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diff --git a/old/38507-0.txt b/old/38507-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d5f5dba..0000000 --- a/old/38507-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11013 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III - Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from - Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, - England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not - Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but - the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several - Courts. - -Author: Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -Release Date: January 6, 2012 [EBook #38507] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - - - - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Note: The original publication has been replicated -faithfully except as shown in the Transcriber’s Amendments at the end of -the text. This etext presumes a mono-spaced font on the user’s device, -such as Courier. Words in italics are indicated like _this_. But the -publisher also wanted to emphasize names in sentences already italicized, -so he printed them in the regular font which is indicated here with: _The -pirates then went to +Hispaniola+._ Footnotes are located near the end of -the work. - -There is an index. - - * * * * * - - - - - THE MEMOIRS - OF - _CHARLES-LEWIS_, - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - BEING The OBSERVATIONS He made in his - late TRAVELS from _Prussia_ thro’ - _POLAND_, _GERMANY_, _ITALY_, - _FRANCE_, _SPAIN_, _FLANDERS_, - _HOLLAND_, _ENGLAND_, - _&c._ - - Discovering not only the PRESENT STATE of the Chief - CITIES and TOWNS; - - BUT - - The CHARACTERS of the PRINCIPAL PERSONS at the Several - COURTS. - - VOL. III. - - _LONDON_: - - - Printed for DANIEL BROWNE, at the _Black Swan_, - without _Temple-Bar_; and JOHN BRINDLEY, at the - _King’s-Arms_, in _New Bond-street_. M.DCC.XXXVIII. - - - - - THE - - PREFACE, - - By the TRANSLATOR. - - -_The +Baron de Pollnitz’s+ Account of his +Travels+, and of the -Observations he made wherever he came, both of +Persons+ and +Things+, has -had such a Run in Foreign Parts, that the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, who -first printed it in three Volumes in +12^{mo}+, soon after published a -second Edition of it in +four+ Volumes, and has now printed a third -Edition in +five+ Volumes._ - -_The three first Volumes, which are those that are translated in our first -and second, he calls +Letters+; and to the fourth and fifth he has given -the Title of +Memoirs+, which is +that+ we have chose for our Translation -of the Whole._ - -_It happens that these two New Volumes were written by our Author before -the first and second that were translated and publish’d last Year; but -why they were not also printed before the others, is thus accounted for by -M. +Changuion+ the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, in his Preface to the -Original of these Memoirs_, viz. - -_‘The Author, when at +Paris+, sold the Copy to a Person, who sold it -again to a Bookseller in +Holland+; and the latter was actually going to -print it when he heard that I was just ready to publish the +Letters+ of -the Baron +de Pollnitz+, (the same that are the Subject of our two first -Volumes). The Title-Pages of the one and the other had such a Resemblance, -that the Bookseller in +Holland+, who purchas’d the Copy, of which these -two additional Volumes are a Translation imagin’d it to be the same with -the other, and laid the +MS.+ by. But not long after this, he took it into -his head to review it, and by comparing it with the former Volumes, he -found this a quite different Treatise. He saw, that it not only contain’d -a History of the Author’s +Life+ and +Family+, but an Account of several -Courts and Courtiers of +Europe+, very circumstantial, and altogether new; -and that here was a Relation of several Travels of our Author, that to -+Spain+ in particular, of which there’s not a Word in the former Volumes; -in short, that this Copy of his was the Account of the Baron’s +first -Travels+, antecedent to those already publish’d.’_ - -_Upon his communicating this Discovery to M. +Changuion+, the latter -bargain’d with him for it, and has just published it in +Holland+, as a -Sequel to the former Volumes, tho’ if he had had the +MS.+ sooner, he -would undoubtedly have given it the Preference._ - -_At the End of the last Volume there is a Translation of a remarkable -Piece from the +Italian+ Original, which is the +Confession of Faith+ made -by the Baron +de Pollnitz+, and his Motives for changing his Religion._ - -_The said Bookseller thinks, that the Author (tho’ he has since abjur’d -the +Romish+ for the +Protestant+ Religion, as may be seen in our Preface -to the first Volume) will not be angry with him for publishing that Piece, -because it has such a tendency to confute the malicious Insinuations which -he complains of in his +Memoirs+, and proves, that if he did not then -embrace the +True Religion+, he took the Pains however to examine it._ - -_On the other hand, the Publication of this ample +Confession+ will -demonstrate to all Catholics, that whatsoever Arguments they employ -against Christians of the +Protestant Communions+, the latter are not -afraid to let them see the Light._ - -_To conclude; tho’ some Places are here and there mention’d in these -Volumes, which are also to be found in the Two First, and with that -Conformity indeed betwixt them, which the +Truth+ unavoidably demanded; -yet ’tis proper to observe, that the Descriptions are sometimes more -copious, the Reflections almost every where different; and that in both -there is an agreeable Variety and Vivacity which we flatter our selves -will not fail to recommend +These+ to the same good Acceptance from the -Public, with which it has favor’d the +former+ Volumes._ - - - - - MEMOIRS - - OF THE - - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - VOL. III. - - To Madame de ---- - - -The Family I am descended from was originally of _Thuringia_. My -Grandfather, after having turn’d Protestant, came and settled in the -Electorate of _Brandenburg_, where he was kindly receiv’d, and advanc’d to -the chief Employments by the Elector _Frederic-William_, who made him -Master of the Horse, Minister of State, Chamberlain, Major-General, -Colonel of his Guards, and Commandant at _Berlin_. His Brother who came -along with him had also a share of his Favor; for he was made Colonel of a -Regiment of Horse, Lieutenant-General, and Governor of _Lipstadt_. They -both married, but the only one that left Male Issue was my Grandfather, -who by _Eleonora_ of _Nassau_, Daughter to Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, -had two Sons, and two Daughters. This however prov’d a very unsuitable -Match; for my Grandmother was imperious, frugal, and jealous, whereas her -Husband was extravagant, and an Admirer of the Fair Sex: which Tempers so -opposite to each other created a Misunderstanding between them, that -amounted almost to a staunch Hatred. Yet my Grandfather, some time before -he died, settled all his Estate upon her, repented of the Vexation he had -given her, and he thought this Generosity of his would have made her easy, -but it only render’d her the more impatient to be a Widow, insomuch that -she had not the Complaisance to conceal it from him; and the very last -Words he liv’d to hear her pronounce, were neither comforting nor -Christian. - -Soon after the Death of my Grandfather my Uncle died, who was my Father’s -own Brother. The only Issue he left was a Daughter, who was chief Maid of -Honour to the Queen _Sophia Charlotte_, whose Bounties to her render’d her -a Person of no small Note in _Germany_. - -My Father married the Daughter of Baron _D----_ by whom he had my Brother -in 1690. I was born thirteen Months after him, _viz._ the 25th of -_February_ 1692, at _Issouin_, a Village in the Electorate of _Cologn_, -where my Father then lay with his Regiment in Winter-Quarters. The -Electoress was my God-mother, and I was christen’d _Charles-Lewis_. Before -I was full two years of Age I had the misfortune to lose my Father, who -died at _Maestricht_, and left my Mother a Widow with three Children, and -a very little Estate to maintain us. My Grandmother, who, as I had said -before, had all my Grandfather’s Estate, was so extremely penurious, that -she had not the heart to part with any of it to my Mother, whose Situation -would have been very melancholy had it not been for the Generosity of the -King (at that time only Elector). This Prince sent for her back to -_Berlin_, and gave her a Pension; and in a little time after, my Relations -help’d her to another Husband, _viz. M. de M----_ Secretary of State for -Foreign Affairs, who tho’ he died at the end of ten Months left her so -warm a Widow, that me might very well pass for one of the best Fortunes at -Court; and then she threw up her Pension, rather than keep it to the -prejudice of other Persons that stood more in need of it, which she -thought was an Abuse of the Elector’s Bounty. - -My Mother’s Fondness for me would not suffer her to part with me, so that -I was brought up under her Wing, and at a Court which was at that time the -most splendid in _Germany_. - - * * * * * - -_Frederic-William_, when he died, left five Princes, _viz._ the Elector, -whom he had by _Louisa-Henrietta_ of _Nassau_ Princess of _Orange_; and -the Margraves _Charles_, _Philip_, _Albert_, and _Christian_, by _Dorothy_ -Princess of _Holstein_, Dowager of the Duke of _Zell_. These Princes, at -an Age more proper for Pleasure than Business, studied how to be most -agreeable. Being frank and generous they adorn’d the Court, even more by -their personal Qualities than by their Magnificence; and the Elector -himself contributed to the splendor of it, by giving frequent Feasts, tho’ -he was reproach’d with being too much addicted to them, too scrupulous in -the Ceremonies he requir’d to be observ’d at them, and more expensive in -them than elegant. Nevertheless, this is what strikes Foreigners more than -any thing; and ’tis Entertainments of this kind that give a Court its -fullest Lustre. The true Ornament of ours was the Electoress, Daughter of -_Ernest Augustus_, Elector of _Hanover_, and Sister to _George_ I. King of -_England_. Our Elector, after burying his first Wife the Princess of -_Hesse_, marry’d his second on the 28th of _September_ 1684, when he was -only the Electoral Prince. The latter Princess, from what Lineage soever -Heaven had sent her, had Qualities that would have procur’d her respect: -Her Beauty was regular, and tho’ she was but little in stature, her Air -was majestic. She spoke all the Languages of _Europe_ that are in present -use, with ease, and was so good as to converse with all Foreigners in -their own Tongue. She understood History, Natural Philosophy, and -Divinity; but with Knowledge so extensive, she was extremely careful to -avoid the reputation of being Learned. As fond as she was of Reading, she -was not an enemy to Pleasures. She lov’d Music, Dancing, and Plays; and by -her command, Comedies were often represented, in which sometimes she did -not disdain to be an Actress. Her regard for all who excell’d in any Art -drew them to her Court, in which Politeness bore sway, as much as in any -other Court of _Europe_. Of all things in the world she had nothing near -so much at heart as the Education of her Son the Electoral Prince, whom -she lov’d tenderly, and omitted nothing to inspire him with all the Ideas -that might hereafter render him as exalted in Sentiments as he was to be -in Power: And the young Prince on his part seem’d to make a suitable -return for the Princess’s care of him. - -While the Court was thus addicted to Pleasures and Feastings, they gave -themselves little or no trouble about the Affairs of Government; so that -_Dankelman_ the Prime Minister bore the weight of all. He had then the -Elector’s intire Confidence, and so absolute an ascendant over his mind, -that he was suppos’d to be perfectly secure against the disgraces to which -Favorites are commonly expos’d. The Favor he stood in, was owing to the -most important Service that ’tis possible for a Subject to render to his -Sovereign: For one day when this Prince (as yet only the Prince Electoral) -was drinking Coffee with his Mother-in-law the Electoress, he was taken so -ill on a sudden that he was oblig’d to retire to his Apartment, where he -was seiz’d with Convulsions which threaten’d his Life. It happen’d that -_Dankelman_ then the Secretary of his Dispatches was the only Person at -hand, to relieve him: He open’d a Box in which there were certain -Antidotes, and having given him several Doses, for want of a Surgeon and a -Lancet he open’d a Vein with a Penknife; and his management was attended -with such good success, that the Prince, after having had a hearty Vomit, -found himself quite out of danger. - -An Event of this nature could not but make a great Noise: The Vulgar -especially, who are fond of nothing so much as what is extraordinary, -thought that the Prince’s Indisposition did not proceed from a natural -Cause, but imagin’d that the Electoress’s tenderness for the Margraves her -Sons was reason good enough to suspect that she wanted to get rid of the -Prince her Son-in-law, which was to be sure the shortest way to let them -into the Succession. The Electoral Prince’s retreat to the Court of the -Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_ seemed to give a Sanction also to a Suspicion -of that sort. But be this as it will, the Prince stay’d there several -years, during which he married the Landgrave’s Sister, by whom he had -only one Daughter, who marry’d in 1700, to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse_, now King of _Sweden_. - -_Dankelman_ was artful enough to make his advantage of this happy Incident -of having sav’d his Master’s Life: He stuck closer to him than ever; and -that grateful Prince, as soon he came to the Electoral Dignity, made him -his prime Minister, and confer’d all the marks of Friendship on him, that -’tis possible for any Subject to aspire to; insomuch that _Dankelman_ -giving the Elector to understand one day, that he fear’d his Favour would -be of no long duration, this Prince was so good-natur’d, or so weak, as to -fortify him as far as was in the power of the most solemn Oaths[1]. -_Dankelman_ was so credulous as to trust to those Protestations; and -forgetting that the most solid Friendship of Princes cannot be proof -against their Inconstancy or Caprice, he thought himself above the reach -of Fate, and behav’d like a Man that had nothing to fear. But the little -care he took to gain People’s Love, and the ever-odious Titles of Minister -and Favourite, made him soon hated by the whole Court. The Elector himself -began by degrees to be out of conceit with him; for their Tempers were -incompatible; the Minister being Covetous, and the Prince a Man of Pomp -and Expence; and he was so perpetually teaz’d with the Remonstrances of -_Dankelman_, that he hated him in his heart long before he durst make it -appear. The Minister too much elated with his Favour, and not so careful -to please his Master as to censure his Actions, thought himself able to -preserve the same ascendant over him, or at least, did not think the -Elector would ever offer to ruin him; which Confidence of his hinder’d him -from parrying the Thrusts that were made at him in secret; so that he was -arrested at midnight in his own House, and carry’d to _Spandaw_ in one of -the Elector’s Coaches, under a Guard of twenty Men. - -His being so suddenly disgrac’d was matter of surprize to every body, but -of concern to few. ’Twas observ’d that on the very day wherein _Dankelman_ -was arrested, the Elector spoke to him so kindly in presence of the whole -Court, that those of the nicest penetration little thought his Fall to be -so near. Indeed, every body had long before endeavour’d, or wish’d for an -opportunity to trip up his heels; and the natural Inconstancy of the -Elector to his Favorites, and this Minister’s want of complaisance to the -Elector, made it very probable that he would quickly be tumbled from that -Summit of Favor, on which he thought himself so sure of keeping his Hold; -there wanted only a more specious pretext to remove a Man from Court, who -had all along seem’d to aim at nothing but the welfare of the Government; -and such a one naturally presented itself in the affair of the Duchy of -_Limbourg_. - -This Duchy had been mortgag’d by _Spain_, as Security for considerable -Sums which were owing by that Crown to the Elector, who in consequence put -his Troops to quarter there for the Winter. The _Dutch_, to whom _Spain_ -was a Debtor in like manner, would gladly also have had that Duchy made -over to them, as Security for their Debt; which not being to be done -without the evacuation of our Troops, the matter was propos’d to -_Dankelman_, who, whether he was surpriz’d, or brib’d, gave his consent -to it. This was imputed to him as a Crime of State the more heinous, -because _Spain_ being at that time ready to conclude a Peace with -_France_, in pursuance of the Treaty of _Ryswic_, was very indifferent as -to complying with the Demands of the Elector. To this the Minister fell a -Sacrifice, but by good luck for him he had remitted several Sums to -Foreign Countries, so that his disgrace was the lighter; which moreover -had this singularity in it, that neither of his three Brothers nor any of -his Creatures had a share in it, but were all continued in their -Employments; and all the alteration that happen’d, was, that the Count _de -Barfous_, then a Veldt-Marshal, performed for some time the Functions of -the Prime Minister. - -In the mean time another Idol of Fortune rose upon the ruin of -_Dankelman_. This was _John Casimir de Kolbe_, a Gentleman originally of -the Palatinate: His first appearance at Court was in the time of -_Frederic-William_ the Great, in the retinue of the Princess-Palatine _de -Simmeren_, Sister of the first Electoress, who having desir’d the Elector -to give _Kolbe_ some Employment; he made him a Privy-Counsellor, but gave -him liberty to attend the Princess as much as ever, who was so good to him -that she was reproach’d with caring for no body else. He went with her -into the Palatinate, where that Princess died soon after, and then _Kolbe_ -return’d to Court, where he was a meer Stranger, without Relations, -Acquaintance or Protection; and ’twas a long time before any the least -notice was taken of him. But after the death of _Frederic-William_, he -made his Court to _Frederic_ his Son who succeeded him, and to _Dankelman_ -his Minister. Being always humble, and a Flatterer into the bargain, he -quickly gain’d their Friendship by his Assiduity, and by his study’d -Affectation not to meddle or make in any Affairs. _Dankelman_, as crafty a -Man as he was, did not perceive the Snare, but contributed most of all to -his Favor, thinking all the while that he was promoting a Creature from -whom he had nothing to fear. But _Kolbe_ no sooner perceiv’d the Elector’s -Coldness to his Minister than he resolv’d to make his Advantage of it. He -did not alter his Measures immediately, but seeming to have as little -Concern in Affairs as ever, his only Aim was to feed and propagate the ill -Humors which the Elector was often in with his Favorite. This Prince was -inconstant, suspicious and choleric; and when those three Passions were -stirr’d up and managed, he was to be persuaded to any thing. _Kolbe_ who -for a long time had made his Temper his only Study, plainly perceiv’d his -Foible, artfully wrought upon it, and in the sequel made it subservient to -the Accomplishment of his Designs. He soon attain’d to the highest Degree -of Favor; the Elector made him his Great Chamberlain and First Minister; -all the Court was oblig’d to truckle to him; and as it always happens in -the Changes of Government, the Minister in Disgrace was regretted. Indeed -_Kolbe_ did not want for personal Qualities enough to make him belov’d; -but the worst on’t was, they were eclips’d by an astonishing Fondness for -his Wife, to whom he was so blindly complaisant, that all the good People -at Court despis’d and hated him. - -This Lady has play’d so extraordinary a Part in the World, that I can’t -avoid giving you some Account of her Origin and Character. Her Father, -one _Rickers_, was a Bargeman at _Emmerick_, a Town in the Duchy of -_Cleves_, where for better Subsistance he kept a sort of Tavern. He had -two Daughters, who pass’d for fine Women, that brought a good deal of -Company to his House, and in a Journey which the Elector made to _Cleves, -Bidekan_ his Valet de Chambre fell in love with the eldest, the Lady I am -speaking of, marry’d her and took her with him to _Berlin_, where she fell -so passionately in love with _Kolbe_, that after having been his Mistress -in her Husband’s Life-time, he was hardly cold in his Grave but she became -his Wife. The Wedding was kept at the House of one _Commesser_, another of -the Elector’s Valets de Chambre, where that Prince was present, with seven -or eight Persons in his Company; and from that very Juncture he began to -shew such great Marks of Complaisance to the Lady, that several People -thought she ow’d them to something more than to the Friendship he had for -his Favorite. Nevertheless I am very well persuaded they were mistaken; -and I remember, that when I was Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -Elector, he said to me in one of his ill Humors with his Favorite and his -Wife (and in these sort of Pets he was not capable of dissembling) _I know -the Notion that prevails of my being under certain Tyes to +Kolbe’s+ Lady, -but there is nothing in it_; _and the Wrong is greater to me than to her_. -For really was it not enough for a Woman of such mean Extraction, Parts -and Beauty too, to be the Wife of a Minister, but she must also be -ambitious to be the Mistress of a Sovereign? Yet it must be confess’d, -that whether it was meer Humor, or a weak Attachment to the Favorite, the -Elector heap’d Wealth and Honors upon this Lady, insomuch that nothing -would serve him but she must be admitted to the Electoress’s Circle, who -at that time indeed obstinately refus’d it; for who is there would not -have been disgusted to have seen the Daughter of _Rickers_ the Bargeman -mixing with Ladies of Quality that had a Right to be in the Circle? -However, some time after, the Electoress was oblig’d to wave all the Pleas -of Decorum, for the sake of the Need she stood in of the Great -Chamberlain; and his Wife had the Honor of the Circle. - -The same Year that _Kolbe_ was declared Prime Minister, the Emperor made -him a Count of the Empire. He then chang’d his Name for that of Count _de -Wartemberg_, which was the Name of a ruinous Castle that he had in the -_Palatinate_. His Lady, when she became a Countess, had a mind that her -Children by her first Marriage should be promoted to the Dignity of -Barons; and they were accordingly call’d Barons of _Asbach_. But these new -Titles of the Count and Barons compleatly turn’d the Head of Madame _de -Wartemberg_, and she was every day guilty of Extravagancies which were -disgusting and ridiculous. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of our Court in my early years. It began to -shew its Superiority over almost all the Courts of _Germany_, by the -Influence it had upon the Affairs of _Europe_: But that which added new -Lustre to it, was the erecting the Duchy of _Prussia_ into a Kingdom. The -first Hint of this was given by _France_ to _Frederic-William_; but that -Elector, whether it was owing to some Obstacles that he foresaw, or to the -little Advantage he thought to reap from it, was not willing to put the -Project in execution. His Son too perhaps would have miscarried in it, had -it not been for the Situation of Affairs in _Europe_, on account of the -_Spanish_ Succession. _Kolbe_, whom I shall hereafter call the Count of -_Wartemberg_, had all the Honour of this Event, because it happen’d in -his Ministry. I had some Particulars, _Madame_, from his own Mouth, which -I think important enough to have a place in these Memoirs. The Affair is -moreover so weighty of it self that I shall trace it from its very -beginning. - -Great Events commonly have their Source in Trifles. This was owing to -nothing more than the Refusal of the Prince of _Orange_, who was King of -_England_, to give an Arm-Chair to the Elector in a Conference betwixt -those two Princes at the _Hague_ in 1695. The Elector cou’d not bear that -the Prince of _Orange_, who had always been his Inferior, shou’d carry it -to him in such a lofty manner, after Fortune had rais’d him to the Throne -of _England_; and from that time he resolved to be a King too. - -_Dankelman_ the then Prime Minister, who cou’d not foresee the Situation -that _Europe_ was in some Years after, would fain have diverted the -Elector from a Project which he thought a perfect Chimæra; he put him in -mind of the Difficulties _Frederic-William_ met with in it, and of the -Reasons he had to refuse the Offers which _France_ made to him on that -head; he shew’d him that the same Reasons were still subsisting, and -reinforc’d by yet greater Difficulties; and that it was Madness to attempt -a Thing, the Success whereof was neither certain nor advantageous, his -Rank being so near a-kin to Royalty, that he would be never the better for -the Title. But the Elector had the refusal of the Arm-chair too much at -heart to hearken to any Reasons that could be brought against his Design, -and sent _Dankelman_, his Minister’s Brother, to _Vienna_, to impart to -the Emperor the Scheme which he had form’d to erect _Prussia_ into a -Kingdom. - -_Prussia_, which is a Province detach’d from _Poland_, formerly belong’d -to the _Lithuanians_, from whom it was conquer’d by the _Teutonic_ Order. -_Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, the Grand Master of the said Order, -who had marry’d _Dorothy_, Daughter of _Frederic_ I. King of _Denmark_, -took it from those Knights in 1511, and made himself Master of it. This -engag’d him in a War with _Sigismond_ I. King of _Poland_, his Uncle by -the Mother’s side, who had Pretensions upon the said Province; which War -continu’d five Years, till it was concluded by a Treaty, whereby it was -stipulated, That the Eastern _Prussia_ shou’d remain hereditary with the -Title of a Duchy to _Albert_, who, together with his Descendants shou’d -perform Allegiance and Homage for it to the King and Republic of _Poland_, -to which it was to revert on the failure of Issue Male in the Family of -_Albert_. - -The Emperor _Charles_ V. oppos’d this Transaction, by pretending that -_Prussia_ was a Fief of the Empire; and that therefore _Sigismond_ had no -Right to dispose of it. The Imperial Decree which was pass’d upon this -Occasion, had however no Effect, by reason of the Wars which the Emperor -was at that time engag’d in, and _Albert_ remain’d in peaceable Possession -of _Prussia_. He was succeeded by his only Son _Albert-Frederic_, who -receiv’d the Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and -his Cousin-Germans in 1569. This Prince dying without Issue, _John -Sigismond_ Elector of _Brandenburg_ succeeded him, and again receiv’d the -Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and his three -Brothers. Since that time the Duchy of _Prussia_ has always been -in the _Brandenburg_ Family from Father to Son; but the Elector -_Frederic-William_ the Great, having made War upon _Charles-Gustavus_ King -of _Sweden_, in favour of the Crown and Republic of _Poland_, the -Sovereignty of _Prussia_ was, in Acknowledgment thereof, yielded to him, -for himself and all his Male Descendants, by the Treaty of _Bydgost_ in -1659. - -By virtue of this Treaty, the Elector claim’d that _Prussia_ depended on -no other Power; and that he held it immediately by Divine Right; and upon -this Plea he thought himself authoriz’d to be declar’d King. But before he -took this Step, it was necessary to secure the Consent of a Part, at -least, of the Princes of the Empire. As the Emperor’s Consent was not only -the most important, but the most difficult to obtain, the whole stress of -the Negociation lay almost at the Court of _Vienna_. - -When _Dankelman_ arriv’d there, he did not find the Court in a Temper to -grant it. The august Title of a King conferr’d upon an Elector, was at -first thought to be prejudicial to the Imperial Authority, and it was -look’d upon as exposing of that Dignity, to acquiesce in the Elector’s -Demand before they had at least felt the Pulses of the Generality of the -Princes of _Europe_, and especially those of the Empire. ’Twas but -reasonable to imagine the Pope would oppose it strenuously upon the score -of the Protestant Religion, which by the Elector’s Advancement might -gather fresh Strength. All Kings in general were interested not to suffer -an Instance which had a seeming Tendency to authorize every Prince to take -the same Step, on the single Pretence of being possess’d of a Bit of Land, -and holding it of no Power but God. But the Persons from whom the -greatest Objections were expected, were the Electors; and indeed they had -reason to fear, 1. That when the Elector of _Brandenburg_ came to be a -King, he wou’d no longer look upon them as his Equals, but wou’d claim -certain Distinctions from them in the Empire and in the Dyets. 2. That he -would withdraw the Dominions of his Electorate from the Obedience of the -Empire, and from the Laws to which all the other Electors were subject. -This Article was of the utmost consequence to them, especially with regard -to the Contingent they are oblig’d to furnish towards Wars which concern -the Empire, and which are the more burthensome, the fewer Heads they fall -upon. - -These being then the Notions of the Court of _Vienna_, _Dankelman_ had no -great Hopes of succeeding in his Negociation. Nevertheless the Court -always took care to keep fair with the Elector, whom they look’d upon as -an Ally that was well worth preserving; and perhaps they flatter’d -themselves they should get more by Promises and Expectations than by -granting him his Demand. - -The Death of _John Sobieski_ King of _Poland_, which happen’d on the 17th -of _June_ 1696, was another Inducement to the Emperor to pursue the same -Politics. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ by having _Prussia_ in his -Neighbourhood, might be of great Weight in the Election of a new King of -_Poland_; and the Emperor who had a Design to advance the Margrave _Lewis_ -of _Baden_ to the Throne, pretended to enter into the Views of the -Elector, that this Prince might afterwards fall in with his at the Dyet of -Election. For this end the Emperor’s Ministers gave _Dankelman_ to -understand, that the first thing to be done was to clear the Difficulties -which the several Powers of _Europe_ might raise against the Elector’s -Project; and that the Congress of _Ryswic_, at which all the Ministers -were to be present, was the most favourable Opportunity. - -Hereupon _Dankelman_ was recall’d from the Court of _Vienna_, and sent to -_Ryswic_ as Plenipotentiary from the Elector, jointly with M. _de -Schmettau_. The Elector for his part set out for _Konigsberg_, the Capital -of _Prussia_, that he might be nearer at hand to favor the Election of the -Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_. Mean time he was strenuously sollicited in -favor of _Alexander_ and _Constantine_ Princes of _Poland_, who for that -reason came themselves to _Berlin_; but the Elector was far from breaking -the secret Engagements which he had made with the Emperor: Therefore he -answer’d the Solicitations of those two Princes in a very ambiguous -manner, by engaging himself to nothing, and only telling them that he was -going into _Prussia_ that he might be the better inform’d of every thing -that pass’d at the Dyet of Election. - -The Necessity which the Elector stood in of _Poland_ to succeed in his -Views, laid him under an indispensible Obligation to concern himself in -that Election. He fully expected that the Right which the said Republic -claim’d to _Prussia_ wou’d induce it to oppose his Designs with Vigor; and -besides, under the Pretext of interesting himself in the Election of a -King, he might form a Party that hereafter would be capable to serve him; -therefore, as soon as he arriv’d at _Konigsberg_, he dispatch’d a -Messenger to the Cardinal _Radziowsky_ Primate of _Poland_, to acquaint -him of his Arrival, and sent M. _Dorerbeck_ Great Cup-bearer of _Prussia_ -as his Ambassador to the Dyet of Election, with Orders to support the -Interests of the Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_, but in the mean time to do -nothing that might disoblige the _Poles_. - -The Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_ was soon out of the Question; for the two -strongest Parties oblig’d him to retire, as well as the other Competitors -for the Crown. These two Parties were the one for _Frederic-Augustus_ -Elector of _Saxony_, and the other for the Prince of _Conti_. The Cardinal -Primate favor’d the latter, and _France_ seem’d to have his Election very -much at heart; yet _Frederic-Augustus_’s Party carried it, and he was -proclaim’d King. - -The Cardinal Primate was still obstinate for the Prince of _Conti_, and -actually sent one of his near Relations to the Elector to sollicit him in -his Favor; but the Elector, who thought the Elector of _Saxony_’s Party -the most substantial and the most powerful, did not scruple to own him for -King, and return’d for Answer to the Cardinal, That he advis’d him, as the -Chief Pastor of _Poland_, to maintain Peace in his Flock, and to submit to -the Elector of _Saxony_. Nevertheless the Primate stood out stiffly, and -form’d a Party in _Poland_, considerable enough to give the new King -Uneasiness. The Elector still persevering in his Views to make himself -necessary to _Poland_, return’d next year to _Konigsberg_, in hopes of -appeasing the Disturbances rais’d there by the two different Parties. -_Kolbe_, who was not yet Count of _Wartemberg_, but only Great -Chamberlain, made a Journey to _Warsaw_ for this purpose, on the part of -the Elector, and complimented the King on his Accession to the Crown. The -King in his Turn sent the Count _de Bilinsky_ Great Chamberlain of the -Crown to the Elector, to compliment him on his Arrival at _Konigsberg_, -and there to negociate an Interview betwixt them. The Elector wish’d for -it too heartily to refuse it, and _Fredericshoss_, one of his -Pleasure-houses, was chose for the place of Meeting. There every thing -pass’d, as is common upon those Occasions; a great deal of Business was -talk’d of, and referred to the Ministers for Conclusion. The two Princes -made each other magnificent Presents, and exchang’d all the Tokens of the -sincerest Friendship. This Union seem’d still increasing by the Sale which -the King of _Poland_ made this year to the Elector of the Fee for -protecting the Abbey-Town of _Quedlimbourg_, which no Elector of _Saxony_ -would ever part with before, whatsoever Instances were made to them by the -Family of _Brandenburg_. The Elector had less Reason than any of his -Predecessors to hope for Success in this Affair. _Poland_, besides the -Pleas of Interest, had others of Resentment; and this Prince’s Conduct in -the affair of _Elbing_ bid fair to set the King and the Elector at -variance. The Dispute was about a Demand of 400,000 Crowns which the -Elector made upon _Poland_, for the Expences of the War, which his Father, -_Frederic-William_ the Great, had carry’d on in favor of the Republic -against _Charles_ XI. King of _Sweden_. The King of _Poland_ in the -Interview at _Fredericshoff_ had promis’d to persuade the Republic to pay -that Sum. The Elector whose Patience was worn out in Expectation of the -Performance, notwithstanding the many Reasons he had to keep fair with -_Poland_, caused the City of _Elbing_, which had been mortgag’d to him for -that Sum, to be invested. And M. _de Brantz_, my Uncle, who was -Lieutenant-General, was sent upon this Expedition, at the Head of a Body -of 12000 Men. - -The _Poles_ no sooner heard of it but they made a very great Clamor, and -the King complain’d loudly of the Elector’s Proceeding, who being, _said -he_, his Cousin, his Friend, and Ally, ought to have had more Regard for -him. ’Twas at least after this manner that he express’d himself in the -Circular Letters, which he wrote to assemble the Nobility of _Poland_. But -the Elector went on still his own way, and the City of _Elbing_ was taken -before the _Poles_ had so much as a Thought of defending it. As soon as -the King of _Poland_ was told of it, he ordered the Elector’s Resident to -depart the City of _Thorn_ in 24 Hours, and the Kingdom without Delay. M. -_de Reitwitz_, Envoy of _Poland_ to the Elector, fearing the same -Treatment, was absent from Court for a Fortnight; but return’d then, -causing his Appearance to be notify’d to the Ministers, not as Envoy from -the King of _Poland_, but as Envoy from the Elector of _Saxony_. By this -piece of Management ’tis plain that the King of _Poland_ did not take the -Affair of _Elbing_ so much to heart as he seem’d to do; and some time -after the Matter was accommodated; the Elector consenting to lose one -fourth of the Debt, and the _Poles_ promising to pay the rest at the -Expiration of three Months, and depositing their King’s Crown for -Security. The Elector on his part restor’d _Elbing_ on condition -nevertheless, that he should have it again at the three Month’s end, if -the 300,000 Crowns were not then paid. This Affair has ever since remain’d -_in statu quo_: The _Poles_ are still Debtors for that Sum, and the -Elector contents himself with detaining the Crown, which is still at -_Berlin_, in the Gallery over the great Stables, where ’tis kept in a -Case, seal’d with the Seal of the Kingdom of _Poland_. - -Mean time the Peace of _Ryswic_ was just sign’d, and sooner than expected, -by reason _France_ receded from several Pretensions; which every body -knows she was induc’d to do from the View she had at that time to the -_Spanish_ Succession, and to that end it was absolutely necessary for her -to make a Peace with that Power and to disarm the Allies. Consequently -Messieurs _Dankelman_ and _Schmettau_ had no time to push the Negociation -of the Affair of _Prussia_ any farther; nevertheless they acted with the -_Dutch_ to some purpose. - -The Elector had sent _Bartholdi_ to _Vienna_ in the place of _Dankelman_, -and M. _Blaspiel_ to _Dusseldorff_ to the Elector _Palatine_, whom he -thought proper to treat with extraordinary Regard, as well upon his own -Account, as with relation to the Empress his Sister who had a very great -Ascendant over the Emperor. - -_Bartholdi_ when he arriv’d at _Vienna_ found the Court in the very same -Disposition as it was in the time of _Dankelman_. There was a great shew -of Good-will, but no Advance made; for the Emperor’s Ministers were never -at a loss for a Reason to defer coming to the Point. The Republic of -_Poland_ furnish’d very cogent ones too, by the Protestations it made -against every Step taken towards erecting _Prussia_ into a Kingdom, on -pretence that it formerly belong’d to the Republic, and that the _Poles_ -only suffer’d it to fall to the House of _Brandenburg_, on condition of -its reverting to them on the Failure of Issue Male in that Family. The -Emperor said he could not help having Regard to those Protestations, the -Alliance which he had been in for a long time with the Republic being -become much firmer since the raising the Siege of _Vienna_, when _John -Sobiesky_ at the Head of the _Poles_ so effectually reliev’d it. -_Bartholdi_ being dishearten’d with all these Delays, began to despair of -the Success of the Negociation. He flatter’d himself for a while that the -languishing State of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, which presag’d his -approaching Death, and the cruel War between the Houses of _Austria_ and -_Bourbon_, on account of the _Spanish_ Succession, would promote the -Success of his Master’s Designs; and that the State Policy which at that -Juncture oblig’d the Emperor to strengthen himself with Allies, would make -him chuse to retain in his Party a Prince so powerful and so necessary to -his Interests as the Elector. But _Bartholdi_ was deceiv’d; and whether -the Court of _Vienna_ flatter’d itself that the Elector wou’d never -venture to take the part of _France_, or whether they thought it more -nearly concern’d them to humor the Powers that oppos’d the Elector’s -Views, they had always some fresh Pretence or other to trump up. - -_Bartholdi_ cou’d not avoid giving an Account to the Elector his Master of -what he thought of these continual Delays, and he told him there was no -manner of Reason to hope that the Emperor would recognize him for King -before he was sure of the Consent of the Pope, and of all the Princes of -the Empire; that it was easy to see this was only a civil Excuse that the -Emperor made use of for his Refusal, rather than to make him his Enemy; -and that the Case was really so desperate, that he knew of but one -Stratagem to make use of before he retir’d; and that was that he shou’d -write with his own Hand to the Prince of ----, who, said _Bartholdi_, was -the only Person in the World to induce the Emperor to be more favorable. -His Dispatch was written in a Cypher, and the Secretary who decypher’d it, -thought he met with the Name of the Emperor’s Confessor, instead of that -of the Prince of ----. The Elector approv’d of his Minister’s Hint, and -wrote immediately to the Confessor, who happen’d to be a Jesuit. This -Reverend Father was overjoy’d to find himself courted by one of the -greatest Protestant Princes, and promising himself that he should reap -considerable Advantages for his Society, from the Success of a Negociation -which the Elector had so much at heart, and in which two of his most able -Ministers had already miscarried, he made no scruple to undertake it. - -As soon as he began to meddle with it, it assum’d a new Face; the Court of -_Rome_ made but a faint Opposition to it: That of _Vienna_ being alarmed -at the News they received from the Count _de Harrach_ their Ambassador at -_Madrid_, of the bad State of the King of _Spain_’s Health, and of the -_Spaniards_ Byass for the Duke of _Anjou_, became more tractable; and the -very Reasons that _Bartholdi_ urg’d in vain, began to be relish’d when -they were represented by the Confessor. This Jesuit convinc’d the Emperor, -that as he was resolv’d to dispute the Succession to the Crown of _Spain_ -with _France_, such an Ally as the Elector would give great Weight to -either of the two Parties that he fell in with. The Confessor’s Arguments -were applauded by some, and faintly rejected by others; so that the -Father, by craftily taking advantage of the Good-Will of the latter, and -of the Lethargy of the former, brought the Affair of _Prussia_ in less -than two Month’s Time to the Point of a happy Conclusion. - -While such effectual Endeavors were us’d for the Elector at the Court of -_Vienna_, his Interest was as successfully manag’d with the King of -_England_. The Electoress, together with her Mother the Electoress of -_Hanover_, went to pay him a Visit at _Aix la Chapelle_; and in that -Interview, these two Princesses prevail’d on King _William_ of _England_ -to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ for King of _Prussia_, and to -call the House of _Hanover_ to the Succession of the Crown of _England_. - -One particular Circumstance in this Journey that prov’d of such Service to -the Elector’s Designs, and which many People look’d upon as a politic -Action, is, that it would not have been undertaken, had it not been for -the extreme Fondness of Madame _de Wartemberg_ to be admitted in the -Electoress’s Circle. This Princess upon the Intelligence she receiv’d that -her Mother the Electoress of _Hanover_ was going to _Aix la Chapelle_, was -very desirous to go with her, but she cou’d not hope to obtain the -Elector’s Consent to it, nor to have Money enough with her to bear her -Expences, if the Count _de Wartemberg_ oppos’d it; and therefore she -charg’d Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin to speak to him about it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ promis’d not only to obtain the Elector’s Consent, -but also to give the Electoress an Order at large to take up any Sums of -Money that she should want, provided that Princess would on her part only -acknowledge the Favor, by granting his Wife the Honor of Admittance to her -Circle. The Electoress had this Journey so much at heart, because she knew -it wou’d give her the Pleasure of seeing a Mother whom she tenderly -lov’d, as well as a Freedom, for some time at least, from the Constraint -she was oblig’d to live in at _Berlin_, that she consented to the Count’s -Demand. Madame _de Wartemberg_ was admitted to the Circle, and all the -Mortification the Electoress gave her, was always to talk to her in -_French_, which being a Language she did not understand, plainly shew’d -the Obscurity of the Countess’s Birth; for at that Time all Persons of any -Rank or Figure convers’d in that Language commonly at our Court. The -Electoress’s Condescension upon this Occasion is the only thing for which -she was to blame; for ’twas a Precedent which gave others Authority to -desire the same Favor; and to this may be said to be owing the unequal -Matches which several of the Nobility made afterwards. - -The Count _de Wartemberg_, in order to obtain the Elector’s Consent, gave -him to understand that the Princess his Consort cou’d do more than any -body to prevail with the King of _England_ to recognize him for King. This -was touching him in the most sensible part; and therefore he made no -Scruple to let the Electoress go, who went and met her Mother at _Aix la -Chapelle_, and from thence they set out afterwards for _Brussels_. There -they stay’d a few days, in order to disguise the Motives of their Journey, -and from thence they went to _Loo_, where the King of _England_ was. They -each obtain’d of the Prince what they went to ask him; the House of -_Hanover_ was soon after call’d to the Succession of the Crown of -_England_, and the King gave his Promise, that as soon as the Emperor had -own’d the Elector King of _Prussia_, he wou’d be one of the first to -follow his Example. - -As soon as the News reach’d _Vienna_ that the King of _England_ had -promis’d to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ King of _Prussia_, the -remaining Difficulties were soon got over; the Protestations of the -Republic of _Poland_ were superseded, and the Emperor declar’d at length -that he own’d _Prussia_ for a Kingdom, and the Elector of _Brandenburg_ -for King; on condition however, - -1. That the Elector should never withdraw from the Empire the Provinces of -his Dominions thereon depending. - -2. That in the Emperor’s Presence he should require no other Distinctions -than those which he actually enjoy’d now. - -3. That his Imperial Majesty when he wrote to him should only give him the -Title of your _Royal Dilection_. - -4. That nevertheless his Ministers at _Vienna_ should be treated on a Par -with those of Crown’d Heads. - -5. That the Elector should maintain six thousand Men in _Italy_ at his own -expence, in case the Emperor should be oblig’d to go to War for the -_Spanish_ Succession. - -6. That those Troops should remain there as long as the War continu’d. - -Thus, Madame, after tedious delays the Court of _Vienna_ consented at last -to the Success of this great Event, which after all ow’d its cause to the -refusal of an Arm-chair, and its issue to the mistake of a Secretary. -Nevertheless it did not fail to cost the Elector six Millions, of which -the Jesuits of _Vienna_ had 200,000 Crowns to their share. - -This agreeable News was scarce arriv’d at _Berlin_ when they heard of the -Death of the King of _Spain_, which happen’d the 1st of _November_, 1700. -His Death was notify’d to the Elector by M. _Desalleurs_, Envoy of -_France_ to our Court, as was also the Will whereby the Duke of _Anjou_ -was call’d to the Succession of all the late King’s Dominions. The Elector -had entered into such Engagements with the Emperor, that he could not own -him; for which reason the King of _France_ recall’d M. _Desalleurs_, and -likewise refus’d to acknowledge the Elector for King, who in his turn -recall’d M. _Spanheim_, and sent him to _England_ with the Title of -Ambassador. - -The Elector was so urgent to be crown’d, that he hasten’d to _Konigsberg_, -the capital City of _Prussia_, without staying for the fine Season of the -Year; having fix’d on the 17th of _December_ for his Departure thither -with the whole Court. My Mother would also have been one of the Company, -but she was too far gone with Child. She was now marry’d to her third -Husband, who was the Count _de Wesen_; and the Nuptials were perform’d at -_Konigsberg_ in 1698, when the Elector was there about the Election of the -King of _Poland_. This was a Match, in the making of which, neither Love -nor Interest had the least share: M. _de Wesen_, tho’ come of a very good -Family in the Duchy of _Zell_, was Heir but to a very small Estate, and -that he was obliged to divide with a great many Brothers; and my Mother -before he marry’d her had never so much as spoke to him, nor had she seen -him but while he was in the Office of Chief Steward. The Elector himself -made the Match at the solicitation of Madame _de Wartemberg_ who had a -very great kindness for M. _Wesen_ formerly, and perhaps had so still, and -by helping him to a rich Widow, she was willing to make him a recompence -for the Respect he had paid to her. There was no necessity of using -powerful Arguments with the Elector, to engage him to bring this Match -about. It was his Foible to make Matches, and were they good or bad, -provided he saw the Weddings, ’twas all alike to him. Consequently, as -soon as Madame _de Wartemberg_ had proposed this Marriage to him, he -promis’d to mention it himself to my Mother; nay, more than that, he came -to her House and made the Proposal. My Mother desir’d to be excus’d, -saying to his Highness, that she had been already married twice, that she -had two Sons by her first Husband, and that she did not care to hazard -their Interests and her own Peace by engaging herself in Matrimony a third -time. The Elector made her answer, that he would have it so, and that her -Children, so far from Losers, should be Gainers by it, because he would -take care of them. He added that he would allow her twenty-four Hours time -to consider of it, and then he left her, forbidding her to stir to the -Door, and promising to come and see her again next day, in order to have -her Answer. He then went into my Grandmother’s Chamber, and said so many -fine things to her, in favor of the Son-in-Law he had in his eye for her, -that she was for it by all means. - -My Mother continued very wavering till next day, when the Elector return’d -as he had promis’d: And as ’tis not an easy matter to resist the Orders of -one’s Sovereign, my Mother, tho’ still against a new Engagement in her -heart, seemed however to consent to the Marriage, which in a few days -after was celebrated, and honour’d with the presence of the Elector, who -had the goodness to assure my Brother and me that it should not be the -worse for us. Mean time all my Relations exclaim’d against my Mother, and -when she return’d to _Berlin_ not a Soul of them went to see her. My -Grandmother by my Father’s side was loudest in her Complaint; for her -great Age and the Honour she had of attending the late Electoress, Mother -to the Elector, made her take the freedom to tell that Prince her mind. -She was in a passion with him even to a degree of Childishness, telling -him that it griev’d her to the heart that she was not strong enough to -twist the neck of the Man that he had given to her Daughter-in-Law for a -Husband. The Elector to pacify her, promis’d her that he would be such a -friend to M. _de Wesen_, that this Marriage instead of being a prejudice -should be an advantage to us. And as soon as he had left her, he declared -him Marshal of his Court. - -This Office obliging my Father-in-law to follow the Prince in his Travels, -he left my Mother at _Berlin_, and carry’d me with him to _Konigsberg_, to -shew me the Ceremony of the Elector’s Coronation. - -His Court was so numerous that upon the Road from _Berlin_ to -_Konigsberg_, which is reckon’d fourscore _German_ Miles, there were no -less than thirty thousand Hackney-Horses, besides those belonging to the -Stables of the King and Princes. The King, who was excessively fond of -Ceremony, omitted nothing that could be an addition to the splendor of his -Coronation. This Ceremony cost him immense Sums of Money, and convinc’d -Foreigners who came thither from a curiosity to see it, that our Court was -inferior to few others for Magnificence. - -Tho’ one would think the preparations for such a solemn Festival must take -up a tedious deal of time, yet the King’s Impatience hurry’d them so fast -that every thing was ready by the eighteenth of _January_, about a -Fortnight after the Arrival of the Court. The Proclamation for erecting -_Prussia_ into a Kingdom was made two Days before the King’s Coronation, -with the sound of the Cannon, and all the Bells of the City, by four -Heralds at Arms in Mantles of blue Velvet with the Royal Arms thereon -embroider’d, and riding upon Horses richly accouter’d, the Housings being -of Silver-Brocade, sprinkled with Eagles and Coronets of Gold. They went -with a very numerous Train to the chief Quarters of the City, and there -made Proclamation in these terms: - -_Whereas it has pleased the Divine Providence to erect this Sovereign -Duchy of +Prussia+ into a Kingdom, and to set up for our King the most -High and most Potent Prince +Frederic I.+ our gracious Sovereign; we have -thought fit to give notice thereof to the People of this Kingdom, that -they may say as we do, “Long live +Frederic+, our most Merciful and most -Gracious King! Long live +Sophia-Charlotte+, our most Gracious Queen.â€_ - -The King to render the Ceremony of his Coronation still more august, -instituted the Day before[2] the Order of the _Black Eagle_, the Badges of -which are an Orange Ribband with a Cross hanging to it enamell’d with -Blue, in form of the Cross of _Malta_: In a Star of Silver which is -embroider’d upon the Coat, there is a black Eagle which gripes in one Claw -a Crown, and in the other a Scepter; and round the ’Scutcheon are these -words, _SUUM CUIQUE_, (i. e. to every one his own.) The principal -Statutes of this Order are, 1. That the Number of the Knights shall not -exceed thirty, exclusive of the Princes of the Royal Family, and Sovereign -Princes. 2. That the Knights shall prove their Nobility by sixteen -Descents. 3. That they shall promise to be just, chaste, and to protect -and support Widows and Orphans, according to their motto, _Suum cuique_. - -Tho’ it was contrary to custom, to install the Knights before the -Coronation, the King was not so scrupulous as to conform to it, foreseeing -that the Ceremony of his Coronation receiv’d a new Lustre from this -Foundation. Nevertheless the Knights and Officers of the Order had then no -other Badges but the Ribband and Star embroider’d on their Clothes; and -’twas not till two Years after that the King gave to the new Knights, for -days of Ceremony, a Dress consisting of a Vest of Cloth of Gold, with -another over it of Sky-blue Velvet, reaching down to the Mid-leg, with a -Lining of Straw-color, and ty’d under the Cravat with yellow Ribbands, the -Tassels of which hang down to the Knees. Their Sash is of Straw-color’d -Velvet, embroider’d with Gold. Their Mantle is also of Straw-color’d -Velvet, lin’d with Gold-Mohair, and over it is a Collar of Gold enamell’d -with blue, forming these two Letters _F. R._ to signify _Fredericus Rex_: -This is call’d the Grand Collar of the Order. The Knights wear black -Velvet Caps on their Heads, with white Plumes of Feathers. The King’s -Habit differs not from that of the Knights; but the Habits of the Grand -Master of the Ceremonies, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, differ in that -they only wear over their common Clothes full Gowns of Straw-color’d -Velvet, with an Orange-color’d Lining, and upon them the Cross of the -Order, fasten’d only by an Orange-color’d Ribband that hangs to their -Neck. - -The King at the first Promotion, or rather on the day that he instituted -the Order, created the full number of Knights, prescribed by the Statutes. -He also gave the Ribband of the Order to the Electoral Prince his Son, and -to his two Brothers the Margraves _Christian_ and _Albert_. The Margrave -_Philip_ staying behind at _Berlin_ to govern in the King’s Absence, the -Ribband was sent to him by a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber. - -On the Coronation-day, about nine in the Morning the King was dressed by -the great Chamberlain, attended by all the Officers of the Bed-chamber. -His Coat was Scarlet embroider’d with Gold, and brilliant Diamonds were -his Buttons. Over that, he had a Royal Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, lin’d and -turn’d up with Ermin, which was fasten’d to his Breast by a Clasp of three -Diamonds. As soon as the King was dressed he went into a Hall in his -Apartment, where a Throne had been erected, on each side of which, there -lay on two Tables of Silver the Royal Ornaments that were to serve the -King and Queen. The King being seated on his Throne, ordered they should -be brought to him, and they were accordingly presented to him on the Knee. -Having the Crown in his Hand, he put it himself on his Head, and then -taking the Sceptre in his right Hand and the Royal Globe in his left, in -that posture he receiv’d the first Homages of the Prince Royal and of the -Margraves, who bent one Knee before him. After this the King arose and -went to the Queen’s Apartment, preceded by the Knights of the Order, the -two Margraves, the Prince Royal, and the Noblemen that carried the Regalia -design’d for the Queen. - -Her Majesty was dress’d in a Purple Gown, and a Royal Mantle like the -King’s. She was dress’d in her own Nut-brown Hair without any Powder, -which in conjunction with the Lustre of the Diamonds gave her an Air still -more noble and majestic. As soon as she perceiv’d the King, who met her at -the entrance of his Chamber, she fell on her knees, in which situation the -King embrac’d her, and with his own Hands set the Crown upon her Head. She -took the Scepter and Globe from the hands of the Lords who carried them, -and the King raising her up she follow’d him into his Apartment, where she -also receiv’d the Homage of the Prince Royal and the Margraves, in the -same manner as they had perform’d them to the King. - -Their Majesties went afterwards to Church with all the Pomp and -Magnificence, (I dare to say it) of the ancient Kings of _Asia_. The King -walk’d under a Canopy of Silver-Brocade embroider’d with Gold borne by ten -_Prussian_ Lords of the first Quality, and at some distance came the Queen -under another Canopy like to that of the King. The Grand Chamberlain held -up the Train of the King’s Mantle, and the Queen’s was born by the Duchess -of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, the one Lady of -Honour to the Queen, and the other having the first Reversion of that -Office. The Duke of _Holstein_ officiated as Great Master of her Houshold; -and the Princess of _Holstein_ walk’d at the head of the Court-Ladies. -Their Majesties were receiv’d by the two Bishops that were to perform the -Ceremony of the Coronation, who were dress’d in purple Velvet, after the -_English_ mode, and had for their Assistants six Ministers, three of them -_Calvinists_ and three _Lutherans_. They conducted the King and Queen to -their Thrones which had been erected on the two sides of the Altar, the -King’s on the Right, and the Queen’s on the Left. Tho’ there is no Altar -in the _Calvinist_ Churches, the King had one, and had actually made a -present of a magnificent Crucifix to be plac’d upon it, in order to shew -how much he wish’d the Union of the two Protestant Churches. - -The Prince Royal seated himself a little behind the King towards the Right -on a Folding-chair, with his Governor the Count _de Dobna_ behind him: The -Margraves also sate in two Folding-chairs on both sides of the Queen. The -Duke and Duchess of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, -sate upon Stools immediately behind the Queen. The Princess of _Holstein_ -was also placed upon a Stool, but a little farther off. On both sides of -the Altar two Galleries were erected, the one for the Duchess of -_Courland_ the King’s Sister, the young Duke her Son, and the three -Princesses her Daughters-in-Law, the other for the Ambassadors and Foreign -Ministers. - -When the King was to receive the sacred Unction, he went and kneel’d at -the foot of the Altar, gave the Globe and Sceptre to the Lords who had -before carried them, took off his Crown with his own hands, which he -plac’d on a Cushion like to that on which he kneel’d, and then receiv’d -three Unctions, one on the Forehead, and the two others on his Wrists. The -Great Chamberlain dried up the Oil with Cotton and Linnen, which one of -the Ministers presented to him on a Plate of Gold. After this the King -took his Crown again which no other hand had touch’d, and plac’d it -himself on his head; and having also taken the Sceptre and Globe again, he -went and replac’d himself on his Throne. The same Ceremonies were -observ’d at the Anointing of the Queen, with this difference only, that -she all the while kept the Crown on her Head, and that Madame _Stingland_, -her Lady of Honour, dried up the Oil. - -This done, the two Bishops with the six Ministers pay’d the first Homage -to both the King and Queen. The Bishop at Consecration said to the King, -_May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ FREDERIC KING OF PRUSSIA! _May the -Lord, the God of our King say the same! May he continue his Presence with -him as he has done hitherto, to the end that his Royal Throne may -aggrandize his Power from day to day._ - -The same Bishop said to the Queen, _May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA QUEEN OF PRUSSIA! _May the Lord our God preserve her for -a Token of his Blessing to her People, and may she from this time forward -see Prosperity and Salvation spread ever her Royal Family, and over her -Children, in the Peace of_ Israel! - -While the Music as it were repeated these same words, the Prince Royal and -the Margraves went and paid their Homage also to the King and Queen, -kneeling on the last Step of their Throne and kissing their Hands. The -Homage of the other Nobility only consisted in their making a profound -Obeysance without stirring out of their places. - -The Bishop who had perform’d the Consecration, turning about to the -People, said with a loud Voice, _Fear God and honour your King and your -Queen, for their Power cometh from the Lord who hath created Heaven and -Earth. May the same Lord vouchsafe to be their Guide and Guardian! May he -cover them with his Shadow, that the Heat of the Sun and the Rays of the -Moon, may never hurt their Sight! May the Lord keep them from all Evil? -save their Souls, and go in and out before them with Blessing, till Time -Shall be no more._ After some other Prayers, the King renew’d the Edicts -against Duels, and swore to observe them upon the Holy Gospels. And -therewith ended this long Ceremony. - -The King had all the reason in the World to be pleased with it, by reason -of the exactness with which every one perform’d his Function, which was a -thing hardly to have been expected in a Ceremony that was quite new to the -Performers; but they so well knew his delicacy in every matter of -Ceremony, and the Emulation they had to please him in this Taste was such, -that the most consummate Experience could not have acquitted itself -better. - -The Queen herself was the only Person that got a reprimand, and that was -by her taking some Snuff. Her Throne being over-against the King’s, she -watch’d a long time for an opportunity, and when she thought his Majesty -did not observe her she stole out her Snuff-Box. The King happening to -turn his Eyes towards her the very same moment, she would fain have -conceal’d it, but his Majesty’s Countenance was so fix’d on her that she -was convinc’d he perceiv’d it; and indeed this Prince who was upon this -occasion not to be trifled with, immediately order’d one of his Gentlemen -who was behind him to go and ask the Queen in his Name, _Whether she -remember’d the Place where she was, and the Rank she held there_. - -The King and Queen going out of the Church caus’d Gold and Silver Medals -to the value of ten thousand Crowns to be scatter’d among the People, -which had on one side their Effigies with these words, _FREDERICUS ET -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA, REX ET REGINA_; and on the reverse a Crown with these -words, _PRIMA MEÆ GENTIS_. - -The Ceremonies at the Royal Feast which follow’d, were not much short of -those at the Coronation. It was kept in the great Hall of the Palace, to -which the King and Queen repair’d almost with the same Train, and in the -same order as they had observ’d going to Church. - -When they were seated at Table, their Majesties return’d their Sceptres -and Globes into the hands of the Lords who had the Honour of carrying them -before. These Lords then plac’d themselves at each side of the Table, and -remain’d there during the whole Feast. The Prince Royal, the two Margraves -and the Duchess of _Courland_ the King’s Sister, were the only Persons -that had the honour of dining with their Majesties. Of all the Ceremonies -that were observ’d there, the two following are what I have no where seen -but in _Germany_. As soon as the King and Queen had taken their Seats at -Table, the two Grand Marshals went out of the Hall into the Courtyard of -the Palace, and from thence rode on horseback to the great Stables -attended by Kettle-drums, Trumpets, and a great many Officers of the -King’s Kitchen. There they found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit and stuff’d -with all sorts of Wild-fowl, of which they cut off a piece and carry’d it -in a Gold Dish to their Majesties Table. - -After this, the Great Cup-Bearer went with the like Train to the same -Stables, where there were two Fountains of Wine running from the Beaks of -two Eagles. Of this he fill’d a gold Goblet, and went and presented it to -the King. His Majesty having taken it and return’d it to him, he presented -it afterwards to the Queen, who return’d it to him in like manner; and -then he carry’d it to the great Beaufet, which was set up at the other end -of the Room over-against the King’s Table. As often as the King or Queen -drank, nine Cannon were fired; six when the Prince Royal drank, and three -whenever the Margraves and the Duchess of _Courland_ drank. - -This Repast held a very long time, yet none of the Courtiers sate down to -Table till their Majesties were retir’d to their Apartments. About nine -o’clock at Night all the Bells in the City were rung, and the Noise of the -Cannon added to that of the Kettle-drums and Trumpets, serv’d as a signal -for the Bonfires that were lighted in all the Cross-streets. The Burghers -illuminated the Fronts of their Houses. Some of the most substantial had -also erected Triumphal Arches before their Houses, with Emblems and -Devices; others let Wine run for the Populace, and in short there was no -Burgher but strove to signalize their Joy some way or other. - -Their Majesties being desirous to honour the public Rejoicings with their -presence, went into the Streets about ten o’clock in a magnificent Coach, -accompanied by all their Courtiers on horseback. When they came before the -Town-House they were harangu’d by the chief Burgo-Master, who presented -them with a Collation in Panniers of Silver, after which they pass’d by -the House of the Duke of _Holstein_ Governour of _Konigsberg_. The Front -of the House represented the Temple of Glory; the Duke’s Gentlemen -represented the Priests of the Temple, and threw Amber and Incense into -the Coals which were upon the Altar; the Duke’s Children, who were eight -in number, were dressed like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and as the King -and Queen pass’d by, the eldest presented them with a Basket of Flowers, -and pronounc’d some Verses to them in the _German_ Language, expressing -the Vows which all the People made for the duration of their Prosperity. -Their Majesties, after stopping some time before this House, return’d to -the Palace. - -Throughout all the King’s Dominions there were the like Demonstrations of -Joy, and the Coronation-day was celebrated every where like a Sunday. The -King and Queen spent the whole Carnival at _Konigsberg_, where they -receiv’d the Count _de Tobianski_ the Great Cup-bearer of _Poland_, who -came as Ambassador from the King his Master, to congratulate their -Majesties on their Coronation. It must be observed in the mean time, that -the Republic of _Poland_ never recogniz’d the King of _Prussia_’s Royalty, -tho’ two of its Kings, _viz._ the Elector of _Saxony_, and King -_Stanislaus_ four years after recogniz’d him by their Ambassadors. - -The departure of the Court for _Berlin_ was fix’d for the eighth of -_March_. As the King had not yet made his entry at _Konigsberg_, the -Citizens entreated him to permit them to accompany him as far as the -limits of their Territory, which was granted them. Then several triumphal -Arches were erected, all the Streets were hung with Tapestry, and the King -set out from _Konigsberg_ attended by all the City Companies. His Majesty -rode on horseback, supported by two Equerries on foot. His Clothes were of -Crimson-Velvet lin’d with Ermin and embroider’d with Gold, and the Buttons -were of Diamonds. He had on his Hat a Loop and a Hat-band of Diamonds. -His Horse was most richly accouter’d: The Bit, Stirrups, and all the -Ornaments of the Bridle, were of massy Gold; the Housing of -Crimson-Velvet, all cover’d with Gold Embroidery and Diamonds. The Queen’s -Coach was also of extraordinary Magnificence. Her Majesty sate in it -accompanied only by the Duchess of _Courland_, who sate over-against her. - -In short, they went out of _Konigsberg_ with all the Pomp and Apparatus -that us’d to attend Public Entrys. When their Majesties were got a quarter -of a League out of the Town, they alighted and went into their -Travelling-Coaches, and there they received the last Compliments which -were paid by the Echevins bare-headed and kneeling. Then the King and -Queen return’d into the City through another Gate, and staid in their -Palace till next day that they set out for _Berlin_. - -The Court was oblig’d to go by the way of _Dantzic_, because of the sudden -Thaw of the _Weissel_, which render’d it impassable. The Magistrates of -_Dantzic_ immediately sent out Deputies to their Majesties, to intreat -them to permit their City to make a public Entry for them; but the King -thank’d them, and was not willing they should be at any expence. -Nevertheless at the Entrance of the Territory of _Dantzic_ two -Burgo-Masters, four Counsellors, and the Syndic of the Town, at the head -of the Youth on horseback, went and paid their Majesties a Compliment. He -that spoke was the chief Burgo-Master, who pray’d their Majesties to -suffer the City to defray their Expences, while they stay’d in their -Territory. The King and Queen alighted at a House erected on purpose for -their Reception, which was of Wood, and represented the Temple of Glory. -There their Majesties found a magnificent Collation and a very fine -Concert of Music. In other Rooms several Tables were set up for the -Gentlemen of his Retinue. The King and Queen having spent the Night there, -pass’d thro’ _Dantzic_ next day, and went over the _Weissel_, which at -that part of it was still frozen. Yet as there was cause to apprehend that -it was not froze hard enough to be pass’d with safety, the Magistrates, to -prevent any Accident, had cover’d the Ice with Straw, Beams and Planks; -and twenty-four young Men and as many Lasses, dressed like Sailors in -Jackets of Velvet and Sattin, assisted the King and Queen in their -passage; during which, the Girls presented them with Fish, Fruit, -Sweet-Meats and Flowers, and the young Sailors play’d to them on several -Instruments of Music. When their Majesties had passed the River, they -dismiss’d the Deputies of the City, and made them each a Present of a Gold -Chain and Medal, on which were their Effigies. On the seventeenth of -_March_ the King arriv’d at _Potzdam_[3], and the Queen at _Lutzelbourg_. -The King who had a Design to make a solemn Entry at _Berlin_, stay’d at -_Potzdam_ till the sixth of _May_, to give time for making the necessary -Preparations to receive him, and for the finishing one of the Fronts of -his Palace, which he wish’d might be compleated by that day. - -Towards the latter end of _April_ the King set out from _Potzdam_ for -_Schonhausen_, where the Queen met him some days after, and there their -Majesties prepared to make their Entry into Berlin. - -This Ceremony was perform’d with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible. -The City had caus’d seven Triumphal Arches to be erected; the Description -of one of those Arches may suffice to give an Idea of the Taste of our -Court for Entertainments of this kind. This Arch, which was at the Bars -entring the Suburb, seem’d to have been built by Gardeners. It was one -entire Green-house with Pillars and Pilasters, adorn’d with Flowers. -_Pomona_ and _Flora_ were seen to support the Pictures of the King and -Queen. The _Spring_, attended by the _Zephyrs_, presented them with Fruits -and Flowers, and a Row of Orange-Trees and Laurels in gilded Boxes lin’d -the Way from that Arch to St. _George_’s Gate, which has ever since that -Day been call’d the Royal Gate, because their Majesties enter’d thro’ it -into the Town. - -Next day after their Entry the Deputies of the Provinces presented the -King with Free Gifts on his joyful Arrival, and the Margrave _Philip_ -Grand Master of the Artillery, caus’d a Fire-work to be play’d off, which -represented the King’s Return to _Berlin_, by that of _Jason_, after the -Conquest of the Golden Fleece. - -After some other Festivals of this nature, occasion’d by the public Joy, -the Court separated, when the King set out for _Oranjebourg_[4], and the -Queen to _Lutzelbourg_. The Prince Royal staid at _Berlin_ to finish his -Exercises. Care had been taken to form a numerous Court for him, of all -young Gentlemen of his own Age, of whom this young Prince had form’d two -Companies, of which himself commanded the first, and the Duke of -_Courland_ the second. I was of this second Company, and we went -sometimes to perform our Military Exercises at _Lutzelbourg_ before the -Queen, who lov’d to see the Prince her Son display the first Fruits of his -Military Genius. We also acted some Comedies before her; for the Princess -aim’d to inspire the Prince her Son with a delicate Taste, even in -Pleasures. - -’Twas at this time that a Storm arose at Court against the Count _de -Wartemberg_ Great Chamberlain, and lately declar’d Prime Minister, which -threaten’d his Ruin; but it spent itself upon those only who had rais’d -it. The principal Authors of the Cabal were the Count _de Lottum_, M. -----, and the Grand Marshal, who had been for a long time the Great -Chamberlain’s sworn Enemy. The Count _de Wesen_, my Father-in-law, was -pitch’d upon by these Gentlemen to raise the first Prejudices in the -King’s Mind against this Minister. I have had the Honor to acquaint you, -_Madame_, that the Countess _de Wartemberg_ always wish’d well to M. _de -Wesen_ of which the advantagious Match she had procur’d for him was a very -convincing Proof. One would have thought therefore after such great -Service, that he ought in Gratitude to have devoted himself entirely to -the Fortune of the Count her Husband. But my Father-in-law puff’d up by -the Choice which the Count’s Enemies had made of him, forgot his Duty and -his Interest, and accepted a Commission for the undertaking of which he -had in truth all the necessary Temerity, but not that Judgment nor that -Favor, which was absolutely requisite for conducting so ticklish an -Affair. - -The King had a real Love for M. _de Wartemberg_, yet he sometimes made him -feel his ill Humors. The Prince seem’d one day to be so angry with him, -and spoke of him to my Father-in-law with so much Resentment, that the -latter thought he had now a fair Opportunity to ruin the Count. He said to -the King, that the whole Court was surpriz’d at his extraordinary Kindness -to a Minister who every day abus’d his Name in the Oppression of the -People, and in the Commission of a thousand Acts of Injustice against his -faithful Servants; that his Rapines were excessive; and that his Wife’s -Extravagance was so great, that he could shew by the Accounts of the -Comptrollers of the Kitchen, that the Great Chamberlain’s Table cost more -than his Majesty’s. _I know very well_, added M. _de Wesen, that if the -Prime Minister should hear of what I have now had the Honor to say to your -Majesty, I am undone; but if I held my peace, I thought I should be -wanting in my Duty; and what I have asserted I am ready to prove._ - -The King heard what he said very attentively, and my Father-in-law was so -vain as to think he had made Impression enough upon him to strike M. _de -Wartemberg_ quite out of his Favor; but this shallow Statesman, my -Father-in-law, did not consider that a Prince who complains of his -Favorite is not always dispos’d to receive the ill Impressions that others -are ready to give of him. Whether the King therefore thought after this -manner, or whether he was shock’d at the Ingratitude of M. _de Wesen_, who -ow’d his Fortune to M. _de Wartemberg_, he told the Minister the -Conversation that had pass’d, but assur’d him that he did not give Credit -to the Report; and that if he pleas’d he would take a Revenge on the Man -that had made it. - -The crafty Minister affected at that time an Air of Moderation, which cost -him the less Pains because he was an excellent Comedian. He said to the -King that he thought himself sufficiently reveng’d, by the little Heed his -Majesty gave to the scandalous Tales which his Enemies gave out against -him, and he desir’d his Majesty to pardon those who had offer’d to abuse -his Goodness, for the sake of oppressing him. Thus did he for a while -conceal the keenest Resentment under the Mask of the most forgiving -Temper; being resolv’d in his Heart to ruin those who had employ’d M. _de -Wesen_, tho’ they were protected by the Queen, but especially to make -their Tool feel all the Weight of his Vengeance. - -A Journey which the King took to _Goltz_, one of his Hunting-Seats, near -the Fortress of _Custrin_, gave him a good Opportunity for it. Being alone -with the King in the same Coach, he put him so much out of conceit with M. -_de Wesen_, that when he arriv’d at _Goltz_, all that came to wait on him, -as he alighted out of the Coach, perceiv’d he was in an ill Humor. -Contrary to his usual custom, he spoke to no body, only he order’d my -Father-in-law to give his Attendance. When he had sat down, he scarce -touch’d the Bread, but he found fault with it, and complained of it to M. -_de Wesen_, as the Person who had the Direction of what came to his Table. -M. _de Wesen_ said to the King, That ’twas true the Bread was not as it -us’d to be, because the Carriage of the Pantry broke down by the way, and -the Baker came too late to Town to provide more. The King not well pleas’d -with this Answer, said, he was weary of being ill serv’d, and that he -expected every one shou’d do their Duty. At the same time he threw his -Napkin on the Ground. M. _de Wesen_ fetch’d another, and offer’d it to the -King, but he would not take it, and order’d him to be gone that Moment out -of his Presence. Two Hours after, M. _de Wesen_ was arrested by an Exempt -of the Life-Guards, who conducted him in his Coach under a Guard to -_Custrin_, the Capital of the New Marquisate, situate upon the _Oder_. -There my Father-in-law was kept as a State-Criminal, and the Minister sent -Orders to the Aulic Counsellor to go to my Mother’s House, and clap a Seal -upon her Husband’s Effects. She was at that time in the Country, and my -Brother happen’d to be at Church with our Governor, so that I was alone in -the House when those Gentlemen came to execute their Order. After they had -shew’d it to me, they ask’d me which was my Father-in-law’s Apartment, -that they might not be oblig’d to put the Seal upon every thing. I made no -scruple to shew it to them, and as they withdrew they left me a Writing -which was an Order to my Mother not to come to Court, nor to sollicite her -Husband’s Liberty. I sent immediately For my Governor, that he might go -with this disagreeable News to my Mother, whose Surprize was as great as -her Sorrow; for as she had an entire Love for her Husband, so she knew -nothing of his Intrigues against the Minister, to whom she thought he was -all along devoted. As the King’s Order tied up her Hands, and hinder’d her -from coming to Court, I was charg’d to do what I could there, to obtain my -Father-in-law’s Liberty. - -One day as the Queen made an Entertainment at _Lutzelbourg_ for the King, -I presented a Petition to him, in my Mother’s Name, intreating him to -remove the Seal from her Effects, and the Guard from her House; and that -his Majesty would be pleas’d to appoint Commissioners to try her Husband; -to the end, that if guilty, he might be punish’d, or if innocent, that he -might be set at liberty. My Youth, and the Tears which I shed at the -Delivery of this Petition, melted the King’s Heart, who told me, That he -would do what my Mother desir’d, for her sake only; that he sympathiz’d in -her Affliction; but that her Husband had so justly provok’d him, that he -could not avoid making him sensible of his Indignation: That withal, he -was very glad to see me so good-natur’d, as to sollicite in favor of a Man -who he knew had not dealt well either by my Brother or me, notwithstanding -the Injunction he laid upon him, when he match’d him to my Mother. I made -him answer, that I had no reason to complain of my Father-in-law; and that -tho’ I had, my Mother’s extreme Concern of Mind for what had happen’d, -wou’d be a sufficient Motive for me to sollicite his Liberty. _I commend -you_ said the King, _for these Principles. Go and tell your Mother that -she shall be made easy, and be assur’d that I will take care of you_. -Those were the very Expressions of the King, who, when I stoop’d to -embrace his Knees, encourag’d me also by clapping his Hand upon my -Shoulder. As soon as he was gone, the Queen sent for me into her Closet, -to give her an Account of this Conversation. I found her resting on a -Couch, attended by none but Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin, who sat -on the Ground at her Feet. When the Queen had enquir’d after my Mother’s -Health, she order’d me to assure her of her Esteem and Friendship; and -when I had repeated to her what the King had said to me, she made Answer, -That she was very glad the King was so well inclin’d to me. _Cultivate his -good Disposition_, said she, _make it your Study to merit his Favor. As -for me, I will do every thing in my power to preserve you in it; and you -may always be sure of my Protection._ - -So gracious a Reception both from the King and Queen gave me great Hopes; -and I return’d to _Berlin_, not doubting but the Promises he had made to -me wou’d soon be perform’d; yet ’twas not without tedious Sollicitations -from my Mother’s Friends that she obtain’d her Husband’s Liberty, after -seven Months Confinement, besides paying a Fine for him of ten thousand -Crowns. The Revenge which the Minister took upon those who had made my -Father-in-law their Agent, was not so much talk’d of; for he contented -himself with banishing them to their respective Estates or Governments, -and disposing of their Offices among his most obsequious Creatures. One of -these was the Count _de Witgenstein_, upon whom he confer’d the Office of -the Grand Marshal. He was a Person of a good Family, but neither he nor -his Ancestors had ever done any Service to the State; and all his Merit -was an entire Devotion to the Prime Minister, to whom he was more a Slave -than a Friend. As long as the Count _de Wartemberg_ continu’d in Favor, he -kept his ground at Court; but the Fall of that Minister was attended with -his. The Disgrace of my Father-in-law did not fail likewise to create a -great deal of Trouble in my Family. My Mother follow’d him to his Estate -in the Duchy of _Zell_, and I was sent with my Brother under the Conduct -of a Governor to _Lunebourg_, there to finish my Studies. - -All _Europe_ was at this time in motion, and had taken part in the Quarrel -between the Houses of _Austria_ and _Bourbon_, on account of the -Succession to the Monarchy of _Spain_. _Philip_ of _Anjou_ was already in -possession of it, by virtue of _Charles_ II’s last Will and Testament; -and in pursuance of the Right he had to it by his Grandmother _Mary -Theresa_ of _Austria_. The Emperor founded his Claim upon the Renunciation -made by that Princess when she was married to _Lewis_ XIV. The greatest -part of _Europe_, which the exorbitant Power of _France_ had begun to -alarm, sided with the Emperor, who quitted his Rights in favor of the -Archduke his Son. Besides the common Interest which it seem’d to be of all -_Europe_ to hinder two such Monarchies as _France_ and _Spain_ from being -govern’d by one Prince, several Potentates had their particular Reasons, -for laying hold of this opportunity, to make war with _France_. - -The Court of _England_ was alarm’d at the Proceeding of _Lewis_ XIV. who -had just recogniz’d the Son of _James_ II. lately deceas’d at _St. -Germains_, for King of _England_, by the Name of _James_ III. in prejudice -of King _William_, who had been recogniz’d by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The _Dutch_ govern’d themselves by the Views of King _William_, who was -all along their Stadtholder: And they could not forget the War in 1672, -the Wounds of which were still bleeding. - -The King of _Prussia_, besides his Interest in common with the other -Electors, to hinder _France_ from becoming too powerful, for fear lest -hereafter the said Court should saddle them with whom it pleas’d for an -Emperor, had Engagements subsisting with the Court of _Vienna_ and the -King of _England_. And in consequence of those Engagements he furnish’d -the Emperor with 6000 Men, and gave Orders for a Levy in his Dominions of -20,000 Men, which King _William_ had demanded of him, and which were -during the whole War in the Pay of the United Provinces. - -_France_ had no Allies but the Electors of _Bavaria_ and _Cologn_, who -suffer’d themselves to be prevail’d on by the Promises of _France_; the -chief of which was, That she would not make an end of the War till she had -caus’d the Elector of _Bavaria_ to be declar’d King of _Swabia._ - -The Duke of _Savoy_ was proof against the Advantages offered him by -_France_: And notwithstanding the Marriage of his two Daughters to the -Duke of _Burgundy_ and the Duke of _Anjou_, King of _Spain_, he was the -most zealous Ally against those two Crowns. He foresaw too very plainly, -that as long as those two Powers were united, such was the Situation of -his Dominions, that they wou’d hem him in between them; and therefore when -the Duchess his Mother, who was a thorow _French_ Woman, ask’d him, What -would become of his Daughters, if he dethron’d the King of _Spain_, and -ruin’d _France_, he reply’d to her, _And if I do not, what will become of -my Son?