It was very singular, thought the Chevalier, that when engaged in war he was at peace with everybody, but since he had toiled at the re-establishment of peace, he seemed to be at war with everybody. _The Chevalier D’Eon to the Duke de Nivernois._ ‘August 1, 1763. ‘... This is a difficult and an impossible negotiation, and when I had the honour to tell you that I considered the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary to be a misfortune, rather than a benefit, I was right. I never sought the title nor did I wish for it. It was bestowed upon me, and having been obliged to assume it, I cannot again become a secretary, then minister, again secretary, and so on.... I should be a general laughing-stock, and no longer in a position to serve the King usefully.... Should my letters of recall not be sent, and I am permitted to retain my title, without, however, discharging the office except at certain intervals, I shall remain and cheerfully do my duty under the Count de Guerchy’s orders, and the Duke de Praslin may allot any such salary as he thinks proper. _I am tractable as regards money, but intractable on points of honour._ ... I have made every effort to please you, the Duke de Praslin and the Count de Guerchy, and after mature reflection and having well weighed every circumstance, I cannot but be persuaded that what is demanded of me is an impossibility and not in my power to agree to, without compromising the dignity of the King, a matter of great moment to me, and without compromising the title of Minister Plenipotentiary.... I shall certainly serve the Count de Guerchy with zeal and attachment equal to that I entertain towards the Duke de Nivernois, because when I serve, I do not say with the priests, _ad utilitatem quoque nostram_. I serve solely for honour and for the greater glory of the King.... My heart is deeply touched at the trouble you have been kind enough to take, and at the advice you give ... your counsels may be useful at Versailles, but suffer me to say that they will not do in London.’ D’Eon further informed the duke that his loins were not sufficiently supple to enable him to vault politically, at one time on the mule of a bishop, at another on the ass of a miller! [Sidenote: AN UNENVIABLE SITUATION.]