ALFONSO XIII: (1886-1941) King of Spain 1886-1931. A.L.S., with his initial A, four pages, 4to, n.p., 3rd May 1920, to 'Dear Elizabeth', marked Private. The King begins his letter 'Although it's the first time I write to you I feel I can trust you completely & that I can tell you my impression on facts that perhaps not all the women would understand. Of course, you will pardon that some times I will write in French what my bad English can't completely express: I know you have travelled a good deal & quite know that French is a more sensitive language….so now let's go to business!' and continues 'Facts are facts! Those three words will certainly seem to you a principle of Mr de la Palisse but in life are a heavy burden that prevent many a time when one has in hand sacred things to risk by changing one's mind the welfare of one's country. The heart of a man is in proportion to his age & is independent of his rank. I have had quick promotion in the army & feel the responsibility of my actual position & if the heart had to speak he would answer as that one of a Captain, but honour is alike for a King as for a private, don't forget those previous verses of a Spanish poet: Au Roi le fayer et la vie, mais pas l'honneur……It's a free translation but the idea remains & depicts completely what a Spanish officer feels….How can a fellow with several fatal experiences; when he has left in the struggle bits of his honour & his pride risk to loose it all when he is sure, as far as one can see, of the futility of the sacrifices & of the certainty of the failure of all his prospects in regard with his career & the progress of his country. We officers feel that our work although small is very big & feel proud to serve our country & as life does not count we shut our eyes if we don't have in our homes all the happiness that we deserved: we call it fate…' The King further states 'When you read this letter you will think me mad & ask yourself: “What the devil wants this man?” I want nothing, I only write down my motto: Viva Espana! & by the right flank; quick march!!! With the head straight & the eyes fifty yards in front!!! Those are the King regulations & being one of the officers of the army of my country, have to give the example to my men!!!' and proceeds to discuss love, 'What a nice word…but…does it exist? Only once I really loved & why not say it? I still love. It's a long story but I will write it to you. I had a cousin who belonged to a country from where my mother came & in those days (17 years ago) they did not care here for a lady from that particular land….My love was pure: no physical desire, only the complete understanding & the feeling of two hearts sure of belonging one to the other. One day I saw that my country wanted me to go in the opposite direction & I never stopped to think further, I crossed the Channel…..& married!! To the other girl I never said a word of love, nor she to me but we felt we belonged to each other…..16 years have passed & she is not married….why? God & my heart know it!! After that I take the women for pleasure, to clear my brains to assure me but not for love….My children love me & I try to give them a good example, does everybody do the same? I wish they would!' The King concludes his heartfelt letter, Good bye, darling Elizabeth, I remain completely devoted to you, write to me whenever you like, if I can I will answer & don't think its rudeness if I don't…..& now allow me to send you a kiss of gratefulness for all you want to do for me & pray for me. He will certainly save us & protect us as we fight for Him!' A letter of excellent content. VG