_ - -These, _Madame_, were in general the various Motions that affected -_Europe_ when King _William_ of _England_ died: Nor did this Accident -occasion any Alteration; for the Princess _Anne Stuart_, who succeeded him -by the Name of Queen _Anne_, pursued the same Views as her Predecessor, -and the War of the Allies against _France_ was carried on with the same -Vigor. - -By the Death of the King of _England_, who was the last Prince of the -_Orange_ Branch, our King was Heir to all his personal Estate; yet his -Right was contested by the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, who, tho’ not so -nearly related as the King, had the Advantage of Kindred by the Male -Line, and had a Will of King _William_ in his Favor, which intitled him to -his Succession. As the States-General of the United Provinces were the -Executors of this Will, the King immediately communicated his Pretensions -to them, as he did also to Queen _Anne_, by M. _de Spanheim_ his -Ambassador at _London_. He founded his Right upon a Will of -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, King _William_’s Grandfather, who had -a Son and three Daughters, the eldest of whom married to the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ the King’s Father; the second to the Prince _de Simmeren_, a -younger Prince of the present reigning _Palatine_ Family, who dying -without Issue, left his Right of Succession to the Electorate, to the -Branch of _Neuburg_; and the third was married to the Prince of -_Anhalt-Dessau_. - -The Will of _Frederic-Henry_ call’d the Male Descendants to his -Succession; and on Failure of them the three Princesses his Daughters; by -virtue of which, the King who descended from the eldest, claimed to be the -lawful Heir, notwithstanding the Testament of King _William_, who could -not dispose of an Estate which was intail’d. The King, for the better -Manifestation of his Rights, set out for the _Hague_, accompanied by the -Margrave _Albert_, his Brother, who left him at _Wesel_ in order to join -the Army at _Keiserswaert_[5]. - -At _Wesel_[6] the King receiv’d Messieurs _de Lintelo_, _Slingenlandt_, -and _Tour_, Deputies from the States-General, to whom he paid the same -Honors as to Sovereigns, and receiv’d them standing, with only an -Arm-Chair behind him. They gave him an Account of the last Will and -Testament of King _William_, which they had caus’d to be open’d in the -Presence of M. _Schmettau_ his Ambassador, Mr. _Stanhope_ the Envoy -Extraordinary of _England_, the Envoys of the Princesses of _Anhalt_ and -_Nassau-Friesland_, the Envoy of the Prince of _Nassau-Siegen_, the -Commissioners of the States appointed for that purpose, and the -Counsellors of the Domains of the late King _William_. They added that -they had found in this Will, that the Prince of _Nassau_, hereditary -Governor of _Friesland_, was call’d to the Succession as universal Heir, -and they exhorted the King to own him as such. But notwithstanding all -this, he enter’d his solemn Protest against the Will, and then set out for -the _Hague_. - -The King at his arrival alighted at the Palace of the Old Court, which was -part of the Inheritance of the King of _England_, and of which he had -already taken Possession, as well as of _Honslaerdyke_, another Palace of -the late King of _England_. The _Dutch_ wou’d fain have secur’d the -Succession to the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, but they could not easily -do this, without embroiling themselves with the King. Therefore they chose -to temporize, and came to no Conclusion while the King staid in _Holland_, -during which they endeavor’d to amuse him by procuring him all the -Pleasures that their Country afforded; but the Grand Affair of the -Succession to the King of _England_ engross’d all his Thoughts, and he -went away very much dissatisfy’d with the Conduct of the States-General at -this Juncture. - -As soon as he return’d to _Berlin_, he sent for my Brother and me from -_Lunenburg_, for fear lest my Mother, who was a _Lutheran_, should -persuade us to embrace that Religion. Next year he establish’d an -Academy, into which he gave Orders for our Entrance. The View of this -Establishment was to educate the young Nobility of the Court, in a manner -suitable to their Extraction. The King had the Nomination of those that -were to be admitted into this Academy, and Care had been taken to furnish -it with the best Masters in all the Arts and Sciences. The Expence of the -Students there were very moderate, the King having taken upon him to pay -the Extraordinaries. This illustrious School, which was then call’d, _The -Academy of Princes_, has lost very much of its former Splendor. - -I found the Court of _Berlin_ in the same State as when I left it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was still in the highest Favor; and the Count _de -Barfous_, the only Man who had presum’d for some time to make head against -the Minister, had at length been oblig’d to retire to his Estate; but what -made his Banishment from Court the more tolerable to him, was a Pension -which the King allow’d him of 20,000 Crowns. His Post of Velt-Marshal was -given to M. _de Wartensleben_, Lieutenant-General of the Emperor’s Troops, -and General of those of the Duke of _Saxe Gotha_. This was also a Creature -of the Prime Minister; yet he had Honor and Honesty enough to oppose him -on Occasions, where he thought the Welfare of the State was concern’d. The -Count _de Lottum_, who had been involv’d in the Disgrace of my -Father-in-law, and whose Office of Grand Marshal had been conferr’d on the -Count _de Witgenstein_, retain’d a certain Air of Favor in his Disgrace, -as did also the Count _de Barfous_. The King had given him the Government -of _Wesel_, to which he retir’d; and as he could not avoid doing justice -to his Merit and Fidelity, he gave him the Command of the Troops design’d -for the _Netherlands_. He was charg’d with the Blockade of _Rhinberg_, a -Place in the Electorate of _Cologn_, which the _French_ then possess’d, -under color of being that Elector’s auxiliary Forces. The Town surrendring -in a little time, he undertook the Blockade of _Guelders_, which made a -part of the _Spanish Netherlands_, and was yielded to us by the Peace of -_Utrecht_. The taking of these two important Places in the midst of -Winter, and the Behaviour of the Count _de Lottum_, who notwithstanding -the Severity of the Season, and the Treatment he had received from Court, -took all the Care possible for the Preservation of the King’s Troops, made -him so much extoll’d at Court, as was mortifying to the Prime Minister. - -_France_ endeavor’d to repair the Loss of these two Places by seizing the -Principality of _Orange_, which we were not near enough to defend, and he -put the Prince of _Conti_ in immediate Possession of it, who had some -claim to it through the _Chalons_ Family, of which he call’d himself Heir. -But he soon after yielded the said Principality and his Pretensions, to -_Lewis_ XIV. who likewise caus’d an Edict to be publish’d there, by which -it was put to the choice of all the Inhabitants to turn Catholics, or to -sell their Effects and retire out of the Kingdom within the space of three -Months. The Generality of those who were not willing to change their -Religion, retir’d to our Court, and among others, the Members of the -Parliament. The King reliev’d them as far as he could, and caus’d -Collections to be made in all the Churches of his Dominions, the Money of -which was distributed to those who had the most pressing Occasion for it. - -Soon after the Loss of _Orange_, the Margrave _Albert_ married the -Princess of _Courland_. That Prince in 1696, had succeeded the late -Margrave _Charles_, his Father, in the Grand Mastership[7] of the Order of -St. _John_. This Order is the same as that of _Maltha_, and is only -separated from it since _Luther_. The Commanderies, subject to the Elector -of _Brandenburg_, which became Protestant, put themselves under the -Elector’s Protection, and chose a Grand Master, or rather the Elector -chose one for them. The Choice has always fallen upon a younger Prince of -the Family, who is not engag’d by it to any Vow, more than the Knights, -who are only obliged to prove their Nobility, to which the Sovereign very -often objects. - -The Princess of _Courland_ was the eldest of the three Daughters that the -Duke of _Courland_ had by his first Lady. He married to his second Wife -the King’s Sister, and some time after he died. The Duchess his Widow, who -had been oblig’d to abandon _Courland_, which the _Swedes_, the _Poles_ -and the _Muscovites_ equally harass’d, came to _Konigsberg_, to be present -at the Coronation of the King her Brother, who gave her that Protection -she expected. Here it was, that the Year before she had married the -Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_, the King’s Cousin; and when she went -with her Husband into his Dominions, she left the eldest of her -Daughters-in-law with the Queen, in hopes of her marrying the Margrave -_Albert_: And the Queen, who was fond of this Princess, ordered it so, -that she obtain’d the King’s Consent to the Marriage, which was celebrated -some time after at _Lutzelbourg_. - -Much about this time we had a new Ceremony in our Climates. This[8] was -the Erection of a Statue which the King caus’d to be set up in honor of -his Father _Frederic-William_ the Great. ’Tis perfectly like that of -_Lewis_ XIV. in the Square of _Vendôme_ at _Paris_. The Pedestal and Base -are of white Marble. This Statue was set up _July_ 12, 1703; and the King -in order to do the more Honor to the Elector his Father, caus’d the -Ceremony to be perform’d with a magnificent Apparatus, in presence of the -whole Court, and all the Benches of Justice. - -The following Year 1704 was happy to the Allies, by their Victories at -_Donawert_ and _Hochstet_. The Troops that the King had sent into -_Franconia_ and _Bavaria_, to the Emperor and the City of _Nuremberg_[9], -which call’d for Help against the _Bavarians_, contributed not a little to -the obtaining of those Victories. The King received the News of it by an -Express that was dispatch’d to him from the Prince of _Anhalt_, under -whose Command those Succours acted. This Express was follow’d some Days -after by a second, charg’d with a Letter from Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_, -who therein gave a sublime Encomium on the Valor of the _Prussian_ Troops. -_I have been an Eye-witness, +said he in his Letter+, particularly with -regard to the Infantry of the Right Wing, that all the Officers as well as -the common Soldiers fought with the most intrepid Courage, and for several -Hours check’d the Efforts of the Enemy, who at length not being able to -resist their Bravery, and the continual Fire which they made, were put -into such a Confusion, that they were oblig’d to fly with Precipitation, -and to abandon the Field of Battle to us._ The Prince attributes this -vigorous Action of the _Prussian_ Soldiers to the most exemplary Courage -and Valor of the Prince of _Anhalt_ their Commander. _’Tis but Justice_, -continu’d Prince Eugene, _to give the Prince of +Anhalt+ the Praise he has -so well deserved. He hazarded his Person upon all Occasions, and not -intimidated by the Danger to which he expos’d it, I always saw him at the -Head of his Troops, leading them on to Battle, and encouraging them by his -own Example; so that it may be said to his Honor, that he contributed the -greatest Share to that Victory._ This was a Panegyric the more pleasing to -the Subject of it, because it proceeded from the Mouth of a Prince, who -was too great a Master of Courage to be mistaken. - -After the Campaign was over, my Lord _Marlborough_ came to _Berlin_, where -he receiv’d all the Marks of Esteem from the King, which he could possibly -have desired. Every Point that he negociated for the Operations of the -Campaign was granted him, and he went away from Court highly satisfied. As -soon as he was gone the Prince Royal set out for _Hanover_, from whence he -went to _Holland_; and he intended to pass over to _England_, but an Event -which happen’d to the Grief of him and the whole Court, oblig’d him to -return to _Berlin_. - -This was the unexpected Death of the Queen, on the 1st of _February_ 1705, -after a few days Illness. This Princess us’d for some time past to go to -_Hanover_, to make a Visit to the Electoress her Mother, of whom, as I -have already had the Honor to acquaint you, she was extremely fond. The -Day that she was to set out for this Journey she found herself -indispos’d, but did not discover it, for fear lest the King should not -permit her to go. Her Illness continu’d during the whole Journey, and When -she came to _Hanover_, what with the fatigue of receiving Visits from the -Ladies of the Court, and her dancing at a Ball the same day, she grew much -worse. She came from the Ball with a Soreness in her Throat, which prov’d -so violent that the Physicians and Surgeons soon despair’d of curing her. -The Queen, tho’ in the Flower of her Age, was not at all terrify’d when -she saw Death approaching her. She wrote a very tender Letter to the King, -in which she thanked him for the Love he had always manifested to her, and -recommended her Domestics to him. Her Brother the Duke _Ernest Augustus_ -was so deeply concern’d to see her in such a condition, that she did what -she could to comfort him: _There is nothing so natural_, said she to him, -_as Death; ’tis unavoidable, and tho’ I am young enough to hope to live a -few Years longer, yet I am not loth to die_. - -M. _de la Bergerie_ the Minister of the _French_ Church, who assisted her -in her last Moments, was so surpriz’d at her courage and calmness, that he -was more attentive to hear her than to exhort her. _I have_, said she, -_for twenty Years seriously study’d my Religion, and have read the Books -that treat of it with too much application to be in any doubt as to my -Principles. You cannot mention any thing to me but what I have read, and -what you can say to me will certainly add nothing to my Opinion._ Then -turning towards my Cousin, who was on the other side of her Bed, _Alas!_ -said she, _what a deal of needless Ceremony is now going to be us’d about -this Body of mine_! At the same time almost, she stretch’d out her Hand -to Duke _Ernest_ her Brother, and said to him, _Dear Brother, I am -choak’d_; and that Moment she expir’d. - -A Courier was immediately dispatch’d to the Prince Royal, who was at the -_Hague_, and M. _de Bulau_ the Steward of the Queen’s Houshold carried the -News to the King, who was so surpriz’d at it, that he fainted away several -times. When he came to himself he shew’d marks of the sincerest -Affliction, and seem’d fully sensible what a loss he had sustain’d. Indeed -this Princess truly deserv’d his Lamentation, as well as the Sorrow of the -whole State; and I for my part with my whole Family lost a solid and -sincere Protectress. - -The King’s Grief was such, that it had no Interval, but in his application -to pay those Honours to the Queen, that were due to her Rank. He was -willing to signalize it by the magnificence of a Funeral Pomp, and for -this purpose he himself issued the necessary Orders. The Elector of -_Hanover_ (afterwards King of _England_) omitted nothing on his part to -shew his Sorrow for the loss of so dear a Sister. Her Body was laid for -several days upon a sumptuous Bed of State; her Ladies and the Officers of -her Houshold who had waited on her to _Hanover_ encompass’d it, and the -Elector’s Guards and Officers stay’d with the Queen’s Corpse, and pay’d -the same Attendance as if she had been living. When every thing was ready -to carry the Corpse to _Berlin_, the Elector caus’d it to be convey’d by -all his Guards even to the Frontiers of the Duchy of _Zell_, where it was -receiv’d by M. _de Bulau_ the Grand Marshal of the Court, who conducted it -to the Territories of _Brandenburg_; and there it was receiv’d by the -Count _de Witgenstein_, who accompany’d it as far as _Berlin_, where I -remember it arriv’d about ten o’clock at Night in a terrible Shower of -Rain. The King accompany’d by the Prince Royal and the Margraves in long -Mourning-Cloaks and by the Ladies of the Court in deep Mourning-Veils, -receiv’d the Queen’s Corpse at its being taken out of the Funeral-Chariot, -and accompany’d it into the Old Chapel where a magnificent Cataphalque was -erected for depositing it. - -It represented a Temple of an Oval Form, whose Roof was supported by -Pillars of the _Corinthian_ Order, between each of which were plac’d -Statues that represented the Queen’s Vertues. In the middle of the -Cataphalque just in the Upright there was a Glory, in which there was the -Queen’s Cypher form’d by Stars. All the Statues, that were silver’d, added -to the Lustres, Branches and Chandeliers, made a noble Contrast with the -Black that cover’d the Walls and the Roof. There the Queen’s Corpse was -repos’d till every thing was ready for her Interment. I will not here -enter into the detail of that Ceremony, which was one of the most -magnificent. What I observ’d extraordinary in it was, that ’twas the -King’s pleasure that the Parliament of _Orange_, of which the greatest -part were Refugees at Court, should appear there in their Scarlet Robes. - -The Queen’s Death occasion’d no alteration in Affairs; for she meddled -with the Government very little, and left all the care of it to the King -and his Ministers: But in matters of Pleasure she was not so unconcern’d; -and she understood them so well, that she was soon miss’d. The Courtiers -sustain’d a Lose that was irreparable; for this Princess, who knew every -body, was perfectly acquainted with every one’s Birth and Merit, and took -a delight to distinguish them. Being lofty, but at the same time polite, -she knew better than any body in the World what it was to keep a Court; -and being virtuous without meanness, she could tell (which is no easy -matter) how to prescribe just Bounds to that Air of Gallantry, which alone -is capable of rendering a Court agreeable, and preserving Politeness in -it. - -The only Princess capable of supplying her place was the Margravine -_Philippa_, who then held the first Rank at Court. She was the Daughter of -the Prince of _Anhalt-Dessau_, and of the Princess of _Orange_. She was -good-natur’d and merry, and fond of Pleasures, but understood the delicacy -of them. She might sometimes have made us forget the loss of the Queen, if -the austere and perhaps jealous Humor of her Husband the Margrave _Philip_ -had not inclin’d that Prince to prefer his Residence at his House at -_Schwedt_ to the Court. - -Soon after the Queen, died the Emperor _Leopold_; which was an Event that -affected us not so much as the other, but concern’d the rest of _Europe_ -more. It was presently imagin’d that the Views to the Succession of -_Spain_ would have suffer’d some alteration by this Prince’s Death; for -the Emperor _Joseph_ who succeeded his Father having no Son, the Archduke -his Brother who disputed the Crown of _Spain_ with the Duke of _Anjou_ was -his only Heir, and might one day or other by his Death become Master of -the Empire, and of the Dominions of the House of _Austria_. Therefore they -who dreaded to see the two Crowns united upon one Head, had as much and -more reason to fear the Archduke’s making himself Master of _Spain_; the -Duke of _Anjou_ who was already in possession of that Crown, being at -that time very remote from that of _France_, by reason of the great number -of Princes that had a prior Right to his. Nevertheless the Powers of -_Europe_ were not mov’d by these Reflections, and the War was continu’d on -the side of the Allies with considerable Success. - -The King of _Sweden_ might, if he had pleased, have stopp’d the progress -of it, and immortaliz’d his Name by rendring himself the Arbiter of a -Quarrel, which divided _Europe_; for the Prosperity of his Arms had -render’d him the Terror of all the Powers in the North. He had in the Year -1704 depriv’d the Elector of _Saxony_ of the Crown of _Poland_, by causing -King _Stanislaus Leszinski_ the Palatine of _Posen_, to be proclaim’d King -of _Poland_; and he was already in the middle of _Saxony_ where he -committed universal Ravage, and when he might have turn’d the Balance -which way he pleas’d, the wrong Advice of his Favorite, corrupted by my -Lord _Marlborough_, was the cause of the Misfortunes into which that -Prince was afterwards precipitated. - -Our Court has had a sufficient share in these different Events; but -perhaps, _Madame_, ’tis so little known at your’s as to deserve your -Curiosity: but I will only tell you of what I think most important. - -The _Swedes_ and _Poles_ had scarce laid down their Arms when the -Differences between the King of _Denmark_ and the Duke of _Holstein_ gave -them a fresh occasion to take them up again. In the Conferences that were -begun at _Pinneberg_ in 1696, there were hopes that those Princes would -soon be reconcil’d; but they only patch’d up a Peace which could not last -long, because of the Umbrage the King of _Denmark_ took at the Duke of -_Holstein_’s strict Alliance with _Sweden_; and they quarrel’d again about -the limits of their Dominions. The _Danes_ were the Aggressors, and they -demanded a reinforcement of four thousand Men of the King of _Poland_. -This Prince, who naturally took part with those that declar’d against -_Sweden_, was pleas’d well enough with the _Danes_ Demand, and as there -was an absolute necessity of passing those Troops over the Lands of the -King, (at that time Elector) he sent the Count _de Flemming_, now his -Prime Minister, to our Court, in order to sollicite their passage. Of a -great many Arguments that were alledg’d against it, the most specious -were, ‘That the Mediators being still actually employ’d in procuring a -just and equitable Accommodation, it was the duty of a Mediator to hinder -the Rupture, rather than contribute to it by favoring this passage: That -the Court of _Prussia_ was Guarantee for the King of _Sweden_ and the Duke -of _Holstein_, that neither of those two Princes should begin the War -against the King of _Denmark_; and that consequently as War was not -declar’d against that Prince, his _Danish_ Majesty had no need of Foreign -Assistance; and that finally by giving passage to those Troops the Duke of -_Holstein_ would have just reason to accuse the Mediation of Partiality.’ -Nevertheless, after all these fine reasons, the four thousand Men had -their Passage, either from surprise or the connivance of the Court. The -King of _Poland_ on his part, in order to make a considerable Diversion in -favor of the King of _Denmark_, brought Troops from _Livonia_ and besieg’d -_Riga_, which then belong’d to the _Swedes_. This Conduct of the King of -_Poland_, was, Madame, as the fatal Signal and the _Primum Mobile_ of that -tragical War, which tho’ so glorious for the King of _Sweden_ in the -beginning, ended in the ruin not only of his Kingdom, but also of _Poland_ -and _Saxony_. And the greatest Gainer by it was the _Czar_. - -The _Danes_ while they waited for the Succours they had demanded from -_Poland_, besieg’d the Fortress of _Tonningen_ in the Duchy of _Sleswic_. -The King of _Sweden_ and the Duke of _Holstein_, before they oppos’d this -Enterprize, preferr’d their Complaints to the Dyet of the Empire, and then -prepar’d for driving the _Danes_ out of the Country. The Elector of -_Hanover_ and the Duke of _Zell_ join’d those two Princes, and the latter -marching to the Relief of _Tonningen_ had the Honor of obliging the -Besiegers to abandon it, upon the report only of his Approach. This Prince -therefore having nothing to do towards _Tonningen_, went with his Troops -and rejoin’d the Elector of _Hanover_. They met the four thousand Men whom -the King of _Poland_ was sending to the Assistance of the _Danes_, but -only took their Baggage and Arms, and then left them at liberty to return -home. - -The King of _Sweden_, on his part, push’d on the War against the _Poles_. -That great Prince whom extraordinary Undertakings never startled, having -already ravag’d a part of _Poland_, design’d a bold stroke, which was no -less than dethroning the lawful King of that Country, and setting up -another in his room. He had cast his eyes upon _James_ of _Poland_, Son of -King _John Sobieski_; but the King of _Poland_ parry’d this blow, by -causing the Prince _James_ and his Brother Prince _Constantine_, to be -carried away from an Estate of theirs near _Breslau_ to _Saxony_, where -they were strictly guarded like Prisoners at the Castle of _Leipsic_. The -Confinement of these Princes did indeed hinder either of them from being -elected King; but the King of _Sweden_ still persisted in his design of -dethroning the King of _Poland_, on purpose to be reveng’d of that Prince -for being so rash as to be the first that declar’d War against him. He -caused the Election to fall upon _Stanislaus Leczinski_ the Palatine of -_Posen_. The Bishop of _Posen_ officiated as Cardinal Primate in this -Ceremony, and proclaim’d the new King. The King of _Sweden_ wrote to all -the Princes with whom he was at peace, to acquaint them of this new -Election, and to exhort them to recognize it. The Letter he wrote to our -King had no Influence over him; for he made answer, that he had recogniz’d -one King of _Poland_ already, and that as long as he liv’d he would -acknowledge no other. He wrote at the same time to the King of _Poland_, -to demand the Liberty of the two Princes. The Emperor, to whom the eldest -had the Honour of being Brother-in-law, seconded the King’s Demand; but -the Solicitations of both had no consequence, and the Princes were not -releas’d till a long time after. - -The following Year the King undertook to procure a Peace between the Kings -of _Sweden_ and _Poland_; but as the view of such Reconciliation was to -re-establish the Prince of _Saxony_ upon the Throne of _Poland_, the King -of _Sweden_ would hearken to no Proposal of Peace, unless the dethron’d -King would solemnly renounce the Crown. Mean time his _Swedish_ Majesty, -in order to mollify his Refusal of the King’s Mediation, sent an -Ambassador-Extraordinary to him to recognize him as King of _Prussia_. -This Ambassador was the first that ever made a public Entry at _Berlin_, -and ’twas one of the most splendid that cou’d be, tho’ all the Equipages -were in Mourning by reason of the Death of the Queen. - -Thus did this crafty King, by amusing those he had a mind to keep fair -with, always push at his own ends. He continu’d to ravage _Poland_, and -drove the King from thence into his Electorate of _Saxony_. There the -_Swedish_ Soldiers took up their Winter-Quarters, and committed such -Outrages as one would not have expected from a Nation so fruitful in -Heroes. The _Swedish_ Prince signaliz’d his Entrance into _Saxony_ by a -glorious Action, which was procuring the Liberty of the two _Polish_ -Princes, who had for two Years been detain’d Prisoners with very great -Severity and as little Reason. He afterwards march’d through all _Saxony_ -with the haughtiness of a Conqueror who comes to prescribe Laws to those -whom he has reduc’d to his Obedience. As for King _Stanislaus_ whom he had -caus’d to be crown’d King of _Poland_ at _Warsaw_, he led him about, with -him as it were in Triumph. As this new King advanc’d towards the -Territories of the Electorate of _Brandenburg_, to meet the Queen his Wife -who was coming from _Stetin_, our Court caus’d all the Honours to be paid -to him that were due to the Royal Dignity, without recognizing him all the -while for King. This Complaisance of our Court won the King of _Sweden_’s -Heart. Mean time the Neighbourhood of this great Monarch, who, where-ever -he march’d, carried Fire and Sword with him, gave vast uneasiness, and the -Joy was as great when he manifested a Design to turn his Arms against the -_Muscovites_, which he was put upon to do by the _English_. They had for -some time past suspected him to be supported under-hand by _France_, and -they thought the best way to embroil him with that Crown was to engage him -in a War with the _Czar_. The Person commission’d to negociate this Affair -was my Lord _Marlborough_, who went to the King of _Sweden_, and soon put -his Negociation in a hopeful way to succeed. He found about the King a -Minister so sordid, that he was not proof against an Offer of three -hundred thousand Crowns, to betray his Master into a War which could not -but be fatal to him; whereas, if he had pleas’d, he might have acquir’d -immortal Glory in the midst of _Saxony_, by rendring himself the Umpire of -two of the most potent Families in _Europe_, then contending for the Crown -of _Spain_. This Minister knowing his Master’s ambitious Temper, propos’d -no less to him than dethroning the _Czar_. The young Monarch full of Zeal -and Courage did not imagine how impossible it was to dethrone a Prince who -was retir’d behind Provinces quite deserted, and where the Snow lay so -deep that ’twas difficult to distinguish whether they walk’d upon Land or -Rivers. He march’d out of the Electorate of _Saxony_ at the Head of his -Troops about the end of the Year 1707. Never had People juster Reasons for -giving public Marks of their Joy, than the _Saxons_ had to see the -_Swedish_ Monarch turn his Back to them. His Troops had committed -excessive Outrages in the Electorate; all the flat Country of _Saxony_ was -intirely ruin’d, and, except some great Towns such as _Leipsic_, where -they generously enough spent part of the Money they had extorted from the -poor _Saxon_ Peasant, there was not a Hamlet but was laid waste to such a -degree, that there were no hopes of its being restor’d to its original -Condition one while. - -Yet if the Misfortunes of an Enemy can in any measure compensate the -Losses he has occasion’d, the _Saxons_ had all the reason in the World to -be pleas’d in the Sequel. The _Swedish_ Troops gave way every where to the -_Muscovites_, who flush’d with former Victories, beat them to nothing. - -The greatest Loss the King of _Sweden_ sustain’d was near _Pultowa_. This -Prince, who was more ambitious than prudent, being got too far into -_Muscovy_, did not perceive his error till it was too late to retrieve it. -The _Czar_ had the Precaution, as he retir’d a little before into his own -Dominions, to burn above forty Leagues of Country thro’ which the King of -_Sweden_ was to pass to him; so that this Prince soon found himself in a -very sad situation, not being able to stay in a place where there was no -manner of Provision, and forc’d to engage with an Army well intrench’d and -far superior to his own. But there was no avoiding it, and a Battle was -fought the 8th of _July_ 1709, when the _Swedes_ were all either cut in -pieces or taken Prisoners by the _Muscovites_. The King who was oblig’d by -a Wound in his Heel to be carry’d in a Litter had like to have been -kill’d, for one Cannon-Ball kill’d one of his Horses, and a second -demolish’d his Litter. The whole Army was in pain for the King’s Life; but -the Officers who were near his Person snatch’d him out of danger, and -advis’d him to provide for his safety. This Prince was very loth to comply -with such a resolution, but finding himself oblig’d to yield to Force, -retir’d to _Bender_, a little Town at the entrance of _Moldavia_, which -belongs to the _Turkish_ Empire. The King of _Sweden_ was no sooner safe, -but the Remains of his Army with their Generals at their head submitted -to the Conqueror. This, Madame, was the Success of the Battle of -_Pultowa_; a Battle glorious to the _Muscovites_, but so fatal to the King -of _Sweden_ that he could never recover it: For after this Defeat this -young Hero was always expos’d to the most cruel Reverses of that very -Fortune, which in his early Years seem’d to delight in heaping Favors on -him. - -Mean time the two Families in competition for the Crown of _Spain_ had not -yet sheath’d their Swords. The King of _Sweden_ was even yet in the -Electorate of _Saxony_ when the _French_ lost the famous Battle of -_Ramellies_, which procur’d the Allies the greatest part of the _Spanish -Netherlands_. The Troops in _Italy_ also distinguish’d themselves, and -particularly the _Prussians_, who had so great a share in the raising of -the Siege of _Turin_, that the Duke of _Savoy_ wrote a Letter to the King, -in which he extolled the Valor of the _Prussian_ Generals and Soldiers. -“Yesterday, _said he_, the Enemy’s Army was intirely put to the rout in -their own Lines before this place (_Turin_), in which your Majesty’s -Troops had the greatest share, and I can never enough commend their -Bravery, nor the notable Valour of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who led them -on, _&c._†This Letter was dated the 8th of _September_, 1706. - -The Prince of _Anhalt_ too sent an Express with the same News to the King, -and gave a great Character of the Troops under his Command. “As your -Majesty’s Troops, _said he, in his Letter_, were the first that enter’d -the Enemy’s Trenches, so they have suffer’d very much, and especially the -Grenadiers. I may say that your Majesty’s Forces have behav’d so well, -that they are intitled to universal Praise and Admiration, _&c_.†Then he -enter’d into the Detail of the Losses sustain’d by the _French_, which -were indeed very considerable. ’Twas upon this occasion that the Marshal -_de Marsin_ was wounded and taken Prisoner, and besides forty-five Pieces -of heavy Cannon and one hundred and forty lesser that were taken from -them, they lost a great Convoy of two thousand Mules and one thousand -Horses, which was guarded by the Regiment of Dragoons of _Chatillon_. - -The raising of this Siege, and the Reputation the _Prussian_ Troops -thereby acquired was very acceptable News to the King, and while the Court -was rejoicing for this, there arriv’d other Advices which gave them no -less pleasure; and that was the raising of the Siege of _Barcelona_. This -City had been besieg’d for some time by the Marshal _de Tesse_; but King -_Charles_ who defended it made so stout a Resistance and such destructive -Sallies upon the _French_ Army, that the latter was oblig’d to retire. The -King was inform’d of it by an Express from King _Charles_. - -So many Successes one after another rais’d the hopes of the Allies -prodigiously. The Terror the _French_ Arms had for a long time impress’d -upon their Minds soon wore off, and nothing was heard every where but -shouts of Joy, to see so haughty a Nation at last humbled. Our Court was -more rejoic’d than any other at this great News, and every one envy’d the -Fortune of the _Prussian_ Soldiers, when they saw that the Duke of _Savoy_ -and the Prince of _Anhalt_ themselves, gave them the highest Encomia. - -At this happy Juncture was celebrated the Marriage of the Prince Royal, -which had been concluded at _Hanover_, a Journey the King made thither -with the Prince his Son. This young Prince had for a long time such a -veneration for the Princess the Elector’s Daughter, as ’twas possible for -the most accomplish’d Merit to inspire him with, and of all the Princesses -in the World she was like to be the most acceptable to her Subjects; she -represented to us the Idea of the late Queen, and as she was her Niece and -design’d to succeed to her Dominions, she seem’d also to have inherited -all the great Qualities that made the former ador’d at our Court. The -Electoral Prince of _Hanover_ married her at _Hanover_ by Proxy, in -presence of the Count _de Finck_ the King’s Ambassador. The Princess set -out from thence some days after with a Train becoming her present and her -future Dignity. The Elector her Father had given her the most magnificent -Suits of Apparel and Jewels that could be got for Money, and they were -purchas’d at _Paris_ by a Man sent on purpose. The Duchess of _Orleans_ -was desirous to chuse and give Directions for the Clothes, and she -afterwards shewed them to _Lewis_ XIV. who thought them so rich that he -said it were to be wish’d for the sake of the Mercers of _Paris_, that -there were more Princesses that could afford to make such Purchases. - -’Twas _Novemb. 27, 1706_, that this Princess made her public Entry at -_Berlin_. The King met her about half a League out of Town. As soon as her -Royal Highness perceiv’d the King’s Coach she alighted, as the King did -also from his and went to meet her. After having embraced the Princess he -presented the Prince Royal to her, together with his Brothers and the two -Princesses. Then the King took Coach again, where the Princess plac’d -herself on the King’s left hand; and the two Margraves sate over-against -them; the Prince-Royal and the King’s three Brothers being mounted on -Horseback. The Entry was one of the most magnificent that was ever seen. -All the Troops then at _Berlin_ were under Arms, as well as all the -City-Militia, and drawn up in a Line from the Out-parts of the Town quite -to the Palace. The next day after the Princess’s Arrival, there was a -sumptuous Feast, at which the Prince Royal and the Princess had -Arm-Chairs, but for that day only; for the next day their Royal Hignesses -sate in upright Chairs at the two ends of the Table. - -Our Court was then as splendid as in the time of the late Queen. There was -a continual Round of Pleasures, and every day was remarkable for Feasts, -Balls, Comedies, _&c._ These Rejoicings had lasted a good while, when all -on a sudden we had a most terrible Alarm. The King fell dangerously ill, -and his Physicians began to despair of his Recovery. But God, who always -considers the Wants of his People, did us the favor to restore him to us -for a while longer. Upon his Recovery he receiv’d the Compliments of the -whole Court, and the Congratulations of the Princes his Allies, who -acknowledg’d as well as his Subjects how necessary his Preservation was to -the Common Cause. - -Not long after the King’s Recovery, I saw the young Count _de Metternich_ -arrive at _Berlin_, who came to bring the King Advice, That the _Swissers_ -had at length recogniz’d his Majesty for Sovereign Prince of _Neufchâtel_, -preferably to the other Princes his Competitors. The Count _de -Metternich_, who was the King’s Ambassador in _Swisserland_, had the good -Fortune to carry this Point, notwithstanding the Menaces of _France_, who -asserted the Interests of several of her Subjects, at the Head of whom was -the Prince of _Conti_. Madame _de Nemours_, the Sovereign of _Neufchâtel_, -was no sooner dead, but each of the Claimants put in their Plea of Right -to this Sovereignty. As soon as the News of her Death was confirm’d, the -King sent Orders to M. _de Metternich_, his Ambassador-Extraordinary and -his Plenipotentiary in _Swisserland_, to repair to _Neufchâtel_ and take -care of his Interests. He went thither accordingly on the 30th of _June_, -and caus’d a Memorial to be distributed at his Arrival, containing the -King’s Right to the said Principality. The _French_ Competitors on their -part distributed another, to establish their own Rights, and invalidate -the Pretensions of the King. There happen’d to be Disputes between the -Prince of _Conti_ and the _Prussian_ Ambassador about Precedency. M. _de -Puisieux_ the Ambassador of _France_, as it was his Duty to do, maintain’d -the Interests of the Prince of _Conti_, and presented to the Council of -_Neufchâtel_ a Memorial so haughty and menacing, as if it had come from -victorious _France_ in the Time when she was flush’d with Conquests. He -said in this Memorial, “That the King his Master cannot look with -Indifference upon the Conduct at _Neufchâtel_, in presuming to be so -disrespectful to the Princes of his Family; that it wou’d be the wisest -way for the Gentlemen of the Council speedily to take Measures to prevent -this Pretension of the _Prussian_ Minister from being carried any further, -a Pretension, _said he_, which has no Foundation, but in Malice or -Ignorance; because even tho’ the new Title, which the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ has assum’d for some years, were universally recogniz’d, yet -this very Pretension of his Ambassador’s would be always chimerical.†Here -M. _de Puisieux_ gave them Warning, “That if they did not soon alter their -Conduct, the King of _France_ wou’d take Measures very opposite to the -pacific and kind Sentiments which he had entertain’d since the Affair of -_Neufchâtel_ was first in agitation.†Such, _Madame_, was the Strain in -which the _French_ Minister talk’d. This Memorial was follow’d by several -others, which went to the very bottom of the Affair; and M. _de Puisieux_, -in order to engage the Council of _Neufchâtel_ to favour the _French_ -Claimants, still continued to talk in such a high Stile, as prejudiced -every body against the Side that he espous’d. You may judge of this -Ambassador’s manner of Negociation, by the last Memorial which he -presented towards the close of _October_ 1707. After having establish’d -the Right of the _French_ Competitors with continual Invectives, he -concluded thus; _If it happens contrary to my Expectation, that your -Answer is not conformable to what I demand,--I have fresh Orders from his -Majesty to assure you, that nothing will be capable to hinder the Effects -of his Indignation, or to screen you from that just Vengeance which he -proposes to take._ Then, as if he affected to speak in a softer Strain, he -said to them with an Air of Protection, “That he hop’d while he staid at -_Neufchâtel_, to find favourable Inclinations for the entire Performance -of what he wish’d for.†_’Tis the only thing you can do (+these are the -last Words of his Memorial+) to merit the Continuance of his Majesty’s -Good-will. I wish for my own part, that you wou’d furnish me with -Opportunities to help maintain you in it._ But all these Menaces of the -_French_ Ambassador came to nothing, and only procur’d him sharp Answers -from the Ambassadors of _Prussia_, _England_, and _Holland_; for things -went on in the same Course in the Council of _Neufchâtel_, and the whole -Affair was determined to the Satisfaction of the King, who was proclaim’d -Sovereign thereof on the 3d of _November_ 1707. - -As soon as the King had been recogniz’d in that Sovereignty, the Count _de -Metternich_ sent his Son to his Majesty with the Sentence of the three -Estates, declaring the King lawful Heir of the said Principality, by -_Louisa_ of _Nassau_ his Mother, the eldest Daughter of Prince -_Frederic-Henry_, Son of _William_ of _Nassau_ call’d the _Belgic_, to -whom there had been a Transfer of the Rights of the House of _Chalons_, to -which the Sovereignty and Domaine of _Neufchâtel_ originally belong’d. - -The News of the Acquisition of this Sovereignty cou’d not but be very -acceptable to the King, who gave the young Count a most favorable -Reception, made him noble Presents, and amongst others, gave him the Key -of Chamberlain. - -Not many days after, _viz. Nov_. 23, 1707, the Court had a fresh Subject -of Joy, by the Princess Royal’s safe Delivery of a Prince, whom the King -immediately declared Prince of _Orange_, and made him at the same time a -Knight of the Grand Order. His Majesty after this dispatch’d Couriers to -his Ambassadors at the Courts of the Princes his Allies to acquaint them -of the Birth of his Grandson. M. _de Spanheim_ the Ambassador in _England_ -received Orders to desire the Queen to be God-mother to the young -Prince;, and M. _de Schmettau_ Ambassador in _Holland_, and M. _de -Metternich_ Ambassador in _Swisserland_, were charged to invite the States -with whom they resided to be God-fathers. Besides these Powers, the King -and the Elector of _Hanover_ were God-fathers, and the Electoress of -_Hanover_ was God-mother. The Baptism was performed with great -Magnificence on the 3d of _December_ in the Church of the _Dome_. The Joy -at Court for the Birth of this Prince was of no long Duration; for in a -few Months after, he died: but the Sorrow for the Loss of him was -alleviated, by the Hopes that the Prince Royal had Youth and Health enough -to give us soon more Heirs. The Incident that was most alarming, was the -weakly Condition of the King, who recover’d but slowly from his Grand -Ailment; so that his Physicians advis’d him to make use of the Waters -of_Carlsbadt_ in _Bohemia_; and at the beginning of the fine Season, his -Majesty went thither accordingly. - -The King’s Departure being resolv’d on, I begg’d his Majesty’s leave, to -make the Campaign in _Flanders_ in quality of a Voluntier. I set out from -_Berlin_ with the _Gens d’Arms_, in which my Brother was a Cornet, and we -join’d the Army near _Louvain_. The Count _de Lottum_ receiv’d me as a -Voluntier; and I had the Pleasure to be near him all the Campaign. Not -many days after I had reached the Army, the Electoral Prince of _Hanover_, -(now _George_ II. King of _England_) arrived in the Camp of my Lord -_Marlborough_, and did that General the Honor to serve with him as a -Voluntier. The young Prince distinguish’d himself very much in this -Campaign, and gave the _English_ sufficient Proof that he was worthy -hereafter of wearing their Crown. ’Twas in this Campaign that the famous -Battel of _Audenarde_ was fought, in which the _French_ were again obliged -to yield to the Efforts of the Allies. It must be said however, in their -favor, that they were forc’d to fight without Artillery; for they had but -four Pieces of Cannon, the rest of their Ordnance and Baggage not being -yet arriv’d. The Action was very hot on both sides; they fought for -several Hours with exceeding Obstinacy, and always with a considerable -Loss on the part of the Enemy; whose Infantry was not only put to the -rout, but a great many Squadrons of the _French_ King’s Houshold Troops; -which advanc’d to support the Foot; were cut in pieces; whereupon the -Confusion was so great, and the fire so furious in several places at once, -that ’twas almost impossible to distinguish the Allies from the Enemy; -therefore Orders were given to fire no more till next Morning, but to let -the Enemy escape, rather than run the risque of putting our own Army in -confusion. - -The Night being come, the _French_ scarce made any more Resistance but -retir’d by the way that goes from _Audenarde_ to _Ghent_, thro’ the -Village of _Heusden_. This very Evening as I was standing with some -Officers of the Guards, at a small distance from the _Prussian_ Guards, I -perceiv’d a Trooper riding full speed towards us, who, when he arriv’d -said, _Gentlemen, the Duke_ de Vendosme _orders you to retire towards_ -Ghent. I cannot express to you how much he was surpriz’d when we told him -for Answer, That he was a Prisoner. _Kill me_, said he, _upon the spot, I -don’t desire to out-live what has happened to me_. We comforted him as -well as we cou’d, and carried him to the Count _de Lottum_’s Quarters, to -whom he made himself known for M. _Duplanti_, Aid de Camp to the Duke _de -Vendosme_. What led him into the mistake was the Habit of the _Prussian_ -Guards, which is not very different from that of the _French_. - -The Battle of _Audenarde_ was the more glorious for the Allies, because it -was a Victory gain’d over the Duke of _Burgundy_ who commanded the Army of -_France_, and had with him the Duke of _Berry_ his Brother, and the -Chevalier _de St. George_; but they say this Battle was quite against the -Opinion of the Duke _de Vendosme_, whose Advice was not hearken’d to, and -the Cabals which the Duke of _Burgundy_ gave into, hinder’d the Designs of -that famous General from being follow’d, and were the Cause of the Loss of -the Battle. - -Next day about ten o’clock at Night the Count _de Lottum_ was detach’d -from the Grand Army with forty Squadrons and thirty Battalions, and -without any Resistance took possession, of the Lines towards _Ypres_, -which were immediately demolish’d. The 19th of that Month was celebrated -by the Army as a Day of Thanksgiving for the Victory they had gain’d; upon -which all the Cannon were fir’d, and there was a triple Salvo of all the -small Arms. - -On the 26th, my Lord _Marlborough_, who only waited for a Convoy of the -heavy Artillery to begin the Siege of _Lisle_, sent a Detachment to -_Brussels_, where there was a considerable Train, which came partly from -_Sas van Ghent_ and _Maestricht_. This March was cover’d by 22,000 Men of -Prince _Eugene_’s Army, which he himself commanded in Person. This great -Convoy arriving safe before _Lisle_, the Town was invested the 13th of -_August_. As it was one of the most considerable Sieges that had been -undertaken for a long time; and as ’twas natural to expect a vigorous -Resistance, on the part of the Marshal _de Boufflers_ who commanded in the -Place, there came Voluntiers from all Quarters to the Camp of the -Besiegers. Two great Princes, both able Generals, thought fit to be -present at this Siege, _viz._ the King of _Poland_ and the Landgrave of -_Hesse-Cassel_, who were at the opening of the Trenches, which was on the -22d at Night. - -Some Days after, the Enemy approach’d so near to us, that it was believed -they had an Inclination to engage. Our Generals were therefore at the head -of the Army as soon as the Day broke. Prince _Eugene_ join’d my Lord -_Marlborough_ with twenty-six Battalions and seventy-six Squadrons of his -Army which form’d the Siege; and the Army being drawn up in three Lines, -of which the two foremost consisted of the Cavalry; they remain’d in this -Posture till about ten o’ clock in the Forenoon, when ’twas visible that -the Enemy had no mind to come to a Battle, and that they only meant to -disturb us; for which Reason the Generals caus’d Entrenchments to be cast -up, which were finish’d next Day, and the Detachment which Prince _Eugene_ -brought, was sent back again, excepting some Squadrons that staid. - -There was then so little Apprehension of an Attack, that most of the -Generals quitted the Grand Army to assist in the storming of the -Counterscarp, which happen’d on the 5th of _September_ at Night. Our Men -earned it, tho’ with very great Loss on our side, and made Lodgments on -it. When this Attack was over, we set out to return to the Grand Army; -but to our misfortune the Guide that had conducted us, was run away; and -as it was not then more than one or two o’clock in the Morning, we were in -a very great Perplexity, and fell exactly into the Road that led to the -Centre of the Enemy’s Camp. I was on horseback, perhaps a hundred Yards -from the Count _de Lottum_ who was in his Coach, when all on a sudden I -heard some body call out, _Who goes there?_ I confess to you, _Madame_ -that I was somewhat surpriz’d, but I comforted my self with the Thought, -that it was perhaps a Centinel of some _Walloon_ Regiment of the _Spanish_ -Troops, so that I answer’d, _Officers_. We were got in the midst of Hedges -and Trees, which hinder’d me of the Benefit of a little Moonlight, by -which I might perhaps have discover’d with whom we had to do; and -therefore I still went on: but I was no sooner out of the Thicket, than I -found my self near enough to a Body of Horse, to discern that ’twas -impossible it shou’d belong to us, because it was too near the Place, and -because it fronted us. I presently saw our Danger; I turn’d back as gently -as I cou’d possibly to the Count _de Lottum_, and told him what I had -observ’d. M. _de K----_ his first Adjutant call’d me a Simpleton. _Kraut_ -the second Adjutant treated me in much the same Stile; and in short I had -like to have been dismissed for a Fool; only the Count _de Lottum_ thought -it was Wisdom to run no hazard, and therefore he order’d his Coachman to -turn about, and the Officer of the Ordnance was detach’d to see whether I -was mistaken. The Truth of the Fact being by him confirm’d, the Adjutants -were almost frighten’d out of their Wits, made a thousand Apologies, and -promis’d to make me any sort of amends, if we were but so fortunate as to -escape the Danger which threaten’d us. At last we were delivered out of -it, I don’t well know how; for had the Enemy advanc’d ever so little, we -were sure of being left dead on the Spot. - -Thus, _Madame_, have I given you what pass’d most remarkable since the -Storm of the Counterscarp. On the 11th, some Motion was made on the part -of the Enemy, who even advanc’d almost up to our Trenches; but we were in -a Posture to receive them. Their Army lay all Night under Arms, and next -Morning at Daybreak drew up in Order of Battle, but contrary to our -Expectation nothing came of it; for the Princes of _France_, the Chevalier -_de St. George_, the Duke _de Vendosme_, and several General Officers -contented themselves with taking a View of our Camp; but as they advanc’d -somewhat too near to our Intrenchments, we were oblig’d to be a little -rude to such great Princes, and to let fly some Cannon-Ball among them, -whereupon they thought fit to retire. - -My Lord Duke heard the same Day, that M. _de Chamillard_, Secretary at -War, was arriv’d from _Versailles_ in the Army of _France_, to be present -at a Council which was to be held there. It was therein resolv’d, That we -should not be attack’d, and that their only Business should be to cut off -our Convoys from _Brussels_. To execute this Project they posted -themselves behind the _Scheld_, from whence they indeed did very much -incommode us. We had no Passage left now but from _Ostend_, by which -General _Webb_ brought us a considerable Convoy. M. _de la Motte_, a -Lieutenant-General of the _French_ Army endeavor’d to hinder its Passage; -he had also the Advantage of the Ground. Nevertheless he was defeated near -_Wynendale_. To this Convoy may be ascrib’d the Conquest of _Lisle_, -which was at length oblig’d to surrender on the 28th of _October_, and the -Marshal _de Boufflers_ retir’d into the Citadel; yet as brave as the -Garison was that march’d into it with him, he could not hold it out long. -Thus the Allies gain’d some considerable Advantage or other every day. -Never did they make a more glorious Campaign; for besides the taking of -_Lisle_ and its Citadel, they had also the Glory in this same Campaign of -raising the Siege which the Elector of _Bavaria_ had laid to _Brussels_, -and of reducing _Ghent_ and _Bruges_. - -I forgot to tell you, that during the Siege of _Lisle_, we had like to -have lost Prince _Eugene_. This Prince receiv’d a Packet one day by the -Post, and having broke it open, he saw a greasy Paper, which gave him a -mistrust; but he only threw it upon the Ground, and a Person that gathered -it up being taken ill, it induc’d them to make an Experiment upon a Dog, -which when they had rubb’d it about his Nose, died that Instant. Thus was -God pleas’d to preserve this Hero from the basest of Treasons. - -I wish’d I could have been at the taking of _Lisle_, but was oblig’d to -quit the Army some time before, M. _Dankelman_ my Tutor having receiv’d -the King’s Orders to send me to _Berlin_, where his Majesty design’d to -give me a Place at Court; and as he had Thoughts of marrying again, he -propos’d to prefer me to an Employment under the new Queen. - -The King’s Marriage was talk’d of at the Waters of _Carelsbadt_. I have -had the honor to acquaint you, _Madame_, that the Physicians not knowing -what Remedy to prescribe, for curing him of the Faintness, which was the -Relic of his great illness in 1707, had at all adventures order’d the -Waters of _Carelsbadt_, and the King was perfectly recover’d by them. The -Recovery of his Health reviv’d the Pleasures of the Court. The voluptuous -Courtier, who had not yet forgot what the Presence of an amiable Queen is -capable of doing, began to form Vows, that the King might make a Choice as -good as the first: nay, the matter was carried farther; it was mention’d -to his Majesty, who was told withal, that nothing was more necessary, than -to think immediately of a second Marriage; and that the Prince Royal -having no Children, there was Danger of his Majesty’s leaving no Issue. In -short, every body voted so heartily for a Marriage, that the King, who -also was desirous of it, declar’d he wou’d marry again. The only -difficulty was to know, who should be the Princess that was to be advanc’d -to the Throne; and then arose several Parties, who had each very different -Views. - -The Great Chamberlain was for the Princess of _Nassau-Friesland_, a -Marriage with whom, he imagin’d, would put an end to all the Disputes -about King _William_’s Succession. The King approv’d of the Proposal, and -sent the Baron _de Schalifer_ to negociate the Treaty. You would not -believe perhaps, _Madame_, that the very Mother of this Princess caus’d it -to miscarry, from a Jealousy of her Daughter’s Grandeur. Her Pretext was, -that she had before vainly flatter’d herself with the Hopes of marrying -her Daughter to the Prince Royal; that she had been bubbled then; and that -it would be the same thing now. The Assurances that the Baron gave her to -the contrary, and the Advantages he shew’d her would accrue to her Family -from this Match, were all to no purpose; she remain’d inflexible; and -told him in plain Terms, that she could not bear to think of seeing her -Daughter so much above her. The Baron having made some other Attempts, -this jealous Mother prevail’d on her Daughter to refuse the greatest Offer -she could ever hope for. A great many of the Courtiers were not sorry to -see this Match broke off. They had been jealous for a long time of the -great Credit of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who being Uncle to the Princess in -question, ’twas natural to presume, that she would grow more powerful than -before, besides the being more united than ever to the Great Chamberlain, -to whom the Prince would be oblig’d for this Marriage. - -Then the Princess of _Hesse_ was propos’d, and the Princess of _Culmbach_. -The former had the Negative put upon her the very Moment that she was -mention’d, and that by the King himself. The latter was known to the King, -who had seen her at _Hall_, as he return’d from _Carelsbadt_. His Majesty -thought very well of her, and had even seem’d inclinable to determine in -her favor, when, opposite Cabals were set at work, which quite frustrated -the Proposal. - -The Duchess of _Zeitz_, the King’s Sister, who married a Duke of -_Meckelbourg_ to her first Husband, proposed the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ -to the King. His Majesty, who had still perhaps the Princess of _Culmbach_ -in his Thoughts, did not seem at first to relish this Proposal; -nevertheless upon the Instances made to him by the Duchess his Sister, he -promised her to see the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ before he determin’d in -favor of any other Person. This he did accordingly, some time after he -return’d to _Berlin_, when he went to _Schwerin_, the Capital City of -_Meckelbourg_, on pretence of endeavoring to accommodate the Differences -between the Duke and the Nobility. There it was that the King saw the -Princess; she pleas’d him, and besides he had heard so much in her Praise, -that at length he determin’d to have her; and as soon as he return’d to -_Oranienbourg_, he declared his Marriage. - -This News did not create so much Joy at our Court as I imagin’d it wou’d; -and the Courtiers began to reflect seriously, upon what they had seem’d to -wish for with Impatience. They call’d to mind the Time of the late Queen. -Moreover, the Age and Health of the Prince and Princess Royal gave them -ground enough to hope, that the _Brandenburg_ Family would not want Heirs. -In fine, the Character of Mother-in-law, ever hated, gave Apprehension -that there wou’d soon be a Division in the Royal Family. For my own part, -I verily believe, _Madame_, that what most of all disgusted the Courtiers, -in the Choice which the King had now made, was, that the Queen was a -devout Lady, a Quality not very likely to make that Air of Gallantry -prevail at Court, which captivates the Heart of the Courtier. - -The King had no sooner declar’d his Intention to marry again, but there -was a Multitude of Sollicitors to be of the Queen’s Houshold. One -_Bassompierre_ put himself upon the List, and he desir’d the King wou’d -make him the Queen’s Chamberlain. The King made him answer, that he would -put no Officers about the Queen, except such as should be agreeable to -her; but that he would favor him so far, as to put him in the number of -those that shou’d be propos’d to the Queen as soon as she arriv’d. -_Bassompierre_ thought that by making previous Application to the Queen, -he should not fail of being admitted, and therefore he set out Post to -meet her. He told her Majesty that the King had sent him to be her -Chamberlain. The Queen believ’d him, admitted him in that quality, and -also gave him a Letter to carry to the King, with which he return’d to -_Berlin_. He told the King, that the Queen had appointed him her -Chamberlain. His Majesty easily imagin’d that the Queen had been -surpriz’d; and being justly angry with _Bassompierre_, forbad him the -Court. This _Bassompierre_ had a Brother who came to _Berlin_ the same -time as he did: These two Gentlemen said they were of that honest Family -of _Bassompierre_, of which there are some still in _Lorrain_: And by that -Name they went, _Anno_ 1707, in the Army in _Flanders_. The eldest said he -had been a Colonel in _France_, and that his Brother was a Captain in the -same Regiment. They pretended that they left their Country, the eldest for -having fought a Duel, and the youngest for being his Second. The King had -receiv’d them kindly, and given them Pensions, with a Promise to prefer -them to the Army the first Opportunity that should offer. These two -Brothers were at Court in a very agreeable Situation, and wou’d, no doubt, -have long enjoy’d it, when the eldest attempted to be the Queen’s -Chamberlain; in which perhaps too he would have succeeded, if his -Eagerness for it had not made him take that Step, by which he incurr’d his -Majesty’s Indignation. He was very much astonish’d at the Order which was -signify’d to him, not to be seen any more at Court; and at length fearing -he shou’d be found out to be what he really was, he retir’d, and went with -his Brother to _Saxony_, where they were both admitted into the King of -_Poland_’s Horse-Guards; but they did not enjoy that Shelter long: for the -Electoress of _Hanover_ having heard of their Intrigue at _Berlin_, wrote -to a great Lady in _France_, and desir’d her to inform her who those -_Bassompierres_ were. The Lady, who knew nothing at all of ’em, naturally -mistrusted that they were Fortune-Hunters; but for better Information she -enquir’d of M. _d’Argenson_, Lieutenant of the Police, who upon the -Description given him of those Gentlemen, discover’d they were a couple of -Sparks, whose Duel of Honor wou’d have been rewarded with the Brand of the -_Flower de Lis_ and the Galleys, if they could have been apprehended in -_France_. Upon this Discovery Messieurs _de Bassompierre_ were banish’d -out of _Poland_, and what became of them afterwards I cannot tell. - -Mean time all the necessary Preparations were making at _Berlin_ for the -Reception of the Queen, who was preparing on her part for her public -Entry. The Duke of _Meckelbourg_ married the Princess his Sister by Proxy -from the King. Next day the new Queen set out from _Schwerin_, in company -with the Duchess her Mother, the Duke her Brother, and the Duchess of -_Meckelbourg_ her Sister-in law. This Train went with her to the very -Frontier of _Meckelbourg_, which borders upon the Electorate of -_Brandenburg_, and there the Queen found M. _d’Erlach_, Marshal of the -Court, who receiv’d her in the King’s Name, and offer’d her his House. -This Princess, after having taken leave of her Family, took Coach and -arriv’d at _Oranienburg_ the 24th of _November_. The King went and met her -about half a League from that House. As soon as she perceiv’d his Majesty, -she alighted out of her Coach and fell on her Knees. The King took her up -and embrac’d her, and after presenting the whole Royal Family to her they -went to the Castle. The King conducted the Queen to her Apartment, where -she always eat alone, to the very Day of the Celebration of the Marriage. -The 27th she made her Entry at _Berlin_, where she was receiv’d with all -possible Magnificence, and next Day their Majesties were married in the -Church of the _Dome_. The 29th, the King and Queen receiv’d the -Compliments of all the Deputies, Courts of Justice and Foreign Ministers; -and on the same day there was a great Entertainment which their Majesties -honor’d with their Presence. I was not willing, _Madame_, to tire you with -a tedious Detail of all the Ceremonies: I have already had the Honor to -acquaint you, that the King spar’d for nothing that might contribute to -the Magnificence of the Feast, which lasted several days, and was more -sumptuous every day than other. What I thought remarkable, was a Battle of -wild Beasts, at which their Majesties were present on the 17th of -_December_, when the Queen kill’d a Bear from her Gallery, with a shot -from a Hand-Gun. - -The Arrival of the new Queen created no great Change at Court, and except -the first Rank which she had of the Ladies every thing continued in the -same state. The Princess-Royal kept her Court at her own Lodgings twice a -Week, that is to say, on those Days when there was no Circle at the -Queen’s; for upon the Drawing-Room Days she went to her Majesty’s -Apartment, as did most of the Princesses, and they stay’d there to sup. -Her Majesty likewise granted the same Honor to several other Ladies, to -whom she gave an Invitation by a Gentleman when they were in the Circle. - -’Twas at the time of the King’s Marriage that I lost my Father-in-law: I -was very much concern’d for his Death, especially on account of the -Trouble it gave my Mother, who could never get over it as long as she -liv’d. The very day that the News of it was brought to me, the King -declar’d me a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. I have had the Honor to tell -you, _Madame_, that I was taken out of the Army in hopes of being plac’d -near the Queen, but when I came to Court I found all her Houshold settled, -and my Name not in the List. I spoke of this to the Grand Marshal, who bid -me not be vexed, for that he would shortly get me a Post about the King, -and that was the Office of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, to which I was -nominated some time after, _i. e._ about the latter end of the Year 1708. - -You know, _Madame_, and one can hardly forget the prodigious cold Weather -we had the Winter following. It began on the Feast of _Epiphany_, 1709, -and was universal all over _Europe_. The Corn and Vines suffer’d so much -by it that there was a scarcity which lasted long enough to starve a -number of poor People, who cou’d not get Bread, it was so excessive dear. -Never was there a more melancholy Year; and there was such a poor -melancholy Court all the while, that it seem’d as if the severe cold -Weather had chill’d our Spirits. But when the fine Weather return’d they -began to revive, and every one prepar’d to set out for the Army. The -Prince Royal went to make the Campaign in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, and -M. _d’Arnheim_ departed to rejoin the Troops of which he had the Command -in _Piedmont_. This Campaign was very glorious to the Allies, but ’twas a -very bloody one. The famous Battle of _Malplaquet_ was one of those -Victories which procured us Laurels cover’d with Funeral Scutcheons, and -two more such Victories would have ruin’d the Infantry of the Allies. The -Prince Royal was Witness of the Bravery of our Troops, which distinguish’d -themselves in this Campaign, wherein they had been great Sufferers. The -Enemy on their part besides the Battle lost also _Mons_ and _Tournay_. - -I could have wish’d to have made this Campaign, but when I ask’d the -King’s Leave to go, his Majesty refus’d me, saying, that he design’d me -for some other Business than that of Arms. This Answer pleas’d me to the -Life, and as I was young and by consequence apt enough to be vain, I was -so simple as to believe my self for a while in the highest Favor. But I -was soon convinc’d of my mistake. What serv’d to open my Eyes was this. -The Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, with which the King had honor’d -me, made it my duty to attend the King’s Coach on horseback as often as -his Majesty went abroad; but being one day so much out of order that ’twas -impossible for me to ride a Horse, as ill luck would have it, the King -happen’d to go that very day from[10]_Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, and -perceiv’d that I was not upon Duty. This incens’d him so much against me, -that when I attended to receive his Hat and Cane upon his Return, he said -the harshest things that cou’d be to me, the least of which was, that if I -ever fail’d in my Duty again, he would deprive me of the Honor of serving -him. Guess, _Madame_, how much I was mortify’d at such a Reprimand given -in presence of eight or ten Persons that were in the King’s Chamber. -Indeed I had much ado to brook it, and at first dash I really had a -Thought of resigning my Post. I spoke of it to the Count _de Witgenstein_, -who pacify’d me a little by giving me to understand, that if I did not -abate of my Fire I had nothing to do but to renounce all Advancement in -the Service of my King, a Service always preferable to any Fortunes that -can be made at the Court of any Foreign Prince. He promis’d to set me -right in the King’s Opinion, and he kept his Word; for two or three Days -afterwards as the King return’d to _Charlottenbourg_, when I happen’d to -be all alone in his Chamber with the Chamberlain in waiting, his Majesty -did me the Honor to ask me, _If I was still in a Pet?_ I return’d no other -Answer but a profound Obeisance. The King said to me a second time, _I ask -you if you are out of humor because I chid you t’other day?_ I made Answer -with all the Respect possible, _That indeed I was vex’d to my heart that I -had given his Majesty any Cause to be out of Temper with me; that no body -was more ambitious than I was of serving him faithfully; and that tho’ I -had the Misfortune lately to be wanting in my Duty, it was owing to a very -sad Indisposition. But_, said the King, _you should have let me know it -then, and I should not have reprimanded you. After all, I did so only to -try you, for in the main I was not so angry as I seem’d to be._ _Jackel_ -the King’s Jester, who was present at this Conversation, took up the -Discourse and said to the King, _But, good Sir, the Indisposition he talks -of, is of his own making; for the true Cause is, he has no Saddle-Horses, -and the reason of this, is because he has not wherewithal to feed them._ -_Why then_, said the King, _I will give him wherewithal: The Great -Chamberlain_, said he to me, _shall dispatch you a Warrant for that -purpose; go to him._ I then advanc’d to kiss the King’s Robe, but he drew -back, and as I was stooping he laid his Hand upon my Head, and said to me, -_You are young, be good, and I will take care of you._ In a few days -after, I had my Warrant dispatch’d to send for Forage to _Michlenhoff_, -where the like was distributed to other Courtiers who had obtain’d the -same Favor. - -At the same time the Duke of _Meckelbourg_ the Queen’s Brother came to -_Berlin_, where he had a magnificent Reception, yet he was not very well -pleas’d with his Journey; for this Prince expected, as he was a Sovereign, -to have Precedency of the Margraves the King’s Brothers, which was deny’d -him. He eat in private with the King, but the Margraves were not present, -and he stay’d at Court but three or four days, during which he was lodg’d -at the Palace and serv’d by the King’s Officers. - -As for our new Queen she became so devout in a little time after her -Marriage, that every body was surpriz’d, and the Courtiers very much -disgusted. Nothing was talk’d of in her presence but Religion, and in the -Morning her Anti-chamber was frequented by Ministers, by Dr. _Francke_ -whom she had sent for on purpose from _Hall_, and by _Borst_ her -Confessor. It look’d as if one was in the Anti-chamber of some Governess -of a Convent, rather than in the Palace of a great Queen. Under pretence -of Prayers for Deliverance from the Plague which infected some of our -Provinces, there was nothing to be heard in her Apartments but Litanies. -The King did not like all this Cant; for tho’ he had a great deal of -Religion, he did not love Bigotry. He made the Queen sensible that her -manner of living was not suitable to one that sate upon a Throne, and got -her content to the Removal of those Persons from about her who had -exhorted her to embrace the Party of the Pietists. _Francke_ was sent back -to _Hall_ to the great College which the Queen had newly founded for -Orphans, and whereof that Doctor had the Direction. Then there was only -_Borst_ her Majesty’s Confessor left at Court, and he was advis’d not to -give himself so much Trouble about the Queen’s Salvation. This Princess -was so zealous for her Religion, that she did not believe those who -profess’d a contrary one could be saved. I remember that one day as she -was talking about Religion to the King, she told him that she was very -much grieved to find him a _Calvinist_, and by that means out of the Road -to Salvation. The King who seem’d in an amaze at the Compliment, said to -her, _What, do you think then that I shall be damn’d? And what will you -say then when you speak of me after Death_? For you could not say _der -SEELIGE Konig_, (an Expression us’d in the _German_ Tongue, speaking of a -Person deceas’d, and which signifies, the _King is sav’d_.) The Queen was -a little puzzled how to reply, but after a few Moments Reflection she -said, I will say, _der liebe verstorbene Konig_, which signifies the _Dear -King deceas’d_. This Answer made the King uneasy, who return’d soon after -to his Apartment. I was that day in Waiting, and by consequence in his -Majesty’s Apartment with some of the Court-Nobility, when the King told us -with a deal of Concern upon his Mind of the Conversation he had with the -Queen, which affected him the more, because at that time he thought very -seriously of the Union of the _Protestant_ Churches. - -Mean time the Pestilence, which had discover’d it self in some of our -Provinces, frighten’d us very much. The King upon this occasion acted like -a true Father of his People, by sending Money and Provisions to those that -were afflicted with it, and by causing a Day of solemn Fasting and Prayers -to be celebrated in all the Churches of his Dominions to beg of God that -he wou’d please to avert this Scourge from our Country. Moreover he caused -Lazarets or Pest-Houses to be erected at the Gates of all the Towns where -those who came from any suspected Place were to perform Quarantain. As the -whole time was now spent in Sermons and Prayers for removing the -Pestilence, the detail of which would not be very pleasing, I think it -will not be amiss here to tell you how the Service was perform’d before -the King and Queen. I will begin by giving you some Account -of[11]_Berlin_, and of his Majesty’s[12]Palace. - -The City of _Berlin_[13] wou’d not have been what it is at this day, had -it not been for the _French_ Protestants. They had been kindly receiv’d by -the Elector _Frederic-William_: And the King, every whit as generous as -his Father, prolong’d and even augmented the Franchises granted to the -_French_, and in order to convince those Exiles that he was dispos’d to be -a Father to them, he had a mind that they should be no longer -distinguish’d from his natural-born Subjects; but caus’d Churches to be -built for them of which he maintain’d the Ministers, gave them a very fine -College for the Education of their Children, and also chose a Company of -Musketeers out of them in which none but _French_ were admitted. - -These Refugees were so sensible of the King’s Goodness to them, that they -had an Emulation to shew their Gratitude to him by making Trade to -flourish. They were equally zealous for the embellishing and aggrandizing -of the City, and caus’d a great many Houses to be built there which were -both neat and commodious. They added to the City all that Quarter call’d -the _New Town_, which is certainly the most beautiful part of _Berlin_. Of -the Streets which run in a strait Line, the principal is adorn’d with six -Rows of Lime-Trees that form as many Walks, the middlemost of which is -lin’d with a Balustrade to keep off Coaches and Carriages. These Walks -terminate in a Wood, thro’ which there’s an Avenue of a League, which -leads to _Charlottenbourg_, a Royal Palace. - -At the Entrance of the _New Town_ there’s the Arsenal[14], a Structure -which may pass for one of the finest in _Europe_: ’Tis a Quadrangle with a -large Square in the middle. The four outward Fronts are almost exactly -alike. The principal is divided into three Buildings, of which that in the -middle projects a little forwards. The Grand Floor consists of Arches -charged with Rustics, which support Pilasters of the _Ionic_ Order. The -part which projects from the middle is adorn’d with four Columns, and has -a large Pediment at the end of it. The grand or principal Gate is in the -middle. On the two sides there are four great fine Statues representing -the Cardinal Virtues on Pedestals. These seem to look towards the King’s -Picture, which is represented in a great Medal of Brass gilt in the coping -of the Gate. Over this Picture, there’s his Majesty’s Cypher in the middle -of a Cartridge crown’d, supported by Fame and Victory. The Cartridge is -fill’d up with an Entablature upon which there’s a _Latin_ Inscription in -Letters of Gold, to the Honor of the King. Finally, over this Entablature -there’s a great Pediment in Basso-Relievo perfectly beautiful, -representing a _Mars_ which seems to rest upon a Trophy, and to look upon -a couple of Slaves chain’d at his Feet. The whole is compleated by a -Balustrade which rests upon the Pedestals that support the Trophies. This -stately Edifice is encompass’d with Spurs of Iron in the form of Cannon, -upon which there’s the King’s Cypher gilt; and these Spurs serve for a -Support to the Iron Chains which are hung in Festoons from one to the -other. - -The Inside of this Structure is as magnificent as the Outside. Two Rows of -Pillars support the lowermost Arch-Roof and form three Walks, of which the -middlemost is the narrowest, but the only one that serves for the Passage; -those on the sides being full of noble Brass-Guns. The King had a Design -to have a Cannon of a hundred Pounder plac’d at each Corner; but there is -only one finish’d which is call’d _Asia_, a terrible Machine fitter to -adorn an Arsenal than for any other use. The Ascent to it is by a Step, -because they were oblig’d to build the Carriage in proportion to the piece -that it bears. This Cannon is adorn’d all over with Eagles and Crowns; -and the King’s-Arms are represented on it under a Royal Pavilion, as are -also those of the Margrave _Philip_ the King’s Brother, as Grand Master of -the Artillery. This is all that is remarkable on the side of the _New -Town_. - -The King’s Palace is also very magnificent; and the whole is so majestic, -that it appears at the first sight to be the Residence of some great -Monarch. Yet there’s one fault in it, which is, that Uniformity has not -been nicely observ’d in it, because it has been carry’d on by Fits and -Girds, and every Architect has followed his particular Plan. - -This Palace consists of four large Buildings, which forms in the middle a -Court that is not so broad as ’tis long. The first Thing in the main Front -is a great high Portico with two Gates Arch-wise on the two sides. The -Proportions of the Columns and the Height of the Portico were copy’d from -_Constantine_’s Triumphal Arch at _Rome_. On the two sides of the Portico -there are twelve great Transom Windows encompass’d with Ornaments. The -Fronts that are on the side of the Court are much more magnificent than -the outer ones, but then they are more irregular. The Inside of the Palace -is not executed much better. Two Grand Stair-Cases lead to the Guard-Room, -the one on the Right and the other on the Left of the Entry. The -Stair-Case on the Left-hand is of a particular Contrivance, being in form -of a Glacis without any Step, so that a Coach may go up to it. The -Guard-Room is long but narrow, and has no Light but what comes from the -Windows on the Cupola over the Stair-Case. The Entry is in the middle. -There is a Turning on the Left to enter into the King’s Apartment, which -shews at first sight three Chambers in a Row. The third of these Rooms -separates the least Apartment from the greatest, of which the former is on -the Right and the latter on the Left. I will only speak to you of the -last, which is the most magnificent. In turning therefore to the Left one -perceives a long Suite of Apartments, which form a magnificent Point of -View. The Furniture is surprizingly rich; nor is any thing to be seen, -look which way you will, but Gold, Silver, Marble, Brass, Painting, Glass, -China, _&c._ in a word, every thing that can be wish’d for, that is rich -and elegant. At the end of this Suite of Apartments there is a long -Gallery, the Cieling of which, like that of _Versailles_, represents the -principal Actions of the King, and the sides are adorn’d with Pictures -done by the most famous Hands, the Frames of which are of Brass gilt. - -At the end of this Gallery there was formerly a great Amber-Cabinet, with -divers Compartiments in Basso-Relievo, which perhaps had not its Fellow in -the World; but the King being desirous to make the _Czar_ a Present worthy -of his Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatcht that cost eighty -thousand Crowns. - -Were I to enter into the detail of the Beauties and Magnificence one meets -with at every step in this Palace, I should never have done; I believe it -may be sufficient to say that the King, as far as possible, imitated the -Inside of the Palace of _Versailles_. This great Prince took _Lewis_ XIV. -for a Model, and after his Example was intent on building magnificent -Structures and establishing different Manufactures, whereby the Poor might -earn their Living, and get for a reasonable Price those Commodities which -heretofore they used to import from Foreign Countries, at a very great -Expence. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you an account of almost all the -greatest Remarkables at _Berlin_. I shall now let you know after what -manner their Majesties are every day attended.[15] - -I begin with the King’s Levee. His Majesty commonly rose between five and -six o’clock in the Morning, (I mean at the time that I have the Honour to -speak to you of;) tho’ formerly he rose at three or four o’clock. As soon -as the King awak’d, the Page of the Back-Stairs who had watch’d with him -went and gave notice of it to the Valets de Chambre and the Yeomen of the -Wardrobe, who presently came in, undrew the Bed-Curtains, and open’d the -Window-Shutters, after which they went out and declar’d that the King was -stirring. Then the Chamberlain in waiting, the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber, and the Officers upon Guard came in and made a very low Bow. -The next that enter’d were the Physicians, to whom his Majesty gave an -account how he had rested. Then the Pages of the Back-Stairs brought a -great Silver Table with Coffee upon it, which was presented to the King by -the first Valet de Chambre in waiting upon a Gold Salver, and the Page -presented it about to all the Persons of Quality that were at the Levee. -Every body was oblig’d to drink two Cups, or else they run the risk of -being reprimanded. After drinking of the Coffee the Table was carry’d -away, and the King convers’d half an hour or more with those that were -present: Then he veil’d his Bonnet and all the Company retir’d. The Valets -de Chambre and the Grooms of the Wardrobe stay’d to dress the King, which -when they had done, his Majesty retir’d into his Closet, where was a Desk -for Prayer, and there he commonly stay’d an Hour, while they made his Bed. -After this he return’d into his Chamber, and then the Prime Minister came -in to give him an account of his Dispatches, which lasted till ten o’clock -or thereabouts. After this the King went to Council, where he stay’d a -little above an Hour. This Council consisted of the Prince Royal, the -Margrave _Philip_ Brother to the King, and the Ministers. When the Council -broke up the King went into his Closet, and there gave out his Orders. -Then two Kettle-Drummers plac’d in opposite Balconies that look’d into the -lesser Court, gave notice by the Sound of their Kettle-Drums to the -Officers of the Kitchen and Buttery to get everything ready for the King’s -Service. As soon as the Cloth was laid, the Kettle-Drums were sounded a -second time. During this, the King accompany’d by the Prince Royal and the -Margraves his Brothers, pass’d thro’ the Guard-Room into the Queen’s -Apartment, where were all the Princesses. A few moments after, the -Kettle-Drums and twenty-four Trumpets divided into two Bodies, gave notice -for serving up Dinner. At the same time, two of the Life-Guards and six of -the Guard of Hundred _Swissers_ took possession of the Room where the King -was to eat. The two Life-Guard Men posted themselves behind the Arm-Chair -of the King and Queen, and the six _Swissers_ encompass’d the Table three -on each side with their Halberds in their hands. When Dinner was serv’d -up, the Great Chamberlain with his Staff in hand went and acquainted the -King of it, who immediately enter’d the Hall, follow’d by the Queen, who -was led by the Prince Royal; as were the Princess Royal and the -Margravines by the Margraves. At their entrance into the Hall, the King -gave his Hat and Cane, and the Queen her Gloves and Fan, to the -Chamberlains in waiting. Then two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber held out a -great Silver gilt Bason for them to wash in, and when they had wash’d, the -two Chamberlains gave them the Napkins. The two Gentlemen of the -Bed-Chamber always offer’d the Bason in like manner to the Princes and -Princesses to wash in, but they wou’d not accept it. - -When their Majesties had wash’d, the Grand Marshal who stood about the -middle of the Table opposite to the King gave a Rap with his Staff; at the -same time making a profound Obeisance; then a Page that stood by him did -the like, and after saying a short Grace their Majesties seated themselves -in their Arm-Chairs, and their Royal Highnesses in other Chairs, with only -Backs. Then the Carver approaching the Table tasted the Provision, and -therewith serv’d their Majesties, and the Princes according to their Rank. -When their Majesties call’d for Liquor the Chamberlain gave the hint to a -Page, and he did the same to a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber upon Duty, who -then went to the Side-board and fetch’d Wine and Water in two Bottles upon -a Salver of Gold. The Chamberlain tasted both, and then presented both to -their Majesties. The King always drank the Queen’s Health, and the Queen -in like manner drank the King’s. This done, their Majesties dismiss’d the -Court by making a Salute to the Grand Marshal. Then the Court retir’d, and -none stay’d but the Waiters. Before their Majesties rose from Table the -Prime Minister as well as the Master of the Horse approach’d, with the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe and the Captain of the Guards, to receive the -King’s Orders, in case his Majesty was willing to ride out. When the -Dessart was ready to be serv’d, notice was brought to the Grand Marshal or -to him that bore the Staff in his absence, who then return’d to the King’s -Table. When his Majesty rose from Table the Chamberlain brought him Water -to wash his Mouth, and the Queen’s Chamberlain and their Royal Highnesses -Gentlemen attended the Queen and Princesses with the same. After this the -King led the Queen into her own Apartment, where he stay’d a little time, -then return’d to his own, and rested himself for an hour in his Closet. - -When the King was awaked, the Chamberlain and the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber enter’d his Majesty’s Closet, where sometimes the Queen paid -him a Visit, and at other times the Prime Minister came and talk’d with -him about Business. In the Summer-time the King went abroad for the Air, -or the Pleasure of Fishing or Hunting, especially the Heron, in which he -took great delight. About six o’clock in the Evening his Majesty went to -the Queen’s Apartment, and stay’d there about an Hour, after which he -return’d to his own, to that call’d _la Tabagie_ or the Tobacco-Room, -because there he smoak’d his Pipe, and several of the Nobility had the -Honour of smoaking there with him. The King never supp’d unless it was in -extraordinary cases, but amus’d himself with a Game at Chess. When he had -done playing he conversed very familiarly with the Chamberlain, the -Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber, and some privileg’d Courtiers; and when he -had a mind to put an end to the Conversation, he gave his Orders to the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe what Clothes to equip him with next day, and -then every body retir’d, and the Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the -Wardrobe went and put his Majesty to bed. This, _Madame_, was the manner -how the Service was perform’d at our Court. Never was there any -Interruption in the Hours prescrib’d for his Majesty’s Exercises, unless -he labor’d under some Ailment. I thought that this Detail, tho’ perhaps a -little tedious, wou’d not be quite so unpleasant as the Recital of all the -Litanies and other Prayers, in which the Queen was constant for the -remainder of the Year. - -In the beginning of the Year following, that is to say the 19th of -_January_ 1710, the Count _de Lottum_ presented the King with eleven -Pieces of Cannon, and several Colors and Standards that fell to his -Majesty’s share in the distribution that was made of those that were taken -from the _French_, during the Campaign. - -At the same time we lost the Duke of _Courland_ for ever. This young -Prince was the King’s Nephew by his Mother, who was his Majesty’s Sister -by the same Father, but not by the same Mother. He was but an Infant when -he lost his Father the Duke of _Courland_, whose death was to him the -greatest of all Misfortunes, because of the Misunderstanding which the -Guardianship of this young Prince created between those who aspir’d to it. -The Duchess his Mother asserted that she was the rightful Guardian of the -Prince, her Son. His Uncle also pretended ’twas his Right. In short, the -Nobility of _Courland_ disputed it with them both. During these Domestic -Troubles, the several Parties, not watchful of their Neighbours Motions, -quickly found they had powerful Enemies to cope with. The _Saxons_ being -the nearest, were the most forward to take possession of their Country. -The _Muscovites_ were soon at their heels, and in concert with the -_Saxons_ rush’d upon what they thought most convenient. But they were both -soon oblig’d to abandon that Duchy to the King of _Sweden_, who came at -the head of his Troops, and without much difficulty sent them going. But -after all, Fortune being weary of seconding the Arms of the _Swedish_ -Monarch, he was oblig’d not long after his Entrance into _Courland_, to -yield the said Duchy to the _Muscovites_, who remain’d the sole Possessors -of it. - -All these Troubles had oblig’d the Duchess, with the Prince her Son, to -retire. She came to _Berlin_ where she was present at the King’s -Coronation, and afterwards, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, -she marry’d the Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_. This Princess followed -the Margrave her Husband into his Dominions, and took the Duke of -_Courland_ her Son along with her. There did this young Prince stay with -the Margrave his Father-in-law, till after the King of _Sweden_’s Defeat -at _Pultowa_ by the _Muscovite_ Army. When the latter were become Masters -of _Courland_, the Duke flatter’d himself that he should be able to -prevail on the Czar to restore him to his Dominions: nor was he deceiv’d -in his Expectation; for the Czar was very ready to consent to it, on -condition nevertheless that he should marry his Niece, the Daughter of the -late Czar, his Brother. The Match was truly illustrious, for the Princess -was both the Daughter and Niece of a potent Monarch; but her Education had -been very different from that of the young Prince, and there was all the -Reason in the World to think, that they would not like one another long. -The Duke for his part could have wish’d to be restor’d to his Duchy upon -other Terms; but at length, thinking he could not do better than to accept -of those, and to put himself again at the head of his Subjects, who had -for several Years wish’d for his Presence; he set out for the Czar’s -Court, and there married the Princess. This Marriage, which was concluded -with some Reluctance on the part of the young Duke, seem’d to portend him -none but unhappy Days; and in short, he was scarce married, but he fell -dangerously sick, and in a few days after died, which Illness they said -was owing to his having been forc’d to drink to excess on his Wedding-Day. -This occasion’d a general Desolation throughout the Duchy of _Courland_, -the poor People having entertain’d some Hopes that the Presence of their -lawful Sovereign would make them forget the Evils they had suffer’d by -several years continual Wars. - -Towards the Conclusion of this Year, the famous Count _de Wartemberg_, -Prime Minister and Great Chamberlain was disgrac’d; which, tho’ it had -been long wish’d for, was surprizing to all Mankind, who thought the -Credit of that Minister too well establish’d, the chief Places of the -Kingdom being in the hands of his Creatures, from whose Gratitude there -was nothing that he might not promise himself; besides, they did not think -any Person would be so daring, as to cast the first Stone; the then recent -Instance of the Count _de Wesen_ being a sufficient Warning to deter any -Persons from entring into so dangerous a Combination. Nevertheless there -were two Persons at Court who were not terrify’d by the Peril, to which an -Enterprize of this nature expos’d them. The Name of both these Courtiers -was _Kamcke_, and being Cousins into the bargain, they were only -distinguish’d by the Appellations of _Great_ and _Little_. - -The _Great Kamcke_ had been successively Page to the King, Page of the -Bed-chamber, afterwards a declar’d Favorite, and at last Great Master of -the Wardrobe, which Post he held at the time of the Prime Minister’s -Disgrace. The Favor with which the King honor’d him, was what made him -esteem’d more than any thing else; for setting that aside, he was not -remarkable for either the Virtues or the Vices which contribute almost in -the same measure to the forming of Great Men. He was reckoned a Man of -fine Parts, because he was fortunate enough to gain, and to preserve the -King’s Favor; and he had the Reputation of being good-natur’d, because -having a place in which he might have done a great deal of Mischief, he -did none at all. ’Tis true too on the other hand, that he did no body any -Service; the Lethargy of his Temperament not permitting him to put himself -upon those Motions, which are equally necessary to serve a Friend, and to -ruin an Enemy. - -The _Little Kamcke_, his Cousin, was of a Temper quite different. He was -not only a Person of a piercing sparkling Wit, but had all the Politeness -of the most elegant Courtier. Being ambitious and vain, but always with -Temper; he was cut out for those delicate Undertakings to which the -Success alone gives a Sanction; and what is seldom to be found in so young -a Man, he had all the Management and Dissimulation necessary for -Execution. The Count _de Wartemberg_ had always hated him; for he -suspected him to have had a hand in those Ballads which _M----_, -afterwards the King of _Poland_’s Minister, had made upon the whole -Court, and in which the Count and Countess were very ill treated; but -_Little Kamcke_, who never despair’d of his Success, still continued to -make his court to the King, without seeming to take the least Notice of -the Minister’s Ill-will. His assiduous Attendance was at length rewarded; -the King begun by granting him the Honor of playing with him every Night -at Chess; which was a Favor this young Courtier so artfully improv’d, that -in a little time after, his Majesty made him a Minister of State. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was mortify’d in two Respects by the Advancement of -_Little Kamcke_; for he did not expect such a Favor to be convey’d by any -Canal but himself; and besides it was granted to a crafty Enemy, whose -rising Credit might well give him Umbrage. _Kamcke_ for his own part -believing that he was only obliged to his own Merit for his Preferment, -had even less regard for the Prime Minister than before. They star’d upon -one another at first, without venturing to make an Attack; but by degrees -they came to high Words; and at length _Kamcke_ being puff’d up with his -Favor; and being moreover supported by all good Men, he vow’d the -Destruction of the Prime Minister, and his Creature, the Grand Marshal. He -was so cunning as to engage his Cousin _Kamcke_ in the Scheme, because the -latter being Great Master of the Wardrobe, cou’d give the Prime Minister -the fatal Blow with more Ease than any other Person; and he succeeded -happily; for he aggravated to his Majesty the Complaints of the People, -and the Murmurings of the whole Court. The Queen too being prejudic’d by -the _Kamcke_ spoke sharply against the King, who at last consented to the -removal of a Minister, whom till then he had thought he could not be -without. - -This great Scene was open’d by the Disgrace of the Count _de Witgenstein_, -the Grand Marshal of the Court, and the Prime Minister’s Creature, who was -arrested in his House on the 27th of _December_ at 10 o’clock at Night, by -a Lieutenant of the Guards and ten Grenadiers. Next day, about 9 in the -Forenoon, M. _de Gersdorf_, Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, accompanied -by _Stoffius_, Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, came from the -King to demand his Ribban. He presently restor’d it, assuring them that he -was wrongfully maltreated; but that nevertheless he did not complain of -the King, and that they were only his Enemies who had impos’d upon his -Majesty’s Goodness to ruin him. Not long after an Officer of the Guards -came in and told him, that he had Orders to carry him to _Spandau_. He -made answer, that he was ready to go wherever the King commanded him; only -he desir’d Leave to write to his Mother-in-law, who was the Queen’s Lady -of Honor. The Officer told him, that he was forbid to let him speak or -write to any Person whatsoever; and then he took him with him into a Coach -that was attended by 12 Life-Guard Men. - -The Noise of his Confinement being presently spread throughout the Town, a -Multitude of People gather’d in a trice before his House, every one crying -out against the Grand Marshal, calling him the People’s Blood-sucker, and -the Author of all their Taxes. When they saw him put into a Coach to be -carried to _Spandau_[16], their Shouts, were doubled; but the Grand -Marshal, without being shock’d, let down the Glasses of his Coach, and -told the furious Rabble, that he had been a faithful Servant to his King, -and that he had never done any thing in his Administration that could be -laid to his Charge; but the Clamours of the People hinder’d him from being -heard, and he went out of Town, laden with Curses. - -The Hatred that was manifested against him, came from a Source which -always touches the People in the most sensible part; he was suspected to -have had a hand in the Creation of several Taxes; and to have been the -Projector of the Insurance-Office from Fire. The Establishment of this -Office was very well design’d; for it undertook to indemnify private -Persons for the Loss they might have sustain’d by Fire; and for this -purpose, every one was tax’d in a certain Sum of Money, that there might -always be a Fund sufficient to answer the Losses by Fires. Frauds were -soon committed in the Management of the Moneys that seem’d to be -appropriated for a very good Use; and by degrees that Establishment, which -was erected for the Relief of the People in their extreme Necessities, -serv’d only to oppress them. - -The Disgrace of the Grand Marshal was soon followed by that of the Prime -Minister. Two days after the Confinement of the former, the King ordered -M. _d’Ilgen_ one of his Ministers, and principal Secretary of State, to -demand the Seals of his Prime Minister, and to order him in his Name to -have nothing more to do with the Affairs of the Government. He receiv’d -this News with Courage, and said to the Secretary of State, that he never -had any other Will but his Majesty’s, and that therefore he was ready to -obey his Orders. The next day he received Orders to quit the Palace, and -to retire to his Estate at _Wolfersdorff_, a few Leagues from _Berlin_. He -immediately made ready to be gone; but before he set out, he sent to -desire the King to give him leave to wait on him, to thank him for all the -Favors he had receiv’d at his Majesty’s hands; to which the King -consented, and the Prime Minister appear’d with an Air suitable to the -situation of his Affairs. He put every Wile in practice that is possible -to be of service to a Minister who has had long experience of a Court, and -a perfect Knowledge of his Master’s Temper; he pray’d, he wept, but -contrary to his own Expectation and that of the whole Court, the King -continu’d stedfast, and dismiss’d him, tho’ with all the possible marks of -Friendship and Affection; for when he was going out of his Closet the King -call’d him back, and taking a Ring of twenty thousand Crowns from his -Fingers, he gave it to him, and said that he desir’d him to keep it as a -mark of his Esteem. Thus did the King to his regret dismiss a Person, whom -if he had pleas’d he might still have kept in his Service. - -The Prime Minister, the moment he went from the King, set out for -_Wolfersdorff_, from whence he wrote a very moving Letter to his Majesty -to desire him to accept of that Estate for a Present, together with his -Wife’s Garden which is now the Queen’s, (they call it _Monbijou_[17]) and -all his Porcellane Ware. The King return’d him a very obliging Answer, and -accepted of the Presents he offer’d him, on condition however to pay him -for them; and indeed not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_ receiv’d the -Value of them. Yet notwithstanding this mark of Esteem he was on the -brink of being arrested; and _T----_ who was near the King’s Person at -that critical Juncture, assur’d me afterwards that ’twas _Little Kamcke_ -that had diverted the King from it. The Count’s Enemies had so incens’d -his Majesty against him, that the Order for his Arrest was just ready to -be dispatch’d, when _Little Kamcke_ represented to the King, that all -things duly consider’d, the Prime Minister was not so culpable as to -deserve being arrested; that Banishment was sufficient; that however, if -his Majesty was apprehensive, that the Count knowing the Secrets of the -State would discover them to other Powers, the only way was to secure his -Fidelity to him by a handsome Pension, on condition however that he should -never lie out of _Francfort on the Main_, where he would be near his -Majesty’s Territories and out of a Capacity to give him any Umbrage. The -King approved of this Advice, and sent to tell the Count that he would -continue a Pension of twenty-four thousand Crowns to him for his Life, on -condition that he would promise not to stir out of _Francfort_. This was a -very advantageous Offer, to a Man who trembled every moment for fear of -losing his Liberty, and therefore without much deliberation what to do, he -thought of nothing but packing up and carrying off the Wealth he had -heap’d together. When the Count and Countess came to Court they had not -wherewithal to subsist; but they went away with Millions, and the Countess -alone had as many Diamonds as were worth half a Million of Crowns. She was -mortally uneasy for fear of being stripp’d of her Treasure, till she saw -herself quite out of the King’s Dominions, and then her Spirits began to -rise. Upon the Road they were overtaken by an Express, who brought an -Order to the Count _de Wartemberg_ to deliver up the Golden Key to the -Great Chamberlain, together with the Commission of Hereditary Post-Master; -which he obey’d instantly with very great Submission, and afterwards -continued his Journey towards _Francfort_. - -The King gave the Chamberlain’s Key to the _Great Kamcke_, Grand Master of -his Wardrobe, and the Office of Post-Master was executed in Commission by -_Little Kamcke_. As to the place of Prime Minister, it was not fill’d up; -and the King, lest it should be thought that he intended to be still -govern’d as he had been all along, declar’d he would have no more Prime -Ministers. Not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_’s Departure, the King -sent for Count _Christoper de Dobna_, and the Count _de B----_, to come to -_Berlin_. The former for some time made a Figure very like to that of a -First Minister, but had not the Title. The Post of Grand Marshal was -supply’d by M. _de Printz_, with the Applause of the whole Court. The -Count _de Witgenstein_ was restor’d not long after to his Liberty, on -paying down a Fine to the King of fourscore thousand Crowns. Thus, -_Madame_, have you had the Catastrophe of the two chief Favorites of our -Court. - -I had left _Berlin_ for some Months when this great Revolution happen’d, -which I heard the first News at _Hanover_. I happen’d to be with the -Electoress when she receiv’d the Letter from the King, that inform’d her -of the Change he had made At his Court, and of his Intention to be for the -future his own Prime Minister. For my part I was gone from _Berlin_ with a -design to travel, because of some very harsh words which the King said to -me one day when I had fail’d to pay my Attendance as a Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber. The Assiduity with which I made my Court to the Margrave -_Philip_ subjected me to a very sharp Reprimand from the King. What gave -occasion to it was this, I endeavour’d to be with the Margrave as often as -possible, tho’ indeed I was not there so often as I wish’d; for I don’t -think there was a Prince in the World to whom a Man could make his Court -with so much Pleasure and Freedom. As the Margrave was almost always at -_Schwedt_, it happen’d one day that when ’twas my turn to wait on the -King, I took it in my head to stay at the Margrave’s Court, so that a Man -who happen’d to be then going out of the Service was oblig’d to be -continu’d in it some time longer. The King asking him the reason, the -Gentleman made him Answer that I was the cause of it, and that I had not -so much as taken care to speak to any body to officiate for me. I arriv’d -in two, or three days, and enter’d into the Service the Week following. -The King who knew very well that my Attachment to the Margrave his Brother -was the only cause of my Absence from my Post, ask’d me as soon as I made -my Appearance before him, whether I serv’d his Brother or him, and why I -did not do my Duty better? I was so thunder-struck at the manner with -which the King said these few words to me, that really I don’t remember in -the least what I said for my Excuse; but I don’t forget, that whether he -thought my Plea good or bad, he made me no Answer. I was so nettled at -this Rebuke from the King in the presence of several Persons, that I -resolv’d to be gone out of sight for a while, the better to digest my -Resentment. I therefore ask’d his Majesty’s Leave to travel, which I -easily obtain’d, on condition however that I should not go to _France_. -For the King was then at War with that Crown, which besides did not look -upon him in any other Light than as Elector. - -As soon as I had obtain’d a Permission to travel, I prepar’d to set out, -but after having taken Leave of their Majesties, I went to pass a few days -more at the Court of the Margrave _Philip_: And the Margravine engag’d me -to go to _Dessau_ to pay my Devoirs there to the Princesses her Sisters. I -had the Honor to find them at ORANJEBAUM, a House built by the late -Princess of _Orange_, their Mother; and ’tis a magnificent Palace, worthy -of the Princess by whose Order it was erected. I stay’d there eight or ten -Days, and then continu’d my Journey towards the Duchy of _Hanover_, where -I wanted to go and see my Mother, before I engag’d farther in the great -Journey that I had in my Thoughts. - -From _Oranjebaum_ I went to[18]HALL in _Saxony_, which is a City that -belongs to the King, and is a part of the Duchy of _Magdebourg_. The -Courts of Justice and the Regency of the Duchy were formerly held in this -City, but now they are kept in the City of _Magdebourg_[19]. And _Hall_ is -only remarkable for its University which was founded in 1695, and for its -excellent Salt-Works. From _Hall_ I went to HALBERSTADT, the Capital of a -Principality of the same Name. This City was for eight hundred Years -subject to its Bishops till it was seculariz’d and yielded by the Treaty -of _Westphalia_ in 1648, to the Electoral Family of _Brandenburg_. The -River here is very small, for which reason the Trade of this Town is -inconsiderable; but as it is the Seat of the Regency of the Principality, -and of the Courts of justice, ’tis much frequented. Its Cathedral Church, -which is worth seeing, belongs to a Chapter wherein the Catholics and the -Protestants are equally admitted, and both have the Liberty of their -Public Worship. The Catholics have several Convents in the Town, of which -that of the Recollets is the most beautiful, and their Church is very -fine. These Fryars say they owe their Foundation to the ancient Counts of -_Regenstein_, who were heretofore Feudataries to the House of _Brunswic_, -and whose Lands belong now to the King, notwithstanding the very fair -Pretensions of the Dukes of _Brunswic_, and especially of the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, Father to the Empress, to whose share those Pretensions -devolv’d. In 1709 this Prince gave a Sum of Money for new vamping the Tomb -of their Founder, which they have done, and moreover added a _Latin_ -Inscription to it in Capital Letters of Gold. When the King went to -_Halberstadt_ he honor’d this Convent with his Presence, on which occasion -the Father-Guardian preach’d before him and gave the Sacramental -Benediction, because his Majesty had a mind to see the Ceremonies of the -Catholic Church. - -From _Halberstadt_ I went to WOLFEMBUTTLE[20], which City is the common -Residence of the Dukes of _Brunswic_. Tis built only of Timber, and has no -remarkable Structure but the Palace which is very fine, and the Library -which is worthy of the Observation of the Learned and the Curious, not -only for the Beauty of the Room and the regular Disposition of the Books, -but for the Number of the Printed Volumes and Manuscripts. As soon as I -arriv’d I sent to know if I might have the Honor of waiting on the Duke, -who was then at _Saltzdabl_, a League from _Wolfembuttle_. From this City -to the Castle the Road is lin’d with a very fine Row of Trees. His -Highness having permitted me to pay him my Respects, I waited on him, and -was receiv’d with extraordinary Kindness. This Prince, who was then -fourscore Years of Age, had nevertheless all the Presence of Mind and all -the Vigour of a Man of thirty. I believe it needless to observe to you -that the Person whom I have the Honor to mention to you was the late Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_. This Duke besides a superior Understanding knew many -things, which Princes are glad to abandon to Persons of a mean Condition. -If you have read the Romance of _Octavia_, and his Translation of several -of _Corneille_’s and _Racine_’s Tragedies, you will readily own that no -Person ever wrote in our Language more politely. This Prince was also -perfect Master of the _Roman_ History, which he had made his particular -Study. He had moreover a wonderful Taste for every thing that was Elegant, -and especially for the Liberal Arts. One may judge of the Skill he had in -Architecture by his Castle of _Saltzdabl_, which is a Structure not -inferior in Magnificence to any that has been rais’d by Sovereign Princes. -In this Castle, besides immensely rich Furniture, there is a numerous but -choice Collection of Pictures that are put up in a great Gallery, which is -one of the finest Rooms in all _Germany_. The Duke did me the Honor after -I had din’d to carry me to it. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ was at that time no more than the Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_, and his two Sons, of whom the present Duke Regent was the -eldest. Tho’ this Prince has been three times married he has had no Issue, -so that the only one of the Family that has had Children is the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, who marry’d a Princess of _Oetingen_, by whom he has had -three Daughters, the eldest of whom wears the Imperial Crown, the second -was marry’d to a Prince of the _Czarian_ Family, and the third to the -Prince of _Brunswic-Bevern_ presumptive Heir of the Dominions of -_Wolfembuttle_. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ is intirely _Lutheran_; yet the late Duke -_Anthony_ died a Catholic, to which Religion he was converted a little -before his Death. The Enemies of his Reputation affected to give out, that -Ambition was the motive of his entring into the Pale of the Church, and -that the Bishopric of _Hildesheim_ or the Electorate of _Cologne_, which -were both vacant at that time by the Elector’s being put under the Ban of -the Empire, was the View of his Conversion: but ’tis easy to perceive that -this Reproach is nothing but meer Calumny, if it be consider’d, that the -Duke of _Brunswic_ consider’d only in that Quality had too high a Rank in -the Empire to be flatter’d with the Episcopal or Electoral Dignity, -especially at the Age of fourscore, and when he could not hope for -Posterity to inherit either. ’Tis very certain that the Conversion of this -Prince was the Effect of a long Examination which he had made of the -Religion that he embrac’d, he having entertain’d Thoughts of it for -several years. When he consented that his Grand-Daughter should be -married to the Emperor, it was demanded of that Princess, that she should -abjure the Religion in which she had been educated. There was at that time -an Assembly of the ablest Divines in _Germany_, who agreed as the _French_ -Ministers did when _Henry_ IV. consulted them about his Conversion, that -Salvation was to be had in the Catholic Religion. This Confession of the -Ministers was some encouragement to the timorous Princess, who being but -young and very tender-conscienc’d, thought there was Danger in taking such -a Step. The Duke, in order to reconcile her thoroughly to it, promis’d her -to turn Catholic himself; and _Imhoff_ his Minister did the same. As the -latter was a Man of good Sense, and moreover of great Probity, he had -acquir’d his Master’s Confidence, and as Religion had for some time past -the principal Share in their Conversation, _Imhoff_ after having weigh’d -every thing well, could not deny, that the Catholic was the only true -Religion; and he made his Abjuration of the Protestant, some time after -the Princess. The Duke was a good while longer before he took this Step; -for tho’ he was a real Catholic in his Heart, he was willing to prepare -his Subjects for this Alteration by gentle means; but when he receiv’d a -Letter from his Grand-Daughter, he made no longer Delay. This Princess -arriving at _Barcelona_, and hearing that the Duke had not yet perform’d -the Promise he made to change his Religion, she wrote a long Letter to -him, wherein she let him know how uneasy she was, for fear that the -Religion which he had advis’d her to chuse was not the true Religion, -because he was so long in embracing it himself. Then the Duke declar’d -himself, and convinc’d his Grand-Daughter, that not content with having -procur’d her one of the principal Crowns in this World, he had also done -his Endeavor to secure her another that was more glorious and more -durable. - -After the Duke had embrac’d the Catholic Religion, he caus’d a Church to -be built at BRUNSWIC[21], which is a City but two small Leagues from -_Wolfembuttle_, thro’ a very strait Road, lin’d on both sides with Trees. -When I had taken a good View of all that was worth seeing at _Saltzdabl_, -I came to this City, which I found did not come up near to the Notion I -had of it; nevertheless ’tis the Capital of the Duchy of _Brunswic_. They -say ’twas built _Anno_ 868, by _Bruno_ the Son of _Alphonsus_ Duke of -_Saxony_, who call’d it after his own Name. It was afterwards very much -enlarg’d by the Emperor _Henry_ the _Faulconer_. ’Twas formerly rank’d -among the chief _Hanse_ Towns, and govern’d it self after the manner of a -Republic, pretending to be independent of its Dukes, who always oppos’d -it’s Liberty Sword in hand, and ’twas not without great difficulty that -they brought it in Subjection to them. _Henry_ Duke of _Brunswic_, -surnam’d the _Young_, besieg’d it three times, but always in vain. At -length in 1617, the City was compell’d to perform Homage to Duke -_Frederic-Ulric_, the then Regent. Nevertheless it preserv’d its -Privileges, which still gave it an Appearance of Freedom till 1671, when -_Rodolph Augustus_, Duke of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, made himself absolute -Master of it. Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ once had a Design to fortify this -Place, and the Duke his Son seem’d at first to have the same Intention; -but afterwards he chose rather to have noble Structures erected in it, -amongst which there’s a very great Palace, where ten Sovereigns might -lodge without incommoding one another. This Prince caus’d it to be built -for the Duchess his Wife, in case she should survive him; and no Cost was -spar’d to render it one of the richest and most magnificent Palaces that -was ever seen, to the intent that the Charms of so fine a Habitation might -contribute in some measure to make the Duchess more cheerful in her -melancholy State of Widowhood; which indeed could not but be the more so -to the Princess, because by losing her Husband, she must also lose her -Sovereignty; for they had no Children, and the Duke was too old for them -ever to expect any. - -This is the only Palace in _Brunswic_ that is remarkable. The Duke of -_Blankenbourg_’s, ’tis true, is very large, and has very fine Apartments, -but is old, and has nothing extraordinary; it joins to the Church of St. -_Alaise_, which is the principal Church, and the Place where several of -the Dukes are buried. On the Square over-against the Church, there’s a -Lion of Brass, on a very high Pedestal, representing that which they say -was tam’d by the Duke _Henry_ surnam’d the _Lion_, to such a degree, that -the terrible Animal follow’d him wherever he went; and even after the -Duke’s Death and Interment in the Church of St. _Alaise_, the Lion went -towards the Church Door, try’d to break it open, stay’d there in spite of -all the Attempts to take him off, and died on the very Spot, for Grief -that he had lost his Master. - -I afterwards went to ZELL[22], and from thence to HANOVER. The first of -these Towns is small, and has nothing remarkable. It was formerly the -common Residence of the Dukes of _Zell_, who had a very commodious Castle -in it; but since that Country devolv’d by Inheritance to the House of -_Hanover_, there’s nothing remaining here but the Courts of Justice and -the Regency. - -HANOVER[23] is the Capital of the Electorate, and the Seat of the -Electors. This Court was always one of the politest in _Germany_, -especially during the Life of the late Princess _Sophia_, the Electoress -Dowager and Mother. This August Princess, who was descended from the most -illustrious Blood in _Europe_, was the Daughter of the unhappy _Frederic_, -the Elector _Palatine_, and of the Princess of _England_, Daughter of K. -_James_ I. by whom the Right of Succession to the Crown of _England_ -devolv’d to the House of _Hanover_. This Princess, tho’ she was full -Fourscore when I was at _Hanover_, labour’d under none of those -Infirmities, which one would think to be inseparable from so great an Age: -She was really a Prodigy for Vivacity and Memory; she spoke _French_, -_English_ and _Italian_ as well as her Mother-Tongue, and had moreover a -wonderful just way of Thinking, which she had taken the pains to cultivate -by great Reading. This Princess had been the Mother of several Children, -of whom there were then but three Princes surviving, _viz._ the eldest, -who was then the Elector, and afterwards King of _Great Britain_; the -second whose Name was Duke _Maximilian_; and the third the Duke _Ernest -Augustus_, afterwards Bishop of _Osnabrug_ and Duke of _York_. - -Of the Electoress’s three Sons, none but the Elector had any Children; and -these are the Electoral Prince, now King of _England_, and the Princess -Royal, now our Queen. - -The Electoral Prince’s Family was more numerous. He has had a Son and -several Daughters by the Princess of _Brandenburg-Anspach_. I had the -Honor of waiting on the Princes and Princesses the very next day after my -Arrival, and was received very graciously, especially by the Electoress -Mother, who all the Time that I staid at Court, honor’d me with her -special Protection. - -I spent all the _Carnival_ time at this Court, where ’twas open’d on the -2d day of _January_ by a _French_ Comedy, after which there was Play and a -Drawing-Room at the Electoress’s Apartment till ten o’clock at Night. Next -day there was a Ridotto in imitation of that of _Venice_, that is to say, -a public Ball, to which every body was admitted that had a Mask, but not -with Arms. This Ball was held at the Town-House, every other day during -the whole _Carnival_. In the same Room where the Ridotto was perform’d, -they play’d at _Ombre_ and _Picquet_, and in another at _Basset_; there -was a third Room in which the Tables were cover’d with a cold Treat; and -next to this third Room there was a fourth, in which were distributed -Coffee, Chocolate, Liquors, _&c._ - -I had a very great Share in all the Diversions of the _Carnival_, being -then at an Age when nothing is so much minded as Pleasures; especially -when a Person has Money enough to keep him from the Uneasiness, which is -the necessary consequence of the want of that precious Metal. Of this I -was now furnish’d with a handsome Stock, and therewith cut a very gay -Figure; but was soon oblig’d to lessen my Expences, because nothing would -serve me but I must try a fatal Experiment, in which I was bit. I had a -mind to try Fortune at Gaming; and play’d at first with pretty good Luck; -but afterwards the Chance turn’d, and I was soon in a very great Quandary -what to do with my Person, being neither able to proceed in my Journey, -nor return from whence I came; and much less to stay at _Hanover_, where I -had always made some Figure. I then did what young Fellows us’d to do in -such a Situation; that is to say, made several Bargains, but none to my -Advantage. At last I was oblig’d to expose my Circumstances to my Mother, -who was still my Guardian. I had much ado to get the Money of her that I -wanted; but I wrote such moving Letters to her, that she was sensible at -last that she was my Mother, and after having made me wait a little while, -she was so good as to send me the necessary Sums. - -This little Disorder in my Affairs happen’d at a very unseasonable Time: -for the Electoress had been so kind as to get a Passport for me to go to -_Paris_, by means of the late Madame of _France_; but as the same was only -granted for two Months, ’twas impossible for me to make use of it, having -been oblig’d to spend almost all that time in contriving Expedients to -retrieve my Finances. - -The Money that my Mother was so kind as to send me, put me again into a -Condition of travelling. The Emperor _Joseph_’s Death happening at that -time, I resolv’d to go and see the Election of a new Emperor. This great -Prince died at _Vienna_, the 17th of _May_, at 32 years of Age and nine -Months. He left the Imperial Throne vacant, but his other Crowns devolv’d -by Hereditary Right to his Brother. As soon as that Emperor died, the -Empress Mother assum’d the Government of his Hereditary Kingdoms and -Dominions, in the Absence of the King her Son, to whom she sent an Express -to carry the News, as she did also to each of the Electors. The _Saxon_ -and _Palatine_ Electors, as Vicars of the Empire, took Care of the -Government of it during the Inter-regnum; and the Elector of _Mentz_, as -Great Chancellor of the Empire, wrote circular Letters (which are call’d -Letters of _Intimation_) to invite the Electors to the Assembly that was -to be at _Francfort_ for the ensuing Election. - -As this Assembly was not to be till _August_, I went in the mean while to -_Holland_. The first Town I pass’d thro’ after I left _Hanover_, was -MINDEN, which is a Town upon the _Weser_, encompass’d with Walls, and -defended by some Half-Moons, which nevertheless don’t hinder one’s seeing -every thing that passes in the Square from a Hill that commands the Town, -and from whence ’tis an easy matter to beat it to the ground. ’Twas -formerly a Hanse Town, being a part of _Westphalia_, and had always the -Title of a Bishopric, till the Treaty of _Munster_, when it was -seculariz’d, and given to the Family of _Brandenburg_, who settled a -Regency here. It always retain’d two Chapters, one of Canons, and the -other of Canonesses, into which the Ladies must make proof of their -Nobility to be admitted. The famous Count _Tilly_, General of the Imperial -Troops, when he was pursuing _Maurice_ the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -attack’d and took this Place in 1626, when the General, exasperated with -the Town, which tho’ extremely weak, refused to comply with the very -advantagious Terms that he offer’d it, took it by Storm, and put near 3000 -Men, Soldiers and Inhabitants, to the Sword. - -As I proceeded, I passed thro’ HERVORDEN, which is an ill-built Town, in -the County of _Ravensberg_. ’Tis an Imperial Town, and yet the King -maintains a Garison in it. There’s a Chapter of Ladies, the Abbess of -which is a Native Princess of the Empire; and indeed this is what the Town -is most remarkable for, it being otherwise not very considerable any more -than the Towns of LIPSTADT and HAM. These belong both to the King, of -which the first is fortify’d, and Justice is therein administer’d, in the -Name of the King and the Count _de la Lippe_, who has half of the Revenue. -Every thing relating to the Fortifications or the Garison, is the King’s. -The Baron _de Heiden_, General of the Horse, was Governor of it when I was -there. - -After having left these two Places, there is no considerable Town till we -come to WESEL, which stands upon the _Rhine_, and is a part of the Duchy -of _Cleves_. ’Tis now one of the strongest Places in _Europe_; for the -King, who was about fortifying it when I was there, ordered that no Cost -should be spar’d to carry the Works to the utmost Perfection. The Person -he employ’d to direct them was M. _Bot_ a _Frenchman_, and Governor of the -Place, one of the ablest Engineers now living. When I had rested a few -days at _Wesel_ I fell down the _Rhine_ to _Nimeguen_, and by the way saw -EMMERICK and SCHENK. _Emmerick_ is a Hanse Town upon the _Rhine_, which -was taken by the _French_ in 1652, and restor’d two years after to the -Elector of _Brandenburg_. _Schenk_, which is the first place in _Holland_, -stands at the Point where the _Rhine_ divides it self into two Branches, -one of which is call’d _Vahal_, and the other retains the Name of the -_Rhine_. This Place was built in 1586, by _Martin Schenk_ a _Gueldrian_, -from whom it took the Name. - -NIMEGUEN[24] is built upon a Hill which rises by degrees to the very -Centre of the Place, and is part of the Province of _Guelderland_. This -Town is famous for having been taken and re-taken in the War the _Dutch_ -carry’d on with _Spain_ for preserving their Liberty. That Crown was -oblig’d at last to yield it to the _Dutch_, from whom _Lewis_ XIV. took it -in 1672; but it was restor’d to them soon after. ’Twas in this Place that -the Peace was concluded between _France_ and the Allies in 1678. At the -beginning of the War for the _Spanish_ Succession, the Duke of _Burgundy_ -endeavor’d to make himself Master of it, but he had not the Fortune to -succeed. The _Dutch_ have made it very strong, it being their main Bulwark -towards the Duchy of _Cleves_. To go by Land from _Nimeguen_ to UTRECHT, I -cross’d the _Vahal_ over a Flying-Bridge. I shall not speak of this City -now; for I did not stay there, but went strait to LEYDEN[25], a City in -the Province of _Holland_, famous for its University, founded in 1575. - -This is without dispute one of the finest Cities in all the United -Provinces. ’Tis situate in the ancient Channel of the _Rhine_. The Streets -which are broad and very long, are extremely neat, and are for the most -part divided by Canals, that are of a great Conveniency to its Trade, -which consists chiefly in Woollen Cloth, whereof the City of _Leyden_ -makes more than any other Town in _Holland_. There’s a Library also in -this City, which is a very good Collection of the most curious printed -Volumes, and a great Number of very scarce old MSS. Here is likewise a -Physic-Garden worth seeing, and especially a Hall for Anatomies, in which -there is all manner of Curiosities. This City sustain’d a Siege by the -_Spaniards_ in 1574, when the _Dutch_ shook off their Tyrants Yoke. During -this the City was reduc’d to the last Extremity, the Siege having -continu’d from _Easter_ to the 3d of _October_, when the _Spaniards_ were -oblig’d to retire. Tho’ _Leyden_ is a very pretty City, yet I take it to -be one of the dullest Places in all _Holland_ to live in; for go where one -will, we meet with such sickly Countenances as makes one melancholy to see -them: not but that the Town’s-People are as healthy here as elsewhere; -only the Habit they have got of appearing always in their Night-Gowns, and -of even walking the Streets in them, makes them look more like -Valetudinarians, than People in Health. - -After a few days stay at _Leyden_, I went to the HAGUE[26], which I think -may well be call’d the principal Village of _Europe_, it having neither -Walls nor Ramparts; but bating that, ’tis one of the pleasantest Places in -all _Holland_; it being so delightful that the States-General have chose -it, preferably to any other, for holding their Assemblies; and here also -reside the Ministers of the Foreign Courts. There is not a Place in all -_Holland_ that yields such fine Walks, and the People are polite and much -more sociable than in any other part of the Country. Most of the People of -Quality meet every Evening alternately at one another’s Houses: These -Assemblies would be much finer than they are in general, if the Company -was not so promiscuous; but the Freedom of the Country, and the Wealth of -the Inhabitants, very often set the Burgher upon a Level with the Man of -Quality, and sometimes too above him. - -The Houses at the _Hague_ are very fine, yet they are all without the -Rules of Architecture, without Ornament, and in a manner without -Regularity, excepting the Palaces of the Old Court and of Prince -_Maurice_, and the House of M. _Obdam_. There’s not a House in short that -has the air of a great Man’s House; the inner Rooms are commonly very -mean, and not very commodious; they have no Notion of Anti-Chambers; the -Domestics pass their Time in the Kitchens or the Entries; and, except at -the Houses of Ambassadors, what we call a _Swiss_ or Porter, is no where -to be seen. There’s a great Number of _Jews_ at the _Hague_, who make a -fine Figure, especially the _Portuguese Jews_. These Gentlemen have the -Equipages of Ambassadors, with magnificent Houses and Gardens; and they -often make Treats with the utmost Delicacy and Splendor. They are admitted -into all Companies, and only differ from the Christians of this Country by -being possess’d of much more Wealth, and living at a far greater Expence. -I knew one of ’em whose Name was _Duliz_, that was very much esteem’d: He -was good-natur’d, generous, extremely charitable, and reliev’d all -indifferently that were Objects of Compassion, without giving himself the -Trouble of enquiring whether the Sharers of his Bounty were _Jews_ or -_Christians_: And to my own knowledge he contributed as freely for the -Maintenance of a Church, as if it had been his own Synagogue. - -When I had staid about a Month at the _Hague_, I set out to see the chief -Towns of _Holland_. The two first that one comes to are DELFT and -_Rotterdam_. _Delft_[27] is a League from the _Hague_. They say that this -Town was built by _Godfrey_ the _Crooked_ when he had conquer’d this -Country; and that _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ having made himself master of it, -demolish’d its Walls and Castle. It was entirely burnt to the ground by -Accident in 1536, and afterwards re-built. The like Misfortune happen’d to -it again in 1654, when the Powder Magazine took fire, and the Town, tho’ -not totally consum’d, was nevertheless very much damag’d. It was again -entirely re-built in the general Taste of all the Towns of _Holland_, that -is to say, with Canals. There are two fine Churches at _Delft_, in the -Chief of which there is the Tomb of Prince _William_ of _Orange_, who was -assassinated in this Town in 1584, by _Belthazar Gerard_, a Native of -_Franche-Comte_; and in the other Church there is the Tomb of the famous -_Dutch_ Admiral _Martin Trompe_, which is of Marble, with a very fine -Inscription, and beautiful Basso-Relievo’s, which represent the principal -Actions of that great Man. ’Twas in this Town, that the Plenipotentiaries -of _France_ resided during the Congress of _Ryswic_. All Ambassadors are -receiv’d here on the part of the States, and ’tis here that they begin -their March for their public Entry at the _Hague_. The Road which leads -to it is lin’d with Elms, and entirely pav’d with Brick. There is not a -Place in all _Holland_ where so many Passage-Boats are continually coming -and going. They set out every Half-hour for the _Hague_, and every Hour -for _Rotterdam_. These Boats are the favorite Carriers of the Country; and -they are the most convenient Passage, not only for the Regularity of their -Departure and Arrival, but because the Fare is settled. I forgot to tell -you, that _Delft_ is the Place where they make the fine Earthen Ware. - -From _Delft_ I went and lay at ROTTERDAM[28]. This City, which stands upon -the _Maese_, is second to _Amsterdam_ for Trade, notwithstanding the -Difficulty of entring the _Maese_, at the Mouth of which River Ships are -oblig’d to stay for the Tide, and for a Pilot that knows the Coast. They -say that _Rotterdam_ derives its Origin from _Ruther_ King of the -_Franks_. This City is large and well built; and by its several Canals has -a convenient Communication with all the Towns of _Holland_. The only -Monument at _Rotterdam_ is a Statue of Brass in the great Square, -representing the famous _Erasmus_, to whom this City gave Birth. - -From _Rotterdam_ I went to DORT, or DORDRECHT, which is a very ancient -Town, and the first in Rank in the Dominions of _Holland_. It stands in an -Island between the _Maese_, the _Merwe_, the _Rhine_, and the _Ling_, -having been broke off from the main Land in 1421, by an Inundation, which -laid almost all its Territory under Water, and drown’d about 100,000 -Persons. All these Rivers form a kind of Sea; so that at a distance the -Situation of this Town looks very much like that of _Venice_. This Place -was anciently the Residence of the Counts of _Holland_, one of whom, -_viz._ _Albert_ of _Bavaria_, founded a Collegiate Church here in 1363. -The Protestants assembled that famous National Synod here in 1618, which -did not separate till the year following, after having establish’d that -Religion which prevails at this time in the United Provinces. - -When I had staid at _Dort_ as long as was necessary to see the Town and -Parts adjacent, I return’d to _Rotterdam_, from whence I went next day in -a Boat for AMSTERDAM[29]. This is the most famous City in all _Holland_, -its Extent, vast Trade and Riches being the Admiration of all Foreigners; -and what is more surprizing is, that it owes its Aggrandizement to itself, -and its great Wealth to its Commerce. ’Tis said that this City was not -known before the Year 1204; and that then it was no more than a little -Castle call’d _Amstel_, from the Name of the River on which it was built. -The then Lord of it, _Gysbrecht van Amstel_ brought Inhabitants to it, who -were for most part poor Cottagers, that carried on a small Trade with -their Neighbours by means of their Fishery; and at last by the force of -Industry throve so well, that _Amstel_ from a Village, became in a few -years, a very considerable Town, which was always subject to its own -Lords, till a second _Gysbrecht_ being concern’d in the Assassination of -_Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, was oblig’d for some time to get out of -the way, which prov’d to the Detriment of _Amsterdam_; but _Gysbrecht_ -returning at length began to build Bridges and Towers, as he did several -Houses at the same time in the neighbouring Country; and then they began -to call the Place _Amsteldam_, by the Addition of the Word _Dam_, i. e. a -_Dyke_, to its former Name of _Amstel_. This little Town was united -afterwards to the County of _Holland_. _William_ IV. Sovereign of the -Country, gave it several Privileges in 1342. These _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ -confirm’d afterwards, by giving the Inhabitants a Power also of enlarging -the Town, which by its Situation, and the Industry of the Inhabitants to -improve its Commerce, soon became considerable; yet it continued without -any Walls, even so long as the Year 1482. In the 16th Century this City -increas’d considerably in Power; and during the Troubles which arose on -account of Religion, took great Care to preserve the Catholic Religion, -and their due Allegiance to its Princes. It turn’d out the Ministers of -the Reformed Religion, and all that had embrac’d that Doctrine several -times. But at length finding its Trade decay; and that the Succours -brought to it by the Duke of _Alva_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, were -scatter’d, ’twas oblig’d to surrender to the Prince of _Orange_ in 1587, -on condition nevertheless that the Catholics should not be molested. This -indeed was promis’d, but not duly perform’d; for the Clergy and Friars -were soon after expell’d, and the Altars demolish’d; the consequence of -which was the putting an entire stop to all the public Exercise of the -Catholic Religion. The War which the Inhabitants of _Amsterdam_ had upon -their hands, and the Persecution of the Catholics had hurt its Trade very -much, till the Civil Wars kindled in the neighbouring Provinces drove -several Merchants from _Brussels_, _Antwerp_, _&c._ to _Amsterdam_, where -these new Citizens contributed so much to the Revival of its Commerce, -that they have render’d it one of the finest and richest Cities in Being; -and ’tis commonly call’d, _The Warehouse of the World_. - -If the Situation of _Amsterdam_ be duly considered, it may be said to be -one of the Wonders of the World. It stands so low, that it wou’d be -continually in danger of being drown’d, were not the Water kept out by -Dykes as high as the Waves. The River _Amstel_, so gentle that one can -hardly perceive which way it runs, passes thro’ the whole City, and forms -the great Canal over which there are two Bridges. That which is at the -Mouth of the Sea, call’d the _Pont-neuf_, is one of the finest of the -kind, not only for its Sluices, but for the noble View there is from -thence of the Harbor, where Ships are continually going out or coming in -from all parts of the World. Besides the Great Canal, there are others -which deserve to be taken notice of, as, _The Emperors_ Canal, _The Lords_ -Canal; that of the _Cingle_, and the _Princes_ Canal: All these Canals are -broad and deep, and furnish’d with great Kays. The Sides are fac’d with -Free-stone or Brick, and adorn’d with Lime-Trees and Elms. Very fine -Houses are built on most of these Kays, and especially upon the Kay of -_The Lords_ Canal; and new ones are building every day, which are very -beautiful; and tho’ they are small, and not in the Rules of Architecture, -have a certain Air of Neatness which is to be found no where else. Almost -all the Houses have very fine Steps of shining black Marble, and noble -Window-Frames, with very fine Panes, which are often of polish’d Glass. - -The Streets of _Amsterdam_ are generally pretty narrow, yet very fine and -neat; and on certain Days of the Week great Care is taken to wash them. I -must tell you by the way, that there is not a place where the People are -so fond of washing as they are at _Amsterdam_; for they scour the inside -of their Houses every Week without fail, together with the Furniture of -the Kitchen; so that they are always in the Suds. ’Tis true, that without -this Care every thing would grow mouldy and spoil, as Foreigners have very -often experienc’d, who, how loth soever to comply with this sort of -Slavery, which they thought only the Fashion of the Country, were soon -oblig’d to submit to it: And I believe, that were it not for this -Necessity of always washing, the _Dutch_ wou’d not lose so much Time about -it; for in other respects I have not observ’d ’em so nice. These People -wear a Shirt for a Fortnight very well under a nasty, greasy Woollen -Waistcoat: and their manner of eating is as slovenly; for the Generality -know no Forks but their Fingers, wherewith they scoop up the Sallad -swimming in the Vinegar, which is commonly their favorite Dish[30]. - -Of all the Public Buildings at _Amsterdam_, the Stadt-house is certainly -the most magnificent. ’Tis a great Pile built of Free-stones very finely -set, and forms a long Square. The 7 Porticoes which are in the main Front, -and which the Architect has reduc’d to the number of 7, to denote the 7 -United Provinces, are look’d upon as a defect in Architecture; for they -are so narrow, that three Persons can scarce walk a-breast in them: which -indeed is contrary to the Rules of Architecture, but yet no Fault in a -Building, which like the Stadt-house is frequently expos’d to the Rage and -Riots of a People as turbulent as the _Amsterdamers_. These seven -Porticoes lead to two Gates at the Foot of the Grand Stair-Case. I don’t -pretend, _Madame_, to give you all the particular Beauties of this -Structure, being not acquainted enough with the Rules, or even the Terms -of Architecture, to presume to enter into any Description of this nature; -therefore I shall confine my self to what most strikes the Eye. - -The Pediment of the principal Front was to my mind well fancy’d. ’Tis -adorn’d with a Relievo of white Marble, in which a Woman is represented -supporting the Arms of the City. There is also a _Neptune_, some Figures -of Heroes, Lions, Unicorns, and the whole is of admirable Workmanship. -This Pediment is crown’d with three fine Statues of Brass, which denote -Justice, Power and Plenty. On the very Top of this whole Building there’s -a Tower in form of a Dome. Here is a very fine Clock with Chimes, which -are a pretty Amusement for such as are fond of that sort of Music. - -The Inside of this House is every part of it very magnificent. The Chamber -where they pass Sentence on Criminals is lin’d throughout with Marble, and -adorn’d with Basso-Relievo’s, representing all the Emblems and Attributes -of Justice. That which is most admir’d there is a fine Marble Statue -representing _Themis_. This Room is rais’d very high, and a little too -dark; yet ’tis so contriv’d, that all the People in the Square may see the -Criminals try’d. The three Porticoes at the Entrance answer to the three -Windows of this Hall, which Windows instead of Glass, have noble Bars of -Brass curiously wrought. - -The Great Hall is another stately Room, to which there’s an Ascent by a -large Stair-Case with two Flights. All the Walls are lin’d with -Basso-Relievo’s of Marble, intermix’d with fine Paintings. There are two -Galleries or Corridors at the two ends of the Hall, which lead to -Apartments on the right and left. In these Chambers are kept the several -Offices relating to Affairs of the City. The Jurisdiction or Province of -each Chamber is inscrib’d over the Door; and the Affairs there treated, -are represented in magnificent Basso-Relievo’s. In one of these Rooms, -such Persons as are not of the Reform’d Religion are oblig’d to be married -before the _Echevin_, or else they are condemn’d in a Fine; and according -to the Laws, their Marriage is to be reckon’d null and void. - -In the Town-House is kept the famous Bank, which is the Repository of such -a vast Treasure. Prodigious Arches and huge double Bars of Iron before the -Windows, render it inaccessible. The Vaults are admirable, being built -upon Piles in the middle of the Water, and yet so dry as if they were cut -out of a Rock. One part of these Vaults serves for containing the immense -Wealth, the other for confining Criminals. I had the Curiosity to go and -see those Dungeons, which are all very lightsome and kept very neat; and -in spite of the Proverb, they may be said to be very fine Prisons. - -After I had been at the Town-House, I went to visit the Square where the -Merchants assemble about the Affairs of their Trade from Noon till half an -Hour past one o’clock. This Square, which is longer than ’tis broad, is -surrounded with a large open Gallery or Corridor, supported by Free-stone -Pillars, for shelter in case of Rain; and is call’d the _Bourse_ or -_Exchange_. Here are Merchants of all Nations, the diversity of whose -Habits and Languages is as pleasing as the Beauty of the Place; and -especially the Hurry those People are in that are call’d _Brokers_, who -are the Men employ’d by the great Merchants to traffick the Bills of -Exchange, or to transact their other Affairs. To see them scowering from -one to the other all about this Square, there’s no body but wou’d think -they were mad. - -The _India_-House and Admiralty-Office are also worth seeing. The first -serves as a Warehouse for laying up such Merchandize as comes from the -_Indies_. In the latter there is all the necessary Rigging for fitting out -a Fleet to Sea. The _India_ Company have their separate Arsenal, which is -in nothing inferior to that of the States. In this City there are -Hospitals also of every Kind very well maintain’d, and Houses of -Correction for both Sexes. _Amsterdam_ is the Place of Refuge for Sects of -all Denominations, who have their several Chappels or Chambers there, -wherein they exercise their Religion, but the _Calvinists_ and _Lutherans_ -only are allow’d the Liberty of Public Worship. However the _Jews_ have -two fine Synagogues here; the one for the _German_, and the other for the -_Portuguese_ Nation. Of this Sect there are great Numbers, and they live -in a particular Quarter, which is not the most inconsiderable of the City. - -But notwithstanding all this Magnificence of Buildings, and the Concourse -of so many Nations, I was quite out of conceit with _Amsterdam_. Every -body sticks to Trade, and the Gratification of their Avarice is their -whole Study. The Generality with their immense Wealth live like Misers; -and all their Happiness, their Pleasure and their Pride consists in having -a great deal of Money: They think of nothing but how to acquire Riches; -and they look upon every Man that lives genteelly as a Prodigal. As to the -_Dutch_ Freedom, I don’t believe there’s a Place where it bears greater -Sway than at _Amsterdam_. ’Tis true, that this so much boasted Liberty -serves very often but to render the Citizens insolent with Impunity; for -there is not a Scrub but thinks himself as good a Man as the best in the -Country: Foreigners have sometimes much ado to bear it, they being often -abus’d without daring to complain; for it costs so much to obtain Justice -here, that People had rather put up with an Insult, than seek a Remedy by -due Course of Law. The Attorneys and Solicitors of this City outdo those -of all other Countries in flattering their Clients to their Ruin, and most -of this Gentry cut a great Figure, have noble Houses and Gardens, and some -too have very spruce Equipages. - -From _Amsterdam_ I went to HARLEM[31], which is but three Leagues. -Heretofore, while the Catholic Religion subsisted in this Country, it was -a Bishopric, Suffragan of _Utrecht_. The Town stands but a League from the -Sea, or rather upon its Shore, the Sea having overflow’d a considerable -part of the Country, which forms a Lake, now call’d the _Harlem Meer_, or -Sea of _Harlem_. This Town communicates by its Canals both with -_Amsterdam_ and _Leyden_. They pretend it was founded by the _Normans_ in -the ninth Century. Pope _Paul_ IV. erected it into a Bishopric in 1559, -at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. In 1572 the Bishop was -turn’d out by the Protestants, not long after which the Town was besieg’d -and taken by _Frederic_ of _Toledo_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, who oblig’d -the Inhabitants to surrender at Discretion, and caus’d them to be treated -in the most barbarous manner in the World. The _Dutch_ retook it -afterwards, and have held it ever since. There are very fine Walks in this -City, and especially a Grove which is deem’d a charming Place by the -Citizens of _Amsterdam_, who come hither in the Summer to make their -Parties of Pleasure. - -After having seen what was most remarkable at _Harlem_, I return’d by the -way of _Leyden_ to the _Hague_, where I had not been many days, before the -King arriv’d, having pass’d the same day before _Rotterdam_, where he had -been saluted with a triple Discharge of the Cannon, as he was also at -_Delfshaven_, where he found his Yatcht, follow’d by several others that -had been sent to him from the _Hague_. These attended the King to _Delft_, -where his Coaches staid for him, with which he came to his Palace of the -_Old Court_. - -There he found a Guard of fourscore Men, with a Captain and a Pair of -Colors. His Majesty caus’d his Arrival to be immediately notify’d to the -President of the Assembly of the States-General, and next day, after -Sermon time, he receiv’d the Deputation from the said States, consisting -of nine Members, who when they arriv’d at the King’s Palace found the -Guard under Arms, Colors flying, and the Drum beating, and were receiv’d -at the bottom of the Stairs by the Grand Marshal and several Gentlemen of -the Chamber, and introduc’d into the King’s Bed-chamber, who receiv’d -them bare-headed and standing before an Arm-Chair. As the Audience was -only to compliment his Majesty upon his Arrival, it was very short; and -the States returning to the usual Place of their Assembly, went afterwards -and din’d with the King. - -Some days after this his Majesty set out for _Honslaerdyk_, a Place two -Leagues from the _Hague_, which he enjoy’d by Inheritance from the late K. -_William_ of _England_. Thither I follow’d the King, who staid there till -he had receiv’d Advice, that the Prince of _Nassau_, Governor of -_Friseland_, was to come from the Army in _Flanders_ to the _Hague_, there -to make an end of the Differences betwixt him and his Majesty about the -Succession to the Family of _Orange_, of which that Prince took the Title, -by virtue of the last Will and Testament of the late King of _England_, -the last Prince of the said Family. The King had been expecting him for -some days, when a Courier arriv’d with the News, that the Prince was -drown’d in the Passage of the _Moerdyke_. Having embark’d there with his -Retinue to pass the _Stryen-Sas_, he was not got above thirty or forty -Paces from Shore, when a furious Gust of Wind arose, by which the Vessel -was overset and lost. As the Sea swell’d at the same time, and the Prince -knew not how to swim, he could not get ashore. Colonel _Hilkes_ who -accompanied him was drown’d with him, and none but his Domestics escap’d. -The unfortunate Prince was seen to hang by the Mast of the Vessel for some -Moments, and there were some hopes of relieving him, had it not been for a -Wave, which drove by a Blast of Wind carried him off from the piece of -Wood he clung to, and cast him away. The Body of this Prince, who was -very much regretted, was not found till about a Week after, in the very -same place where the Vessel happen’d to be cast away. ’Twas carried to -_Dort_ where ’twas embalm’d, and then remov’d to _Lewarden_, there to be -interr’d in the Tomb of his Family. - -The King was the more afflicted at this sad Accident, because the News was -told him too hastily, by a foolish Courier, who, for want of knowing his -Master’s Temper, thought that the News of the Prince of _Friseland_’s -Death wou’d not be disagreeable to him; but the King gave public -Demonstration how sorry he was for his Loss, and sent a Gentleman of the -Bed-chamber to the last Princess-Dowager of _Nassau_, to assure her how -much he sympathiz’d in her loss. - -The Death of the Prince of _Friseland_ interrupted the whole Treaty of -Accommodation. The said Prince left a Daughter, and the Princess his Wife -pregnant, who wrote to the States to desire them not to do any thing in -prejudice of the Infant of whom she hoped to be deliver’d; and that as -they were Executors Testamentary, they would preserve the Bulk of his -Inheritance entire; and that otherwise she openly protested against every -thing that might be done. This Demand did not hinder the States from -granting the King a provisional Portion; and it was agreed, that his -Majesty, as well as the Heirs of the Prince of _Nassau_, now deceas’d, -should be paid 150000 _Dutch_ Florins a year, out of the Estate of the -_Orange_ Family: That the Palaces of Prince _Frederic-Henry_, of which the -King was already in Possession, shou’d continue his; but that the _Dieren_ -Palace shou’d be common both to the King and the Prince’s Heirs; and that -the rest should be referr’d to a definitive Accommodation, which is the -Thing that still remains to be done. I had the Honor to pay my Court -punctually all the Time that his Majesty spent at the _Hague_; and when he -set out, I went with him to _Dieren_, where I took leave of the King, -little thinking ’twou’d be the last Time I should see him. - -I went thro’ DUSSELDORFF[32], the Capital of the Duchy of _Berg_, which -was then the Residence of the Elector _Palatine_, who, it must be noted, -was the first of the _Palatine_ Electors that liv’d here; for the Electors -commonly resided heretofore at _Heidelberg_ or _Manheim_. The Elector -_John-William_ had preferred _Dusseldorff_ to all other Places, from an -early liking that he took to that Town, of which he was Master, even in -the Life-time of the Elector his Father; who when he married his Son to -the Emperor _Leopold_’s Sister, yielded to him the Duchies of _Juliers_ -and _Berg_, of which _Dusseldorff_ is the Capital City, and wou’d have -been one of the finest in _Germany_, if the Emperor had liv’d long enough -to put the great Projects which he had form’d in execution. This Prince -had already begun to augment the City with one entire Quarter, the Streets -whereof were as strait as a Line; and I saw the Plan of a new Palace that -he intended to build, which wou’d certainly have been one of _Europe_’s -Grand Structures. As to that now at _Dusseldorff_, the only beautiful part -of it is that call’d the Gallery; tho’ why it has that Name I can’t -imagine, since nothing resembles a Gallery less. It contains five Rooms, -three of which are much bigger than the others. One of these Rooms is -quite full of magnificent Paintings by the famous _Rubens_. In another -there’s a great number of Paintings by _Van der Werf_, a _Dutch_ Painter -who died lately at the _Hague_. If a Man has ever so little Taste or Skill -in Painting, ’tis impossible for him to be indifferent for such Pictures, -which may be said to be all Master-pieces. Such are those representing the -good old Man _Simeon_ holding the Savior of the World in his Arms; our -Lord teaching in the Temple; and the Pictures of the Elector and -Electoress, in two particular Rooms of the first Story of this Gallery, -are the Models of the most magnificent Statues of _Italy_, sent for by the -Elector from all parts of that Country at a vast Expence. The three others -are full of modern Statues of Marble and Brass, which are for the most -part done by the famous _Gripilli_ an _Italian_, and an excellent Artist, -especially for Busts that require a Likeness. - -In the Court-yard of the Palace there’s an Equestrian Statue of the -Elector arm’d cap-a-pee, with the Electoral Bonnet on his Head, and -mounted upon a very fine Horse of yellow Copper. In the same Court there -is likewise a very fine Fountain, the Group of which is of Brass very -curiously wrought, but so incumber’d with Works of different Kinds, that -’tis difficult to distinguish them. - -Five Leagues from _Dusseldorff_ there’s a Hunting-Seat call’d -_Bensberg_[33], which is built in a Forest on a Hill, from whence there’s -a fine Prospect of the City of _Cologne_, the _Rhine_, and all the flat -Country. To this Castle there’s a large Avenue, by a gradual Ascent, till -one comes to the Grate of the first Court, on each side whereof there’s a -large Guard-House, the Front of which forms a Gallery supported by Pillars -of grayish Marble, which is dug in this Country. The rest of this Seat has -very much the air of the Castle of _Versailles_, only ’tis not so large or -lofty. In the two Wings of this Building, there are two Stair-Cases which -lead to the Apartments. ’Tis plain that this Structure was design’d -entirely by an _Italian_; because, according to the Fashion of that -Country, the Apartments consist of a great number of Rooms all upon one -Floor too, but without any Closets or Conveniencies. The outside of this -Structure is the oddest thing in the