“He does not appear much alarmed at the competition of the ‘modern prince,’[100] and following the usual bent of his mind, which leads him to believe in what he wishes, he does not doubt for one moment of our success in this affair, and will carry it through rapidly.” The Marquis de Mirabeau was perhaps not the best person for a negotiation of this sort, and his nature was certainly not conciliatory; but in spite of his violence, his tyrannical character, and fantastical ideas, his was not an ordinary intelligence. He had much observation, and expressed his ideas in an original, glowing, and picturesque style, though occasionally somewhat obscure. THE MARQUIS DE MIRABEAU TO THE BISHOP OF WILNA. PARIS, _25th December 1777_. “MY LORD--My gratitude for your kindness, and the affection I feel in return for the friendship you have conferred upon me, have caused me to entertain an idea which I think suitable both as regards the greatness of your family and your own happiness. I have conducted the affair to a point where, if it meets with your approval, it can be further developed, but without compromising you in the slightest degree should you have other intentions. “I know your affection for the scions of your illustrious family, whose destiny both law and nature, the will of their ancestor,[101] and their own helplessness, have confided to your care. “I have not forgotten that it formed part of your plan that the young Princess, your niece, should be established in France. I have heard that she has given much satisfaction, and that each day she has shown herself more worthy of your care and affection. I have therefore thought of an alliance worthy of you in every way. Next in rank to our Princes of the blood, who, though always ‘peers’ of the blood were only raised by law above the other peers less than two centuries ago, we have nothing in France that can equal the House of Lorraine.