The tenour of the letter which Grangousier wrote to
his son Gargantua.
The fervency of thy studies did require that I should
not in a long time recall thee from that philosophical
rest thou now enjoyest, if the confidence reposed
in our friends and ancient confederates had not at
this present disappointed the assurance of my old
age. But seeing such is my fatal destiny, that
I should be now disquieted by those in whom I trusted
most, I am forced to call thee back to help the people
and goods which by the right of nature belong unto
thee. For even as arms are weak abroad, if there
be not counsel at home, so is that study vain and counsel
unprofitable which in a due and convenient time is
not by virtue executed and put in effect. My
deliberation is not to provoke, but to appease—not
to assault, but to defend—not to conquer,
but to preserve my faithful subjects and hereditary
dominions, into which Picrochole is entered in a hostile
manner without any ground or cause, and from day to
day pursueth his furious enterprise with that height
of insolence that is intolerable to freeborn spirits.
I have endeavoured to moderate his tyrannical choler,
offering him all that which I thought might give him
satisfaction; and oftentimes have I sent lovingly
unto him to understand wherein, by whom, and how he
found himself to be wronged. But of him could
I obtain no other answer but a mere defiance, and
that in my lands he did pretend only to the right
of a civil correspondency and good behaviour, whereby
I knew that the eternal God hath left him to the disposure
of his own free will and sensual appetite—which
cannot choose but be wicked, if by divine grace it
be not continually guided—and to contain
him within his duty, and bring him to know himself,
hath sent him hither to me by a grievous token.
Therefore, my beloved son, as soon as thou canst,
upon sight of these letters, repair hither with all
diligence, to succour not me so much, which nevertheless
by natural piety thou oughtest to do, as thine own
people, which by reason thou mayest save and preserve.
The exploit shall be done with as little effusion
of blood as may be. And, if possible, by means
far more expedient, such as military policy, devices,
and stratagems of war, we shall save all the souls,
and send them home as merry as crickets unto their
own houses. My dearest son, the peace of Jesus
Christ our Redeemer be with thee. Salute from
me Ponocrates, Gymnastes, and Eudemon. The twentieth
of September. Thy Father Grangousier.
How Ulric Gallet was sent unto Picrochole.