World. It consists of numberless -Ornaments, which ’tis impossible to distinguish: And I think it no -Injustice to the Castle of _Bensberg_, to say, ’tis a noble fine House -full of Imperfections. - -After having given you an Account of the Elector’s several Buildings, I -fancy, _Madame_, that some short Memoirs of his Family will not be -disagreeable to you. To be sure you are not ignorant, that the Succession -of the _Neubourg_ Family to the Dignity of Elector _Palatine_, is owing -only to the Extinction of the Protestant _Palatine_ Family, the last of -which was the Elector _Charles_, who left but one Sister, married to -MONSIEUR _Philip_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. -_Philip-William_ Duke of _Neubourg_, the Father of him whom I have had the -Honor of mentioning to you, was the first Elector of this Branch. This -Prince, who had a numerous Family, match’d them to the chief Crowns of -_Europe_, and he had no less than four Princes and five Princesses. - -The eldest of the Princes was the Elector _John-William_ of _Neubourg_, -who married to his first Wife an Archduchess of _Austria_, Sister to the -Emperor _Leopold_, by whom he had no Issue. He married to his second Wife -_Anne-Mary-Louisa_ of _Medicis_, Daughter to _Cosmo_ III. Great Duke of -_Tuscany_; but having no more Issue by this Match than by the former, he -took the Hereditary Prince of _Sultzbach_ to his Court, where he was -brought up as the Heir of his Family, in case that himself and the Princes -his Brothers died without Male Issue. This young Prince was then look’d -upon as the Electoral Prince, and receiv’d all the Honors as such. The -Person who had the Care of his Education was the Baron _de Seckingen_; and -it may be said, that he did his utmost to make a great Prince of him. - -The second was _Charles-Lewis_, now the Elector. - -The third _Francis-Lewis de Neubourg_, Elector of _Triers_ and Grand -Master of the _Teutonic_ Order. - -The fourth _Alexander-Sigismond_, Bishop of _Augsbourg_. - -The Princesses were all married. The eldest, whose Name was -_Eleonora-Magdalena-Theresa_ of _Neubourg_, married the Emperor _Leopold_, -Father to the present Emperor, and died _Jan. 19, 1719_, aged 74. - -The second was married to the King of _Portugal_. - -The third, nam’d _Mary-Anne_ of _Neubourg_, was married to _Charles_ II. -King of _Spain_. - -The fourth, _Dorothy_ of _Neubourg_ was married to the Duke of _Parma_, by -whom she had among other Children Princess _Elizabeth Farnese_, the second -Wife of _Philip_ V. King of _Spain_. - -The fifth and last of these Princesses, _Hedwiga-Elizabeth_ of _Neubourg_, -was married to _James-Lewis Sobieski_, by whom she had _Clementina -Sobieski_, Wife to the Chevalier _de St. George_. The Mother died at -_Olaw_ the 10th of _August_ 1722, aged 50. - -After having pass’d some time at the _Palatine_ Court, I set out about the -middle of _August_ for _Francfort_ on the _Main_, where I arriv’d a few -days before the opening of the Conferences for the Election of an Emperor. - -FRANCFORT[34] is one of the most considerable Towns of all _Germany_, has -the Title of an Imperial City, and is a part of the Diocese of _Mentz_. -’Tis divided into two parts by the _Main_, over which there is a fine -Stone Bridge. The frequent Fires which this City has suffer’d, and -especially that of 1719, have contributed not a little to its -Embellishment, all the Houses being re-built in a better Taste than -before; yet most of the Buildings are still of Timber and fac’d with -Plaister that is color’d, few private Men having been at the Expence of -building with Stone. _Francfort_ may thank the _Jews_ for most of those -Fires; for the _Jews_ who are very numerous here, live in a Quarter by -themselves, which is shut up every Night; and being so narrow, that they -are straiten’d for Room, they are oblig’d to lie in Heaps as it were upon -one another, in very high Houses, which being moreover of Timber, easily -catch Fire. They have seen their whole Quarter in Ashes twice -successively, because they refus’d the Assistance they might have had to -extinguish the Flames; for they never wou’d open their Gates for fear of -being robb’d, unless when they saw that the People were going to break -them open by Force. Notwithstanding all the Reasons for not suffering them -at _Francfort_, they have a better Toleration than the _Calvinists_, and -have fine Synagogues; whereas the _Calvinists_ do not enjoy the free -Exercise of their Religion, the Magistrates and most of the Inhabitants -being _Lutherans_. - -The City of _Francfort_ is one of the first that embrac’d the Opinions of -_Luther_, which presently occasion’d a Revolt: For the Inhabitants -demanding the free Exercise of _Lutheranism_, and the Clergy and Senate -vigorously opposing it, there was an Insurrection, in which the -Inhabitants having the Advantage, they depos’d the Senate, and establish’d -a sort of Magistracy compos’d of twenty-four, taken from the Body of the -Populace. These Acts of Violence had such fatal Consequences, that at last -in 1530 the City embrac’d the Confession of _Augsbourg_, enter’d into the -League of _Smalcald_, and had a share in the other Calamities which -afflicted the Empire. ’Twas besieg’d twice in 1552, by _Maurice_ Elector -of _Saxony_, and by _Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, surnam’d the -_Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who made himself Master of it; but it soon -after recover’d its Liberty, and since that time has increas’d very much. -The Elections and Coronations of the Emperors render it a very -considerable Place. These two Grand Ceremonies are perform’d in the Church -of St. _Bartholomew_, which is a vile, little, dark Building, very -improper, in short, for Solemnities of that sort. The Imperial Feast is -kept on the very Day of the Coronation, in the Great Hall of the -Town-house, which is indeed a very wide but irregular Room. The Town-house -is called _Romer_: They say ’twas anciently the House of a private -Gentleman, who made a Present of it to the City. If that be true, it may -be said the Gentleman liv’d at large. - -This City has considerable Fairs, which draw a great Number of Merchants -to it and People of Quality. The River _Main_ which falls into the _Rhine_ -near _Mentz_, is a great Advantage to its Commerce. This, _Madame_, is -within a Trifle all that can be said of _Francfort_. I am now to have the -Honor of giving you a particular Account of the chief Circumstances that -attended the Election and Coronation of the Emperor. - -The Conferences for the Election were open’d on the 25th of _August_, and -held from nine o’clock in the Morning till Noon. The Plenipotentiaries of -the absent Electors therein communicated their full Powers, and referr’d -them to the Elector of _Mentz_, who afterwards made a Speech upon what had -given occasion to that August Assembly. In this first Session it was -resolv’d, that every thing there treated of shou’d be kept secret; and -then they adjourn’d. - -The March of the Electors of _Mentz_ and _Triers_ to and from the -Town-house was very grand. The first was _Lotharius-Francis de Schonborn_, -of the Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_; and the second was -_Charles-Joseph de Lorrain_, who was of the _Lorrain_ Family, and died in -1715, on the 4th of _December_. These two Princes rode each in a great -Coach, cover’d with black Cloth, attended by all their Houshold and Guards -in close Mourning. - -The Equipages of the Ambassadors of the absent Electors were very spruce, -especially the Equipages of the Ambassadors of _Saxony_, who had also the -Honor to have with them their Master’s Son, who went by the Name of the -Count of _Lusatia_. Besides, the King of _Poland_ had given them his own -Equipage, and permitted them to cloath their Domestics in his Livery. - -The Ambassadors whom the King (of _Prussia_) sent in quality of Elector of -_Brandenburg_, appear’d likewise with a Splendor worthy of the Prince whom -they represented. They were the Count _de Dlona_ and M. _Henning_; but the -former had the Honors of the Embassy. This Minister appear’d with a Train -of 40 Gentlemen of the King’s Bed-chamber; he had 5 Coaches drawn by 6 -Horses each, 8 Pages, 36 Footmen and 2 _Swiss_. M. _Henning_, who was -appointed to attend to the Business, had not the Satisfaction to see the -Success of these Assemblies; for having in the very first Session spoke -with great Zeal for the Interests of his Country, he heated himself to -such a degree, that he found himself out of Order when he came home; and -that very Night he had a Fit of an Apoplexy of which he died next day. The -Count _de Metternich_ was appointed to supply his Place. No body was -fitter to serve the King in the Assembly at _Francfort_ than this -Nobleman, who had in several Embassies acquir’d a great Knowledge of the -Affairs of the Empire; and particularly in the Embassy at _Ratisbon_, in -which he was employ’d a long time. - -As soon as the Conferences were open’d, the Foreign Ministers, _viz._ the -Pope’s Nuncio, the Envoys of _Savoy_ and of the other Princes of _Italy_, -the Envoy Extraordinary of the States-General, and those of the Princes of -the Empire, notify’d their Arrival to the Electoral College, and sent -their Credentials to the Chancery, which was kept at the Palace of the -Elector of _Mentz_, that Prince being by Birth Chancellor of the Empire. - -At the beginning of these Conferences there were some Difficulties -started, relating to the Pretensions of the Nuncio and Nephew of the then -Pope _Clement_ XI. who pretended that the Electors should pay him the -first Visit; and that when he return’d it to them, they were bound to give -him the Right Hand. The Electors were very much startled at the Nuncio’s -Demand, and publickly refus’d to subscribe to such Claims; so that no -Visit was made on either side, and the Nuncio only saw the Electors in a -Garden where they happen’d to meet by Chance. The Nuncio threaten’d he -would protest against the Ninth Electorate establish’d in favor of the -Family of _Brunswic-Hanover_, and against the Royal Dignity of _Prussia_; -but he was given to understand, that neither of his Protestations would -avail any thing. And the Ambassadors of _Prussia_ sent him word in plain -Terms, that if he offered to protest against the Regal Dignity of their -Master, the King would not fail to give Order to his Troops that were in -_Italy_, to enter into the Ecclesiastic State, and to live at Discretion -therein, as if it were an Enemy’s Country. The Nuncio frighted by those -Menaces, and thinking he already saw the _Prussian_ Troops in his -Holiness’s Territories, sent his Secretary forthwith to the Ambassadors to -assure them that he wou’d not protest; that he never had a Thought nor -Order for it; that his Holiness had all the Respect and Esteem for the -King their Master which so great a Prince deserv’d; and that he would be -glad to give Proofs of it upon every Occasion. - -The Electors of _Cologn_ and _Bavaria_ protested likewise against the -Assembly, in case they were refused Admission to the Conferences for the -Election; but they were of no more avail than those of the Nuncio. Those -Princes sent their Protests by the Post, in form of Letters, directed to -the Count _de Papenheim_ Marshal of the Empire, and seal’d with an unknown -Seal. The Situation those Electors stood in at that time, did not permit -them to cause their Protests to be publish’d with the due Formalities, -nevertheless they were soon made public. The Respect and Friendship People -had for the illustrious Family of _Bavaria_, made every body eager to have -Copies of ’em, but they signify’d nothing, and the Conferences continu’d. - -On the 2d of _October_ the Conferences being ended for that Day, the -Magistrates and Heads of the Militia, went in a Body to the Town-house, to -take the Oath prescrib’d by the Golden Bull. They there found the -Electors, who were at that time in _Francfort_, and the Ambassadors of the -absent Electors, all sitting in Chairs of State, under a great Canopy of -black Velvet. After the Oath was read, the Magistrates and the Officers of -the Militia took it in presence of the Elector of _Mentz_, as did also the -Citizens and the Garison, but the Ceremony was different; for it was not -taken in the Town-house, but without it, in an open Gallery, rais’d in a -great Square, and hung with Cloth. There the Chancellors of the two -Spiritual Electors and the Magistrates receiv’d the Oath of the Citizens, -in presence of the Electors and Ambassadors, who were plac’d at the -Windows of the Town-house. The Burghers, who were to the Number of 14 -Companies, took the Oath first, and then the Soldiers of the Garrison. - -On the 10th of _October_ Proclamation was made by Sound of Trumpet for all -Foreigners, who were not in the Retinue of the Electors, or the Electoral -Ambassadors, to retire out of the City before the Sun was set, till the -Electors had chose an Emperor. The Nuncio thought at first, that his -Character and the Respect due to the Holy Father would exempt him from the -general Rule; but being inform’d of the contrary, he retir’d to -_Aschaffenbourg_. - -On the 12th, about seven in the Morning all the Bells were rung, upon -which the Burghers and the Soldiers of the Garrison assembled at the -Houses of their respective commanding Officers; and then went and posted -themselves in the Streets leading from the Town-house to the Church of St. -_Bartholomew_. The Burghers had the Post of Honor from the Soldiers. At -nine o’clock the Electors and Ambassadors went to the Town-house, the -Courts and Equipages of all but the Ambassadors of _Bohemia_ having laid -aside their Mourning. - -The Moment after the Electors arriv’d in the usual Chamber of the Assembly -they went into other Rooms, where they caus’d themselves to be dress’d in -their Electoral Habits, which are very majestic, being wide Gowns very -much plaited with very long Sleeves, the Linings and Facings being of -Ermin; and over all the Electors wear a sort of Mantle of Ermin. The -Habits for the Spiritual and Temporal Electors are much the same, only -those of the former are of Scarlet, and those of the latter of -Crimson-Velvet. Their Caps are of the Color of their Habits, and like them -turn’d up with Ermin. - -As soon as the Electors were dress’d they return’d to the Assembly-Room, -and then went with the Ambassadors of the other Electors from the -Town-House to the Square, where they found Horses sumptuously caparison’d, -which they mounted, and thus rode in Cavalcade to St. _Bartholomew_’s -Church. The three Electors rode first in one Row bare-headed. The four -Ambassadors of the absent Electors rode next, according to the Rank of -their Masters. Their Electoral Highnesses and the Ambassadors were -receiv’d at the Door of the Church by the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the Head -of the Chapter, who conducted them into the Choir, where they plac’d -themselves, according to their Rank, in the Stalls of the Canons, which -were lin’d with Velvet and Gold-Lace. The Elector of _Triers_ sate by -himself opposite to the Altar, where a Praying-Desk and an Arm-Chair were -set up for him, which were lin’d also with Crimson-Velvet. - -When all the Company were seated, the Bishop of _Neustadt_ began the Mass. -At the first Consecration, the Ambassadors of the Protestant Electors went -into the Chappel of the Conclave which joins to the Choir: After the -Elevation of the Host they return’d to their Places, where they remain’d -during the rest of the Office, and then the Electors and Ambassadors all -went up to the Altar. The Elector of _Mentz_ was in the middle between the -Elector of _Triers_ on his Right and the Elector-Palatine on his Left. The -Ambassadors were in the same Row, according to their Rank, on the Right -and Left of the Electors. The Elector of _Mentz_ took the Book of the -Gospels and laid his Right Hand upon it, as did also the Electors that -were present, and the Ambassadors of those who were absent, and then took -the customary Oath to elect no Person for Emperor but one that they should -think in Conscience to be most qualify’d. After having taken the Oath they -went into the Chapel of the Conclave, where they were shut up near three -Hours. Then they return’d into the Church and plac’d themselves in a -Gallery erected over the Grate that separates the Choir from the Nave, -which was lin’d with Scarlet Cloth and hung with Tapestry, and had seven -Arm-Chairs plac’d in it of red Velvet, adorn’d with Lace and Fringe of -Gold. The Electors and Ambassadors being seated, the Chancellor of _Mentz_ -read aloud the Act which had been just drawn up in the Conclave, whereby -CHARLES King of the _Romans_, and of _Spain_, was proclaim’d Emperor. Then -the whole Church resounded with great Shouts of _Long live the Emperor_! -And at the same instant the Cannon was fir’d from the Ramparts, and the -Burghers and the Garison made three Discharges of their small Arms. - -After the Proclamation the Electors and the Ambassadors descended from the -Gallery to their Places in the Choir, and after the singing of _Te Deum_ -which was tun’d by the Bishop of _Neustadt_, they return’d to the -Town-House in the same Order that they came. There the Electors quitted -their Robes of Ceremony, and each return’d to their Palaces, where they -stay’d till the Evening; and the Ambassadors did the same. At Night they -all supp’d at the House of the Count _de Windisgratcht_, the first -Ambassador of _Bohemia_, and by consequence the Ambassador of the new -Emperor, who gave a magnificent Feast, which was accompany’d with a very -fine Concert of Music. This great Day’s Work was concluded by the Choice -which the Electoral College made of Prince _Charles_ of _Neubourg_, to -carry to the new Emperor the Act of his Proclamation. - -Notwithstanding the surprizing Concourse of People from all Quarters to -see this august Ceremony, there was not the least Disorder in the whole -Solemnity, excepting a little Dispute that happen’d between the Prince _de -la Tour Taxis_ and the Count of _Nassau-Weilbourg_. The former, tho’ of a -modern Family in comparison to the Count, yet presuming upon his Title of -Prince, claim’d Precedency of the Count, but the latter decided the -Difference in an instant; for he took the Prince by the Arm, and pushing -him behind him, said to him, _You are to know, Sir, that such Princes as -you are, walk behind such Counts as I am_. The Prince very much stunn’d at -the Compliment, did not think proper to push his Pretensions farther. - -Immediately after the Ceremony of the Election was over, I set out for -_Zell_, where I had the Misfortune to find my self Motherless as well as -Fatherless. My Mother having died there during my stay at _Francfort_, -whose Death grieved me very much, and the more because ’twas the first -Incident I had met with in all my Life to give me a serious Concern: But -now perhaps, that I am more us’d to Disappointments, such News would not -make so much Impression upon me as it did then. - -I stay’d some time at _Zell_ to settle several Affairs with my Brother -relating to my Mother’s Succession, till I had a Letter acquainting me -that the Ceremony of the Emperor’s Coronation was fix’d for the 22d of -_December_, and thereupon I set out immediately again for _Francfort_. - -I travell’d thro’ _Hanover_, which I have already had the Honor to mention -to you, and from _Hanover_ I went to CASSEL, which Town is the common -Residence of the Landgrave of _Hesse_, and divided into two Parts by the -River _Fulde_. The New Town is very well built with pretty Houses, and the -Streets are very even and spacious. The Landgrave’s Palace which is old is -encompass’d with Ramparts, part of which on that side next to the Country -forms a Terras planted with Orange-Trees, which in Winter are cover’d by a -boarded House. The Name of the present Landgrave is _Charles_, who was -born the 3d of _August_ 1654, and has had seven Children by _Mary-Amelia_ -of _Courland_. - -1. Prince _Frederic_, born the 28th of _August_ 1676, who became King of -_Sweden_ by his Marriage with _Eleonora_ Princess of _Sweden_, who -succeeded _Charles_ XII. He had to his first Wife _Louisa-Dorothea-Sophia_ -only Daughter of the King of _Prussia_, at which time he was Stadtholder -of _Cleves_, and had a Regiment of Foot in his Majesty’s Service. - -2. The Princess _Sophia-Charlotta_ Duchess-Dowager of -_Mecklemburg-Swerin_, who lives still in _Mecklemburg_, from whence she -often goes to the Court of her Father. - -3. Prince _William_, who is a Lieutenant-General of the _Dutch_ Forces, -and Governor of _Maestricht_. He marry’d _Wilhelmina_ of _Saxe-Zeits_. - -4. The Princess _Mary-Louisa_, Dowager of the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_ -drown’d in his Passage at the _Moerdyke_. - -5. The Prince _Maximilian_, marry’d to a Princess of _Hesse-Darmstad_. - -6. The Prince _George_, a General Officer in the Service of _Prussia_, -Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the Black -Eagle. - -7. _Wilhelmina-Charlotte_, who was a most accomplish’d Princess, but died -some time ago. - -These Princes and Princesses met very often at the Court of the Landgrave -their Father, and then render’d it one of the most splendid in _Germany_, -not only by reason of their Magnificence, but for their affable Deportment -to all Mankind, but especially to Foreigners. I was loth to go from -_Cassel_, but as the Term fix’d for the Emperor’s Coronation drew near, I -could not stay there any longer. - -And indeed, I arrived at FRANCFORT but a few Hours before the Emperor. The -Electors and Ambassadors went out of Town and met his Imperial Majesty, as -did also the Magistrates with the Burgo-Master, and complimented him under -a Tent erected there for that purpose. When the Compliments were ended his -Majesty went again into his Coach, as did the Electors and Ambassadors -into theirs, and they enter’d the City while the Cannon fir’d and the -People shouted, _Long live the Emperor Charles_ VI. His Imperial Majesty -alighted at the Church of St. _Bartholomew_. The Elector-Palatine who was -so indispos’d that he could not go out to meet his Majesty, receiv’d him -at the Door of the Church, as did also the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the -Head of the Chapter; and his Majesty was conducted to a Throne set up for -him on the Right-side of the Altar, by the Electors. The Elector-Palatine -walk’d before, and the two other Electors supported the Emperor. When he -was seated on his Throne, the Bishop tun’d the _Te Deum_, and gave the -Benediction. The Emperor was afterwards conducted with the same -Ceremonies to his Palace, which was hung with Mourning. The Electors and -Ambassadors having accompany’d his Imperial Majesty to his Closet, retir’d -to their respective Habitations. The next and following Days the Emperor -receiv’d the Visits of the Electors, the Ambassadors, and the Electoress -Palatine, which he return’d. - -When the 22d of _December_, the Day fix’d for the Coronation, was arriv’d, -all the Burghers and the Garison were drawn up under Arms all the way from -the Imperial Palace to the Church. The Procession was begun by the Footmen -and Pages belonging to the Ambassadors, to the Elector-Palatine and to the -Emperor, and they were follow’d by the Courtiers of the Elector and of the -Emperor, and by Persons of Quality that were in the Ambassadors Retinue. -After them there appear’d six Heralds at Arms, the first of which carry’d -a single Eagle, the second a double Cross, the third a Lion, and the three -others Spread-Eagles, the whole after the manner of the _Roman_ Ensigns. -After the Heralds, came the Ambassadors, the Vicars of the Electors, and -the Elector-Palatine, bearing the _Imperialia_ or Ornaments of the Empire; -and immediately after them the Emperor appear’d, under a stately Canopy. -His Habit was like that of the Secular Electors, that is to say, a Robe of -Crimson-Velvet turn’d up with Ermin: He had on his Head a Crown enrich’d -with Diamonds, which was the Crown of his Family, and he rode a very fine -_Spanish_ Horse, the Equipage of which was truly magnificent. Behind the -Emperor came the principal Officers of his Houshold, and the Captain of -the Guards at the Head of his Company; and the Elector-Palatine’s -Life-Guards closed the March. - -When the Emperor arrived at the Church, the Electors of _Mentz_ and -_Triers_ in their Pontificalibus went and receiv’d him at the Door, from -whence they conducted him to his Seat in the Choir over-against the High -Altar. There his Imperial Majesty heard the Mass, after which he was -conducted to the Town-House almost in the same Order as was observ’d at -his coming to Church, with this Difference, that the Emperor was deck’d -with the Ornaments of the Empire, which consist of the Crown, the Mantle, -and _Charlemain_’s Sword. His Majesty was now on foot between the two -Ecclesiastical Electors, who accompany’d him, as did the Elector-Palatine, -and the Vicars and Ambassadors of the absent Electors to the Great Hall of -the Town-House, where the Imperial Feast was prepar’d. The Emperor plac’d -himself at one of the Windows looking into the great Square, on purpose to -be seen by the People; of whom there was such a Multitude, that not only -the Square but the Windows and Roofs of the Houses were cover’d with them. - -From this Window his Majesty saw the Officers of the Empire perform their -Functions. The Count _de Papenheim_ the Elector of _Saxony_’s Vicar, as -Grand Marshal of the Empire, was the first that began the Ceremony. He was -mounted on a very fine Horse, which he rode full gallop to a Heap of Oats -in one Corner of the Square, wherewith he fill’d a Measure of Silver, -after which he return’d to the Middle of the Square, where he threw both -the Oats and the Measure among the Populace, and then he went to the -Banquetting-Room. - -The Elector-Palatine appear’d next, encompass’d with his Guards, and -preceded by his Courtiers. He went on horseback to a Kitchen built for the -purpose in the great Square, where he found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit, -of which he cut off a Slice, and putting it into a Gold Dish he carry’d it -to the Emperor’s Table. - -The Count _de Zinzendorf_, Vicar to the Elector of _Hanover_ as Treasurer -of the Empire, came next. He was on horseback attended by the Emperor’s -Guards, and taking a compass round the Square he scatter’d Medals of Gold -and Silver among the Populace, which he took out of a couple of Bags of -Cloth that were ty’d to his Saddle-Bow. These Medals represented on one -side the Globe of the Earth encompass’d with Clouds, and this _Latin_ -Inscription, _Constantiâ & Fortitudine_. On the other side was this -Legend, _Carolus, Hispaniarum, Hung. & Bohem. Rex. A. A. Electus in Regem -Roman. coronat. Francof. 22 Decemb. 1711_. Over which there was an -Imperial Crown like to that of _Charlemain_. - -The Count _de Dhona_ Ambassador from the King as Elector of _Brandenburg_, -perform’d the Function of Great Chamberlain of the Empire in the absence -of the Prince of _Hohenzollern_ the Elector’s Vicar, who was at that time -indispos’d. The Count preceded by all his Livery, and accompany’d by some -of the Emperor’s Guards, rode on horseback towards the middle of the -Square, where a Table was erected on which there was a Basin and Ewer of -Silver gilt full of Water, with a Napkin that had been dipp’d in it, all -which he took and carry’d into the Banquetting-Room, and gave to the -Emperor to wash. - -Afterwards the Count _de Kinski_, Ambassador of his Imperial Majesty as -King of _Bohemia_, officiated for the Person whom he represented, as Great -Cup-Bearer of the Empire: For this purpose he took a Goblet of Gold and -fetch’d Wine at a Fountain erected in the middle of the Square -representing the Imperial Eagle; which done, the Count went into the -Banquetting-Room, and gave it to the Emperor to drink. - -Thus did the Officers of the Empire acquit themselves of their several -Functions: After this the Emperor plac’d himself alone at a Table upon a -rais’d Floor, cover’d with red Cloth; and over it there was a Canopy of -Gold Brocade. When the Emperor was seated the Electors plac’d themselves -at Tables that were prepar’d for them on both sides of the Hall, on Floors -that were a Step lower than the Emperor’s. Over each Table there was a -Canopy of Crimson-Velvet inrich’d with Gold, and they had each an -Arm-Chair of the same. On the Right-side of each Table there was a -magnificent Beaufet. The three Electors sate alone at their several -Tables, and the Ambassadors of the absent Electors, after having stood a -little while behind the Chairs plac’d for their respective Masters, went -into another Room. On the following Days the Electors din’d with the -Emperor, and his Majesty went also and din’d with the Electors. At length, -after the Emperor had perform’d all the Ceremonies that are observ’d at -Coronations, he set out from _Francfort_ for his Hereditary Dominions, -where he was impatiently expected by his Subjects. - -Just as I was ready to depart from _Francfort_ I receiv’d the melancholy -News of the Death of the King’s Brother the Margrave _Philip_, to whom I -was very much attached, and was therefore mightily afflicted for the Loss -of him. The King’s Ambassadors, to avoid the Expence of putting their -Equipage in Mourning, kept his Death secret, so that they did not notify -it to his Imperial Majesty till the Day before he went. - -I set out from _Francfort_ much about the same time as the Emperor did, -and pass’d through _Cassel_, _Hanover_, and _Dusseldorff_. I lik’d -_Francfort_ so well before, that it tempted me to return to it; and -besides, that was the Place to which a Passport was to be directed that I -had sent for from _France_, in order to carry me to _Paris_. As soon as I -receiv’d it I traveled thro’ _Minden_, which I have already had the Honor -to mention to you; and from thence, after having pass’d through _Bilefeld_ -a little Town in the County of _Ravensberg_, I arriv’d at MUNSTER. - -This, which was formerly an Imperial City, is now the See of a Bishop, -Prince of the Empire, and Lord of the Town and its Jurisdiction. It stands -in _Westphalia_ in a large Plain, and on a little River which renders it -very strong. It was the Birth-place of the famous _Muntzer_, the Head of -the Anabaptists, a Sect of Heretics, who grew so powerful that they -undertook to make themselves Masters of the City, and to chuse themselves -a King; and about the End of the sixteenth Century, they accordingly chose -for their Sovereign one _John of Leyden_, a Taylor, infamous for the -Cruelties and Outrages which he committed. But Heaven deliver’d the City -from such a Scourge; for at length after some Resistance it was reduc’d, -and _John of Leyden_ was put to death by the Hangman. The City revolted -again afterwards; but at last the Bishop humbled it in 1661, and since -that time it has always been subject to the Bishops its Sovereigns. ’Twas -at _Munster_ that was held the famous Assembly of _Westphalia_, which -establish’d the Fortune of many Sovereigns, and the Religion of their -Subjects. The Peace which was there sign’d serves also as a Basis for all -the Treaties that are made at this time. The Treaty of _Munster_ imported -in substance, “That _Maximilian_ Duke of _Bavaria_ should remain in -Possession of the Electorate of the Counts Palatine, which had been given -him by the Emperor _Ferdinand_ II: That _Charles Lewis_ Count Palatine -should be restor’d to his Principality, and be created an eighth Elector -for himself and his Descendants. That the Protestants should have their -Churches and the free Exercise of their Religion, on the Footing as it was -in 1624; and that they should retain the Church-Revenues, of which they -had been possess’d ever since the first of _January_, that Year: That -_Sweden_ should have Hither-_Pomerania_, a Part of the other _Pomerania_, -the Island and Principality of _Rugen_, the Town and Port of _Wismar_, -Archbishopric of _Bremen_, and the Bishopric of _Verden_, with the Title -of a Duchy: That the Elector of _Brandenburg_ should have the Bishoprics -of _Halberstadt_, _Minden_ and _Camin_, with the Farther-_Pomerania_: That -_France_ should have the intire Sovereignty of _Metz_, _Toul_, and -_Verdun_, and the Dependencies thereof, that of _Pignerol_ and _Brisac_, -the Landgraviate of Upper and Lower _Alsace_, _&c._ That the Confederates -should restore the Towns they had taken, and disband their Troops; and -that the seven Circles of the Empire should furnish five Millions of -Rixdollars for the Pay of the _Swedish_ Soldiers.†Such were the -Conditions of this Peace, which was not very advantageous to the Catholic -Religion. - -The Bishop who had the See of _Munster_ while I was there, was of the -Family of _Metternich_, and at the same time Bishop of _Paderborn_. I did -not stay long in that City, but proceeded thro’ _Dusseldorff_, where I -found the whole Court return’d from _Francfort_. - -From thence I set out for COLOGNE[35], where M. _Happe_ who was appointed -by the King to levy the Contributions which _Luxembourg_ and other -neighbouring Countries were oblig’d to pay, entertain’d me very civilly, -gave me an Apartment at his House, and made me exceeding welcome. - -I stay’d some time in this City, which is a very flourishing Town by -reason of its convenient Situation for the Trade of their Merchants, who -have great Vessels constantly going up and down the _Rhine_, to -_Francfort_ and _Holland_. ’Tis a pretty large City, but always very dirty -and ill pav’d, and the Houses are for most part very old, and consequently -dark and incommodious. The City is governed by a Senate, which does not -depend on the Elector, whose Power is very much limited, he having no -Authority but in Criminal Affairs; yet he is allow’d Sovereign Command for -three Days, after which if he stays at _Cologne_ he is no more regarded -than a private Gentleman. This is the reason that the Prince commonly -resides at _Bonn_, and that he only goes to _Cologne_ on the Eves of the -Grand Festivals, to officiate there. Nevertheless the City is oblig’d to -pay Homage to the Elector, and to swear Fidelity to him, on Condition that -he preserve them in the Enjoyment of their Privileges; which is a -Condition that the Elector can scarce violate were he ever so much -inclin’d to it, because ’tis the City that maintains the Garison, and is -Mistress of the Arsenal. - -The Catholic is the only Religion that is allow’d to be exercised at -_Cologne_. Nor are Protestants admitted into the Senate, or any Employment -in the City, but go to preach at _Mulheim_, a little Town in the Country -of _Berg_, which belongs to the Elector-Palatine. - -I had not the Honor of seeing the Elector, who by reason of the -Misfortunes he had suffer’d in the late Wars, was oblig’d at that time to -live in _France_. His Name was _Joseph-Clement_ of _Bavaria_. He possess’d -the Bishoprics of _Hildesheim_ and _Liege_, together with the -Archbishopric of _Cologne_. He died the 12th of _November_ 1723, after -having caus’d his Nephew the Duke _Clement_ of _Bavaria_, Bishop of -_Munster_ and _Paderborn_ to be chose Co-adjutor of _Cologne_. - -The Archbishops of _Cologne_ are Great Chancellors of the Empire in -_Italy_, but don’t officiate as such; for most of the Princes of _Italy_ -pretend to be independent of the Empire, or call themselves perpetual -Vicars thereof; and in this Quality they perform what the Emperor might do -within the Extent of their Jurisdictions. This however extends only to -common Cases, for in extraordinary ones they are oblig’d to have recourse -to the Imperial Court. Then ’tis the Elector of _Mentz_ alone who -officiates in quality of Chancellor of _Germany_; and ’tis he that has the -Custody of the Archives and Titles which relate to _Italy_. - -The Electors of _Cologne_ for a long time contested with those of _Mentz_ -the Right of consecrating the Emperors, tho’ the latter pretend this Honor -belongs to them, as Primates of _Germany_. But the Differences between -those Princes have been regulated; and they have agreed that either of -them, in whose Diocese the Emperor happens to be crown’d, should -consecrate him; and that if the Coronation should be perform’d in neither -of their Dioceses, then they should take it by turns. Nevertheless after -this Accommodation the Elector of _Cologne_ consecrated the Emperor -_Leopold_ in 1658, at _Francfort_ a City in the Diocese of _Mentz_; but it -was done with the Consent of the Elector of _Mentz_, and without making it -a Precedent for the future. - -I have observ’d, that at _Cologne_ most of the public Buildings are either -Churches or Convents. The Metropolitan Church would be one of the most -magnificent in all _Germany_, were it finish’d. Among other stately Tombs -here is that of the _Three Kings_ who came to worship the Savior of the -World, whose Bodies they say were remov’d from _Constantinople_ to -_Milan_, and from thence brought hither. All the People have a very great -Veneration for these Reliques. - -Except the Churches and the Monasteries one sees no public Structures, nor -any House fine enough to raise a Stranger’s Admiration; here is still to -be seen the House where Death put an end to the Misfortunes of _Mary de -Medicis_, Queen of _France_, who came to _Cologne_ for Refuge from the -Persecution of Cardinal _Richelieu_. This Cardinal, tho’ he was oblig’d to -that Princess for his prodigious Wealth, was not content with having -forc’d her to quit the Kingdom of _France_, but abridg’d her even of the -Necessaries of Life; insomuch that ’twas a hard matter for her to find a -Butcher that would undertake to serve the Table of that unfortunate -Princess with Meat. She died the 3d of _July_, 1643. - -After I had amused my self with seeing what was to be seen in the City of -_Cologne_, I long’d so much to see that famous City _Paris_, that I set -out thither very soon. I forgot to tell you that the Out-works of -_Cologne_, especially the Ramparts are very agreeable. There are noble -Rows of Elms which serve for Walks, and terminate in a Kay that runs along -the _Rhine_, and would be a very fine one, if it was not disfigur’d by a -Half-moon, which has been cut out to cover the Gate of the _Rhine_, and to -secure the Passage of the Flying-Bridge. - -When I set out from _Cologne_ I went down the _Rhine_ and the _Vahal_, as -far as _Dort_, and from thence (without once going ashore) to ANTWERP, -which City I take to be the most beautiful of all the _Netherlands_. It -makes a part of _Austrian Brabant_, and is the Capital of the Marquisate -of the Holy Empire. ’Tis situate in a great Plain on the Right-side of the -_Schelde_, at a Place where that River separates the Duchy of _Brabant_ -from the County of _Flanders_. It contains a number of Churches built in a -very good Taste, and a great many very noble public Edifices. The Church -of our Lady, which is the Cathedral, is a Work that has nothing like it -except it be in _Italy_. ’Tis above 500 Feet in length, 240 in breadth, -and 340 in height. It contains Sixty-six Chapels, adorn’d with Marble -Columns, all different, and with fine Paintings. The Tower which serves -for the Steeple is very lofty and perfectly beautiful. - -The most magnificent of the Churches, next to the Cathedral, was that of -the _Jesuits_, which was consum’d by Lightning the 18th of _July_, 1718. -The Pavement was of Marble, in Compartiments. There were two low Isles, -one above the other, which were supported by fifty-six Marble Pillars. The -four Arches were clos’d with thirty-eight great Pictures in gilt Frames, -and the Walls in which there were forty Windows were lin’d with Marble. -The great Roof was of very fine carv’d Work, charg’d with a small Dome, -very lightsome and very well made. As to the High Altar it would require -an able Connoisseur to give such a Description of it as the Beauty of the -Workmanship requires: For my own part all I can say of it is, that ’twas -all over Marble, Jasper, Porphyry, and Gold. The Picture represented the -Assumption of the Virgin _Mary_, and was a complete Piece. Our Lady’s -Chapel, which was a part of the same Church, was as rich as the rest of -the Building, the Sides and the Roof of it being fac’d with Marble, and -adorn’d with six Statues of Alabaster. Besides this Chapel there were -fifty others, all of the utmost Magnificence. The Great Gate of the -Church, and the _Jesuits_ College adjoining to it, were answerable to the -Beauty of the Structure. All this stately Building was entirely destroy’d; -and what is most to be pitied, the Pictures of the famous _Rubens_, of -which this Church was full, were destroy’d with it; a Loss the more -considerable, because ’tis not to be repair’d; for as to the rest, they -are preparing to build a Church as magnificent as the former. - -There are several other fine Edifices at _Antwerp_, of which I don’t -undertake the Description. I shall only mention a Word or two of the -Town-House and the Exchange. The former stands in a great Square, -encompass’d with fine Houses. Tho’ the Building is quite in the _Gothic_ -Taste, yet ’tis a noble Monument of the Wealth of those who founded it. -The Exchange is worth seeing, on account of the Galleries round the -Square, in which the Merchants assemble as they do at _Amsterdam_, from 12 -o’clock till half an hour past 1. - -The Citadel or Castle of _Antwerp_ was formerly reckon’d one of the -strongest and most regular Citadels in _Europe_; but the Works which -_Lewis_ XIV. caus’d to be made in the _Netherlands_, and upon all the -Frontiers of the Kingdom, have very much sunk the Reputation of the -ancient Fortifications. ’Twas in the Square of this Castle, which was -built by Order of the Duke of _Alva_, that he caus’d that famous Statue of -Brass to be erected, which would have been an eternal Monument of his -Pride and Cruelty, if it had not been pull’d down and broke to pieces by -the Populace, as soon as the Duke quitted the _Netherlands_ by Order of -his Master K. _Philip_ II. ’Tis said that while he commanded in this -Country, he caus’d above 18000 Persons to be executed by the common -Hangman. - -Next to the Citadel, I cannot help giving you some Account of the Harbor, -which is very beautiful and commodious. Here is a very large Square, -where, by the Help of a certain Machine, they easily unload all the Goods. -Another good Conveniency, and what contributes to render this a very -trading City, is, that besides the River there are eight great Canals, by -which Ships may enter into the City. Yet notwithstanding all these -Conveniencies, the Trade of _Antwerp_, tho’ considerable, is not near so -flourishing now, as it was before the Civil Wars, and the new Opinions in -Affairs of Religion. ’Tis even astonishing how this City could hold up its -Head again after the Calamities it suffer’d, even from its own Sovereign, -whose Troops in 1576, burnt above 600 Houses in _Antwerp_; and while the -unfortunate Inhabitants were running, as it were, into the midst of the -Flames, to rescue their best Effects, the _Spaniards_ fell upon ’em, and -kill’d and drown’d near 10000. This terrible Fire was the total Ruin of -_Antwerp_; the Town-House and several noble Palaces were reduc’d to Ashes; -and the immense Riches which they contain’d were carry’d off by -Plunderers, who pillag’d for three Days, during which they committed all -manner of Outrages. Nevertheless, this unhappy City, which had like to -have been buried for ever under its own Ashes, was rais’d to Life again -some time after by the Confederates, who remain’d, as it were, its -Sovereigns, till 1585, when the Prince of _Parma_ took it from them, after -a Siege that lasted near twelve Months, and was one of the most famous -Sieges that had ever been known before, as well upon account of the few -Troops the Duke of _Parma_ had to carry it on, which in all were but 1200 -Men, as for that famous Dyke by which he shut up the Harbor, and for the -Bridge which he laid over the _Scheld_. - -_Antwerp_ remain’d under the Dominion of the House of _Austria_ from that -Time to the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, when it was oblig’d to -receive a _French_ Garison in the Name of _Philip_ V. whom the Elector of -_Bavaria_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, own’d for King of _Spain_. But -by the Battle of _Ramellies_, _Antwerp_ and a part of the _Netherlands_ -were reduc’d under the Dominion of the Emperor. During the War that was -enter’d into for the _Spanish_ Monarchy, a Battle was fought in the -Neighbourhood of _Antwerp_, near the Village of _Ekeren_, for which both -Parties sung _Te Deum_. - -Having set out from _Antwerp_ to pursue my Journey to _Paris_, I pass’d -thro’ MECHLIN[36], which is a very fine City, and the See of an -Archbishop, whose Revenue is very considerable. The Metropolitan Church is -dedicated to St. _Rambaut_. This City is the Seat of a Great Royal -Council, which is, as it were, the Parliament of the Country, and was -establish’d by _Charles_ Duke of _Burgundy_ in 1473. _Mechlin_ is famous -for the Lace made there, which is finer and better than any that is made -in the other Towns of the _Netherlands_. - -From _Mechlin_ I went to BRUSSELS[37], the Capital of the Duchy of -_Brabant_. This City stands on the little River _Senna_, that falls into -the _Scheld_ by the Canal of _Vilvorde_, and divides the lower Town by -several Canals that terminate in the said Canal of _Vilvorde_, which is -very convenient for their Trade, whereof this City has a considerable -Share. There are several Manufactures at _Brussels_, of which that of -_Devos_ for Tapistry is worth seeing; that skilful Operator having carried -his Art to the utmost degree of Perfection that the Curious can desire. -The common People of _Brussels_ are more polite than in any other City of -the _Netherlands_; for most of the Nobility of the Country come hither -commonly to pass the Winter; and there are few Families of Note that have -not a House here. - -The Royal Palace is very large, and the Apartments beautiful, tho’ very -old. This Palace stands high above the City, being situate upon a Hill, -from whence there is a noble Prospect, which is diversify’d by the -Gardens, and the Park that joins to the Palace, wherein there are several -very pleasant Walks, adorn’d with fine Grottos and Fountains. - -The Town-house is another very fine Building. It stands in a Square, -encompass’d with Grand Houses, built after _Brussels_ was bombarded by the -_French_, under the Command of the Marshal _de Villeroy_, when this -Quarter of the Town in particular suffer’d very great Damage; but it is -since become the more agreeable by the magnificent Houses built where the -old ones stood. - -I left _Brussels_ to go to Mons the Capital City of _Hainault_, which -stands upon a Hill, on the Banks of the little River of _Trouil_, and is -one of the strongest Places in the Low-Countries. _Lewis_ XIV. besieg’d it -in Person, and took it in 1691. It was restor’d to _Spain_ by the Peace of -_Ryswic_, but afterwards at the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, it -return’d as well as all the Low-Countries under the Dominion of _France_. -But at length after the Battle of _Malplaquet_, it became subject to the -House of _Austria_. In this City there’s a famous Abbey of Nuns, which is -a very honorable Retreat for young Women of Quality, who are Orphans, or -don’t care to be dependant on their Parents. They wear the Habit of Nuns -in the Morning, to be present at the Office; but in the Afternoon they -dress like Gentlewomen; and they make no Vow. - -From _Mons_ I went to VALENCIENNES[38], which City is a part of the -Province of _Hainault_, and the chief Town of _French Flanders_. Its -beautiful Fortifications display the same Magnificence that was always -observ’d in all the Works erected in the Reign of _Lewis_ XIV. That -Monarch besieg’d _Valenciennes_ in Person, in the Year 1677; and after -having taken it by Storm, caus’d a strong Citadel to be erected in it at -the Expence of the Inhabitants. This City had been besieg’d by the -Marshals _Turenne_ and _La Ferte_ in the Year 1656; but Don _John_ of -_Austria_, the Governor of the _Netherlands_, accompanied by the Prince of -_Condé_, who at that time, bore Arms against the King, made them raise the -Siege; and in this Expedition the Marshal _de la Ferte_ was taken -Prisoner. - -The late Elector of _Cologne_ liv’d at _Valenciennes_ when I was there, -the Casualties of the War having oblig’d him to quit his own Dominions. I -was introduc’d to that Prince by the Prince _de Tingri_, when his -Electoral Highness gave me a favorable Reception, and told me that he knew -my Father; but I plainly perceiv’d by what he said, that this Prince would -have been as glad to be in his City of _Bonn_, as in a Town of _France_. - -I stay’d at _Valenciennes_ three Days, after which I set out for -CAMBRAY[39]. This City is the Capital of the _Cambresis_, and one of the -strongest Places in _Europe_. They say its Original is very ancient; for -some Authors pretend, that _Camber_ King of the _Sicambri_ was the Founder -of it. The Kings of _France_ conquer’d it, and were Masters of it a long -while. After the Death of _Charles_ the _Bald_, it was for some time a -Bone of Contention between the Emperor, the King of _France_, and the -Earls of _Flanders_; but the latter seiz’d it, and the Emperors afterwards -declar’d it a free City of the Empire. _Francis_ I. King of _France_ -granted it a Neutrality; but the Emperor _Charles_ V. made himself Master -of it; and afterwards during the Revolutions of the _Netherlands_, it fell -under the Dominion of the Duke _d’Alençon_, Brother to _Henry_ III. who -restor’d it to the _French_ by a Treaty, which he concluded with _John de -Montluc_, whom King _Henry_ IV. afterwards made Prince of _Cambray_. Not -long after this, the _Spaniards_ took it by surprize, and kept it till -1677, when Lewis XIV. took it, and it has remain’d ever since in the -Possession of _France_, which Crown has considerably augmented its -Fortifications. - -_Cambray_ has the Title of an Archbishopric, which was erected in 1559, by -Pope _Paul_ II. at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. The -Suffragans granted to this Metropolitan were the Bishoprics of _Arras_, -_Tournay_, _St. Omer_ and _Namur_, which were anciently Suffragan Sees to -the Church of _Rheims_. The Archbishop takes the Title of _Duke of_ -Cambray, _Count of the_ Cambresis, _and Prince of the Holy Empire_. He -that was the Archbishop while I was there, was the illustrious M. _de -Fenelon_, a Prelate as venerable for his Piety, as for the Delicacy of his -Pen. The present Archbishop is the natural Son of the late Duke of -_Orleans_ the Regent, and was formerly Bishop and Duke of _Laon_. This -Prelate fully answers the vast Hopes that were conceiv’d, from his good -Qualities in his Non-age. His Predecessor in this Dignity was the famous -Cardinal _Dubois_, the Minister of _France_. - -I forgot to tell you, that the City of _Cambray_ is also of great Note for -the famous League that was concluded between the Pope, the Emperor -_Maximilian_, _Lewis_ XII. King of _France_, and _Ferdinand_ King of -_Arragon_, against the Republic of _Venice_. - -From _Cambray_ I went to ST. QUINTIN, which City is the Capital of the -_Vermandois_, and is of Note for the famous Battle of _St. Quintin_, -call’d also the Battle of St. _Lawrence_, because ’twas fought on the 10th -of _August_, in 1557. After the Truce was broke between _Henry_ II. King -of _France_, and _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, _Philibert-Emanuel_ Duke of -_Savoy_, who was Governor of the _Netherlands_, besieg’d the City of _St. -Quintin_, which was destitute of Troops, and moreover in a very bad -Condition. The Admiral _Coligni_ got into it with some Forces, which gave -Time to the Constable _de Montmorency_ to pass the _Somme_ with the -_French_ Army under his Command, and throw some Succours into the Town. -This was executed indeed, but with so much Precipitation, that the Men who -entered it were scarce five hundred in number. The Constable perceiving -the Approach of the _Spaniards_, and his Troops being moreover incumber’d -with their Equipage, endeavored to make his Retreat; but the Duke taking -advantage of his Incumbrance, surpriz’d him between the Villages of -_Essigny_ and _Rizerolles_, and charg’d him home before he had Time to put -his Men into Order of Battle; and the Constable and his Son were taken -Prisoners, with a great many Persons of Distinction. The Number of the -Slain was even greater than that of the Prisoners; and among the former -was _John_ of _Bourbon_, Duke of _Anguien_, a Prince of the Blood Royal, -and above 600 Gentlemen. The _Spaniards_ Loss did not exceed 500 Men. -_Philip_ II. in acknowledgment for this Victory, made that extraordinary -Vow, which he afterwards perform’d, to build the Monastery of St. -_Lawrence_ at the _Escurial_; upon which a certain Ambassador of _France_, -when he was shew’d that stately Edifice, said, _That +Philip+ must needs -be terribly afraid when he made so considerable a Vow_. After the Battle, -_St. Quintin_ surrender’d to the _Spaniards_, who kept it till the Treaty -of _Chateau-Cambresis_, in 1559. - -From _St. Quintin_ I went to COMPIEGNE, a City in the Diocese of -_Soissons_, which is situate on the West side of the _Oyse_ and the -_Aisne_. The famous Maid of _Orleans_ ow’d the Loss of her Liberty to this -City. For that illustrious Heroine going to the Relief of _Compiegne_, -which the _English_ had resolv’d to besiege, had the Misfortune to fall -into their hands, and was carried Prisoner to _Roan_, where they burnt her -for a Witch. ’Twas at the Castle of _Compiegne_ that the Cardinal _de -Richlieu_ kept the Queen _Mary de Medicis_ a Prisoner, till that Princess -found Means to escape, and to retire to _Flanders_. I have had the Honor -already to tell you, that this unfortunate Queen died at _Cologn_. - -This same Castle was also for some time the Residence of the Elector of -_Bavaria_, after he was ejected out of his Dominions by the victorious -Arms of the Emperor. The Court his Electoral Highness kept here was so -splendid, that it did not look like the Court of a Refugee Prince. - -Near _Compiegne_ there’s a very large Forest, which renders the -Neighbourhood of this City very pleasant. There are fine Roads cut out in -this Forest, which render it very convenient for Hunting. - -The only considerable Place from _Compiegne_ to _Paris_ is SENLIS; and -that purely on account of its being the See of a Bishop: for setting aside -its Situation, which is very agreeable, by reason of the Neighbourhood of -the beautiful Forest of _Chantilly_, _Senlis_ is a very trifling Place. -Near this City is the Abbey of our _Lady of Victory_, which _Philip -Augustus_ caus’d to be built as an Acknowledgment for the Victory he won -in Person at _Bouvines_, over the Emperor _Otho_ IV. and his Confederates, -on _Sunday July_ 27th, 1215; upon which very Day, his Son too won another -Battle over the _English_ in _Anjou_. They say that the two Couriers that -were carrying the News of each of the Victories, from the one Army to the -other, met at the very Place where now stands the Church of this Abbey. - -Betwixt _Senlis_ and _Paris_ there stands the little Town of St. DENYS, -famous for the magnificent Abbey which gives Name to it. In this Church -are the Tombs of the Kings and Princes of _France_, whose Mausoleums are -of rich Workmanship. Here is a Treasure also which contains a great Number -of very curious Pieces. The Abbey of St. _Denys_ has also given its Name -to the great Plain in which it stands. ’Twas in this Plain that the famous -Battle was fought between the Catholics and Hugonots, in the Reign of -_Charles_ IX. when the Constable _Montmorency_, who at the Age of 83, -commanded the Catholics, was wounded, but gain’d the Victory over the -Heretics. - -At my leaving _St. Denys_, I had at length the pleasure of seeing what I -had a long time passionately wish’d for, I mean the famous City of -PARIS[40], where I arriv’d about the beginning of the Year 1712. I make no -scruple to call it the chief City of the World, as it is the Capital of -the chief Kingdom in Christendom. The Extent of its Circumference, the -Beauty of its Buildings, the Multitude of its Inhabitants, the continual -Arrival and the Residence of Foreigners there, the Variety and Plenty of -Commodities of all sorts, render it the finest City in the World; and on -those Accounts ’tis justly reckon’d as the Ornament, the Soul and the -Strength of the _French_ Empire. I was not willing however to make any -stay here at first, because of my Impatience to see the famous Castle of -VERSAILLES, so much talk’d of at all Foreign Courts. - -I had entertain’d so grand an Idea of this Palace, and was so fully -persuaded of its being all over Gold and Azure, that at the first Sight -the Beauty of it did not strike me. The Entrance to _Versailles_, as one -comes from _Paris_, does not set it off at all, tho’ the Avenue that leads -to it is one of the most magnificent; but when one comes up to the Castle, -and turns about towards this Grand Avenue, the two sumptuous Stables on -the sides of it form a Prospect, which gives a sublime Idea of the Master -of those stately Piles of Building. The Front of the Castle, which looks -towards the Gardens is the finest; and on that Side is the superb Gallery, -which is the Admiration of all Foreigners. What most surpriz’d me at -_Versailles_ is the Inside of the Castle, which if one examines it well, -looks like several Castles join’d together. The Royal Family, which was -still pretty numerous, was lodg’d there very much at their Ease, each -having their Guard-Chamber, an Anti-Chamber, a Presence-Chamber, a -Bed-Chamber, and Great Closet and Wardrobes. The chief Officers and Ladies -attending the Princesses were also commodiously lodg’d. The greatest part -of the Lords of the Court had Lodgings too here, which were indeed pretty -much straiten’d for want of room, but very convenient. In short, I was -assur’d, that when _Lewis_ XIV. was at _Versailles_, about 20,000 Persons -lay every Night in the Body of this Castle, and the Buildings in the Verge -of it, the Apartments and other Lodgings being so well laid out, that all -this great Multitude did not croud one another. - -The finest Pieces in the Inside of the Castle are the Gallery and the -Saloons that join to it. The Walls are lin’d with Marble. Every Place -shines with the Works of the greatest Masters in Gold and Brass, and with -noble Pier-Glasses. I have heard say, that before the War for the -_Spanish_ Succession, all the Tables, Chandeliers and Stands, which are -now of Marble and gilt Frames, were of Massy Silver; but the King -converted them into Money to help defray the vast Expences of the Wars he -was then engaged in. The Cieling of the Gallery represents in several -Pictures the principal Actions of _Lewis_ the XIVth’s Life; and is also -adorn’d with Cartridges and Gildings, which are remarkable both for their -Richness and their Elegance. - -The Chapel is perfectly answerable to the Magnificence of the Inside of -the Castle. The Critics indeed think ’tis too lofty for its Bigness; and -without pretending to much Skill in Architecture, of which what I now say -is perhaps a Proof, I should readily subscribe to their Opinion. Indeed a -Man ought to be plac’d in the Pew from whence the King hears Mass, to have -a just View of the fine Paintings with which the Cieling is enrich’d; and -than which there’s nothing to be seen that is finer or better fancy’d. The -principal Picture represents God the Father in all his Glory, as fully as -Human Weakness can conceive it. This is a piece of Painting I am never -weary of admiring; and I found some new Pleasure every time I look’d on -it. The Cieling is supported by noble Pillars of a white Stone, as -beautiful as Marble, which form a Gallery that runs round the Chapel, of -an equal height all along with the King’s Pew, and the Ballisters are of -yellow Copper and Marble. When one looks down from the Pew, the Chapel -seems too low, and the Great Altar not high enough. Opposite to the King’s -Pew, and exactly over the High Altar, there’s an Organ-Loft of a very good -Contrivance, where the King’s Music sits. ’Tis a very good Band; and those -who are nice Judges always admire the first Touch they give to their -Instruments, the Moment that the King enters the Chapel to hear Mass. - -I own to you, _Madame_, that I thought it one of the finest Sights in the -World, to see _Lewis_ XIV. enter the Chapel in all his Grandeur, attended -by the Cardinals and the Lords of his Court. The Life-Guards and the -Hundred _Swiss_ took up the Gallery and the Bottom of the Chapel, and the -Drums beat, and the _Swiss_ Fifes play’d till his Majesty was seated. On -Communion or Sermon Days the King went down into the Chapel, and then the -Pavement, which is of very fine Marble, was cover’d all over with noble -Tapestry. When the King receiv’d the Sacrament, a Praying-Desk was set for -him over-against the High Altar, and then the Hundred _Swissers_ were -rang’d in two Rows, and the Courtiers encompass’d his Majesty. During the -Sermon the King’s Chair of State was plac’d over-against the Pulpit, and -the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family and Blood were seated in -Folding Chairs, on both sides of the King in the same Line. But the -Princes and Princesses very seldom assisted at the King’s Mass; and when -they did, they kneel’d leaning on the same Ballustrade that the King did, -but quite off of his Carpet. - -The Gardens of _Versailles_ may be rank’d among the modern Wonders; and I -don’t believe that the so much boasted Gardens of the superb _Semiramis_ -were finer. For really, considering the Statues, Vases and Water-works of -Marble and Brass, one wou’d think Pains had been taken to ransac _Greece_ -and _Rome_ it self, both ancient and modern, for its most wonderful -Productions on purpose to bring them to this charming Place. These Gardens -were plann’d by the famous _Le Nautre_. At the end of the Great Walk which -fronts the Castle there’s a very spacious Canal. It forms a Cross to a -certain Distance, one side of which leads to the _Menagerie_, and the -other to _Trianon_. The _Menagerie_ is a very little House with only a few -Rooms, from whence the King may see the rarest Animals of all sorts, which -are kept there. As for _Trianon_ and its Gardens, one would not think at -the first View that they were made by Man. The Whole is perfectly -inchanting, and a Person ever so little captivated with the strange Tales -of the Fairies, wou’d not scruple to think this magnificent Structure the -Master-piece of those ingenious Work-women. The whole Building, to outward -Appearance, seems very small; but when one examines the Inside of it, the -Apartments are both spacious and commodious. The Outside of this Palace -is partly hid by fine Groves; what appears of it is fac’d with white -Marble, adorn’d with an Order of Pilasters of red Marble, with Windows in -form of Arches between them. _Lewis_ XIV. often retir’d to this charming -Solitude, to be shelter’d from the Importunities of the Courtiers; and no -body was admitted to him but such Persons as his Majesty appointed. - -A little League from _Versailles_ there’s _Marly_, another Royal Palace; -and which of all the Palaces has the most pleasant Gardens, tho’ those of -_Versailles_ are by much more sumptuous. The Great Cascade, which is all -of Marble of various Colors, makes a stately Appearance. When one is at -the Top of this Cascade, and looks toward the Palace, one sees all the -Gardens, and a Plain thro’ which the River _Seine_ winds itself, having on -one side the Castle of _St. Germain en Laye_; and on the other the Castle -_de Maisons_, belonging to the President of that Name, which forms an -admirable Point of View. _Lewis_ XIV. who was fond of _Marly_, -condescended to divest himself there of part of his Grandeur, and did a -great many Ladies of Quality the Honor to make them sit down with him at -Table. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you a slight Sketch of the famous -Palace of _Versailles_, and its Neighbourhood. I did not think it so -proper to give you an exact Detail of the Beauties one discovers at every -Step in this magnificent Palace. You have undoubtedly seen a good -Description of them already, in the Books printed upon that Subject. I -shall now add a Word or two of the Princes and Princesses of the Royal -Family. - -I shall not presume to say any thing of the August Head of this -illustrious Family, since it wou’d require a more delicate Pen than mine -to treat so sublime a Subject with suitable Dignity. All that I shall do -my self the Honor to Say to you of _Lewis_ XIV. is, that if a good Mien -was to be the Merit for the Crown of _France_, this Great Prince might -have put in his Claim for it upon that account, as justly as on the -account of his Birth. He was already advanc’d in years in 1712, when I had -the Honor to see him; and yet he had a nobler Air than any Man in his -Kingdom. - -The Duke of _Burgundy_, who became Dauphin of _France_, by the Death of -his Father, _Lewis_ XIVth’s Son, who was the year before carried off in a -very few days by the Small-Pox at his Palace of _Meudon_, was the first -Prince in the Kingdom next to the King. His Great Qualities prognosticated -that if he liv’d, his Reign wou’d be very happy: Being Devout, without -neglecting any of the Duties of a Prince, he had a way of reconciling the -Retirement of a Cloyster to the Bustle of a Court; and tho’ he had the -Great Affair of his Salvation always at heart, yet he thought, and justly -too, that his Practice of Piety ought not to exclude his Application to -the Affairs of State. He married a Princess, whose great Qualities wou’d -have made the _French_ happy, if an untimely Death had not snatch’d her -away in the Flower of her Age. Her Name was _Mary Adelaide_ of _Savoy_. I -can assure you, _Madame_, that I never saw one that had a more Noble and -Majestic Presence than this Princess. And several Ladies that had the -Honor of being with her in private assur’d me, that none could be more -sprightly and gay. Her Youth made her fond of Pleasures; but yet she -never was forgetful of her Duties. She had an extraordinary Respect and -Regard for the King. She went every Evening to Madame _de Maintenon_’s -Apartment when the King was there, and after the Council was over, she put -every thing in practice that her gay Humor cou’d imagine to divert him. -The Princess had also a particular Esteem for the Dauphin her Husband, and -as this Prince never fail’d of being at Mass, nor at Vespers, or the -Evening Prayers, the Dauphiness always went with him, and very readily -made her Pleasures give place to her Duties. - -I had not been long at the Court of _France_ when this illustrious Couple -died within a few days of one another. The first who paid that Tribute to -Nature was the Dauphiness. This Princess fell sick at _Versailles_, soon -after which the Purples discover’d themselves; and at length her Distemper -appearing desperate, she was admonish’d to prepare for Death: but this was -Advice she could not find in her heart to comply with, it being a hard -matter to renounce a voluptuous Life; especially when supported with the -Hopes of being e’er long possess’d of one of the first Crowns in the -World. This Princess died, as it were, in the Arms of the Duchess of -_Orleans_, who by her Desire never left her during all the time of her -Illness. - -The King, who was very much afflicted for her Death, set out immediately -for _Marly_, whither the Dauphin follow’d him. This Prince knowing the -Value of the Jewel he had lost, so indulg’d his Grief that he sicken’d -almost as soon as he arriv’d at _Marly_, of the same Distemper that had -just depriv’d him of his Consort. He received the Sentence of his Death -with a Resolution truly Christian; and in the Height of his Distemper was -often heard to put up this Petition, _My God! save the King and -Government_. The Night he died he had a very great Desire to hear Mass; -and whatever they could say to convince him that the Rules of the Church -did not allow it to be celebrated at that Hour, yet he wou’d not take a -Denial; so that as soon as the Midnight Bell rung, Mass was said in his -Chamber, at an Altar that was put up at his Bed’s feet. After the -Elevation of the Host, the Dauphin was very much compos’d, and continu’d -praying to God till his Strength failing him every Minute more and more, -he gave up the Ghost. This happen’d on the 18th of _February_ 1712, six -Days after the Death of the Dauphiness. - -The King had need of all his Stock of Courage to support so many Shocks -one after another. The Royal Family was in the utmost Consternation. Those -that were about the King wou’d fain have persuaded him to retire elsewhere -a little while for Change of Air; but he answered undauntedly, _That he -was every where in the Hands of God_; _and that therefore he would -continue where he was_. This great Prince had soon after, another Trial of -his Patience, by the News he receiv’d of the Death of the Duke of -_Bretagne_, who upon the Decease of his Father had been declar’d the -Dauphin. This young Prince died at _Versailles_ the 8th of _March_ 1712, -when he was but five Years old. There never was a more sorrowful Scene -than to see the Funeral Pomp of this Year, which serv’d at the same time -for the Father, Mother and Son. - -The only one that remain’d of this August Stock was the Duke of _Anjou_ -now _Lewis_ XV. This Prince too, who was but a Child, was such a poor -Weakling all along, that no body thought he would live; and he was at this -time in such a bad way, that the very Physicians despair’d of his -Recovery. Nevertheless he insensibly gathered Strength, and now the -_French_ see their young Monarch in a more vigorous State of Health than -they could have hoped for in his Childhood: For this I believe they are -oblig’d to the great Care which was taken of this young Prince by the -Duchess of _Ventadour_, who was charg’d with his Education, in which Post -she acquitted herself with all the Zeal that a Person could do, who knew -the Value of that precious Deposit which was committed to her trust. - -The next to the Throne after this young Prince was the Duke of _Berry_, -Brother to the Duke of _Burgundy_. He was of a fair Complexion, and for -his Age a little too corpulent. He spent his time chiefly in Hunting, and -when the Chace was over he us’d to go to his Duchess’s Apartments to game; -for this Princess, after the Death of the Duchess of _Burgundy_, kept an -Assembly. - -The last Prince of the Royal Family was the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards -Regent of the Kingdom; of whom I shall have occasion to say more, when at -the death of _Lewis le Grand_ he took on him the Government of the Kingdom -during the present Monarch’s Minority. - -The first People at Court next to the Princes of the Royal Family, were -the Princes of the Blood. The chief was the Duke of _Chartres_, now Duke -of _Orleans_, by the Death of his Father who was the Regent of _France_ -during the Minority of _Lewis_ XV. - -The Duke of _Bourbon_, and the Counts _de Charolois_ and _Clermont_ -compos’d the _Condé_ Branch. The first of these Princes whom they call -only _The Duke_, was a tall portly Man, very free and easy, but had the -misfortune to lose one Eye when he was a hunting by some small Shot that -scatter’d from the Duke of _Berry_’s Fowling-piece, as he let fly at some -Game. - -The other two Princes were well-shap’d and very fair, but being as yet -very young, they were as well as the Duke of _Chartres_ in the hands of -their Governors. - -The Prince of _Conti_, Son of him who was formerly decked King of -_Poland_, was the only Prince of the second Branch of _Bourbon_. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes that then composed the Court of -_France_. I shall now do myself the Honor to give you some account of the -Princesses according to their Rank, distinguishing them as I have done the -Princes, by the Titles of Princesses of the Royal Family, and Princesses -of the Blood. - -The first Princess of the Royal Family was the Dauphiness, whom I have had -the Honor to mention to you. - -Next to the Dauphiness, the Duchess of _Berry_ was first in Rank. This -Princess was the Daughter of the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards the Regent. -She resembled her Father very much for her Wit, and had she not been a -little too bulky she would have been one of the most amiable Princesses of -the whole Court. I shall have occasion to let you into this Princess’s -Character presently. - -_Madame_, the second Wife of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ -XIV. was the third Princess at Court, during the Life of the Dauphiness. -Her Name was _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_; being the Daughter of the -Elector _Charles-Lewis_ by _Charlotte_ of _Hesse_, and the last of the -illustrious Branch of the Palatine Family. The Court I constantly pay’d to -this Princess, to whom I was moreover well recommended by the Electoress -of _Hanover_ Mother to the King of _England_, enables me to tell you some -Particulars which will give you a just Notion of her. - -This Princess was very affable, yet not very forward to grant her -Protection. She talk’d a great deal, and talk’d well. She lov’d especially -to speak in her Mother-Tongue, which she had not forgot tho’ she had been -fifty Years in _France_, for which reason she was overjoy’d to see her -Countrymen, and to correspond with them by Letters. She was very punctual -in writing to the Electoress of _Hanover_, and to several other Personages -in _Germany_; and the Letters she commonly wrote were not little Billets, -but took up twenty or thirty Sheets of Paper. Of these I had a sight of -several that would have been worth publishing, and have not seen any thing -better writ in the _German_ Tongue. In short, this Princess did nothing -but write from Morning till Night. Immediately after she rose, which was -always about ten o’clock, she sate down at her Toilet. From thence she -went into her Closet, where after having spent some time in Prayer, she -took Pen and Ink and wrote till she went to Mass. After this was ended, -she wrote again till Dinner-time, which did not last long, and then she -fell to writing again till ten o’clock at Night. About nine o’clock when -she received Company in her Closet she was found sitting at a great Table -spread with Papers, and there was an _Ombre_ Table just by it, at which -the Marshal _de Cleremhault_’s Lady and the other Ladies of the Princess’s -Houshold used to play. Every now and then the Princess cast an Eye upon -the Game, and would give her Advice and write at the same time. At other -times she convers’d with those who paid their Court to her. I once saw -this Princess napping, and the Moment after start out of her Sleep and -write on. This, _Madame_, was the common Life of the Princess when she was -at _Versailles_. Sometimes however she went out a hunting with the King, -dress’d like an _Amazon_, and sometimes to the Opera. For this Princess -was very fond of Plays, so that after the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. when the -Court came to settle at _Paris_ she often made the _French_ and _Italian_ -Comedians perform at the Theatre of the Royal Palace. - -As to Rank, never did any Princess support it better than this. As she was -punctual to the last degree in requiring the Honors due to her, so she -return’d to every one the Honors that belong’d to them. I heard her once -talk very sharply upon this head to the Duchess of _Berry_; and indeed -none but she durst have talk’d to that Princess in such a Stile. It -happen’d in _Lewis_ XVth’s Minority that the Duchess of _Berry_ came to -her one Evening in a Scarf. After she had been there about half an Hour -she ask’d Madame _de Mouchy_ what o’clock it was; whereupon the Princess -ask’d the Duchess of _Berry_ what she said to Madame _de Mouchy_. The -Duchess made her Answer, that she was going to the _Tuilleries_, and -therefore she ask’d what time of Night it was. _How! to the_ Tuilleries, -said Madame; _What are you going to take an Airing by the Light of -Flambeaus?_ For, indeed, it was just Night. _No, Madame_, said the Duchess -of _Berry_, _I am going to the King_. _To the King!_ reply’d Madame; _Pray -excuse me for expressing my Surprize!_ _What, go to the King, +Madame+, -in that Dress! I thought you knew your Duty to him better: I beseech you_, -Madame, _do no such thing. Render to the King the Respect that you owe -him, and then you will have a Right to challenge what is your due from -every body else._ - -The Duchess of _Berry_, who was not pleas’d at this Reprimand, was going -to reply, but Madame interrupted her, and said, _No_, Madame, _nothing can -excuse you: Surely you may think fit to dress your self as seldom as you -go to the King, since I that am your Grandmother dress my self every day. -Speak the Truth, and say ’tis meer Laziness that hinders you from putting -on your Clothes, which is a Fault that becomes neither your Age nor your -Rank. A Princess ought to be dress’d like a Princess, and a Chambermaid -like a Chambermaid._ The Duchess of _Berry_ being not us’d to such -Lectures, was extremely mortify’d at being so check’d, and upon this -occasion she did what she us’d to do when any thing was ever said that -offended her, and when Decency did not permit her to make a haughty Reply; -that is, she arose, made a low Curt’sy, and went away. Madame fell to -writing again, but talk’d still of the same Subject, and not without some -Warmth. She said, looking about to all the Company, _Was I in the wrong, -pray, to talk as I did to the Duchess of_ Berry? _What say you to it?_ You -will easily suppose, Madame, that nobody open’d their Lips, but while she -was running on still in the same strain, to the great Confusion of every -Soul in her Closet, the Princess of _Conti_ came in, which gave a Turn to -the Conversation. - -After _Lewis_ XIVth’s Death, Madame follow’d the Court to _Paris_, where -she resided in the Winter, but commonly spent the fine Season at _St. -Cloud_. From thence she came very often to the King’s Apartment, us’d to -be at the Theatre, and return in the Evening to _St. Cloud_. She had then -with her _Mademoiselle_, now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and _Mademoiselle de -Valois_, now the Princess of _Modena_. The other Princesses, her -Grandaughters, liv’d at _Paris_ with the Duchess of _Orleans_ their -Mother. This Princess, tho’ the Mother of the Duchess of _Berry_, had not -the Precedency of her, and when she was at her Daughter’s House she had -only a Folding-Chair allowed her, whereas the Duchess sate in an -Arm-Chair. The Duchess of _Orleans_ was the last of the Royal Family. - -The first of the Princesses of the Blood was the Princess-Dowager of -_Condé_, _Anne_ of _Bavaria_ Countess-Palatine, Daughter of _Edward_ -Prince-Palatine of the _Rhine_. She was call’d only, Madame the Princess. -She commonly resided at _Paris_, where she liv’d a very exemplary Life for -her Piety and great Charity. She died the 23d of _February_, 1723, at -seventy-five Years of Age. - -This Princess was Mother to the Duke of _Bourbon_ (that died in 1710) -whose Wife _Louisa-Francese_ of _Bourbon_, the legitimated Daughter of -_Lewis_ XIV. was, I can assure you, Madame, one of the most beautiful -Princesses of the Court; and tho’ already the Mother of eight Children, it -was much more natural to take her for their Sister. With so much Beauty, -she had also Charms still more preferable; and all these external -Qualities were supported by a majestic Air, and a Deportment which gain’d -this illustrious Princess Respect at the same time that her affable and -obliging Behavior procured her Love. She had moreover a lively sparkling -Wit, always sure to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, or -whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos’d the Ridicule of that -Behavior, which notwithstanding the good Taste of the Age had perhaps made -the Fortune of some fawning Courtier. - -The next in Rank to that Princess was the first Dowager-Princess of -_Conti_, the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. The Air, Shape and -Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise in the World, that I -believe, Madame, you are not ignorant that she was reckon’d the tip-top -Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho’ she was pretty much advanc’d in -Years, she had still that Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of the -Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary Piety of her Mother in her -latter Years. After the Death of _Lewis_ XIVth’s Son the Dauphin, this -Princess was very much retir’d, so that I never saw her any where but at -_Madame_’s Apartments; and since the Death of the King she scarce appears -any where at all. - -The Princess of _Conti_, the second Dowager is by Birth Princess of -_Condé_. She is Mother of the Prince of _Conti_, of _Mademoiselle de -Conti_, who died Duchess of _Bourbon_, and of _Mademoiselle de la -Roche-sur-Yon_. It may be said that this Branch of _Bourbon_ have had -their share of Sense and Virtue. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ and the late Duchess of _Vendôme_ were Sisters of -the second Dowager-Princess of _Conti_, and the Daughters of _Henry -Julius_ Prince of _Condé_, and of the Princess-Palatine, whom I have -already had the Honor to mention to you. