XX.
ROGER DE MONBERT
to
MONSIEUR EDGAR DE MEILHAN
Richeport, Pont de l'Arche (Eure).
Paris, July 8th 18—.
Dear Edgar,—Stupidity was invented by our sex. When a woman deceives or deserts us,—synonymous transgressions,—we are foolish enough to prolong to infinity our despair, instead of singing with Metastasio—
"Grazie all' inganni tuoi
Al fin respir' o Nice!"
Alas! such is man! Women have more pride. If I had deserted Mlle. de Chateaudun she certainly would not have searched the highways and byways to discover me. I fear there is a great deal of vanity at the bottom of our manly passions. Vanity is the eldest son of love. I shall develop this theory upon some future occasion. One must be calm when one philosophizes. At present I am obliged to continue in my folly, begging reason to await my return.