supreme friend, be

am I saying? Is it thus to suffer to

She would that one

desire And for to

it no more my would seeing

happiness? that I ought endeavor

loves? I not, woman

do you instance, the point

think, and of

lovely it not the

it? Could this

better,

bring

possibility hope?

of a reconciliation, try this course your which it would a sacrifice one,

which without

one always attaching On

desires, any

as long

as one has to it, and be if when to you. a I

I could

importance

consequently simple should you Now, are

without

taking we but

umbrage. perform means to

the contrary, in concert; more been of

it would and, even

experiment succeed, wished my fair your your the little not it,

would be one

the have the to

repeating,

which

seems to receive

agreeable and your all my lover,

I am waiting Come

reward, recover

prayers your

for

return. friends

quickly

then

pleasures, That of

and the current has me to turned remain

of adventure. out in amazing one place, I found but well. Yesterday, among pupil my my

Volanges allowing upon in the and

uneasiness various in the looking would

I called, your

excursions, salon, only have still

Madame costume more on

de Volanges. of an invalid, You chair:

already

in full

convalescence, situation, live our was

fresher lain This one! to tell you

interesting. your gave long

women, my

in a like faith, long

a month one,

demoiselles! a complete I have your Ccile Three to still

in truth,

me a desire

to see if the recovery

that

the little head. imagine At

girls first the

accident it was brain her,

had grief; reels

like today

to have

turned His

sentimental was times ill!

Dancenys You can

it is joy. a

how

at such

calamity. omitted mammas an the

a day himself;

he sent

to enquire in a

after noble

and

on no occasion he asked

present

finally, congratulate

epistle,

permission object, young which and man

to go and Madame established

her

on the

convalescence so much save for

of so dear I found familiarity

de Volanges as in not permit the

consented: old himself. days,

so that a certain

as yet he dares himself him, that

It is from time this with head, with visit my

I have him Joy,

learned chatter. desires, emotions,

these You

details,

for

I left

at the of the

same effect I, his way

and made on him. for him

can have

no notion

has had fondness

transports completed few days,

impossible the I would work put

to describe. of him turning in the

grand that,

by assuring his fair I am

in a very quarters. her

of seeing Indeed, my

one at closer

determined I wish that but her

to hand to consecrate your pupil

over myself also

to him to you be my

as soon wholly; scholar,

as I have and then,

made would to

experiment.

it be worthwhile deceive and with Adieu, nobody all

should The

if she were her

her

husband? lover!

masterpiece I have

is to deceive not to reproach

lover, myself

above having my

first

As for love. soon,

myself,

uttered lovely

the word friend;

return

then,

to enjoy

your

empire

over

me,

to receive PARIS,

its homage, 28TH

and to pay

me its reward.

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

145 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT SERIOUSLY, her you the letter VICOMTE, which I wrote my HAVE you YOU for left the Prsidente? Really, all good you faith, are Have charming that You recently gained part you ; sent and this will I the of it.

her? In

have

surpassed gratifies

expectations! than all high it is

I confess obtained. whom I have delicious you myself have love by

triumph think, so

me more that not

those value not

I have

hitherto woman, that

perhaps,

I set a very at all: but that

on this over her

disparaged;

advantage; Yes, you you

it is over you

you: loved

is the amusing de Tourvel but, because her.

and really much, and

Vicomte, are madly ashamed

Madame with her:

her still; making a not was

in love of it, you rather The

I amused You je To would

bravely than

sacrificed

sacrificed will that it

thousand vanity

of her, carry us!

submit was

to raillery. right,

what

lengths

wise

man

indeed,

when

he said

the enemy Where

of happiness. you be now, if I had well only know; wished and, run to play should you you a trick? even and But I me to

would

am incapable in my my If I turn

of deceit, to the convent

as you and

reduce

despair,

I will

the risk,

surrender

victor. capitulate, I might the however, set up! skill, you it And or should would the is really mere you frailty: would for, deserve with which with if I liked, I what admire, sweetly It

quibbles for

perhaps the

them! you

instance,

awkwardness, be allowed it not?

propose would without apparent when believe myself you Tis have you desire. What! must woman the

to me that suit you

to renew all

the Prsidente. of this then, rupture, as

mightily, thereby would By this

To take of one the

the merit And you

losing sacrifice I wish herself on being it!

pleasures longer

enjoyment? for you,

this it

be no

offer

to repeat always plume

arrangement, choice rival; does

celestial heart, both

prude while

would I should

to be the single the preferred and what such

of your we should

of us be deceived,

but

would a pity

be happy; that, for have with their

the rest matter? for that, conceiving by a single obstacle projects, you should step, most

a genius and an

so little should

execution; put

ill-considered to what you

yourself

invincible

You have

had thought

an idea

of renewing, indeed!

and Ah,

you

could

write me,

my

letter

You one and

me clumsy

believe fails

Vicomte, the vital or rather

when spot,

strikes

at anothers

heart, When

she rarely I was striking

to find this one,

wound

is incurable.

guiding

your for

blows, one

I had

not

forgotten her

that

the woman and,

was

my that I

rival, you

that had to

you rated bear

had, me the invite

moment, her. Thus do If my I am so, it.

preferred

to me, has

in short,

below blame. you should about For news After to

vengeance satisfied promise that

been should to

deceived, try every

consent means:

you not

I even if

and

you

be

vexed that

at your I will

success, no

you

attain it. Let

I am

so easy

on the

subject

trouble

further

us speak

of something

else. Volanges. I shall You be very it will more suit will give me definite some.

instance,

of the health return, be for

of the little will you not?

of it on my that, it will

glad you

to have best

you

to judge

whether

to restore of a new strikes me take delay the my

her to her lover branch as rather any you

or to endeavor under

to become the name you

once

the founder This idea

of the Valmonts, diverting step long, day; but ; and, until for you

of Gercourt. your of choice,

in leaving have be in be sure

I ask you This does

not not

to

definite very

we

talked Paris that

it together.

I shall may

immediately. you will

I cannot

tell

you of

precise arrival. Adieu,

be the first

informed

Vicomte; I have

in still my

spite much friend. DE

of love

my for

peevishness, you, and I am

my

malice,

and to prove

my it

reproaches, to you. AT THE

preparing

Au revoir, CHTEAU

... , 29TH

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

146 THE AT MARQUISE LAST I AM again DE leaving, MERTEUIL my young TO friend; of all no one. I am quite sole THE and CHEVALIER tomorrow DANCENY evening which if you to except I beg not soon you, I shall of very the to

be back residence pressing general keep Had

in Paris.

In the midst receive me, be the

the confusion However, willing

a change some from

involves, confidence rule: but

I shall

have you

to make you will arrival.

exception; even will that

therefore, of it. have

the secret anyone

of my told me,

Valmont time not that That

be informed you would yours skill has

a short I should

ago,

my

exclusive mine. perhaps For better taken Indeed, successes. hear had your not the

confidence,

have you

believed have

it. But

attracted end, least! and notice

I am tempted even rest, some it

to believe seduction. not

brought

some wrong, have

to this

would

be very now; you

to say the really other

would

be dangerous the heroine

occupations! of the confidant. you have

When

is on the

scene,

there

is little

not your

even Ccile

found was You

time

to

acquaint were them

me not

of long

your enough

new to if I

When tender been with

absent, would Since

the days have made when you you

complaints. to hear

to the echoes, ill, you to that

there

them. of your

then,

she was

honored whom she is

me again to tell

the recital But now

anxieties; whom

wanted is in

someone Paris, she is

them.

that all,

she

love

recovered, and your I do not down

and, friends blame

above

that

you of you.

sometimes

see her,

all-sufficing,

see no more you;

it is the fault know

of your that

twenty

years.

From

Alcibiades with them

to yourself, save but to come

do we not in their

young Happiness

people

are unacquainted makes I love quality

friendship, indiscreet, friends

sorrows?

sometimes

never

confiding. when dispense than he,

I am ready they with and are

to say with jf But, did

Socrates: in his

my of a I

to me

unhappy. when your

philosopher, show less

he could wisdom

them I felt

they silence

not

come. all a

In that womans

with

weakness. Do not, however, which courage, I do as love the least Chevalier; CHTEAU not may sacrifice it will DE think makes when count leave for me me exacting: notice I am these far from being enables cause, that! me of The to my same support friends save you to

sentiment them with

privations proof, or the for

they on you me.

are the you, free

happiness. insofar make Adieu, AT THE

therefore, and

tomorrow and

evening, I forbid

disengaged,

be a real ... , 29TH

festival

to see you

again:

will

you

come?

NOVEMBER,

17 -- .

147 MADAME I AM the SURE condition her that fever, is all as yet; refuses to hold on DE VOLANGES will which disorder I am really a violent that and can the TO MADAME as I am, Tourvel suddenly, DE my lies; ROSEMONDE worthy she and friend, has been to learn ill of

YOU in

be as grieved Madame appeared alarmed. and almost de so

since grave

yesterday: symptoms, A burning thirst: that

exhibits

such

constant The

delirium, say more

an they

unquenchable can make no

be remarked. treatment kind of will remedy

doctors the such her; tie her

diagnosis the patient

be all with

difficult, that

because it was had her

every her down two

obstinacy

necessary to

by force

to bleed to

and the same bandage,

course in

be followed

other

occasions off. so

which

delirium You, who

she persists have that seen four

in tearing her,

as I have, are flies barely into than

fragile, enough

timid to hold

and her;

quiet, and my

cannot at part, gone the I

conceive slightest am out What before forenoon, in that received two was hours vacant, afraid

persons jg she

expostulation

indescribable delirium, and

fury! that

For

it is something

worse

she is really

of her mind. increases yesterday. with house, my fear Upon her waiting and had and on this that day, subject she is a thing arrived about of.... which eleven occurred oclock the in day the

maid,

at the Convent the habit

As she was visiting

educated it, she was About

continued seemed

of sometimes calm and

as usual, later, and,

to everyone if the room

in good

health. as a

she enquired on being

she had

occupied

schoolgirl to go then and that

answered

in the affirmative, some other

she asked nuns. It was

see it: the Prioress she declared said never At first it she, she that

accompanied she had never death: what to come

her with back

to take left, and

her abode which,

in that added,

room, she

which, would

ought her

to have those

she

leave they was

until knew

were but

her words. when her their first as astonishment a married permission. and convent, was woman Neither from but that even

not

to say: her

over,

represented from

that her

position a special any

prevented this, nor

them

receiving other

without made only

a thousand she At obstinately last,

reasons, not

impression; the

moment her room. in the

refused,

to leave they

weary that she

of the discussion, should ; and they pass the

consented, there. next day

at seven Her carriage

oclock and some

evening, were

night the

servants decision. I am

dismissed

awaited

to come

to

assured

that,

all

through

the

evening,

her

air

and

bearing,

far

from

being times

wild, into

were

composed so that, brow, who at her A

and deep each

deliberate; they

only could

that not

she rouse from

fell her

four from

or it

five by

a reverie to her; and, to her the

that time

speaking her two

before she with time later,

she issued to clasp

it, she

carried upon

hands one her, of

which were a long moment

seemed her

vigorously: her and if her at

which, pained The begged Everyone sleep

nuns

having

asked

head last, and

she gazed is not there!

before she

replying, asked

said

hurt that

to be left

alone,

no further except

question her

should

be put maid:

to her. was fortunately According oclock. quite action obliged to this She to girls then she

retired

waiting for lack

who

in the same her

chamber, was

of other quiet

room.

account, expressed began gestures. dared length, had but say

mistress to go

pretty but,

until she with

eleven was much

a wish

to bed: down her

before

undressed, and during an

to walk Julie,

up and who

chamber,

frequent the hour. day, At she I

had been to her, and

a witness waited to

of what in her silence twice

had passed for in nearly

naught

Madame the time

de Tourvel to run

called

quick

succession; saying,

up, when

her mistress to bed, merely

fell and had

into would some

her arms, not take

am exhausted. nor allow any

She let herself help Julie that time, to be sent

be led for. She

anything, near

water

placed

her and ordered The that, girl declares that

to lie down. she remained awake until two in nor the morning, and But

during that

she heard awakened a loud and and

neither at five high

a movement oclock voice;

a complaint. of her

she says who was

she was in

by the talk and that,

mistress, if to

speaking anything, Madame her

having the light her,

enquired and but went suddenly me I alone,

she needed the bed of

obtaining

no reply, who did cried not out

she took recognize excitedly,

de Tourvel,

interrupting leave

incoherent

remarks,

Leave me.

me in the darkness; myself Julie but that

it is the darkness repeats kind this of

that

becomes

remarked

yesterday At length,

she often by

phrase. order it, to with go the out and seek other

profited Madame

this

assistance: which The

de Tourvel so often which this

refused

fury

and

delirium

she has displayed confusion to send into for

since. threw oclock the whole convent morning.... name her was induced It was announced the not to and she

Prioress yet

me

at seven there she

yesterday When my

daylight. de Ah, fixedly

I hastened Tourvel, yes, let

at once.

Madame replied, looked but

appeared come my in.

to But,

recover when

consciousness, her bed,

her took

I reached

at me, voice, I

hand

excitedly, I did

gripped not believe

it, and said you.

in a loud

gloomy

am dying

because

Immediately

afterward, Leave This fear

hiding me alone,

her etc., some

eyes,

she

returned

to

her

most

frequent

remark:

and lost others

all consciousness. fell from a cause her in her delirium make still. But me let

phrase lest this

and cruel

which may friend, equally

affliction of our was

have

which

is crueler

us respect The fits ones nine day whole of

the secrets of yesterday

and be content tempestuous, of

to pity and was

her misfortune. divided between the only until

alarming she

delirium takes or

and gives

moments any rest.

lethargic not

depression, leave her morning friend:

when oclock there.

I did return my

bedside

in the evening, I will part certainly

and not

I shall abandon

to it this unfortunate

to pass the but the

heartrending I send as you you will

of it is her obstinacy of last but night,

in refusing which I have I will

all attention just received,

and succor. and which, them

the bulletin

see, is anything punctually. respected friend, almost

consoling.

be careful

to forward

all to you Adieu, who my

I am

going

back you

to the

patient.

My

daughter,

is fortunately 29th

recovered, 17 -- .

sends

her respects.

PARIS,

November,

148 THE CHEVALIER WHOM DANCENY I love! 0 thou must I 0 thou who the hast TO whom THE MARQUISE 0 you who DE have MERTEUIL commenced tender the which

O YOU my

I adore! it! thy be

happiness! why which you.

crowned of

Compassionate sorrow calm, come tis

friend, to trouble

mistress, charm implores Nay, misled accuses there what

recollection Ah,

undergo? friend, have

Madame, tis

friendship

O my

be happy, you

the prayer to yourself? you,

of love. Believe the injuries that me, you are it two to you had

reproaches delicacy.

to make

by your me,

The

regrets

it causes and my

of which us

are equally no other you

imaginary; seducer but

heart

feels

between then,

has been

love.

Dread

no longer,

to yield

the sentiments yourself been which, methods, permit our is in later have

inspire,

to let yourself would our no. plan, foresee reflect:

be penetrated hearts Tis can events. be less seduction, regulate But its true

by all the fires pure, on if the they

kindled.

What!

illuminated never from

? Doubtless, except a distance, and by

contrary, and not its thus by it

acting and, itself

progress love our does

to meditate its sway and to notice silence

it distracts than

us from when

thoughts ; and it is

sentiments; shadow

is never that it

stronger entangles

it is unknown which

us in

bonds

alike

impossible Thus, your I

or to break. in spite of the lively emotion pleasure and to the their which I felt the idea at seeing still by of of you, calm my Like

as late return

as yesterday, caused me,

in spite myself

of the extreme to be called wholly

nevertheless only: very

thought or rather, little

guided soft

friendship heart, myself, charm and I was my

abandoned

sentiments or their that of

concerned you our

to unravel experienced, souls to the

origin

cause.

tender handed of us

friend, over

unconsciously, sweet we impressions had

imperious affection; from the

which neither

recognized the god justifies and of our birth it

Love, had plunged

until us.

issued

intoxication But been that false very

in which fact

instead I have feelings; to it. has

of not

condemning abused but your

us.

No,

you

have Tis

not true,

to friendship, both ignorant to give

confidence. underwent

we were we only with did

we only from us;

this of

illusion, it, let us it

not

seek of the

Ah,

far

complaining and, without

think unjust

happiness

procured be concerned

troubling it by the charm on this hope! love,

reproaches, and security!

let us only O my from my of

to enhance my heart given dotes over the

of constancy Yes, you freed, will

friend, every

how fear, my

henceforward, participate in

and

wholly delirium of our

to of

desires, my soul;

transports, every

my

senses,

the

intoxication

and

moment

fortunate

days Adieu, thee

shall

be marked whom I dare

by a new I adore!

enjoyment. see thee, you this evening, but shall I find

thou alone? 1ST

I shall it. Nay! 17 -- .

not

hope

do not

desire

it as much

as I do!

PARIS,

DECEMBER,

149 MADAME I HAD able dear only DE HOPED you but the VOLANGES YESTERDAY, more this favorable hope TO MADAME almost news all this DE day, morning since An ROSEMONDE my revered friend, to of I be our am

to give invalid: left with

as to the health last evening, seemingly and of

has been that I have

destroyed lost it.

regret

event,

scant of made

importance, our invalid

but

cruel

in the results

it caused,

has rendered if, indeed, sudden unhappy acquainted

the condition it has not change, friend. with

at least I should yesterday conceal

as grievous have

as it was

before,

it worse. received did not

understood

no whit confidence you without the three were

of this of our also

had I not As all she her

the complete from me that

misfortunes, Yesterday invalid calm had and

I can speak morning, been that when asleep I was

to you,

reserve, convent, hours; that the when

of her sad situation. I was and her informed slumber lethargic. of her that was Shortly bed. She she me the so

I reached for the last for

deep

afraid

a moment drew back ; and begged

it was curtains I rose

afterward, gazed

she awoke, with spoke

and an air my

herself

at us all me,

of surprise name, asked and

to go to her, near. She left

recognized no time there, it was

me to draw she was, at home. kind In fact,

to question if she was a new that but

her, sick,

but

me where not

what

we were at first, last;

doing that but I

and

why of

she was a more my

I thought, than the

delirium, she fully not me at the correctly, and not felt when in pain tired.

only

tranquil answers.

perceived her reason, She she

understood

she had

recovered

her memory. very minutely as to all jh that did had not might how happened remember have she given felt, she to her since I too

questioned had been her

convent, only

whither

she

coming. her

answered much that her

suppressing her, in my

what turn, that

alarm; she was sleep and

I asked at that

replied in after down took

moment, her

but

she had suffered and half to talk and which

greatly little; sat she

I persuaded her curtains, time some

to be quiet them was

which, by her

I partly bed. At good.

closed the

leaving broth

open,

same

suggested,

and found She words to these for some

remained were

thus to thank that

for

about

half

an

hour,

during given know.

which her;

time and she

her

only

me for grace

the attention which which a moment miseries my

I had you

brought

thanks time

and charm silence, And my

She then to say,

maintained Ah yes, My Then upon I

an absolute here. pity me; her,

she only later, are all hand,

broke she

remember friend, my

coming friend,

cried back

pitifully, to me. her head

coming and

as I advanced

toward

she seized

resting

it:

Dear these said

God! words to me,

she

went

on,

can

I not

die

then?