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ is a Princess of real Merit, and a great Wit. She -degenerates in no respect from the illustrious Blood of _Condé_. She -liv’d with more Splendor than any Princess of _France_. She commonly -resided at _Seaux_, a magnificent Castle not far from _Paris_, and one of -the finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious Apartments which -are also richly furnish’d, but for the extent of the Park in which there’s -such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of Marble and Brazen Statues, as -presents the curious Spectator always with something new. It may be said, -that in her time the Pleasures had fix’d their Residence in this charming -Place. There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, and People were -glad to leave both the Court and City, being sure of finding something at -_Seaux_ better contriv’d than the common Representations on the Stage; and -indeed they were never disappointed, the Duchess of _Maine_ having an -exquisite Taste in such things; for she lov’d the fine Sciences, and was a -better Judge than any body, of what they call Composures. This illustrious -Princess took a delight in bespeaking Plays, and sometimes did not think -it beneath her to act a part in them her self. The famous _Baron_ and -_Beauval_ had often the Honor of performing with her. Those who have -frequented the _French_ Theatre know full well that such a choice was a -very evident Proof of that Princess’s Taste for good Declamation. After -the Comedy there was generally a Party for Play, and then a magnificent -Supper, after which there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most commonly -there was a Ball, at which there was always a vast Number of Masks; yet -the whole was so well ordered, that there was plenty of Refreshments for -every body. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes and Princesses who form’d the Court of -_France_ when I came thither, and I thought ’twas proper to give you a -Character of them before I mention’d the Conduct I observ’d at my Arrival -there. - -I first got my self introduc’d to Madame, to whom I was moreover -recommended by the Electress of _Hanover_, the King of _England_’s Mother. -This Princess, who always retain’d a particular Regard for the _Germans_, -receiv’d me with even more kindness than she commonly shew’d to those of -that Nation. She did me the Honor to introduce me to the King herself, one -Night after his Majesty had supp’d. This Prince was in his Bed-Chamber, -with all the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King -remember’d my Name, and did me the Honor to ask me, whether I was not the -Son of one _Pollnitz_, who had been at his Court from the Elector of -_Brandenbourg_? And upon my telling him that I was his Grandson, he said -to me, _Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken for his Son_. -His Majesty then ask’d me if I intended to make any stay in _France_. I -answer’d, that I was so overjoy’d to find myself at the Feet of the -greatest of Kings, that I would do my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him -as long as possible. The King seem’d to like my Answer, and turning -towards Madame, he said to her, speaking of me, _He talks French well_. He -afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, and told me as he withdrew that -he should take a pleasure in doing me Service. - -Next day Madame introduc’d me to the Duke of _Burgundy_ the Dauphin, and -to the Dauphiness, which illustrious Couple died some time after, as I -have had the Honor to tell you. Madame also caus’d me to be introduc’d to -the Duke and Duchess of _Berry_, but neither of ’em said one word to me. -I was very well receiv’d by the Duke and Duchess of _Orleans_. It was not -easy to see this Prince without loving him; for his Affability supported -by a most sparkling Wit, and the most elegant Accomplishments, endear’d -him to all that had the Honor of Access to him. This Prince constantly -paid his Attendance at Court, and had the greatest Respect for Madame. He -never miss’d a Day of waiting upon this Princess. He went to her -Apartments every Night at half an Hour past eight, and play’d at Chess -there till the King’s Supper-time; but this Prince only sate down at the -Game, and as he went in and out he always kiss’d her Hand. - -The Court of _France_, tho’ very splendid by reason of the number of -Princes and Princesses of which it consists, was nevertheless not so gay -as I expected. The Life at _Versailles_ was the most uniform in the World: -The King’s Hours were settled, and he that had seen but one Day there had -seen a Year. The King rose at nine or ten o’clock. The Princes and all the -Courtiers attended his Levee, and after he was dress’d he kneel’d down to -Prayers on a Cushion of Black Velvet, with his Chaplains and the Bishops -that were at his Levee, kneeling also round him. When Prayers were ended, -the King went into his Closet, where sometimes the Ministers came to speak -to him about Business, and in the mean while the Courtiers walk’d in the -great Gallery, thro’ which the King walk’d to hear Mass, and there all the -Courtiers waited to be seen by his Majesty as he pass’d. I never saw a -Nation more fond of paying their Attendance at Court than the _French_; -for I have even seen many Courtiers, who thinking the Prince had not -observ’d them, stept forwards into another Room, and then another, till -by chance his Majesty happen’d to cast his Eyes upon them. - -After Mass was over the King return’d to his Closet; sometimes he held a -Council and afterwards din’d alone, at which time one might also observe -how the Courtiers strove to be seen by him. The King eat with a good -Appetite, nay I thought he eat voraciously. His Dinner lasted three -Quarters of an Hour, and upon certain Days there was Music. After Dinner, -the King went down by the Back-stairs, and took Coach to go a hunting in -the Park of _Versailles_, which was full of small Game. He return’d about -the Dusk of the Evening, and went to Madame _de Maintenon_’s Apartment, -where there were only a few of the old Courtiers, and generally speaking, -none but Ladies; as, Madame _de Caylus_, a Cousin of Madame _de -Maintenon_, and Madame _de Dangeau_, who play’d at Cards with the King -when the Ministers were not there; for then, instead of Gaming, Business -was the Subject, and there every thing was commonly settled. At ten -o’clock at Night, when word was brought to the King that Supper was serv’d -up, his Majesty went to the Table, where the Princes and Princesses always -accompanied him. The Duchesses were plac’d behind the Folding-Chairs of -the Princes, on both sides of the Table; and the other Ladies of Quality -stood on the Right hand of the King’s Arm-chair. His Majesty, after making -a Bow to the Princes and Princesses and all the Ladies, sate down in his -Chair, and then the Princes and Princesses took their Seats, as did also -the Duchesses. The other Ladies of Quality pass’d into a Salon just by, -where they were at liberty to sit down. The Supper lasted no longer than -the Dinner: The King talk’d there but little, and sometimes he address’d -himself to _Madame_, or to the Duchess of _Orleans_; but I never heard him -speak to the Dukes of _Berry_ and _Orleans_, nor even to the Duchess of -_Berry_. - -After Supper was over, the King, preceded by the Princes, went into his -Bed-Chamber, where he found such of the Ladies as were not Duchesses, to -whom he put off his Hat, and then sate down by the Ballustrade that was -before his Bed, where he stay’d till the Princesses and Duchesses were -enter’d into the Room. I observ’d that the old Court-Ladies made a -profound Curt’sy to the King’s Bed when they enter’d his Chamber, which -the young Ladies did not; for being perhaps more puff’d up with their -Youth and their Charms, they did not think themselves oblig’d to pay so -much Respect. When the Duchesses who had attended at Supper enter’d to the -King’s Bed-Chamber, the King made an Obeisance to them, as he did to the -other Ladies; and then the King preceded by the Princes, and followed by -the Princesses who had supp’d with him, went into his Closet, to which the -Princes and Princesses of the Blood also repair’d. His Majesty convers’d -with ’em for a while, during which the Duchesses and the other Ladies -withdrew. At length the King dismiss’d the Princes and Princesses, and -went to Bed. Then the Courtiers separated, and the Generality retir’d. -Some went to the Duke of _Berry_’s Couchée, and others to the Duke of -_Orleans_’s. Those who paid their Court to this Prince were well receiv’d -by him. For my own part I went thither as often as I could, not so much to -pay my Court to _Madame_, as from a natural liking I had to this Prince. - -Thus, Madame, did the King pass his Life. The Pleasures of the Courtiers -were at best but dull, Gaming being almost their whole Amusement. The -Assembly was commonly held at the House of the Prince _d’Armagnac_ of -_Lorrain_, Master of the Horse, where there was Play in the Afternoon. -Foreigners were perfectly welcome to this Prince, as they were also to the -Cardinal of _Roban_. The latter liv’d very magnificently, and at the -Houses of these two Noblemen you were sure to see the Prime of the -Nobility of _France_. - -When the Court was at FONTAINBLEAU[41], ’twas much more gay than it was -when at _Versailles_, where it may be said, that it shone in its full -Lustre. Nevertheless tho’ _Fontainbleau_ is not near so magnificent, it -has the Air of a Castle, which _Versailles_ has not. Moreover, Art and -Nature seem to have acted in concert towards forming the magnificent -Buildings which several Monarchs have caus’d to be erected at -_Fontainbleau_: Whereas at _Versailles_ Nature seems to have had nothing -to do, every thing being the Work of Art, and too much adorned. Perhaps I -may be the only one of this Opinion, but I always thought that the -Magnificence at _Versailles_ was too general. - -I was at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Conclusion of the Suspension -of Arms with the _English_. The News of the Peace on the point of being -concluded, and the Victory at _Denain_, seem’d to have restor’d to the -Court such an Air of Gayety as had not been known there for many years. -The Elector of _Bavaria_ was there at that time, and there was such Gaming -at the Duchess of _Berry_’s and the Duke of _Antin_’s, as if they had no -Sense at all of the public Calamities. The Party was of twelve Cutters at -_Lansquenet_, who began with setting four Lewid’ors, and at last stak’d -Rouleaus of a hundred Lewid’ors on a Card. I won seven hundred Lewid’ors -there one Night, in less than an Hour’s time, and the Duchess _de la -Ferte_ trick’d me out of no less than a hundred, besides fourscore that -she borrow’d of me, and never paid me again. Perhaps she thought ’twas the -best way to make herself amends for the Trouble she was pleas’d to take -upon her, of setting my Money upon the Table, there being such a Croud of -Ladies round it that I could not get near it. - -While the Court was at _Fontainbleau_, who should come thither but Mr. -_St. John_, since made Lord _Bolingbroke_, to settle the Plan of the Peace -that was afterwards concluded at _Utrecht_. He could not have been better -receiv’d than he was there if he had been a Sovereign Prince, for the King -himself had an extraordinary Regard for him. I was one day to see his -Majesty dine, when there was to be Music, but as soon as it struck up the -King stopt it, by calling out aloud, _I am informed that M. +de St. John+ -dines with the Duke of +Antin+. Let my Music wait on him there, and let -him know that I send it to him, and that I wish it may give him Pleasure._ -You will easily imagine, Madame, that all the Courtiers, in imitation of -the Monarch, strove who should be most complaisant to the _English_ -Minister, who for his part justly merited the Regard that was paid to him. - -The Court stay’d at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Arrival of this -Minister, and all the while there was nothing but Merriment and a -continual Succession of Pleasures. The Hunting-Matches were of the utmost -Magnificence. The Ladies were there either on horseback or in Chaises in -the Retinue of the Duchess of _Berry_ and _Madame_. So many fine Women -mounted on horseback all richly dressed, the King in a Chaise attended by -the whole Court on horseback, and the sumptuous Hunting-Equipages to be -seen all at once in the pleasant Forest of _Fontainbleau_, form’d one of -the finest Sights that could be. On the Days when there was no Hunting, -the King took the Air in an open Calash round the great Canal, accompany’d -by Ladies whose Habits were the finest and of the most beautiful Fancy -that could be imagin’d. When the Court return’d from their Airing there -was a Comedy or else a Drawing-Room at the Duchess of _Berry_’s, where -they play’d at _Lansquenet_. - -At those times too when there was no Hunting there were Assemblies at M. -_le Grand_’s, and several others of Quality. I observ’d that most of the -Nobility were more inclinable to be complaisant at _Fontainbleau_, than at -_Versailles_: If a Man was ever so little known for a Person of Quality, -they freely furnish’d him with the King’s Horses for Hunting, which is -scarce ever practis’d but in _France_ and _Lorrain_. Indeed I have seen -the same thing done at the Court of _Bavaria_, but ’twas very seldom. - -After I had follow’d the Court for some time to _Versailles_ and -_Fontainbleau_, I went back again to the famous City of PARIS. I no sooner -arriv’d there but I had a considerable Fit of Sickness, which brought me -almost to the Brink of the Grave. I committed myself to the care of the -famous _Dutch_ Physician _Helvetius_. This skilful Doctor set me upon my -Legs in a very little time; and when I was able to go abroad, he advis’d -me to take a Walk in the Garden of _Luxembourg_, which they cry’d up for -the best Air in all _Paris_. I did not fail to pursue the Doctor’s -Direction, and observ’d indeed, that the Air I breath’d in that Garden was -very good for me: But in a little time it had like to have prov’d most -pernicious to me. For one Morning as I was walking there, I saw two Ladies -coming a good way off, in a Deshabillé, who had both a grand Air, and a -most noble Carriage. They were footing it on the very Terrass where I was -walking; so that I sat down on a Bench to see them pass by. I confess to -you, that I thought their Persons as lovely as their Undress was genteel -and noble. As they sail’d by me, one of ’em happen’d to drop her -Handkerchief, which I that instant snatch’d up and presented to her. She -receiv’d it in a very polite manner, and I pass’d her a Compliment, to -which she made a witty Reply. By degrees we entered into a Conversation, -which tho’ it held only a Quarter of an Hour, cost me very dear; for I -fell in Love, and more deeply in Love than I can express to you. The -Ladies asked my Name. You will imagine I did not put them to the trouble -of asking it twice; the rather, because I hop’d that in requital they -would tell me their Names: But notwithstanding all my Intreaty they wou’d -not satisfy me. She that I was most enamour’d with at the first View, bid -me in very good _High-Dutch_ not to give my self any Uneasiness to know -who they were; as she was going away, she said that I should not fail to -see them again if I made any stay at _Paris_. I gave her my Hand and led -her to her Coach, which seem’d to be well lin’d. I also saw a Couple of -lusty Lackeys who were well clad. All this put together, confirm’d me in -the Notion I had conceiv’d, that they were Ladies of Quality; or, at -least, in good Keeping. I wou’d have given all the World to be inform’d -exactly who and what they were; but ’twas absolutely impossible for me to -make any Discovery. The Lackey that I had with me being a _German_, and -even more a Stranger here than my self, was upon that account an improper -Person, for the Management which is necessary for such Discoveries. I -remain’d therefore mortally uneasy, and it had like to have made me as -light-headed as I was in the Illness from which I was but newly recover’d. -I did not fail to go to _Luxembourg_ Gardens every day, and staid there -from nine o’clock in the Morning till Night, excepting only the little -time it took me to go home to Dinner. All these Jaunts forwards and -backwards lasted about a Fortnight, at the end of which I found my self -just as forward as I was the first Day. At last, when I had given over all -Thoughts of being so happy as to find this Fair-one out, I was surpris’d -to see her at a Place where I never dreamt of finding her. One day as I -waited upon the Ladies _de V----_ and _D----_ to the Play-house where -_Cid_ was to be acted, and _Quinaut_ the Elder began with playing -_Roderigo_; judge, _Madame_, how great was my Surprize when I saw that the -Heroine of my Passion was also the Heroine of this Play, in which she -perform’d the Part of _Clymene_. In all my Life I was never so confounded, -and began to question whether I ought to indulge a Passion of that nature. -I perceiv’d some Reluctance in my Mind against attaching my self to a -Person whose Profession is rarely susceptible of those nice Sentiments, -which Persons of Honor always demand in Love. But the Course I took was -really the same that a Boy of nineteen years of Age wou’d have done; that -is to say, I acted the very contrary to what I ought to have done. I -foolishly indulg’d my I Passion, so that I had scarce Patience to stay for -the Interval between the Play and the Entertainment, before I went behind -the Scenes, where I found my Fair-one, with several Gentlemen of my -Acquaintance about her, whom I took at first for so many Rivals; and as if -it was not Punishment enough to be in love, I must needs be jealous too. I -spoke to _D----_, (which was the Name of this dissembling Creature) but I -perceiv’d that what I said put her into a Flutter; and I observ’d that she -was over and above complaisant to a Gentleman of the Long Robe who stood -near her. I was not mistaken in my Guess; ’twas _B----_, one of the -Counsellors of Parliament, who bore this Lady’s Expences, and at such a -Rate too, as if he had been an Officer of the Finances, rather than a -Magistrate. I was so vain as to think of supplanting this Lover, or at -least, if I could not quite non-suit him, I flatter’d my self that I -should put him to a Non-plus. For this end I began to frequent the Comedy, -and soon had the Comfort to find that my Love was not repaid with -Ingratitude. - -The Difficulty was to find a convenient Opportunity of seeing one another; -but Love and Fortune soon pav’d the way for our Interview. Young _Q----_, -the Sister of _D----_, who also liv’d with her, happen’d to have the -Small-Pox. The Counsellor, who was extremely afraid of the Consequence, -immediately took _D----_ from those Lodgings, and gave her an Apartment in -the Hotel _d’Entragues_: But my comic Mistress gave me notice of her new -Quarters; and the very same Day I hir’d a Chamber there too. I took no -body with me but one Domestic, who was the Confident of my little Secrets; -and there, in spite of my troublesome _Argus_, it was easy for me to see -his Mistress, who would have been glad to be mine, if I had been so -generous as he was, to give her 14000 Livres a year. But I chose rather to -go snacks with him in the Favors which the Fair-one granted, than to pay -so dear for the Exclusion of a Rival. The Counsellor, for his part, was -not so indifferent, and having a Mistrust, he left no Stone unturn’d to -find out the real Truth of the matter; nor was it long e’er his Curiosity -was satisfy’d. Any other Person, not so deeply smitten as he was, might -have known what he had to trust to for a Trifle of Expence; but this -unbelieving Gallant, who, perhaps, was also too much conceited of his own -Merit, and had too great an Opinion of his Nymph’s Virtue, to presume to -be jealous of her Honor upon slight Appearances, try’d new Experiments. He -gave a Bribe to a Chambermaid, who made him see enough with his own Eyes -intirely to remove those Suspicions which he had so fondly indulged. In a -word, he saw me with his dear Mistress; and at a time too, when we should -have least of all thought of being seen together. What a Fury the provok’d -Lover was in, is easy to imagine, Nevertheless he was so prudent as to -dissemble his Passion till I was retir’d to my own Chamber. Then, like -another _Roland_, he took a Revenge for the Infidelity of his _Angelica_ -upon every thing that happen’d in his way. He broke and dash’d all to -pieces; he tore off her Topknot, and threaten’d no less than utter -Destruction to all about him. To all this Noise the Damsel return’d no -Answer but Tears, which at length wrought so far upon this outragious -Lover, as to pacify him: being then more calm, he larded his severe -Reproaches with the softest Expressions; and taking the advantage of her -Foible, offer’d her to increase her Pension, if she wou’d but promise him -inviolable Fidelity. The Fair-one swore that nothing should, hereafter, -lead her astray from her Duty; and in a Flood of Tears she consented to -receive 2000 Crowns Addition to her Pension, which made it 20000 Livres a -year. The Bargain was concluded with great Joy on both sides; but yet it -was not strictly perform’d; for I continu’d my Visits to the Damsel, till -at length her Sister being recover’d of her Distemper, Miss return’d to -her own House. The Difficulties that then occurr’d, together with my own -Fickleness, quite cool’d my Passion, which it was the easier for me to get -rid of, because it was not in the least founded in Esteem; and perhaps, -had it not been purely for the Pleasure of teazing that Limb of the Law, I -had withdrawn my Addresses sooner. - -My Amour with the fair Comedian did not sequester me from Company; and I -will venture to say, that I made a tolerable Figure in a Country where -every body that is not _French_ passes readily for a Barbarian. Several -Gentlemen who saw how graciously the King receiv’d me at _Versailles_, -were eager to pay me their Respects; particularly the Duke _D----_, first -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, made me such a Compliment as I cannot easily -forget. I became acquainted with this Nobleman at _Versailles_. He -accosted me with the utmost Civility in the Great Gallery, the very Day -after I had been introduc’d to his Majesty, and told me that I had good -reason to be pleas’d with the Reception which the King gave me; but much -more with what he said when I was withdrawn; which was, _That of all the -Foreigners who had been introduc’d to him, no body had saluted him with a -better Grace and a more easy Air than the Margrave of_ Anspach _and me_. -The said Duke made a Proposal to me for my entring into the Service of -_France_; and also promis’d me that I should be made a Colonel, if I would -turn _Roman Catholic_. I thank’d him for his obliging Offers; but assur’d -him, that Interest should never make me alter my Religion. I was also at -that time full of the Prejudices of the Protestants against the Catholics; -moreover, I was of an Age not mature enough for serious Reflections: for I -thought of nothing in the world but my Pleasures; and indeed, how could a -Man of my years help abandoning himself to them, when all the Kingdom, -_Paris_ especially, breath’d an Air of Gayety, which there was no -withstanding? _France_ saw that Peace which she had long wish’d for, on -the point of being concluded; her late Losses had been expung’d by the -Victory at _Denain_, and other Advantages which the _French_ Troops -obtain’d, not only by the raising of the Siege of _Landrecy_, which the -Allies had invested, but by the taking of _Marchiennes_ and _St. Amant_. -The Allies began therefore to think of a Peace, and the _English_ were at -last willing to consent to it. I have already had the Honor to acquaint -you, that my Lord _St. John_ was come to the Court of _France_ to have a -Conference upon the Articles of the so much desir’d Peace; and that he -was receiv’d there as a Man who came with the most important News that -’twas possible for them to receive. - -As soon as that Minister was return’d to _London_, the Congress was open’d -at _Utrecht_ for a Peace; and _France_ and _England_ mutually sent their -Ambassadors to one another. The Duke _d’Aumont_ was appointed to go in -that quality to the Court of _England_; and before he departed, the King -gave him the Order of the Holy Ghost. This Nobleman was perfectly welcome -to the Court-Party at _London_, which was desirous of Peace; but was an -Eye-sore to the opposite Party, who hated to hear the mention of it. The -_French_ Ambassador was insulted, and treated with such Outrage, that his -House was set on fire, and the Loss thereby sustain’d was very -considerable; the said Duke having borrow’d the richest Furniture of -several Persons, which was entirely burnt. The Duke of _Orleans_ thereby -lost a noble Suit of Hangings, and several very scarce Pictures. - -The Person who was sent to _France_, as Ambassador from the Court of -_England_, was the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, whose Reception by the King, the -Court and the Kingdom was sufficient Demonstration how well they lik’d the -Commission which he came to negotiate. This Ambassador kept no very great -Table at the Court of _France_; nor was his Equipage very gay. He was -indeed a Nobleman of very great Merit, but of a mean Presence; for he was -blind of one Eye, and exclusive of that Defect no body would hardly have -taken him for a Nobleman, if he had not been adorn’d with the Order of the -Garter. He had his Duchess with him, who was an _Italian_ Lady by Birth, -and Sister to the famous _P----_, so well known in _England_ for his -Extravagancies and his tragical Exit. The Duke of _Shrewsbury_ was -betroth’d to her in _Italy_, and married in _England_. This Duchess -appear’d at the Court of _France_ with the most Foreign Air in the World. -The Duchess _d’Aumont_ was to have introduc’d her to the King and the -Princesses; but as she was at that time indispos’d, she desir’d Madame _de -Chatillon_ to perform the Office for her. The King receiv’d the -Ambassadress with great Marks of Distinction; and she was afterwards -introduc’d to _Madame_, where she found a numerous Company that came -thither out of meer Curiosity; and there it was that I had the Honor of -seeing her. She seem’d at first in such Confusion, as if she had never -liv’d in any Court, but by degrees she took courage. She talk’d a great -deal, and talk’d well. - -The same Night the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was with the King at Supper, -where she was plac’d in the Rank of the Duchesses, exactly behind the Duke -of _Berry_. She talk’d a great deal to this Prince, tho’ she had only a -Glimpse of him once before at the Duchess of _Berry_’s Apartment. All the -Supper-time she did nothing but twitch him by the Sleeve, to advise him -not to eat so much. Every body was very much surpriz’d to see this -Familiarity of her’s; and I observ’d that the Duke of _Berry_ was not a -little confounded at it. I forgot to mention one Circumstance wherein I -thought the King was over and above polite. As he came to the Table he -pass’d by the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_, without seeing her; but just as he -was going to sit down, M. _de Livry_ the Chief Steward acquainted him, -that the Ambassadress of _England_ was come to his Supper. Upon this, the -King return’d that instant to the Place where she was, and said to her, -_That he had pass’d her without saluting her, because he did not see her; -and that, he thought she was so fatigu’d with the Visits she had made in -the Day that she was retir’d_. The King also desir’d her to go and repose -her self; but she made her Excuse and said, _That ’twas impossible to have -the Honor of paying Duty to so great a King as his Majesty, and to -complain of Fatigue_. - -The Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was much of the same Temper as her Lord the -Ambassador: She did not care for expensive Living. I remember that one day -when I was at the Palace of _Soissons_, where she lodg’d, the Duchess _de -----_, who was a very gay Lady, wou’d fain have engag’d the Ambassadress -to give a Ball: for this purpose she signify’d what a general Melancholy -there was all over _France_, on account of the Death of the Princes, and a -War of several years continuance; and said, every body expected that the -Duke of _Shrewsbury_, who was come over to _France_ to bring Peace, would -also be inclinable to procure the Return of those Pleasures which so many -Calamities had banish’d. But it all avail’d nothing; for the Ambassadress -made answer to the Duchess, that she should be very glad to see a general -Mirth at _Paris_; and that she thought the Duke of _Shrewsbury_ had -brought the _French_ such important News, as wou’d have put an end to all -Sadness for the past Misfortunes, without expecting him to procure other -Pleasures. ’Twas to no purpose therefore to insist any longer on a Ball -from that Quarter. - -You will undoubtedly be surpriz’d, Madame, when you hear who was the -Person that gave the first Ball, instead of the Ambassador of _England_. -’Twas I that reviv’d _Paris_ out of that fatal Lethargy, into which it -seem’d to be fallen. I gave a Ball at _Carneaux_, or rather _Mesdames de -la M----_ _D----_ and _de V----_ gave it for me. These Ladies having in -form desir’d me to give a Ball, I immediately excus’d my self, on the -consideration that as I was a Stranger it did not become me to set a -Pattern for Entertainments, especially for a Peace which could be of no -farther Advantage to me, than as it would indeed enable me to live more to -my Satisfaction, in a Country where it had been long wish’d for. Moreover, -there were other Reasons much of the same nature as those that govern’d -the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, which made me grudge the Expence of a Ball that -I foresaw would be very chargeable. My Arguments had some weight with the -Ladies; but a Ball they were resolv’d to have, and therefore they made a -Proposal to me, that if I would give them but ten Lewid’ors there should -be a Ball, and I should have nothing else to do but to give out at the -Opera and the Comedy, that there would be a Ball such a day at _Carneaux_. -This I did not fail to do, and wherever I came I found People very well -inclin’d to be present at the Assembly. The Ladies on their part hir’d the -great Hall of the _Carneaux_, which they caus’d to be very finely -illuminated, and having provided a very good Concert of Music there, they -caus’d the Ball to be open’d by their Waiting-Women and Valets de Chambre. -I supp’d with the Ladies that Evening, and ingenuously own’d to them that -I did not very well know what Effect a Ball of that sort would have at -_Paris_. After a good deal of joke upon it we went thither as soon as -ever we had supp’d, and I confess that in my Life I never saw more -Maskers. They crouded one another from the very Gate of the Court into the -Hall, where the People were ready to faint for the very Heat, and did not -know whom to apply to for a drop of Water: Every body rav’d against the -Ball, and against the Person that gave it. But by good luck they did not -know whom they were oblig’d to for such an Entertainment. Mean time I had -the Precaution to provide some Refreshments for the Ladies in my Company, -and they were not ill bestow’d. This Ball drew me in to give ten or a -dozen other Entertainments of the like kind, and altogether as unprovided -of Refreshments. Yet notwithstanding the general Thirst complain’d of for -want of Liquor, and the Curses that I heard them utter against the -_Undertaker_, there was always a vast Croud of Masqueraders. - -Thus, Madame, did I pass my time at _Paris_, I kept the greatest and the -gayest Company, and I had pretty good Fortune at Play, which, together -with what was remitted to me from home, put me in a Condition to live -there like a Prince. I made fresh Acquaintance every day, and they gave me -fresh Pleasures, till I receiv’d News which troubled me very much, _viz._ -the Death of our King _Frederic_ I. which happen’d on the 15th of -_February_ this Year, and was occasion’d by one of the saddest Accidents -that could have fallen out. ’Twas the Queen herself who in one of those -Vertigo’s, to which she had been for some time past subject, frighten’d -the King so that he never recover’d it. It happen’d thus: - -The Queen had for a long while given herself up to more than ordinary -Devotion, and to a rigid Life not very agreeable to her natural Temper. -But the Princess thought ’twas the best Course she could take, to stop the -Mouths of those who had been so audacious as to give out that before her -Marriage she was not always the Fondest of Retirement. The recluse and -self-denying Life she led after Marriage, made her subject to Vapors, -which ended in Frenzy, the Fits whereof were terrible. The King was not -acquainted with her unhappy Disorder for a long time, till at last the -Queen being one day in a more outragious Fit than ordinary, was so strong -as to get loose from the Ladies that had the Care of her Person, and being -but half dress’d, with her Hair dishevel’d, she went thro’ a private -Gallery to the King’s Apartment. As she enter’d it she broke a Glass-Door, -by which she cut both her Hands and Arms; and in this bloody pickle rush’d -in upon the King like a Fury, and abus’d him with such Reproaches as would -never have enter’d into the head of the poor Princess, if she had been -well. The King, who was at the same time somewhat indispos’d, was taking a -Nap in an easy Chair; but he started out of his Sleep, and imagin’d -himself in the hands of a Ghost, every thing contributing to confirm him -in that Notion. For the Queen having her Hair flying about her Temples, -and no Clothes on but an Under-Petticoat, and a quilted Waistcoat of -_Marseilles_ Linnen, and her Arms and Face being moreover of a Gore-Blood, -the King fancy’d her to be the _White Woman_[42], and did so much believe -that this Apparition was a certain Presage of his approaching Dissolution, -that it threw him the same Instant into a Fever, which oblig’d him to -take to his Bed, and he never recover’d it. This Prince lay ill for near -six Weeks, during which he had the Consolation to see how dear he was to -his Subjects; for one day as he thought himself a little better, so that -the Physicians began to have hopes of his Recovery, he caus’d himself to -be carry’d towards a Window, from whence he saw the whole Square full of -People, who were offering up Vows to Heaven for his Life. This was so -moving a Scene to him, that the generous Prince could not refuse a Tribute -of Tears for the Tenderness of his People. But their Prayers were not -heard; and his Majesty died at _Berlin_ with a Constancy and Courage -worthy of him, after having given excellent Instructions to his Son the -Prince Royal. - -This young Prince was heartily griev’d for the Death of the King his -Father, and as soon as he had receiv’d the first Homages of the Margraves -who were the late King’s Brothers, and of the whole Court, he shut himself -up in his Apartment where he abandon’d himself to that Lamentation which -he had reason to make for the Loss he had sustain’d. The Person that -notify’d his Death to the Courtiers who crouded the Apartments, was M. _de -Printz_, the Grand Marshal. They say, that when this Nobleman made his -appearance to proclaim the melancholy News, it so seiz’d him that he could -only say, _The King, the King, the King!_ his redoubled Sighs discovering -the rest that his Tongue had not power to declare. - -The King’s Funeral Obsequies were very magnificent. In the Streets, from -the Palace to the place of Interment, several Regiments of Soldiers were -drawn up in a Line on each side. The new King accompany’d the Convoy, and -when the Corpse was deposited in the Royal Vault he went out of the -Church, and mounting on horseback put himself at the Head of the Troops -which made three Discharges of small Arms, and at the same time the Cannon -were fir’d from the Ramparts. Thus, Madame, were the last Devoirs paid to -_Frederic_ our First King. - -As to the Queen, the Physicians were of Opinion that her Native Air would -be of service to her, and therefore she was carry’d to her Mother’s Seat -at _Grabau_ in _Mecklemburg_, where she still remains, but without any -Hopes as yet of her Recovery. - -After the Death of _Frederic_ I. the King his Son dismiss’d the whole -Court, the three Companies of Life-Guards were broke, and the Guard of the -hundred _Swiss_ sent home to their own Country: In short, every thing -assum’d a new Face. I saw, and was really mortify’d to see, that there was -nothing more for me to hope for in my own Country. Nevertheless, tho’ I -thought I should have broke my Heart the first Moment that I receiv’d the -melancholy News, my Sorrow was of no long duration. I had not, indeed, a -very splendid Fortune to be my Comfort, but I was so young that I presum’d -to think I should never come to want. Besides, my Birth was some Relief to -my Mind; and to tell you the plain truth of the matter, as Things stood -with me at that time, I was quite in love with _Paris_, which was reason -good enough why I should not devote myself long to Melancholy. - -Happening to be at the Fair of _St. Germain_, I there contracted Love for -another Mistress. I had no reason to be asham’d of the choice I then made, -because I might have hop’d to have been possess’d of every thing that was -capable of fixing a Man of Gallantry. I abandon’d my self intirely to this -new Amour, and as I was naturally fond of Expence, I laid out such a Sum -that all my Friends were startled at it. My Equipages, Clothes, Liveries, -_&c._ were all of the utmost Magnificence, and the frequent Presents that -I made were very rich. But I was soon reduc’d to a Necessity of making -very serious Reflections upon my past Conduct; tho’ I had no body to blame -but myself; for as to Mademoiselle _de S----_ (which was the Name of the -Angel I ador’d) she would certainly have been well enough pleas’d with a -Lover less profuse, so that with a little Oeconomy I might have made a gay -Figure at _Paris_: But my new Passion would not suffer me to think so -close of my Finances, which were now so much disorder’d that I saw no -Remedy, except to return to my own Country: But I was so uneasy to think -of going away, that I was very loth to fix on a day for my Departure. Mean -time my dear Mistress and her Mother both press’d me with Tears in -abundance to undertake a Journey so necessary; the one wishing it for my -own sake, and the other for the sake of her Daughter; for the good Mother -was as eager after Money, as the Daughter was disinterested. At length the -melancholy Day being come, I set out from _Paris_ without bidding Farewel -to any one Friend whatsoever except _Madame_, and the Duke of _Orleans_, -because I hop’d to be back again speedily. I left all my Servants behind, -except only one Domestic who was privy to all my Affairs. - -The Day that I set out I arriv’d about five o’clock in the Evening at -_Roye_ in _Picardy_, where I was told I could not proceed farther for -want of Post-Horses, the Duke of _Ossuna_ who was gone Ambassador of -_Spain_ to the Treaty at _Utrecht_, having taken them all up. I resolv’d -therefore to go on with those that brought me to _Roye_. I halted at very -sad Quarters, at a place betwixt _Roye_ and _Peronne_. The first thing I -did was to go to Bed, and really need enough I had of Rest; for my Head -was so confus’d with a thousand different Thoughts, that I felt my Brains -work almost as if I had been light-headed. But when I was in Bed ’twas -much worse with me, I still indulg’d Melancholy. One while I wanted to go -back again to _Paris_, whither my Love call’d me strongly. On the other -hand, I was sensible of the sad Necessity of pursuing my Journey. In -short, Swarms of different Inclinations succeeded each other; but at last, -after a long debate with my self, I resolv’d to return to _Paris_. The -time when I made this noble Resolution was about two o’clock in the -Morning. I got up that Moment, and call’d for my Valet. As he lay in -another part of the House which was separate from my Apartment, I thought -’twas better to go my self and awake him, than to lose my time in calling -for him. I went out of my Chamber accordingly, but as ill luck would have -it, I had not observ’d, or rather the confusion I was in made me forget -that my Chamber-Door open’d into a Gallery that run round the House. This -Gallery was so lately built that they had not time to put Rails to it, so -that before I had gone two steps I had the finest tumble that ever I made -in my Life. I fell from the Gallery into the Yard, and by good luck upon a -heap of Dung, otherwise I might have been wounded, if not kill’d; so that -all the harm I had was the surprize to find my self sinking in a Matrass -as offensive as ’tis possible to conceive. My greatest perplexity was then -to contrive how to get out of it, and to find the way back to my Chamber: -But the Night was so dark, and I was so little acquainted with the House -where I lodg’d, that I despair’d of getting out without Help; I began then -to call out lustily for my Valet. But the Rascal never heard me, and -indeed I was inform’d soon after, that he had been drunk, so that his -Liquor had plung’d him into a profound Sleep. Seeing that I had to do with -one that was as deaf as a Post, I thought fit to call out aloud for -_Mary_, _Catherine_, _Joan_, and other Names, hoping that there was some -Servant-Maid in the House, whom one at least of these Names would fit: Nor -was I deceiv’d, for one of the Maids came to my Assistance, but the Wench -taking me for a Spirit ran away in an instant, with a great Cry of -_Jesu-Maria_. I was then terribly mortify’d: At this rate I plainly saw I -should be forc’d to spend the rest of the Night in the Dunghill, and to -wait with patience till the whole Family was risen. What made me the more -apprehensive of the Consequences of this Disaster was, that tho’ we were -got into the Summer Season, yet the Nights were cold, and I had nothing -over my Shirt but a Taffeta Night-Gown. I began again therefore to call -and baul so loud, that at length some of the Family ran out to see what -was the matter; but like the Servant-Maid they all took me for a Ghost -come to haunt the House, and were afraid to come near me. At length, all -this Noise awak’d my Valet, who ran out in his Shirt. He imagin’d at first -that there had been a Design to murder me, but when I bid him put the -Horses in my Chaise, he thought I was crazy; and indeed, I was pretty far -gone that way. I repeated my Order to get my Chaise ready, that I might be -gone that instant. My Valet, who had scarce recover’d from the Surprize he -was in at my giving such an Order, said, _Alas, Sir, be easy; ’tis but two -o’clock in the Morning yet, at five you shall be gone._ I told him, that -he was a Fool, and that go I would. But he, like other Skipkennels who are -apt to be fancy if their Masters treat them with any degree of -Familiarity, refus’d point-blank to obey me. He said that I had no -Consideration, that because I could not sleep my self I hinder’d others -from sleeping; that I roll’d along the Day in an easy Chaise, whereas he -rode generally upon very sorry Horses; that in short he wanted Rest, and -that he would not set out till he had two Hours more Sleep, and had a good -Breakfast. I was like to have been in a Passion, but saw ’twas to no -purpose, and therefore we split the Difference; he compounded with me not -to go to Bed again, and I gave him leave to take his Breakfast. When he -thought fit to make an end, I got into my Chaise, and order’d the -Postillion to strike into the Road for _Paris_. Then my Valet imagin’d -indeed that I was crack-brain’d; he said I was wrong, and that we must -turn into the Road to the _Netherlands_. I order’d him to hold his tongue, -and go on. The poor Boy being confirm’d more and more in his Notion that I -was Kite-headed, was wonderful uneasy, and at every Stage came with a -sorrowful Countenance to the side of my Chaise to know how I did, and if I -wanted any thing. At length I arriv’d at _Paris_, where all that knew of -my Departure were startled to see me return’d so soon. I feign’d my self -very much out of order, and that I came back again for fear of a Fit of -Sickness, in which case I chose to be at _Paris_ rather than any where -else. But no body would believe me, for they thought that some Love-Affair -at heart was the sole cause of my returning in such a hurry. I stay’d -three Days at _Paris_, but did not go once to _Versailles_ for fear of -_Madame_, who was a Princess that did not love such Frolics, and I for my -part did not love Reprimands, and therefore I thought it best to keep out -of her way. Mean time the very same reason that determined me the first -time to take a Journey to my own Country still subsisted, and at last I -quitted _Paris_ in good earnest, tho’ I was resolv’d to be absent as -little a while as possible. - -I went the common Road to _Brussels_, and from thence through _Breda_ and -_Gorcum_, to _Utrecht_; having a desire to see in what state the Congress -was, which was then held at that place. - -BREDA, which is a Place of Strength, situate on the River of _Mercke_, is -part of _Dutch Brabant_, and one of the most considerable Towns in the -_Netherlands_. This City and its Territory has the Title of a Barony, and -has had several Masters. The last Owners of it were the Princes of -_Nassau_, who acquired it in 1404, by _Eagelbert_ of _Nassau_’s Marriage -with _Joan_ the only Daughter of the Lord of _Leck_, who was Sovereign of -_Breda_. _Henry de Nassau_ founded the Castle in this Town, and the Tomb -of _René_ is still to be seen in the Collegiate Church of St. _Peter_, -which was founded about the Year 1303. This City suffer’d very much -towards the latter end of the sixteenth Century, during the Wars for -Religion. ’Twas at first seiz’d by the Confederates, who form’d the -Republic of the United Provinces. The Prince of _Parma_ took it from them -the 18th of _June_ 1581; but Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_ made himself -Master of it in 1590, by means of a Boat laden with Turf, under which he -had caus’d about threescore Soldiers to be conceal’d, who made themselves -Masters of the Castle, and thereby gave the Prince an Opportunity to take -the Town by Capitulation. They tell a very remarkable Story of one of the -Soldiers that was hid in that Boat, _viz._ That having a Necessity of -coughing, he desir’d one of his Comrades to kill him outright, for fear -that his impertinent Cough should discover the Stratagem. This Soldier -richly deserv’d to have his Name transmitted to Posterity; for sure a -_Roman_ could not have said a more gallant Thing, and an Instance of -inferior Courage to this would perhaps have been rewarded with a Statue. -Some Years after the Reduction of _Breda_, the great _Spinola_ General of -the _Spanish_ Forces, besieg’d and took it after a Siege, or rather -Blockade of eleven Months. ’Twas a fourth time besieg’d by -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, who took it after a Siege of four -Months, and then it came into the hands of the _Dutch_, who have remain’d -Masters of it ever since, and have considerably augmented its -Fortifications; and as the Place is situate in very Marshy Ground, they -have erected Sluices there, by means of which they can easily lay all the -neighbouring Country under Water. For the rest, this is not one of the -best built Cities in the _Netherlands_, and were it not for its Ramparts -would be a very inconsiderable Place. The King of _Prussia_, by virtue of -his Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of _England_, -adds to his Titles that of _Baron of Breda_. - -Having pass’d through _Gorcum_, which I thought a Town of very little -consequence, I came to UTRECHT[43], which is one of the most noted Cities -in the _Netherlands_, and gives Name to one of the seven Provinces, -whereof it is the Capital. It was formerly a Bishop’s See, and the Bishops -were Sovereigns of the Province, and Princes of the Empire. The Dukes of -_Brabant_ and _Cleves_, the Counts of _Holland_ and _Guelderland_, and -other Sovereigns to the number of twenty-eight, were Feudataries to its -Bishop. The Emperor _Charlemain_, that great Founder of Bishoprics, -annex’d so Many Prerogatives to this with a View of engaging the Bishops -to act with Zeal for Conversion of the _Pagans_ who possess’d a Part of -the Neighbouring Countries. _Philip_ II. erected this Bishopric into an -Archbishopric in favor of _Schenck_ of _Tautenbourg_; but he did not enjoy -the new Dignity long, for at the same time that this Country revolted from -_Spain_, the Protestant Religion was introduc’d into it, and the -Archbishop was expell’d. _Henry_ of _Bavaria_ was the last Bishop who was -Sovereign of this Country, but his Subjects rebell’d against him and -turn’d him out. This Bishop implor’d the Protection of _Charles_ V. to -whom with the Consent of his Clergy and States he transferr’d the Temporal -Dominion of the Country in 1528, and from thence he was translated to the -Bishopric of _Worms_. The famous Union of the seven Provinces, to which -the Establishment of the Republic is owing, was concluded at _Utrecht_ the -13th of _January_, 1579. - -The City of _Utrecht_ is famous also for the Birth of Pope _Adrian_ VI, in -1459. They say this Pontiff was of mean Extraction, and was only oblig’d -to his own Merit for his Advancement. The Emperor _Maximilian_ trusted him -with the Education of _Charles_ his Grandson. He was afterwards sent to -_Spain_ with the Title of Ambassador to King _Ferdinand_, who gave him the -Bishopric of _Tortosa_. Upon that Monarch’s Death he shar’d the Regency of -_Spain_ with the Cardinal _Ximenes_, and afterwards remained sole Viceroy -of that Kingdom. He was made a Cardinal the first of _July 1517_, by Pope -_Leo_ X. and chose Pope the ninth of _January 1522_. - -While I am thus making Digressions in speaking of the City of _Utrecht_, -you will also permit me to tell you that this City gave birth to the -famous _Anna-Maria Schuurman_, that learned Lady who spoke _Latin_, -_Greek_, _Hebrew_, the _Syriac_, _Chaldee_, _Italian_, _Spanish_, and -_French_ Languages as fluently as the _Low Dutch_, which was her -Mother-Tongue. She also knew how to paint in Miniature, and to engrave -both with the Graving Tool and the Diamond upon Copper and Glass. Queen -_Christina_ of _Sweden_ did her the same Honor, as _Alexander_ formerly -did to _Diogenes_, for she went to pay her a Visit, and was surpriz’d at -the Beauty of her Performances. This most ingenious Artist of her Sex died -in 1678, at 71 Years of Age. - -_Balderic_ of _Cleves_ the fifteenth Bishop of _Utrecht_, caus’d this City -to be encompass’d with Walls; and _Charles_ V. built its Castle, which has -at present nine Bastions, two Half-moons, and a Hornwork. They say that -the great Church dedicated to St. _Martin_, was built in the Year 630 by -King _Dagobert_; and after it was destroy’d, together with all the other -Buildings in the City by the _Normans_, _Adelbolde_ the 19th Bishop caus’d -it to be rebuilt and consecrated in 1024, in presence of the Emperor -_Henry_ II. and twelve Bishops. It was ruin’d a second time, but was -magnificently rebuilt. There’s a very fine Tower at the Entrance 388 Foot -high, from whence fifteen or sixteen Towns may be seen distinctly. - -There’s a better Air at _Utrecht_ than in the other Towns of _Holland_, -the Ground it stands on being much higher, and by consequence not so -marshy. This Town, which is situate upon the old Channel of the _Rhine_, -is incompass’d with a fine fruitful Plain, and has charming Walks in the -Neighbourhood, which are not inferior to those at the _Hague_. - -The _French_ were at one time Masters of this Place, but on the 13th of -_November_ 1673, it reverted to its lawful Sovereigns. When I arriv’d here -I heard that the Peace was just sign’d by the Plenipotentiaries of -_France_ and _Spain_ on the one part, and by the Ministers of _England_, -_Portugal_, _Prussia_, _Savoy_ and _Holland_, on the other part. The -principal Conditions were, That _Philip_ V. should remain in possession of -the Crown of _Spain_, on condition nevertheless that he should renounce -the Succession to the Crown of _France_, for himself and his Descendants: -That _England_ should have _Gibraltar_ in _Spain_, and _Port-Mahon_ in the -_Mediterranean_: That _Dunkirk_ should be demolish’d: _France_, by the -way, was very loth to consent to the ruin of a Place which had already -cost her several Millions, and requir’d a considerable Expence moreover to -demolish. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ was recogniz’d King of _Prussia_, -both by _France_ and _Spain_, and had even the Title of _Majesty_ given -him, which _France_ never us’d to allow to the Kings of _Denmark_ and -_Poland_. To the King of _Prussia_ was also yielded what he before -possess’d in _Spanish Guelderland_, as an Equivalent for the Principality -of _Orange_, which that Monarch yielded to _France_. The Duke of _Savoy_ -was own’d King of _Sicily_, and he obtain’d some Places in the _Milanese_. -The King of _Portugal_ remain’d peaceable Possessor of the Conquests which -he had made during the War. The _Dutch_ got least of all by the Peace, and -perhaps they repented that they did not accept of the Terms offer’d them -at _Gertruydenberg_. - -As soon as I arriv’d at _Utrecht_, I did not fail to make a Visit to the -Ambassadors of _Prussia_, who were the Count _de Denhoff_, the Count _de -Metternich_, and the Marshal _de Biberstein_. They receiv’d me with all -the Civility possible, and presented me to all the Foreign Ministers. I -found at this City the Countess Dowager of _Wartemberg_, who was lately -come hither. The Count her Husband, who died at _Francfort_, desir’d upon -his Death-bed that his Corpse might be carried to _Berlin_, which was -perform’d with a good deal of Pomp. They say, that the late King, who was -very fond of him, as I have already had the Honor to mention to you, wou’d -needs see his Funeral Convoy; and as it pass’d before the Windows of his -Castle he could not refrain shedding Tears. Perhaps he then repented that -he had disgrac’d that Minister on such slight Pretences; and perhaps too, -the melancholy Spectacle put him in mind of that unavoidable Coast, on -which both the Majesty of Kings, and the Magnificence of Courtiers, will -at last be run ashore. - -The Countess of _Wartemberg_ was more undaunted. She was far from -indulging any mortifying Reflection; but on the contrary, was glad to -find her self in possession of a very great Estate; and gladder still to -think that she was uncontroulable. She left _Francfort_ where she had -resided ever since her Husband’s Disgrace; and thinking that too -melancholy a Place to spend her Life in, she made choice of the City of -_Utrecht_, as the most gay of any that she knew. She soon had an Intrigue -or two upon her hands; and when I arriv’d, I heard that the Chevalier _de -B----_ was her Bosom Friend. This Gentleman was newly set out for -_Versailles_, with a Commission to carry the News of the Peace. I was not -much concerned whether I made any Visit to the Countess; for I observ’d -that all of our Court who were then at _Utrecht_, were shy of her to such -a degree, that I did not care to be the only one that shew’d any Regard -for her. But tho’ I had resolv’d not to visit her, I happen’d to fall in -her Way. This Lady had brought a _French_ Gentlewoman with her, whom I -knew very well at _Berlin_; and as she had Wit at will, I had a mind to -renew my Acquaintance with her, the rather because I had a Curiosity to -know a little of the Countess’s History. The first time I paid her a Visit -she made me an Offer to carry me to see the Countess of _Wartemberg_; -which I refus’d in such a manner that she did not insist upon my going. -But she thought fit to tell the Countess that I was lately come to -_Utrecht_; that I had paid her a Visit; and that she thought I perfectly -resembled the Chevalier _de B----_. There needed no other Motive to set -the Countess agog to see me; and she desir’d her Gentlewoman to bring me -to her. But notwithstanding all her Persuasion, I peremptorily refus’d it. -At last, as I was making a Visit one day to the Gentlewoman, who should -bounce into the Room where I was, but the Countess _de Wartemberg_. She -said, that tho’ I scorn’d her so much as not to make her a Visit, she had -resolv’d to come and see me. I was going to reply, but the Countess, -without giving me time to speak, told me, that she thought me alter’d much -for the better; that no two drops of Water were more like than I, and the -Chevalier _de B----_; and that in short we perfectly resembled each other -even in the Tone of our Voice: But by Madam _de Wartemberg_’s leave, there -never were two People more unlike. The Knight Commander was a handsome -well-set Man, which you know, Madame, is a Character I never had the -Vanity to affect; and I thought every part of the Countess’s Compliment so -extraordinary, that in truth, a Scholar just come from the College could -not have been more dash’d than I was. I made an Answer, ’tis true, but to -tell you frankly, I knew not what I said. I gave her my Hand, and led her -to her own Apartment, where she still descanted upon the mighty -Resemblance betwixt the Chevalier and me. In fine, I think I may venture -to say, without giving my self an Air as if I was the Darling of the Fair -Sex, and without passing in your Opinion for a Coxcomb, that ’twas my own -fault I was not taken, in Body and Soul, for the Chevalier; but I was so -fortunate as to be disintangled by a Valet de Chambre, who came to -acquaint her of the Arrival of M. _Menager_ the third Plenipotentiary of -_France_ at the Congress, to whom I had Obligations for bringing me out of -this Scrape. This kind of Visit made me take proper Measures to prevent -any more such, for the little time I had to stay in this City. - -From _Utrecht_ I went to _Wesel_, and from thence thro’ _Westphalia_ to -the Duchy of MAGDEBOURG. The City of this Name was formerly an -Archbishopric, erected by the Emperor _Otho_ the Great in favor of the -_Vandals_ newly converted, but by the Peace of _Westphalia_ the whole -Country was seculariz’d with the Title of a Duchy, in favor of the -_Brandenburg_ Family, in Exchange for that part of _Pomerania_ which was -yielded to the _Swedes_. There are few Towns in _Germany_ that have -suffer’d so many Revolutions as _Magdebourg_. This City was put under the -Ban of the Empire in 1553, by _Charles_ V. for refusing Submission to his -Orders, for it was then in open Rebellion, so that the Elector _Maurice_ -of _Saxony_ was sent to reduce it. The Siege lasted a whole Year, the -Elector not being very much in haste to push on the Conquest. As this War -was undertaken purely for the Destruction of the Protestant Religion, -which this City had embraced; the Elector, who was himself a Protestant, -thought by spinning out the Siege to regain the good Opinion of those of -his Religion, who were uneasy to see him support the Interests of the -Emperor and the Catholics. The Elector however made them easy, by -promising the Protestants of _Magdebourg_, that he would join them in the -War against the Emperor, immediately after the Surrender of the Place. -Matters were transacted on both sides with very great sincerity. The Place -surrender’d, and the Elector entered it not as a victorious Prince, but -rather as an Ally who brought Relief to it. He made use of the Garison to -reinforce his Army, and then declar’d War against the Emperor, on pretence -that the Religion and Liberty of _Germany_ were in danger. - -A Change of this nature was so extraordinary, that the Emperor could not -expect it: For this Prince had himself promoted the Elector of _Saxony_ to -the Dignity he possess’d, after having depriv’d the unfortunate _Frederic_ -of his Dominions; and for so considerable a Present he might very well -hope the Elector would have made him grateful Returns. The Emperor -therefore was so far from thinking himself oblig’d to be on his Guard for -fear of Surprise, that he imagin’d himself in a State of perfect Security, -when the Elector of _Saxony_ had like to have surpriz’d him at _Inspruck_ -the Capital of _Tirol_. The Emperor knew nothing of the Plot, till he was -on the point of being made Prisoner; and ’twas with much ado that he -escap’d, for he was at that time ill of the Gout, and oblig’d to leave -both his Equipage and Domestics behind him. He would upon this occasion -have given the Prince _John-Frederic_ his Liberty, but this Prince was -loth to abandon him in this Misfortune, and accompany’d him into -_Carinthia_, twenty-eight Leagues from _Inspruck_, where the Emperor made -his Retreat. - -The City of _Magdebourg_ was a very great Sufferer in the War, which is -commonly call’d, _The War of thirty Years_, because during that Term -_Germany_ was ravag’d on all sides. _Tilly_ the Emperor’s General besieg’d -it in 1631, when ’twas taken by Storm, and all the Inhabitants put to the -Sword. A Fire also had a part in its Destruction, and committed such -Ravage that _Magdebourg_, which was one of the finest Cities in _Germany_, -was intirely reduc’d to Ashes. The Burghers indeed had no body but -themselves to blame for their Misfortune, for General _Tilly_ would not -have treated them so severely if they had not refus’d an advantageous -Capitulation, of which he made them an Offer some days before the Storm. - -But since this Town has been in the hands of the _Brandenburg_ Family, the -Electors have taken care to fortify it so well, that it would now be a -hard matter to take it. The late King caus’d a Citadel to be built here, -which is separated from the City by the _Elbe_. The present King has added -considerable Works to it, which are remarkably substantial and -magnificent. His Majesty has also caus’d a very fine Arsenal to be built -in the Great Square, which tho’ not very large, is stor’d with a -considerable number of Cannon and other Arms. On the Right hand of this -Square is the Great Church, formerly the Cathedral, a _Gothic_ Building, -where meets the Chapter which is still subsisting, tho’ Protestant; and -according to ancient Custom, none are admitted into it but Men of Quality. - -The Situation of _Magdebourg_ is very fine, having an Outlet on all sides -to spacious Plains, that are very fruitful in Corn. The _Elbe_, which, as -I have said, separates the Citadel from the Town, renders its Commerce -also very easy with _Hamburg_, _Saxony_ and _Bohemia_, for which reason -several Merchants are settled here who have noble Houses. And since the -King has transferr’d the Regency of the Country hither from _Hall_, the -Town grows every day finer, so that it may now be reckon’d one of the most -beautiful Towns in the two Circles of _Saxony_. - -From _Magdebourg_ in my Way to _Berlin_ I pass’d thro’ BRANDENBURG, which -is a City on the River _Havel_, that was built by M. _Branden_, a Prince -of _Franconia_. ’Twas heretofore a Bishopric, but now the whole Country is -seculariz’d, and makes a part of the _Marquisate_ of _Brandenburg_. Here -is a considerable Trade, and the King keeps a Garison in it, consisting of -a Battalion of the tall Grenadiers. You have so often seen the Regiment of -which this Battalion is a part, that ’tis needless to commend it to you -farther than to observe, that ’tis perhaps the finest Regiment in -_Europe_. - -I did not stay at _Brandenburg_, because I would be the sooner at BERLIN. -On the day that I arrived there I was so tir’d with having walk’d all Day -and Night, that I kept my Bed till the Evening, when I had the Honor to -wait on the Queen, the King having been gone a few days before to -_Potzdam_, Her Majesty kept her Chamber, and had not been out of it since -her last Lying-in, when she was deliver’d of the Princess -_Charlotta-Albertina_, who died the Year following on the 10th of _June_. -I was so coldly receiv’d by her Majesty, that I had no reason to hope for -favor at Court, or at least with her Majesty. But the Margravines receiv’d -me with all the Civility possible. The Margravine-Dowager especially -assur’d me that she would continue that Protection with which she had -always honor’d me. - -As to the City of _Berlin_, it had not yet dry’d up its Tears for the Loss -it had lately sustain’d, by the Death of _Frederic_. ’Tis true the King -his Son gave great hopes, but the thorough Change he had made in his -Court, caus’d the late King to be lamented. The new Monarch thought of -nothing but keeping up a numerous Army, and that he might do this without -laying a Burden upon his Subjects, he dismiss’d all his Court, and the -intire Houshold of the King his Father, so that there was nobody at Court -but the Ministers. Most of the Persons of Quality who lived heretofore at -_Berlin_, were retir’d either to their Estates or their Governments, which -made the City a most melancholy Place to stay in, and all these -Alterations convinc’d me that there was nothing for me to expect in this -Country. I therefore resolv’d to settle all my Domestic Affairs with the -utmost speed, designing to return forthwith to _Paris_. Before I went -thither, I made a Trip to _Zell_, in order to examine the Accompts of a -Person I had deputed as my Attorney to receive the Deeds of my Mother’s -Estate. But to my sorrow, my Mother had by her Will devis’d the greatest -part of her Estate to the Children she had by her former Husband, so that -what I could lay claim to was far short of what I promis’d my self. - -From _Zell_ I went to HAMBOURG[44], purely to see that City. I had -travel’d thither once before, but was then so young that I was not in a -Capacity to take notice of any thing in this City worthy of Remark. -_Hambourg_, which is one of the best Towns in _Germany_, is a part of -Lower _Saxony_, being situate upon the _Elbe_ a few Leagues from the Mouth -of that River, which is a great Conveniency to its Trade. Before it was -erected into a Republic ’twas a part of _Holstein_, on the Territory of -which it was built; and therefore it had frequent Quarrels with the Dukes -of _Holstein_, and the Kings of _Denmark_, who are the Sovereigns of -_Holstein_. The latter, as well as the _Swedes_, have attempted several -times to make themselves Masters of _Hambourg_, but have been repuls’d as -often as they came before it: For this City is not easy to be reduc’d, -because it has noble Ramparts and very strong Out-works, and it also takes -care to be well provided with Artillery, and a good Garrison. Moreover, -’tis always sure of the Protection of the Families of _Brandenburg_ and -_Brunswic_, it being so advantagiously situated, that ’tis the Interest of -both, that no Power whatsoever should take it. - -_Hambourg_ is also very considerable on account of the Wealth of its -Inhabitants, who are almost all Merchants, and much of the Temper of the -_Dutch_ Merchants, very greedy of Gain and thrifty. Their greatest Delight -is so have Gardens at the City-Gates, pretty much in the Taste of those of -_Holland_. The Wives of the great Merchants are as much confin’d at -_Hambourg_, as the Women of Quality are at _Venice_, but I observ’d they -were only pent up from Foreigners. A Man may pass his time very well in -this City, where there are several Persons of Quality to see, who make -their Visitors perfectly welcome. The Walks in and about this City are -charming, and especially that on the Ramparts is a noble one, there being -a double Row of Trees which forms an agreeable Covert, and from whence -there’s a Prospect finely diversify’d by noble Houses, Gardens, Woods, -Meadows, _&c._ in the midst of which one sees the Rivers _Elbe_ and -_Alster_, which both together yield a charming View. The River of _Alster_ -comes into the Town and forms a Basin very like a great Pond, which has a -fine Kay on the sides of it planted with several Rows of Lime-Trees, -between which there’s a very fine Walk. - -Near _Hambourg_ lies the Town of ALTENA[45]. The King of _Denmark_ gave it -this Name to banter the Deputies of _Hambourg_ who made Remonstrances to -him against his building this Town too near to theirs, and in their -Discourse to the King about the Town said several times, _Sie ist al te -na_, which in the Language of the Country signifies, _it is too near_. The -King taking particular Notice of the Monosyllables _al te na_, said to the -Deputies that he could not excuse himself from carrying on the Town which -he was building, and that all he could do to oblige them was to order it -to be call’d by the Name of _Altena_, which they themselves had given it. -And indeed, a more significant Name could not have been put upon this -Town, for ’tis situate just at the Gates of _Hambourg_, and is a part of -_Danish Holstein_. It was formerly a priviledg’d Place for Bankrupts, and -for all that had committed any Crime in _Hambourg_. But the present King -of _Denmark_, rather than this Town should continue any longer in the -Enjoyment of a Privilege which fill’d it with Knaves and Vagabonds, -delivers up Malefactors to the Magistrates of _Hambourg_ whenever they -reclaim them. - -_Altena_ is remarkable for the Multiplicity of Religions which are there -publickly exercis’d. I believe, that excepting _Amsterdam_, there is not a -Town in _Europe_ where there are so many Sects; but few of ’em are allow’d -a Church. The Neighbourhood of this Town to _Hambourg_, and its Situation -moreover upon the _Elbe_, does great Prejudice to that City. ’Tis now -several years since _Altena_ was burnt by the _Swedes_, under the Command -of the Count _de Steinbock_; when they scarce allow’d Time to the -Inhabitants to make their Escape; so that they had the Grief to be -Eye-Witnesses of the burning of their Houses and Goods, and several Old -Men, and a number of Infants perish’d in the Flames. I found _Altena_ in -that sorrowful State when I first went thither; but upon a Review of it -since, I see that ’tis rebuilt in such a manner, that ’tis now a finer and -more flourishing Town than ever. After four or five days Stay at -_Hambourg_ I set out, and never did any body go off at a more proper Time; -for in a few days after it, the Plague discover’d it self in the City; -upon which it was shut up, and its Communication forbid with any other -Place. - -I return’d thro’ _Zell_, where I made no manner of stay, to -AIX-LA-CHAPELLE[46], an Imperial City, on the Confines of the Duchies of -_Juliers_ and _Limbourg_. ’Tis encompass’d with Mountains, which form so -pleasant a Vale, that _Charlemain_ chose rather to reside at -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, than in either of the many beautiful Cities which he -conquer’d. This Emperor caus’d a Collegiate Church to be built here, in -which his Tomb is still to be seen; and the Memory of that Prince is to -this day held in great Veneration. On the Festival of St. _Charles_, -there’s a solemn Procession here, in which the Effigies of that Monarch is -carried with an Equipage which excites Laughter rather than Devotion. The -Preacher’s Pulpit in this same Collegiate Church is inrich’d with Plates -of Gold; and they say that the Branch which hangs down before the High -Altar is of the same Metal. ’Tis in this Church that many Emperors have -been consecrated; and several of the Imperial Ornaments are still kept -there. The Emperor is born Canon of the Church of _Aix_, and takes the -Oath as such on the Day of his Coronation. - -Certain Reliques are preserv’d at _Aix-la-Chapelle_, which are shew’d but -once in seven years; and then they are expos’d to View from the top of a -Tower in the City, during which the People gaze at them on their Knees, in -the Squares and Streets leading to the said Tower. This Ceremony was -perform’d when I was at _Aix_ in 1713, at which time there was a Concourse -to it of an incredible number of Pilgrims from _Hungary_, _Tirol_, and all -the Provinces of _Germany_. Persons of superior Rank are allow’d the -Liberty of going up to the top of the Tower where those Reliques are -expos’d, and may look near to them, but must by no means touch them. Of -all that I saw, I only remember a Smock, which they affirm was the -Virgin’s: There were some spots on it, which they said were the Stains of -the Milk with which she suckled the Savior of the World. This Shift seem’d -to be quite seamless, and made of a sort of Stuff which I know not how to -describe to you, for it was neither of Linnen nor Callico. - -The City of _Aix_ is very famous for its hot Baths, and for the Waters -that are taken there twice a year, _viz._ in _Spring_ and _Autumn_; at -which two Seasons there’s a great Resort hither of Foreigners. The Waters -are hot, and of a very unpleasant Taste, and they smell like a rotten Egg; -for which reason People are loth to take them when they first come; but -after they are us’d to it, they go down very well. The Baths especially -are wonderfully good against the Contraction of the Sinews and against -Wounds. Nor is there a Place where the Waters are us’d with more -Conveniency, there being plenty of every thing that one wou’d wish for, -and especially good Company; for _Brabant_, _Liege_, _France_, _Holland_ -and _Germany_, lie so near to it, that there’s always a great many People -here, and very good Diversion. - -I set out from _Aix_ for PARIS, by the way of _Maestricht_ and _Louvain_; -but as I travell’d Post thro’ these Towns, I shall reserve the Description -of them to you, till such time as I make a longer stay in them. On my -Arrival at _Paris_ I was deeper in Love than ever. I was receiv’d by my -dear Mistress with such Tokens of Love, as gave me all the reason in the -world to think, that I was the happiest Man living: And in reality I was -so, because at that time I knew of no other Happiness than to be in her -good Graces; yet my natural Levity made me soon think otherwise. I saw the -Marchioness _de P----_; and I will frankly own to you, that all the -Veneration I had for _S----_ abated. I thought then there was nothing to -compare with the new Object of my Passion. _S----_ quickly perceiv’d my -Inconstancy, and reproach’d me for it; but they were Reproaches unmix’d -with Gall, and such as nothing but Love can inspire. The consequence was, -that my Passion for her reviv’d; and upon this occasion I was made -sensible, that a Flame not well extinguish’d is always apt to burst out -again; and that there needs no great Compulsion to renew the Passion of -Love. The Sentiments of the Man of Honor being join’d to those of the -Lover, I ask’d my own Conscience what _S----_ had ever done to disgust me. -And in fine, I gave Judgment against my self, that I could not without -Ingratitude forsake so amiable a Mistress. I took care, therefore, to -absent my self by degrees from the Marchioness _de P----_; and found it no -very hard matter to stifle a Passion, which, to speak plainly, was but a -sudden Flash. - -While I staid at the Court of _France_, I saw the Ceremony of the double -Marriage of the Duke of _Bourbon_ and the Prince of _Conti_, who married -each other’s Sister. The Duke married _Mary-Anne_ of _Bourbon-Conti_, -Sister to the Prince of _Conti_, who married _Louisa-Elizabeth_ of -_Bourbon-Condé_, the Duke’s Sister. - -These Marriages made no addition to the Pleasures of the Court, and every -thing remained very quiet, till News came of the Advantages which the -Marshal _de Villars_ had gain’d over the Allies. This Campaign was both -glorious and advantageous to the Marshal; and every body talk’d of the -immense Sums of Money which he had put into his Pocket. His Conduct was -narrowly pry’d into, and his Enemies charg’d that to him as a Crime, for -which, perhaps, they would have commended any other General. They said -that he brought with him several Waggons laden with Bandoliers for -Safeguards; and that he got so much Money by this means, that at his -Return he laid out 1,800,000 Livres in a Purchase. Nay, they had the -Assurance to speak of it to the King, who said to the Marshal one day at -Dinner, _That he heard he had bought a fine Estate. ’Tis true, Sir_, -reply’d the Marshal, _I have just purchas’d a very pretty Estate_; _and if -I have the Honor to command your Army next year, I hope to buy a more -considerable one and make your Enemies pay for it_. This Answer quite -broke the Measures of those who had endeavour’d to do the Marshal ill -Offices. He knew very well that he had Enemies, but it gave him little -Concern; for he was in high Favor, and he deserv’d it. They say that when -he set out to make the Campaign in 1713, he said to the King at taking -leave of him, _I desire your Majesty to remember, that while I am going -to fight your Enemies, I leave your Majesty in the midst of mine._ He -acquitted himself very bravely; and at length, by the Reduction of -_Landau_ and _Fribourg_, he procur’d that Peace, by which the Electors of -_Cologne_ and _Bavaria_ were restor’d to their Dominions. - -After I had been some Months at _Paris_ I receiv’d Letters from _Berlin_, -with Advice, that the King had Thoughts of forming his Houshold; and that -I could not do better than to go and offer him my Service. I was not long -in demurring upon what Course to take. I had always been bred up in -Sentiments which convinc’d me, that to serve one’s Sovereign was -preferable to any other Service; and besides, I always found my self -naturally attach’d to the Family of our Kings. I therefore resolv’d to -leave _Paris_ once more. You know my Humor so well, _Madame_, that you -cannot think but it was with some Reluctance that I form’d a Resolution of -this nature; and I will frankly own to you, that I was heartily grieved to -leave a Place where I had my fill of Pleasures, which I knew I could not -have a Taste of elsewhere: but at length I gave Attention only to my Duty; -and tho’ the Tears which I saw shed for my sake melted my Heart, yet they -were not powerful enough to make me alter my Design. - -From _Paris_ to _Wesel_, I went the same Road that I came; and from -_Wesel_ I proceeded to HANOVER, where I fell sick. My Design was to be -_incog._ but the ill State of my Health oblig’d me to have recourse to a -Physician; nay, I thought one while, that all the Remedies in the World -would do me no good; and that ’twas high Time for me to prepare in good -earnest for my last long Journey. My Kinswoman Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ -was soon inform’d of my Arrival; and as soon acquainted the Electoress of -it, who was so gracious as to send to know how I did; and this she -repeated twice every day as long as I was ill. This Princess always had a -Kindness for me, which I shall for ever acknowledge. I was told, that -during my Illness, _F----_ thinking to divert the Company at my Expence, -said at the Elector’s Table, _That my Distemper was not mortal; that I had -caught it in +France+; and that there were Surgeons at +Hanover+ who had -Skill enough to set me to rights._ The Electoress was very angry with him, -and said, _Sir, your Banter is absurd; if he had the Distemper that you -say, he would have staid in +France+ for the Cure, since he is not -ignorant, that the People of this Country go thither for the same Purpose; -and he has too much Sense not to follow their Example_. - -As soon as I was able to get abroad, I did not fail to wait on the -Electoress with my most humble Thanks. That Princess gave me a much better -Reception than I durst presume to have expected. The Kindness which she -show’d to me, induc’d Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ and Madame _de K----_ to -think, that I might easily obtain Admission into her Service if I would -but ask her; and accordingly those Ladies prevail’d on me to take that -Step, tho’ I very much question’d my Success; and I found by Experience -that my Suspicion was but too well grounded. I made my Application to the -Princess by Letter; in which, perhaps, I acted indiscreetly, because I -thereby gave her Leisure to take the Opinion of other People. Accordingly -she did so; and to my misfortune applied to Madame _de B----_ who could -not endure me; because, as I heard afterwards, _Madame_ of _France_ had -acquainted the Electoress, that I told her the Electoral Prince had a -particular Respect for her Ladyship. This was enough to exasperate a -Person against me, who made outward Profession of the most rigid Virtue; -and when the Electoress consulted her about me, she was transported to -think what an infallible Opportunity she had to be reveng’d. She artfully -insinuated to the Electoress, that she ought not to admit me into her -Service, and did not want Reasons to back her Insinuations; the Desire of -Revenge being what always supplies specious Arguments in abundance to hurt -an Enemy. The Electoress so well approv’d of those she made use of to -exclude me from her Service, that she order’d M. _de P----_ to tell me, -_That she was very much oblig’d to me for the Attachment which I -manifested for her Person; but that she could not imagine, that after I -had serv’d a King, I should like to wait upon so old a Princess as she -was: That ’twould be more suitable for me to be in the Service of her Son; -and that she should take a Pleasure to help me to it: But that as for her -self she must stay till she was Queen of +England+ before she could admit -me into her Service; because, if that should happen, she should then be in -a better Capacity to make my Fortune_. You perceive, _Madame_, this was a -Refusal that I could not well complain of, ’twas so season’d with -everything to take off the Bitterness of it. For my part, I own to you -that I felt none. As I had only taken this Step in pure Complaisance to -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, she was stung to the quick at this Denial; -not so much for my sake (I knew very well what the matter was) but for her -own; whose Vanity was very much mortify’d by it; for she thought her self -in Favor, and saw ’twas a Favor without any Credit: And her Resentment -proceeded so far, that she hinder’d me from taking Leave of the -Electoress, who in a few days after set out for _Gohr_ with the Prince her -Son. For my part I also set out from _Hanover_ for BERLIN. - -When I came thither I found the King’s Houshold Officers already -nominated, yet this did not hinder me from asking his Majesty for -Employment. The Person who spoke for me was M. _de Printz_ the Grand -Marshal, who brought me News of a