Page:Catherine of Bragança, infanta of Portugal, & queen-consort of England.djvu/513

 HE dawning year of 1692 was to bring to Catherine the joyful news that the long strain of weary anxiety was at an end, and all things were in train for the fulfilment of the desire of her heart. An envoy came from Pedro, to inform her of his readiness to make all needful preparations for her return to her own country. She writes:

Your envoy finds me with the pen in my hand. He brings a letter from you, and, though such are always pleasant and valuable, yet you are aware that the contents of this is especially joyful, since it gives me hopes of seeing you after an eternity of time, and a wish so long deferred as mine has been. I thank you with all tenderness, since you do me the justice of recognizing my affection, which nothing can content except your company. If I had more time and was less disturbed, I could say more. Besides these reasons being compelled to go and see the Queen and King, who are both indisposed, hinders me from dilating further; and I too am out of health. I thank you anew for your good news. Pray God bring it to good fulfilment! The day of St. Antonio, our Portuguese…. Your sister.