One cannot know, my dear A----, what turn this may take with us, at the event of some future change. I therefore, first of all, intend to take a trip to Pisa, as it is called, and there I’ll contrive to place my property, which chiefly consists in good paper and jewels, as advantageously as I can. Let a change take place then, I don’t care, for I know whither to direct my course. Pray let the pamphlet in question be as biting as possible, for it is intended to produce effects. The people shall know that I am the favorite of the King, their Sovereign, and that I was born to command. Rietz will purposely destroy every paper, and every proposal, that comes from that quarter. Werner and Bender have, likewise, disposed the King in a manner, that he will accede to nothing that has not our sanction. He must be amused with all imaginable kinds of entertainments, that may tend to divert his mind so that he may lose all recollection of this business. He is busy with projects concerning the Countess of the Mark; he is looking out for a good match for the sweet creature. Many have already applied to me, wishing to obtain my consent, but none of them would suit. The magnificent monument of marble of Carrara, for my son, is to be ready next week. * * * * * Pisa is an agreeable place, where you may amuse yourself like a Queen; notwithstanding which I shall not stay above four weeks. Pray tell Bender, M----, and Werner, to prepare the King against my return. And what is that story about the Countess D--hoff? I hope he is not in earnest with that creature; don’t let things go so far as they went with the Countess I--heim. Let that be your care, dear A----. I have no objection if the King means nothing but a little amusement. At Vienna they are busy with the Imperial diploma for me. Keep a good watch, and let me know. * * * * * Dear little Rietz, I must be separated from you, for within six weeks I shall be a Countess. Be assured, at the same time, that all this will produce no alteration in our connexion. All shall remain on the old footing; we only change names. Believe me, good boy, you and I act too conspicuous a part not to be envied. To silence the invidious, and to awe those who, through their exalted birth, might injure us, I am to be made Countess Lichtenau. The Court of Vienna has great influence, and its protection may be of use to me. All the return they expect for this is a mere trifle; nothing but an alliance against France. I am to persuade the King to it. When at Vienna I shall mention more of this plan to A----, Werner, and Bender. Till then farewell, my good Rietz, and clear the King’s lobbies of all those that can injure me in his affections. * * * * *