Empress Maria Theresa to Marie Antoinette, 5 December 1777
Do not be under any illusions; gambling always brings bad company and conduct in its train. That is well known. No one can advise you better than I, because I was the same. If I get nowhere with you, one day I will go to the King himself, to save you from even greater peril. You are losing esteem in the eyes of the public, especially abroad, and this greatly upsets me as I love you so dearly.