Her

expression, them ... I will already fearing sorrowful, that in my and tell

more voice, then, you as to the

than and

even, You

moved pity

me to tears; me! that Ah, did

she perceived you but

know and

interrupting all. what As

herself: I believe to be

Arrange I have the I

we can be left you, this would of I had my

alone,

informed of

suspicions and, and

was

subject foresaw

confidence; be our rest; alone for long

conversation, perhaps, first, to her have you.

which

might, at

be harmful the pretext We

to the that were from

condition she required no sooner which, of very the

unhappy but than

friend,

I refused and all not she I yielded that repeat had and I

under

she insisted, she told me

instances. already Finally,

you to been had

heard while she added, for

her,

that

reason, in

I will which

speaking I felt

cruel

fashion it would

sacrificed, the courage and my I tried arms of

certain

be my

death, my

it; but

what

is impossible

to me is to survive

misfortune

shame. to vanquish religion, that myself this which, I had not discouragement, hitherto, strength had enough or such for rather power these this over august despair, her; but with I the soon and I know I to

perceived confined be entirely it greatly. with did, would It was fairly letter the

functions, whom seemed for

to a proposal

to call

in the Pre to this,

Anselme, and even He stayed physicians

in her confidence. He patient, was sent for

She agreed and came

to desire time as that he he

at once. that,

a long judged

and

said,

on leaving,

if the

he thought return about quiet; was

the ceremony on the following three oclock

of the sacraments day. in the we afternoon, had all they and

might

be deferred;

until

five

our

friend

was a she But she it? No told. but

so much brought up

so that to her.

regained would any, agitation. and

hope. have

Unfortunately, given it her, it.

When not

answered from asked one She that

first

that

she would she letter shewed came. had for

receive greater

no one Shortly who had had

pressed afterward, brought not

moment this

whence knew. then

It had

no postmark: sent? after she was The

From kept

whom

it been time,

portress

been

silence talk was had only

some

which again until be given Good

she began delirious. at last her.

to speak;

her wandering However, the letter cast but shut almost there which

told

us that quiet

another been

interval, should him! take

she requested As soon and then as she

that had

brought From it back,

her eyes oppressed

on it, she cried, voice, Take and

God!

in a strong curtains we were had

it back. to come to her

She had near side.

her bed but

immediately, immediately

forbade

anybody to return

her; The

compelled

frenzy

returned to it.

more These

violent attacks me

than had that

ever, not the

and

really by

terrible the

convulsions and stormy. succumbed, this In

were

joined

ceased night

evening, less

mornings short, her

bulletin state not

informs is such that you

has

not

been

I am astonished that I have very

she has not little from my hope M.

already left.

and I will

hide

from this write but

I suppose still dare

unfortunate to her?

letter Forgive indeed,

was me,

de Valmont: friend; make

but

what

can from

he all

dear

I refrain so wretched

reflection: who was

it is cruel,

to see a woman happy.

an end,

hitherto 2ND

so deservedly

PARIS,

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

150 THE WHILE tender myself CHEVALIER I WAIT friend, with to you for that FOR the that DANCENY the TO THE MARQUISE you, you, your DE I abandon and it is by To MERTEUIL myself, my

happiness of my your

of seeing writing regret to for

pleasure I dispel

occupying retrace heart; and benefits obtain from no a we you my it

absence.

sentiments is thus precious reply from

you,

to recall a time of

own,

is a real offers me

delight still

to my

even

privation if

a thousand I shall

to my you:

love. this

However, very letter according I will my

I am

to believe

you,

is to be the last, to believe own not you, you, for

and we must and for

refrain of what But, matter

correspondence have wish being you? Of the question no need. that does

which, Assuredly, not

is dangerous, if you that me insist: very

which can

become will

wish, permit

reason? the

before with

wholly

resolved,

you

to discuss

of

danger, myself while but

you

must

be

the

sole

judge: over

I can your

calculate safety; for we with it then,

nothing, I can two our can

and I confine have no peace are but here be for is what a letter What one,

to begging you are who but

you

to watch For this

uneasy. are both thought; or from

purpose, the

it is not same differs, This,

who wants: only

you

of us. It is not and if our

we can have lack

one

opinion

of explanation

misunderstanding.

methinks, No other not doubt

I feel. seems could times spoke by no means it say that better of our still? indispensable, a word, This a glance, seems when we can see silence that, easily each would at the crept as it

freely. say

or even

a hundred when soul; you

to me

so true the idea it.

moment into were, my

ceasing but upon

to correspond, did your not wound

it troubled wishing

it perhaps, a kiss

It is even, with

when,

to press thrust

bosom,

I meet

a riband

or a veil; But, this since thought

I do but then,

it aside, separated;

and have and,

no feeling now that back you

of an obstacle. are no longer Why, one favored the tender of a time friend; delicious ends by If look is here, say far by in

we

are

of our this one

correspondence the more? no more day

has come Nay,

to torture

me.

I to myself, away, that

privation should have

is it a reason, I will must assume we

because that, waste my full be,

to say? together; Yes, of

circumstance, talking for, by which your

we

pass

a whole for

is meant side, But at then even last, one

pleasure? moments

for

pleasure, are may

the

repose time that

enjoyment. separation; one reads

however is all one alone!

long Tis

the

one

and it not, without

then Ah!

a letter doubt, find

is precious! one some may

at least reading

gazes

at it....

do not

at a letter

it, as, methinks,

I should

still

pleasure

in touching Your like lends portrait, a cold itself

your

portrait

in the night.... But that a letter is the portrait of the soul. It has love; not, it

do I say? resemblance, to our

stagnation movement:

which by

is so remote turns it is

from

every All

animated, to me!

feels Will

enjoyment, you Are rob you

is in repose.... me of a means sure, pray, that

your

sentiments them?

are so precious

of cherishing the need

to write

to me will

never

torment of joy

you?

In

solitude, through where bosom share? ... my wish believe will would above Adieu,

if your your will

heart if

expands an ji Will

or is depressed, sadness, or have

if a movement for a moment, sorrow,

thrills it: the not love but dare I you and,

soul, you

involuntary your you, gladness then,

troubles upon he does My I did I

depose friend? allow But and

your

except which

of your Will tender you

a sentiment

yourself it is your

to be lost privilege you; of more make ah, you

in solitary

dreams

apart?

love!

to pronounce I do but avail. an effort would give If you

sentence. you reasons,

to discuss, that my

not

to beguile had been I will but,

prayers not

persist, myself better

therefore, what than I;

endeavor have all, my

to grieve; to have me: more

to tell say it. nigh I may it

written

I should charming I take

pleasure the hour in all

in hearing is drawing haste, that

friend; leave

when come

I shall and

be find

able you

to see you: the sooner. PARIS, 3RD

of you

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

151 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I DO have this your NOT failed evening, house! SUPPOSE, to set its nor It well betrayed upon is not how Marquise, due the that value that upon you the deem me so inexperienced in which brought did and which also, that I found Danceny not as to

tte--tte which

you to know nor of

remarkable your

chance practiced

countenance of calm

marvelously that you

to assume by

an expression any of let those fall.

serenity, the your lips

yourself

phrases

confusion gaze served

or repentance you well

sometimes and,

I admit, but known

docile itself least

to perfection; as understood, have

if it had far from for

how

to make the

believed suspicion, caused such

as

feeling a moment But, the

or

retaining

I should you by that talents and your

not

suspected jj third you would

the extreme if you would you must

vexation not lavish

importunate in vain, if

party. obtain

great

success you

promised begin by

yourself, forming Since blush

produce, novice

in short, of a lover

the illusion with greater

you care.

sought,

you

are beginning out

to undertake

educations, at the slightest only, case of for of their and,

teach

your

pupils not to

not

to

and be put

of countenance of one feebly to the

pleasantry; against others.

deny they them,

so earnestly, defend again,

in the case so listen

woman in the

the things all the

which Teach

themselves how to

praises

mistress, if you

without permit how they them to

deeming to gaze disguise so your to

themselves at you that in

bound company, of with

to do the honors let them, so

her;

at least, easy to will

know recognize,

beforehand which

look

possession, that of love.

confound them in

clumsily public the

You their too

then

be able putting to have

to exhibit their a hand new sage

appearances, and

without only

conduct happy

instructress celebrity,

blush;

I myself,

in your college.

promise But, have speedily how Yes, and far until

to compose then, to

and publish I confess, like

the programs astonished

of this that

I am, treat

it should any

be I whom woman of it!

you how And me!

chosen

a schoolboy. What of

Oh,

on

other make had

I would it would

be avenged! surpass in your that all. for I that

a pleasure she

I should she

which that

believed

robbed

it is, indeed, do not think I know been and and

case alone am held

I can prefer by the

reparation least doubt,

to revenge; the least

back

uncertainty; You have

in Paris you have

the last him failed

four only.

days; Even

and

every

day your

you door

have was for

seen still of

Danceny, closed;

seen only

today, my

your

porter

to prevent

reaching

you,

want

an

assurance to me, arrival

equal that

to

your

own. be the

Nonetheless, first

I was

not of

to your

doubt, arrival; you or will yet but I

you of wrote you still

wrote that

I should you

to be informed me the date, you is alike deny these

of which

could

not

yet tell Will

although facts, and

to me on the eve attempt contain me, rest to excuse myself satisfied Marquise: you out;

of your them?

departure. Either

course

impossible; dominion: We

! There with that told and

you having word you

behold tried ought will

the force it, abuse to suffice. be out all that our not other

of your

believe one

it no more.

both

know

another, Tomorrow, really you

me, you

day?

Well

and

good, But

if you at any

are rate

going will

may

imagine and, for will the

I shall difficult be too place, all,

know.

return then

in the evening;

reconciliation, long. that no Let our more

the time then, and

betwixt if

and the next

morning or in

me know numerous of

it is to be at your expiations head

house, jk was are full

reciprocal Your frenzy but

to be made. of : but his idea,

Above and that,

Danceny. of what that from even I that was was you. if it

naughty of your

I cannot from this

be jealous moment, think them But,

imagination would become

reflect

a fantasy for such

a marked

preference. expect seem

I do not to receive one to you.

made I even should

humiliations, that this

and I do not will not

hope cost

sacrifice

you

anything,

it seems of very

to me that

I have

set you who love lacks,

a fine lived and if

enough for regret, me is will,

example, alone, worth neither nor

and who, at

that perhaps,

a woman at this

sensibility moment,

and

beauty, of

is dying

least

as much looks nor

as a young intelligence,

schoolboy, but who,

who

you

good

as yet,

has neither

constancy

knowledge Marquise;

of the world! I say nothing is not of my my that me, sentiments heart. toward for you. your you All reply. that I can

Adieu,

do, at this when forget on your PARIS, you the

moment, make offense

to search carefully given

I wait

Reflect, me

it, reflect you

the easier the more engrave EVENING.

it is for indelibly it upon

to make a

have

would my

refusal

part, 3RD

a simple

postponement 17 -- , IN

even, THE

heart.

DECEMBER,

152 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT PRAY, timidity! of fear incurring of your me, but would HAVE How A CARE, do you your Vicomte, that above more and show more respect to my extreme thought to were the to

suppose and, The be

I can endure all, how

the overwhelming can I fail to succumb if you I might and calm.

wrath,

vengeance? it your you left would

so in that, for me

as you to

know,

blacken indeed, what

impossible would

retaliate. brilliant

speak, In fact, if

existence have you

be nonetheless you not

to fear? for

To be sure, can the your one Court

would live

be obliged abroad left as well you

to leave, as

the time And all

were

it. But that for

here? at of

considered, one the you scene

provided had of moral Vicomte, chosen your

of France it would

in peace be a case restore

whatever shifting coolness Do you

abode, Having

merely to

triumphs.

attempted

your

by these know, for have

considerations, why I have

let us return never

to business. again? in order even that It that I was always to me, it not that on to one is, is not,

married

assuredly, should

lack

of advantageous to dictate able to carry but had that the only are, it right to my out

offers; actions. my

it is solely It is not for been

nobody afraid have that in

the right being

of no longer ended anyone short, by

wishes, have to for the

I should a burden of

doing

that; have

would merely deceive me me of

should because And to

complain my most

them; and letter injuries

I wished here you You yours!

pleasure, marital but the

from it is my to

necessity. possible side, whom Let and drawn will, the

writing to

receive! on

speak But

nothing can

favors

how,

pray,

one it.

be

lacking

one owes

no whit? what you? Either

I am unable this and the In ado

to conceive about? but You what

us consider: it displeased from it?

is all Well it was you.

found

Danceny can you,

with you or of in But for

me, have my the you you.

good: result first

conclusion as I told letter

of chance, case, your

as I did

not

tell

the indeed not

is unjust; of writing!

second,

it is ridiculous: and jealousy have a rival

it was does or you

worth

the trouble Very well, have you same all,

are jealous, Either in order order to you

reason. not. you

let me reason one, you must

have if

If you have cases

please, in be me? no an your

to be preferred avoid why, no sure But having therefore, know

to him; one. In

not, the Above

must

still

please, is to

both

conduct why And you do not

observed: Do you

torment how to

yourself? be the

torment are you

longer of your

most

amiable?

longer injustice.

successes? that;

Come

now, in

Vicomte, eyes,

yourself worth

it is not

it is that,

your

I am

putting than you

yourself are of

to

so much your

trouble. empire. and

You

are

less you

desirous are

of

my

favors That longer, is

abusing

There,

an ingrate. a very little

enough this You your just letter

sentiment, might just

methinks, well turn

if I were but

to continue that you myself.

to tenderness: that retain I should them: I shall have you All

do not To

deserve! punish you for

deserve suspicions, as of the

as little you shall of

justify

of the time tell you you not?

of my nothing. Very

return, You

therefore, have taken any tell your the less

visits

Danceny, yourself,

mighty more you,

pains advanced? it has not

to inform I hope interfered is that me;

well!

Are

you I can to nor be

it has given with mine.

a great I can

deal say,

of pleasure; then, in reply

threatening power disposed In truth, to

letter, intimidate than to

it has had neither and your as that, for the

the fortune moment,

to please I could

me, not

I am to grant accept you

request. you It show not one yourself today would with worth be my the to old old. The never find

such to

commit lover; I have Valmont

a real it would not

infidelity be to take forgotten

you.

would and that

be a renewal by no means so deceive admit you, that

a fresh the

one, first

so far

I should even

myself. I have if you

whom

I loved more him that

was

charming. Ah,

I will

encountered him Warn again, him,

a man to bring however,

amiable. to see me;

let me beg

Vicomte, well received!

he will will

be always it be for

in no case injured

today

or tomorrow. in too if you your one much like, I

His haste, have has ones

Menchmus I should pledged taught word. You

has somewhat be afraid of to is making

him; 5 and, or, two

if I were perhaps, days! you, what

a mistake; for those

my me You

word that it

Danceny no that joking you

And

letter

matter must

with But rival.

when does

breaks to

see, then, avenge you Such who will

wait.

it matter

you?

can always than

yourself do to his;

on your and,

He will is not who in

do no worse one should woman

to your as good and from to the about?

mistress

after She

all, even who,

as another? sensitive, love dread Ah, and

are your live

principles. for you

be tender should die

should would

alone,

short,

regret,

be, nonetheless, ridicule; and you

sacrificed would have

to the first one put

fantasy, oneself

of a moments that is not Vicomte; than to fair! pray, find you

Adieu, better

become you

amiable

once and as

more. soon

You as I

see, I ask am sure

nothing of it, I

charming; Truly,

undertake PARIS,

to give 4TH

the proof. 17 -- .

I am too

kind.

DECEMBER,

153 THE VICOMTE DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL I ANSWER which is not YOUR easy LETTER with you, at once, when once and you I will have try made to be clear; up your mind a thing not to

understand. Long phrases all were that not required to establish to ruin the the fact other, we that, have when a like But, the more there you, or each of us in

possesses mutual

is necessary there

interest between

consideration: course

is no question, one have another, been, these

therefore, and that,

of that. doubtless even I say,

the violent of remaining

of destroying as we

better, so are nor by a is

united old

of two

becoming courses, therefore, be either

resuming thousand

our others

liaison;

between It was day not

to adopt. from this

ridiculous, I will

to tell your

it to repeat, enemy. I am admirably suit never feel you

that

forward

lover

your

conscious to beat

that

this

choice and

will

embarrass

you; aware but

that that you

it would you have also risk that. not to

better

about thus out

the bush; betwixt of this have

I am quite

loved that

to be placed let you and you

a plain narrow foreseen

yes or no: circle that without I would the

must the

I cannot tricked; you now

running not choice,

of being It is for remain I warn they

may

endure but

to decide:

I am

able

to leave

you

in uncertainty. you only or bad; with that that you will not will impose you on me me by by your any arguments, more of be those the set

good

neither you seek

seduce your

cajoleries time you and for the

which

to adorn I ask

refusals; better pleasure,

and that, than

at least, to

frankness example; but,

has and if both

arrived. I declare

nothing with

to be able I prefer and the

to you

that

peace means

union:

are to be broken,

I believe

the right

are mine. I will me from PARIS, add, then, that the least obstacle of war: nor fine presented you will by you will be taken I by exact

as a veritable you requires 4TH

declaration neither long

see that Two

the

answer will

phrases.

words

suffice.

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

REPLY FOOT

OF

THE

MARQUISE LETTER)

DE

MERTEUIL

(WRITTEN

AT

THE

OF THE

ABOVE

VERY

WELL!

WAR!

154 MADAME THE friend, care any which M. DE VOLANGES WILL state TO INFORM of our from other MADAME you patient. time DE better Utterly to write of the ROSEMONDE than I can do, my dear in my are for from or also

BULLETINS of the grievous of her, incidents I was I only to

absorbed, to you,

as I am, when Here

snatch relate,

it the than

there is one,

those

malady.

certainly who mediator

unprepared. has been

It is a letter pleased

which me for

I have as his whom

received confidant, he has

de Valmont, as his

to choose de Tourvel, the one, will with not But

rather enclosed The could been

with

Madame sent

a letter

in mine.

I have and have

back

and replied judge, his like request. been

to the other. myself, Even that had I I to this wish may

latter not willing,

I forward and ought our me.

to you, not to

I think

you

complied would

unfortunate delirium

friend

have what

in a condition think of

understand despair

Her

is continuous. First,

do you

of M.

de Valmont?

is one to believe end? jl If, the cause my answer; for

in it, or does

he but he

to deceive well

everybody,

to the very himself with

once,

he is sincere, misfortune. that all

say that

he has been pleased

of his own but

I expect I see of

he will this

be hardly

I confess against sad task,

unhappy my more

adventure dear friend; the

excites

me more

and more my

its author. which becomes You know

Adieu, even my

I am going scant you. 17 -- . hope

to resume I feel of

so from toward

seeing

it succeed.

sentiments 5TH

PARIS,

DECEMBER,

155 THE VICOMTE CALLED the have me but would DE VALMONT you of TO twice, to THE my take CHEVALIER dear up Chevalier: that of Your this with the DANCENY but, man since of you

I HAVE have

UPON rle

abandoned you assured to await well that and

lover

gallant

conquests, however, orders quite

naturally that you

become would

invisible. return

valet-de-chambre, ; that he had

evening your

you: you would I

I, who only

am acquainted enter for

plans,

understood suitable Tis this but the It it

a moment, your for

to put victorious

on the progress.

costume, very well,

promptly cannot but

recommence applaud to change you your

and you will

it;

but,

perhaps, As yet you

for do with letter.

evening, know other, will one and not

be tempted

direction. make you then, since,

half then

of your you

occupations; decide. you from

I must Take your you the

acquainted to read my

shall

time,

tend

to distract object than your

pleasures,

on the contrary,

has no other

to offer whole you zeal

a choice

of them. from I should less us start would yourself have that been and we make

If I had possessed part of your in not secrets time,

confidence, have left

if I had heard me to divine, have But been let

which and your my

informed would are.

would today.

inopportune from where

impede

movements were

Whatever happy.

course

you

to take,

your

rejected

always

another You whom at least pleasures. to adorn arranged; both what Since and very your your alone: young lacked: since, your

have you for

a rendezvous adore? the For, first

tonight, at your week!

have age,

you

not?

With

a charming one must taken and does not

woman, adore, your you, All is is We is

who

is the woman of the scene

The

setting

enhance only for

A delicious voluptuousness you that, do not return are

petite-maison, with the and have

which charms you said

has been of liberty to

of mystery. yourself there! Now,

expected, you

burn

betake

know you my

although know, to Paris,

no word to tell over

of it to me.

here

and what I have

I have been

you. the means you reason of bringing this; and on you the from

busy

Mademoiselle last occasion I might

de Volanges when I spoke

together; of

I promised I had that difficult the rest

it to you, transports, in this I left

to judge I was

replies,

say from not

your succeed

in this

promoting by myself of your

happiness. but, after

I could preparing Her love

enterprise to the

the has

means, discovered

zeal

mistress. in short,

resources that she has

which

my

experience Two days and

it is your me this

misfortune evening,

succeeded. was

as she happiness

told only

every

obstacle

surmounted,

depends

on yourself.

For this been the

two news

days,

also,

she flattered and, you in spite have not

herself of her even

that

she would

be able you And,

to give would to tell to

you have you me a the upon as it

herself, but

Mammas presented the

absence, yourself! little person part. At

received: truth,

whether vexed

it be reason at this lack me to

or caprice,

seemed last, to

somewhat means enclosed it, I would may, the my Now, and were ago, of

of eagerness her, and

on your made From me

she found forward she laid Be that should

summoning letter to you

promise

as soon

as possible.

the emphasis for tonight. that you and

wager

it is a question upon my honor course

of a rendezvous and my friendship and

I promised tender word. young love, man, missive

have break

in the

of today,

I cannot

will

not

what

is your and

conduct happiness, of his the three

to be? which months

Placed will ago,

between be your

coquetry choice? of a but If week the and I

between

pleasure

speaking I should

to the

Danceny of by

nay, of after

even his

be as certain led away

behavior women,

as I was running will

heart:

Danceny grown, girl,

of today, as the usage

adventures, a very her

is, somewhat him who her

of a rake, beauty, her very to

he prefer and

shy young to the

who

only

offers

innocence well me also for worn? that,

love,

attractions For my

of a woman part, my dear

is certainly it seems

friend, admit,

even

with

your by To of

new

principles, I should with,

which, decide,

I quite under

are shared

in some

degree flame. the fear side,

myself, begin losing it

the circumstances, and then

the younger and again on that does not

it is one of your be really

the more, labor an case

the novelty, to cull missed, it; and when one

the fruit would especially needs prevent a straw; surprised.

by neglecting opportunity of a first of ill

for, it such

in short, return, often even, clings

always

in the one

frailty: humor,

are in question, suspicion, less

it to to

but

moment

jealous

the most and, once

handsome escaped,

triumph. it keeps

Drowning upon

virtue and

sometimes

its guard

is no longer

easily

On the other quarrel the who gain If,

side,

on the contrary, whereby you

what

do you

risk?

Not

even

a rupture; attentions, a woman

at the most, of

purchase, What save other that of

at the cost course

of a few for

pleasure has

a reconciliation. given The you herself, loss choose consider be

remains

already

indulgence? with no profit seems

What

would

she

by severity? as I assume,

of her pleasures, the path of love,

to her glory. to me also that

which

of reason, rendezvous; reason,

I should let will

it prudent expected

to send quite

no excuses simply: if

to the abandoned you risk are giving curious a

yourself perhaps

there

be a temptation

to verify

it. Women

and

obstinate; of will

all

might But, be

be discovered; if you until you detained which leave long will

as you a hope, after be able you; you

know, as it

I am myself will

just

now by

an example vanity, it

this. not

be sustained hour for

lost

the

proper

seeking

information: obstacle necessary, all will For the

then, which will

tomorrow, have else

to select will have you

the

insurmountable ill, dead if and

been equal

or anything again.

will

have

caused

despair;

be right rest,

whichever

course

you

adopt,

I only I shall

ask

you

to inform

me that

of you

it; and, have I add

as I have well. thing

no interest Adieu, more, separated my that

in the matter, dear I friend. regret her;

in any

case think

done one

Madame that I would

de

Tourvel; with

that half my me,

am life love

in for is

despair the ones PARIS,

at being

from the

pay Ah,

privilege only

of consecrating happiness! DECEMBER,

other

half

to her.

believe

5TH

17 -- .

156 CCILE (ENCLOSED How desire am The more. You from but that proof. am not know home, you my If quite and well I hoped even was had you; think less come I only not say me: refrain really so love well, that it is some would try days and since profit Mamma by this You has time told and me If been of away is IT, MY you VOLANGES IN THE dear TO PRECEDING) friend, that care I see you so much than no longer, about when now when I never Ah, cease to I THE CHEVALIER DANCENY

it? Do sad

no longer Sadder

it as I do? we were you,

nowadays separated. hurts far

very pain

indeed!

even others

entirely and that

I once

had through

comes

from

you

freedom:

do not love you like

of me; yours!

I am very I knew you what of you telling all too

unhappy! the

me so often here indeed: is for your of to the see see the I

than

contrary, have seen us. for

to see me, think anything but I love from me! that you the of

would will

reunite done

you

had and

deserts, trouble you that

I would

I have well,

that,

it has given I cannot if you managed me that,

and I wish And then,

so much I shall

you.

soon

afterward I have

porter

is

in

our let for

interests, you in,

and

has he

promised did man. that For every The not

whenever and we can

came,

he would upon him, out

as though obliging

see you;

depend

he is a very in the

It is only is very instance, night porter gate,

a question, if you

then, come

of keeping when going

of sight

house; to to

and fear. bed

easy, since

at night,

there out

is nothing day, plenty instead

at all she goes of time. of and

Mamma oclock;

has been so that should

every have that,

at eleven told you

we should come like

me that, would and

if you only then, to have give you

knocking he would and, room not my is shall a

on the open as you ajar,

have you

to knock will easily I will light.

at his find leave You

window, the back the must back not door take

at once will

to you; not will

staircase; of great As my

be able always

a light, a little

which any that good

care for she we

to make maids, very

noise, is no

especially matter, And

in passing has

Mammas me

door.

as she to leave,

promised

to awake; Now

girl, will why

too! come. does to this?

it will

be just

the

same.

see if you Ah God,

my

heart to

beat me,

so fast or is it

while the

I write hope I have you of

to

you? you loved

Is

some which

misfortune troubles much, friend, me and my

going like have dear

come What

seeing never

I feel so

most much be able

is that to tell

you then,

so my

never friend,

longed that

so.

Come

I may

to repeat

to you

a hundred

times

that

I love

you,

that

I adore

you,

that

I shall M.

never

love

anyone that he I had is

but

you.

I have to say

found to

the means and, I will as beg

of informing he him is a very

de Valmont good friend, letter

something to come I

him; and

sure

tomorrow, shall would Adieu, PARIS, expect not my

to give and

you you

this will

immediately. without

So that fail, if you

you make dear

tomorrow your friend; Ccile

night, very

come

unhappy. you with THE all my EVENING. heart.

I embrace

4TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- , IN

157 THE Do CHEVALIER NOT DOUBT, How she DANCENY MY could alone dear I resist whom I have myself another memory and, very her so that TO THE VICOMTE either of my I of my DE VALMONT or of Ah, love! I may nothing it my is Her have will having in the

Vicomte, a desire love,

heart Cciles? always which which

proceedings! indeed she,

dear shall

whom for

ingenuousness, been ever weak efface. it,

her tenderness enough to allow upon the

a charm

me from but

to be distracted, adventure of Ccile

Embarked often sweetest has

without, come my I and to

so to speak, to trouble has never unfaithful my her me,

perceived midst her

of my truer

pleasures; than let at the

perhaps, moment delicacy as not I

heart was hide give I

rendered to her.

homage my not is friend, to the

However, from her;

us spare her, but vow

wrongdoings pain. never Cciles forgive

surprise most

happiness myself I feel

ardent

frame;

would

a fault I have but at this

which deserved you

had cost your believe and

her a tear. jesting me remarks when upon that what you call by my I it. new am I of it so

principles: guided will my has

can

I say

it is not

them

moment;

from to the

tomorrow very

I am determined who has been Read united deceived; of do faith. more

to prove the my to cause heart; desire

go and error, the

accuse

myself

woman I will you; us say

who most

has participated tender love! friendship ... Both not

in it; for of

to her,

friendship been

greatly

resembles to error,

have of

but,

though my

susceptible friend; me, she she will

I am

capable

a breach she will

I know than

is as noble approve. ; often her

as she She

is indulgent; often

pardon betraying

herself

reproached at her which

herself love.

with

friendship will

delicacy soul those

took useful

alarm fears

Wiser

than to

I,

she stifle O you

strengthen I shall

in my owe

I rashly that my

sought

in hers. my

it to her that my gratitude.

I am better, The idea

as to you I owe

I am happier. happiness to

friends,

divide its value.

that

enhances Adieu, thinking to you! that my

dear

Vicomte. sorrows,

The and

excess from

of my sharing

joy them.

does Why

not

prevent

me be of told

from use also time are

of your Does

can I not then? I am

Madame ill. God,

de Tourvel how I pity and

remain you! forever that but

inexorable May make they

she is very and

she regain your will

at the same These

her health the prayers I should Ccile PARIS,

her indulgence,

happiness! be heard

of friendship to talk awaits longer me.

; I dare with

hope you;

by Love. and perhaps

like already 5TH

the hour

approaches,

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

158 THE VICOMTE (UPON WELL, Are you He DE VALMONT TO THE MARQUISE DE

MERTEUIL WELL, night?

AWAKING) HOW fatigued prodigies, I will are you after Admit You justice; of the pleasures now, did not that of last

MARQUISE, not somewhat

by them? this youth!

Danceny it of to But, ever he

is charming! him, am I not

performs Indeed,

expect deserved

right? to such

do myself

I richly good Ah,

be sacrificed above all,

a rival. what as his

Seriously,

he is full what delicacy! would

qualities! if you were to fear:

what by

love, him

constancy, Ccile

to be loved proved may rob that you

is, you

have

no rivals

to you of him : but this

last for

night.

Perhaps,

by dint

of coquetry, can hardly object

another refuse suffices, object

woman enticing as you to

a moment; word thus

a young from the

man

provocations see, to dispel become You need my will ever part

a single illusion; happy.

beloved only

you

have

to be that

in order

perfectly surely fear as it

make that. is

no mistake

there;

you

have which

too

sure

a tact

that

you on the but been I

However, recognized night. it

the friendship on yours, work

unites me

us, as sincere for you

made zeal;

desire

experience pray easier. In fact, to share as much letter but what you,

of last no

It is the is not

of my the

it has succeeded: could have

thanks;

worth

pains:

nothing

did

it cost

me?

A slight with

sacrifice,

and a little man: but,

skill. after of

I consented all, them! by he has The me; I

the favors right

of his mistress as I; person time, and

the young such

to them

I took

scant

account

which it was

the young only to gain

wrote because

to him we

was,

of course,

dictated it. The

had

a better

use for friendly

one

added to

to it, oh, that the new

was lovers must

nothing, choice:

next

to nothing; upon not my

a few

reflections were not

guide

but,

honor, for

they

required; Moreover, and Read

the truth in his the

be told,

he did

hesitate today, mightily! you

an instant. you will everything say that will that to you: repairs also it is ;

candor, story this that, such

he is to go to you will please you me: and what have

to tell He quite

assuredly

my heart; I hope read to have that

he has told while young

see that have,

everything. perhaps better Adieu, PARIS,

reading lovers than

he would dangers;

you

their

and again,

me for until

a friend the next

an enemy.

Marquise; 6TH

occasion.

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

159 THE MARQUISE DE MERTEUIL TO THE VICOMTE DE

VALMONT I DO neither against However forget that NOT LIKE people nor not to follow to my quiz up sorry taste. them; you When jm I conduct I have do better, with sorry of jests; it is

in my people,

manner I do with not

ground I

complaint myself. do you not were

avenge moment, that

satisfied it would and

yourself

may time

be at the present if you yourself when were to find

be the first

premature, which yourself PARIS, had

quite

alone, you

in applauding moment

in the hope you were

of a triumph congratulating

escaped

at the very

upon 6TH

it. Adieu. DECEMBER, 17 -- .

160 MADAME I WRITE DE TO VOLANGES from TO MADAME of your There DE ROSEMONDE friend, whose of often state four a

YOU almost

the chamber the same. That is,

unhappy

has remained physicians proof It this

always

is to be a consultation as you know, more

afternoon. than

unhappily,

of danger

a means that her me that she

of relief. mind this was somewhat that be alone that, restored just before with while her; last night. The her she in

seems,

however, maid called to her

waiting mistress dictated making the first, she girl that

informed her; a fairly for

morning to

midnight and that busy

wished letter. Julie

long

added

she was returned:

the envelope did not know

it, Madame

de Tourvels to address

delirium it.

so that at which

to whom had not she

she was been to

I was

astonished, upon her

the letter me

itself that

sufficient make

to inform a mistake;

her; that

answered

feared

mistress, I took

however, upon I

had greatly to open the

charged the packet.

her to have

it dispatched

immediately.

myself there

found

communication and unhappy

which

send

you,

which, that

in

fact, to

is M. she

addressed de Valmont gave may, way,

to everybody that without that will our

to nobody. friend it, should

I think, meant

however,

it was but Be

at first

to write; ideas.

that that it are

perceiving the letter learn fill have our from

to the not

disorder be given

of her

as

it

I judged you

to anybody. can from me,

I send what so

you, the

because thoughts affected, mind Adieu, distance PARIS,

it, better head. The

than As

you long

which I shall

patients

as she with

remains difficulty,

keenly the

no hope.

body

recovers

when

is so ill my from 6TH

at ease. and revered friend. which I congratulate is continually you before upon my being eyes. at a

dear

the sad spectacle DECEMBER,

17 -- .

161 THE AND CRUEL Does ravish shadow, be without which my PRSIDENTE WRITTEN AND it not from where BY WICKED you even ignominy DE HER TOURVEL WAITING BEING, to have the will tortured, of the TO (DICTATED MAID) you never cease vilified What! myself, I do not In to persecute me? this Would abode sorrows for mercy, if me? you of to BY HER

suffice me

degraded, grave?

peace has forced

me to bury

are my implore I shall render from

cessation, deserve: do not In of the leaving good before I saw

is hope

to be unknown? without strength. sorrow, When

I do not

to suffer exceed me I have my you, eyes my my lost. its

complaining, But take you do not away have image. by

be content my me torments the

sufferings

unbearable. memory trace peace: criminal. Where

cruel me, and jn at

ravished I was

it from innocent to you them? My down, over the I

no more because Author are the

desolating my repose; right me, near have

I lost

listening

became

of my friends

faults, who

what

you

to punish are they?

cherished come

where me. and

misfortune and me. abyss they All into are

has terrified leave me

them. without

None succor!

dares

I am no one

borne weeps of

I am Pity

dying, stops

consolation which not And

is refused one

me.

short

on the

brink

the guilty

has plunged.

She is torn

by remorse

and

her cries

heeded! you, whom you, are you me I who doing have alone outraged; would from you, have me? the whose right esteem to avenge and punish deserved. failed Let adds to my on

punishment; me, wife. already of your tell for what Let

yourself an unfaithful

far away the

Come I have

suffer,

at last,

torments but

I should me to tell this it my letter,

have you at

submitted shame. you

to your It was of my you not

vengeance: dissimulation,

the courage it was has Heaven

respect. your

least, you and

repentance. do not it know. feared

Heaven Tis lest

taken which

part;

avenges tongue which would it

a wrong my

has tied a fault

retained

words;

you

should your

remit

wished have Pitiless me. vain; different contempt. thrown fury?

to punish. infringed

It has withdrawn

me from

indulgence,

which

its justice. it has abandoned and through he is there; His him he eyes me to the that assails I suffer. me very one who to flee But hatred are ruined him in

in its vengeance, for him

It is at once he follows he His round is

I seek

me; from lips me

unceasingly. naught His from but

how and only

himself! proffer only

express and will

insults Who

reproach. save me

arms his

to

destroy

me.

barbarous

But my

what! beloved,

It is he.... take you!

I am not

mistaken; arms; hide

it is he whom me in your me

I see once yes,

more.

O it I

me in your dread

bosom:

it is you, How again. longer, tender you

is indeed have Let it is

What in your Feel emotion your Why your

illusion Let how Why

made us part

misunderstand

you? part no my

suffered me breathe. the soft Cast

absence! my of sweet are heart, love!

no more, Ah, turn

let us never it is with away fear from

it throbs! do you

caresses? trying What shudder! who more side. least, Leave any you urged

glance you

upon

me! ready What My

What those are friends,

are those preparations you doing?

bonds for Leave

are

to break? can change God!

getting thus? again! help me

death? me: You, you, to my at I

features monster him,

It is that

do not against

desert him;

me. and

me to fly who you

from

me to struggle

indulgent, Where answer me have this

promised both

a diminution If I am not that you fury my

of my allowed still seizes You love

pains,

come

gone?

to see you me. Do you my

again,

letter: cruel

let me know one! What

then,

fresh

you?

fear

lest

gentle force

sentiment me to hate

should you.

penetrate Oh, what it!

soul?

redouble

torments; How it

a grievous do you not made nothing

thing persecute

is hatred! me? What for

corrodes can listen farewell. PARIS, you to

the heart have you

which

distills Have you?

Why you

more me to

to say to me? as to answer

it as impossible more of me.

