The Count Matthioli, will instruct you so particularly, both of the manner in which he has acquitted himself of the orders with which you have charged him for me, and of the extreme satisfaction with which I have received the assurances he has given me of your zeal for my interests, that I can have nothing further to add upon these subjects. I am only desirous of testifying to you myself, the entire confidence which I wish you to place in my friendship. You may promise yourself, that it will be useful and glorious to you upon all occasions; and you may always rely with certainty and security upon my alliance. I hope to be able to give you very evident marks of this in the sequel; and after having borne testimony to you of the satisfaction which the conduct of the Count Matthioli, through the whole of this affair, has given me, I will not lengthen the present letter any more, except to pray to God that he may have you, my Cousin, in his holy and worthy keeping. Written at Versailles, this 8th Dec. 1678. LEWIS. (And lower down), ARNAUD.[227] [227] From the Archives of the Office for Foreign Affairs, at Paris. No. 50. POMPONNE TO PINCHESNE. December 16th, 1678. * * * * * * I SEND you a letter of the King to the Duke of Mantua, which you will deliver to the Count Matthioli, as soon as he shall arrive at Venice, taking care always to keep his journey very secret. I am, &c. POMPONNE.[228] [228] Ibid. No. 51. PINCHESNE TO POMPONNE. Interview of Pinchesne with Don Joseph Varano. Venice, December 24th, 1678. SIR,