Refusal of a very different sort from -what I found at _Hanover_. In the latter, I had no reason to complain of -the Electoress, who with all the Politeness possible refus’d me a Favor, -which when all is said and done, I should not have valued, if I had not -ask’d for it. But now I had a very cruel Repulse, by being deny’d the only -thing for which I had undertaken the Journey to _Berlin_. The Behaviour of -the Court to me in this Instance concern’d me not a little. I had never -done any thing to seclude me from an Establishment in my own Country. My -Ancestors had serv’d in it, and bore such a distinguish’d Rank in it too, -that I might very well think some Notice would have been taken of me. -Moreover, I had the Honour of being Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -late King, but now had the Mortification of seeing Persons prefer’d before -me who had never been seen at Court, and such too for most part as are of -very obscure Birth. Finding therefore I had no hopes of succeeding at -Court, I saw that I must go seek my Fortune elsewhere, and I thought of -entring into the Service of the King of _Poland_. There was not a fitter -Man upon earth to serve me with that Prince than his Prime Minister the -Count _de Flemming_, who happen’d to be then at _Berlin_ upon his Master’s -Affairs. I got my Friends to speak to the Count, and attended him -constantly. That Minister seem’d inclinable to serve me, and promis’d to -speak for me to the King his Master. - -He set out for WARSAW the latter end of _November_, and thither I follow’d -him; upon which he introduc’d me to the King, and to all the -Court-Nobility. I cou’d not have set out better than I did at the Court of -_Poland_. I was patronis’d by the Man who mov’d in the highest Sphere -there, next to the King himself; and for that Reason every body strove to -shew me Respect. The Count _de Flemming_ seem’d to be pleas’d at the -Regard that was paid to me; at least, I was so short-sighted as not to -perceive that it was to him a matter of very great Indifference. I was -excusable in not suspecting him of double dealing with me; for hitherto I -had no other Reason but to applaud his Generosity, and that Good-will -which he had express’d to do me Service. Endeavors were not wanting to -undeceive me, and I soon after saw with my own Eyes, that the fair -Promises he made to me were nothing more nor less, than what they call -_Court-Holy-Water_. - -Not long after my Arrival at _Warsaw_, the King of _Poland_ set out for -_Germany_. I thought my self bound in Interest to wait for his Return, in -order to treat about my Affairs; and I spent this time at _Warsaw_ in the -most agreeable manner that could be. I was soon known by all the _Polish_ -Nobility, who were as civil to me as could be imagin’d. Every thing I -beheld made me fancy I was at _Paris_, there being every where the same -Politeness, and a certain easy Deportment which the _French_ think none -are Masters of but themselves. The _Polish_ Ladies are very amiable, -witty, and have a good deal of Sprightliness. With these Qualities, one -would naturally imagine they are not indifferent to Pleasures; and I -observ’d that they have a delicate and very exquisite Taste for every -thing that passes under the Name of Diversions. They are passionately fond -of Music, and still more of Plays. And at _Warsaw_ they have as much of -both as they desire; for the King, who is a Prince as gallant as he is -magnificent, takes care that every thing be done at Court, in a manner -worthy of a great Prince. He maintains a Set of _French_ Comedians there; -and moreover, frequently gives Balls and Concerts. These Diversions are -generally attended with noble Feasts that the King makes for the Ladies of -his Court; at which times, that Prince is always admir’d for his good -Mien, and for that Gracefulness which sets off all his Actions. - -The _Polish_ Lords are not near so gay as the Ladies; or, at least, they -don’t come up to them for Elegance and Contrivance. Their Domestics and -Equipage are generally slovenly; their Tables are indeed serv’d with -Profusion, but without Delicacy, which I take to be intirely owing to the -want of good Officers or skilful Cooks; for in other respects, _Poland_ is -a Country, where there is as good Cheer as any in the World. Their -Butcher’s Meat is delicious, and they have plenty of good Fish. Wine is -not the Produce of the Country, but the want of it is not perceiv’d at -the Tables of the _Polish_ Nobility, where the Wine of _Hungary_, tho’ -very dear, is drank as common as Water. I observed one thing at the -Generality of their Tables, that does not tally with the Grandeur which -they pretend to, _viz._ That the Master of the House and his intimate -Friends drink the best Wine, while the other Guests that are invited, are -oblig’d to put up with the common sort. Tis to be observ’d, that tho’ -_Poland_ abounds with all Necessaries for Life, yet ’tis a Country very -inconvenient for Travellers, especially those who are not in a Capacity to -carry every thing along with them. I have not seen a Place where there is -so little Accommodation at the Public-Houses, there being hardly a Chair -in them to sit down upon. Therefore the Travellers of any Fashion take -care to carry all Necessaries with them. The Duke of _York_, Bishop of -_Osnabruck_, said a very pertinent thing upon this occasion, _viz._ _That -he did not know a Country where Travellers were more at home than in -+Poland+, because they were always making use of their own Furniture_. - -I heard that the King was shortly to go for _Dresden_, and therefore I set -out thither immediately with the Count _de Hoim_, a Minister of State to -his _Polish_ Majesty. In my Way to _Dresden_ I saw no Place of Note but -_Breslau_ and _Leipsic_. BRESLAU, the Capital of _Silesia_, is a pretty -large and very beautiful City, which in the Winter-Season is inhabited by -a great Number of Nobility. The Count _de Flemming_ stopping there a -couple of days, I halted there too. I saw very good Company here, -especially at the Houses of the Count _de Maltzam_, and the Princess of -_Teschen_, who was formerly the Princess _Lubomirski_. This Lady made a -grand Figure, gave People a hearty Reception, and treated with -Magnificence. I could have wish’d to have staid at _Breslau_ a few days -longer; but as the Count _de Flemming_, by whose Patronage I hop’d still -to get some Establishment at Court, was going to the King in _Saxony_, I -went with him to the Fair at _Leipsic_, where the King and Queen were -already arriv’d. As the King had been absent a good while, the Princes of -the Blood, and a great number of Persons of Quality, came hither to pay -their Respects to him; and after the Fair was ended, his Majesty return’d -to _Dresden_, where he had not been long arriv’d, but he married the Count -_de Saxony_ (his natural Son by the Countess of _Koningsmarck_) to -Mademoiselle _de Loven_, who was a young Gentlewoman of a good Family, and -one of the richest in _Silesia_. The Ceremony of this Marriage was -perform’d in presence of the whole Court; and for several days the King -gave Feasts answerable to his good Fancy and Magnificence. His Majesty is -very fond of this Count of _Saxony_, who is one of the most amiable -Gentlemen that I have seen; and besides, he very much resembles the King -of _Poland_, which, to be sure, makes that Monarch the more in love with -him. - -DRESDEN[47] was then the Centre of the Pleasures of _Germany_, and the -Plays, _&c._ exhibited here, made me almost think I was at _Paris_. I will -not trouble you with all the Particulars of the several splendid -Entertainments that were made in the Carnival Time, there having been -enough written on that Subject already by other Pens. I shall have the -Honor, therefore, to say nothing more of it to you, than that every -Spectator was more charm’d with the King’s affable Behavior, than they -were with the Beauty of the Representations, and the Splendor of the -Feasts. - -I should, no doubt, have had a better Relish for all these Pleasures, if I -could have lik’d the Situation of my Affairs. I had all along conceiv’d -Hopes of entring into the Service of _Poland_, and plac’d a very great -Dependance on the Promises made by the Count _de Flemming_; but when I -came to _Dresden_, I found the Face of Affairs quite chang’d. I put him in -remembrance of his Promise; but he answer’d me in such a droll manner, as -convinc’d me that I ought not to expect any great Matter from him. -However, that I might have nothing to reproach my self with, I still -continu’d to give him Marks of a very great Attachment to his Person. Yet -I met with several Rebuffs, which did not discourage me; and which I had -the more Reason to bear with Patience, because I knew that he treated his -most trusty Confidents in the same manner. At last, not caring, perhaps, -to do any thing of himself, he sent me to M. _de Lowendahl_ the Grand -Marshal, and the latter referr’d me to M. _de Fitzthum_ the King’s -Favorite. I was charm’d with this Gentleman’s Politeness and good Manners; -and I don’t think there ever was a Favorite more obliging, and that took -less upon him. Far from amusing me, he convinc’d me of the Impossibility -there was of my obtaining any Place at Court, unless the King thro’ his -special Grace should be inclin’d to prefer me; which could not be done -neither, without disobliging several of the _Polish_ Noblemen, who -likewise sollicited Places at Court, and seem’d to have a sort of Right to -them by virtue of their Birth. I did not yet quite despair of Success; -and as this was a Favor that could only be granted by means of the Count -_de Flemming_, I had recourse again to that Minister; but I was never the -nearer. To be sure I took a wrong time to speak to him about my Business, -when perhaps he had other Affairs of greater Consequence that might -ingross his Thoughts. In a word, he rebuff’d me to such a degree, as was -sufficient to make me quite renounce my Pretensions. I took leave of the -King and Queen, and prepar’d to go for _Berlin_. - -But before I set out, an Adventure happen’d, which, together with my -Vexation that I had not succeeded in my Designs, made me hate to stay any -longer at _Dresden_, as much as I was in love with the Place when first I -came to it. At _Leipsic_ Fair I had drawn a Bill of 300 Crowns, payable to -the Bearer. The Person for whom I drew the Bill had given a Commission to -a Merchant at _Dresden_ to receive that Sum. The Bill did not come to the -Merchant’s Hands, till the very Day of my Departure; and as the Term was -expir’d, he sent to my Quarters for the Money. I was not at home that -Minute; and the Man hearing that I was to set out the same Day, made use -of a Custom introduc’d and constantly observ’d in _Saxony_; which is, to -arrest the Person that fails to answer a Bill of Exchange upon the Day -appointed; so that just as I was going into my Chaise I was made a -Prisoner. It happen’d to be about ten o’clock at Night. By Misfortune I -had lost a great deal at Play this Carnival; and not having so much Money -by me, I had recourse to the Count _de Flemming_; who lent it to me. This -was the only time that I can be sure that Nobleman did me any Service. I -repaid him soon after my Arrival at _Berlin_. - -Without making a long stay at _Berlin_, I went and pass’d a few days at an -Estate which I have, two Leagues out of that City; but the Uneasiness that -haunted me every where, made me resolve to return to _France_, having -still in View the getting some Establishment at _Berlin_ or elsewhere. -While I was preparing every thing for my Journey, I had the Misfortune to -break my Left Leg by a Fall from my Horse. This Accident, after the -various Disgraces and Disappointments I had already suffer’d, Does it not, -_Madame_, give you the Idea of another _Orestes_, pursu’d by Destiny from -one Country to another? I could expect nothing more after this, than to -fall into the Hands of some Quack of a Bone-setter, who, after putting me -to Torture, would, perhaps, leave me a Cripple for all the rest of my -Life. To tell you the plain Truth, I had some Apprehension of it; for a -Man of my Kidney could not but be afraid of every thing in such a Case. -However, whether it was owing to Hap-hazard, or to the Skill of the -Surgeon, after suffering very great Torment, I was perfectly cur’d; and in -such a manner, that I never felt any thing of it afterward. The ninth Day -after my Fall I went to _Berlin_. As my Indisposition was such, that I -could travel neither in a Chaise nor Coach, I hir’d Porters to carry me; -so that my Entry was more than ordinary comic. This new Equipage surpriz’d -all that saw it, the Children especially, who not being us’d to see such -Carriages, follow’d me from the Out-parts of the City to my Lodgings; and -as the Numbers swell’d by the Way, the Train consisted of at least 200 -Followers, by that time I came home. I was very sensible, at my Arrival, -that I had done wrong to be carried abroad so soon; for a Fever took me, -and not long after an Imposthume gather’d, that bred the Distemper which -they call in _France_ the _King’s Evil_. A fresh Reason this for my -Complaint of the Severity of my Destiny; for in reality I suffer’d such -Pains for above twenty Days, as are impossible for me to express. - -As soon as I was in a Condition to go abroad, I waited on the Queen, who -had just receiv’d Tydings, that the Elector of _Hanover_, her Father, was -then call’d over by the _English_ to succeed the deceas’d Queen _Anne_. No -doubt, _Madame_, you remember the Joy there was at Court upon this News. -The King made an Offer to the new Monarch of any Assistance that he might -have occasion for, to support him on the Throne. Some days after the -Arrival of this great News, I took leave of the Queen, and set out for -HAMBOURG. - -I was very well receiv’d in this City by _L----_, who was at that time -Envoy from _Prussia_ to the Circle of Lower _Saxony_. I knew him at a time -when Fortune, as it were, frown’d upon him; but now it might be said, that -she had loaded him with her Favors. He was glad to see me, and that he had -an Opportunity of shewing me in what Grandure he liv’d. Since he had -married a Woman, who was, indeed, very old, but very rich, he had been so -wise as to make an Acquaintance with such as were capable of serving him; -and whether ’twas owing to Money, or to mere Favor, he was quickly made a -Minister of State; and in a little time after receiv’d the Key as one of -the King’s Chamberlains. I was very well pleas’d to see him in so -splendid a Situation; but could not help taking pity on him for being -yok’d to a Wife so disagreeable. She was a Person, who with the Obstinacy -and Ill-nature of Old Age, had all the Mettle of Youth, besides her being -a perfect Original both in her Apparel, and in the Furniture of her House. -Her Husband could never prevail upon her to dress as became a Person of -her Rank, nor to alter any thing in her Furniture, tho’ ever so unpolite. -I had the Pleasure one day that I was invited thither to Supper, of -examining the Inside of the House at my Leisure. The Apartment where we -supp’d was furnish’d in a very whimsical Manner. The first Room was lin’d -with black Leather gilt, and round it were plac’d Chairs of green Taffety, -adorn’d with Furbelows of a Rose Color. The second Chamber was hung with -green Tapestry. The Chairs were of black Velvet, lac’d with Gold, and the -Room was full of Crystal Sconces. At one End of it there was an Alcove -hung with white Leather gilded, and in the Middle of the Alcove there was -a Bed of a very extraordinary Fashion, which had no Curtains, but had four -Pillars to support the Tester, and a Wooden Cornish at the top gilded; and -the Whole was cover’d with Mother of Pearl and Tortoise-shell. The Bed had -a Counterpane on it of black Velvet and Gold-Lace. In the four Corners of -the Alcove were four Statues of white Marble, each holding a Wax-Candle. -There were other Wax-Candles upon gilded Sconces, and a very fine Branch. -The Whole, I assure you, look’d much more like a Room for lying in State, -than a Chamber for Entertainment. We sat down, however, to Table; but this -amiable Lady refus’d to be of the Company, and chose to stay behind a -Door, which was in the Alcove, from whence she resolv’d to be a -Spectatress of the Entertainment through the Chinks. - -We were all heartily at Supper, and in very little pain for the Absence of -our Landlady, when on a sudden there came from the Alcove a very ugly -Figure, dress’d all in white. I was the first that perceiv’d it; and -really, if I had given ever so little Credit to the haunting of Houses by -Spirits, I should have thought I then saw one. The Whole perfectly -resembled that Scene of the Knight in the _Festin de Pierre_, excepting -nevertheless that we were not honor’d with the least Obeisance. I heard -swearing and scolding at the Domestics, which made me suspect that it -might be the Mistress of the House. Nor was I mistaken, we were obliged -for this Apparition to a Wax-Candle that drop’d upon a Velvet Chair, which -she perceiv’d from the Place where she was conceal’d, and stay’d some -time, thinking that one or other of the Domestics would have remedied this -Evil; but at last seeing that no body minded it, she resolv’d to come out -her self to the Relief of the Chair. This Apparition was the Cause of a -great Hurly-burly; the Lackeys excus’d themselves, because they were -employ’d in waiting; and there were long and warm Disputes on both sides, -betwixt the Mistress and the Servants, during which, the Guests, who rose -in Respect to the Lady, were all the while standing. The Husband -endeavor’d to pacify his dear Spouse, and made her sensible of the -Situation in which she kept us; upon which, without making the least -Compliment, she sate down at the Table, and I thought the Rage of the -Storm was over; but far from it, she was no sooner seated than she began -again to rave with more Fury than before. A Lackey, to whom, it seems, -all this Bawling was more distasteful than it was to us, thought fit to -tell her very bluntly, _That she made a great Noise for nothing_. Then the -Lady was quite outragious, and went to give the Lackey a Blow with all the -Weight of her Arm; but the Droll cunningly parry’d it, by receiving the -Stroke upon a Plate he had in his Hand; which, as he manag’d it, serv’d -him for a Shield. The Gentlewoman gave herself such a terrible Blow, that -for one while she could not speak; and when she came to her self, she made -a worse Racket than before. At length, the Lackey was turn’d out of the -Room; and at that very instant, luckily for us, the Pain which the Lady -felt for the Blow, increas’d to such a degree, that she was forc’d to -retire. She was no sooner gone but we all burst out in a Laugh. The -Husband himself was ready to split his Sides, and desir’d the Company to -be under no manner of Restraint, but to talk as gayly of this Adventure as -we pleas’d. Indeed we were heartily merry at the Expence of the Old Lady; -but yet we were the greatest Losers by it in the end; for while we thought -her a good way out of Hearing, she thought fit to stay at the Door to -listen to what we said, which not being to her liking, she took an -immediate Revenge, for she deprived us of the Dessert, and the poor -Husband had not Interest enough to get another. - -I was so gorg’d at this charming Repast, that for fear of a second -Invitation I set out next Day for HANOVER, where I arriv’d the very Day -before the new King set out for _England_. The Electoress, his Mother, to -whom the Crown first belong’d of Right, died suddenly, as she was walking -in _Herrenhausen_ Garden, not long before Queen _Anne_ died. The Elector -her Son was recogniz’d King by the _English_, as the next Protestant Heir; -for if the Catholics could have had any Right to the Crown, this Elector -would have been but the 23d or 24th in the direct Line. The Nobleman who -acquainted the Elector of his Advancement to the Crown was my Lord -_Clarendon_, Envoy from the Queen of _England_ at the Court of _Hanover_. -Perhaps it was with some Regret that he executed this Commission, being -related to the _Stuart_ Family; and as it was generally thought, not very -much inclin’d to the Family which now governs _England_. Be this as it -will, he discharg’d the Commission with a good Grace. My Lord receiv’d the -News that the _English_ had proclaim’d the Elector for their King, one -Evening as he had been at Supper with that Prince at a House called _The -Whim_, belonging to Madame _de K----_, now my Lady _L----_. As his -Lordship came home he found a Courier just arriv’d with the Privy -Council’s Orders to him, to recognize the Elector for King of _England_. -He immediately got into his Coach, and went to _Herrenhausen_, where he -found the Elector a-bed. His Lordship thinking ’twas worth while to awake -the Elector, for the sake of telling him the News that so great a Diadem -was fallen to him, enter’d his Bed-Chamber, and kneeling on the Floor, was -the first that recogniz’d the Elector for King. This Prince immediately -summon’d his Council. Many People were pleas’d to say, that the Elector -hesitated for a good while, whether or no he should accept of the August -Dignity that was offer’d to him; but for my part, I fancy, that the Voyage -to _England_ was more the Subject of the Council’s Deliberation, than the -Question, whether its Crown should be accepted. - -After the Council was over, the new King was complimented upon his -Accession to the Throne; and that very Instant he gave Orders to get every -thing ready for his Departure, which was fix’d for the 11th of -_September_. The Time between the Elector’s assuming the Royal Stile and -his Departure, was spent in sending and receiving Couriers to and from the -principal Courts of _Europe_. All the Nobility and Gentry, Subjects to the -new Monarch, flock’d from all Parts to see him before he went away. This -Prince was so well belov’d, that his Subjects were very sorry that he was -going to leave them; but for his part, tho’ his People were not a little -dear to him, he preserv’d that Tranquillity of Mind, and that Discretion, -which govern’d all his Actions; and he seem’d no more concerned at parting -with them, than he was elated with his new Dignity: but it was otherwise -with the Prince his Son, who was so impress’d with the Fortune added to -his Family, that I heard him say to an _English_ Gentleman, the Day before -he went, _That he had not one Drop of Blood in his Veins but what was -+English+, and at the Service of his new Subjects_. - -On the 11th of _September_, early in the Morning, the King and the Prince -of _Wales_ set out from _Herrenhausen_, amidst the Acclamations of the -Court and the People, with which the Road was lin’d. They wish’d his -Majesty all manner of Happiness, and accompanied him with their good -wishes a good distance from _Herrenhausen_, before they took Leave of his -Majesty. The last Farewels were attended with so many Tears, that the King -could not help being a little mov’d; and he assur’d them, _That it should -not be long before he would make a Tour to_ Hanover. - -The King’s Retinue was not very numerous; for he only took with him such -Persons as were absolutely necessary for his Service; and of these too, he -sent some back, when he went on board the Yatcht that came for him to -_Holland_, to carry him over to _England_. The Princess of _Wales_ -follow’d the King some time after, with the Princesses her Daughters; but -Prince _Frederic_ her Son remain’d at _Hanover_ for his Education. - -When the King came to _London_, he found Subjects as much attach’d to his -Person, as those he had left at _Hanover_; and not long after his Arrival -he was, according to Custom, crown’d at _Westminster_. There was so great -a Concourse of People at the Ceremony, that it seem’d as if all the Nation -had flock’d thither to receive their new Sovereign. I was told there was -only one Person, and that was a Woman, who refus’d to own him for King; -and that this happen’d upon the very Day of the Coronation, when a -Champion, arm’d from Head to Foot, entring into the Banquetting-Hall, and -according to Custom challenging any Person whatsoever, who did not -acknowledge the Elector of _Hanover_ as lawful King of _England_, that -Lady threw down her Glove, and with a very ill-tim’d Effrontery made -Answer aloud, _That +James+ the Third was the only lawful Heir of the -Crown, and that the Elector of +Hanover+was an Usurper_. - -Not many days after the King of _England_’s Departure, I set out from -_Hanover_ for _Aix-la-Chapelle_, where I made use of the Baths, as my -Physicians had order’d me, to strengthen my Leg. From _Aix_ I proceeded -in the _Paris_ Road to MASTRICHT[48], which is a strong Place belonging to -_Dutch Brabant_, tho’ situate in the middle of the Country of _Liege_, on -which it was for a long time dependent. It was also subject to the -_Spaniards_ till 1633, when it was taken by the _Dutch_, who were -acknowledg’d lawful Possessors thereof by the Peace of _Munster_, and were -thereupon at great Expence to fortify it, so that it was reckon’d one of -the strongest Places in _Europe_, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in 1673, in 13 -Days time. The King himself then commanded his Army; and he had with him -MONSIEUR his Brother. Three Years after this, the Allies besieg’d it also, -but their Arms being not so successful as those of _France_, they were -forc’d to abandon their Enterprize. At last, by the Peace of _Nimeguen_ it -was restor’d to the _Dutch_, who keep a strong Garrison in it. - -_Mastricht_ is very well built, in a flat Country, surrounded with Hills. -The _Maese_ runs thro’ the City, over which there is a very high Stone -Bridge. They say that the late Count _d’Auverquerque_, who died -Velt-Marshal of the _Dutch_, out of pure Gallantry, to convince a Lady how -much he lov’d her, leap’d his Horse off the Bridge into the _Maese_. This -young Lady so much belov’d was Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_. As she was -passing over the Bridge, Count _d’Auverquerque_, who rode by the side of -her Coach, entertain’d her very much about his Passion for her; but Miss -so little heeded what he said, that she scarce vouchsaf’d to lend him an -Ear. At length being fatigu’d with hearing the same String always harp’d -upon, she told him, that Lovers were never sparing of their Promises; but -when any Testimonials were demanded of their Love, they then discover’d -how little it was to be depended on. _For instance, Sir_, said she, _I -would venture a good Wager now, that if I were to ask you to leap from -this Bridge into the River, you would not do it_. The furious Lover made -no other Answer to this Defiance, but clapping Spurs to his Horse, leap’d -him off of the Bridge into the _Maese_. The young Lady thought her -generous Lover would most certainly be drown’d; but luckily for him he -kept his Seat, and his Horse, which was as mettlesome as the best, had -Strength enough after such a Leap, to swim with his Rider to an Island, -whither a Boat was sent to fetch him. After such a Trial as this, the -young Lady might boast, either that she was lov’d to Distraction, or that -she had a distracted Lover. - -From _Mastricht_ I went to LOUVAIN[49], which is surnamed the _Wise_, -probably by reason of its University, which was founded in 1426, by _John_ -IV. Duke of _Brabant_, and has been in its time one of the most celebrated -Universities in _Europe_; but it has not that Reputation now. And as to -the City, ’tis much more famous for its Antiquity, than upon any other -account; for they say it was founded by _Julius Cæsar_. ’Tis indeed, at -present, a very large City, but ill built, the only remarkable Edifices -that I saw there, are the Collegiate Church dedicated to St. _Peter_, and -the Church of the Jesuits. _Louvain_ is not a Place of great Trade as -yet, but a very fine Causey which is made from thence to _Brussels_, and -another to _Tongres_, which is to be carried on to _Liege_, will very much -increase its Commerce, especially with the _Austrian Netherlands_. - -I went from _Louvain_ to _Brussels_, and from thence to GHENT[50], which -is the Capital of _Spanish Flanders_, and one of the biggest Cities in -_Europe_. It stands four Leagues from the Sea, is water’d with three -Rivers, the _Scheld_, the _Lys_, and the _Lise_, and adorn’d with fine -Squares and noble Buildings. The great Clock is worth seeing; it weighs -11000 Pounds, and is erected upon a Dragon, which Count _Baldwin_ brought -from _Constantinople_. A Canal has been dug from this City to the Sea, -which is of very great Service to its Trade. - -’Twas at _Ghent_ that _Charles_ V. was born, who granted this City -extraordinary Privileges; yet the Inhabitants were so ungrateful as to -rebel against this Emperor, who resolv’d to punish them for it; and that -he might go the nearer way to work with ’em, ventur’d upon the Parole of -_Francis_ I. to pass thro’ _France_, in order to come at them. He -chastis’d those Rebels with such Severity, that they had no reason to -boast that this Emperor was their Countryman. He caus’d twenty-five of -their principal Citizens to be executed by the common Hangman, banish’d a -greater number of them, confiscated their Estates, and took away all their -Privileges. In fine, _Ghent_ which was one of the most considerable Cities -in _Europe_, soon became a Desert; and _Charles_ V. to leave a Monument -of his Wrath to Posterity, caus’d a Fortress to be built, which is still -the Citadel of this Place, and is of great Consequence to the Emperor, -when he happens to be at War with _France_; for when the _French_ are -Masters of _Ghent_, the Navigation of the _Scheld_ is interrupted; and in -case of a War, ’tis better to see them Masters of _Brussels_ than of -_Ghent_: For I remember, that in 1708, while the Allies besieg’d _Lisle_, -the _French_ being then Masters of _Ghent_, incommoded their Army very -much. This City is finely recover’d since _Charles_ the Vth’s Time. The -States of _Flanders_ have their Assemblies here, and the Emperor commonly -signifies his Will and Pleasure to them, by the Governor-General of the -_Netherlands_ residing at _Brussels_. - -From _Ghent_ I went thro’ _Courtray_ and _Menin_ to LISLE[51], which is -the Capital of _French Flanders_, and one of the best and most beautiful -Towns of that Government. It belong’d formerly to the King of _Spain_, -till 1667, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in Person. The Garison then -consisting of but 6000 Men, was not strong enough to check the Progress of -the _French_ Arms, so that after nine Days open Trenches the Place was -taken. _Lisle_ was left in the Possession of _France_ by the Treaty of -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, in 1668; but in 1708, the Allies after a tedious and -toilsome Siege, made themselves Masters of it. At last, however, this City -reverted to _France_ by the Treaty of _Utrecht_. The Inhabitants were so -overjoy’d at their not being left in subjection to the _Dutch_, which they -were afraid of, that on the Day the Place was evacuated, they made -Bonfires in all parts of the Town; and not without Cause, for after they -fell under the Dominion of the _Dutch_, their Trade stood still, those new -Guests chusing rather to send for what they wanted from _Holland_, than to -make use of the Manufactures of this City. But with the _French_ the Case -was otherwise, for they bought their Necessaries in the City, and liv’d -with the Inhabitants on perfect good Terms. - -_Lewis_ XIV. made _Lisle_ one of the finest Places in _Europe_. Its -Streets are magnificent, and particularly the Street _Royale_, built in -the Reign of that Monarch. ’Tis very strait, and adorn’d on both sides -with very fine Houses built alike. In this City resides the Governor of -_Flanders_. The Marshal _de Boufflers_ was succeeded in this Government by -the Duke his Son. When I was here, the Prince _de Tingry_, Governor of -_Valenciennes_, officiated in this Government for the said Duke, who was -then under Age. - -I was so impatient to be at _Paris_, that I made no stay in any Place upon -the Road, till I arriv’d there. I alighted at a Bagnio, and the first -Sally I made abroad was to pay my Devoirs to Mademoiselle _de S----_. -Absence had not damp’d my Flame, and I was only glad to see _Paris_ again, -in hopes of finding out her whom I ador’d. But how was I surpriz’d when -the Mother of that lovely Damsel came to welcome me with a Flood of Tears, -and told me, that I must think no more of her Daughter, for that she died -about a Month ago in the Province of _Perigord_, whither she went to -accompany a Lady of her Acquaintance! I was so thunder-struck at this -News, that I was not able to speak. I fainted away, was carried back to my -Lodgings, and was that Moment let blood; but ’twas some time after it -before I came to my self, and then I did nothing but give my self up to -Sorrow. Mine was no longer an inward Grief, but vented it self in such -continual Exclamations interrupted with Sighs, that every one who saw me -believ’d I was going the way of all Flesh; or that, at least, I should be -out of my Senses: And truly they were not much mistaken, for I was so in a -great measure. In this unhappy Situation did I remain five whole Days, at -the end of which the Mother of _S----_ came to make me a Visit; and at her -entring into my Room, she told me, that her Daughter was not dead; and -that she had just receiv’d a Letter from her, by which she acquainted her, -that she should soon be at _Paris_. This sort of Resurrection was as -reviving News to me, as the former was mortifying. I felt a surprizing -Revolution in my Spirits; and am of Opinion, that if ’tis possible to die -with an Excess of Joy or of Grief, I had share enough of both those -Passions within a short Space of Time not to survive them. But I was -reserv’d by Fate for other Adventures. - -In Fact, I was hardly recover’d from the several Shocks which I had lately -undergone, but was forc’d to bear the Brunt of another. The Occasion of -this was, meeting at the House of a Lady of my Acquaintance with a Friend -of _S----_, whose Name was Madame _de R----_; and who had been married for -some time, by the Advice of her Parents, to a Man far advanc’d in Years. -The young Lady hated her Husband more heartily than is common for Girls of -sixteen that marry to Men of above sixty. I had seen her formerly, but she -was then so young, that I did not much mind her: And happy wou’d it have -been for me, if I had always view’d her with the same Indifference! But -when I came to see her after her Marriage, her Beauty, her fine Presence -and her noble Deportment made a very sensible Impression on me. I was -pitch’d upon to play at Cards with her and another Lady, and all the time -she did nothing but rally me upon my Amour with _S----_, and hinted -several times to me, that the Lady was not deserving of the Heart I had -set upon her. As I could not guess to what all this Discourse tended, when -the Game was over I went with the Lady to a distant Window, and there -begged her for God’s sake to explain her self. She stood out a long while, -on pretence that she should be oblig’d to tell me what would only make me -uneasy: But all these Delays rendering me still the more impatient to know -what it could be, I press’d her to such a degree that at last she -consented to let me into the Secret. _You won’t take a Denial, I see_, -said she: _Well then, if you must know, you shall. But you must thank your -self for it, if I tell you what will heartily vex you; for I know your -Temper, and to what a Degree you are smitten. You think_, continu’d she, -_that_ S---- _is in the Country, but you are mistaken; for she is at_ -Paris, _and has never been out of it all the time. She is as much in love -with the Marquis_ de V----, _as he is with her. She keeps no Company now -but him. Two Months ago she remov’d from her House in the Suburb of_ St. -Antoine, _where she then liv’d, because she heard you was coming to Town. -The truth is, she did not care you should reproach her to her Face; and -being in Hopes that you might forget her, she sent to let you know, that -she was dead; but hearing that you was so inconsolably melancholy, it -mov’d her to pity you, and she has now sent you word that she is still -living. Indeed it won’t be long before you see her; but it will only be to -receive your Dismission, and to give you to understand from her own Lips, -that she prefers_ V----_’s Addresses to yours. I have heard all this from -one of my Waiting-Women, whose Sister is a Servant to Madame_ S----. _For -as to my part, since I am married to M._ R----, _’tis not convenient for -me to keep her Company. You will do well to renounce her, and need not -fear but you may find better than her._ As she express’d these Words her -Eyes darted in my Face, and at the same instant she blush’d. I was going -to make her an Answer, but she left me abruptly, and all the rest of the -Evening made it her Business to avoid me, I thought, however, to have an -Opportunity of speaking to her when she was going out; but she went away -with another Lady, so that ’twas impossible for me to say a Word to her. - -I return’d home miserably disturb’d in my Mind. Hatred, Love, Revenge, -Contempt; in short, all the Passions of a Lover, slighted on the one hand, -and flatter’d on the other, play’d their part to rack my Brain. Guess, -_Madame_, in what a Condition I was, when I had such violent Attacks to -struggle with. In fine, Contempt triumph’d over the Passion I had -conceiv’d for _S----_. The charming Eyes of Madame _de R----_ made me -forget the false-hearted Creature on whom I had doated. But in the sequel -I was quickly convinc’d that I was no sooner cur’d of one foolish Amour, -but I was plung’d into another of the same Nature. The last Words of -_R----_ seem’d to be very engaging; I explain’d them in my own favor, and -thought sincerely that she had taken a Fancy to me. I flatter’d my self -again and again with these agreeable Notions, and found an infinite -Pleasure in making my own Chain. Nevertheless you will soon see that I was -bubbled as much in this Amour as I was in the former. Madame _de R----_ -was one of the finest Women, and without dispute one of the greatest -Coquettes in _Paris_; being whimsical withal, and more self-conceited than -Women of that Cast generally are; she did not understand what it was to -settle her Heart upon any Man, and yet expected to be doated on herself. I -push’d head-long into this new Engagement, and thought my self at one time -the happiest Man in the World. My Friends too were as much deceiv’d as I -was, and thought me for a long while the only Favorite. I will tell ye -hereafter what became of this Amour, and shall for the present break off -the Detail of these ridiculous Amusements, to tell you how it far’d with -me in the Affair which most demanded my Application. - -Soon after my Return to _Paris_, I went to _Versailles_, where I had the -Honor to pay my Duty to the King and the Princes. _Madame_ receiv’d me so -kindly that I thought my self sure of her Protection, and therefore -acquainted her of my Intention to beg an Employment of his Majesty, and -desir’d her that she would be so good as to recommend me. Madame promis’d -me that she would, and was true to her Word; for she not only spoke her -self but also made the Duke of _Orleans_ speak for me to M. _Voisin_, who -was at that time Chancellor and Secretary of War. This Gentleman promis’d -their Royal Highnesses that he would think of a Place for me; but when I -waited upon him, with one of Madame’s Officers, who, by her Order -introduc’d me, that Minister receiv’d me with a Countenance as crabbed as -ever I saw. His Head was invelop’d in a monstrous large Peruke, that -hindered both his Sight and Hearing, which at other times were natural -enough to him. However, in Respect to Madame he heard me, and then said, -that the King had already made one considerable Reduction in his Troops, -and was going to make another; and that therefore he did not see what -Hopes I could have of being employ’d. I was very much dissatisfied with -this Answer, which was so different from the Promise he had made to Madame -and the Duke of _Orleans_. I made a Report to their Royal Highnesses of -what the Minister said to me; upon which the Duke of _Orleans_ told me, -_This signifies nothing, I will speak to him again, and I hope you will -find your Account in it_. He spoke accordingly, but _Voisin_ did nothing -the more nor the less for it. However, as I had a grateful Heart for the -Advances which Madame and the Duke her Son had been so good as to make in -my favor, I continu’d to pay my Duty to them; and they both gave me -Demonstration that they were not Insensible of my constant Attendance. I -was almost every Night at the Duke of _Orleans_’s Couchée. His Court was -then but small, and excepting his Domestics I was sometimes all alone with -him. I was the more amaz’d at the Carriage of the Courtiers to this -Prince, because ’twas natural to think that the Government of the Kingdom -would soon fall into his hands. The Duke of _Berry_ was just dead. The -King was too old to expect he could live much longer, and the Dauphin too -young to take the Management of Affairs upon him for a good while. In -short, every thing promis’d this Prince the Regency of the Kingdom -infallibly, yet scarce any body regarded him as the rising Sun. The -Courtiers Respect for the King made them all stick to his Majesty, and a -Reign so glorious and so long, seem’d to them as if it was never to have -End. - -I stay’d at _Paris_ the rest of the year 1714, and some Months of the year -1715. This Winter there was one of the noblest Sights in _Paris_ that -could be, _viz._ The Entry of the _Persian_ Ambassador, and especially the -Audience he had of his Majesty some days after it. But the Ambassador did -not contribute so much to the Lustre of this Shew, as to give us any great -Idea of the _Persian_ Magnificence; and indeed, in my whole Life I never -saw any thing so pitiful; for all his Equipage being out of Order, his -Domestics having scarce Cloaths to their Backs, and almost all of them -ill-looking Fellows, formed a very melancholy Scene. Besides, the Presents -he brought were really not worthy of the Prince that sent them, or of him -that received them. Before this Ambassador made his Entry, he lodg’d at -_Charenton_, to which Place every body went to stare at him as a Prodigy. -The Torrent carried me thither among the rest, and a numerous Company -there was of us. The Interpreter told us, before we went in, that a -Compliment must be made to the Ambassador, and we drew Cuts to determine -who should be the Speaker. The Lot fell upon me. I made but a very short -Speech to him, wherein after having congratulated him upon his Arrival, I -told him, that I hop’d his Stay in _Europe_, and especially in _France_, -would not be disagreeable to him. He thank’d me by his Interpreter, and -bid him tell me, that as he was come to see the greatest King in the -World, next to the Sophy his Master, he should be always satisfy’d, happen -what would to him, when once he had appeared before his Majesty. He made -us sit down, and we ask’d him several Questions concerning his Voyage, the -Court of _Persia_, and the Sophy; but he told us, that he had never been -at _Ispahan_, and never seen the Sophy. During this Conversation he gave -us Coffee and Sweet-meats, and was mighty civil to us. - -But upon all Occasions when his Character was to be supported, he was not -near so tractable; for he then took upon him too much State, so that when -the Marshal _de Matignon_, who was to come from the King to carry him to -the Ambassadors House, was to enter his Chamber, he pretended that he was -not obliged to stand up. The Baron _de Breteuil_, the Introductor of the -Ambassadors, represented to him that he could do no less than pay that -Deference to M. _de Matignon_ who came from the King; but he might as well -have reason’d with a Post; and all that he could get from him, was a -Promise, that when the Marshal entered his Chamber he wou’d that Moment -rise and go out all at once. There was another Scene to manage when he -came down Stairs. They proposed to him to ride in the King’s Coach; but he -said, he would do no such thing; that it was a Cage; and that he would -make his Entry on horseback. The Baron _de Breteuil_, therefore, in order -to make him get into the Coach, was under a Necessity of talking smartly -to him; and even to threaten him, that he should make no Entry, nor have -any Audience, if he did not subject himself to the Customs establish’d in -_France_. At length the Ambassador capitulated, they split the Difference, -and he consented to ride one half of the way in the Coach, and the other -on horseback. I never saw such a Multitude of People as I did at this -Entry; the Concourse was really astonishing; for from the first Bar in the -Suburb of _St. Antoine_ to the Ambassadors House, there were Scaffolds all -along on both sides of the way, full of People. The same Croud of -Spectators follow’d him for several days, so that when he went abroad, -either to the Bagnio, or to take the Air, he could scarce go along, there -were such Throngs of People to gaze at him. - -The Audience which the King gave him was a very magnificent Scene. _Lewis_ -XIV. appeared at it in all the Majesty of a great King; and be the -Audiences of the _Great Mogul_, describ’d to us by _Tavernier_, ever so -brilliant, I can scarce think they are to compare with the Ceremony I am -now speaking of, and whereof I was an Eye-witness, which was performed in -the Great Gallery at _Versailles_. The King’s Throne, which was at one -end, and rais’d very high, was of a Gold Ground, with Flowers and the Arms -of _France_ embroider’d on it. The King was dress’d in a Suit of -Coffee-color’d Velvet, adorn’d with Jewels, to the Value of several -Millions. The young Dauphin was at his Majesty’s Right Hand in a Robe of -Gold Brocade, adorn’d with Diamonds and Pearls. The Duke of _Orleans_ was -on his Left, dress’d in a Suit of blue Velvet, adorn’d with a Gold -_Spanish_ Point, seeded with very beautiful Diamonds and Pearls. The -Princes of the Blood, the legitimated Princes, the Prince of _Dombes_ and -the Count _d’Eu_, both Sons to the Duke of _Maine_, sat in the same Row, -on the Right and Left of the King, all observing the Rank due to their -Birth. All along the Gallery on the Right-Side of the Throne, there were -several Rows of Steps, on which stood the Ladies richly dress’d. The -Duchess of _Berry_ and Madame were next to the Throne, and next to them -stood the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, who was then at the Court of -_France_ with the Title of the Count of _Lusatia_. That Side of the -Gallery which fronts the Garden was taken up by Noblemen richly -apparell’d, and the Space which serv’d for the Passage, from the Entrance -of the Gallery to the Throne, was cover’d with a magnificent Tapestry, as -were the rest of the Apartments from the Stair-Case of Marble to the -Gallery. In the Courts below, the Regiments of the _French_ and _Swiss_ -Guards, newly cloath’d, were rang’d in Order of Battle: And the -Life-Guards, the Musketeers, and all the King’s Houshold Troops were also -drawn up in the same Order. But the Splendor of the Soldiery was very much -lessen’d by a great Quantity of Rain which pour’d down almost all day -long. - -The Ambassador with all his Attendance pass’d thro’ all those Troops to -the Gallery; and when he was advanc’d near to the Throne, he there -deliver’d his Credentials to M. _de Torcy_, Minister and Secretary of -State, by whom they were given to the Interpreter, who read them. He -afterwards gave his Majesty the Presents that the Sophy sent him, which -were so inconsiderable, that at first sight one could hardly imagine they -were sent from one of the most powerful Monarchs of _Asia_. The Whole -consisted of Turquoise Stones, a Scymitar garnish’d with precious Stones, -a Box of Balm to which he ascribed wonderful Virtues, and some other -things of no great Value. After the Audience was over, the Ambassador was -regal’d, and then reconducted to the House of the Ambassadors, where he -was defray’d at the Expence of the Court, all the time that he staid at -_Paris_. He was furnish’d at first with the King’s Horses for himself and -his Retinue; but as his Stay was long, and as besides he spoil’d all the -King’s Horses, he was accommodated afterwards with Horses that were hir’d. - -Some time after this Audience, the Ambassador went to the Opera, where the -Benches in the Amphitheatre were taken away, to make it more commodious to -hold him and his Retinue. Tho’ there was an incredible number of People of -the first Quality, he seem’d to be under no manner of Constraint, and -smoak’d his Pipe there a good while, with as much Freedom, as if he had -been in his Chamber. The Eagerness of the People to run after him was soon -abated; they began in a short time after his Arrival, to be indifferent -whether they saw him or not; and at length, they were so weary of him, -that every body wish’d publickly that he was gone. - -I have had the Honor to acquaint you, that the Electoral Prince of -_Saxony_ was at the _Persian_’s Audience. This Prince had been for some -time in _France_; and tho’ he was _incog._ by the Name or Title of the -Count of _Lusatia_, he had the Retinue of a King’s Son. The Count _de -Coste_, who died Bishop of _Warmia_, was his Governor, and the Baron _de -Hagen_ his Sub-Governor. He had also several Gentlemen with him, besides -Pages, and a number of Officers. His Equipage was magnificent, and his -Table as elegant as could be desir’d. He was presented to the King by -_Madame_, who gave him out to be a _German_ Gentleman of a good Family. - -This Prince gave a sumptuous Ball at the Hotel _de Soissons_, in the -Apartment where _Dumont_ the Envoy of _Holstein_ liv’d. There was an -amazing Croud of Masqueraders, and among the rest your humble Servant, who -had good Diversion there with a Lady who trusted me with a Secret, by -mistake, for another Person. As she is a Lady of some Distinction, you’ll -excuse me from telling her Name. All that I shall do my self the Honor to -acquaint you of at present is, that she was a Duchess who was fond of -_R----_ to Distraction; but he had abandon’d her for Mademoiselle _de -S----_. The Duchess saw him enter the Ball-Room with _V----_, who was -formerly a Confident of their Amours, and an intimate Friend of _R----_. -The Duchess, as disguis’d as she was, was presently known by her faithless -Lover; so that when she went to lay hold of him, he slily stole away with -his Friend, and secreted himself in the Croud. Being afraid of Reproaches -from the Duchess, he thought fit also to change his Domino. _V----_ -likewise exchang’d his for mine. _R----_ shew’d me the Place where he had -seen the Duchess, and desir’d me to pass by her, but not to speak to her, -in case that she offered to talk with me. I promis’d every thing he ask’d, -yet was resolv’d to have a Parley with her, if I found a proper -Opportunity, which soon presented. You must know, that I so much resembled -M. _de V----_ in Stature, that the Duchess readily took me for him, and -beckoning me aside, at the Instant that she was in high Wrath with -_R----_, for refusing to speak to her, she made a general Confession to me -of all her Intrigue. While she was going on thus, without Reserve, to -make a Variety of Confessions to me, of which I thought she might repent -when she knew that she had been speaking to the wrong Person; I -interrupted her by saying, _She was mistaken in her Man, and that I was -not_ V----. She reply’d hastily, _What need all these Grimaces? Hear me -out to the End of my Tale. This is not a Place to play the fool in. You -know_, continu’d she, _that I have granted the ungrateful Man but every -thing_. I broke in upon her again, and said to her, _By my Troth_, Madame, -_I did not know one word of the Matter till now_. She jeer’d me for -pretending to be ignorant of what she had been telling me, and continu’d -her Discourse to me with all the Plainness and True-heartedness that is -seldom found in Narratives of this nature. After she had run on a good -while, she said, _Alas!_ Sir, _What say you, Speak, now is your Time to -speak, and justify your Friend, if you can. I really think_, replied I, -_that +R----+ is a Scoundrel to set so little a Value upon the Kindness -you have for him; and instead of justifying him, when I see him, I shall -certainly rattle him for it. I shall tell him every Tittle that you have -now done me the Honor to divulge to me; and tho’ I am not +V----+, nor -very intimate with +R----+, I am persuaded that he will give Attention to -what I shall say to him. Ah, Sir!_ replied the Duchess, _Why do ye go to -alter the natural Tone of your Voice? How can you deny your self? What -have I done to be thus treated? Upon my Honor, Madam_ I said, _I don’t -impose on you; let your own Eyes be Witness_. At the same Moment I pull’d -off my Mask. The Lady was so astonish’d that I can’t express it. She cou’d -not speak; and I perceiv’d, by her Confusion for having made such an open -Confession to me, that she did not know, whether she had best say on, or -retire? I really pitied her, and did all I could to hearten her. I begg’d -her to be assur’d that I would keep every thing she had said to me -inviolably secret; and that I was as sensible as she could be, of the -Consequence of revealing Things of that nature. The good Lady began to -pluck up her Spirits; and after some farther Discourse she desir’d me to -hand her out, and to help her to find her Coach. It was impossible to -discover her Coach or mine either in the Croud; and therefore she chose to -take a Hack. I went with her to her House, where she desir’d me to go back -to the Ball, and tell the Ladies whom I had seen in her Company that she -was taken very ill. I obey’d her Orders punctually, and did not fail next -Day to pay her a Visit, and this Visit pav’d the way for others, which -gave me an Opportunity to contract a most intimate Acquaintance with her. -I had the Honor, in short, of being her most esteemed Friend, and found -her possess’d of a thousand good Qualities, which render’d her the best -Companion in the World. - -The most comical part of this Adventure was, to find _R----_ quarrelling -bitterly with the Duchess for holding a long Parley with a Gentleman in -Masquerade at the Ball. He pretended to be jealous, and wrote a thundering -Letter to her next day, wherein he told her, that he would have nothing -more to do with her. On the other hand Madam _de R----_, with whom I went -to the Ball, and whom I was still passionately fond of, took advantage of -the Conference I had with the Duchess, and also pretended Jealousy, (for -to be serious, I knew afterwards that ’twas only a Copy of her -Countenance.) She expatiated a good deal upon her Uneasiness at the long -Conversation that pass’d betwixt us. I was silly enough to believe that -she was sincere in what she said, and more Fool still to be transported -with the Thought that I had made her jealous. I did all in my power, -however, to remove her Suspicions; in a word, I said every thing that a -Lover can say, who loves sincerely, and would convince that he does so. -She seem’d to be satisfy’d with my Protestations; but yet instead of -making a suitable Return to the Respect I had for her, she continu’d to -teaze me all the rest of the Winter. Her Behavior was so extremely -coquetish, that it gave me a deal of Vexation; and besides, I did not like -to see the Marquis _de V----_ so often at her House. - -I had been pester’d with this Marquis for a long time. ’Twas he that took -away _S----_ from me; and no sooner was I got into the Favor of Madame _de -R----_, but he found a way to insinuate himself there too. I was so -provok’d to see him always at my Heels, that I quarrel’d with him one day -at _C----_, where we happen’d to meet at the House of the President _de -N----_. We were actually at Daggers-drawing, when M. _de C----_ came and -parted us. _V----_ assur’d me that he had no manner of Pretence to Madame -_de R----_, and actually promis’d me, that if I did not like his Visits to -her, he would not renew them. And he was as good as his Word, so that I -was perfectly reconcil’d to him; but I was not at all pleas’d with Madam -_de R----_. I saw plainly that I was betray’d. I had fresh Cause to -suspect her every day, and yet I hugged the Chains wherewith she had bound -me; in which I sufficiently confuted the vulgar Error of those who assert, -that People never love heartily but once. I ought, however, to reflect a -little upon this last Amour, which was extremely hurtful to me. Madam _de -R----_ was so extravagant that a Man could not be upon good Terms with -her, without being, at an excessive Expence. To support my self I borrow’d -Money every where, till e’er long I knew not where to find Lenders. On the -other hand my Creditors began to make me frequent Visits, till they were -tir’d with my continually putting them off from one time to another, and -then truly they resolv’d to proceed against me by Law; and at length took -out a Writ to attach my Person. I was very much stunn’d at the News, but -because I had put them in an ill Humor, I was willing to avoid the Effects -of it, by keeping my Chamber for some days, till M. _de N----_ had -procur’d me an Order to stay Prosecution. This Respite put me upon ways -and means to find Money, all my Desire being to satisfy my Creditors. I -was aware how difficult it was to get a sufficient Sum to pay them -remitted from home; for all my Estate was entail’d upon my Brother and -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_; and she never intended to give her Consent to -the mortgaging of any part of it. Yet having no other way to bring my self -out of Trouble, I got my Friends to intercede with her; which they did so -powerfully, that at length they really prevail’d on her to agree to the -borrowing of some Money upon the Estate, which was lent accordingly; and -by this Means I got happily out of this Scrape. The Difficulties I had -been plung’d in made me wiser, and I lessen’d my Expences, which I -perceiv’d, indeed, was not the way to preserve the Favor of Madam _de -R----_. But what should I do? To dip my self again over head and ears in -Debt, and to run the risque of having another scurvy Action enter’d -against me, was what I could not resolve on. At this same time I obtain’d -a Pension of 2000 Livres; but as to an Employment, none could I get of the -Secretary at War. - -This put me so much out of Temper, that notwithstanding my Passion for -Madam _de R----_, and my being so much attach’d to _France_, I determin’d -to try once more for an Establishment elsewhere. For this purpose I wrote -to the Prince of _H----_, a General Officer in the Emperor’s Service, and -a Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who return’d me a very obliging Answer, -how glad he should be to admit me into his Regiment; but that there was no -Company vacant in it, nor none like to be, unless I could strike a Bargain -with a certain old Captain who had a Design to retire, and would gladly -part with his Company for 2000 Crowns. To find such a round Sum as 2000 -Crowns, in the Situation which I was in then, and to find the -Philosopher’s Stone, was as easy for me one as the other. I resolv’d, -however, to treat with the Captain. - -I therefore set out for _Bruges_, where the Prince of _H----_ was in -Garison with his Regiment. I met with a Captain, but he was pretty stiff, -and would absolutely hear of no Terms but the Money down, or old Plate for -Security. The Prince, who really wish’d me well, and perfectly knew the -State of my Affairs, wrote to my Cousin to persuade her to consent to my -taking up some more Money upon the Estate. I also indited the most moving -Letter I could, to melt her; but ’twas all to no purpose: The Answers she -return’d were very sarcastical. She set me off to the Life, and she had -the Art to persuade the Prince who had wrote to her, that to give me Leave -to borrow more Money, was to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. For -my own part I was in a manner convinc’d that she had Reason on her side. I -therefore quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I propos’d to buy, and -set out for _Paris_. - -I was not sorry to leave BRUGES[52], it being one of the saddest Places in -the _Netherlands_ for a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet ’tis a -very considerable City. ’Tis said to be very ancient, and that it was -encompass’d with Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant on the -Bishopric of _Tournay_; but since the Reign of _Philip_ II. it has been -erected into a Bishop’s See, which is now Suffragan to the Archbishopric -of _Mechlin_. Its Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. _Donat_, is a very -old and a very fine Structure. The other Churches are also of an elegant -Model, especially the _Jesuits_ Church and our _Lady_’s. In the latter -there’s the Tomb of _Charles_ the _Bold_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ who -was kill’d before _Nancy_, from whence his Corpse was translated hither, -by order of _Mary_ of _Austria_, his Grandaughter, the Widow of a King of -_Hungary_ and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. The Situation of _Bruges_ -is very advantagious, it being but three Leagues from the Sea; and for the -Ease of its Trade there are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels -pass to and fro as they do in _Holland_; with this Conveniency moreover, -that People dine there as elegantly as in the best Tavern. Tho’ all these -Canals have a Communication with the Sea, yet their Waters are not fast, -by reason of the Sluices and other Machines, which they make use of to -prevent it. ’Tis natural to suppose, that Fields in which so many Canals -are cut, must be fertile; yet the Trade of _Bruges_ is very much dwindled -since the flourishing of that of _Amsterdam_, which has engross’d it all -to it self. - -I forgot to tell you, that ’twas at _Burges_ the Order of the Golden -Fleece was instituted by _Philip_ the _Good_, Duke of _Burgundy_ on the -very Day that he consummated his Marriage with _Isabel_ the Daughter of -_John_ King of _Portugal_. ’Twas to this City also that _Charles_ II. King -of _England_ came for Refuge, when his Subjects rebell’d against him; and -so well was he receiv’d here, that when he was in peaceable Possession of -his Throne he shew’d his Gratitude, by permitting the Citizens to send -fifty Vessels every year to the Coasts of _England_, to catch Herrings. So -much, _Madame_, for _Bruges_. - -Just as I was setting out, I heard that the Prince of _H----_ was going -for NEWPORT[53], where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in Garison; -and thither I went with him. This, which is a very ancient Town, was -heretofore intirely destroy’d by the _English_, and afterwards rebuilt by -_Philip_ the _Bold_, Duke of _Burgundy_. The Rebels of _Ghent_ burnt it in -1383, because it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held out a very -sharp Siege by the _French_, in which the Women display’d a very great -share of Valour. During the Revolt of the _Netherlands_ it submitted to -the Prince of _Parma_. In that same War, the _Dutch_ who were besieging -it, under Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, gain’d a great Victory over the -_Spaniards_, at the Gates of the Town; and yet they thought fit to raise -the Siege. They say, that with some Expence _Newport_ might be made one of -the best Harbors in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was given to -the Marquis _de Priè_, Commandant in the _Netherlands_; but hitherto it -has not been approv’d of. Tho’ ’tis a Town not very much fortify’d, yet -’tis a strong Place considering the Advantage it has of laying all the -Country round it under Water. ’Tis quite encompass’d with Downs and -Marshes, the former of which abound with Rabbets. The Prince of _H----_ -gave me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the only Diversion that -can be taken by Officers who are condemn’d to be in Garison in such a Hole -as _Newport_. We staid there two Days, after which the Prince and Princess -of _H----_ return’d to _Bruges_. For my own part I accompanied the Prince -of _Holstein_ to YPRES, of which he is Governor for the _Dutch_. - -This is one of the best Cities in _Europe_, and is notable for having -suffer’d several Sieges. The Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the -Reign of _Philip_ II. when they plundered the Churches and Convents, and -drove out the Fryars. The Archduke _Leopold_ retook it from those -Furiosos, and it remained in Possession of _Spain_ till 1658, when ’twas -taken by the Marshal _de Turenne_; but by the _Pyrenean_ Treaty it -reverted to its lawful Sovereign. In 1678, _Lewis_ XIV. besieg’d it in -Person and took it; and by the Treaty of _Nimeguen_, which was concluded -the same year, ’twas yielded to him by _Spain_. The _French_ caus’d it to -be considerably fortify’d; after which they remain’d peaceable Possessors -of it till the Peace of _Utrecht_, when they yielded it to the Allies, in -exchange for _Lisle_ which had been taken from the _French_. _Ypres_ is -now a Barrier for the _Dutch_, who keep a good Garison in it. -Nevertheless, Justice is administer’d, and the Taxes raised here, in the -Name of the Emperor, as Sovereign of _Spanish Flanders_. - -From _Ypres_ I went to _Lisle_, of which I have already had the Honor to -give you some Account; and from _Lisle_ in a very short time I proceeded -to PARIS. Who should I see there, but the famous Countess of _Wartemberg_? -The Chevalier _de B----_, who being at _Utrecht_ during the Congress, had -there sign’d a Contract to marry her, returning to _France_ as soon as the -Peace was concluded, the Countess follow’d him and came to _Versailles_, -where she had the Honor of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures of -three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, which she shew’d to the King, -telling him at the same time, _That after she had seen three Monarchs at -her Feet, she was now come from the Heart of_ Germany _to throw her self -at the Feet of his Majesty_. The King, who was surpriz’d at the -Compliment, star’d at her, but said not a Word. Some days after this she -appear’d at the Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and those so -large, that she was call’d, _The Lady of precious Stones_. All the young -Fellows combin’d to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother of a -Family thought those Diamonds would look as well upon him as they did upon -the Countess. When they had pilfer’d some from her, she was more cautious -how she paraded with ’em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her Care, -the Chevalier _de B----_ dextrously stripp’d her of all she had in one -day. He had been for some time wishing that he could revoke the -Marriage-Contract which he had sign’d with the Countess; his Family also -press’d him to break off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not knowing -what Course to take to recover the Contract, which the Lady refus’d to -restore, he made use of this very singular Expedient. One day when he was -at _Versailles_, he set out Post from thence to find out the Countess of -_Wartemberg_, and told her that the King had just receiv’d an Express from -_Berlin_, by which the King of _Prussia_ desir’d him to put her under an -Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other Effects, as having been stole -from the King his Father. _I just had the News_, said the Chevalier to -her, _from M._ de T----, _who knowing the Respect I have for you, was -willing to give me an Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you -from the Misfortune that threatens you_. The Countess being thunder-struck -at this News, said to the Chevalier in a Fright, _O my God! What shall we -do? Your only way_, said he, _is to give me Charge of all your Diamonds; -your Interests and mine are the same; I don’t believe you suspect me; I -will carry them all to my Father’s House, where they will be safe: And as -for your Person, you may be very easy; for M._ de T----_has assur’d me, -that ’tis your Effects they want, and not your Person_. Madame _de -Wartemberg_ believ’d every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming the -Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, she deliver’d up all her Diamonds to him, -with every thing besides of most Value. _B----_ having all this Booty, -took his Leave of her. The Countess thought she had play’d a very cunning -Part in thus securing her Effects; but ’twas not long before she was -sensible that she had play’d a foolish one. _B----_ was not to be seen -for four or five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting himself, -wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could not obtain so much as one -Answer. At last, on the fifth day, _B----_ made his Appearance, and gave -the good Lady some Encouragement. He told her that her Jewels were all -safe; and that she might have them whenever she pleas’d, upon this -trifling Condition only; namely, that she would restore him the Contract -he had sign’d to marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz’d at this -Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, That Princesses of the Empire -were not to be thus treated; that she was come to _Paris_ upon his -Engagement to marry her; and that she knew how to oblige him to it. -_B----_, who was resolv’d to break with her at any rate, told her, that -she was at her full Liberty to chuse either of these two Proposals that he -made to her, _viz._ To go to Law, and thereby to be certain of losing her -Effects; or else, to recover them, by restoring that Paper to him which he -demanded. He made her sensible, that by going to Law, he might naturally -hope to get the better of her, not only from the Justice of his Cause, but -from the Interest of his Relations; and that as to her Effects, since -there was no Witness that saw her deliver them into his Hands, he should -take a Course which she would think pretty hard, _viz._ Deny that he had -ever receiv’d them, and in the mean time sell one part of the Jewels to -enable him to find Law to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that the -Chevalier was resolv’d to be as good as his Word, and that she had no -Chance to get any thing, determin’d to give up the Contract; and _B----_ -thereupon brought back her Diamonds; which was such an honest Action on -his part, that it engag’d Madam _de Wartemberg_ to make him a Present of a -noble Ring, valu’d at 20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence -with _B----_. - -The Countess, to make her self easy for the Loss of her Lover, resolv’d to -look out for others; but she was not happy in the Variety of her Choice. -_They were all_, said she, _insincere; and for the most part knavishly -inclin’d_. In short, she renounc’d all manner of Society with _Frenchmen_; -she thought them too volatile and nimble for her, and upon this Occasion -she extol’d the _Germans_ for the honestest Souls in the World; yet she -soon found the contrary, to her Cost: For having made an Acquaintance with -a clever handsome young _German_, they both promis’d each other Marriage, -as soon as they came to a Protestant Country, and a Contract was actually -sign’d between them for that purpose; but the Spark thought that after -they had sign’d and seal’d, the Nuptial Benediction was only an -insignificant Ceremony to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly -Goods; and that his Right ought to commence from the very day that the -Articles were agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit to march off -with all the precious Stones of his Spouse that was to be, and set out -with them from _Paris_, designing to elope to _Lorrain_. The Countess, who -was soon inform’d of his Departure, was mortally uneasy at the Treachery -of her Lover, tho’ the Danger she was in of losing her Diamonds stuck most -to her Heart. By good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her dear Thief -went, and sent a Messenger after him, who found him at _Meaux_, where he -was so unwise as to make a Halt for some days. He was brought back to -_Paris_, where the Countess, who denied that she had ever made the least -Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing to swinge him; but -the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, by whom he was protected, put a stop to -all further Prosecution, and caus’d the Jewels to be restor’d to Madam _de -Wartemberg_, who did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for being of -a Temper that did not permit her to be idle, she had already contracted a -clandestine Marriage with _F----_. These various Intrigues happening so -soon one after another, were so much talk’d of, that the Countess did not -think fit to stay any longer in _France_, but set out for _Holland_, where -she remains to this day[54]. - -Towards the Close of the Year, _viz._ on the 1st of _September_ 1715, -_France_ lost _Lewis_ XIV. He died a Death truly Christian, for which he -had been some time before preparing himself; so that when Notice was given -him, that he must make ready to go out of this World, he was not at all -surpriz’d. He took his last Farewel of his Family with a Courage worthy of -Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young Dauphin, the Heir of his -Crown; which he accompanied with several important Advices and -Exhortations, especially not to go to War without a just Cause, and not to -be so fond of it as he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning the young -Monarch should wear, adding, that what he prescrib’d to him was the same -that he wore at the Death of the King his Father. This Monarch express’d a -vast Affection for the Princes of his Family, and strongly recommended his -Successor to the Duke of _Orleans_. They say that he stretch’d forth his -Hand to the Marshal _de Villeroy_, and said to him, _Adieu, my Friend, we -must part_. Madame _de Maintenon_ staid with the King all the Time of his -Illness, because he desir’d it, except one Day, when the King being so ill -that they thought he could not recover it, she return’d to _St. Cyr_; but -as soon as the Monarch came to himself, and found Madame _de Maintenon_ -gone, he sent for her, and begg’d her not to forsake him. Accordingly she -continu’d with him till his Death, upon which she went back to _St. Cyr_, -where she liv’d mightily retir’d till 1719, when she died. - -’Tis astonishing to think what a Change there was at Court upon the Death -of _Lewis_ XIV. The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last Moment -of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; no, not even the Duke of -_Orleans_: but the very Moment that the King died, the Face of every thing -was alter’d; and all the Court was made to the Duke of _Orleans_, as the -sole Dispenser of Favors, who went, accompanied by all the Princes and -Courtiers, to the young Monarch, and paid him the due Homage. - -_Lewis_ XIV. had appointed the Duke of _Orleans_ Regent of the Kingdom by -his last Will; but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen for -Associates in the Government, without whom he could conclude nothing. He -also depriv’d him of the Guardianship of the young King, and gave it to -the Duke _de Maine_; in a word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, that -this Prince had nothing but the Shadow of the Regency. The Duke, however, -artfully procur’d that Honor to be paid to him, which he claim’d as his -due. He conducted the young King to Parliament with a great Train. The -_French_ and _Swiss_ Guards being drawn up in a Line in the Streets, to -the very Gates of the Palais or Parliament-House, the _Gens d’Arms_, -Musketeers, Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended his Majesty to the -Palais, where he was receiv’d with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted to -the Court, which they call his _Bed_ of Justice. When every body had taken -their Seats, the Duke of _Orleans_ broke silence and said, _That tho’ the -Regency belonged to him by Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could -produce the Codicil of the late King to them in proof of it; which having -caus’d to be read, together with the Will, he shew’d the Inconveniencies -that might arise from the little Authority which was given to him; and -that his Rank and Birth had always intitled him to hope for more_. And -having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, _Whether they did not own -him for the Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom_. He added, _That -whatever Authority should be given him, he should be glad to follow the -Advice of the Parliament; that he would share his Authority with the -Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if there should happen to be a Failure -of Justice in his Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to him to -bear their Remonstrances_. He clos’d all with saying, _That he should like -well enough to have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but that he -wish’d they might be at entire Liberty to do good_. The Votes ran in his -Favor; the late King’s Will was annull’d, the Duke of _Orleans_ declared -Regent of the Kingdom, and Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy -of his Majesty’s Education was given to the Duke of _Maine_. The Regent -return’d his Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same time told them, -_that he was for pursuing a Plan of Government that was found among the -Papers of the Duke of +Burgundy+, Father to the present King; according to -which Plan it appeared that the said Prince had a Design to establish -Councils for every Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, &c. -and to be governed entirely by what the Majority of the Voices therein -should determine_. - -The Duke _du Maine_ had no reason to be satisfy’d with this Assembly; for -besides being depriv’d of the Guardianship of the King, he had much ado to -preserve the Prerogatives which the late King had annex’d to the Quality -of a legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes and Peers declared -immediately against the Precedency that had been granted to those Princes, -and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, where they demanded -that they might only be considered as a Part of their Body; and that they -might be allow’d no other Rank than what they deriv’d from their Peerages. -Hereafter we shall also find the Princes of the Blood declaring against -those Princes that had been legitimated. - -This Demand of the Dukes did not take place at that time, no more than -another which they also made upon the same Day, _viz._ that the first -President, when he ask’d their Opinion in Parliament, should veil the -Bonnet to them, in the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. The -Duke of _Orleans_ desir’d them to permit the Usages of Parliament to be -observ’d on that Day, and assured them that he would decide that Affair -very shortly. The President _de Novion_, afterwards the first President, -then spoke, and answered the Regent, that his Royal Highness had no Right -to make a Decision in an Affair which related directly to the Person of -the King, whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing in his -Majesty’s Absence; and that consequently nothing could be alter’d in the -Usage of Parliament, but by the King himself when he came of Age. - -After the Court of Justice broke up, the King return’d to _Vincennes_, -where he resided after the Death of the late King, till the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_ was made fit for his Reception. The Regent and the Princes -accompanied the King, and they afterwards went back to _Paris_, each Man -to his own House. They say that the Duke of _Maine_ was no sooner return’d -home, but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know what had pass’d in the -Bed of Justice, came that very instant to ask him what News he brought; -and when he told her, that the Regent was the sole Master of the King and -Kingdom, she reproach’d him bitterly. - -As soon as the _Louvre_ was in a readiness the King set out thither from -_Vincennes_, where Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and Princesses -of the Blood. The Palace of _Luxemburg_ was given to the Duchess of -_Berry_, who made great Alterations in the Apartments. This Princess had a -mighty Ascendant over her Father the Duke of _Orleans_, and she made such -a use of it that there was not a day but she obtain’d new Favors. As she -was the first Princess in the Kingdom, there being at that time no Queen, -she desir’d to have a Captain of the Guards to attend her; a Privilege -which none had ever enjoy’d before but the Queens. The Duke of _Orleans_ -could not deny her, and the Person invested with this Character was the -Marquis _de la Rochefoucault_. Madame no sooner heard of this -Augmentation of Officers in the Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but -she presently appointed M. _de Harling_ to be Captain of her Guards, who -was a _German_ Gentleman that had been her Page. The Duchess of _Berry_ -wanted also to be stil’d _Madame_ as well as the Princess her Mother; yet -to prevent Confusion she signify’d, that when they made mention of her -they should not call her _Madame la Duchesse de Berry_, but _Madame, -Duchesse de Berry_. Moreover, she pretended to the Right of having -Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded before her when she went abroad in -Ceremony, tho’ this was never observ’d to any body but the Queen. In -short, this Princess enter’d once into _Paris_ with all this Attendance, -as she return’d from _la Muette_. When she pass’d before the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_, the Officers of the Guards were very much astonish’d to -hear the Trumpets, and represented that no body