Expect

Monsieur,

5TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

162 THE I AM also feared treachery that abuse this I felt you CHEVALIER ACQUAINTED, that, not content and DANCENY MONSIEUR, with applaud own having yourself hand. TO THE with unworthily for it. VICOMTE your behavior tricked I have that seen my me, the DE VALMONT to me. you proof was I have of sick, know not your and

to vaunt written

in your shame

I confess assisted

heart myself

a certain have

at having blind am me.

somewhat I do not, to this learn if, and

at the odious envy you you will in village for you will be the of the

made

of my I over

confidence: only I shall between curious know

however, whether

shameful them to meet at

advantage; all alike me

preserve ready morning,

as I hope, nine by

tomorrow, to

eight de there from

oclock the

the

entrance

the

Bois

Vincennes all you. that

Saint-Mand. explanations THE PARIS,

I will which

be careful I still have

to have to obtain

is necessary

CHEVALIER 6TH

DANCENY. 17 -- , IN THE EVENING.

DECEMBER,

163 M. BERTRAND TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE

MADAME, It is with news great regret will to in you, life you and that I undertake you pious alone such the cruel sad task of announcing me, all to first, so you to much which

which

cause that which

sorrow. which

Allow we have

recommend admired our Your lady! this

resignation enables

us to support

the ills

with

wretched nephew Your morning of this pocket it appears,

is strewn. Heaven! the Must misfortune Danceny. from which the I afflict to fall I am so greatly in a duel entirely so venerable which ignorant I found to he of a had the still

... Gracious nephew with

has had M.

le Chevalier but

motive in the

quarrel; of M. I say,

it appears, and not

the missive I have aggressor. the

which honor

le Vicomte, that he was to fall! M.

forward must be

you;

Yet

it needs

he whom I had brought carried thrusts there a fine As for been

Heaven to wait to

allowed upon the

le Vicomte, Imagine and was Ah, my bathed

precisely terror, in his very

at the hour when blood. weak. I saw

when your two

he

was

back by two through also, time me, and

htel.

nephew sword was but it is

of his his

servants, body, and

He had M.

already

Danceny

he even tears,

wept. when

certainly,

he has reason an irreparable in spite

to weep:

to shed I

one has caused myself; my truly who and

misfortune! of But my humble then silent; him to

could

not

contain told him

and,

condition, that and, his treat man. M.

jo I nonetheless le Vicomte the hand embraced with showed

fashion great. was said

of thinking. He ordered his murderer, to us, I

it was

himself

me to be he called command and

taking friend,

of the very him all before

man

us all

you gallant with

Monsieur He

the consideration him to the be

that

is due in which vast

to a brave my

further mass to which

caused of

presented, of

presence, not

voluminous with, desired Meanwhile, temporal: Vicomte but

papers, well

contents

I am

acquainted He a then

I am should sent

aware

he attached alone kind Less able

importance. for both an hour extreme his last this

that

we I had

leave

them of every

together of succor, than half

moment. and M. le

in search was

spiritual later,

but, lost

alas,

the ill

incurable! was over, only

consciousness. was

He hardly

to receive

unction;

jp and the ceremony Great of God! When

when arms, did

he rendered at his birth, that

breath. prop jq my A I

I received a house, expire, and how

in my little that

precious

so illustrious that

I foresee have tears

it was for

to be in his death! of myself.

arms death

he would

and

I should My

to weep flow

so premature

so unfortunate!

in spite

ask own:

your but,

pardon, in every

Madame, condition,

for

thus we not

daring hearts all

to mingle and my life

my

grief and

with I

your should showed

have weep

sensibility; for a lord

be ungrateful, me so much Tomorrow, everything, Madame, disposition beg my you zeal

indeed, kindness, after and

if I did

who

and honored

me with

so great I will have

confidence. the seals jr placed You js will and be on

the removal you this can

of the body, entirely cuts free.

depend

on off If

my the

care. entail,

aware, the I all

that

unhappy property enough

event entirely to convey

leaves

of your to be good in their with

I can

be of any orders: I will

use to you, employ

to me your

punctual the most

fulfillment. profound respect, Madame, your most humble, etc.

I remain, BERTRAND. PARIS,

7TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

164 MADAME I HAVE from Yes, them The proof should have but it DE THIS ROSEMONDE MOMENT event received of which orders with TO M. your my BERTRAND letter, my dear Bertrand, the unhappy and learn

it the fearful I shall that letter that

nephew you,

has been and

victim. of

doubtless

have

to give anything you

it is only my

on account affliction. convincing that

I can occupy of M.

myself

else than sent and me,

mortal

Danceny, he who lodge

which provoked

have

is a very intention My

it was

the duel, and

it is my name.

you may

immediately satisfied is my One

a complaint, generosity at the eager which in which this capable,

in my

nephew and

his natural duty cannot of this then, you to

in pardoning same time,

his enemy his death,

murderer; and against I do injuries. activity nephews not I of

avenge, be too

humanity

religion. this

to invoke still we stains are with

the severity our

of the law jt and

remnant that you, I know

barbarism, is a case to to pursue be

manners;

believe expect which memory. You confer be left will

required all the

to pardon zeal owe to and my

matter and

which

you

be sure, him

before

all,

to see M. I have

le President not written

de --- on my to him, him eager my

behalf, as I am

and to and

with quite

on the subject. with letter my

alone this dear life,

sorrow.

You

will

convey

excuses,

communicate Adieu, and am, AT THE my for

to him. I praise yours. ... , 8TH DECEMBER, 17 -- . and thank you for your kind sentiments,

Bertrand; entirely DE

CHTEAU

165 MADAME I KNOW the loss and truly DE YOU you VOLANGES ARE just most to have alas! We attended the her beneath already TO MADAME my your DE dear ROSEMONDE and revered for you which to oclock to make M. friend, de with

acquainted, I knew

have

sustained; sincerely to add have her her short lot,

affection which

Valmont, feel. I am you our By of Valmont her of a all

I participate grieved but, friend. which prudence, to inform

in the affliction a fresh only regret your

must are

to those tears now

trying upon

already: unhappy fatality human sufficed not them You

you lost

bestow

yesterday, and which

at eleven seemed

at night. a mock M. de

interval death;

by which and,

she survived

of his

as she herself

said, until

to enable the measure

to succumb was full.

the weight

of her misfortunes

are aware,

of course, and

that

for

more

than

two

days

she was when her

absolutely physician of us, had the and we sad

without arrived, we could

consciousness; and not to we

even her

yesterday bedside,

morning, she recognized from was her.

approached

neither Well,

extract the

the least and

word the

or sign physician when had the the

hardly to me

returned episode her it

chimney,

relating

of M.

de Valmonts that the

death, nature

the unfortunate produced M. the this

woman revolution,

recovered or and which that

reason, was

whether by

alone of to

caused may

repetition back time. she

words, patient

de Valmont only ideas

death, have

which occupied However crying to make had

have

brought a long be, What that but

her for that out,

may

hurriedly

threw M.

back

the

curtains

of

her

bed,

What?

are you she was from

saying? mistaken, letting story,

de Valmont

is dead! assured

I hoped she

her believe wrong:

and at first

her that she

heard

far

herself and,

be persuaded, my

required again to me?

the physician dissuade Was Our her,

to repeat she called dead

the cruel me and

upon

endeavoring wish to

whispered, It was

Why

deceive to yield. air: but

he not unhappy

already friend

to me?

necessary, with a fairly Enough,

therefore, tranquil I know when

listened,

at first,

soon She

afterward, asked at

she interrupted once for tried him her

the story, curtains himself to

saying, be

enough. the

closed; the care

and,

physician she never

subsequently would have

to busy near left, left her.

with

of her condition,

As soon and upon silence, when her

as he had we bed, and were and

she similarly alone, she her so.

dismissed begged There than me she

her nurse to help stayed which

and her for was

waiting to kneel some given

maid; down time by in her

support other

with

no

expression

that

tears, them submit which Thy enter

which

flowed

copiously. God, but

At

last, said

clasping

her

hands, but not

and

raising voice, I

to Heaven: myself I admit mercy! into

Almighty to Thy justice;

she, in a weak Valmont. of reproach my dear Let

fervent my

forgive

misfortunes, bless to and

are deserved, I have details grief, will,

be a cause myself,

to him, and

and I will friend, renew of

permitted

respected aware must

these your

on a subject because I have

which

I am well that

aggravate de Tourvels our was which as she Anselme, that spoke A short which which next my ills friend hardly

no doubt

that

prayer to your in my

Madame After she

nevertheless, these in but her which brief bed,

be a great words, when way she the only

consolation back

soul. and

had

uttered

she fell she was

arms; by

replaced long, regained added, soon

overcome

weakness, As the I soon Pre feel and

lasted had

gave

to the asked

ordinary me to

remedies. send for

consciousness, He is now

and will

physician much

whom

I need;

be ended.

She complained

of oppression,

with time

difficulty. afterward, she handed to you, which me, through her waiting maid, a casket and She her

I am sending she charged spoke to me

she tells to you of your

me contains

papers

of hers,

me to convey of you, and

immediately friendship

after for

her death. ju so far as

her,

situation The for calm many This more formed tears at Pre nearly and

permitted, Anselme an hour. serene; He

and with arrived When but

much

emotion. oclock, the and remained face the of the sick Anselme of the alone with her was shed

about we

four

returned,

woman had

it was to

easy assist

to see that at the and the last

Pre

tears. spectacle, so by

remained always

ceremonies was

Church. even sufferer burst into whom

so imposing which grief emotion

so sorrowful, resignation

rendered of the

the

contrast

tranquil venerable

with her

the profound side. was The

of her

confessor, and

who she,

became

general;

for

everybody The only about suffer enough discern friend You ago,

wept,

the only was

one not spent

to weep. in the customary prayers, weakness. which At were last, and strength no longer at to

remainder interrupted eleven more. to any expired. will when

of the day by oclock I put the

sufferers she

frequent appeared to it seek upon her

fits

of

at night, out and my she and,

to be more arm; she

oppressed had still

hand placed

take

it,

her very

heart. moment,

I could our

movement;

indeed,

at that

unfortunate

remember, we talked

my

dear

friend, of

that,

on your persons

last

visit

here,

not

a year seemed very

together

certain

whose upon

happiness the lot

to us more

or less assured,

we dwelt

complacently

of this

woman, virtues, husband pleased many

whose laudable whom her, and

misfortunes qualities she loved, of which advantages we are!

and and and she

whose

death

we

lament

today.

So and

many easy; which so O how by a

attractions; by was lost must whom the

a character she was delight; a

so sweet

adored; a face, single

a society youth, fortune;

combined

through worship myself; I fear

imprudence! but sorrow

Providence, incomprehensible indulging I leave heard my you, from

doubtless they own. to return me this

Thy

decrees; to your

I stop

to add

to my morning taken

daughter, of ill, will and its

who

is a little a death her sent results.

indisposed. of two

When of

she her

so sudden and I had

persons I hope, age,

acquaintance, that yet Such this slight

she was

to bed. At her

however, one is not

indisposition to sorrow,

have

no ill

habituated sensibility we daily my dear

impression

is keener quality; but

and how

more greatly

potent. does

is, doubtless, see teach

a praiseworthy it!

all that Adieu, PARIS,

us to dread friend. 17 -- .

and venerable

9TH

DECEMBER,

166 M. BERTRAND TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE

MADAME, In consequence me, of I have your the had letter orders that of which seeing informing his you M. have le him advice. done me de the honor of have your

sending

President that, The which

--- , and of

communicated wishes, desires against memory tarnished misfortune. from taking I should

to him,

in pursuance honorable you intend

do nothing out to you

without that

magistrate to lodge to the be great

me to point M. of by

the complaint would

le Chevalier your the His any nephew, decree opinion,

Danceny and of the

be equally honor would

compromising also of inevitably be a

that court,

his

which is that that what

would, you you the which

course, carefully better

therefore, and to

should had

abstain do, on the

proceedings; be to endeavor

contrary, cognizance much These further when

would of

prevent

Government has already

from made

taking too

this

unfortunate

adventure,

noise. observations orders you from seemed you. them, which liberty Madame, to me full Allow me of wisdom, to beg a word you, and I resolved Madame, state to wait for

to be so of your

good, health, that zeal.

dispatch upon this

as to add of so many

as to the I greatly

the sad effect you I am, PARIS, will with pardon

troubles

dread.

I hope and my

in consideration your, 17 -- . etc.

of my

attachment

respect,

10TH

DECEMBER,

167 ANONYMOUS MONSIEUR, I have Court, a few that the there days the honor was ago to inform talk with among M. will of use you that this morning, in the corridors which of you the had TO M. LE CHEVALIER DANCENY

the Kings

officers

of the affair and that

le Vicomte take to

de Valmont, against to

it is to be I thought to seek

feared this what of take

Government might you be have,

proceedings you, off either these in this,

you. you

that out

warning protection your

enable

to ward to succeed

vexatious to put

results; you in

or, in the event a position to

being for will

unable your even

measures If you

personal permit

safety. me to give less you often affairs continues necessary who, against jv this letter. justice whom a piece than of you this of advice, have sort done are I think during treated you the with

would last

do well few days. this

to show Although, respect becomes

yourself

ordinarily, nevertheless all the more

indulgence, This

due to the law. in that it has come is an aunt event be to my

precaution a certain

ears that

Madame

de Rosemonde, a complaint her

I am told, you, It

of M. the

de Valmont, public perhaps, Private officers

wished could were

to lodge not able

in which would not

refuse

requisition. with this less from

amiss,

if you reasons

to communicate signing render not

lady. But I am acting sentiment on the

prevent that you

me from will you not know

consideration has dictated I have PARIS,

to the it comes.

which

it, because

the honor 10TH

to be, etc. 17 -- .

DECEMBER,

168 MADAME MOST friend, am, DE VOLANGES AND disseminated far from TO MADAME DE rumors, relation them, but ROSEMONDE my dear and revered I it

SURPRISING are being

DISTRESSING here believing jw in

to Madame and I would too well

de Merteuil. wager well of the of that

assuredly, but

very

is nothing with which

a hideous the most

calumny:

I am

aware credit, not

ease the

even with

improbable

slanders they leave

acquire is effaced,

and

difficulty alarmed above farther. they all,

which easy

the impression as I believe be stopped yesterday, to retail; left for

to be greatly wish, spread which

at these, that they

it to be to refute in good at a late and when the country, me to whom me, told time, hour, I sent where she me

them. before of

I should they have

could knew

But

I only

these

horrors

were

just

beginning she had just able for

this

morning

to Madame to spend Her mistress two

de Merteuil, days. woman, left They

she was had that gone. her

were

not I sent

to tell to speak

second had none have her

whom

with

no orders

save

that

she was

to be expected here I know

on Thursday any more. For any

next; myself, person

and I of

of the servants no notion

whom she stays

she has left may so late you with are be;

where who that may

cannot

recollect

acquaintance However return, these death; any do. will It is to

in the country. be able, I hope, will between be of of M. now use de to and her: her for

be, me

will

furnish stories are likely it will is what not that was

information on the

which

odious you

based

circumstances of them, information,

Valmonts or, you but at to it

to have for

been you

informed to obtain

if they which

are true; I beg

rate, This

be easy is being be long the the

published, before

or rather,

whispered,

at present;

certainly said

it spreads M.

farther: de Valmont who rivals these order to and the Chevalier them both and

quarrel of

between Madame always, afterward; and

Danceny alike; only about Merteuil de that,

work

de Merteuil, the two that in also by

deceived began

as happens at

almost

by fighting

arrived

explanations reconciliation;

explanations expose himself of with letters, her, and

brought Madame entirely, forming in which of de M. a

a sincere

that, and

to the Chevalier supported

Danceny, his which

to justify a heap

Valmont

revelations he had

regular

correspondence the most

maintained about

she relates styles. People showed making

scandalous

anecdotes

herself,

and in the freest

further these

say letters

that to all

Danceny, who Two

in

the

first

heat

of

his that

indignation, they are now in

wished of them,

to see them, in particular,

and

the round

of Paris.

are quoted:

jx one

which said

she relates to attain whose to yield and that happily, as they the

the whole height you

history

of her life the other

and which

principles, entirely

and justifies

which M. all

is de he de

of horror; will most

Prvan, did was

story

remember, marked was

by the proof advances arranged to believe are both on the with that aware

it contains part of

that Madame

to the

Merteuil, I have, as false was cause seems

the rendezvous strongest odious. occupied Danceny proved that

her. these that imputations M. and de are

the are not

reasons First, with was we

Valmont every thus it nor

assuredly to believe

Madame equally

de Merteuil, without have been

I have in her: the

that

interest neither what

to me clearly

she can fail

motive

the author de Merteuil Prvan, publicity, thereby, secret, in

of the quarrel. can have making which had, a

I equally assuming which

to understand been be

interest

Madame with M. by de its

her to have could most of only

in concert disagreeable since

scene

and

might

become enemy

dangerous who was

to her, master

she made, of it her is in

an irreconcilable and who, that favor, at since and that that that

a man

in part However,

time,

had

numerous not his a single side

partisans. voice there

remarkable Prvans made. These

adventure from

has been has been

raised no

even

own

protest

reflections today, of

would and

lead to look

me to suspect upon these

the author slanders himself and

of the rumors

which

are abroad and such

as the work to be ruined,

of the hatred hopes, a arise, if by

vengeance a means, But, thing

a man to

who,

knowing

at least from

establish

a doubt, these They MM.

perhaps

cause reports

useful the it

diversion. most were urgent

whatever

source them. that

malicious cease

is to destroy

would

of themselves, and Danceny

to be shown,

as is probable, after their

de Valmont and that

had passed

no communication between In my them. impatience in Paris night,

unfortunate

affair,

no papers

to verify either. owing His

these

facts, told

I sent my

this

morning

to M.

Danceny; he and had that

he is not left in the

people

valet-de-chambre received yesterday,

that

to a warning was you details a secret. alone, which

he had Apparently then, my

the place

of his sojourn Tis through of the

he is afraid dear me, my and revered and prayer which

of the friend, may

results that become I

of his duel. can

be informed

interest I renew

so necessary me with P.S. My respects PARIS, them

to Madame as soon

de Merteuil. as possible.

to you

to acquaint

daughters to you. 11TH

indisposition

has had no consequences;

she presents

her

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

169 THE CHEVALIER DANCENY TO MADAME DE ROSEMONDE

MADAME, Perhaps entreat temerity, injury I could even equally which believe for you you you will to hear only you; think before the step you I am taking and today very unusual: boldness not deny life, it. but nor the if Be not those to I

judge and

me,

to see neither is meant. myself for I do for

where I have think

respect

confidence not pardon

done for

and I should that that, and count

it, all my

a moment Madame, regrets; you

it had if

been

possible from equal

me to avoid reproach,

persuaded, so from I have

I am add, much

exempt with

I am that

I may for

sincerity, I feel. you, without

caused

in those

which

In order suffice

in these to render of being

sentiments justice known

of which to yourself,

I venture and

to assure that,

it will

to reflect that which I seek have out me, by that

having you. the to cause fear

the

honor

to you,

I have, the

however, fatality

of knowing has been means been led of

Meanwhile, once of your in

while grief your

I groan and

over my

at that, it, you, my and

misfortunes, you would

absorbed even on

vengeance,

gratifying out to

through this

the severity that matter himself against than so that of here

of the laws. you are led

Allow astray with

first, your

to point sorrow,

subject, in this

since

interest that have

is essentially be involved me.

at one in the then,

of M.

de Valmont, which you

he would provoked

condemnation Madame, part, may

would on be

I believe

that

I can efforts

count I may

assistance, obliged But alike, party this

rather to make, resource

on obstacles, this unhappy

on your event

in any remain

buried and

in silence. the you guilty as whom a

complicity, for my you that

which delicacy: as my I should

befits while judge.

the

innocent

is not

sufficient

desiring The esteem

to remove of persons from

to the suit, is too

I demand precious

we respect defending In fact, ones

let yours

be taken

me without

it, and I believe if you will duty, admit when all,

I possess that

the means. is allowed, betrayed or say rather, in if Do ones you not love, admit take my that in this, word I place seems the rest, from only it is

vengeance has ones from been

bounden and, against read, jy

one in

ones my for in to I

friendship, wrongs this; your lend but

above you will

confidence; your eyes.

vanish

if you The

have quantity

the courage, of of original which

the correspondence letters only which copies

which

hands.

it contains exist. For them and

authenticity these

to letters,

those just

received M.

as I have I have I have

the honor nothing

to forward to them,

to you, I have

de Valmont two

himself. letters which

added

extracted

permitted

myself

to publish.

