Excerpts of Maria Amalia's letter to her mother when MT sent Count Rosenberg to Parma to make her daughter conform to expectations/good or 'correct' behavior. My own loose translation from Italian. Amalia's replies are in italics while MT's criticisms are in bold font. Original text in Italian from the book, I primi Borboni a Parma by C. Fano (1890). I have grouped the replies according to the issue on hand.
On the meddling of France and Spain and their criticisms: From the beginning adopted the habits I have never liked. I find it quite ridiculous that a prince of a small (sovereign) state must submit to the annoyances of the Kings of France and Spain. I find it well that when we are in public, we comply with the labels such as on Sundays, but in other days of the week it becomes excessive. When I'm with the Infante, I will do what he wants but alone, I do not follow anyone. The House of Bourbon is not in Parma, and I am neither in France nor in Spain. Otherwise, I do not need the Minister to give me lessons.
On her giving excuses as to being ill/seeking solitude and giving her husband Ferdinand supposedly bad advice: Procure to remain constant all along with the Infante, not to depart under pretext of withdrawing into solitude or illness, etc. I try to merit the esteem and friendship of the Infante in all circumstances, and would die rather than to the contrary in the things that seemed right and reasonable. I never sought solitude, until 18 August, the mournful death of my father. I'm sure I do not abuse, that the Madame L’ Infante is acting above the husband, causing him to commit things against the established order, and the deference that lies to the Council from his ministers and the authority of the leaders of his Court. Why it is so implausible as to remove any possible censures? Neither the firmness of my decision I would be changed. I do not give reasons or excuses that I am ill, though you should already know that I am sometimes indisposed especially in the middle of summer and winter. I believe that the Infante can regulate himself and not in need of myths or advice, I do not ask anything. But I am sure that many, except me, led him to perform actions that are hazardous and hasty . I want nothing more so that he can enjoy public esteem. Therefore I believe that if the Infante was in need of advice, he goes to me to me rather than to anyone else
On her giving orders in their household: The Minister, unfortunately, sometimes trying to achieve preferences for their interest and support its power. Every (sovereign) prince has the right and power to change the order and be the chief authority in his court. I do not meddle in affairs of State or Government, militia, guards, officers, except in cases where I believe in suspending a punishment, pleading to be able to grant a pardon, or if anyone is missing to my person, and in this case I have every right to punish disobedience and no respect in carrying out my orders. Concerning the officers of the stable and keeping the same, I take care of myself all the time, seeing that they do not know what they should do and how neglected the service is. Thus for the same reason, for everything concerning the house I always impart my orders, inasmuch as to scrupulously observe the customs and rules established and stability court life; to conform completely to the labels of the house of Bourbon and adopt the decision of the minister. The Minister directs of the affairs of the state, not of these trifles. So long as I am the wife of the sovereign, I will continue to give orders and to whom I please.
As for the guards and the lackeys: After the arrival of Mr. de Chauvelin, I have not mixed up in things about the guards, what he ordered about their service has not undergone any changes. I have allowed only changes in the evenings in which I spend with my daughter. Now you want me to allow to make changes designed to make them remain in the first hall, not to speak to them in the building, or outside, unless absolutely necessary.
Not to prefer any particular lackey for the service of Infante and the Princess. Not to grant protection to persons seeking employment, even if they were badly considered by the Minister. I declare I will always chose the lackeys, for we are better served by people who know how to serve, rather than the less fit for service for I demand to be served well.
On the Minister (del Llano): I can estimate him only after considerable facts and that I better know his personal merit. I do not want to give confidence to any person whom I do not know. I want to be told the truth, and I will not submit myself to blindly accept advice. The Minister can be sure that I can also speak with confidence, but I will not be the first, he has to do it. Give the Minister a little confidence and encourage him to explain quite openly in circumstances where he can find fault with the conduct of Madame L 'Infante?
On the reports about her behavior and spies : Hath not anything more disgusting to listen to such reports or spies, it is this breed that today and tomorrow betrays one another. It can be assumed that if one does not listen to such, many fights and unpleasantness would have been spared. So I have not ever listened and I will never do so.
On her spending and supposed debts: I was wrong to make the expenses increase, to settle debts and make a second request from available means. But I have never borrowed money nor contracted debts with merchants or with the workmen.
On her household, finances, estates and staff: I always thought of entrusting to someone the administration of my funds and also that of my two properties, but I find it inconsistent that they should be people who exclusively please the Minister as administrators. Any individual has the right to select his agent. On the other hand you do not want me to enjoy any privileges not permitted in private. The first condition is unfair, not being able to handle the people involved in my land, herds, stables and hunting. I want to be treated as a private (individual).
Again, I repeat, only the Infante and I recognize the right to give orders to my troops. To treat the officers of the Court and the people with noble distinction to their due, according to the different degrees, not give preference to low staff and waiters, not to accuse a pretext to prevent access to the maid and the ladies of the palace, grant them to serve each according to its rotation; of previously accustomed to give his orders to the heads of the house and stable, that is to say to the butler and the first squire, for when Madame L’ establishes her meals in the carriage, on horseback or on foot, and not forward these directly to cooks or squires. The trouble with this thing, besides being inconvenient also harms the good order and economy.
