Patakis Ioannis a. Kapodistrias, Roxandra s. Sturtza: an Unrequited Love

Despise! Your gracious letter of the 10th finds me at the moment of my departure for the Emperor's General Headquarters. Because I do not have time, I cannot answer you at length, as my heart desires. The hope, however, of seeing you again is the only happiness of my journey... I submit to the feet of His Majesty the wishes of this country, Switzerland, and (I am only between us) the wishes of my Fatherland. I will take advantage of this circumstance to plead in favor of Domo meo. Oh, Roxandra! I cannot forget the country that gave birth to me, my parents, the graves of my ancestors. These constitute the titles of your favor to me. The Emperor, to whom I spoke about my Fatherland, was moved and gave me permission to look after the interests of our Fatherland at the right time. This moment seems to have arrived. I submitted relevant memoranda. But I must go myself to ascertain what we can hope for... The best day of my life will be that, when I can express to you all that I feel and think about you. Then you will fully vindicate me and claim for me, for many reasons, your complete sympathy. I have, Your Grace, many paradoxical and serious things to tell you. But time for everything indeed... And that time has not yet arrived... Yours. FIRST LETTER OF CAPODISTRIA TO STURZA (ZURICH, FEBRUARY 4/16, 1814)