“The journey to Hamburg depends on your commands, and I will take them from your lips this evening. At the same time I will tell you all about my interview with La Platen—to rejoice you. I will only tell you now that at first our conversation was interrupted by her tears of rage, but I found a way of changing them to loving looks at your bidding. This was an outrage on my love for you, for which I mean to see you at my feet begging my pardon. You cannot love me as much as I love you, for at your bidding I have with her sinned against my love for you.” ----- Footnote 185: The journey to Berlin was postponed (_vide_ Colt’s _Despatch_, November 18). Footnote 186: _La Dondon_, the plump woman, a lady-in-waiting. ----- “_November_ 29/_December_ 9 1692. “I have heard nothing of your illness except that the Duchess told me you were very unwell, and the Prince said so too; in fact, every one thinks you are quite unequal to the journey. Mind you do not undeceive them! Everything goes well up to now; my throat is rather swollen, but that will not hinder me from seeing you, if you wish it, to-morrow evening. I am sorry you are so _triste_: why cannot I be with you to make you forget your pains? But, beloved, remember you are making the effort for a man who will be ever grateful to you, and who is convinced that he is loved by the sweetest woman in the world. To-night, between six and seven o’clock, I shall write to you again. Farewell.” “_About_ _November_ 30/_December_ 10, 1692. “Poor child! what are you not suffering? To be rubbed[187] without being ill is too much! I am really unworthy of the pain you are undergoing, and am quite crushed by all you tell me of your sufferings. Can I do nothing to deserve all you do for me? I call to witness all my tenderness, my love, my overwhelming passion, my devotion, hoping thus to be worthy. I would sacrifice myself a thousand thousand times, only too happy to seal with my blood the love I bear you, counting it an honour to lose my life for so sweet a woman. If my stupid verses can divert you and make you laugh, here they are. I will compose some every day:— Du sagst Du liebst mich, Und ich anbet’ Dich, Da sind wir Beide vergnügt, etc. “I have heard nothing new. The news from Vienna is good; they expect the courier every moment. The Prince is going; and every one pities you, poor dear! they are quite sure you are unable to go. Up till now everything goes on well. Tell me if you think it possible for us to meet to-morrow. They certainly spy upon us, but if we fear no surprises, _pour l’amour de Dieu_ let me see you! I cannot live so many days without a glimpse of you. I would rather die than lose my love.” ----- Footnote 187: