[For the date see Ep. 43.]
Robert Gaguin praises Erasmus's writing style as admirable and suitable for an ecclesiastical man, contrasting it with frivolous, flattering speech. He warns against flatterers and their deceptive arts, expressing his particular disdain for such individuals. Gaguin invites Erasmus to visit him in Paris, mentioning Faustus and expressing his desire to welcome Erasmus warmly.
Your letter, Erasmus, brought me relief from sorrow for a time while I was reading it, for its structure of words is no less admirable than it is outstanding in the majesty of its thoughts. This kind of language especially befits a churchman—not that wanton, flattering style that merely hunts for petty glories, dry without substance, cloying without grace; so that when you have perused some lengthy work of that sort, you take away no vital nourishment. This fault is common among poets, who, not content with one tale suited to the occasion, pile one upon another to the point of weariness. This error has also been common among lawyers until now, for whom one or two laws are not enough unless the longest page teems with statutes. But I think you act very wisely, Erasmus, in adopting a style worthy of a religious man; follow it, then, and strive to imitate serious and dignified authors, by whose prudence you may cultivate your intellect and shape your character. Nor do I write this to teach you, who can be an instructor to others, but I show the path of true praise to one already running freely. For I am so convinced about you that I believe you have joined pure morals with religion, weaving no deceptions of flattery or falsehood. Though I wrote to you about these matters in a previous letter, my intention was only to censure the fawning and impudent—whose Gnathonic arts I despise more than the vile sort of Thersites. For the former, under the guise of friendship, compose their expression as they wish and deceive. The latter, living according to his own habits and in squalor, shows openly what he is. By heaven, I hate nothing in the whole human race more than flatterers. For almost all other sins are out in the open; flattery alone long hides its treachery in secret, and while you are off guard, it works upon you. For this reason, I have always held it suspect that a flatterer may honor me more than is right. Indeed, there is an Italian proverb: "Whoever honors you beyond the usual, has either deceived you or is trying to deceive you." But let us leave these crimes to their own authors. If you have heard anything about Faustus’ heavenly prophecy (so that you may come to me under a happy omen), make haste and come. I shall welcome him with great pleasure because I already have him as an old friend, and you because I desire to win you as a new one. Farewell. Paris, September 24.