Briefwisseling. Deel 5: 1649-1663

[p. 284]

5534. Aan de markiezin van Newcastle¹⁾. (K.A.)

I had the honour to heare so good solutions given by your Excellencie upon divers questions mooved in a whole afternoone, she was pleased to bestowe upon my unworthie conversation, that I am turning to schoole with all speed, humbly beseeching your Ex.^cie may bee so bountifull towards my ignorance, as to instruct me about the natural reason of these wonderfull glasses, which, as I told you, Madam, will fly into powder, if one breakes but the least top of their tailes, whereas without that way they are hardly to be broken by any waight or strength. The King of France is as yet unresolved in the question, notwithstanding he hath beene curious to moove it to an assemblie of the best philosophers of Paris, the microcosme of his kingdome. Your Ex.^cie hath no cause to apprehend the cracking blow of these little innoxious gunnes. If you did, Madam, a servant may hold them close in his fists, and yourselfe can break the little end of their taile without the least danger. But, as I was bold to tell your Ex.^cie, I should bee loth to beleeve, any female feare should reigne amongst so much over-masculine wisdom as the world doth admire in her. I pray God to blesse your Ex.^cie with a dayly increase of it, and your worthie selfe to graunt that amongst those admirers I may strive to deserve by way of my humble service the honour to be accounted ..... 12 Mart. 1657.

I have made bold to joyne unto these a couple of poore epigrammes I did meditate in my jorney hither²⁾, where your Ex.^cies noble tales were my best entertainement. I hope, Madame, you will perceive the intention of them thoroug the mist of a language I do but harp and ghesse³⁾ at.

1) Zie blz. 186. - Zij woonde met haar echtgenoot te Antwerpen.

2) Die Engelsche verzen zijn verloren gegaan.

3) Lees: guess