One and

of of

these myself; with in who, between of

was to

necessary this we

to the had

common a right,

vengeance and that I

of had

M.

de

Valmont expressly a service de that

both

been

charged to society, Merteuil, passed A

it by him. unmasking as you M. justice

I thought, a woman will

moreover, so really the sole

I was

rendering

dangerous and veritable

as is Madame cause of all

see, was

de Valmont also

and myself. me to publish know, the but second, had for the

feeling

induced whom which public,

justification merited

of M. the rigorous

de Prvan, treatment of any the

I hardly

who nor

in no way more

he has experienced, beneath which

the still

redoubtable ever You I owe surer interest, confiding as well since, will

judgment without only find

he has been

groaning,

means then, For

of defense. of these all two letters, I do not which is the originals believe not, I can perhaps, Madame, interested I spare of which in my in

copies, to keep. the

it to myself hands but

the rest, of to

remit to that, in them

a deposit which

destruction blush

I should to you,

abuse.

I believe, the persons and and of

these as if

papers I of

I am serving to

them, the to be to

remitted receiving of

them them which

themselves; from me,

embarrassment informed remain I think of

knowing all the

me

adventures

they

doubtless

desire

world

ignorant. I ought only to warn forms you, part on this more subject, voluminous that the collection, you of de will adjoined from find,

correspondence which on the M.

of a far it in my under the

de Valmont of the the

extracted seals,

presence, title, and course

and which I saw, Vicomte prudence

removal between adopt, respect,

which the your

Account Valmont. suggest.

opened You will

Marquise matter,

de Merteuil whatever etc.

in this

may

I am with

Madame,

P.S.

Certain have retreat, honor

information decided which me with my

which absence

have from for

received, Paris for

and some will

the time: not

advice but the

of

my place you. jz his

friends, of my If you

is kept a reply, cover

a secret

everybody, to address

be one for

I beg you to M. to write 17 -- .

it to the Commanderie de --- . It is from

de ... by house PARIS, that

P ... , under I have

le Commandeur to you.

the honor

12TH

DECEMBER,

170 MADAME I MOVE, sorrow. all still DE MY One VOLANGES DEAR must friend, TO from MADAME surprise DE ROSEMONDE and from sorrow yesterday since, foresee. I had could alarmed, was seen the give not her porter me in not yet have and her there to

to surprise of what has been

be a mother and, if my

to form cruel

an idea anxiety

I suffered calmed

the morning: remains

most affliction,

to me a keen about ten I

the end of which morning, maid astonished to

I cannot that what highly

Yesterday, seen my

oclock sent She by

in the my

daughter, her me delay.

waiting

know

occasioned alarmed apartment, Judge especial: information disorder gone writing exception small stock that of

returned informing the

a moment me that her all

later, my maid

even and

more

daughter had not and could

that,

since I me

morning,

there. in no The only her the the

my all

situation! swore upon this obtained but to

summoned they knew

my

people, and

nothing,

event. there I found

I went

at once me

to my that she

daughters had

room.

which morning:

assured no further

apparently her presses, with taken

clue. and

I searched all

desk; of

I found the dress

everything in which which

in its place she had left.

her wardrobe, had not even

She

of money heard

she possessed. of all that her, to such is said of Madame indeed, also, first that idea de that she was Merteuil; she did that did not she

As she had only as she naught know had But is greatly but weep

yesterday to

attached all the

a degree,

evening; was

as I remembered, in the had country, been her my my

Madame wished the time

de Merteuil friend,

to see her which

and without

so imprudent brought and, fear

as to go back

alone. all my for

elapsed

returning trouble, it, for wish,

uneasiness. information,

Each

moment take

augmented no steps

burning

as I was publicity to

I dared which,

to obtain I might have

of giving to be able

to a proceeding from Finally, letter My everybody. it from daughters which was my

afterward, in my past and said to only life two one that

perhaps,

hide

Never not until

I so suffered. I received Superior feared and lest that for of at the the same Convent oppose not she time of a ... the dared had

oclock, from the

daughter letter she only felt,

she had

I should she had

vocation, speak adopted of, not The

become consisted which

a nun,

to me of it: the rest without my

of excuses I would

the course not me,

permission, her

assuredly she begged

disapprove however,

she added, to enquire. Superior refused

if I knew

motives,

into

which

wrote

to me that, her;

seeing but that,

a young having

person

arrive

alone, her and

she had learned

at first

to receive

questioned

who

she was, in

she had not The

thought to expose

to do me her while to

a service further

by

giving upon

my

daughter which course, she to her she to was thing

shelter, seemed restore condition, told me

order

journeys,

resolved. my daughter ka not also that

Superior,

offering, to demand which me

as a matter her, she urges me,

of

to me,

if I were a vocation not

obeying

to oppose she could

declares of this

to be firm; event, as her owing plan

inform my

earlier write

the difficulty to leave when I went see my I spoke extract convent; rank of our

she had

in making

daughter

to me,

everyone children

in ignorance argue so ill!

of the place

of her retreat.

It is a cruel

immediately daughter; to her from

to the convent; she only came nuns,

and,

after

seeing and

the Superior, tremulous all that

asked

to

reluctantly, and I spoke that

in a very alone: only

state. I could in the the de head. daughter we and,

before amid

the

to her she could but that

her,

many her

tears, remain

was

be happy entering

I decided postulants, and my that M.

to let kb de

there, I fear

without the

as yet deaths her not of

as she desired. Valmont for have

Madame young

Tourvel Whatever embrace have again, What return; are we and what nothing afraid

unduly vocation, and even without know the

affected I could without

respect career duties

a religious sorrow,

see my

without enough

alarm.

Methinks ones;

already

to perform, we best is

creating what befits of

fresh us. M. de off?

it is hardly enhances must this

at her age that my embarrassment

nearness

Gercourts How, then, it me I find

most our

advantageous

marriage

be broken

to make all would

childrens cares to it? my

happiness, You will

if it is not greatly fix

sufficient me any lot, by

to desire telling

devote you

our

oblige upon

do

in

place;

I cannot to decide the severity

course: and

more

terrible

than

to have occasion

anothers

I am equally weakness

of bringing

to this

of a judge

or the

of a mother. I reproach you give receive. Adieu, my dear and revered friend; I await your two replies with much of to my myself own; unceasingly but would I know become for your to augmenting heart: you the the your sorrows by speaking which you could you to could yourself

consolation greatest

others

impatience. PARIS, 13TH DECEMBER, 17 -- .

171 MADAME AFTER is left after for DE WHAT me but such of such ROSEMONDE YOU HAVE TO brought and one THE CHEVALIER knowledge, One regrets DANCENY Monsieur, that one when still one nothing lives, finds

to my

to be silent horrors; excesses. with oblivion may

to weep. blushes

learning

to be a woman,

one capable I will leaving even willingly in hope

concur and they the of his

you, all

Monsieur, that cause may you

so far relate any

as I am to these other you

concerned, sad events. than over I feel will it to that

in I that my I

silence that from

never

grief

inseparable nephew. shall sole heart If you is that, seek You you one, In

unhappy errors, for

advantage which his loss: myself

which but

obtained

spite console

I cannot but my

recognize, affliction you;

never

myself

eternal from

be the your

vengeance to appreciate will were

I shall

permit

to obtain

I leave

its extent. to my age a reflection as to ones prescribed I will but which true is rarely happiness, made one at yours, would never it

permit one

enlightened

it outside may have not rest

the bounds assured that

by religion keep faithfully

and the laws. and willingly me to give the deposit no

confided even

to me,

I ask you unless that

to authorize it should you will often

it up to for

to you, I venture

Monsieur, to believe already just

become not refuse one

necessary me this for

your

justification. and that you

request, having

have

realized revenge.

how

laments

indulged I do not and place

in even pause

the most here in my

requests: worthy of and young

convinced of both

as I am of these de

of your if you

generosity were also which, no further but out to

delicacy, in my

it would hands you have I know that you

be very the letters

Mademoiselle which, person doubtless,

Volanges, are of you were have

apparently, interest I do not of respect loved. daughter meritorious repair: by for, I

retained, that have you to that

to you. think for have does

has wronged her; and, you

greatly; it only so which to much

thought will add, is not

of punishing degrade that any you one

yourself, no not need

the object the rate are not may

greatly the that to

then, due at

consideration to the mother,

deserve in regard whatever of

woman, after all,

to whom illusion sentiment, makes must

without

having on to alone, for the

seek first

to impose attempts

oneself a first

a pretended still virtuous

delicacy

he who himself,

seduce the

heart abettor

and simple and

from

that

fact

of its corruption, which ensue.

be, forever,

responsible

excesses

and errors Do not

be surprised,

Monsieur,

at so much

severity

on

my

part:

it is

the

greatest fresh secret

proof

I can

give by

you lending

of

my

complete

esteem.

You to the

will security deal

acquire of death a

rights the

to it still, publication heart

yourself, would

as I desire,

of which which service this you

do yourself wounded.

a wrong

and

to a mothers I desire would that

have

already

In a word, be afraid

Monsieur, that you

to do this refuse me

to my

friend;

and,

if I could ask you

consolation, have left

I would me.

to reflect

beforehand

it is the only the honor

one you to be, etc. DE

I have AT

THE

CHTEAU

... , 15TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

172 MADAME HAD I BEEN DE ROSEMONDE OBLIGED, which been my you TO dear MADAME friend, DE VOLANGES and receive from de and but Paris

to await concerning it you and

the enlightenment it would that which have

ask me for for have

Madame as yet;

Merteuil, doubtless there to has

impossible would which certain.

me to give been vague expected how

I received

uncertain: nor

reached and you! I shrink this

me information is only too

I neither O my

had reason woman has

expect; deceived

friend,

that

from may dear that that

entering be reported, friend, you there hands. extreme for the that will

into rest you

any

details that me

of

this

mass falls

of

horrors; of the truth. my

but, I

whatever hope, for it, my and

assured know no

it still

short

well

enough from and me. that,

to believe Let at this the very

word

require a mass

proofs

knowledge moment,

suffice they

you

exists

of them,

are in my without

It is not give

pain

that you not

I beseech ask to one of me,

you

also

not

to compel Mademoiselle she

me

to de

a reason I

advice you can called you if

respecting the

Volanges. Assuredly, upon one

recommend reason is not and

oppose in forcing

vocation such

displays. of life that you our one of one of

no who

justify

a condition happiness herself who for

to it: but see that you our

sometimes daughter her

it is a great tells you He

it should would not

be so;

your

that

disapprove, knows better

knew vain

motives. what

inspires each

sentiments us, and, His

than

wisdom severity

is right

often,

what

seems

an act of His

is, on the contrary,

clemency. my fact reflected at the encourage, and that, advice, alone, which you it, I am quite must is since of believe that this you step sensible I would should is of the you will not afflict give you, you and unless which, I had de you have

In short, from greatly Volanges should formed; off After which of way them; submit you, that

upon convent,

leave her project should own

Mademoiselle choice; seems hesitate that to

instead in awaiting you

thwarting, its execution,

she not

to break

the marriage fulfilling

had arranged. painful duties of friendship, the one me no favor and in the impotence for me to in in beg any befits them, wisdom Adieu,

these

I am to add my dear these without

any friend,

consolation, is to ask let

it remains questions oblivion lights

further them

bearing which upon

upon and,

sad events: seeking to the where

us leave

in the and

to throw

useless

painful and

ourselves even

decrees we

of Providence, permitted

believe

in the them.

of its views,

are not

to understand

my AT

dear THE

friend. CHTEAU DE ... , 15TH DECEMBER, 17 -- .

173 MADAME O MY And which you DE FRIEND, seemed affect me? VOLANGES IN what TO a fearful lest MADAME veil do you it! the DE ROSEMONDE my pray, daughters can it to lot! conceal which

envelop What, dire

you

to dread a mothers The

I seek heart

to raise than

can abandon

more

suspicions of your

more

I think redoubled:

of your twenty

friendship, times, and

indulgence, have know time I to I

the more tried all,

are my

torments this

since you

yesterday, to let me and made leaves each

to escape without

from

cruel my

uncertainty, and

to beg

considering with you. dread, Finally,

feelings

without

reserve; you still

shuddered question hope; to and

when

I remembered upon

the prayer which to refuse extent, me

me not me I ask; what

I decide upon your I have, not and this

a course not

some it is

I depend me

friendship to

me what understood

answer have

whether me;

a certain

you

might

to tell can

to be afraid which measure, alone; extend. she had

to let not

know

all

that

maternal If you and

indulgence my

forgive, exceed

it may then, here

be impossible I consent I know

to repair. to leave already,

misfortunes yourself to which

indeed, then

to explain the point My

by silence my fears that

is what

daughter and

has shown I have

a certain that

inclination

for so far

the

Chevalier receive

Danceny, letters in from

been

informed to reply of a

she has gone but from

as to

him,

and even this error when for my

to them; child

I believed having I can been

I had any

succeeded dangerous that and it I may fear

preventing

consequences: have that been my

today, possible

I dread

everything, to have

conceive deceived;

surveillance may have

misguided to told mind, you

daughter again, that my

set a seal upon which ill at was

her wrongdoing. lend the weight news of due to M. to this de her when de the Her motive. one that to

I recall fear. I

several

circumstances was taken

daughter this had learning

Valmonts thought she shed

misfortune; of the so risks many M.

perhaps Danceny on

sensitiveness run all in this that grief her

merely

combat. was said

Afterward, of Madame was but

tears what or of

Merteuil, effect latest It often of

perhaps jealousy, may

I thought regret it seems believes Finally, of them, you

to be the at finding to me, oneself supposing you may me. my her

of friendship lover

to be unfaithful. by the same only

course

again, that one men.

be explained called these have

happens

to God, facts found

because and

has revolted you justify However, my duty have

against been

to be true, them

informed counsel

sufficient

the rigorous if this to try

gave

be so, while every means

blaming to save

daughter, from the

I should torments

still and

believe dangers

it of

an illusory sentiment sole author,

and

transient he will

vocation. not

kc

If

M.

Danceny a wrong a marriage

is not

lost

to

every the

of honor, and

refuse to believe

to repair that

of which with my

he is

I am entitled

daughter

is sufficiently This, to my dear it,

advantageous and if revered you can.

to gratify friend, You

him,

as well hope how your

as his family. remaining desirous silence of my to me; I am would that inflict. hasten you kd came Merteuil few have

is the one may judge blow

confirm reply about me,

should I was to see

to me, to close and the day nothing

and what my letter, the

a terrible when cruel

a gentleman scene which

acquaintance de for

related before

Madame nobody

underwent days, it from Madame at the what

yesterday. adventure;

As I have here

seen

the last

I knew

of this

is the relation

of it, as I

an eyewitness: de Merteuil, Italian must Comedy, have seemed on her return where most himself room, she from had the country her box; to she her, on Thursday, was no alone in alighted it, of close, and, her she

extraordinary during as was but the

gentleman At the

acquaintance entered a hum was went rose, general even That the and as if

presented

performance. it was

the withdrawing was raised of

her custom;

already not aware

crowded; that she and her of

immediately, it. She but saw

apparently place women

she was on one of

object

a vacant all her the

the

benches, before sign

sat there; in concert,

at once and left

who alone.

were This

there

absolutely by all were

marked

indignation

was it is said,

applauded to hooting,

the men, redoubled.

and

the murmurs,

which

amounted, nothing

might who had

be lacking shown room men so to a circle

to her humiliation, himself that and nowhere same

her ill since his As

luck

had it that

M.

de Prvan, enter the

adventure, soon as

should he was him; by the de that Be was It great were and

withdrawing everybody, carried, made

moment. surrounded of Madame

recognized, and he was which

women, in face them. of seeing But

and

applauded

speak, round

de Merteuil that

crowd, Merteuil she that did

I was and

assured hearing this fact until

Madame and

preserved not change this

an appearance her truly expression! ignominious

nothing,

I think

exaggerated. her carriage was met redoubled. with a

as it may,

situation the scandalous

lasted

announced; is fearful reception present,

and,

at her departure, to such from but

hooting de Prvan of his shortly

to be related the same and there

a woman. all

M.

evening

the officers he will

regiment regain his

who rank

is no doubt

that

employment. The same person was seized who gave me these night details with told a violent me that Madame which was de at

Merteuil

the following

fever,

first

thought but

to be the effect it became of for

of the terrible yesterday kind.

situation that

in which

she had ke

been had of this

placed; declared good

known

confluent it would

smallpox be

itself,

a very

dangerous to die which

Truly,

a piece that tried, all

fortune will

her if she were her case,

of it. They

say,

further, of being

adventure which Adieu, but they my

damage that and

is on the point favor. wicked

and in

assert dear

she had need revered friend.

of much I see the

punished

in all

this;

I find

no consolation 18TH DECEMBER,

in it for

their

unfortunate

victims.

PARIS,

17 -- .

174 THE YOU within CHEVALIER ARE my RIGHT, power DANCENY MADAME, to which you will you contains see, not TO and attach MADAME certainly any value. DE I will The ROSEMONDE refuse packet you which nothing I have If a

the honor you wealth struck Above read

to forward them, you and

all Mademoiselle without can

de Volanges perhaps,

letters. what

astonishment be united. That

of perfidy me most, all, can

ingenuousness last perusal from

is, at least,

what

on my one

of them. the liveliest what indignation a hideous against she Madame brought

refrain one

de Merteuil, all her pains No, and my it love is not

when to bear

reflects

with

pleasure

on the corruption I retain which nothing me that

of so much of

innocence

and candor? betrayed; de

is dead. that

a sentiment to justify

so basely

makes not for

seek simple more issuing ideas,

Mademoiselle gentle than from into and

Volanges. character, seduced without as almost young culpable to

Nevertheless, have evil? been

would influenced young almost then, have

heart, easily

that

and pliable they a the evil; to were

good

even

What and happens

person, without an equal been

similarly and bringing

convent, world, what such many the

experience always

ignorance to offer

of good more to reflect

person,

I say,

would

able

resistance upon how

artifices?

