Thanks for both your letters. I delayed my reply, and withheld this letter, till I should obtain an answer from the court. Ifeared my mother might apply to the minister to defeat my purpose.

But my request is granted, my resignation is accepted. I shall not recount with what reluctance it was accorded, nor relate what the minister has written: you would only renew your lamentations.

The crown prince has sent me a present of five and twenty ducats;and, indeed, such goodness has affected me to tears. For this reason I shall not require from my mother the money for which Ilately applied.