French cleric and statesman (1601-1662) who, through the influence of Cardinal Richelieu, became Prime Minister of France. He later became minister to the Queen Regent, Anne of Austria, and may have secretly married her. He is best known among antiquarians as the owner of the original copy of Gutenberg’s epochal Bible, credited as the first book printed in movable type, which he bequeathed to the library now known as the Bibliotheque Mazarine. LS in French, with a three-line autograph salutation at the bottom, signed “Le Card. Mazarin,” one page, 9 x 13, June 30, 1643. Letter to the President of Parliament at Pau, in part (translated): "That you do not particularly know your person: You carry a name that is not known, that you do not meet all the good qualities which are of estimate those of your profession. As for the passion which I have for what concerns your brother; I would think I would lack love of virtue, and affection for the service of the King, if I did not, in particular, consider a man whom he serves so unkindly, and who has lost so much in his worth and his conduct. I should, therefore, be sure of my inclination, and satisfy my instinct. I also wish to express to you the honor of your merit, and the true affection with which you will oblige me to cry out that I am, and more than anyone else in the world." In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and creasing.
King Louis XIII died a month prior to this letter and Cardinal Richilieu had been dead for six months. Louis' wife, Queen Anne of Austria, was declared Regent of France (for her 5-year-old son, King Louis XIV) and she made Mazarin her chief minister and head of her government.
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