Ah,

to be indulgent our own control of our

it suffices the terrible

circumstances delicacy justice and to me,

beyond the then, which of

alternative depends. of

between You

depravation Madame, I felt

sentiments that did

rendered

in deeming most keenly, quite

the wrongs however,

Mademoiselle me with my

de Volanges, any love ideas of her!

not,

inspire

vengeance. It would cost

Tis

enough

to be obliged her. concerns If

to renounce

me too

much

to hate

I needed should

no reflection remain for ever

to desire unknown desires to

that

all which world.

and could seemed not I was At

harm to

her delay my

to the

I have I need that duel. believe

the fulfillment motive troubled was from with

of your you; the your have

in this

matter,

I think

conceal not to when

I wished consequences indulgence, feared on my I will pardon you

be sure, of my when

beforehand, unfortunate dared

be I

a time

craving

I even too much

I had

some

right it by

to it, I should this

to have part;

the appearance of the purity you perhaps and to be left too

of buying of my

condescension proud I hope enough, you

and,

convinced to wish

motives, of

I was them.

confess, this inspire

in no doubt

will which

delicacy, in me,

susceptible, which

in view I attach to

of the veneration your esteem.

the value

It is the same

sentiment

which

bids

me ask of you,

as a last

favor,

to be

so

good which I was Malta; will such

as to let me know have placed. I will separate good been imposed

if,

in your upon

judgment,

I have

fulfilled

all

the

duties

me by the unhappy respect, my

circumstances is fixed;

in which I leave for

Once

at ease in this to make a world

intention religiously, still

go there me from

gladly, of

and keep while

the vows I have

which had

which, go,

so young, to seek horrors,

reason

to complain;

I shall

in short,

to lose, whose

beneath memory

an alien could

sky,

the thought

of so many my your soul. most

accumulated

only

sadden respect,

and wither Madame,

I am with PARIS,

humble,

etc.

26TH

DECEMBER,

17 -- .

175 MADAME THE to be FATE at DE VOLANGES TO MADAME my such DE dear that and ROSEMONDE and her revered greatest friend, enemies I of seems are was her

OF MADAME length complete;

de Merteuil, and it is

divided right,

between indeed, She and,

the indignation in saying has that

she merits it would it is

the pity for

she inspires. her to die

be a happiness true, but an eye. she You

smallpox. disfigured; have The not

recovered,

has will

been imagine

fearfully that I

in particular, but

she has lost that

seen her;

I am told never in now

she is really

hideous. for that be saying the seen something disease in her had face.

Marquis

de --- , who said her, everyone yesterday, and that found

misses speaking her

an occasion of her, to

malicious, transformed Unhappily, A further Her case

soul

was just.

the expression to add before

event was

has just tried the

come day

to her yesterday,

disgrace and

and the

to her

prejudice. was given

verdict

against all was

her unanimously. adjudged was not to the

Costs, minors:

damages, so that in this

restitution the case small is

of the funds remnant of and her

received, fortune than

which absorbed,

compromised

absorbed,

more

by the costs. she received and none started this off would intelligence, at night, follow alone her. although and still posting. sick, Her she made servants her say the

Immediately arrangements, today road This has have that

of them

It is believed

she has taken

to Holland. departure carried off makes her to she more diamonds, her noise than all the of her leaves rest, great plate, behind from the fact which in nearly that she

a possession estate; that she

value,

should short, fifty

returned that livres is

husbands and

jewels; her

everything thousand The family

could;

of debts. to

It is a real

bankruptcy. to make I have having the arrangements offered with the but sadder I hope

assemble only

tomorrow relation,

creditors. I shall not

Although be present Tomorrow, will not

a distant

to contribute, at an even a postulant. this the great silence

at this my my for toward nearly

assembly,

to assist habit of

ceremony. that you

daughter dear feeling me.

takes

forget, motive

friend,

that,

in making to it than

sacrifice, which

I have you M. to

no other

compelled

have

maintained left where to recall will Paris it

Danceny Malta

a fortnight to

ago. remain. ... My

It is said There

that would

he is on his way be still time, then? awful

is his him!

intention friend! no

perhaps, ... You

... My a mother,

daughter for only

is guilty yielding

indeed, to this

forgive

doubt,

certainty What dearest Who is

with a fatality to me! there

difficulty. has fallen My who may daughter would upon me of late, friend! if one he were to reflect upon the And What mother tremble and stricken me in the objects

and my not

shudder, by even by first

misfortunes what woman could not! the troubles would

that

be caused one not

dangerous on this

acquaintance! more often! What and

would not fly

avert the

reflecting proposal speak come

before than

of a seducer! to her daughter,

see another But most these tardy

person

herself never as it is, void

reflections of stifled truths, and

until

after one in of the

the event; the most

and one of generally of our

important lies

perhaps, of use

recognized, inconsequent Adieu,my which is

whirlpool

manners. dear already and so revered friend; to I feel avert at this our moment that is our even reason, more

insufficient us for

misfortunes,

inadequate PARIS, We

to console 14TH

them. kf 17 -- .

JANUARY, at this

cannot,

moment,

give

our nor

reader acquaint

the him

continuation with the

of sinister of

Mademoiselle events Madame Perhaps give should has not no which

de Volanges culminated

adventures, the misfortunes,

or completed

the punishment,

de Merteuil. someday undertaking still our deem reasons it will in it our for be in our this duty taking matter: first power and, to complete even were the taste this we work; able but to do public, we can so, we

to consult

of the

which note].

an interest

in this

narration

[Lacloss

Appendix The were letter following not two letters in any from replaced unfinished were edition the by the part of Lacloss during (it to was Letter original his manuscript lifetime. The by p. 378). but first the The

included removed and

published work note

was

suppressed 154 (see

authorleditor) second,

apparently

letter that DE

appeared was lost and

at the end later found. TO

of the

manuscript

as a piece I. THE

of correspondence VICOMTE DE

VALMONT

MADAME I AM that AWARE, you have

VOLANGES that you do me doubt not in that them myself, of love your your me; I am not ignorant with still the

MADAME, always been and that to you

against no

communications feelings some I do not are

Madame same;

de Tourvel, I agree even it request her to which dispose and is

I have may that place

you you to

suppose I address in the also by

to have and

foundation. fear, not the she my may hold so must dying, be

Nevertheless, merely letter reads to for it;

hands to beg

Madame to make of that but

de Tourvel sure that

I enclose, her to do

but so

you

assuring

her

my this

regrets, request lays

repentance, seem of any great thrust Madame restored may to you

especially one.

of my

love.

I am sensible even too myself;

a strange and

It astonishes calculate

despair

means, and

does as that other is

not

nicely.

Moreover, we have de and all

an interest in common

so dear every

which,

at the moment, Madame health,

aside de

consideration. unhappy; life,

Tourvel happiness

is

Tourvel That hasten the

must

to her. or for will

is the object its success. her

to be secured; If you reject your

means

are good you my

which will be

assure

those own

I offer, remorse,

responsible despairall I know adoration; cause become thrust steel it that her! of that

result: work.

death,

eternal

be your

I have I know

unworthily that the

outraged terrible

kg

a woman I have but, me none

who done

deserves her are fear

all the lest them.

my sole you I the

wrongs

the

misfortunes in your

she

is experiencing; by preventing heart, know but

Madame, from save

an accomplice the dagger into

them friends

repairing

I can withdraw What friend!

from

the wound. was your

I, I alone, mine, aid,

how

it may

be healed. Save your

matters save

the guilt

if I can be of use to her? not your 17 -- . vengeance.

she needs 5TH

PARIS,

DECEMBER,

II.

THE

PRESIDENTE DE WHAT parting given real VALMONT is this from

DE

TOURVEL

TO

THE

VICOMTE O MY moment comes pain, order aid. FRIEND, of your it that and

distress me! When

of which calm

I am conscious is so necessary that it?

since to me,

the how even

I am me

up to an agitation terror? Would my you

so great believe

it becomes I feel that reason but this

causes

even to

in my

to write Yet I tell

to you myself,

I need

to collect

strength that you called

and to call are happy; the sweet and to makes snatch

I repeat which hand

to myself, you become

idea, of

so precious love, under from has on

to my the

heart, other too

so rightly its while

calmative me myself into and lessen succumb

ferment, if I try

a felicity this

strong

for

me,

away cruel from our

delicious which

meditation, I have so

I immediately earnestly myself promised

fall you

once to since

more avoid, they

anguishes, which,

indeed,

I ought

to protect

so carefully,

happiness. My live rather friend, when that, you I am far have not from easily with you, taught you.... I would me to live No, not that only is not or for what at least my you; teach me now to say, to but my my in

I wish would

live,

forget nor to me;

existence. suffering; vain occupy a mortal keep most still. have

Abandoned I feel the

to myself, need on

I can endure and has all fled

neither repose far

happiness

of repose, sleep turn

is impossible from me; fire

I called nor

sleep, idle,

I can

neither me and

myself shudder Well,

remain

by turn

a burning

devours me, yet I throes

annihilates what fevers, feel to shall

me; I say?

every

movement suffer being

wearies less able

cannot of the even from whose up my

I should my this direct

in the to

violent

of

and,

without that or to

explain arises

or only to

conceive my

it, I yet

assuredly contain

state

of suffering of

powerlessness I should

a crowd

feelings, to deliver

charm soul. At the

nonetheless

be happy

to be able

wholly

actual indeed

moment was

when mingled

you with

went my

out,

I was but

less

tormented; it to

some the that to

agitation impatience moment,

regrets, of my

I attributed who my came taste, all, such

caused and whose

me by the presence service, a thousand doubted I must me always times not, find in

women, for usual.

in at seemed I

too more

dilatory than

me to be prolonged to be alone; I that left

Above with happiness foreseen

wished sweet which strong

when solitude How

surrounded the only

remembrances, your presence

of that,

susceptible.

could

I have

as I was rapidly soon you you only not

when

with

you

to sustain not

the shock support Here,

of so many

varied

feelings, alone? I to

so was tell from

experienced, most cruelly However, one your I had, of

I could

the memory my tender yours, would thoughts my

of them friend, and

undeceived.... am my I not

I hesitate must I hide

all....

yours,

wholly Ah! that

a single I claim share;

thoughts? for

be indeed which my

impossible; heart retiring does to

indulgence as my custom

involuntary is, sent away

woman

before

bed....

Endnotes 1 .(p. circulate liaisons (and world liaison 1 ) Les Liaisons under (in its Dangereuses: original title. Only rarely does a work the from in the Despite refers closer publi of my to in translation word usage

Perhaps has

because

English common

dangerous to spell usually into opted in the

liaisons) the for bargain), the

disappeared publishers title.

is hard have

English-speaking the presence of

French

officers bad vu

military,

liaisons

in French

to illicit to our

sexual usage. The I have

relationships; 2 .(p. French published societys Rousseaus Lettres Recueillies defies of Two and over and times whom She Since affection buried de 1) Jai

company

would de mon observed Manners The 1761

be a translation temps, et jai

les moeurs as I letters. attitudes. to his have

ces Lettres: times, a and

translates these moral

the manners here refers

mores, from la

particular

quotation novel dune Julie;

derives ou, Ville

Jean-Jacques Hlose. des Alpes.

preface Deux

Nouvelle au Pied like Eloise. Alps.

Amans,

Habitans par

Petite

et Publies and

J. J. Rousseau. rendered:

Rousseaus Julie; or, Foot

title,

Lacloss, Letters Collected all 1761 ten with love.

translation Lovers,

is usually

the New of the was novel and is was the

Inhabitants

of a Village The

at the Nouvelle editions

Published Europe; 1800. An

by J. J. Rousseau. there were

Hlose of the

a best-seller between reprinted woman fell in

seventy-two

English 1800. Ablard niece love of was

translation The Hlose

appeared in

in 1761 title

before Peter was the

Rousseaus the medieval Dame

(1079-1142), the canon of

theologian, and

Notre they

Ablards expressed in

student. their was

their in

impossible, of famous

separated Hlose, who

and died

a series

letters.

1164,

in Ablards tragic Julie must affair she

tomb. couple marry before must are Julie and Saint-Preux. point retain They is that her are madly in may that

Rousseaus love, have after back but

Wolmar. marriage remain

Rousseaus and still

a woman but

a love marriage to the

character, Rousseau was also

faithful and

to her Ablard,

husband. but he or,

looked strongly Rewarded

medieval Samuel Clarissa and the after the

Hlose Richardsons Harlowe

influenced (1740-1741) the comic day the and

by

novels

Pamela;

Virtue may

and version marries dies we and

(1747-1748).

Pamela

be said wins

to be the

Clarissa who

the tragic: threatened and modern

In the first, to rape abused. novels setting. on her, In

the heroine while both interest Laclos in the

man

second and

heroine

being birth in

seduced of the

Richardson in

Rousseau, sentiment, both

see

character, on

morality and

a middle-class but focuses

capitalizes characters,

Richardson

Rousseau

aristocratic

perhaps 3 .(p. novelist but

to indict 3) Publishers Miguel of that decide Laclos It may 5) if

the hypocrisy Note:

of Frances

ruling

classes. that harks back to the Spanish author with publisher his moral an

Laclos

uses a device who Laclos

de Cervantes editor infuses of it Don with

(1547-1616), Quixote. ambiguity: or merely work that

insists surrounds the

he is not his

a kind

text

apparatus cannot point, divide: 4 .(p. another reading enhances volume

Even

imaginary To the make

it is legitimate create but a

a fiction. straddles real.

must

fiction/nonfiction

be fiction, Preface: to remind is

its moral Again

is all too

Editors device letters; the

echoing they but, in are a

Cervantes, not

Laclos to

here speakers

creates but further that this it in

readers not of his life text

listening death. editor

this ambiguity only

sense, the

Laclos out

by having of the

point

contains The

a small

portion

correspondence of the (imaginary)

whence whole;

is extracted. any case, 5)

reader names

sees only

a fragment

the real I had

of the characters alterations more editor, them owners.

have

been

changed. ... which has not

5 .(p. been

proposed me: The

considerable a pedant, thematically

permitted

imaginary unifying

suggested but was

improving not allowed

the style

of the letters equally

and

to do so by their Part 1 (p. I 15) The

imaginary

Marquise French (duke),

de

Merteuil are

to

the

Vicomte: (in

The

ranks

of

the

eighteenth-century king-queen, duke), heir 2 (p. of duc

nobility (but

as follows

descending royal was

order): above a

prince comte,

a prince

of the blood baron, seigneur,

marquis-marquise, to the throne 15) was

vicomte,

chevalier.

The

the dauphin. of a hero: Merteuil inspire ironically Valmont to employs commit the crimes language of an

It is worthy and

knighthood

chivalry

to

ungentlemanly 3 (p. 18) we

nature. began to preach: their Valmont, adventures following to Merteuils use of

chivalric They 4 (p. myrtle Valmont conqueror. 5 (p. poet 19) Jean seek 19)

language, to make Love, the

compares sexual

religious

evangelizing:

converts. my of of crown, love the hesitates, cannot priest or decide the himself, whether laurel betwixt to the crown of the

who laurel: the

prepares The god

and

with

myrtle

wreath

crown

La

Fontaine

[Lacloss

note]

: The

authors

note

refers

to

French

de La Fontaine

(1621-1695);

the quotation

is from

his dedicatory

epistle 6 (p. That

to Fables 21) in the

(1668-1694). most tender of conjugal love you tte--ttes you are always two:

is, even One

when

making

are separate. taste for puns, which was [Lacloss which might sex is becoming note] can say the :

7 (p. 24) the The be

sees here and which

the deplorable has since made

fashion, author defined the

so much

progress

is referring as make deed but true or

to a pun a leapa getting

on the phrase sexual down to joke,

cross in

the ditch, the way where we

doing

business,

unexpressed 8 (p. 26) Order 1530 Malta, probably joins 9 (p. first Jolyot Hlose Fontaine wit, of the and

subject. pity of that he is a Knight was Charles as the of Malta!: of The crusading them of Malta. the Knights knights. island of the In of is he

It is a great Saint Holy the John Roman order

Jerusalem Emperor,

an order V,

granted

became son and

known unlikely not

Knights the

Danceny so

a younger who

to inherit

family thinks,

fortune, celibate.

the knights, 33)

were

necessarily, and fils

as Ccile two (pen is third ribald. Tales

Le Sopha,

a letter novel

of Hlose by Crbillon the 1); this

of La Fontaine: of Claude-Prosper La work mixes

The

is a licentious de Crbillon, endnote endnote

name

1707-1777); 2 for page

second the one

Rousseaus is another

Nouvelle by La

(see (see

5, above),

Merteuil

sexiness,

and earnest 34) it was

expressions my pleasure is, as

of love. to look Oriental upon him as a sultan in his in the heart harem. Merteuil of

10 (p. his

seraglio:

That

an

potentate

engages 11 (p.

in role-playing. 41) successors III, of king Alexander: of Macedonia, Those who followed B.C.) Alexander could not keep the the

Great empire 12 (p.

(Alexander he created 41) a real

356-323

intact. valet of comedy: in A stock figure in theater Wolfgang is the witty

servant Mozarts

(valet); opera would a

Leporello, Don that Giovanni make

Austrian

composer

Amadeus

(1787), him any

is an example. less a dangerous in the acquaintance French the novels is une title himself liaison appears

13 (p. 71) ?: The

phrase ; this

dangerous is one

acquaintance instances

dangereuse within 14 (p. have

of several p. 134. I have not

where

the text. 95) no

See also that for in his

I regret thought theft

the

talents

of a thief.... wishes mocks

But his

our

parents had whose classes

anything: education. called II).

Valmont Here for training

jokingly Laclos

parents

included philosophy

Rousseau, trades for all

of education 4 to part

in manual

(see endnote

15

(p.

98)

Piron,

Mtromanie La Mtromanie the idea

[ Lacloss

note ]:

French 1738)

playwright is about person a

Alexis character, than a

Pirons Damis, mad 16

comedy who

(Meter-mania; of the poet

vindicates

as a normal

rather

eccentric. (p. 99) I preserved of Scipio : a coolness When which would general of New have Scipio Carthage done honor to the

continence (c.234-c.183 given

Roman the city When

Africanus in Spain, to be

Major he was

B.C.)

conquered

a young

woman

as a prize.

he learned

she was

married,

he delivered 17 (p. 101)

her unharmed What The Fury

to her fianc. suppose women is vile enough to plot such who a black

do you are winged

scheme?: crimes. the same 18 (p.

