239 - Jules MAZARIN (1602–1661). Contemporary copy of a long letter from Mazarin addressed to POPE ALEXANDER VII, “Beatissimo Padre.” “Bosco di Vincenne” [Vincennes Forest], March 6, 1661. 2 pp., in-4. In Italian. Burgundy sheepskin cover, “JM” monogram in gold at the center of the front cover, gold fillets on the inside, lining and flaps (fragile) in ivory moiré. Faint water stains and small pinholes.

Jules MAZARIN (1602–1661). Contemporary copy of a long letter from Mazarin addressed to POPE ALEXANDER VII, “Beatissimo Padre.” “Bosco di Vincenne” [Vincennes Forest], March 6, 1661. 2 pp., in-4. In Italian. Burgundy sheepskin cover, “JM” monogram in gold at the center of the front cover, gold fillets on the inside, lining and flaps (fragile) in ivory moiré. Faint water stains and small pinholes. MAZARIN’S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT A very fine letter from Cardinal Mazarin addressed to Pope Alexander VII, three days before his death. On his deathbed, Cardinal Mazarin informs the Pope of his intention to send him 600,000 lire to aid Christendom in the war against the Turks. He specifies that this sum was deliberately set aside from his salary and includes this wish in his will. Translation: [ ] The King [Louis XIV] has indeed been informed of the aid requested of him to help the Christians fight the Turks as a matter of urgency. I deeply regret, Most Holy Father, that a long and serious illness that has afflicted me for several months has deprived me of the ability to receive the messenger and confer with him [ ]; nevertheless, I have spoken to the King with the fervor that Your Holiness’s zeal has inspired in my frail self. I have no doubt that His Majesty harbors intentions greater than one could wish for on such an important occasion, and that they will be feasible after such a long and costly war in a region in need of rest. And in all solemnity, yet speaking for myself, I am so inspired by Your Holiness’s pastoral efforts in this campaign against our common enemy that, unable to restrain myself even within the limits you have prescribed for me, as I, in my capacity as Minister to the King, impose upon myself more demanding obligations, and as a Cardinal, upon whom Divine Goodness has bestowed an infinite abundance of graces, I am writing to offer Your Holiness, with the utmost respect, the sum of 600,000 lire, which I willingly withdraw from the savings I have accumulated from the salaries granted by His Royal Majesty and which I have set aside specifically for this purpose. I humbly beg Your Holiness to graciously accept this small token of homage that I offer to Your Beatitude; you shall command where and to whom the said money is to be paid, an order which I shall carry out immediately, if God preserves my life, but if it pleases the Almighty. Should I be disposed otherwise—for which I am willing and prepared—this Legate will find my wishes set forth in my will, and the money will be made available in the same manner after my death. In the meantime, I prostrate myself at the feet of Your Holiness, I ask you with all humility, whether for this life or the next, for your greatest blessing [...]. Transcription: Most Blessed Father, Your Holiness’s Nuncio has informed me of the commissions he has received from you to invite the King to come to the aid of Christendom against the forces the Turk is preparing to harm it, and to urge me, in conjunction with this, to contribute my part to St. to this great and glorious undertaking. It pains me deeply, Most Blessed Father [ ] . Full transcription available upon request. A moving document, decisive for history. Indeed, 600,000 lire represented, for the time, a colossal sum, which would tip the scales of victory in favor of the Catholics.