Letter from Etienne Prieur

June 25, 1818

Dear Sir,

I received your letter. I see with sorrow you are in the same state. Your illness is very distressing. You believe yourself tormented, and in this you are correct. The weakening of your nerves produces your chimeras. 

You have convinced yourself that I am a sorcerer, and from that you conclude that I am invisible. My cousin is wrong, very wrong indeed, to exasperate your imagination with ridiculous childish quotations. He should be ashamed to show you a book of magic. He abuses your credulity. You must stop believing that I come to your house at night. Like you, I am a man of flesh and blood. And I am some 100 miles away. How could I possibly transport myself to your house every night to dance on your body? 

Take baths, eat well but in moderation, drink good wine, walk in holy places, continue to serve God as you have always done, and these strange ideas will pass, your health will become better and you will experience perfect tranquility. You will no longer believe in spells or supernatural invasions from a man who wishes you well, respects you infinitely, and has the honor of being,

Your very humble servant,

Etienne P

I commend myself to your prayers.