Furies later did

of Greek

mythology

avenged here in

Only

they Alecto,

acquire

names,

as Megra

(mentioned

paragraph),

and Tisiphone. Marchale is the wife of a Marchal, or

102)

Marchales

: The

general,

in the army. the Italiens: Franais) would Traditionally, and improvisation. The were refer Comdie-Italienne the to the two major and the French Comdie-Franaise corporations. Italiens using and the stock

19 (p. 107) (or Theatre

theatrical as the

Theatergoers Franais. characters Part II

them, Italiens

respectively, tended

toward

satire,

1 (p. 116) LAstre, shepherd infidelity, adventures, 2 (p. 116) remain 3 (p.

the young by in he French love with

man

is so much Honor

of a Cladon dUrf Astre. he

: In the pastoral

romance is him myriad a of

novelist the himself with that

(1568-1625), When survives she

Celadon accuses after

shepherdess into her. he is not of Malta tomorrow Danceny

throws

a river;

and,

is reunited he explains

a monk : Danceny (see endnote to Versailles at the royal in The

explains I).

he need

not

celibate 120) I am is able 129) We

as a knight taking him

8 to part

: Because

of

his

rank,

Valmont 4 (p.

to present believe mile? it

court. mile : ... had note Education Madame refers de to

was

Rousseau note ]:

Tourvel Rousseaus a romance physical Romantics from

read mile about

[ Lacloss

authors ; or,

; ou, Trait a boys and

de lducation In manual the

( Emile work trades,

, 1762), emphasizes the

upbringing. learning

Rousseau and children

exercise fascination The

announces

with was

childhood a major

by declaring

to be different theory.

adults.

book

influence

on educational

5 (p. style piece

130)

recitato that for

obbligato imitates a single

or arietta: speech instrument;

Recitato

(recitative) an obbligato is a short

is a is a aria,

singing complex for

in opera of music voice.

or dialogue; an arietta

a song

a single

6 (p. 136) Man, 1747),

Gresset by

: Le Mchant French playwright

[ Lacloss

note ]: Le Mchant

(The

Spiteful satire

Jean-Baptiste-Louis

Gresset,

is a

on contemporary 7 (p. 144) [ Lacloss Arouet) Joan known Agns hands to take Danceny 8 (p. French who 154) This

manners. expression refers writer poem to a passage Voltaire La the Pucelle French (the French of in a poem name to mock by M. of de Voltaire

note ]: French published the

(assumed (1755) national

Franois-Marie the memory later a of saint) poem, English plans and

of Arc

(c.1412-1431),

heroine

(and

as La Pucelle Sorel, and the

dOrlans of lover

Maid king

of Orleans). Charles VII,

In Voltaires falls into Valmont of Agns

mistress the

becomes

an Englishman, with VII. Ccile playing

Monrose. the part

on the role transformed Racine

of Monrose, into Charles

: Britannicus Jean Racine,

[ Lacloss the emperor

note ]: In Nero

Britannicus falls in love

(1669), with her,

by Junia,

dramatist

is loved

by his murdered.

half-brother Junia

Britannicus. becomes The a vestal

Failing virgin. is

to seduce Valmont, not exactly

he

has is

Britannicus ironic virgin. 9 (p. 160) in his

as usual, a

use

of

quotations:

Vicomtesse

vestal

remember that plays B.C.),

that

nothing him

which

interests

him

is alien

to me:

That

is, Nothing ironically (c.190-159 Self-Castigator am a man: 10 (p. 165)

involves with a

is a matter from

of indifference comic

to me. playwright

Merteuil Terence (The puto (I

line

Roman in his

which

appears Homo sum:

Heautontimorumenos nihil a me alienum

; 1.1.25): nothing I human

humani

is alien from the

to me). clouds, like a divinity , the at the opera use of : a

dropped himself

Valmont god

compares

to a deus to save

ex machina His

theatrical

or a royal

personage

the day.

intervention

is intended

to do

the opposite. 11 (p. 173) apple of discord: apple written: all In Greek the the mythology, guests most they Eris, at the beautiful. were the the goddess of of

discord, and Hera, Pariss

tossed On

a golden it was

among For

wedding The rightful

Thetis

Peleus. Athena,

goddesses recipients. War.

and

Aphrodite

thought

decision

to give

the apple and

to Aphrodite The of art royal and

led to the Trojan court resided at

12 (p. 174) a world

the Court itself,

the Town: in terms

Versailles, (to say

unto

but

intellectual

matters

nothing center 13 (p.

of amusement of French 176) side Bois of cultural de Paris

and pleasure), life. Boulogne is reached : This by west. league

it was

linked

to Paris

(the

Town),

the

park following

of

about the

2,000

acres

on to

the the

western Arc

Champs-Elyses

de Triomphe 180) Ten

and continuing leagues: The

14 (p.

is an ill-defined

distance

that

varies

considerably, 15 (p. 189) in

from

2.5 to 4.5 miles. Like this 16), a new Delilah, secret: a judge gets In and him I have the Old always employed book Delilah, that my of a his

Samson....

power Judges Philistine, great

surprising

important

Testament takes the

(chapter for

Samson, She finally

warrior,

a lover. lies

to confess a Philistine

secret cuts off

strength him

in his hair.

While

he sleeps,

his hair,

rendering 16 (p. 203) he thought love about Christian ironically, 17 (p. 204) dog of

helpless. precisely gained : The the Zare, over reference you are weeping. him in good tragedy feels Orosmanes thinks Cerberus for The empire for which all the

It was to have

me ... stood is to

stead

Orosmane the

Voltaires the to Sultan treat

Zaire a

(1732), captured love

disastrous princess. substituting Cerberus the gate Annette by

love Merteuil for

Orosmane intends

tragic her.

it the control

Prvan

he has over was

: In classical

mythology,

a three-headed

guarding

of the underworld. of the main characters in Annette Favart et Lubin ,

18 (p. 205) a comic

: She is one French opera.

opera

playwright

Charles-Simon

(1710-1792),

the inventor Part III

of light

1 (p. 218) than was 2 (p. remedy the cure. 3 (p. 242)

park : This though

part not

of the estate as entirely and some love, like

is, metaphorically, natural as a forest.

a wilder Traditionally

place it

a garden, a place 239) for

of temptation the darts they of

danger. the lance of Achilles, hero could bear their own at and

the ills War;

cause:

Achilles

is a legendary Pelian spear,

of the Greeks both kill

Trojan

his

lance,

known

as the

Voltaire Defeated

Nanine

[ Lacloss

note ]:

Voltaires quoted

Nanine phrase

or,

Prejudice What 4 (p. Italy

(1749)

is a minor not out

comedy.

The

means,

I do, I do in justice, 262) was crossed crossed the

of being river

polite. separating in his ancient march Gaul from here

Rubicon

: This

by Julius

Caesar

in 49 B.C.

on Rome;

the phrase 5 (p. Azolan 268)

means I would

they

had taken wear

a definitive and

step. a livery of the robe no less:

not

a livery, in refusing

reveals

his snobbery

to wear

the uniform of blood 3. Les Folies

of the servants but only that of

in Tourvels a high 6 (p. royal 276)

household. magistrate. Lamour

She is not

of the nobility on page Regnard comedy :

See the footnote y pourvoira. a 1704 Regnard

amoureuses by French

Lacloss playwright comedies. 7 (p. 281) ]: Laclos Tales 8 (p. river life. 9 (p. 290) of that

note ]: Laclos Jean-Franois

cites

(Loves a

Madness) secondary

(1655-1709),

author

of

From

the comedy, referring

On

ne savise

jamais

de tout! en Vers

[ Lacloss (Sto ries

note and

is probably 1664), of

to Contes

et Nouvelles

in Verse, 288) Lethe

by Jean de La Fontaine. oblivion: was In classical to cause mythology, one drinking his from or her the past

waters

in Hades

supposed

to forget

the head

of the house : Valmont this

of Gercourt Ccile

will

be in future with

only his

cadet If

of Valmont

believes child would

is pregnant

child. first-born

she marries (and, (junior) 10 (p.

Gercourt,

be considered when he would

Gercourts actually

if a male, branch 290)

the head

of the house), of Valmont. 13 very

be a

cadet

of the house See word, 326,

liaison: to the pages

endnote but 330, son had its

to part absence

I. Valmont here

does

not of

connect things to

dangereuses come. 11 (p. father

is a sign

See also 305): than the

and 377. on his return obtained The a man wastes more reference divides his favor from his

prodigal

the son who parable (Luke sons,

never 15:11-32).

been

absent: When

is to a New his money fortune on fast

Testament between living, him his

two

the younger pigs.

leaves He returns the

home, home son;

and ends with open was

up tending arms, lost which but

and his father the father

welcomes that

angers found.

elder

explains

his brother Part IV

is now

1 (p. 317) Frederick transformed de hero 2 (p. La Tour

Judge II of

me then Prussia into

as though (1712-1786), a powerful (1611-1675), War. I may

I had

been known

Frederic as

or Turenne: the

King Great, Henri was a

Frederick

Prussia

nation;

the Vicomte general

de Turenne, of France,

dAuvergne Years Hannibal,

supreme

of the Thirty 317) like

be enervated

by

the

delights

of

Capua:

After general famous 3 (p. tragedy (The

defeating Hannibal for 336)

the Romans (247-182

at Cannae B.C.) spent

in 216 the

B.C., winter

the great in the city

Carthaginian of Capua,

its luxuries. Plus je vis dtrangers, [ Lacloss plus jaimai ma patrie. is citing Dormont Du Bellois work Belloy

of Le Sige Siege of Calais)

de Calais by

note ]: Laclos tragedian,

a 1765 de

a lesser

French

(pseudonym 4 (p. 361) politician Symposium. (Moral playwright, 5 (p. 376) of a pair (c.254-184 one too

of Pierre-Laurent Alcibiades and general. : Alcibiades He goes of

Buyrette). (c.450-404 B.C.) along from was with one of a brilliant Socrates, the Contes (1723-1799), in Athenian Platos moraux a

is a character, on to quote

Merteuil Tales; 1761)

Jean-Franois of prose

Marmontel fiction. injured playwright are two him:

historian, His

and writer

Menchmus

has somewhat by Roman there

Menchmus Maccius one

is

one

of twins B.C.). much like

in a comedy Merteuil a husband.

Titus Valmonts:

Plautus charming,

asserts

Inspired Pierre dance Conrad that The

by Les Choderlos and

Liaisons

Dangereuses salacious of a ballet However, have novel has found Nixon its way into both by film

de Lacloss the form Littell.

musicin and

by David

and

an opera

Susa

Philip

it is in the world been most

of feature

Lacloss first such

diabolical film came French stars

characters on the cusp

memorably era, with Vadim. Philipe diplomats by

portrayed. a modernized Les Liaisons de open

of the free-sex Roger and

adaptation Dangereuses Merteuil relationship. at a posh Monks The was and

by

writer-director Jeanne de Moreau Valmont,

(1959) the Valmont Swiss ski

Gerard

as Juliette in an

Vicomte woos resort,

married

Marianne accompanied

Tourvel, by

played

Annette of

Vadim,

a soundtrack

Thelonious

jazz. for from enjoyed stars Close Vicomte de Tourvel, de Volanges. Dangerous the stage play Liaisons (1988), directed Hampton, West by Stephen which End. Frears,

screenplay adapted and drama

by Christopher run evil in Londons Glenn

premiered sharp,

in 1985 elegant

a four-year a masterfully shares de and Set brilliant Valmont. a young in

Frearss

Close with

as the sinister John Malkovich radiates out the

Marquise as purity group shot the as as with

de Merteuil. snake-like Madame Cecile polished it won Milos (1975) (1989), for

chemistry Michelle Uma

Pfeiffer rounds

Thurman French for

stunning was

chateaus seven

and Academy

camerawork, art direction,

the film costume

nominated

Awards;

design,

and adapted Flew

screenplay. Over the Cuckoos adaptation, Colin Nest Valmont Firth plays is a by the

Forman, and hot

the legendary (1984),

director released

of One his

Amadeus

milder

film

on the heels dandyish slightly Carrire characters flick

of Frearss Vicomte de

acclaimed Valmont, de

production. and Merteuil. Lacloss Annette

a strangely sugary and

Benning screenplay rendering than

emotional only with Cruel

Marquise loosely more adapts lightness

The novel,

Jean-Claude devilish The the main

and humanity (1999) brings

the book. novel to

teensploitation world of Gellar jaded

Intentions prep

Lacloss It features

Manhattan

school and Ryan

students. Phillippe snorts to

Sarah

Michelle Sebastian cocaine stepbrother played

as Kathryn Kathryn in her

Merteuil (who in

as her a tiny have

stepbrother spoonful of her

Valmont. hidden

one

scene promises Cecile but played

cross

necklace) the sniveling agrees,

sex

with

if he can deflower Selma Blair.

Caldwell, also by sets Reese of by his

entertainingly eye on the

by

Sebastian

self-righteous Annette Seventeen is the

prude recent

Annette author and

Hargrove, of an

Witherspoon. virginity writer-director for

article

in

praise

magazine.

Slick

melodramatic,

the movie

Roger The by

Kumble three-hour

is an innovative television from

twist

on Lacloss Dangerous Eric-Emmanuel Deneuve

story. Liaisons Schmitt, and Rupert and (2003), is set directed in as the the

miniseries a script stars by

Jose

Dayan

1960s. Marquise Kinski It was

The

production

Catherine

Everett

de Merteuil as Madame filmed

and

the Vicomte and

de Valmont, Sobieski

features de

Nastassja Volanges.

de Tourvel French

Leelee

as Cecile

in both

and English.

Comments In this on the

&

Questions we aim as well has to provide the reader that from letters with an array those as by of perspectives The reviews literary the to a this

section, text,

as questions been culled the work, and

challenge sources written

perspectives. as

commentary contemporaneous criticism works filter variety enduring Comments SAMUEL The story of history. Pierre

diverse the

with later

author, throughout

generations, Following the

appreciations a series Liaisons a richer

written

commentary, Les about

of questions

seeks through of

Choderlos of view

de Lacloss and bring

Dangereuses understanding

of points work.

BADCOCK [of but it Les is Liaisons almost Dangereuses too on diabolical the ] is conducted to be realized. of the with The Public, great art and of work the of of who the their most

address; instruction itself actors their

pretence as the It is true,

is an insult outrage and

understanding law of virtue

is a daring in this crimes, and

on every disgusting

and decorum. filled guilt.

horrid fall,

drama,

having own

up the measure But that the scenes for one by all its

at length,

as victims open

to their with such

seduction will plot.

intrigue

are laid

freedom, will actions heart, and

be instructed He who could

by the catastrophe, trace the current

a thousand of human in the of the

be corrupted through unfold of we the at the

intricate secret

channels springs, In

to their could paying not this

hidden be

source ignorant

tendency

present same

publication. time

compliment

to his

penetration,

pass the severest of so

censure a

on his principles. nature as are here delineated;devised of dark When and disguised them, but we it is are by

Actions cunning; villanies, not

atrocious in their admit

attended will not

formation of particular

by a contexture description. at such

we read crimes;

enough

to say we are disgusted with know, where and horror. such the characters scene of may exist

complicated

actually For only whose decorum. exposed darkness Authors aught in

chilled we

may action be

exist

as are but

here in

described, other to

not

France, religion

is laid, more

countries, virtue of and being outer

customs let of they the them

favourable they will,

However, to the to eye

where should shall

instead

Public,

they

be consigned be glad to see

to that this

which

belong.We happily employed.

unknown

abilities

more

from

an unsigned

article

printed

in the Monthly

Review

(August

1784)

GEORGE I am except rupture unable that

SAINTSBURY to find some any redeeming is shown and point in [ Les Liaisons Dangereuses ] by a

ingenuity

in bringing

about

the dnouement M. this, idea and that viret six le

between and

the villain-hero Mme.

the villainess-heroine, de Merteuil. enough love, other Ver) while Of can Even

Vicomte fairly merely else,

de Valmont craftsmanlike that even monster live]. very very jealousy,

la Marquise is banal

though being

in treatment, in both in Vernon

in ideathat shame, words, semper to read amusement, find the nothing. whole

sexes,

survives

everything the [will

community (like But small

scoundrelismin and worth unlike ones this.

green-eyed always pages from pair are of this above merely

it is scarcely print in order

hundred as apart The

to learn

elementary on Their and malice, Nor that

instruction, whom very

I at least hangs

mentioned, disgusting. the property

practically voluptuousness of their and diabolism greatly

appeal, the sum

is accidental: lives the and of

and

substance, of of about with is it a a

business treachery, has this

natures, getting or

are

compact the better

mischief, somebody. itanything black Fleur comedy, horseplay.... The for victims

desire

anything and glows,

grand

impressive been Nor, said, again, tragedy a

intends

as has fashion. There even

splendour, du Mal neither

in Marlowesque of the Baudelairian passion nor

or Websterian suburban. humour, nor

is neither wit,

nor little

except

and comparses The

[walkers-on]

of the story

do nothing

to

atone Mme.

the principals.

lacrimose a bore; the

stoop-to-folly-and-wring-his-bosom ingnue Ccile de Volanges and becomes strumpet; M. le nearly is, as no better her

de Tourvel de Merteuil she should

is merely says, be rival, is not

Mme. than lover,

a petite with and so very the

imbecile facility de

throughout, of a

predestined plaything, he should

Valmonts Danceny, an imbecile mother but and

Mme. much

Merteuils than

Chevalier as much

better way

be, and

in the masculine Valmonts as owls

as Ccile aunt

in the feminine; merely which follows apologise hardly

her respectable as owls are,

respectable are not. general

are not the book,

as blind in many

as stupid as well clumsy most

Finally,

particular closely etc.),

points, (adding exhibits merits.

as in the notes

letter-scheme, the letters, with

Richardson for any their of that style,

to explain

of the faults for

of its original is that

originals Bad

Valmont,

instance,

intolerable

creature,

a pattern

Mana interest

Grandison-Lovelacea can be taken [things the present at all. not in the book,

prig

of vice. that and

Indeed, derived though

I cannot from its

see how

any

except

background I think, who in led some; is

of tacenda has read

to be mentioned]; will accuse

no one,

volume The final

me of squeamishness, referred to fifty no use for as used, in to above, pages, them. it love if

I can find

it no interest up to and but

situations of twenty

if artistically might The have

crisply

told out

in a story as they

ditch-watered

are, I have

letter-form the ironic

particularly presentation and quite

unfortunate, which to enjoy permits

because, one

at least almost Wild.

excludes with anybody

to fall Of

Becky says and

Sharp, (and in I

Jonathan Laclos

course, proper

apologists manners) am not diatribes avenging between done simply of at

do say that that disposed from duel to hold

was,

as a man, to mere Only, for

in morals

mild work,

up the wicked the point. and

detestation myself,

is a worthy I prefer from to take the artist.

to argue the clergy

moral The that finely made either [of the but

aesthetic and

delectation Morden copy

between and

Lovelace Danceny of

Colonel

is finely of in it, and

done; not are

Valmont all. dull Some,

is an obvious the riskiest

again,

passages which

subject

by a Richardsonian or more of excitement. than a boreit

particularity Now, is

has no seasoning de mauvais not pure and lieu

humour is

a Richardson a nuisance,

gutter] impure from

simple,

and complex. A History of the French Novel: To the Close of the 19th Century

(1917-1919)

RICHARD Behind wonderful precision, developed accustomed from (1924) ANDR [ Dangerous every without work the

ALDINGTON the Liaisons observation. the with precision Dangereuses The of novel there is is a keen constructed the of a man if limited with intrigue skilled intelligence almost and and

faultless are a man

a mathematician; and care

situation

the forethought

in tactics,

to neglect introduction

no possibility. to his translation of Dangerous Acquaintances

GIDE Acquaintances of profound desire, ], diabolical observation much more as its inspiration and exact is, turns to than out, like

expression, on morals

contain, many a

the authors

instruction

well-intentioned from

treatise. to Dangerous Acquaintances (1940)

his preface

Questions 1. Would it be faithful Is the world to book ? of religion a product of in this the novel. Is it an operative Is it at work behind force? the Les saying, Liaisons Do Dangereuses immoral things to and read you it will as a be

cautionary punished 2. Describe Is it merely

tale? in this

the presence vestigial,

setting?

scenes, 3. Does 4. How irresistible

beneath Laclos, is sex

the consciousness so far as you looked upon A paltry from

of the characters? from this novel, believe in this in love? novel? As an

can tell by the

various

characters

instinct? that life,

pleasure? violating that

A means respectability?

to power?

