‘I have given the Marquis de l’Hôpital to understand all my reasons, and this without any difficulty. I am satisfied, considering his friendship towards me, that he would be sorry were I to leave him, and in forfeiting his friendship I should gain his secret contempt. I have therefore declared to him, not on political grounds, but with all the candour and truth of which a Burgundian is capable, that I will never leave the service of France for that of all the emperors and empresses in the universe, and that no motives can cause me to change my way of thinking—neither honours nor riches. I tell you what I think. I prefer to live from hand to mouth in France to being in the enjoyment of an income of one hundred thousand livres in fear and bondage. _Regnare nolo, dum liber non sum mihi._ This is the profession of my faith. I am satisfied that neither the Abbé de Bernis nor you will take my way of thinking amiss. Had I a bastard brother, be assured I should prevail upon him to accept such an offer, but for myself, who am legitimate, I am glad to die like a faithful dog in a ditch in my native land.’[43] * * * * * _M. D’Eon to the Cardinal de Bernis._ ‘... Whilst having the honour of thanking you for your good intentions, and the prospects you have in view in my behalf, I entreat you at once to do me the favour to dismiss me from your memory whenever there is a question of my destiny removing me entirely from France. Since I came to St. Petersburg, my maxim has ever been to keep my back turned upon Siberia, too happy to have escaped being sent there. I long for and look towards my native country....’ * * * * * _The Cardinal de Bernis to M. D’Eon._ ‘Versailles, August 1, 1758. ‘... You will be informed by the Marquis de l’Hôpital that, far from being distressed at your refusal to accept the post offered to you at the Court of Russia, the motives which induce you not to accept it meet with entire approbation. Continue to serve his Majesty with the same zeal you have hitherto displayed. It will at all times be a pleasure to me to bring to the favourable notice of the King your services, your labours, and your abilities.’[44] [Sidenote: HONOUR AND REWARD.] It was not at the hands of the Empress of Russia that D’Eon cared to receive honours. For his important services at the Court of that monarch he was promoted by Louis XV. to the rank of captain of dragoons, and awarded a pension of two hundred ducats, to be paid by the Count de Broglio out of the secret service money.