him, or probably both; she has chosen the safest alternative; and has now
completed her character of femme forte, above scruples and hesitation. If
Machiavel were alive, she would probably be his heroine, as Caesar Borgia
was his hero. Women are all so far Machiavelians, that they are never
either good or bad by halves; their passions are too strong, and their
reason too weak, to do anything with moderation. She will, perhaps, meet,
before it is long, with some Scythian as free from prejudices as herself.
If there is one Oliver Cromwell in the three regiments of guards, he will
probably, for the sake of his dear country, depose and murder her; for
that is one and the same thing in Russia.

You seem now to have settled, and 'bien nippe' at Dresden. Four sedentary
footmen, and one running one, 'font equipage leste'. The German ones will
give you, 'seine Excellentz'; and the French ones, if you have any,
Monseigneur.

My own health varies, as usual, but never deviates into good. God bless
you, and send you better!




LETTER CCLXXI

BLACKHEATH, October 4, 1764.

MY DEAR FRIEND: I have now your last letter, of the 16th past, lying
before me, and I gave your inclosed to Grevenkop, which has put him into
a violent bustle to execute your commissions, as well and as cheap as
possible. I refer him to his own letter. He tells you true as to Comtesse