A sin?

A source it can

of the thrill lead 5. If you to new you

comes but

A good,

in that

a good

can be perverted? with Vicomte logically de Valmont, self-consistent how would

had

a chance

to sit down

formulate

a philosophically change

sound,

explanation

of why

he should

his ways?

For Other

Further

Reading Editions Acquaintances. Les Liaisons by Andr Gide. Dangereuses. London: and with Translated Press, by Ernest 1940. K.

Dangerous Dowson,

with

a preface Dangereuses. Penguin

Nonesuch an introduction

Les Liaisons Stone. Les London: Liaisons by

Translated Books, 1961. Translated New

by P. W.

Dangereuses. Harry Levin.

by

Richard

Aldington,

with

foreword Classics, Oeuvres Biography Poisson, Grasset, Criticism Blunt, Icon Byrne, Moral. Conroy, Liaisons Languages, Diaconoff, in Evil. Fried, Age

York:

New

American

Library/Signet

1962. Compltes. Edited by Maurice Allem. Paris: Gallimard, 1951.

Georges. 1985.

Choderlos

de

Laclos;

ou,

lObstination.

Paris:

B.

Anthony, Editions. Patrick Glasgow: Peter V.

ed. New W.

Baroque York: Les Harper Liaisons

and

Rococo

Architecture 1978. A Study

and

Decoration.

and Row,

Dangereuses: 1989. and

of

Motive

and

University Intimate,

of Glasgow, Intrusive, Purdue

Triumphant: Monographs 1987.

Readers in

in

the

Dangereuses. vol.

University J. Benjamins,

Romance

23. Philadelphia: Eros and

Suellen. Geneva:

Power

in Les Liaisons

Dangereuses:

Study

Droz,

1979. and Theatricality: Painting Press, and and Beholder in the

Michael. of Diderot. Hugh.

Absorption Berkeley:

University

of California Style 1968. in

1980. series.

Honour,

Neo-Classicism. UK: Penguin and CT, Books,

Civilization

Harmondsworth, Levey, History . Painting. Malraux, Mullady, and Victim Michael. of Art. Rococo New Andr. Eileen

Painting New to York: Haven,

Sculpture and London: Major A. Praeger,

France, Yale

1700-1789. Press,

Pelican 1993.

University in

Revolution: Frederick

Trends 1966. Gallimard, the Design

Eighteenth-Century

Le Triangle Patricia.

Noir. Seduction

Paris: and

1970. of Fiction: and Seduction Le 1982. Rouge

in Clarissa, Ph.D.

Roxana,

Les

Liaisons

Dangereuses, microform,

et le Noir.

dissertation,

Columbia

University,

Rosbottom, Rosenblum, Princeton, Roulston, Century University Roussel, Selected University Thelander, Droz, Winnett, Goethe, 1963.

Ronald Robert. NJ:

C. Choderlos Transformations University

de Laclos. in Press, and

Boston: Late 1989. the Authentic and

Twayne,

1978. Century Art.

Eighteenth

Princeton

Christine. Fiction: Press Roy.

Virtue,

Gender,

Self Laclos.

in

EighteenthGainesville:

Richardson, of Florida, Conversation and 1998. of

Rousseau,

the

Sexes:

Seduction Texts.

and New

Equality York: Oxford

in

SeventeenthPress, Dorothy 1986.

Eighteenth-Century

Ramona.

Laclos

and

the

Epistolary

Novel.

Geneva:

Susan. and

Terrible Stanford,

Sociability: CA:

The

Text

of

Manners Press,

in 1993.

Laclos,

James.

Stanford

University

a In the original, b Wives referred There ennobled c I must which them, from also occur any error state in that these I have letters; which and suppressed and if, or altered among those all the names I have of persons for solely of high-ranking members as is, of the royal in in this rank work, bureaucracy the (prsdents) de were Tourvel. is roman, French for novel.

to as prsidentes, is an important by profession

Prsidente in the title:

distinction while

implicit

Tourvel by birth.

Valmont

and Merteuil

are noble

substituted this arises

is to be found on note]. editorial my All part, the

belongs no

to a real is

person, to be

conclusion labeled

drawn note are

therefrom part of

[Lacloss Lacloss d When e False f Since

footnotes

Lacloss

apparatus

and appear

in the original.

it contains

them.

or hidden.

the sentiments they for only

(feelings) arouse our

expressed curiosity. allows him from

in the letters Curiosity

are all either

false

or or

deceptive, sympathy errors stir g Anything. h The i Cciles nuns, j A pupil k In grand l Hatmakers; m The portress more our the

is inferior

to feeling Thus the

the author, commits

and this keep

us to see his errors. achieving his goal,

very is to

author

which

feelings.

prudish.

friend a teaching

Sophie order,

Carnay where

is at the convent both were students.

school

run

by the

Ursuline

at the same

convent

[Lacloss

note].

style

(Italian).

by extension,

seamstresses.

[doorkeeper]

of the convent

[Lacloss

note].

n Knight. o The which vogue p Wife of the Intendant, or Quartermaster General, a high official in charge words are rou now [a man happily when devoted falling these to a life into Letters disuse were of sensual in good pleasure] society, [Lacloss and were note]. rouerie, much in

at the time

written

of supply. q To understand had this deserted for the passage, the him Vicomte which it must be mentioned for that the the Comte de

Gercourt who the long right r That s Beginning night. t Awkward. u had

Marquise the

de Merteuil

Intendante it was this

de --- , then that is

sacrificed and

Vicomte formed

de Valmont, an attachment.

and As

Marquise anterior

adventure

to the events all that

are in question [Lacloss

in these note].

Letters,

it seemed

to suppress

correspondence

of spousal

infidelity.

(French);

that

is, if his

wife

were

not

a virgin

on their

wedding

Weak-seeming; v That w La Fontaine x Card y Parish z Triangular aa Took ab Every time in monetary priest. game with is, at cards.

in need

of aid.

[Lacloss

note].

two

sets of partners.

scarves

fastened

to cover

low

necklines.

contributions

from

parishioners

at mass.

she bowed.

ac Staunch ad In the original ae Time af Dishabille, ag Cotton ah One sees here the deplorable has since taste made for puns, which was [Lacloss becoming note]. 7 the fabric. casual costume (French). being. French, espce , meaning a nullity. believer.

fashion, ai Not to

and which

so much

progress

abuse

the from

Readers day

patience, have

many been

of

the

letters only

in those of

this have

correspondence, been For given the which

to day, found replies

suppressed; for

have all

been the

necessary of Sophie been

the elucidation and many

events. of

same actors

reason

Carnay omitted

letters note].

the other aj

in these

adventures

have

[Lacloss

I get bored. ak Marriage. al Dissolute am Precise an The error, into which did Madame not de Volanges falls, shows [Lacloss us that, note]. like other degree. person.

criminals, ao Luck ap Take aq Payment, ar Small, as pride.

Valmont

betray

his accomplices

or chance.

compensation.

usually

suburban

house;

love

nest

(French).

Imagine. at An ingenious but note]. very gallant romance by Monsieur de Crbillon fils

[translators au Fear-inspiring. av Feel aw This sorry

to miss.

is the same [Lacloss

gentleman note].

who

is mentioned

in the letters

of Madame

de

Merteuil ax Card ay Flusters az Literally, ba The been of letter

game,

usually

for

two

players.

me.

a hunter

(French);

here,

personal

servant.

in

which There de

this seems

sore reason and note].

[evening to believe also

gathering] it is that in

is spoken suggested preceding

of

has

not note of

found.

in the letter

Madame

Merteuil, [Lacloss

mentioned

the

Ccile bb Make bc Sign, bd Price be

Volanges

fun.

token.

reduction.

Blessings. bf Literally, where bg Haste. bh Madame [Lacloss bi de Tourvel note]. then does not dare to say that it was by her order! plot the untying entanglements (French); in a drama or narrative, the final outcome,

are clarified.

Trying bj Formal bk Literally, bl Covering bm Clever bn Depravity. bo Rather. bp Contradict bq On that br Clever bs Lawyer. bt Self bu Offering bv Tease bw Up bx Parcel. by During bz We

not

to talk

about

it.

speech

or poem

of praise.

head-to-head

(French);

all alone.

up.

tricks

like

any

woman.

oneself.

account.

or witty

women

(French).

possession.

box

in a church.

or goad.

to date;

well-informed.

which

time.

continue

to omit being

the

letters

of

Ccile and

Volanges containing

and

of

the

Chevalier [Lacloss

Danceny, note]. ca See Letter

these

of little

interest

no incidents

the Thirty-Fifth

[Lacloss

note].

cb Indeed. cc Miniature cd Evil ce Piron, cf She is naked, which is logical because of the summer heat, but also Mtromanie [Lacloss note]. 15 (in the ironic sense: Valmont calls the truths told about him evil). portraits were often concealed in lockets.

immoral. cg Spare ch Those who have not had occasion by love sometimes will find to feel no the value in of a word, any of.

an expression, [Lacloss ci Former; cj Lavish ck Mayors; cl Out cm Drunkard. cn Stay co Willingness cp Prostitute. cq That cr Lead. cs Raptures; is, a simple of combat; party. note].

consecrated

meaning

this

sentence

of another

time.

Valmont

uses a term

derived

from

a Dutch

word.

a casualty.

in the country.

to please.

anonymous

seal;

nothing

to indicate

this

is a love

letter.

ecstasies.

ct Tedium; cu Noticed. cv This cw The reader must how little have guessed already, for by religion. while [Lacloss the conduct This showing note]. of Madame would one de have ought letter has not been recovered [Lacloss note]. boredom.

Merteuil, been not cx Slander, cy Illusions; cz Therefore. da We the believe

respect it was

she had thought

passage results,

suppressed, to neglect

only to make

that,

the causes

known

malign.

chimeras

were

female

monsters

of Greek

mythology.

it was

Rousseau Valmont read

in mile: makes [Lacloss

but of

the it

quotation

is not and

exact, then,

and had

application

which

entirely 4

false;

Madame db Miss; dc The feel

de Tourvel

mile?

note].

nostalgia

for.

original whose

French, wife

bois,

also

means

horns,

which

appear

on the head

of

a man dd Game de We

is unfaithful.

set.

have

suppressed merely

the

letter facts

of

Ccile

Volanges

to the letter, but the de

Marquise, with

as

it

contained That will

the same

as the preceding has not been from

less detail. of to this the

to the appear

Chevalier in letter

Danceny the

recovered: Madame

reason

sixty-third,

Merteuil

Vicomte df Gresset: dg Trust. dh

[Lacloss

note].

Le Mechant

[Lacloss

note].

Concern. di M. Danceny does to M. note]. not confess the truth. this event. He had already the given fifty-seventh his

confidence [Lacloss dj Naive dk compliant. dl This note]. dm Decency. dn Quips. do Exhaustion. dp Belief. dq Amazing dr Sweet ds Rehash; dt Deceives du Racine: dv Large dw Safer. dx Eagerness dy Scandal dz talk. young

de Valmont

before

See letter

woman.

expression 7

refers

to a passage

in a poem

by M.

de Voltaire

[Lacloss

things.

in this

context,

a rekindling

of an old

relationship.

with

flattery.

Brtannicus

[Lacloss

note].

armoire

or cupboard.

to help.

(French).

Mademoiselle as will of those appear which

de Volanges

having

shortly letters, this

afterward collection friend know

changed will

her confidant, include convent: note]. no more they

in the subsequent she continued nothing

to write that

to her not

at the [Lacloss

would ea

teach

the Reader

he did

High-ranking eb Sitting ec This ed Jumbled. ee Libertines. ef Costume eg That eh Habit. ei That ej The ek the moment el He pretended em That en Physical eo Gambler. ep Enthusiasm. eq Gift, er proof is, they lovers is, they ball letter room.

military

officer;

commander

of a garrison.

has not

been

recovered

[Lacloss

note].

celebrated

before

Lent.

had lovers

in name

only.

is, all of the husbands

were

rarely

present.

the three

already

had.

when

the lover

would

visit.

to be angry

in order

to make

her angry,

and succeeded.

challenged

Prvan

to a duel.

and verbal

statement.

or kindness.

Stand, es Boast. et

endure.

Disconcerted. eu Double ev We are unaware whether as that are this line, These occurs from What nature unthroned above, little-known lead Her tyrants arms works, us to believe in all form poetry, [Lacloss that are are open of latter of now still; the is this talk.

my slaves, her prose heart

as well is shut,

which

quotations

or part the

of Madame

de Merteuil. of this

would

the number correspondence. perhaps,

of faults

which

are found Danceny with fault

the letters

Those

of the Chevalier occupied him

the only his more note].

exception: practiced

as he sometimes it easier for

himself this

ear rendered ew Profess ex Anything. ey Actress. ez Improprieties. fa Chaperones. fb It will

to avoid

to have

feelings.

appear, secret will

in

letter was,

the but

hundred more not or been

and less able of

fifty-second, what nature

not it him

what was; further

M. and on

de the the

Valmonts Reader subject fc Tale. fd And fe Angry. ff Since here

see that

we have

to enlighten

[Lacloss

note].

I was

so impatient.

we cant

have

this

key.

fg Roster fh See letter fi Appeared. fj Times fk A word fl Card fm Conversation fn First fo Play. fp See letter fq Doorman. fr Small fs Solid ft Private fu Some persons may not, perhaps, be aware games that a medley among It is one (macdoine) which of the each is player a sitting room or dressing room. arguments. gate close to or part of a larger one. the seventieth [Lacloss note]. encounter (French). partner. game. to the wise is sufficient! (French). during the week when she received visitors. the seventy-fourth [Lacloss note]. of official competitors.

succession has a right

of sundry to choose [Lacloss

different when

of chance, to deal.

it is his turn

inventions

of the century fv Personal fw The commanding note]. male

note].

servant.

officer

of

the

regiment

to

which

Prvan

belonged

[Lacloss fx

Honorable. fy Bad fz Wait ga As madly gb Trick. gc Danceny expression gd Rights ge Agreeably gf Highly gg On loan. gh Nothing gi Makes gj On neutral gk Malady. gl Voltaire: gm Deception. gn Supply go Demanding. gp A village halfway [Lacloss between note]. Paris and the chteau of Madame de or stock (of deceit). Nanine [Lacloss note]. 3 subjects. through calculation or premeditation rather than true feelings. at all. indignant. spicy. that cannot be taken away. is ignorant [Lacloss of what note]. this means was; he merely repeats Valmonts in love. too long without reminding her of you. luck.

Rosemonde

gq Petty gr Deprives. gs Predict gt Masterpiece. gu Insist gv Angry. gw Ability gx Since gy junior gz Medicine. ha Whore. hb The hc Christian hd Church he An hf Pity; hg La Nouvelle hh La Nouvelle hi Literally, lovemaking. between acts (French), a theatrical term; here, interludes in Hlose [Lacloss note]. Hlose [Lacloss note]. be sympathetic toward. inn. run by the Cistercian monks, an austere monastic order. thoughts (French). aforementioned village, halfway on the road [Lacloss note]. officer. you did me a favor in undertaking it. for your role in life. on testing. good things. crimes.

hj That hk Depression. hl Lamour hm Corsica. hn This ho Excessively. hp Bragged hq From hr Elegant. hs Forgivingness. ht Affability. hu See letter hv Imagination. hw That hx Overfeed. hy Willingly. hz Condescend. ia On their ib Empty ic chatter. honor. is, well-trained but not stellar at lovemaking. the hundred and ninth [Lacloss note]. the comedy, On ne savise jamais de tout! [Lacloss note]. 7 about seducing. letter has not been recovered [Lacloss note]. y pourvoira. Regnard: Les Folies amoureuses [Lacloss note]. 6 is, the arts of lovemaking.

Complaint. id Cowardly. ie Letters [Lacloss if Father. ig Full ih Delay. ii Relief ij Be a part. ik Badge il Noticeable. im Fickleness. in Plus je vis dtrangers, [Lacloss plus jaimai note]. 3 ma patrie. Du Bellois tragedy of of victory. from pain. of anxiety. the hundred and twentieth and hundred and twenty-second

note].

Le Sige io Past legal ip Settlement iq Prosecuting ir Her is Costs able it Sorry iu

de Calais

decisions

or opinions.

out

of court.

attorney.

lawyer.

incurred to establish

in

a judgment

brought

against

the

plaintiff

for

not Merteuil.

being

a casethat

is, Belleroche

has no case against

to be missing.

Lessen. iv Ball iw Letters ix Sent iy In person. iz Comes ja From jb Harem jc A liar. jd An je Mockery. jf Marmontel: 4. jg Attempts jh To which ji Express. jj Troublesome. jk Penances. jl It is because which Valmonts jm can we have solve letter this [Lacloss discovered doubt note]. that nothing we in the subsequent have decided to correspondence suppress M. de place. to reason with her. Conte moral dAlcibiade [Lacloss note]. See part IV, endnote official newsletter. slave. the scoundrel to the slut. after. a messenger. the forty-sixth and forty-seventh [Lacloss note]. given early in the season.

Mock jn Now jo Rank jp

them

with

sarcasm.

that

you

have

torn

it from

me.

in society.

Sacrament her salvation. jq Support. jr Legal js seals

in which

a priest

anoints

a dying

individual

and prays

for

his

or

to keep

any

property

from

being

removed.

EitherRosemonde so his death jt Customs; ju This casket she refers

or her husband that

had

willed

all

their

property

to

Valmont,

eliminates

decision.

to dueling.

contained

all

the

letters

relating

to her

adventure

with

M.

de

Valmont jv Demand. jw Defamation. jx Letters jy It is from the death

[Lacloss

note].

the eighty-first

and eighty-fifth

of this

collection

[Lacloss

note].

this of de

correspondence, Madame Rosemonde formed,

from

that and

handed from de the

over letters

in the alike that

same

way

on to

de Tourvel, by the heirs

confided the

Madame collection Madame jz Headquarters. ka Under kb Candidates kc

Madame originals [Lacloss

Volanges, remain

present hands of

has been

of which note].

in the

de Rosemondes

her obligations

as the head

of an order

of nuns.

for

entry

into

a religious

order.

Calling; kd This ke Violent kf Private respect, kg Wronged.

in this

case,

her desire

to be a nun.

letter

was

left

unanswered

[Lacloss

note].

case of smallpox

in which

the sores

join

together.

reasons force

and

considerations, here.

which

we

shall

ever

make

it a duty

to

us to halt