CHATEAUBRIAND, François-René de (1768–1848).

Strong reactions to the Duchess of Duras’s displays of jealousy towards Madame RÉCAMIER, and heartfelt assurances of her friendship. 10 May. ‘How can I respond to your extravagant letter? […] You have been, you are, and you will remain the first love of my life. My friendship is as old as yours, and it will outlive yours. I know of no one in the world whose mind and heart are more in harmony with everything I feel and experience than yours. I would give everything in the world for you. That is the pure, unvarnished truth. Having said that, do you expect me to reject all kindness shown towards me? I cannot. There is in my character, alongside something strong, something weak. I let myself go. So take me as I am. You have all that is good in me; what remains of me once your share is taken is not worth claiming. Be wary, moreover, of confidants and confidences. People love to torment those who torment themselves. We shall resume our long letters whenever you wish; but you have caused me too much suffering and my heart is too wounded by your injustices to write at length today’... 14 May. ‘I assure you that I have reached the point of trembling at the arrival of every courier. I receive no letter from Paris that is not full of lamentations. Your latest letter is the last straw. Are you taking up your bundle again? And why? What have I done to you? Nothing could be more cruel or more odious; you ought at least to realise that such injustices, by upsetting me for the day, prevent me from doing what I ought to do to maintain my position here, that you are causing me to lose in an instant the fruit of all my efforts. I was making excellent progress; I was succeeding beyond my wildest hopes, and through this success I saw myself drawing closer to you, since as my reputation grew, the need to recall me became greater. […] I shall write no more if you continue to be so harsh and so unjust. I have replied to you regarding the Abbaye aux Bois [Mme RÉCAMIER]. I have nothing more to say to you. It is pitiful.” Correspondance générale, vol. IV, nos. 1615 and 1625.