but the King and Queen -ought to march with such Pomp; upon which Madame _de Berry_ wav’d her -Privilege for the future, tho’ with regard only to _Paris_. - -Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, who was so fond of -Grandeur, must naturally be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior -to Persons that had the Honor of approaching her. Yet she was quite the -Reverse. I was acquainted with several Ladies that had the Honor of some -Familiarity with her; and they all assur’d me, that she was the -best-natur’d Princess in the World. She never stood upon Formalities in -point of Ceremonial with the Generality of the Ladies, but freely -permitted them to come and visit her in a Scarf. ’Tis true indeed that she -did not affect Dress herself, and consequently it would not have been -good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies to appear in a formal -Dress, which she was scarce ever seen in her self. _Madame_, as I have -already had the Honor to tell you, was much more precise. She was always -in the Court-Dress, and never suffer’d any but Ladies that were advanc’d -in years, or such as were not in Health, to appear before her in any -other. - -The Duke Regent, according to the Promise he had made to the Parliament, -when he held the Bed of Justice, establish’d several Councils. There was -one which was call’d _The Council of the Regency_, others for War, the -Finances, the Marine, and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of the -late King were dismiss’d, except the Chancellor _Voisin_, who kept his -Post. M. _Desmaretz_ and M. _de Pontchartrain_, one the Minister of the -Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both destitute of Employment. -M. _Desmaretz_ was put to some trouble in a Chamber which the Regent -establish’d at the _Grand Augustins_, for calling to account those who had -had the Management of the public Money. ’Twas called the _Chamber of -Justice_; and the President _Portail_, who is now the first President, was -at the Head of it. Great Advantages were expected from this Establishment, -which would, they said, not only pay off the King’s Debts, but also bring -considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless it all came to nothing. -There was a Fine laid indeed, and ’twas a general one; but as most of the -Financiers had married their Daughters to the Great Men of the Kingdom, -they came off for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: Some were -condemn’d to the Galleys, and others to perpetual Imprisonment, after -having been set in the Pillory, where the People had the Pleasure of -insulting them; and that was all they got by it. As for the King, he was -not a Penny the richer for it; and no body got more by it than the Ladies -who sollicited for the lowering of the Fines, and ran away with almost all -the Profit. The Public, in general, was very much perplex’d by it: Most -People, afraid of being fin’d, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, -became so scarce in but six Months time, that it look’d as if _Lewis_ XIV. -had carried it all out of the Kingdom with him to the other World. They -began to lament the Loss of that Prince, and the Love of the Public for -the Regent vanish’d very fast, ’Twas not long before, that every one -thought they had reason to curse the late King; and the _Frenchman_, who -is naturally fickle, imagin’d without knowing why or wherefore, that the -Death of _Lewis_ XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy Century. The -Prince who was at the Head of the Administration was loaded with -Blessings, tho’ he had not yet done any thing to win their Hearts; and in -a very short time this same Prince, who was so much ador’d, found himself -the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon took care to be inform’d -how the Public stood affected to him. I happen’d to be one day at -_Madame_’s, when this Prince declared aloud, _Six Months ago_, said he, _I -was perfectly ador’d in_ Paris, _tho’ I had done nothing to deserve it; -and I am now as much hated, but for what reason I should be glad to know_. -He knew perhaps, or at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity of -Silver was the only Cause of it; and it appeared by the Regent’s Conduct, -that the King’s Coffers were so far from being full, that Payments were -made, not in Silver, but in Paper; a Money always fluctuating, and with -which the _French_ began to be tir’d. They had so often seen Bills, with -various Denominations; and the Fare of the last sort call’d _Mint-Bills_, -in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that it was almost impossible -they should entertain a better Opinion of those that were created at the -beginning of the Regency, by the Name of _Government-Bills_: Yet these -were admitted notwithstanding the great Clamor against them; and by and by -we shall find that the _French_, who are always doom’d to be bubbled, gave -into a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps to view, but more ruinous -in the Event, than those which had appear’d before it. - -Another thing which put the People out of conceit with the Government, was -the Fluctuation of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing was fix’d; -and what was done one day, was cancell’d the next. The Regent, who was -really a good-natur’d and very affable Prince, seem’d to put himself into -the hands of too many People: No body that had a Favor to ask was turn’d -away; it often happen’d that the same Thing was promis’d to two Persons, -and a third obtain’d it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments were -promis’d, but the Promise seldom kept: So far from it, that several -Pensions were suppress’d, and mine, which cost me so much Pains in the -Sollicitation, was of that number. I made some Bustle to be put upon the -List again; yet all that I could obtain was a Promise that my Pension -should be renew’d very soon: But the Performance is still to come. - -All this striking off of Pensions, together with a considerable Reduction -of the Army, reduc’d a great many People to Beggary. I saw several -Knights of St. _Lewis_ at that very time, waiting with Impatience for the -Dusk of the Evening, that they might go out, and beg Alms in the public -Places. This extreme Misery was attended, as may be easily imagin’d, by -Robberies and Murders; so that all this while _Paris_ had a great -Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension that I should be a Sharer in the -common Desolation, engag’d me to pay my Court to _Madame_ with more -Assiduity than ever, and I earnestly intreated her to honor me with her -Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess return’d me for Answer, _That -she was resolv’d not to meddle or make; that however I had no reason to be -uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her speaking in my Behalf to the -Prince her Son, since he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that for -the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs and Sollicitations, that -I must have patience for a while longer_. I made her Answer, _That I was -very willing to wait as long as her Royal Highness pleas’d; but that I was -sadly afraid I was not in a Situation to stay long_. _Madame_ reply’d to -me, _There is a Remedy for all Things: Be you to-morrow at my Closet as -soon as I have din’d_. I was there punctually according to her Orders, and -found her all alone. As soon as she saw me she said, _I am a poor Widow -that can’t do great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige you_. She -then gave me the Key of her Bureau, and bid me open it, and take a Bag out -of one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the Tune of three thousand -Livres. I receiv’d it with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh -Token of her Royal Highness’s Goodness attach’d me to her more than ever. - -The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew’d a Demand which they had -already made in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they expected to be -made to them by the first President when he call’d for their Opinion: They -also claim’d several Prerogatives over the[55] Nobility, and wanted to -establish themselves as a Middle State between the Princes of the Blood -and those call’d Gentlemen. The Regent made them Answer, _That for his -part he had never acknowledg’d more than three Orders, the Clergy, the -Nobility, and the third Estate; and that ’twas their Business to choose -which Class they would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment -which was intirely unprecedented_. The Dukes demanded moreover, to be -excus’d from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with a private Gentleman; -but the Duke _de la Feuillade_ refus’d to sign this Petition, because he -said, _He would not be expos’d to an Affront from any Gentleman, and he -restrain’d from resenting it_. - -The Parliament did not vouchsafe to answer the Memorial of the Dukes, and -only confirm’d what the President _de Novion_ had advanc’d, that it was -the King’s sole Right to determine Claims of that sort, and that therefore -they must wait till his Majesty was of Age. The Nobility did not treat the -Demand of the Dukes with the same Indifference as the Parliament, and met -to consider how they should behave; but there came an Order forbidding -them to continue their Assemblies. Yet for all this Prohibition they drew -up a Memorial between themselves, which was presented to the King. This -Conduct of theirs so disgusted the Court, that several of the Nobles who -were known to have the greatest Hand in the Memorial were taken up and -committed to the _Bastile_. The Dukes met at the same time at the House of -the Archbishop of _Rheims_, who was afterwards the Cardinal _de Mailly_. -In fine, the Result of all these Motions on both sides, was a Declaration -issued by his Majesty, requiring that every thing should remain in the -same State as in the late King’s Life-time, without prejudice to the -Rights of either Party. A zealous Parliamentarian, who, ’tis like, could -not brook that Pretensions so frivolous as that of the Dukes should remain -unanswer’d, publish’d a very long Tract to prove, that several of the -Dukes were not Gentlemen; and that the Generality of the Members of -Parliament were indisputably of better Extraction than those who were -grac’d with the Title of Dukes. I question if _Henry_ IV. who very often -did the Nobility the Honor to call himself a Gentleman, would have left -the Claim of the Dukes undetermin’d. - -At this very time the Princes of the Blood presented a Petition to his -Majesty against the Legitimated Princes. The former were uneasy to see -the latter in possession of Rank equal to theirs, and pretending to an -equal Share with them in the Right of Succession to the Crown; and -therefore demanded that the Legitimated Princes, _viz._ the Duke _du -Maine_ and the Count _de Toulouse_, and their Descendants, should be -declar’d to have forfeited the Rank of Princes of the Blood; and that the -Act by which the late King declared those Princes capable of succeeding to -the Crown, should be struck out of the Registers of the Parliament. - -The Legitimated Princes presented a Memorial to the King on their part, -whereby they represented to his Majesty, that the Demand of the Princes of -the Blood was contrary to his Authority; that the Sovereigns had always -the Liberty of granting such Honors as they thought fit, either to the -Court or the Parliament; and that moreover, the late King, when he -declar’d them Princes of the Blood, did it in the most authentic Manner, -the Declaration which gave them that Dignity, being register’d in -Parliament, in the Presence, and even with the Advice of the Princes of -the Blood, and of the Dukes and Peers. - -Several Writings were publish’d at that time on both sides of the -Question, to prove the Justice of the Cause which each maintain’d. The -Amount of what the Legitimated Princes pleaded was, That Kings were the -absolute Dispensers of Favors; and that the Kings who were _Lewis_ XIVth’s -Predecessors, formerly granted those very Privileges, which they now aim’d -to deprive them of, without Opposition. They quoted for Example the -_Longueville_ Family, whose Descendants had always the Rank of Princes of -the Blood. They also instanc’d in several Bastards who had succeeded to -the Crown, in the first and second Race of the Kings of _France_; and -observ’d, that the Case would have been the same in the third Race, if the -same Fact had happen’d. - -The Princes of the Blood gave an ample and solid Reply to the Memorial of -the Legitimated Princes. They advanc’d, that the King as great as his -Authority was, could not grant Prerogatives that were peculiar only to -Birth-right; that a Bastard was one without Father, without Mother, -without Kindred, _&c._ and by consequence incapable of holding any Rank -which Blood alone can give; that moreover, the Claim of the Legitimated -Princes would deprive the Nation of its Right of calling such Family to -the Crown as they thought fit, in case the Royal Family should happen to -be extinct. - -This Memorial was confuted by another, and to the latter there was a -Reply. In fine, both sides grew so warm, that to put an end to the -Quarrel, the King was oblig’d to speak. He declared solemnly, _That the -Legitimated Princes should enjoy the Rank of Princes of the Blood during -their Lives, but that they could not succeed to the Crown_. This -Declaration was very well receiv’d, in appearance, by both Parties; but -perhaps too it was the Cause of some Events, which in the Consequence gave -the Regent no little Uneasiness, whereof I shall soon have occasion to -make mention. - -During these Transactions in _France_, there were Commotions of much -greater Consequence in _England_, where a Revolution was expected in favor -of the Chevalier _de St. George_, who having spent some time at the Prince -_de Vaudemont_’s House at _Commercy_ in _Lorrain_, was just set out for -_Scotland_. He embark’d between _Ostend_ and _Dunkirk_, and had a happy -Passage. As soon as he arriv’d he found a considerable Party which -declar’d for him. Every thing seem’d at first to favor him: A great many -Persons came to own him for King, and he was serv’d in that Quality. But -his Happiness was of no long Duration, and he was oblig’d to retire with -Precipitancy from a Country where he was in danger of being ill us’d. - -’Twas the Opinion of many People that this Undertaking would have -succeeded, if the Prince had not discover’d so much Zeal for the Catholic -Religion; for ’twas only desired of him to promise to preserve the -Privileges of _Scotland_ in Religious Matters, but he would not hear of -it. Moreover, he rose one day from Table without eating a Morsel, because -a Clergyman of the Church of _England_ had said the Grace; and upon this -Occasion he protested, that he would never eat a Bit of what a Heretic -pretended to give a Blessing to. This great Zeal for Religion, a Zeal -perhaps too flaming in Circumstances where he might, without any Crime, -have smother’d it, was the reason that all the Protestants in _Scotland_, -many of whom had already declared in his Favor, turn’d their backs on him. -I happen’d to be present when all this was told to the Duke of _Orleans_. -He made Answer, _If all this be true, ’tis no wonder that he has not -succeeded; and I look upon him as an undone Prince_. At the same time I -observ’d such an Air of Satisfaction in his and _Madame_’s Countenances, -as convinc’d me that they were not ill pleas’d to see the Elector of -_Hanover_ establish’d on the Throne of _England_. - -The Chevalier _de St. George_ return’d to _France_, and having pass’d -thro’ the whole Kingdom _incog._ he went for Refuge to _Avignon_. The -_English_ did all they could with the Regent to engage him to arrest the -Chevalier, and demanded likewise that he would cashier all the _English_ -and _Irish_ Officers in the Service of _France_, that were the Pretender’s -Adherents. The Regent satisfy’d them but in part, for he only cashier’d -the Officers. The Chevalier _de St. George_ was hotly pursu’d, and ’tis -even said that a certain Lord was a good while in chace of him, with a -Design to have killed him; but the Chevalier escap’d the Danger by the -Haste that he made to _Avignon_. When he quitted _Scotland_ he was oblig’d -to leave several Lords that had follow’d him in the Lurch, particularly -the Duke of _Lirie_, Son to the Marshal _de Berwic_, Natural Son of -_James_ II. who had so much Difficulty to get to _France_ again, that -’twas even reported for a long while that he had been taken Prisoner and -beheaded, as Lord _Derwentwater_ was at _London_. - -The _French_ were sorry to see that Fortune always cross’d the Chevalier -_de St. George_, and could not help pitying the Queen his Mother, whose -Sorrows were by this Disaster increas’d; for she had, by the Miscarriage -of this Expedition, ruin’d several of her Friends, who had made their -utmost Efforts to support the Charges of it. - -Tho’ the _Orleans_ Family was not very much afflicted at the Misfortune of -the Chevalier _de St. George_, yet it did not hinder _Madame_ from going -to _Chaillot_ to condole with the Queen upon her late Misfortunes. I was -at the Royal Palace when _Madame_ return’d from the Visit; and she did me -the Honor to tell me, _That she had been almost crying her Eyes out_. I -pretended to be ignorant of the Cause of her Tears, and took the Freedom -to ask her, _What was the matter? The poor Queen of +England+!_ said she, -_I pity her heartily. I have been weeping with her_. I could not help -letting _Madame_ know how much I was surpriz’d at this Grief of her’s, -because I imagin’d she was more in the Interest of the Family that -govern’d _England_, than of a Prince who was a Stranger to her; and one, -moreover, that was always out of Fortune’s Favor. _You are in the right_, -said Madame, _all the Relations of my late Aunt are dear to me, and I with -’em well. But this poor Queen takes it as much to heart as if it was but -to-day that she left the Crown. But what can she do? The only way for her -is to make her self easy. ’Tis not her Doom to be happy; and since one of -’em must be unfortunate, I had rather she was so than the King of -+England+. But_, added she, _this must not be told_. Madam _de D----_ -coming in just after these Words, _Madame_ told her, _That she had been to -see the Queen of +England+, but that she thought she had been with the -Nymph +Arethusa+ all the while_. Madam _de D----_ made Answer to her, -_That it was not surprizing to see Tears shed by Persons so much afflicted -as the Queen was. What then_, said Madame, _are not thirty Tears -Misfortunes enough to inure her to them_? Thus did this Princess wipe away -the Tears which lately fell from her in such a Torrent. - -The fine Season being come, _Madame_ went to _St. Cloud_, and took with -her Mademoiselle _de Chartres_ now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and -Mademoiselle _de Valois_ now Princess of _Modena_. _Madame_ spent all the -Summer at _St. Cloud_, so that I made several Trips thither. I told her -my Case, and desir’d that she would please to intercede for me with the -Duke her Son. She always promis’d me she would, but never did; and yet she -said to every body who talk’d of me to her, _That she wish’d me well_; -while, on the other hand, tho’ this Princess mortally hated _S----_ a -_Prussian_ Gentleman, she earnestly importun’d the Duke her Son to serve -him; and I was present one day when she sollicited for him. After the Duke -of _Orleans_ retir’d, she call’d me to her, and said, _You heard how I -espous’d the Interests of +S----+, yet I can assure you he does not -deserve it_. Then _Madame_ told me strange Stories to the disadvantage of -_S----_, upon which I took the Freedom to defend his Cause, and to assure -her Royal Highness that he had been misrepresented to her. _What!_ said -Madame, _will you offer to deny that he had his Hand cut off for -counterfeiting the Sign-Manual of the King of +Denmark+?_ As I knew the -Adventure of _S----_ at the _Danish_ Court, and that his was not a Crime -of such a nature; and as, moreover, I knew that the Loss of his Right Arm -was owing to a Fall that he had receiv’d, I represented to _Madame_, that -I should have thought the cutting off of his Hand Punishment enough in all -reason for the Crime of which she suspected _S----_; but that -nevertheless, his Arm was cut off near the Shoulder. _Alas_! said the -Princess, _that’s because it was cut a second time. But, Madame_, I -instantly reply’d, _How could your Royal Highness favor a Man that was -capable of such a Fraud? I have my Reasons for it_, said she. I did not -venture to indulge my Curiosity further. But in fine, this M. _de S----_ -who was to the last degree abhorr’d, obtain’d what he desir’d; whereas, -for my part, as well as I was wish’d, I could not possibly obtain so much -as a positive Denial, which would at least have serv’d to undeceive me, -and to make me look out for Preferment from another Quarter. - -While _Madame_ was at _St. Cloud_, the Duchess of _Berry_ resided at -_Meudon_, tho’ sometimes she came to _Paris_. I had the Honor of paying my -Compliments to this Princess very often. She was good-natur’d and -generous, and very free to ask Favors of the Regent her Father, who seldom -deny’d her; so that whoever had her Protection, was in a sure way to be -advanc’d. The Count _de R----_, a young Man of Quality, and who was just -enter’d as a Lieutenant in that Princess’s Guards, knew better than any -body how to gain his Mistress’s Favor. I knew him some time before this -Preferment of his, when he was a Lieutenant in the King’s Regiment, very -much out at heels, and by consequence not in a Condition to keep a certain -Sett of Company; at least, in the manner that he would have desir’d: But -by meer Chance he was quarter’d upon the Duchess of _Berry_, who wanted a -Man of a good Family to be Lieutenant of her Guards; for till then those -who officiated in that Post were only Persons of a common Extraction, for -which reason few there were that strove to get it. _R----_ thought very -prudently, that in his present Circumstances he was not oblig’d to mind -such Scruples; and he spoke to his Sister, who was a Lady of the -Bed-Chamber to the Duchess, of the Design he had to offer his Service. He -actually did so, and was admitted. He perform’d the Duty of it a good -while, and the Princess took no more Notice of him than she did of any of -her other Officers. What began to make him known was this. One day as the -Princess was going out she observ’d that _R----_ was not on horseback by -the side of her Coach, as his Duty demanded of him; and she complain’d of -it to the Duke _de la Rochefoucault_ the Captain of her Guards. This -Officer, who was fond of _R----_, and was, moreover, naturally inclin’d to -do him Service, said to the Princess that _R----_ was not well; but -setting his Indisposition aside, as he had the Honor to be a Gentleman, he -thought it hard to ride like a Stable-Boy by the side of her Coach, while -several Officers of the Houshold, who were not equal to him, rode in the -Coach that follow’d. The Duchess of _Berry_, who was a kind Mistress, -immediately gave Orders, that the Lieutenant of her Guards should ride in -the Waiting-Coach. _R----_ return’d her Thanks, and was more assiduous -than ever in his Attendance on her. Madame _de M----_ spoke afterwards so -much in Commendation of _R----_, that the Princess her self talk’d with -him several times, and was convinc’d that Madame _de M----_ had told her -the Truth, and that _R----_ deserv’d her Favor. He was quickly Master of a -splendid Fortune, gay Furniture, Clothes and Equipage; and she also -preferr’d him to several Regiments, which he always dispos’d of to his -advantage. To the Honor of _R----_ be it said, that his Prosperity did not -make him a jot the vainer; he was still as good-natur’d and civil as ever, -his old Friends always found him the same, and very often he did them -important Services. He had afterwards a Quarrel with the Regent, who -caus’d him to be banish’d from his Regiment; and during his Exile the -Duchess of _Berry_ died at _la Muette_, the 20th of _July, 1719_, aged -only 24. - -Mean time the King who had been at _Paris_ ever since his Return from -_Vincennes_, was removed out of the hands of the Women into those of the -Men, and the Person appointed for his Governor was the Marshal _de -Villeroy_. The Choice of him was the more applauded, because he was one of -the old experienced Courtiers, and a Man whose Zeal and Attachment to the -King’s Person no body question’d. The Constitution of this young Prince -was so tender, that they could not be too careful of it. The Marshal, as -old as he was, fully answer’d what was expected of him: He gave -extraordinary Application to the discharge of his Duty, and was never out -of his Majesty’s sight. This Nobleman’s Post being the most honorable that -can be desir’d in _France_, there quickly arose envious Persons, who -strove, tho’ in vain, to depreciate him in the Esteem of the Public. They -confess’d that he was a very proper Person to teach the young Monarch to -walk and make his Salute like a King, to put his Hat on with a Grace, to -accost a Lady in the politest manner, and other things of that nature; but -that he was by no means fit to inspire him with Ideas suitable to his -Rank, and that he could never make him think like a King. But the -consequence shew’d what the Marshal was capable of, and the young Prince -quickly gave Proofs that he had learnt of the Marshal not only to walk, -but to think like a King. I remember one Passage, which is a very plain -Indication of his being fully persuaded that he was the sole Master in his -Kingdom, and that there was no Person above him. When _Madame_ came to the -_Thuilleries_, she made but a very short Visit at Court, because she went -to hear Mass; and she said to the King as she retired, _That she was -going to wait on a greater Lord than he_. The young Prince seem’d a little -surpriz’d at first, but after a Moment’s Reflexion he made her Answer, -_Undoubtedly_, Madame, _you are going to pray to God_. Another day the -_French_ Comedians having play’d the Tragedy of _Athalia_ before his -Majesty, ’tis said the Prince could not bear with any Patience to see -young _Joas_ seated on the Throne, for he had a Fancy that he was a second -King; nor would he so much as applaud the Lad who so perfectly well play’d -the Part of _Joas_. These Passages are a sufficient Demonstration, that he -had been inspir’d with Sentiments suitable to his Dignity; and that in -time, perhaps, he will not be inferior in any respect to his August -Great-Grandfather. - -As to my own Affairs, I had the Mortification to find them still in the -same Situation. ’Tis certain that no Sollicitation was wanting on my part, -nor Promises on the part of the Regent; but after all, nothing was -concluded, and I was then not a whit forwarder than when I arriv’d in -_France_, tho’ I had not near so much Money. Mean time I was too earnest -for entring into the Service to be disheartened, and shutting my Eyes -against the Improbability of Success, I renew’d my Sollicitation. My -Residence at _Paris_ being extremely ruinous to me, my particular -Acquaintance could not conceive how I was able to support my self. -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ soon heard that I had not yet obtain’d any -thing in _France_, and that nevertheless I was obstinately bent on staying -there: She could not bear the Thoughts of the Expence, which she was -sensible I was oblig’d to be at; and as my Estate was entail’d upon her, -she imagin’d that the Money I spent in _France_ was so much taken out of -her Pocket. She resolv’d therefore to make me quit _Paris_, knowing very -well that ’twas cheaper to live elsewhere. For this end she desir’d the -Princess _de G----_, who corresponded by Letters with _Madame_, to write -to her Royal Highness, and to intreat her to protect me no longer, because -I did not deserve her Favors. The Letter was accordingly written and sent -to _Madame_, who told me the whole Contents of it. ’Twas so well cook’d -up, that my Cousin might boast of having a good Secretary. But her Royal -Highness assur’d me, that this Letter should make no Impression upon her, -and that she would always be my Friend. I most humbly thank’d the -Princess, withdrew in a terrible Pet with my Cousin; and in the first -transport of my Passion I wrote her a Letter, in which I did not spare -her. As she was really a Woman of very good Sense, she answer’d me in the -same Style. I replied; she did the same; and thus we carried on a Literary -Correspondence, in which there were very pretty Sayings on both sides. - -To compleat my Happiness I was afflicted with a Redundancy of Choler, -which was follow’d with the Jaundice, a Distemper that brought me to the -very Brink of the Grave. My Friends did not forsake me; and among others I -may say, that I had more than ordinary Obligation to the Abbé _d’Asfeldt_, -who desir’d me to reflect on my State; and as he knew that I was not a -Roman Catholic, and that the Prejudices in which I had been bred up, gave -me great Prejudice to the contrary Party, he conjur’d me to permit him to -discourse me about Religion, only one Hour in a Day; to which I consented -with pleasure. Every body knows with what an Energy he speaks, and with -what a winning Grace. He continued his Visits all the time of my Sickness, -which by degrees went quite off. I was so affected with what he said to -me, that I promised him I would receive Instruction when I was recover’d; -and as soon as I got abroad, I was as good as my Word. He brought me -acquainted with Father _Denis_, a barefooted _Carmelite_, who in some -Conferences with me finish’d what the Abbé _d’Asfeldt_ had begun; so that -in a little time after, I made public Profession of my Faith to Father -_Denis_[56], in presence of an infinite number of Persons of Quality. The -Marquis _d’Asfeldt_ and the Abbé his Brother were my Witnesses, and sign’d -my Confession of Faith along with me. When the Ceremony was ended, I was -accosted on all sides with Embraces from abundance of People, of whom -three parts in four were quite unknown to me; yet their Zeal for Religion -made them fond of expressing how glad they were to see me admitted into -the Bosom of the Church. I receiv’d the Communion the same Week, upon the -Festival of _All-Saints_: And at length I waited on the Cardinal _de -Noailles_, who made a very fine Speech to me, exhorting me to continue -stedfast in the Religion that I had embrac’d. - -The News of my Conversion was soon spread in _Germany_, and _Luther_ and -_Calvin_ themselves could not have exclaim’d against it more than my good -Cousin did. The same Princess who had formerly recommended me so heartily -to _Madame_, wrote to her again to tell her, _That she ought not to be -surprised at my changing my Religion, and that ’twas nothing but a -Ceremony which I had perform’d two or three times before_. But tho’ she -gave it this Turn, it made little or no Impression upon _Madame_. And for -my own part I did not give much heed to what my Enemies said; and that I -might not be in the way of hearing it, I left off going to the Royal -Palace, where _Madame_ resided after she quitted _St. Cloud_. - -I spent the Winter of 1717 very disagreeably, that is to say, I wanted -Money; and without that current Metal, a Man may live as well in the -remotest Desert as in _Paris_. I was quickly oblig’d to by down my -Equipage, and at last to sell some of my Clothes to satisfy my clamorous -Debtors: Yet for all this I could not stave off an Affront from one of -them, who to be sure was more hungry than the rest; for tho’ he had -promis’d to give me a Month longer, he caus’d me to be arrested in the -little Market of the Suburb of _St. Germain_, and all at once was I -hurried to the Abbey. This might have prov’d a very fatal Misfortune to -me, if I had not been assisted that very day by M. _de N----_ a Counsellor -of Parliament, to whom I sent word of it the very Moment I was in Hold; -upon which he came immediately, and offer’d his Bond for the Debt: But my -Creditor would hear of no Terms except the Money down, and refus’d to take -his Security. M. _de N----_ was so exasperated at this Denial, that he -wrote a Line to the First President desiring him to set me at liberty, -which I obtain’d accordingly upon the Spot, without Money, or so much as -giving the Creditor any manner of Security. M. _de N----_ too, in order to -oblige me to all Intents and Purposes, was so good as to get a Writ of -Protection for me, after which my Creditors could not touch me: And -indeed, considering the Situation I was then in, that was the greatest -piece of Service that could be done for me. - -I was no sooner got out of this Scrape but I fell into another, not -altogether so vexatious indeed, yet very perplexing. In my Visits to the -President _de P----_’s Lady, I became acquainted at her House with a -Widow, who tho’ old, ugly, covetous and silly, and to crown all, terribly -fond of Law, was so rich, that all those amiable Qualities were -over-look’d by a number of pleasant Companions, who strove to make Love to -her, in hopes of contracting a Marriage which seem’d so likely to make -their Fortunes. The Widow could not tell how to fix her Choice; not that -she was averse to Matrimony, but the Conditions she requir’d were so -extraordinary, that the very mention of them made her Gallants take their -Leave of her. The President _de P----_’s Wife, who knew the Lady very -well, and my Circumstances even better, advis’d me to try my Luck; and for -my Encouragement she promis’d to serve me: and serve me she did so -effectually, that the Lady was not displeas’d with the Pains which she -perceiv’d I took to make my self acceptable to her. She offer’d me an -Apartment in her House; in short, she made me to understand that I need -not despair of any thing. I had some Reluctance to accept of that Offer, -altho’ it was so advantagious; and for this Reason chiefly, the Want of -Money, because I did not care to be at her House without being better -equip’d. By good Luck my Landlady, who was one of those intriguing Dames -with which _Paris_ swarms, help’d me out of this Difficulty. She -discover’d all in an Instant what was the matter, and in concert with an -_Italian_ Valet de Chambre, who had liv’d with me for some time, she -help’d me without any Difficulty to every thing that was necessary for my -Appearance with Splendor. I then hir’d more Servants, bought very fine -Liveries; in short, all my Equipage was in a few days more gay than ever. -’Tis true it was all upon Tick; but our old Lady, as covetous as she was, -would not let me suffer upon that score. In the mean time I had a very -difficult Game to play; for I was oblig’d to counterfeit being over head -and ears in Love with the most disagreeable Woman upon the Face of the -Earth; and at the very time too when I was still courting Madame _de -R----_, who without dispute was as handsome a Woman as any whatsoever. Nor -was this all; for the old Lady, to be like the fine Women forsooth, -affected to be jealous; and whenever I ventur’d to leave her, which was -but very seldom, she was sure to set on a Spy to watch me. We generally -went abroad together. By eight o’clock in the Morning we us’d to be at the -Palais importuning the Judges, or else provoking the Attorneys and -Sollicitors to scold like Madmen. When we had done there, the good Lady -return’d home and sat down to her Toilet, and I us’d to sit by her in an -Arm-chair till I was quite tir’d. At first indeed I had some Pleasure in -being so near a Spectator of the Art by which a very disagreeable Face may -be sometimes made tolerable. My old Lady’s was all artificial from the -Forehead to the Chin; and I question whether a Picture takes up more -Colours than she made use of to dawb her Features with? Her Apparel was -rich, but as much dy’d and daub’d as all the rest. A Correspondence so -tiresome as this was, gave me a horrid Disgust; but yet when I reflected -what a Pass I had reduc’d my self to by my Extravagance, I thought it was -not my Interest to break it off. I continu’d therefore to play the Part of -an amorous Suitor. And at last, fearing that I should sink under the -Fatigue, I began to talk strenuously of Marriage; but the good Lady still -said it was yet too soon, and that she was willing to have further Tryal -of me. She resolv’d at length to consent to it; but ’twas upon such -extraordinary Terms, that really I should have renounc’d any other Match -upon that score, if it had been twenty times more advantagious. I resolv’d -therefore to have no more to say to the silly Woman, and to retire. I -thought of making another Tour to _Berlin_ to settle my Affairs, and to -sell my Land if Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ would give her Consent; but I -put off my Departure for a little time in hopes of seeing the Czar of -_Muscovy_, who was shortly expected at _Paris_. - -This Monarch, from no other Motive but Curiosity, came from one of the -Extremities of _Europe_ to see the Court of _France_. They would have had -him make a public Entry; but he desir’d to be receiv’d without Ceremony. -_Verton_ the King’s Chief Steward met him on the Frontier, and conducted -him to _Amiens_, where the Marquis _de Nesle_ complimented him in the Name -of the King, and then went with him half way to _Paris_. The Marshal _de -Tesse_, who was charged to accompany the Prince all the time he was to -stay in _France_, went also to meet him. The Czar arriv’d at the _Louvre_ -by ten o’clock at Night, and was conducted to the Queen Mother’s -Apartment, which had been sumptuously furnish’d for his Reception. Some -Moments after his Arrival the Marshal _de Villeroy_ came from the King to -make his Excuses that he was not at the _Louvre_ to receive him, by reason -his Majesty’s tender Years and Constitution did not permit him to sit up -so late. They laid that the Czar was not satisfy’d with this Excuse, nor -with the Regent for not coming to meet him. ’Tis certain that he appeared -to be very much out of Temper all the Evening, would eat no Supper, and -took but one Glass of Beer: Nor would he stay at the _Louvre_, saying, -_That the Furniture of his Apartment was too rich; and that his -Attendants, who were not the most cleanly, might happen to spoil it_. -’Twas one o’clock in the Morning when the Czar was pleas’d to shift his -Lodging, and the Marshal _de Tesse_ would have been sadly put to it, had -he not caus’d the Palace of _Lesdiguieres_ to be furnish’d by way of -Precaution. The Czar thought this House also too richly furnish’d, and -notwithstanding all they could say he would not lie in a magnificent Bed -which was put up in the Apartment that was to be his, but caus’d a little -Bed to be set up for himself in the Wardrobe. Next day the Regent came and -paid him a Visit, when the Prince _de Kourakin_ the Czar’s Ambassador to -_Holland_ serv’d for their Interpreter. The Visit lasted near an Hour, and -there all the Ceremonial was settled that was to be observ’d to the -_Russian_ Monarch. - -After this the King went to see him first, being accompanied from the -Palace of the _Thuilleries_, with the chief Lords and Officers of the -Crown. The Czar receiv’d his Majesty as he alighted from the Coach, and -took him in his Arms with a Transport of Fondness; at which the young -Monarch seem’d a little surpriz’d. He said to the Czar, _That he was very -glad to see him safe arrived at +Paris+; that he wish’d him Pleasure as -long as he staid in his Dominions; that he should have the same Respect -paid to him as to himself, and that he had given Orders for the -Court-Service always to give way to his_. Then the two Monarchs went hand -in hand into a Chamber where two Chairs of State were plac’d. The Czar -being the Stranger sate on the Right Hand. The Duke _du Maine_ and the -Marshal _de Villeroy_ stood behind the King’s Chair of State, and answer’d -the Questions which the Czar ask’d his Majesty. After a short Visit the -King rose first, and was accompanied to his Coach by the Czar, who at -taking Leave of his Majesty caught him up again in his Arms, and hoisting -him higher than his Head, said, _He wish’d that his Grandeur and Power -might surpass that of the late King_ Lewis XIV. He help’d the King into -his Coach, and did not return till it mov’d off. - -Next day the Czar went to the _Thuilleries_ with the same Train as the -King has when he goes abroad, and rode in the King’s Coach attended by the -chief Lords of his Court, who sat over-against him, and at the -Coach-Doors. As soon as he enter’d the Court, the King went to the Gate of -the Castle, receiv’d him at his landing, and then conducted him to his -Apartment, always giving the Czar the Right Hand. I never saw more People -at the _Thuilleries_ than there were on that day, insomuch that the two -Monarchs had scarce room to pass. The Czar shew’d a prodigious Care of the -King, kept him up by one Hand, and wav’d the other to keep off such as -were apt to croud too near him. After a Visit no longer than that which -the King made to the Prince, his Majesty reconducted him to the Coach, -and the Czar return’d to his House with the same Train that had -accompanied him. When that Prince return’d to his Apartment, he told the -Marshal, _That he was very much surpriz’d at the infinite Croud of People -in the way_. To which the Marshal made Answer, _That the +French+ had so -great a Veneration for his Person, and so high an Idea of his illustrious -Qualities, that no wonder they were so eager to see a Prince, who they -knew beforehand was deserving of their Admiration_. The Czar seem’d very -well pleas’d with this Answer, yet he desir’d, _That for the future, when -he went abroad, the People might be oblig’d to keep out of his way_. He -paid a Visit next day to the Regent and to _Madame_. The latter talk’d to -him for two Hours in _High-Dutch_, and the Czar answer’d the Princess in -_Low-Dutch_. When he was withdrawn he said to M. _de S----_, _That -+Madame+ was extremely inquisitive; that she wanted to knew every thing; -and that she had ask’d him too many Questions; but that after all, he told -her no more than what he was willing she should know_. - -The Czar was very curious to see every thing that was worth seeing in and -about _Paris_. He inform’d himself of every thing, and took care to write -every thing in his Pocket-book that he thought remarkable. He rose at -Day-break, and rambled about from one Place to another till Night. To -prevent all manner of Incumbrance he chose to make use of none but the -Marshal _de Tesse_’s Coaches, tho’ that Nobleman would have been well -enough contented without such Preference, because he kill’d several of his -Horses; and the poor Marshal himself must have sunk under the Fatigue of -the perpetual Motion that he was oblig’d to, if the Czar had staid much -longer; but this Monarch lost no time, and examin’d every thing with equal -Nicety and Dispatch, because he intended to be gone as soon as he had -satisfy’d his Curiosity. - -The Court spar’d nothing to pay this Prince all due Honors. The Regent for -this purpose order’d a general Review of all the King’s Houshold Troops, -and of the _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards in the Walks of _Roule_ and in the -_Elysian Fields_. The Czar repair’d thither on horseback, and ’twas -expected he would have staid out the whole Review; but he only rode -briskly in the Front of the first Line, without casting his Eyes on the -Troops, and then clapping Spurs to his Horse, without paying any -Compliment to the Regent, he return’d full Gallop to _Paris_. From thence -he went directly to _St. Ouen_, where the Duke _de Tresmes_, First -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and Governor of _Paris_, gave him an -Entertainment, with which he seem’d better pleas’d than with the Review. -He was loth to consent to the Admission of the Ladies into the Orangery -where the Table was spread, and only spoke to Madame _de Bethune_, -Daughter of the Duke _de Tresmes_, for which Distinction she was oblig’d -to M. _de Bethune_, who having been a good while in _Poland_, talk’d the -_Polish_ Language very well, which procur’d him the Honor of being able to -converse with his Czarish Majesty. The chief Noblemen, after the Example -of the Duke _de Tresmes_, made Entertainments for the _Russian_ Monarch. -The Duke Regent also prepar’d a Grand Feast for him at _St. Cloud_; but -just as the Czar was setting out from _Paris_, he was seiz’d with a -violent Fit of the Cholic, which hinder’d his going abroad; nor do I know -that he had a Sight of the Castle of _St. Cloud_ at all. He seem’d to be -more delighted with _Versailles_ than any other Place, insomuch that he -caus’d a Plan of it to be taken, and said, _He would have a Building -something like to it erected in his own Country_. With this View he -engag’d Workmen of all sorts, and promis’d them great Advantages to -encourage them to go to _Muscovy_. A great number suffer’d themselves to -be taken in, and the Regent consented to let them go out of the Kingdom; -but we are assur’d that the Promises made to them were not perform’d, and -the Generality thought themselves very happy when they were return’d to -_France_. This Prince was not liberal; and what Presents he made were only -valuable as they came from so great a Prince. I saw a poor Soldier of the -Invalids make him a Present of a Plan of that Hospital, which had cost him -ten Years Labor; but tho’ the Prince seem’d to think it a fine Piece, yet -the Soldier had a very small Reward. The King of _France_, however, made -him a noble Present, and thereby convinc’d him how different the Temper of -the _French_ was from that of the _Muscovites_. The Czar, in short, -return’d towards his Dominions very well satisfy’d with _France_, and went -first to _Holland_ where the _Czarina_ staid for him; and from thence he -proceeded by Land to _Petersbourg_. - -The Czar’s Residence in _France_ had brought such a vast Number of -Foreigners to _Paris_, that the City being more populous than ever, new -Pleasures were thought of to divert them. A private Gentleman made a -Proposal to me, which if I could have succeeded in, would have been of -very great Service to me at that Juncture; for it was to put a -considerable Sum of Money in my Pocket, if I could obtain a Patent for -licensing Balls and Plays in the _Elysian Fields_, where the Projector -wou’d have erected Booths for that purpose. I spoke of this to the Regent, -who, according to his Custom, promis’d me the Grant at the first Word; but -M. _d’Argenson_, who was then only Lieutenant of the Police, made him soon -alter his Mind; for he represented to his Royal Highness, that such Balls -would infallibly be attended with great Disorders. The Objection was -specious, and like enough to be true; but after all, such a Licence would -not have increas’d the Disorder very much, especially at a Place where -’twas for a long time the Fashion to take the Air in the Night, so that -there were often more Coaches in the Course or Ring after Midnight, than -in the Day-time. Besides, a way might be found to avoid all the Disorders -that could possibly be foreseen. But M. _d’Argenson_ was a Man that -neither lov’d Novelties, nor Opportunities of obliging. I was the better -pleas’d with this Project, because if it had taken, I saw that I should be -in a Condition to stay some time longer at _Paris_, and to live in a -genteel manner. But at last, when I saw it defeated, I thought of nothing -but returning to _Berlin_. While I was putting every thing in order for my -Journey, I saw the Count _de Rothenbourg_ at _Paris_, who was come from -_Berlin_, and to return thither shortly with a Commission on some Affairs -of _France_. This Gentleman, who encourag’d me in my Design to go thither, -assur’d me that it would be the easiest matter in the World for me to sell -my Lands; that the King had just erected Fiefs; and that he gave every Man -leave to dispose of his Estate; nay more, he offer’d to carry me along -with him, and to advance me what Money I wanted. I thought all these to -be very advantagious Proposals; but they were Words without Deeds. ’Tis -true he lent me Money, that is to say, Government-Bills; but taking an -advantage of the Necessity he found me in, oblig’d me to conclude one of -the most fatal Bargains I ever made in my Life. I discounted my Bills, -that is to say, I lost considerably by them, and with the residue of the -Money I set out from _Paris_ to _Strasbourg_, where M. _de Rothenbourg_ -had appointed to meet me: But for his part he went by the way of -_Burgundy_, where he had an Estate; so that I staid for him near a Month, -which surely I should not have done if I had been in Cash. When he came he -told me, _That ’twas impossible for him to carry me with him to +Berlin+, -because he had no room in his Coach_. ’Tis true that it was full, but -there were some People in it, whom it would have better become to have got -up behind. I was by this means under an indispensable Necessity to stay at -_Strasbourg_, till I had a sufficient Remittance from _Berlin_, to enable -me to continue my Journey, without being beholden to any body. - -I did not repent my Stay at STRASBOURG; for tho’ I had been at it before, -yet I never was there long enough to make any Observation upon the -Remarkables of the Place. _Strasbourg_[57] is one of the best Cities in -_Europe_. ’Tis the Capital of _Alsace_, and was conquer’d by _Lewis_ XIV. -in 1682, without any Expence but of Menaces and Money. That Monarch -fortify’d it considerably, and caus’d a Citadel and Arsenal to be built -there, which are Monuments worthy of a Great King. The Cathedral Church -has not its equal for its Bulk and Grandeur. The Doors are of Brass, and -very well wrought. There’s a Pyramidal Spire 574 Foot high, which is a -very noble Piece of Work. The Great Clock is also worth seeing. I was -surpriz’d to see the great number of Wheels and Machines that give Motion -to all the Constellations, and turn the Needles, which upon Dials of -several sorts mark the Hours of the Day and Night, with the Course of the -Moon and the other Planets. In the Vestry of this Church, which is very -rich, are most sumptuous Altar-Ornaments and Copes. The Episcopal Palace -which joins to the Church is indeed a very commodious, but not a -magnificent Building, tho’ it stands upon a considerable Spot of Ground, -whereon a fine Structure might be erected; but there’s no Appearance that -such a thing will be undertaken yet a while, because the Cardinal _de -Rohan_ now Bishop of _Strasbourg_, who would be the properest Person for -it in the whole World, resides but little at _Strasbourg_, and justly -prefers _Saverne_ to it, where he has a most stately Palace. - -_Strasbourg_ was formerly an Imperial City, the Magistrates whereof were -_Lutherans_, but now the Catholics are the Masters, and have excluded the -_Lutherans_ from all manner of Employment. The King of _France_ keeps a -strong Garison in it, and the Commandant here for the King is the Marshal -_de Bourg_. This Nobleman lives more retir’d than is usual for People that -are in Power. The Officers go to him very often in the Morning, when the -Marshal makes them sit down in a Circle, where I have seen such a Silence -observ’d, that if Foreigners were Witnesses of it, they would not twit the -_French_ with having too much _Clack_. This Levee us’d to hold about half -an Hour, after which every one went to dinner where he pleas’d, the -Marshal only keeping a Table for Grand Festivals, or when any Person of -Distinction arriv’d from the Court of _France_, which is very rare, except -when the Cardinal _de Rohan_ is at _Strasbourg_. When his Eminency is -there, a great deal of Company follows him, and he lives with an Air of -Grandeur suitable to his Birth and Dignity. Add to this, that there is not -any Nobleman, perhaps, that is of a more courteous and polite Deportment. -When this Prelate is not at _Strasbourg_ the Place is very melancholy, -especially for such as don’t run into the common Debaucheries of Youth; -for the latter indeed always find wherewith to amuse themselves: and -indeed I have observ’d with my own Eyes that the young Fellows of -_Strasbourg_ are very debauch’d, and the Ladies very gentle. - -After I had staid a while at _Strasbourg_, I receiv’d News at last from -_Berlin_, together with Money to proceed in my Journey. I made haste thro’ -the Cities of _Heidelberg_[58], _Darmstad_ and _Francfort_, and stopt at -HANAU, where I had the Honor of paying my Compliments to the Count of that -Name, who commonly resides there. He married a Princess of -_Brandenbourg-Anspach_, Sister to the Princess of _Wales_, by whom he has -had but one Daughter, married to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse-Darmstad_, so that the Family of _Hanau_ is like to be extinct in -the Person of this Count. A part of his Territories, _viz_. those which -are Fiefs of the Empire, will revert to the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -according to Conventions which this Prince has made with the King of -_Poland_, who was Heir to a good Part of the County of _Hanau_ as Elector -of _Saxony_; but the latter sold all his Pretensions to the Landgrave. - -The City of _Hanau_[59] stands near the _Maine_, and is distinguish’d into -the Old and New Towns. The new Town owes its Foundation to the _Walloon_ -Protestants, who came to settle in this County during the Religious Wars -in the _Netherlands_. The Streets of this Quarter, which is the finest of -the two, are broad, and as strait as a Line, and the Architecture of the -Houses on both sides is almost the same. A very exact Police is observ’d -in it, as well for the Neatness of the Streets, as for the Security of the -Inhabitants. This Count’s Predecessors establish’d several Manufactures at -_Hanau_; and here is a considerable Trade in Snuff and Woollen Stuffs. The -_French_ Refugees have contributed not a little to render this City much -more considerable than it was before. - -The Castle or Palace of the Count is in the Old Town; and he has another -House at the Gates of the Town call’d _Philip’s-Ruhe_[60], the Apartments -of which are very fine and nobly furnish’d, and the Gardens are of a grand -Taste, and a very advantagious Situation. - -From _Hanau_ I went to FULDE, an Abbat’s Town of the Empire, in which -stands the famous Abbey of _Fulde_ of the Order of St. _Benedict_. The -Fryars are all Gentlemen by sixteen Descents. The Abbat is elected by his -Fryars, and has the Title of _Primat of the Abbats, Prince of the Empire, -and Hereditary Chancellor of the Empress_. The Person who is now vested -with that Dignity is of the Family of _Butler_. He maintains a great Court -and several Regiments; so that he lives absolutely like a Temporal Prince. -I should have lik’d his Reception of me very well, if he had not made me -drink so hard, that if I had staid there longer, my next Journey might -probably have been a vast way beyond _Berlin_. ’Tis my Opinion, Things -duly consider’d, that there’s no need of any extraordinary Vocation to be -a Fryar at _Fulde_; for those Gentlemen enjoy every thing that a Man would -wish for in a genteel Life. The House they dwell in is more like the -Palace of a great King than a Convent; and the Abbey-Church, and another -lately built without the Town, may be reckon’d among the noblest Buildings -in _Germany_. - -From _Fulde_ I went to EISENACH[61], thro’ the most detestable Roads that -I ever travell’d. _Eisenach_ stands upon the River _Nese_, at the feet of -horrible Mountains. ’Tis the Seat of the Duke of _Saxe-Eisenach_ of the -_Weimar_-Branch, who being absent at that time, I had not the Honor to see -him. - -I proceeded from _Eisenach_ to GOTHA[62], the Residence of the Duke of -_Saxe-Gotha_, who is the most powerful Prince of _Saxony_, next to the -Elector. He is descended from the unfortunate _John-Frederic_ Elector of -_Saxony_, who was put under the Ban of the Empire, and depriv’d of his -Electorate by _Charles_ V. The Town is well built, and the Duke’s Palace, -which is separate from it, is surrounded with Ramparts. - -From _Gotha_ I went to ERFURT[63], a City which formerly was dependent on -the Family of _Saxony_, who by a solemn Treaty yielded it to the Elector -of _Mentz_ in 1665; and it now belongs to the present Elector of that -Name. The Inhabitants have made several Attempts to shake off their -Dependency upon that Elector, who on his part has not been wanting in -Measures to make them easy; and has made considerable Fortifications to -the Castle, in which he maintains a good Garison. The Town is large, and -contains fine Churches, of which the Cathedral is remarkable for its Bulk: -This Church had formerly a most magnificent Steeple; but some years ago -the Spire was entirely consumed by Lightning. - -From _Erfurt_ I went to LEIPSIC[64] one of the most considerable Cities in -the Electorate of _Saxony_, and of special Note for its University and its -Fairs. The former, which was founded in 1408, by _Frederic_ the _Warrior_, -has always supported it self with Reputation, notwithstanding the -Neighbourhood of the University of _Hall_. The Situation of _Leipsic_ is -charming, and which way soever one enters it, there are beautiful Houses -and Gardens kept in excellent Order. The _Boses_ and _Appel_, Merchants of -_Leipsic_ have Gardens at the Gates of the Town, in which they have laid -out surprizing Sums of Money: _Appel_ especially has a Garden which a -Prince need not be asham’d of. Besides these Gardens here are Walks, which -are not the less agreeable for being natural. Here is a remarkable Wood, -which is called in the Language of the Country _Rosendahl_, _i. e._ -the _Vale of Roses_. It consists of fourteen Walks, with a great Meadow in -the Middle. Each Walk has a noble Point of View, and they are all -agreeably diversify’d. The Inside of _Leipsic_ is perfectly answerable to -the Out-parts: The Streets are very even, and the Houses large and well -built. The only fault I found with them is, that they are too much charg’d -with Sculpture, and not duly proportion’d: They are all very lofty, and -for the Generality five or six Stories high. The Rents of them are very -dear, and at the time of the Fairs there’s such a Resort of Merchants -hither from all parts, that ’tis very difficult to get a Lodging. When I -came thither ’twas _Michaelmas_ Fair; at which time the King of _Poland_ -was there. This Prince when he comes to _Leipsic_ does not lodge in the -Castle, tho’ it has very commodious Apartments, but resides in the House -of _Appel_, the Merchant whom I just now mention’d, who is Proprietor of -one of the finest Gardens thereabouts. That King gives the Preference to -his House, because ’tis near the Place where the Fair is kept. So much, -_Madame_, for what is chiefly remarkable at _Leipsic_. - -I made no long stay there, because I was impatient to return to BERLIN. At -my first Arrival there I liv’d very retir’d. I foresaw the little -Satisfaction I had to expect at that Court, which made me resolve not to -be seen there. Nevertheless I could not conceal my self long; for the -Favors with which the Margravine-Dowager had always honor’d me, obliged me -to pay my Respects to that Princess, who receiv’d me very kindly, and soon -after spoke of me to his Majesty in so favorable a Manner, that he was -desirous to see me; and he sent M. _de Grumkau_ to bid me wait on him at -_Charlottenbourg_, and to send in my Name to him by _Ast_, one of his -Valets de Chambre. I could have been very glad to have been excused from -paying Obedience to that Order; but it was too punctual, his Majesty -having actually appointed the Hour that I was to appear before him. On the -Day fix’d I therefore went to _Charlottenbourg_, and sent for _Ast_, who -came and conducted me to a Gallery, where he bade me wait a little time; -but I had not been there a Quarter of an Hour when the King enter’d it, -attended by _la Fourcade_, Major-General and Commandant of _Berlin_. His -Majesty came up directly to me, and ask’d me, with a good deal of -Vivacity, _From whence I came, and what was the Cause of my Return to_ -Berlin? I made answer, _That I was come last from_ France, _and that my -domestic Concerns had brought me back to_ Berlin. His Majesty, who -proceeded to enquire into my Affairs, seem’d well enough pleas’d with the -Answers I had the Honor of making to him, and turning towards _la -Fourcade_, said to him, _That he should never have known me, if he had not -been appriz’d who I was beforehand_: And then he said to me, _That he -should hereafter look on me no other than as a_ Frenchman. I made answer, -_That I should think my self very unfortunate if his Majesty should look -on me in that Light; and that let me be at ever such a Distance from his -Person and his Dominions, I should always be ambitious of calling my self -his Subject; and that I should constantly preserve the same Sentiments of -Respect and Loyalty to my King and Country, in which I had been educated_. -The King then ask’d me, _Whether I had any Intention to sell my Estate?_ -I confess’d to him, _That I had no other Remedy left to enable me to -satisfy my Creditors_; and I actually entreated him to interpose his -Authority to procure the Consent of Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ to the Sale -of it. The King said to me, _That he would give his Orders to M. +de -C----+, to engage her to hearken to Reason_; and then he very graciously -dismiss’d me. - -I went back to _Berlin_, and did not fail to return Thanks to the -Margravine for the good Offices she had done me with the King. The Queen -returning some few days after this from _Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, I -had the Honor to pay my Respects to her, and was kindly receiv’d. It was -quickly blaz’d after what Manner I had been receiv’d by their Majesties, -which was Reason enough to engage the Courtiers to shew me that -Complaisance, which otherwise I durst not have expected. I took little -notice, however, of those Gentlemens Compliments, but prepar’d my self for -finishing the Grand Affair for which I was come. I caus’d advantagious -Offers to be made to Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, to gain her Consent. The -King order’d a Letter to be wrote and sent to her at _Hanover_, to -determine her in my Favor; assuring her at the same time, _That he thought -my Proposals very reasonable; and that her Acceptance of them would do him -a Pleasure_. I also went my self to _Hanover_, to try if I could persuade -her: But neither the Visits I made to her upon the Affair, nor those so -powerful Recommendations of it, had any Effect; and she continu’d -obstinate in her Refusal. - -At my Return from _Hanover_, the King sent me an Order to wait on him. I -was introduc’d by one of his Favorites into the Closet where his Majesty -us’d to smoak. The King was then playing at a Game with Tables call’d -_Tick-tack_, the Prince of _Anhalt_ Velt-Marshal, and several other -Generals and Officers being present. The King rose up as soon as the Game -was ended, came to me and talk’d with me for a while very graciously. And -then sitting down, he order’d all that were in Company to take their -Seats. Every one took his Place without observing any Rank. The King -smoaked, as did most of the Gentlemen in the Closet; but by good Luck no -body offer’d me a Pipe, which I was very glad of, because I could never -smoak in all my Life. The King talk’d to me a great deal about my Affairs; -and in particular about the Sale of my Estate. ’Twas not long before I -perceiv’d that my Cousin had brought the King over to her Interest; for as -soon as my Land came to be the Topic of Conversation, he told me in very -plain Terms, _That it would be very wrong for me to part with it, even -tho’ my Cousin were to give her Consent to it; that instead of paying my -Debts with the Purchase-Money, I would be apt to squander it in my -Pleasures; that ’twas high time to think of some Employment to enable me -to pay my Debts, without selling my Estate_. He added, _That if, -nevertheless, I persisted in my Resolution to sell it, he would write -again to Mademoiselle_ de Pollnitz _to perswade her to consent to it; and -that this was the utmost that he could do for me, as Affairs stood; since -it would be an Injustice to compel her to give a Consent to any thing that -she imagin’d would be to her prejudice_. After a little farther Discourse -with me about my domestic Affairs, his Majesty talk’d to me of the Report -current at _Berlin_, _That I had chang’d my Religion_; and ask’d me, -_Whether ’twas really true, that I was turn’d_ Papist. I told him, _That I -was of the Religion of my Ancestors_. Here I will acknowledge to my shame, -that I had not Courage enough to make public Declaration that I was a -Catholic. Besides, I hoped in so pressing a Dilemma to get off by a double -Entendre; which is a Rule adopted by the Doctors themselves. The double -Entendre consisted in that, when I said I was of the Religion of my -Ancestors, I meant that which was formerly profess’d by my Grandfather and -Great-Grandfather; and indeed all my Ancestors were Catholics. My -Grandfather himself was a Catholic once, tho’ he embrac’d the new -Religion, to swim with the Stream. The King, who concluded from what I -said, that I was still a Protestant, did not press me farther upon that -Head;, but the Prince of _Anhalt_ was not so easily satisfy’d; for he gave -the King to understand that he believ’d the Reports of my having chang’d -my Religion, were but too true, and he actually said to his Majesty _That -the only way to be sure of the Truth of what I had affirm’d, would be to -give me the Sacramental Test in the Church of the_ Dome. The King was also -of that Opinion, nevertheless it did not take effect. At our leaving the -King, the Prince of _Anhalt_, who, ’tis like, wanted to get a real -Confession from me, that I had chang’d my Religion, charg’d it home upon -my Conscience, and blam’d me very much for not having own’d that I was a -Catholic. But as I could not be certain what was the Drift of those -Remonstrances, I was so far from declaring my Mind to that Nobleman, that -I still continu’d in the Negative. - -The Audience which I had of the King gain’d me his Good-will; and he one -day spoke so honorably of me in presence of the Courtiers, that my Friends -advis’d me to strike in with this Ray of Favor, and petition him for some -Employment. I followed their Advice, and wrote accordingly to the King, -who was then at _Potzdam_. - -Two Days after I sent my Letter, I receiv’d an Answer, sign’d with his -Majesty’s own Hand, which was drawn up in these Terms; - -_I received your Letter of the 9th of_ January, (1718) _and for Answer I -assure you, that I grant you the first Pension of Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber that shall happen to be vacant_. - - FREDERIC-WILLIAM. - -I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty’s kind Intentions towards me, -that as soon as he was return’d to _Berlin_, I did not fail to go and -thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, _That the Trifle he had now -granted me was not worth Thanks_. I thought, _Madame_, that this was a -very hopeful Beginning for a Man not us’d to see his Undertakings crown’d -with Success. The Courtiers strove who should be most complaisant to me; -and I receiv’d Compliments from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that -I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge me long with this Calm; -and a Storm soon arose, which drove me farther out of Port than I was -before. It was owing to the following Accident. - -In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King recall’d M. _de Kniphausen_ -his Envoy in _France_, with a design to nominate another in his room. -Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I thought my self as well -qualify’d for it as the best; and to pave the way for it, I propos’d to -save the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting myself with an -Abatement of two hundred Crowns _per_ Month less than the usual Salary. -This Proposal was so well relish’d by M. _de Grumkau_ the Minister of -State, that he protected me, and undertook to recommend me to the King. I -also spoke of it my self to M. _d’Ilgen_, the Minister for Foreign -Affairs, whose Daughter was married to the said M. _de Kniphausen_. I gave -this Minister to understand, that I should never have had a Thought of -asking for this Place, if I had not been satisfy’d, that M. _de -Kniphausen_ himself had desired to be recalled. M. _d’Ilgen_ received me -with the utmost Civility, and promis’d with an Oath to serve me upon this -Occasion; adding, that he could not express his Happiness in having such -an Opportunity to discover the Respect and Veneration which he had for my -Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance in a Courtier made me suspect the -Sincerity of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc’d that my Jealousy -was but too well founded. When my Audience was over, this Minister would -needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos’d it as much as I could, but when I -saw it was to no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended me to the -very Door of my Coach. I us’d many words with him upon his own Threshold, -and begg’d him not to go a Step farther, especially as it rain’d very -hard, which you’ll say was Reason enough of it self to have engaged him to -retire: Yet it all signify’d nothing, he would not abate an Ace of his -Complaisance, but stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till it -mov’d off. This, however, was all the Service he did me; for instead of -serving me with the King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted the -Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas’d with me for desiring less -Salary than his Son-in-law had, who, when he was at _Paris_, was -continually writing to _Berlin_, that his Allowance was not sufficient to -maintain him. - -To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv’d an anonymous Letter, assuring -him that I was a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, there was -added to the Letter an authentic Certificate from Father _Denis_, before -whom I had made the Confession of my Faith. The King express’d his -Resentment against me, and complain’d that I had impos’d upon him. Several -People alarm’d me with more Danger than there was in reality; however, I -was not frighten’d at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the -general Talk was to hinder me from going to Court, and did not think that -the King was so angry as they gave out, till at last I was appriz’d that -his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting me under an Arrest. The Person -who came to bring me this Intelligence was _H----_, who was very well with -_M----_ the King’s Favorite; and I gave the more Credit to it, because I -did not think that he could be so dishonorable as to attempt to do me an -ill Office. This _H----_ was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a -handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, which the King gave him, for -having executed a Commission at _Stralsund_ with the King of _Sweden_, -which few but himself would have accepted. As his Pension was too pitiful -to subsist him, several Persons reliev’d him; and I will venture to say, -That tho’ I was not in very easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some -Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with Truth declare it, that he -requited me with Ingratitude. He came to me with an Aggravation of that -piece of Intelligence, which when all was said and done, was not of such a -Nature as to drive me from the Court; but his manner of divulging it, made -me believe I was ruin’d past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at -_Berlin_. He came one day into my Chamber with a most dejected Air, and -told me, _That he had been just inform’d by M._ de M----, _that as soon as -the King was return’d, I should infallibly be arrested_; and at the same -time he put on such an external Appearance of Concern to see me oblig’d to -fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. I resolv’d therefore to be gone; -but the Difficulty was to raise Money, which I had no means of doing but -by making a great many disadvantagious Contracts, whereby I was a very -great Sufferer in the Sequel. - -After I had made Money of every thing I set out in the Night from -_Berlin_, leaving word at home that I was bound to _Hanover_; but as soon -as I was got out of Town I steer’d my Course for _Leipsic_, where I staid -a few days, and then went to MENTZ, where I had a Cousin in the Elector’s -Service, who entertain’d me as a good Kinsman would do, and introduc’d me -to his Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. I have already had -the Honor to tell you of the Prerogatives of the Elector of _Mentz_ at the -Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for me to speak to you of his -Person. He was _Francis-Lotharius_ of _Schonborn_, of the Illustrious -Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_. Besides the Archbishopric of _Mentz_, -he had also the Bishopric of _Bamberg_. He had then two Coadjutors, the -Elector of _Triers_ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_ for _Mentz_; and the -Count _de Schonborn_, Vice-Chancellor of the Empire, for _Bamberg_. He -might then be about seventy Years of Age. He was a Prince of a noble -Aspect, affable, ador’d by both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very -hearty for every thing that might contribute to the Tranquillity and Honor -of the Empire. The City of _Mentz_ is obliged to him for the noble Works -with which he has caus’d it to be fortify’d; for it may be said he has -spar’d no Cost to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing to -fear from Foreigners. - -_Mentz_[65] stands upon a rising Ground along the _Rhine_, in one of the -finest Parts of _Germany_. ’Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric -Suffragan to _Triers_, but Pope _Zachary_, or as some say _Gregory_ III. -erected it into an Archbishopric, and granted him at the same time the -Primacy of the Churches of _Germany_. ’Tis said that the first Bishop of -_Mentz_, who was honor’d with the Dignity of Elector, was nam’d -_Willigise_, and that he was the Son of a _Cartwright_, or, as others say, -a _Carman_ of the Village of _Schoningen_ in the Country of _Brunswic_. He -advanc’d himself purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor to -the Emperors _Otho_ III. and _Henry_ II. and finally to that of Archbishop -of _Mentz_. But in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued in -such an humble Frame of Mind that he caus’d Wheels to be painted every -where about his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the Meanness of -his Extraction always in his Eyes: And we are assur’d this is the Reason -why the Electors of _Mentz_ always bear in their Arms a Wheel Argent in a -Field Gules. - -The Chapter of _Mentz_ consists of forty two Canons, of whom the Dean and -the twenty three first are call’d _Capitulars_, and the other -_Domicellaires_. The former only are those that elect the Archbishop, who -from the Moment that he is chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The -Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the Emperor does the same in -Temporals. The Elector becomes at the same time Great Chancellor of the -Empire of _Germany_, which gives him the Title of perpetual Dean of the -Electors, and an Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial -Chamber of _Wetzlar_. - -_Mentz_ has a very flourishing Trade, especially in Wines. The best -Vineyards for _Rhenish_ Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and -especially in the Neighbourhood of _Mentz_. And that which also -contributes very much to the Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the -Merchandize that passes up and down the _Rhine_, stops in its Harbor, to -be put on board fresh Bottoms. - -I did not stay long at _Mentz_, but set out for STUTGARD[66], the Capital -of the Duchy of _Wirtemberg_. This City stands in a very fine Country, and -is divided into two parts by a small River call’d the _Neckar_. The Houses -at _Stutgard_ are generally ill built, yet as the Streets are broad and -lightsome, the Town is very gay. The Ducal Palace is very old but very -commodious, by reason of the Extent and Number of the Apartments. Here is -a very fine Garden with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel’d. The -Trees are kept in full Mould, secur’d by a Roof and a sliding Partition, -which they take care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves that make it -one continu’d Summer. