(at Paris)
February 8 (1641)
Monsieur,
Your Charity was so kind as to underline the last article of our Rule1. I am returning it to you. Please re-do it as you judge best.
Forgive me, Monsieur, if I take this liberty as well as that of telling you that, if you have not already been purged, I would be pleased to
render you this little service by preparing you a potion which 1 believe should be made up of the equivalent of the weight of three copper coins of senna steeped overnight in a good mixture of refreshing, pleasant-tast- ing herbs. To this add one-half ounce of cleaned black currants mixed with an ounce of peach syrup (the pharmacist here has given me some that is excellent) or, if this is not available, the same amount of pink rose syrup. However, I believe that you should wait until the pain which is causing the inflammation has subsided completely, or at least for a week, so as not to bring on another attack. What will you think of me for being so complacent? The freedom which your goodness accords me makes me believe that your Charity will not be offended by my suggestion since I remain, Monsieur, your very humble daughter and obedient servant.