The others rejoiced that you trusted them still. 
  Ingenuous Helen was sometimes your role,
  With her appetites, charms, and all else beside;
  Sometimes Roman probity wielded your soul,
  In honor becoming your rule and your guide. 
  And though in a convent as guardian nun,
You might have well managed some sprightly fun,
  In the world, as a keeper of treasures untold,
Preferred you would be to a lamb of the fold.)

Here is a little variety, which I trust will not surprise you: 

L’indulgente et sage Nature
A forme l’ame de Ninon
De la volupte d’Epicure
Et de la vertu de Caton.

IX

Ninon de l’Enclos to Saint-Evremond

Stomachs Demand More Attention than Minds

The Abbe Dubois has just handed me your letter, and personally told me as much good news about your stomach as about your mind.  There are times when we give more attention to our stomachs than to our minds, and I confess, to my sorrow, that I find you happier in the enjoyment of the one than of the other.  I have always believed that your mind would last as long as yourself, but we are not so sure of the health of the body, without which nothing is left but sorrowful reflections.  I insensibly begin making them on all occasions.

Here is another chapter.  It relates to a handsome youth, whose desire to see honest people in the different countries of the world, induced him to surreptitiously abandon an opulent home.  Perhaps you will censure his curiosity, but the thing is done.  He knows many things, but he is ignorant of others, which one of his age should ignore.  I deemed him worthy of paying you a visit, to make him begin to feel that he has not lost his time by journeying to England.  Treat him well for love of me.

I begged his elder brother, who is my particular friend, to obtain news of Madame la Duchesse Mazarin and of Madame Harvey, both of whom wished to remember me.

X

Saint-Evremond to Ninon de l’Enclos

Why does Love Diminish After Marriage?

Translator’s Note.—­Two of Ninon’s friends whom she idolized, were very much surprised to discover after their marriage, that the great passion they felt for each other before marriage, became feebler every day, and that even their affection was growing colder.  It troubled them, and in their anxiety, they consulted Mademoiselle de l’Enclos, begging her to find some reason in her philosophy, why the possession of the object loved should weaken the strength of ante-nuptial passion, and even destroy the most ardent affection.

The question was discussed by Ninon and her “Birds” for several days without reaching an opinion that was in any manner satisfactory.  It was therefore resolved to consult Saint-Evremond, who was living in exile in England.  After writing him all the particulars, and the discussions that had been held with opinions pro and con, he sent the following letter in reply, which is unanswerable upon the subject.  Moreover, it contains lessons that should be carefully studied and well learned by all loving hearts, who desire to maintain their early affection for each other during life.