ur five senses to prevent
it. I am told that my brother does not really like the idea, and
it has occurred to me that Mons. de Lescun has brought him to
consent in order to further the marriage of the duchess,[8] so
that in taking the sister, the duke will be relieved of this sum,
a condition that would please him greatly because he has nothing
to pay it with. I would prefer to pay both it and all the
accompanying claims and then be through with it. In effect, I beg
you make him agree to another [bride] before you leave, and do not
be in any hurry to come to me. If this Aragon affair[9] can be
arranged you will place me in Paradise.

"_Item._ I have thought that Monsg. de Foix would not approve this
Aragon girl, because he himself has some hopes of the kingdom of
Aragon through his wife. If Monsg. of Guienne were advised of
this, I believe it would help along our case.

"_Item._ It seems to me that you have a splendid opportunity to be
very frank with my brother. For he has informed me through this
man that the duke [of Brittany] has paid no attention to the
representations made him in my behalf, through Corguilleray,
and since my brother himself confides this to me, you have an
opportunity to assure him that I thank him, and that I never
cherish him so highly as when he tells me the truth, and that I
now recognise that he does not desire to deceive me, since he
does not spare the duke [of Brittany] and that, since he sees him
opposed to me, he should return the seal that you know of and
refuse to take his sister [Eleanor de Foix, the sister of the
Duchess of Brittany], or to enter into any other league.

"If he will choose a wife quite above suspicion, as long as I live
I will harbour no misgiving of him and he shall be as puissant in
all the realm of France as I myself, as long as I live. In short,
Mons. du Bouchage my friend, if you can gain this point, you will
place me in Paradise. Stay where you are until Monseigneur de
Lescun has arrived, and a good piece afterwards, even if you have
to play the invalid, and before you depart put our affair in
surety if you can, I implore you. And may God, Monseigneur du
Bouchage my friend, to whom I pray, and may Nostre Dame de Behuart
aid your negotiations. The women[10] of Mme. de Burgundy have
all been ill with the _mal chault,