الفصل الفصل 29 · The tenour of the letter whi

Chapter 1.XXIX.

The tenour of the letter which Grangousier wrote to his son Gargantua.

The fervency of thy studies did require that I should not in a long time

recall thee from that philosophical rest thou now enjoyest, if the

confidence reposed in our friends and ancient confederates had not at this

present disappointed the assurance of my old age. But seeing such is my

fatal destiny, that I should be now disquieted by those in whom I trusted

most, I am forced to call thee back to help the people and goods which by

the right of nature belong unto thee. For even as arms are weak abroad, if

there be not counsel at home, so is that study vain and counsel

unprofitable which in a due and convenient time is not by virtue executed

and put in effect. My deliberation is not to provoke, but to appease--not

to assault, but to defend--not to conquer, but to preserve my faithful

subjects and hereditary dominions, into which Picrochole is entered in a

hostile manner without any ground or cause, and from day to day pursueth

his furious enterprise with that height of insolence that is intolerable to

freeborn spirits. I have endeavoured to moderate his tyrannical choler,

offering him all that which I thought might give him satisfaction; and

oftentimes have I sent lovingly unto him to understand wherein, by whom,

and how he found himself to be wronged. But of him could I obtain no other

answer but a mere defiance, and that in my lands he did pretend only to the

right of a civil correspondency and good behaviour, whereby I knew that the

eternal God hath left him to the disposure of his own free will and sensual

appetite--which cannot choose but be wicked, if by divine grace it be not

continually guided--and to contain him within his duty, and bring him to

know himself, hath sent him hither to me by a grievous token. Therefore,

my beloved son, as soon as thou canst, upon sight of these letters, repair

hither with all diligence, to succour not me so much, which nevertheless by

natural piety thou oughtest to do, as thine own people, which by reason

thou mayest save and preserve. The exploit shall be done with as little

effusion of blood as may be. And, if possible, by means far more

expedient, such as military policy, devices, and stratagems of war, we

shall save all the souls, and send them home as merry as crickets unto

their own houses. My dearest son, the peace of Jesus Christ our Redeemer

be with thee. Salute from me Ponocrates, Gymnastes, and Eudemon. The

twentieth of September.

Thy Father Grangousier.