The illness, which came upon me while I was getting ready for my departure, has, (as your Majesty has deigned to be informed by the Abbé d’Estrades, your Ambassador at Venice,) occasioned, to my extreme grief, the necessity for me to delay my journey to you. The eagerness I have is extraordinary, to be able with all possible celerity to throw myself at your Majesty’s feet. As soon as I shall have recovered in some degree my strength, I will not fail to set off. The present emergency of the Genoese seems to me very opportune for the designs we have in view. I hope to be able, with all respect, to suggest upon this subject also to your Majesty some points of importance. I bow myself before you most humbly. Of your Majesty, &c. HERCULES A. MATTHIOLI.[211] [211] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 36. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE. Venice, September 17th, 1678. SIR, * * * * * * The Sieur Giuliani, having gone one day this week to gain information of the state of health of the Count Matthioli, brought back to the Ambassador the letter which the Count had done himself the honour of writing to you,[212] and which I take the liberty, Sir, of sending you. He sent word at the same time to his Excellency, that now, as he has no more fever, he will return to Mantua, in order to satisfy the impatience of the Duke of Mantua to see him; and that as soon as he shall have regained a little strength, he will not fail to set off, in order that he may arrive at the Court as soon as possible. * * * DE PINCHESNE.[213] [212] This letter is not published. [213] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 37. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE. Fontainebleau, October 6, 1678. I have received, Sir, this week, your letter of the 17th, together with the two others from M. Matthioli, which were joined to it; but I cannot reply to them till the next post, not having as yet had an opportunity of rendering an account of them to the King. We shall wait for the arrival of the aforesaid Sieur Matthioli, to know what propositions he intends to make. I am, &c. POMPONNE.[214] [214] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 38. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE. Paris, October 14, 1678. Since the last post, I have found an opportunity to read to the King your letter of the 17th of September, and he appears to me to approve of the account, you give in it, of what regards his interests, in the place where you at present are. His Majesty has learnt with pleasure, that the Count Matthioli will soon be in a state to come here, when he will listen to him with favour. * * * * * * POMPONNE.[215] [215] Ibid. No. 39. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE.