Excuses his own delay.
Padua, September 12th, 1678.
Sire,
The illness, which came upon me while I was getting ready for my departure, has, (as your Majesty has deigned to be informed by the Abbé d’Estrades, your Ambassador at Venice,) occasioned, to my extreme grief, the necessity for me to delay my journey to you. The eagerness I have is extraordinary, to be able with all possible celerity to throw myself at your Majesty’s feet. As soon as I shall have recovered in some degree my strength, I will not fail to set off. The present emergency of the Genoese seems to me very opportune for the designs we have in view. I hope to be able, with all respect, to suggest upon this subject also to your Majesty some points of importance. I bow myself before you most humbly.
Of your Majesty, &c.
Hercules A. Matthioli.[211]
[211] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris.
No. 36.
PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.
Venice, September 17th, 1678.
Sir,