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ is seldom in this Palace, -except at the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, she is there -almost always, and has a separate House from the Duke’s, where she lives -very retir’d. I wish’d for an Opportunity to pay my Respects to her, but -was deprived of that Honor, because I had not been introduc’d to the Duke. -This Prince’s usual Residence is at _Ludwigsbourg_ a Pleasure-House which -he caus’d to be built some Leagues from _Stutgard_; but while I was at -_Wirtemberg_ he was with the whole Court at _Wildstadt_, whither I went to -have the Honor of paying my Duty to him. _Wildstadt_ is one of the vilest -Places in _Germany_, yet ’tis very much frequented by reason of its Baths -of Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign Remedy for many -Diseases, especially Sciaticas, and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke -commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here with his whole Court, which -being very numerous and splendid, _Wildstadt_ is then a Place agreeable -enough. The Duke had with him the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is -married to _Henrietta_ of _Prussia_, the late Margrave _Philip_’s -Daughter. The Person of this Prince was very amiable, and like the Duke -his Father, his Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially to -Foreigners, to whom they are both very kind. While the Court was at -_Wildstadt_, their Amusement in the Morning was the use of the Baths, -where the Duke and the Prince his Son gave Gentlemen the Liberty of -bathing with them; for it must be observ’d that each Bath will hold -twenty Persons very commodiously. When the Bathing was over, they took -their Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly in the Apartment of the -Duke, who went from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary Princess, -who lodg’d with the Prince her Husband in a House over-against the Duke’s. -There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well serv’d, where the Gentlemen -eat with the Duke and his Children, and none but Pages waited. After -Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus’d others to ride some manag’d Horses, -than which I have no where seen any that were more beautiful or better -train’d than his were. In the Evening there was another Assembly at the -Princess’s, where there was play till Supper-time. I was told that when -the Court was at _Ludwigsbourg_ there was a greater Variety of Diversions, -and that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical Entertainments, of which -the Duke was very fond, and actually kept a Company of _French_ Comedians -in Pay, who perform’d very well. In a word, this Prince may be said to -have neglected nothing that he thought suitable to his Dignity, or that -might render his Court more splendid. And that every thing might look with -a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv’d, like other Sovereigns, to -establish an Order, of which he himself is the Head. They call it the -Order of St. _Hubert_. ’Tis a broad red Ribband, to which hangs a Cross -enamell’d white. None are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish’d -Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also wears those of _Prussia_ and -_Denmark_ alternatively. The Hereditary Prince wears the _Prussian_ Order -at large, and that of the Duke his Father at his Button-Hole, just as they -wear the Cross of St. _Lewis_ in _France_, except nevertheless on the -Festival Days of St. _Hubert_, when he wears the red Ribband at full -length. - -Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied the Duke to _Wildstadt_, -those of most Note were the Count _de Gravenitz_ and _S----_, which two -Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal -of the Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order of _Prussia_, the -King having therewith honor’d him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince -with the Princess of _Prussia_. This Minister, who had the Duke of -_Wirtemberg_’s intire Confidence, had been nominated to accompany the -Hereditary Prince to _Berlin_. He certainly deserv’d the Favor with which -the Duke honor’d him; and I have not known many Noblemen more civil and -obliging. But _S----_ wanted a great deal of being so affable; tho’ his -Origin was very different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who to be -sure thought himself at the height of Felicity when he was Secretary to -the late M. _B----_, Minister of State to the late King at _Berlin_. -Nevertheless, after the Death of his Master his Star guided him to the -Court of _Wirtemberg_, where he has amass’d immense Riches, and is entered -into the greatest Employments. He wears the Order of _Dannebrog_, the King -of _Prussia_ having desir’d it for him of the King of _Denmark_, upon the -Recommendation of the Duke of _Wirtemberg_, who being very willing to give -his Minister some Badge of Honor, and not caring at the same time to -debase his own Order of St. _Hubert_, caus’d the Order of _Dannebrog_ to -be demanded for him, which is given to all Persons indifferently without -regard to Quality. - -The Duke of _Wirtemberg_’s Court is altogether _Lutheran_, as well as the -rest of his Dominions. Mean time he permitted the Princess, who is a -_Calvinist_, to have a particular Chapel for her self and her Domestics. -The Countess _de Gravenitz_, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who is a Catholic, -was also allow’d a Chapel for the Exercise of her Religion. - -I forgot to tell you what Title is assum’d by the Dukes of _Wirtemberg_. -They call themselves _Banner-Bearers of the Empire_, which Title they -distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, which is Azure with -the Banner of the Empire, Or charg’d with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac’d -Bend-wise. The Dukes of _Wirtemberg_ have another Dignity more solid than -the former, _viz._ to be joint Directors of the Circle of _Swabia_, with -the Bishop of _Constance_. - -The Duchy of _Wirtemberg_ was formerly confiscated to the use of -_Ferdinand_ I. Brother to the Emperor _Charles_ V. but ’twas afterwards -restor’d to the Princes of this Name, on condition of their holding it -dependent on the House of _Austria_. This Feudal Subjection was annull’d -in 1631, in the time of _Frederic_ Duke of _Wirtemberg_, on condition that -upon the Failure of Issue Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House of -_Austria_. In pursuance of these Treaties the Princes of that Family bear -the Title and Arms of the Family of _Wirtemberg_. - -While I staid at this Court that Disorder which I had been teaz’d with for -several Years became at last so serious an Affair, that instead of -proceeding to _Vienna_, to which I at first purpos’d to go, I set out for -_Strasbourg_, in hopes of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the -necessary Operation upon me. Several offer’d to take me in hand, but the -King’s Lieutenant assur’d me, that my best way wou’d be to employ the -Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. I did so, but can’t say I -had much reason to like him. He may, for aught I know, be an able Surgeon, -but sure I am that he is a very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to -give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support the Operation) which had -like to have sent me into the other World: But by good Luck I perceiv’d -his Ignorance before he had time to kill me. I took no more of his -Remedies; and when I found my self well enough recover’d to bear the -Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv’d to go to _Paris_, which I take to be the -Nursery of the most experienc’d Surgeons. I stop’d a few days at SAVERNE, -where there was a very great Company at the House of the Cardinal _de -Rohan_, to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; and he receiv’d -me with that Air of Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this Prince -is distinguish’d. - -From _Saverne_ I went to _Luneville_, and in all the Way found no -considerable Place but PHALTZBOURG, which was formerly a Part of -_Lorrain_, and had the Title of a Principality. ’Tis now a Place very -regularly fortify’d, and serves to guard the Road into _Lorrain_, which -_France_ secur’d to her self by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The Court of _Lorrain_ commonly resides at LUNEVILLE, since the Beginning -of the late War, when the _French_ put a Garison into _Nancy_, of which -they continu’d Masters till the Treaty of _Baden_. This City, which -heretofore was inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke of _Lorrain_ -has added a great many Buildings to it, which are a great Ornament to it; -and therefore the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, preferably to -any other Place. As to the Duchess, she has a particular Reason for being -so fond of _Luneville_, it being the City assign’d her for her Jointure. - -The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing noble without, but the Inside -is most magnificent. The Entrance and Front very much resemble those of -_Versailles_ towards _Paris_. As to the Front towards the Garden I can say -nothing of it, because that side of the Palace was not finish’d when I -went thither. The Apartments of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, and -richly furnish’d. The first Anti-chamber is a very large Saloon of curious -Structure. ’Tis wainscotted and adorn’d with the Pictures of the _Lorrain_ -Family. In one, the Duke’s Father is represented making a triumphant Entry -in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame flying before it, Peace -and Victory offering him Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of -_Turks_ in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. The Whole together forms -a magnificent Painting; and I was told there are Tapestries in the Duke’s -Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but I did not see them. - -This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses Apartments from the Chapel, -which for the Contrivance of it very much resembles that of _Versailles_. -It stands on the Right of the Entry into the Saloon, and the Apartments -are on the Left. The Prince’s Apartment looks over _Luneville_, and over -the Courts belonging to the Kitchen, and the Princess’s is situate on the -Garden-side. The Princess’s is much larger than the Duke’s; and when I saw -it, ’twas richly furnish’d, adorn’d with noble Gilding, Glasses and -Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part of the Palace has since been -intirely consum’d by Fire, tho’ I am assur’d the Whole is re-built as well -as before, and that the Apartments are every whit as well furnish’d. So -much for the Palace: I will now give you a short Account of their Royal -Highnesses, and their August Family, as it stood in 1718, when I had the -Honor to see it. - -_Leopold_ Duke of _Lorrain_ and _Bar_ was the Head of the Family, and the -Sovereign of the Country. He married Mademoiselle of _France_, -_Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Orleans_, Daughter of _Philip_ of _France_, Duke -of _Orleans_, Brother of _Lewis_ XIV. By which Marriage they had three -Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, who was stil’d Duke of -_Bar_, died in 1723, at a Time when he was in Expectation of great -Fortune. His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, is actually bred up -at _Vienna_, where the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education. - -The Duke of _Lorrain_’s Houshold is considerable, and every thing is -establish’d there on a good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are -magnificent, and so well furnish’d, that Foreigners who accompany the -Prince into the Field, are equipp’d with Horses out of his Stables. The -Prince’s Attendance is almost the same as that of the Princes of _France_, -and all his Houshold on the same Footing. The Marquis _de Craon_ was then -the Great Chamberlain and Prime Minister. He was a very courteous -Nobleman, and treated all that had Business with him with extraordinary -Civility. He had great Credit at Court, and the Prince was mighty -bountiful to him; insomuch that after having heap’d Wealth upon this -Favorite, he had a mind to see him promoted to the eminent Dignity of -Prince, which upon the Duke’s Desire the Emperor conferr’d upon him -accordingly. Not long after, one of the Prince of _Craon_’s Daughters was -married to a Prince of the _Lorrain_ Family, _viz._ the Prince _de Lixin_, -formerly known by the Name of the Chevalier _de Lorrain_, who is now the -Duke of _Lorrain_’s Steward of the Houshold. His Father-in-law has given -him his fine House at _Craon_, not far from _Luneville_. Madame _de -Craon_, who is a Partner in her Husband’s Fortune and Credit, is Lady of -Honor to the Duchess, and very much esteem’d by the Duke. I had the Honor -to see this Prince spend the Afternoons at her House, and the Courtiers, -after the Example of their Master, did justice to the Lady’s Merit. - -From _Luneville_ I went to NANCY, which is the Capital City of _Lorrain_, -and was formerly the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. It stands -but a little distance from the River _Meurte_, in the midst of a beautiful -Plain; and is divided into two Parts, _viz._ the Old and New Towns. I had -the Honor to tell you, that the _French_ made a Conquest of it in 1631. It -had good Reason to remember, that it was once under a Foreign Dominion; -for its Fortifications were so demolish’d in 1668, that there was but one -Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and in this Condition it was restor’d -to its Sovereign at the Peace of _Ryswic_. Not many years after, when -_Lewis_ XIV. enter’d into the War for maintaining his Grandson upon the -_Spanish_ Throne, he oblig’d the Duke of _Lorrain_ to receive a Garison at -_Nancy_. The Duke was so disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho’ the King -had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his Royal Highness all the due -Honors and Respect, he would not stay in a Town, of which he might be said -to be Sovereign, but not the Master; and retir’d to _Luneville_, where he -continu’d ever after, tho’ _Nancy_ was evacuated at the Treaty of _Baden_. - -A little way from _Nancy_, in the Road to _Paris_, there’s a Chapel and a -Cross, said to have been erected upon the very Spot where _Charles_ the -last Duke of _Burgundy_ was kill’d in 1476, when he was besieging the -Town, then in possession of _René_ Duke of _Lorrain_. There’s a -Copper-plate affix’d to the Cross upon the High-way, on which may be read -the Particulars. - -Between _Nancy_ and _Toul_, which is in the _Paris_ Road, one passes thro’ -the forest of _Haye_, wherein _Lewis_ XIV. caus’d a Way to be cut, which -will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Magnificence of that Great -Prince. Those who are bound to _Toul_ cross the _Moselle_ in a Ferry-boat -about a League on this side that Town, to which they arrive over a pretty -large Plain. The Learned give a very ancient Original to the City of TOUL; -for they pretend it was first founded by _Tullus Hostilius_ King of the -_Romans_: But you may believe as much of this as you please. All that I -can say of the Town, after having view’d it well, is, that ’tis very ill -built, and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. ’Tis a Bishopric -Suffragan of _Triers_, and one of the three Bishoprics of _Lorrain_ that -were yielded to _France_. - -From _Toul_ I traveled to BAR-LE-DUC, the Capital of the Duchy of _Bar_. -This Duchy is dependant on the Crown of _France_, tho’ ’tis part of the -Dominions of _Lorrain_, and is under the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The -Dukes of _Lorrain_ were formerly oblig’d, either in their own Person, or -by an Envoy, to perform Homage to the King of _France_, upon the Death -either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation was chang’d, or rather -limited, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, in a Journey which -the Duke and Duchess of _Lorrain_ made to _Paris_ in 1718, when it was -regulated, _That a Duke of +Bar+ should be oblig’d to pay Homage but once -in his Life to a King of +France+; but that he should pay it in Person_. -This Convention was register’d in the Parliament of _Paris_. But this was -not the only Advantage which the Duke reap’d from his Journey; for the -Regent, at the Request of his Sister, restor’d a great number of Villages -to him that ought to have been restor’d to the Duke of _Lorrain_ at the -Peace of _Ryswic_, and which the Ministry of _France_ had thought fit to -keep. - -From _Bar-le-Duc_ to CHALONS, ’tis a wild desert Country, yet very -fruitful in Corn. The Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little; -which added to the length of the Post-Stages, renders it a very -disagreeable Journey. They say ’twas in these Fields that the King -_Meroveus, Aëtius_ General of the _Romans_, and _Theodoric_ King of the -_Visigoths_, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, with _Attila_ King of the -_Huns_, that they kill’d two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is a -Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation of _Chalons_ is very -advantageous. The River _Marne_ which runs into the _Seine_ almost at the -Entrance of _Paris_, is a great Convenience for the Merchants of that -City. This City is in _Champaigne_, and its Bishop has the Title of -_Count and Peer of_ France. The ancient Counts of _Champaigne_ resided -here, and the Palace they liv’d in is still to be seen. The Parliament of -_Paris_ was transferr’d hither in 1592; and there that illustrious -Assembly pass’d that famous Arrêt against the Pope’s Legate, and the -League, which under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive _Henry_ -III’s lawful Successor, _Henry_ IV. of the Crown of _France_. - -Several most illustrious Marriages have been celebrated in the City of -_Chalons_. 1. That of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. 2. -That of _Lewis_ Dauphin of _France_ Son of _Lewis_ XIV. with -_Anne-Christina-Victoria_ of _Bavaria_, on the 7th of _March_ 1680: And -finally, the Marriage of _Lewis_ Duke of _Orleans_, Son of the Duke -Regent, to _Augusta-Maria-Johanna_ of _Baden_, on the 13th of _July_ 1724. - -There’s not one considerable Place all the way from _Chalons_ to _Paris_. -I pass’d thro’ CHATEAU-THIERRY, which is a Duchy that was given to M. _de -Bouillon_ in Exchange for the Principality of _Sedan_; with this Clause -nevertheless, that the King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The _Marne_ -runs at the Foot of this Town. - -Ten Leagues from hence there’s the City of MEAUX, which is the Capital of -_Brie_, with the Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church nor Town -did I see any thing remarkable. The Suburbs are very fruitful, and the -Neighbourhood of _Paris_ gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity of putting -off their Commodities to Advantage. - -’Tis but a few Hours Journey from _Meaux_ to PARIS in the direct Road. But -I went some Leagues out of the way to see M. _de N----_, at his Seat at -_C----_, near _Fontainbleau_, and after having spent some days there very -pleasantly, we travell’d together to _Paris_. When we had pass’d the Time -that was necessary to discharge the Obligations of Friendship and Decency, -I reflected on what was the real Motive of my Journey; which, as I have -had the Honor to tell you, was to put my self into the Hands of some able -Surgeon. The Man to whose Care I committed my self was the famous _La -Peronie_, who perform’d the Operation upon me with the utmost Skill, yet I -suffer’d extreme Pain. During my Illness, which was of some Continuance, -my Friends, who were my faithful Companions, were so good as to inform me -of every thing that pass’d; and if it had been lawful to have betray’d -them, or if I had been in any Post under the Government, I might perhaps -have made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, which would have been to -his advantage, and enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first breaking -out, which indeed he extinguish’d afterwards, tho’ it was perhaps owing as -much, if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his Prudence. - -_Paris_ was at that time in a Crisis, when it dreaded a Minority as -troublesome as that of _Lewis_ XIV. Every body was dissatisfy’d. There was -a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And the Government-Bills were a -fresh Subject of Complaint; for tho’ they were establish’d at the -Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to keep up their Credit, yet -there was a very great Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was -overcharg’d with them, and as there is nothing which sits so uneasy on -People as their Loss, every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. At this -same Juncture the Duke Regent was afflicted with sore Eyes, which -indanger’d his Sight. I was assur’d that the Chancellor said to some -People in Confidence, _That ’twas absolutely necessary to think of proper -Measures for transferring the Regency to another Person, in case that -Prince should happen to be blind_: And they say that ’twas for this -Expression that he lost the Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of -_January_ 1718. When M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State went to him -to demand them, the Chancellor resign’d them immediately, saying, _That he -restor’d them to his Royal Highness with more Pleasure than he took them_. -At the time that they were brought to the Regent the Duke _de Noailles_ -was with him, who being more than ordinary surpriz’d to see the Seals, -because he knew nothing of the Chancellor’s Disgrace, could not help -asking the Regent, _What he was going to do with the Seals?_ To which that -Prince made Answer, _That he design’d them for M. +d’Argenson+ Lieutenant -of the Police_. The Duke being dissatisfy’d with this Change, desir’d the -Regent’s Leave to retire, which was granted him with more Readiness than -he desir’d. - -The Seals were given upon the same day to M. _d’Argenson_. The Regent -himself sign’d the Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little -Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister took the usual Oath to -the King; and at the same time the Duke Regent declar’d him Chief of the -Council of the Finances. The Disgrace of the Chancellor made the -Parliament uneasy, and occasion’d fresh Murmuring among the People; the -rather because ’twas reported, that his Royal Highness ow’d him a Grudge -for his Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not lik’d by the -Parliament. - -While _Paris_ was in such a Ferment, there was some Commotion in -_Bretagne_. The Payment of the Free Gift being demanded of the States then -assembled, they made answer, _That they could not grant it till they had -first examin’d their Funds. They intended_, they said, _to regulate their -Finances, which were very much disorder’d_. This Delay was look’d upon as -an open Rebellion, and at the fourth Assembly they receiv’d Orders to -separate. This put them quite out of Temper, and the Nobility deputed four -of their Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a long Memorial, in -which they demonstrated how impossible it was for their Province to pay -the Free Gift at that instant. They complain’d of the Invasion of the -Privileges of a Province which had only submitted to _France_ upon -condition that they should be sacredly preserv’d. They concluded with -praying his Royal Highness to grant them, at least, some time longer. _We -flatter our selves, Sir_, said they, in the close of their Memorial, _that -a Delay of a few days, contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to -ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness the worse Opinion of -a Nobility which is so much devoted to you, and to which you have declar’d -your Good-will_. - -The Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That they must obey and pay, and -that then they would see what could be done_. This Answer did not satisfy -the uneasy _Bretons_, and the Parliament of the Province sent their -Deputies to _Paris_. When they were admitted to the King’s Audience, M. -_de Blossac_, who was their Spokesman, made much the same Representation -as the Deputies of the Nobility had done before. All the Answer they had -was a Declaration from the King, by the Keeper of the Seals, who was -present, _That the Privileges of their Province should not be infring’d_. -The same Deputies presented a long Petition to his Majesty, wherein they -discover’d not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal for their -Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility of paying the Free -Gift so soon. These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual as those -of the States; and the Regent, who was resolv’d to be obey’d, made use of -his Authority, by banishing the most mutinous of the Gentry from the -Province, and others of ’em he caus’d to be summon’d to _Paris_, as well -as several of their Members of Parliament, in order to give an Account of -their Conduct. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of Affairs when I arriv’d at _Paris_. There -was no Talk of any thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem’d to tend -to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order to obviate any Enterprize of that -sort, thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; and for this end -he caus’d them to be paid punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and -to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous Promotion of the Knights -of St. _Lewis_. There was a Creation of about four hundred in a few days, -so that go where one would, there was nothing to be seen but the Crosses -of St. _Lewis_. It were to be wish’d that the Species had been as common, -but of this there was less Probability than ever. The Regent had just -undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, which seem’d to be a Thing of -great Consequence to private People. His Royal Highness caus’d the Edict -for this purpose to be register’d, and foreseeing that the Parliament -would not come into his Measures, he caus’d the same to be publish’d by -the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament was stung to the quick by the -Publication of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its being -register’d, it ought to have been first communicated to them. The Chambers -met upon this Occasion, and ’twas agreed that all the Sovereign Courts -mould be invited to join with the Parliament in an Affair of such -Importance. - -_M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A._ when the Invitation was sent to his -Company, took the advantage of it to make his court to the Regent, and -went and inquir’d at the Royal Palace how he had best act. The Regent took -this well at his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate -Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the Chamber of Accounts, and the -Officers of the Mint to take any notice of the Parliament’s Invitation. - -Nevertheless the Parliament still continu’d its Assemblies, and sent a -Deputation to the Royal Palace, confiding of the First President, the -President _d’Aligre_, and several Counsellors, to engage the Regent to -revoke the aforesaid Edict; and they represented in a very long Discourse, -_That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial to the_ French -_and profitable to Foreigners, who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of -Silver, which intrinsically would not be worth twenty five Livres; and -that this would circulate an infinite number of counterfeit Species in the -Kingdom, considering the immense Profit that Foreigners would make by it_. -They then complain’d of the Edict’s being register’d at the Court of the -Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it ought, at least, to have been -communicated. The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That he did -not think he ought to send the last Edict to the Parliament, because the -Court of the Mint was establish’d a superior and competent Court in -Matters of that kind; that there had been no Edict sent to Parliament -concerning the Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was sent -thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that Company; that as to the -Inconveniencies, he had maturely weighed them, but that he could not -excuse himself from issuing the Edict, and that as to the Suspension of -the Edict, ’twas not to be thought of, the Work being so far advanc’d, and -a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides Debts that must -necessarily be paid off._ - -The Parliament not being satisfy’d with this Answer, there was another -Assembly, to the Number of 165 Members, next day, _viz._ the 20th of -_June_, from 8 o’clock in the Morning till 2 in the Afternoon, when they -pass’d an Arrêt, by which it was agreed to make most humble Remonstrances -to the King to obtain Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of the -Mint, not register’d in Parliament, as prejudicial to the King, to Trade, -to the Government, and to the Fortunes of private People; that in -consequence thereof all Persons should be prohibited to receive the -new-coin’d Species, and to make Payments in any other Species than those -which had their Currency, by virtue of the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys -should likewise be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments or -Reimbursements made with the new Species. This Arrêt was set up in Writing -within the Palais or Parliament-House, and the Parliament took care to -have several written Copies of it dispers’d, because of the Prohibition -which their own Printer was laid under, not to commit it to the Press. - -The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial this Arrêt was to his -Authority, assembled the Council, when they pass’d an Arrêt declaring that -of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon the Regal Authority, and that -his Majesty revok’d and annull’d it, as well as all the Resolutions taken -in that Body. All Mankind was alarm’d, and they fear’d, not without -Reason, what would be the Consequences of so violent a Proceeding. The -Parliament on their part did not abate one jot of their State; and when -the King’s Council laid upon the Table a Letter de Cachet, with the Arrêt -of the Council of State, they agreed to send the Whole back again without -reading one Word of it; and that the Arrêt pass’d the day before should be -put in execution according to its Form and Tenor. Hereupon the Council of -State pass’d another Arrêt, by which the King claim’d to himself and his -Council the Cognizance of all the Differences which might arise with -regard to the Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies of _French_ -Guards to the Mint, and another Detachment to the Bank: And after having, -by this means, made every thing secure, he gave the Parliament leave to -come and make their Remonstrances to the King. The Person who spoke in the -Name of the rest was M. _de Mesmes_ the First President, at the Head of -seven Presidents _a Mortier_, thirty-two Counsellors, and the King’s -Council. His Speech was long and well study’d. He began with extolling the -Qualities observable in the young King. Then he said, _That tho’ the -Parliament only wish’d for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence_ -_to admire them, they were under a Necessity of acquainting him with the -just Alarms of all the Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict for -a general Recoinage of the Species, which impoverish’d those that had any -Fortunes left in_ France, _without being any Relief to the numerous Poor_. -This Speech was divided into two Parts. The first related to the manner in -which the said Edict had been publish’d. The second enter’d into the -particular Inconveniencies with which the various Clauses of the Edict -would be attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov’d by those Reasons, -as to order its Repeal. M. _de Mesmes_ supported those two Articles by a -Speech as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close he said, that in -the Arrêts which had been pass’d by his Company, they had only followed -the Precedents that had been found in the Registers. - -The First President left his Speech in Writing, that the King might be -able to answer it; and it was not long before the said Answer was -return’d. The Deputies of the Parliament being sent for to the -_Tuilleries_, on the 2d of _July_ 1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to -them in his Majesty’s Presence, _The King has caus’d the Remonstrances of -his Parliament to be examin’d in Council, and his Majesty will always be -dispos’d to give them a favorable Hearing, when they have not a Tendency -to the splitting or the cramping of his Authority._ He added, _That the -Edict in question had been maturely examin’d; and that ’twas the best -Remedy for paying off the Debts of the State; that the said Edict was not -such a Burden upon the Public; and that it was only so to those who should -make advantageous Contracts by obligatory Deeds._ He concluded with -saying, _That the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the neglect -of Submission_; and that he had given Orders for registring the Letters -Patent in pursuance of the Arrêt of Council whereby his Majesty claims the -Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or that may arise relating to the -Edict. This Answer being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners were -appointed to examine it; and at the same time to search the Registers if -there was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that sort, in order to -conform to it. The Commissioners having made their Report, the Company -came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke Regent, _That nothing had -been determin’d on that Subject, because the Company desired that they -might first of all make new Remonstrances to the King; and that they -intreated his Royal Highness to procure them an Audience_. The Regent was -nettled at the Parliament’s Importunity, and he made answer to the King’s -Council, who were sent to him with the Message, _That he should have -thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy’d with the Answer -which the King had before given; but that since he saw they were not, he -would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that his Majesty expressed to -Remonstrances, to give them the Liberty of presenting them, but no -otherwise than in Writing_. - -The Parliament was not discouraged, but still continu’d to demand an -Audience, which was at length granted for the 26th of _July_; when all the -People of Distinction in _Paris_ flock’d to Court to hear the -Remonstrances. The first President spoke for nearly three quarters of an -Hour, tho’ his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation of what he -had said before. His Majesty made answer, _My Keeper of the Seals will -explain my Intentions to you_. But the Keeper of the Seals said no more -than this, _The King has already explained his Intentions to you, and he -will explain them to you farther hereafter_. - -The Parliament dissatisfy’d with this Answer, which they thought too -Laconic, as Affairs then stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they had -good reason to look upon as the _Primum Mobile_ of the Confusion of -Affairs; I mean _John Law_, whose rapid Fortune furnish’d a large Field of -Discourse. They were very sensible that a Director of the Bank could not -easily acquire so much Wealth, but a great many People must be -considerable Losers. The Parliament therefore cited this Financier to -appear before them in Person, but he never went near them; and when, in a -few days after, they chang’d the Summons to a Warrant for arresting him, -the Duke Regent protected him by an Arrêt of Council. This Prince wisely -judging of what Importance it was to him to make the Parliament easy, and -to secure Respect to the Regal Authority of which he was the Depositary, -appointed a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ -for the 26th of _August_. He order’d the King’s Houshold Troops to keep to -their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The same day he sent circular -Letters of Invitation to all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of -_France_, to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors and -Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to the Secretaries, and to some of -the Counsellors of State who were nominated by the Keeper of the Seals. -The Princes were also invited to this Tribunal. The Parliament walk’d -thither on foot, about 11 o’clock in their red Robes. The President _de -Novion_ was at the Head of their Body, because the first President was at -that time very much afflicted with the Gout; however, he went to the -_Thuilleries_ in a Coach. - -After the Council of the Regency broke up, the King went from his little -Apartment upon the Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied by -the Duke Regent and the Princes of the Blood. Four Presidents _au Mortier_ -and six Counsellors came thither to receive him, and conducted him to his -Bed of Justice. The King being seated on his Throne, and all the Company -having taken their Places, they began with reading the Letters Patent -establishing M. _d’Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals, which were order’d to be -register’d. After this an Arrêt of Council was read, forbidding the -Parliament to take Cognizance of the Affairs of State. Upon the reading of -this Arrêt, the first President broke Silence and said, _The Subject -seem’d to him of so great Importance, that with the due Respect and -Submission which the Company had for his Majesty’s Orders, he desired his -Majesty’s Permission to withdraw, to take it into Consideration_. As -little Attention was paid to this Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones. -The Regent drew near to the King and whisper’d him; and the Keeper of the -Seals, after approaching his Majesty for a Minute, made answer to the -Company, _The King will be obey’d, and obey’d too upon the Spot_. - -Then a Declaration was read, importing, that the Dukes and Peers should -have Seats in Parliament immediately after the Princes of the Blood. A -second, which derogated from the Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of -_May_ 1694, and restrain’d the Legitimated Princes to the meer Honors and -Prerogatives of their Peerages: And a third, which re-established the -Count _de Tholouse_ in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives for his own -Person only. - -After the reading of these Declarations the Duke spoke and represented to -his Majesty, _That the late King having seem’d desirous that the Duke of_ -Maine _should have the Care of his Majesty’s Education, tho’ the Place -belong’d to him by Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he was -at that time a Minor; but as this was not the Case now, he desir’d that -the Honor might be conferr’d upon him_: which Demand was granted to him, -as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, who demanded to have Precedence of -the Presidents _au Mortier_ in Parliament. - -Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no doubt be famous to the latest -Posterity. The Parliament was very much mortify’d at the Conduct observ’d -to them, and declared next day in their Assembly, by an Arrêt which was -register’d, _That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to have any -Share in what pass’d the Day preceding in the Bed of Justice; and that -Posterity might be inform’d of it, Commissioners were nominated, to draw -up a verbal Account of all the Proceedings_. The Regent being inform’d of -what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments of the Gray and Black -Musketeers, commanded by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at Night, took up -those that had been the most zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs -_de Blamont_, President of the 4th of the Inquests, _Feydeau_ Counsellor -of the same Court, and _St. Martin_ a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber. -They were clapp’d into three Coaches, each guarded by eight Musketeers and -an Officer, and carried to Places which the Court had appointed; and at -the same time the Papers of the two former were seiz’d. - -As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of this Arrest, they met and made -a Deputation to the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy the -Privilege they always had of trying those of their own Body for any Crimes -they may be accus’d of. The Keeper of the Seals made them answer, _The -Affairs which bring this Deputation to the King are Affairs of State, -which demand Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig’d to see due Respect -paid to his Authority. The future Behavior of his Parliament will -determine his Majesty’s Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them._ The -Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace to make fresh Intercession with -the Regent for the Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness -returned much the same Answer to them as they had the day before, -whereupon the Parliament shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing -Justice. Mean time the King’s Council were always in Motion at the -_Louvre_, and at the Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory -Answer; and on the 5th of _September_ the Marquis _d’Essiat_, Master of -the Horse to the Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the part of his -Royal Highness, to open the Courts again, and to continue the Sessions, -assuring them, that an Answer should shortly be returned to their late -Instances. - -Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us’d to the President and the -Counsellors that had been apprehended, put a great many People out of -Temper: These Exiles were consider’d as Martyrs to the public Liberty, and -every Man made their Case his own. Several Parliaments seem’d inclinable -to support that of _Paris_. The Parliament of _Bretagne_ discover’d more -Zeal than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the Parliament of _Paris_, -offering to join with them in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also -wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, which they addressed to -M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State. - -At the same time a very important Event happened, which took off the -Attention of the _French_, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, and -rais’d the Speculation of all _Europe_. This was the _Spanish_ Expedition -to _Sicily_. To let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I must go -farther back, and give you a general Account of the State of Affairs of -_Europe_ in the preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance of his Alliances -with the Republic of _Venice_, from whom the _Turks_ had taken a Part of -the _Morea_, was sollicited to declare War against those Infidels. The -Pope, on his part, dreading that the _Turks_ should land in _Italy_, -caus’d Instances to be made to his Imperial Majesty to persuade him to the -War. The Emperor could not determine with himself for a good while to -break with the _Turks_, for fear lest _Spain_ should take an Advantage of -such Rupture, and fall upon his Provinces in _Italy_. The Pope encourag’d -the Emperor, by acquainting him, _That the King of +Spain+ had given him -his solemn Promise that he would undertake nothing in +Italy+._ He also -gave him to understand, _That instead of having any reason to be afraid of -+Spain+, he might expect all manner of Assistance from that Crown in the -present War; since it had engag’d to send him a powerful Squadron; and -that the better to enable him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him -leave to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of +Spain+._ These -Representations made an Impression upon the Emperor; but the Thing which -absolutely determin’d him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, that he had -concluded with _England_, by which that Crown engaged to assist him with -its Navy, in case that his Dominions were invaded. He therefore declared -War against the _Turks_, and sent a numerous Army against them, under -Command of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. The Campaign prov’d very glorious -for this Prince. He began it with a Victory near _Temeswaer_, after which -he laid Siege to that Place, and in a very little time reduc’d it. Mean -while _Spain_ prepar’d a Naval Armament, under Pretence of sending -Succours to the _Venetians_. But how was all _Europe_ surpriz’d, when it -was known that the Prime Minister of _Spain_, the Cardinal _Alberoni_, -heretofore Chaplain to the Duke _de Vendôme_, afterwards Agent of _Parma_ -at the Court of _Madrid_, and finally, by the Queen’s Favour, promoted to -the Summit of Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail’d on the King of -_Spain_ to employ the Sums that were levied upon the Estates of the -Clergy, and appropriated for the Support of the Honor of the Christian -Name, in the Conquest of _Sardinia_! The Reduction of it was attended with -no great Difficulty, because the Island, in reliance upon the Faith of -Treaties, was at that time but indifferently furnish’d with Troops. The -Emperor made his Complaints to the Pope, and to _France_ and _England_ as -Guaranties of the Neutrality of _Italy_. These Powers did their utmost to -engage the King of _Spain_ to desist from his Pretensions. The Duke Regent -order’d the Duke of _St. Aignan_, Ambassador of _France_ at the _Spanish_ -Court, to represent to the King all the Inconveniencies into which this -War might plunge him; but the _Spanish_ Minister, who rely’d upon the -secret Correspondence he had in _France_, refused all Proposals of an -Accommodation, tho’ they were so very advantageous to the King of _Spain_: -For it was propos’d to him, that the Emperor should recognize him the -lawful Possessor of _Spain_ and the _Indies_; and moreover, that he should -consent to the securing of the Successions of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ to -the Queen of _Spain_’s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious than -those that had been granted to him by the Peace of _Utrecht_, and of which -the King, of _Spain_ so earnestly desir’d to see the Confirmation the Year -that _Lewis_ XIV. died. - - The End of the Third Volume. - - - - - An Alphabetical INDEX - - TO THE - - THIRD VOLUME. - - - A. - - _Adrian_ VI. (Pope) his Birth and Parentage 220, 221. - - _St. Aignan_ (Duke de) 359. - - _Aix-la-Chapelle_, Relics and Town, 233, _&c._ - - _Alberoni_ Cardinal, 359. - - _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ Count of _Holland_, 130, 131. - - _Albert_ (Margrave) of _Brandenbourg_, his Marriage to the Princess of - _Courland_, 54. - - _Albert_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, Grand Master of the _Teutonic_ - Order, his Marriage, and War with _Poland_, 13. - - _Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who so call’d, 146. - - ALTENA, _t._ 231. - - _Alva_, Duke of, his Cruelty and Statue, 168. his Son, 138. - - AMSTERDAM, _t._ its Foundation and Increase, 130, 131. - Its Description, 132, _&c._ - Remarks on its Inhabitants, 133, 137. - - _Anabaptists_, their Head, 161. - - _Anhalt-Dessau_ (_Leopold_ Prince of) his Valor, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Arnheim_, (M. de) 88. - - ANTWERP, _t._ 166, _&c._ - - _Appel_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Argenson_, M. de, 86, 346. - - _Arm-Chair_, consequence of its Refusal, 12, 25. - - _Asbach_, Barons de, 11. - - _Asfeldt_ (Abbot of) 306. - - _Attila_, King of the _Huns_, his Defeat, 343. - - _Audenard_ (Battle of) 76, 77. - - _Augsbourg_ Confession, 146. - - _Aumont_ (Duke of) his different Reception at _London_ by the several - Parties, and the burning of his House, 206. - - _Auverquerque_ (Veldt-Marshal de) 255. - - - B. - - _Baden_ (_Lewis_ Margrave of) 15, 16, 17. - - _Balderic_ of _Cleves_, Bishop of _Utrecht_, 221. - - _Ball_, extraordinary given by the Author, 209. - - _Barcelona_ Siege rais’d 69. - - _Barfous_ (Count de) 8. His Banishment from the _Prussian_ Court, 52. - - _Bargeman_’s Daughter, her notable Rise, 9 to 12. - - BAR-LE-DUC, _t._ 342. - - _Bartholdi, Prussian_ Minister, 20, 21, 22. - - _Bassompierre_ (Brothers) their History, 85. - - BENDER, _t._ 67. - - BENSBERG, _t._ 142. - - _Bergerie_, (M. de la) 57. - - BERLIN, 93, _&c_. 229. Distance from _Koningsberg_, 28. - - _Berry_ (Duke of) his Character, 185. - Duchess, 186. - Her Character and Favour with the Regent, 287, 288. - Her Kindness for the Count de _R_----, 301. - Her Death, 302. - - _Biberstein_, (Marshal de) 223. - - BILEFELD, _t._ 161. - - _Bilinsky_, Count de, 17. - - _Bills, French_, 291, 345. - - _Blamont_, M. de, President, 356. - - _Blankenbourg_, Duke of, 114, 116. - - _Blaspiel_, M. Minister, 20. - - _Bolingbroke_ (_Henry St. John_, Lord) his Reception in _France_, 198, - 205, 206. - - _Borst_, the Queen of _Prussia_’s Confessor, 91, 92. - - _Bose_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Bot_, the Architect, 124. - - _Boufflers_, Marshal, 259. - - _Bourbon_, Duke of, 185, 186, 236. - - _Bourg_, Marshal de, 318. - - _Bouvines_ Battle, 176. - - _Brandenburg_, Princes of, Apparition presaging their Death, 211. - - _Brandenbourg Bareith_, Margrave of, 54, 103. - - BRANDENBURG, _t._ 228. - - _Brantz_, General, our Author’s Uncle, 18. - - BREDA, _t._ 218. - - BRESLAU, _t._ 243. - - _Breteuil_, Baron de, 266. - - _Britany_ (Duke of) his Death, 184. - Discontent of that Province, 347. - - BRUGES, _t._ 276. - - _Brunswic_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - The City, 118. - - BRUSSELLS, _t._ 170. - - _Bulau_ Countess, 32. - M. de, Steward, 58. - - _Burgundy_ (_Charles_ Duke of) kill’d, 343. - - _Burgundy_ (Duke of, afterwards Dauphin) his Character and his Death, - 182, 183. - Death and Character of the Dauphiness, 182, 183. - - _Bydgost_ Treaty, 14. - - - C. - - CAMBRAY, _t._ 172. - Its Archbishop, 173. - League, 174. - - CASSEL, _t._ 155. - Landgrave’s Family, 155. - - _Chair_ of State refus’d by the Prince of _Orange_ to the Elector of - _Brandenbourg_, and its Consequence, 12, _&c._ - - _Chalons_ Family, 74. - - CHALONS-SUR-MARNE, _t._ 343. - - _Chamber_ of Justice, 289. - - _Chamillard_, M. de, 80. - - _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, his Death, 21, 26. - - _Charles_ V. (Emperor) 13, 257. - - _Charles_ VI. (Emperor) - See _Election_ and _Coronation_. - - _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_, Origin and Progress of his War with - _Poland_, 61, to 67. - How he was betray’d by one of his Ministers, 61, 66. - - _Charolois_, (Count de) 186. - - _Chartres_, (Duke de) 185. - - CHATEAU-THIERRY, _t._ 344. - - ----_Cambresis_ Treaty, 175. - - _Clarendon_, Lord, 252. - - _Clermont_, (Count de) 186. - - _Colbe_ (see _Wartemberg_.) - - _Coligny_, Admiral, 174. - - _Cologne_, (_Joseph-Clement_ Elector of) 164. _t._ 163, _&c._ - Archbishops of, 164, _&c._ - - COMPIEGNE, _t._ 175. - - _Condé_ (Princess of) 190. - - _Conty_ (Princess of) 191. - (Second Dowager) 191. - (Prince of) 17, 53, 72, 186, 236. - - _Coronation_ of the Emperors, 157, _&c._ - - _Cough_, so dreaded by a Soldier, that he chose rather to be kill’d, - 219. - - _Courland_ (Duke of) 41. - Dispute about his Guardianship, 102. - His Marriage with the Czar’s Niece, and his Death, 103, 104. - - ----Duchess of, 36, 54. - - _Court_ what most contributes to its Lustre, 3. - - _Craon_, Marquiss de, 340. - - _Culmbach_, Princess of, 83. - - CUSTRIN, _t._ 44, 45. - - _Czar_ of _Muscovy_ in _France_, 310, to 315. - - - D. - - _Danckleman_ (Baron de) Prime Minister of _Frederic_ I. King of - _Prussia_, 4. - The Rise of his great Favor, 5. - His Disgrace, 6, 7, 8. - Facts relating to it, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16. - - _Dankelman_ M. our Author’s Tutor, 81. - - _Dannebrog_ Order, 336. - - _Dauphin_ of _France_, his Death and Character, 182. - - DELFT, _t._ 128. - - _Denis_ (Father) 306. - - _Denmark_, King, his Dispute with the Duke of _Holstein_, 61, 63, _&c._ - - _Desalleurs_ M. Envoy of _France_, 26. - - _Devos_, Manufacture for Tapistry, 170. - - _Dohna_, Count de, 33, 111, 148, 159. - - Don _John_ of _Austria_, 172. - - _Dorerbeck_ M. Cup-bearer of _Prussia_, 17. - - DORT, _t._ 129. - - DRESDEN, _t._ 244. - - _Dress_, a remarkable Conversation about it, between two great - Duchesses in _France_, 186, to 189. - - _Duliz_, a wealthy and generous _Jew_, 127. - - _Duplanti_, his Adventure after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76, 77. - - DUSSELDORFF, _t._ 141. - - - E. - - _Eagle-Black_ (Order of) in _Prussia_, its Institution, 29, 30. - - _Eckeren_ Battle, 170. - - _Effiat_, Marquis de, 357. - - EISENACH, _t._ 321. - - _Elbing_ mortgaged and taken, 18, 19. - - _Election_ of the Emperors, 147 to 154. - - _Eltz_, see _Mentz_. - - EMMERIC, _t._ 124. - - _England_ (_George_ I. King of) his Behaviour at the News of his - Proclamation, 251, 252. - His Departure for _England_, 253. - A singular Circumstance of his Coronation, 254. - - _Erasmus_, his Statue, 129. - - ERFURT, _t._ 322. - - _Erlach_, M. de, 86. - - _Ernest, Augustus_, Duke of _Hanover_, 57, 58. - - _Eugene_ (Prince of) a Plot to poison him, 81. - His Character of the Prince of _Anhalt_, 55, 56. - His glorious Campaign in _Hungary_, 359. - - - F. - - _Feldtbruck_ (Mademoiselle de) see _Auverquerque_. - - _Fenelon_, M. Archbishop of _Cambray_, 173. - - _Ferte_ (Duchess de la) cheats our Author of some Money, 198. - - ----Marshal de, 172. - - _Finck_, Count, Ambassador, 71. - - _Fistula_, what call’d in _France_, 248. - - _Fitzthum_, M. de, 245. - - _Flemming_ (_James Henry_ Count de) 62. - How he amus’d the Author, 241, 243, 246. - - _Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, assassinated, 130. - - _Fontainbleau_, Palace and Court, 197. - - _France_ (_Lewis_ XIV. King of) his Character, 182. - His remarkable Wish in favour of the Mercers of _Paris_, 70. - How he liv’d in his latter days, 182, 195. - His Death, 283, 284. - - ----(_Lewis_ XV. King of) 184, 185. - His Answer to Madame, when she said she was going to wait on a - greater Lord than he, 304. - - FRANCFORT on the _Main_, _t._ 145. - - _Francke_, Dr. 91, 92. - - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of _Orange_ his Will, 50. - - _Frederic-William_ (King of) see _Prussia_. - - _Frederic_ Elector of _Saxony_, unfortunate, 227. - - _Frederic-William_ the Great, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his War with - _Charles-Gustavus_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - His Statue, 55. - - _Frederic-William_, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his Wives and Issue, 3, - 4. - - _Frederic_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, as cruel as his Father, 138. - - FULDI, _t._ 320. - Abbat, 321. - - - G. - - _George_ I. (King) see _England_. - - _George_ II. (King) his Valor in _Flanders_, 75, 76. - - _Gersdorf_, M. de, Colonel, 107. - - GHENT, _t._ 257. - - _Golden Fleece_, Order instituted, 277. - - GOTHA, _t._ 321. - - _Gravenitz_, Count de, 336. - - _Gripilli_, a famous _Italian_ Statuary, 142. - - _Grumkan_, M. 329. - - _Gueldres_ taken, 53. - - _Gustavus-Charles_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - - - H. - - HAGUE, _t._ 126, _&c._ - - HALBERSTADT, _t._ 113. - - HALL in _Saxony_, _t._ 113. - - HAM, _t._ 124. - - HAMBOURG, _t._ 230, 249. - - HANAU, _t._ 319. - Some Particularities of the Count and his Court, 320. - - HANOVER, _t._ 120. - _George_ (late) Elector, his Concern for the Death of the Queen of - _Prussia_ his Sister, 58. - - HARLEM, _t._ 137. - - _Harrach_, Count de, 22. - - _Haye_ Forest, 342. - - _Heiden_, Baron de, General, 124. - - _Henning_, M. de, _Prussian_ Minister, 148. - - HERVORDEN, _t._ 124. - - _Hesse_, Princess of, 83. - - _Hohenzollern_, Prince, 159. - - _Holstein_, Prince and Princess, 32, 33, 37, 61. - - _Honslaerdyke_ Palace, 139. - - St. _Hubert_, Order of Knights, 335. - - - I. - - _Jackel_, the King of _Prussia_’s Jester, 90. - - _James_ II. how his Queen Dowager was condol’d by the _French_ Court, - on the Miscarriage of the Pretender’s Expedition to _Scotland_, - 299. - - _Jesuits_ Church at _Antwerp_ consum’d, 167. - - _Jews_ at the Hague, 127. - At _Francfort_, 145. - - _Illgen_ (Baron de) 108. - His Disservice to the Author, 329. - - _Imhoff_, Minister to the D. of _Wolfembuttle_, 117. - - _Insurance-Office_ from Fire erected at _Berlin_, 108. - - _John_ of _Leyden_ the Taylor, 161. - - St. _John_, an Equestrian Order, 54. - - _Joseph_, Emperor of _Germany_, his Death, 123. - - _Joseph-Clement_, Elector, see _Cologne_. - - ISSOUIN, _t._ our Author’s Birth-place, 2. - - _Justice_, Bed of, erected in _France_, 354. - - - K. - - _Kamcke_ (Brothers) their History, 104, 105, 110, 111. - Authors of the Disgrace of the Count _de Wartemberg_, 105, 106, _&c._ - - _Kings_ of _Cologn_, Three, 165. - - _Kinski_, Count de, 160. - - _Knights_ of St. _Lewis_, their Poverty, 292. - Their Numbers, 348. - - _Kniphausen_, M. de, Ambassador, 328, 329. - - _Kolbe_, see _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Kolbe_). - - _Koningsmark_, Countess of, 244. - - _Kraut_, M. Aid de Camp, 79. - - - L. - - L----, Envoy of _Prussia_ at _Hambourg_, Character of his Lady, and an - Account of an Entertainment that he gave the Author, 248 to 251. - - _Lady of Precious Stones_, who so call’d, and why, 279. - A Learned Lady, 221. - - _Law, John_, Projector of the _Mississippi_ Scheme, 354. - - _League_ of _Cambray_, 74. - - _Leap_, a desperate one for a young Lady, 255, 256. - - _Leck_, Lord of ----, 218. - - _Legitimated_ Princes of _France_, 294, _&c._ - - _Leopold_, Emperor, his Death, 60. - - LEIPSIC, _t._ 322. - - _Lewis_ XIV. and XV. See _France_. - - LEYDEN, _t._ 125. - - _Limbourg_ Duchy mortgag’d, 7, 8. - - _Lippe_, Count de, 124. - - _Lion_ tam’d by a Duke of _Brunswic_, 119. - - LIPSTADT, _t._ 124. - - _Lisle_ Siege, 73. - Its Surrender, 81. - Description of the Town, 258, 259. - - _Longueville_ Family, 295. - - _Lorrain_ (Court of) 338, 339, to 341. - - _Lottum_ (Count de) 52, 77, 79, 102. - - _Loven_, Mademoiselle de, 244. - - LOUVAIN, _t._ 256. - - _Lubomirski_, Princess of, 243, 244. - - _Lowendahl_, Marshal, 245. - - LUNEVILLE, _t._ 338. - - _Lutherans_ and Calvinists, 146. - - _Luxembourg_ Garden, 200. - - - M. - - MAGDEBURG, _t._ and Duchy, 113, 226, 227. - - _Maine_ (Duke and Duchess) 191, 284, 286, 287. - - _Maintenon_, Madam, 284. - - _Malplaquet_ (Battle of) 89. - - _Marlborough_ (Duke of) his Journey to _Berlin_, 56. - Bribes a Minister of the King of _Sweden_, 61, 66. - - MARLY, _t._ 181, 183. - - _Marne_, r. 343. - - _Marsin_, Marshal de, 69. - - MASTRICHT, _t._ 255. - - _Match-maker_, Elector of _Brandenburg_, a great one, 27. - - MEAUX, _t._ 344. - - MECHLIN, _t._ 170. - - _Mecklemburg_ (Princess of) married to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, - 86. - Her extravagant Devotion, 91. - Her Answer to the King upon it, 92. - Loses her Senses, 211. - She is sent back to _Mecklemburg_ after the King’s Death, 213. - - _Medicis, Mary_ de, Queen of _France_, her Distress, 165, 166, 175. - - MENTZ, t. and Elector, 331, 332. - - _Mesmes_, M. de, President of the Parliament of _Paris_, 352. - - _Metternich_, Count de, Ambassador of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 75, 148. - - MINDEN, _t._ 123. - - MONS, _t._ 171. - - _Montluc, John_ de, 173. - - _Montmorency_, Constable, 174, 176. - - _Motte_ (M. de la) see _Wynendale_. - - MUNSTER, _t._ 161. - Treaty, 162. - Bishop, 163. - - _Muntzer_, Head of the _Anabaptists_, 161. - - _Muscovites_, Success over the _Swedes_, 65, to 68. - - - N. - - NANCY, _t._ 341. - - _Nassau_, Princes of, 218. - - _Nassau-Orange_ (Princess of) refuses to give her Daughter to the King - of _Prussia_, 82. - - ---- (Prince of) drown’d in passing the _Moerdyke_, 139. - Provisional Settlement made by the Sates General, between him and the - King of _Prussia_, touching King _William_’s Succession, 140. - - _Nassau-Weilbourg_ (Count de) 154. - - _Nautre_ (le) Gardener, 180. - - _Nemours_, Madame de, Princess of _Neufchâtel_, 72. - - _Neufchâtel_ adjudged to the King of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 73. - - NEWPORT, _t._ 277, 278. - - NIMEGUEN, _t._ 125. - - _Novion_ de, President, 354. - - - O. - - _Orange, Maurice_, Prince of, his Daughter, our Author’s Grandmother, - 2. - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of, his Will, 50, 51. - Parliament of _Orange_, 59. - _William_, Prince of, his Tomb, 128. - - ORANGE, _t._ seiz’d by _Lewis_ XIV. 53. - - ORANJEBAUM, _t._ 113. - - _Orleans_ (Duke of) Regent of _France_, 185. - Beginning of his Regency, 284, _&c._ - History of it, 345, _&c._ - - _Orleans_ (Madame de) _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_, her - Character, 186, 187. - Her Censure of the Duchess of _Berry_, 188, 189. - What she said to the Author on the Misfortunes of the Queen of - _England_, who was Dowager to _James_ II. 299. - Her Promise of Protection to the Author, and her Non-performance, - 300, 301. - - _Orleans_, Maid of, 175. - - _Osnabrug_ (Duke of _York_) Bishop of, his pertinent Remark on - _Poland_, 243. - - _Ossuna_, Duke of, 215. - - - P. - - _Palatine_ (_Charles Philip_ of _Neubourg_, Elector) 143. - - _Palatine_ (Family) 143, _&c._ - - _Papenheim_, Count de, 150, 158. - - PARIS, _t._ 177, 199, 345, _&c._ - How the Author liv’d there, 176, _&c._ 210. - - _Parliament_ of _Paris_, its Broils with the Regent, 348, 349, _&c._ - - _Peers_ of _France_, 293. - - _Persian_ Ambassador at _Paris_, Particulars relating to him, 265, - _&c._ - His Entry at _Paris_ 265. - His Audience of the King, 267. - How he smoak’d his Pipe at the Opera, 269. - - PHALTZBOURG, _t._ 338. - - _Philip_ II. of _Spain_, his remarkable Vow, 175. - - _Philip_, V. see _Spain_ - - _Philip_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, his Temper, 60. - Character of his Lady, 60. - His Death, 160. - - _Pinneberg_, Conferences there, 61. - - _Poland_ (Intrigues in the Election of its King) 15, to 18. - Its Crown pawn’d to the King of _Prussia_, 19. - - _Poland, Augustus_ II. King of, see _Charles_ XII. K. of _Sweden_. - - _Poles_ (their Character); 241, 242. - - _Pollnitz_, Mademoiselle de, 23, 46, 238, 239, 325, _&c._ - - _Pollnitz_ (_Charles-Lewis_, Baron de) our Author. - His Extraction, Education, and the History of his Family, 1, 2, _&c._ - Has an Electoress for his God-mother, 2. - His honourable Intercession with the King of _Prussia_ for his - Father-in-law, 45, 46. - His Entrance by that King into the Princes Academy, 52. - His Service in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, 75. - Adventure that he tells after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76. - Another at the Siege of _Lisle_, 79. - His Return to _Berlin_, 81. - His Advancement to the Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, 88. - His mistaken Conceit, that he was in great Favor, 89. - The King’s Reprimand of him and Reconcilement, 90, 91. - His Departure from _Berlin_, in order to travel abroad upon some - harsh Words said to him by the King, 111, 112, 113. - How he lost all his Money by Play at _Hanover_, and prevail’d on his - Mother for more, 122. - His Loss of his Mother, 154. - His Introduction to and Reception by the King of _France_ and the - Princes, 192, 193. - His dangerous Illness at _Paris_, 199. - The Acquaintance he made with an Actress in _Luxemburg_ Garden, and - the Consequences of that Amour, 200, 204. - Tempted to turn Catholic, 205. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said of him, 205. - He gives an extraordinary Ball, 209. - He falls in Love with Mademoiselle _de S_----, 214. - Consequences of it, 215, 235. - His unlucky Tumble into a Heap of Dung, 215. - Oblig’d by his extravagant Charges to go home, 215, 217. - His sudden Return to _Paris_, 217. - His Amour with the Countess of _Wartemberg_, 224, 225. - His Journey to and Reception at _Berlin_, 228, 229. - His return back again to _Paris_, 235. - He falls in Love with Madame _de P_----, 235. - He renews his Courtship to Madame _de S_----, 235-236. - His Return again to _Berlin_, 237. - Remarks on his Distemper, 238. - His Reception at the Court of _Hanover_, 238. - And at _Berlin_, 240. - How he was amus’d by the Count _de Flemming_, 241, 245, 246. - His ill Success at the Court of _Poland_, 241, 242, 245. - His Arrest at _Dresden_, and how he obtain’d his Liberty, 246. - How he broke his Leg, and was troubled with a Fistula, 247. - His merry Description of a House and Family at _Hambourg_, and of an - Entertainment he had there, 249, 250. - His Return once more to _Paris_, 259. - How he fell in love with Madam _de R_----, 260, 270, to 275. - The Consequences of it, 262, 270 to 275, _&c._ - He sollicits Employment in _France_, 263, _&c._ - An Adventure that happen’d to him at a Ball, 270, 271. - His Quarrel with the Marquis _de V_----, 273. - His Extravagance, his Arrest, and how he got out of the Scrape, 274, - 275. - His Pension of 2000 Livres, 275. - His Disputes with his Cousin, 276. - His Loss of his Pension and Sollicitation to regain it, 291, 292. - His Present from _Madame_, 292. - Who made him large Promises, but did nothing for him, 301, 304. - His melancholy Situation, 305. - His embracing the Popish Religion, 306. - His Arrest for Debt, 307. - His Intrigue with an Old Woman, 308, 309. - His unsuccessful Proposal of a Scheme to the Regent, 316. - His Departure from _Paris_, 316. - His Return to _Berlin_, and Reception by the King of _Prussia_, 323, - 324, to 327. - His Reversion of the next Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber’s Pension that - fell, 328. - The Occasion of his Disgrace, 329, 330. - His precipitate Retreat from _Berlin_, 331. - Oblig’d by his Fistula to go to _Paris_, 337, 338, 345. - The Operation there perform’d on him, 345. - - POTZDAM, _t._ 40. - - _Pretender_’s Miscarriage in his Expedition to _Scotland_, 296, 297. - A flagrant Instance of his Bigotry, 297. - His Return to _France_, 298. - - _Princes_ of the Blood, in _France_, Contention betwixt them, 294, - _&c._ - - _Princess_ (Madame la) 190. - - _Printz_, M. de, 111, 212, 240. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic_ I. King of) his Coronation, 28, to 38. - His Entry to Konigsberg, 38. - His Reception by the Magistrates of _Dantzic_ when he came on their - Territories, 39. - His Entry at _Berlin_, 41. - His Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of - _England_, 49, 50. - His Measures for justifying them, 51. - His Reception at the _Hague_, 51. - His Protection to the Refugees from _Orange_, 53. - His Sovereignty of _Neufchâtel_ recogniz’d, 71, _&c._ - Negociations for his 2d Marriage, 82, 83. - His Choice of the Princess of _Mecklemburg_, 84. - The new Queen’s Arrival, 86, 87. - Their Marriage 86. - His Care of his Subjects that were afflicted with the Plague, 93. - His Domestic Attendance, 98, _&c_. - His Tour to the _Hague_, 138. - The Magnanimity with which he receiv’d the News of the Prince of - _Orange_’s Death, 140. - He sickens of a Fright and dies, 210, 211, 212. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic-William_ King of) his Diversion when he was Prince - Royal, 41, 42. - His Marriage to the Elector of _Hanover_’s Daughter, and her - Character, 70. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said when he saw her Wedding-Apparel, 70. - Her Entry at _Berlin_, 70, 71. - Her Delivery of a Prince, his Baptism as Prince of _Orange_, and his - Death, 74, 75. - His Accession to the Crown, 212. - The Alteration he made at his Court, 213. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) the first Wife of _Frederic_ I. and Sister to the - late Elector of _Hanover_, her Death, 56. - Honors done to her Corpse, 58, 59. - Her Character, 4, 59, 60. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) second Wife to _Frederic_ I. See _Mecklemburg_, - Princess of. - - _Prussia_, (Court of) 3, to 113. - - _Prussia_, Duchy, 13. - - _Prussia_, particular Reason of its being erected into a Kingdom, 11, - 12, 29. - And Negociations for that purpose, 14, _&c._ 25. - Owing to a Blunder, 21, 22, 25. - - _Puisieux_, M. de, Ambassador of _France_, 72, 73. - - _Pultowa_, Battle of, 67, 68. - - - Q. - - _Quedlimbourg_ Abbey, 18. - - ST. QUINTIN, _t_. 174. - Battle, _ibid_. - - - R. - - _Radziowski_, Cardinal, 16. - - _Ramellies_ Battle, its Consequences, 68, 169. - - _Refugees, French_, their Reception at _Berlin_, 53, 93, 94. - Their Gratitude, 94. - - _Regenstein_, Counts of, 114; - - _Reitwitz_, M. de, _Polish_ Envoy, 19. - - _Religions_, a Multiplicity of ’em, where, 232. - - _Rhinberg_ taken, 53. - - _Richlieu_, Cardinal, 165, 175. - - _Rohan_, Cardinal de, 319. - - _Rothenbourg_ (Count de) amuses the Author, 316, 317. - - ROTTERDAM, _t._ 129. - - _Ryswic_ Treaty, 20. - - - S. - - ST. DENYS, _t._ 176. - ----QUINTIN, _t._ 174. - - SALTZDAHL, _t._ 115, _&c._ - - SAVERNE, _t._ 338. - - _Saxony_, _Frederic-Augustus_, Elector of, 17. - Electoral Prince of, 269. - - _Saxony_ (_Maurice_ Count of) his Character and Marriage, 244. - The Electorate ruin’d, 66. - - _Schalifer_, Baron de, 82. - - SCHENK, _t._ 125. - - _Schmettau_, M. de, the Minister, 16, 20, 51, 75. - - _Schonborn_, Count _Lotharius-Francis_ de, Elector of _Mentz_, 147. - - _Schuurman_ (_Ann Mary_) 221. - - _Seaux_ Castle, 192. - - _Seckingen_, Baron de, 144. - - SENLIS, _t._ 176. - - _Shift_, (seamless) said to be the Virgin _Mary_’s, 234. - - _Shrewsbury_ (Duke of) sent to _Paris_, 206. - Characters of the Duke and Duchess, 206, 207. - The King’s Complaisance to her, 207, 208. - - _Sigismund_ I. King of _Poland_, his War with the Margrave of - _Brandenbourg_, 13. - - _Simmeren_, Princess de, 8. - - _Snuff_, the Queen of _Prussia_ reprimanded by the King for taking it, - 35. - - _Sobieski_ (_John_ King of _Poland_) his Death, 15. - His Son _James_, 63. - _Sobieski_, Princess, 145. - - _Sophia_, Princess of _Hanover_, her Character, 120. - Death, 251. - - _Spanheim_, M. _Prussian_ Ambassador, 26, 50, 74. - - _Spanish_ Succession, Quarrel about it, 47, 48, _&c._ 60. - - _Stanhope_, Mr. 51. - - _Stanislaus_ (King) proclaim’d, 61, 64. - Crown’d 65. - - _Steinbock_, Count de, 232 - - _Stoffius_ (M. de) Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, 107. - - STRASBOURG, _t._ 317. - - STUTGARD, _t._ 333. - - _Sultzbach_ (Hereditary Prince of) 144. - - _Sweden_ (see _Charles_ XII. King of) the present King’s Marriage, 6, - 155. - - _Synod_ of _Dort_, 130. - - - T. - - _Tapistry_ Manufacture, 170. - - _Teschen_ (Princess of) 243, 244. - - _Tesse_, Marshal de, 69, 310, 311. - - _Tilly_, Count, 123. - - _Tobianski_, Count de, 38. - - TONNINGEN, _t._ 63. - - _Torcy_, M. de, 268. - - TOUL, _t._ 342. - - _Tour_, M. 50. - - _Tour Taxis_, Prince of, 154. - - _Treaty_ of _Munster_, 162. - - _Trianon_ Palace, 180. - - _Tromp, Martin_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, his Tomb, 128. - - _Troops, Prussian_, characteris’d, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Turenne_, Marshal, 172, 279. - - _Turin_ Siege rais’d, 68. - - - U. - - VALENCIENNES, _t._ 172. - - _Vendosme_, Duke of 76, 77. - - VERSAILLES, _t._ 177, _&c._ to 197. - - _Vienna_ Siege, 21. - - _Villars_ (Marshal de) 236. - - _Villeroy_, Marshal de, 171, 303. - - _Vilvorde_ Canal, 170. - - _Voisin_, M. de, Chancellor, 263, 264. - - _Vrilliere_, M. de, Secretary, 358. - - UTRECHT, _t._ 220. Treaty, 223. - - - W. - - WARSAW, _t._ 241, _&c._ - - _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Colbe_) Count de, Prime Minister to - _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_; his History, 8, 17, 24. - Cabal against him, 42. - His Revenge, 44. - His Disgrace, 104, 109, 111. - His Death at _Francfort_, and how he was lamented by the King of - _Prussia_, 223. - - _Wartemberg_ (Countess de) her mean Extraction, great Fortune, 9, 10, - _&c._ - Some Particulars relating to her Conduct 23, 24, 26, 27. - Her Retirement to _Utrecht_, 223, _&c._ - Consequence of her Intrigue with the Chevalier _de B_----, 224, 225. - Her Behaviour at _Paris_, 279, _&c._ - Departure for _Holland_, _ib._ - - _Wartensleben_ (Marshal de) 53. - - _Web_ (General) see _Wynendale_. - - _Werf, Vander_, a _Dutch_ Painter, 142. - - WESEL, _t._ 124. - - _Wesen_ (Count de) his Marriage to our Author’s Mother, 26, 27. - His Preferment, 28. - His Engagement in a Cabal against the Count _de Wartemberg_, 42. - How it prov’d his Ruin, 43, _&c._ - His Death, 88. - - _Westphalia_ Treaty, 162. - - WILDSTAT, _t._ 334. - - _William_ III, King of _England_, by whom prevail’d on to call the - illustrious House of _Hanover_ to the Succession, 23, 24. - Dispute about the Succession to his own Estate as Prince of _Orange_, - 49, 50. - His Will, 51. - - _Winter_, very cold, 88. - - _Wirtemberg_, (Duke of) his Family and Court, 334, _&c._ 337. - - _Witgenstein_ (Count de) his Promotion and Disgrace, 47, 59, 90, 107. - His Release, 111. - - WOLFEMBUTTLE, _t._ 114. - Character of the Duke _Anthony-Ulric_, 115. - - _Wolfersdorff_, 109. - - _Woman_, in white, an Apparition, 211. - - _Wynendale_, M. _de la Motte_’s Defeat there by General _Web_, 80. - - - X. - - _Ximenes_, Cardinal, 221. - - - Y. - - YPRES, _t._ 278, 279. - - - Z. - - _Zeits_, Duchess of, 83. - - _Zell, Dorothy_, Duchess-Dowager of, to whom remarried, 3. - - ZELL, _t._ 120. - - _Zinzendorf_, Count de, 159. - - - - - FOOTNOTES: - - -[1] See Vol. I. of the Letters, _pag._ 16. a remarkable Passage relating -to this Fact, together with this Minister’s Character and Death. - -[2] See Vol. I. of the Memoirs, _p._ 29. some Particulars concerning this -Order, which are not here. - -[3] See Vol. I. _p._ 34. for the Description of this Town, which is the -common Garrison of the first Battalion of the tall Grenadiers, so much -talk’d of in _Europe_. - -[4] See the Account of this House Vol. I. _p._ 49. - -[5] See for the present State of this Place, Vol. II. _p._ 347, 361. - -[6] See the Vol. above mention’d, _p._ 362. - -[7] See Vol. I. _p._ 28. - -[8] See the compleat Description of this Monument, and of its Erection, -Vol. I. _p._ 9. - -[9] See Vol. I. _p._ 196, where there are curious Observations upon this -City and its Inhabitants. - -[10] See Vol. I. _p._ 35. - -[11] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. _&c._ where this capital City of the Electorate -of _Brandenburg_ is describ’d with wonderful Exactness and Regularity. - -[12] See also with regard to this Palace, Vol. I. _p._ 10. - -[13] See also the same Vol. _p._ 31. for the Nature of the Pleasures of -the City and Court. - -[14] See Vol. I. _p._ 18. where there is a more particular Description of -this Edifice. - -[15] See Vol. I. _p._ 33, _&c._ the Temper of the present King, and his -Way of Living. - -[16] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[17] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[18] See Vol. I. _p._ 82, 85, 377, 380. - -[19] See Vol. I. _p._ 48, 80. - -[20] See Vol. I. _p._ 75. - -[21] See Vol. I. _p._ 69, 75. - -[22] See the Description and State of this Town, Vol. I. _p._ 61,68. where -you will find a pleasant Remark upon the _French_ that swarm’d there in -the Time of the last Duchess, who was a _French_ Lady of the _Olbreuse_ -Family. - -[23] See Vol. I. _p._ 63, 68, _&c._ - -[24] See Vol. II. _p._ 365, 370. - -[25] See Vol. II. _p._ 396. - -[26] See Vol. II. _p._ 398. - -[27] See Vol. II. _p._ 400, 425. - -[28] See Vol. II. _p._ 426. - -[29] See Vol. II. _p._ 317, 371. - -[30] They who are well acquainted with _Holland_ know that the Author -could only draw this Character for the very Dregs of the People. - -[31] See Vol. II. _p._ 394. - -[32] See Vol. II. _p._ 358. where there’s a curious Inventory of the -Statues and Paintings of the greatest Masters that are all up and down the -Castle of _Dusseldorff_. - -[33] See Vol. II. _p._ 357. - -[34] See Vol. I. _p._ 340. - -[35] See Vol. II. _p._ 332, 336. - -[36] See Vol. II. _p._ 317. - -[37] See Vol. II. _p._ 298, 317. - -[38] See Vol. II. _p._ 296. - -[39] See Vol. II. _p._ 291, 296. - -[40] See Vol. II. _p._ 189, to 290. - -[41] See Vol. II. _p._ 184, 188. - -[42] That is a Spectre dress’d in white, which they say appears in the -Palace of the Princes of _Brandenburg_, a little before the Death of any -one of the Family. - -[43] See Vol. II. _p._ 367, _&c._ - -[44] See Vol. I. _p._ 51, _&c._ - -[45] See Vol. I. _p._ 57, _&c._ - -[46] See Vol. II. _p._ 327. - -[47] See Vol. I. _p._ 87, 157, _&c._ - -[48] See Vol. II. _p._ 319, 329. The dangerous Adventure of the Marshal -_d’Auverquerque_, for Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_, is related there with -Circumstances that are different from the Account given of it by the -Author, in this and the following Page. - -[49] See Vol. II. _p._ 319. - -[50] See Vol. II. _p._ 310, 317. - -[51] See Vol. II. _p._ 296, 315. - -[52] See Vol. II. _p._ 312. - -[53] See Vol. II. _p._ 313. - -[54] See Vol. II. _p._ 409, 410. - -[55] That our Reader may the better understand this, it must be observ’d -that the Custom of _France_ and that of _England_ are, in this respect, -very different: For tho’ in _England_ a Baron is as much a Peer as a Duke, -yet in _France_ none but the Dukes, and not all of them, are honor’d with -the Dignity of Peers: But these modern Peers are very different from the -ancient Peers of _France_, who were six Spiritual and six Temporal, _viz._ -three Dukes and three Earls or Counts of each State. The former are still -in Being, namely, the Duke Archbishop of _Rheims_, the Duke and Bishop of -_Laon_, the Duke and Bishop of _Langres_, the Count Bishop of _Beauvais_, -the Count Bishop of _Chalons_, and the Count Bishop of _Noyon_; but the -Temporal, who were Sovereign Princes, have been extinct a long time. - -[56] The Confession of Faith, as he deliver’d it some time after to the -Cardinal ---- at _Rome_, is inserted at the end of Vol. IV. by way of -_Appendix_. - -[57] See Vol. I. _p._ 305, _&c._ - -[58] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[59] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[60] See Vol. I. _p._ 361. - -[61] See Vol. I. _p._ 183. - -[62] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[63] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[64] See Vol. I. _p._ 83. - -[65] See Vol. II. _p._ 353. - -[66] See Vol. I. _p._ 279. - - FINIS. - - * * * * * - - - Transcriber’s Amendments - -Transcriber’s Note: Blank pages have been deleted. On pages that remain, -some unnecessary page numbers may have been deleted when they fall in the -middle of lists. Footnotes have been moved to the end of the work. We have -rendered consistent on a per-word-pair basis the hyphenation or spacing of -such pairs when repeated in the same grammatical context. The publisher’s -inadvertent omissions of important punctuation have been corrected. - -The following list indicates any additional changes. The page number -represents that of the original publication and applies in this etext -except for footnotes since they have been moved. - - Page Change - - 13 who, together with his Desendants[Descendents] shou’d perform - 35 could not have aquitted[acquitted] itself better. - 78 twenty-six Battallions[Battalions] and seventy-six Squadrons - 97 Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatch[Yatcht] - 105 Lethargy of his Temperament not permiting[permitting] - 125 but he had not the Fortune to succeeed[succeed]. - 162 humbled it in in[del 2nd in] 1661, and since - 180 kneel’d leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 182 Honor of being with her in private assurr’d[assur’d] me, - 196 kneel’d leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 197 [41] See Vol. II. [_p._] 184, 188. - 220 to one of the seven Provinces, wherof[whereof] it is - 228 had not refus’d an advantagious[advantageous] Capitulation, - 240 proceeded so far, that she hindred[hinder’d] me - 247 having still in View the getting some Establimment[Establishment] - 272 therefore she chose to to[del 2nd to] take a Hack - 281 a folish[foolish] one. _B----_ was not to be seen - 288 The Duchess of of[del 2nd of] _Berry_ wanted also to be stil’d - 304 for entring into the Service to be disheartned[disheartened], - 313 and the Czar answer’d the Princeis[Princess] in - 339 and richly furnish’d. The first Antichamber[Anti-chamber] is a - 342 ever after, tho’ _Nancy_ was evacuted[evacuated] - 356 Share in what pass’d the Day preceeding[preceding] - Index: Has an Electoress for his God-mother, {?}[2]. - Index: _Brunswik[Brunswic]_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - Index: BRUSSELLS[BRUSSELS], _t._ 170. - Index: _Danckelman[Dankelman]_ M. our Author’s Tutor, 81. - Index: His Entry to Koningsberg[Konigsberg], 38. - - * * * * * - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - -***** This file should be named 38507-8.txt or 38507-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/5/0/38507/ - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/38507-0.zip b/old/38507-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fb3b530..0000000 --- a/old/38507-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/38507-8.txt b/old/38507-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6227b33..0000000 --- a/old/38507-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11013 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III - Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from - Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, - England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not - Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but - the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several - Courts. - -Author: Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -Release Date: January 6, 2012 [EBook #38507] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - - - - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's Note: The original publication has been replicated -faithfully except as shown in the Transcriber's Amendments at the end of -the text. This etext presumes a mono-spaced font on the user's device, -such as Courier. Words in italics are indicated like _this_. But the -publisher also wanted to emphasize names in sentences already italicized, -so he printed them in the regular font which is indicated here with: _The -pirates then went to +Hispaniola+._ Footnotes are located near the end of -the work. - -There is an index. - - * * * * * - - - - - THE MEMOIRS - OF - _CHARLES-LEWIS_, - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - BEING The OBSERVATIONS He made in his - late TRAVELS from _Prussia_ thro' - _POLAND_, _GERMANY_, _ITALY_, - _FRANCE_, _SPAIN_, _FLANDERS_, - _HOLLAND_, _ENGLAND_, - _&c._ - - Discovering not only the PRESENT STATE of the Chief - CITIES and TOWNS; - - BUT - - The CHARACTERS of the PRINCIPAL PERSONS at the Several - COURTS. - - VOL. III. - - _LONDON_: - - - Printed for DANIEL BROWNE, at the _Black Swan_, - without _Temple-Bar_; and JOHN BRINDLEY, at the - _King's-Arms_, in _New Bond-street_. M.DCC.XXXVIII. - - - - - THE - - PREFACE, - - By the TRANSLATOR. - - -_The +Baron de Pollnitz's+ Account of his +Travels+, and of the -Observations he made wherever he came, both of +Persons+ and +Things+, has -had such a Run in Foreign Parts, that the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, who -first printed it in three Volumes in +12^{mo}+, soon after published a -second Edition of it in +four+ Volumes, and has now printed a third -Edition in +five+ Volumes._ - -_The three first Volumes, which are those that are translated in our first -and second, he calls +Letters+; and to the fourth and fifth he has given -the Title of +Memoirs+, which is +that+ we have chose for our Translation -of the Whole._ - -_It happens that these two New Volumes were written by our Author before -the first and second that were translated and publish'd last Year; but -why they were not also printed before the others, is thus accounted for by -M. +Changuion+ the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, in his Preface to the -Original of these Memoirs_, viz. - -_'The Author, when at +Paris+, sold the Copy to a Person, who sold it -again to a Bookseller in +Holland+; and the latter was actually going to -print it when he heard that I was just ready to publish the +Letters+ of -the Baron +de Pollnitz+, (the same that are the Subject of our two first -Volumes). The Title-Pages of the one and the other had such a Resemblance, -that the Bookseller in +Holland+, who purchas'd the Copy, of which these -two additional Volumes are a Translation imagin'd it to be the same with -the other, and laid the +MS.+ by. But not long after this, he took it into -his head to review it, and by comparing it with the former Volumes, he -found this a quite different Treatise. He saw, that it not only contain'd -a History of the Author's +Life+ and +Family+, but an Account of several -Courts and Courtiers of +Europe+, very circumstantial, and altogether new; -and that here was a Relation of several Travels of our Author, that to -+Spain+ in particular, of which there's not a Word in the former Volumes; -in short, that this Copy of his was the Account of the Baron's +first -Travels+, antecedent to those already publish'd.'_ - -_Upon his communicating this Discovery to M. +Changuion+, the latter -bargain'd with him for it, and has just published it in +Holland+, as a -Sequel to the former Volumes, tho' if he had had the +MS.+ sooner, he -would undoubtedly have given it the Preference._ - -_At the End of the last Volume there is a Translation of a remarkable -Piece from the +Italian+ Original, which is the +Confession of Faith+ made -by the Baron +de Pollnitz+, and his Motives for changing his Religion._ - -_The said Bookseller thinks, that the Author (tho' he has since abjur'd -the +Romish+ for the +Protestant+ Religion, as may be seen in our Preface -to the first Volume) will not be angry with him for publishing that Piece, -because it has such a tendency to confute the malicious Insinuations which -he complains of in his +Memoirs+, and proves, that if he did not then -embrace the +True Religion+, he took the Pains however to examine it._ - -_On the other hand, the Publication of this ample +Confession+ will -demonstrate to all Catholics, that whatsoever Arguments they employ -against Christians of the +Protestant Communions+, the latter are not -afraid to let them see the Light._ - -_To conclude; tho' some Places are here and there mention'd in these -Volumes, which are also to be found in the Two First, and with that -Conformity indeed betwixt them, which the +Truth+ unavoidably demanded; -yet 'tis proper to observe, that the Descriptions are sometimes more -copious, the Reflections almost every where different; and that in both -there is an agreeable Variety and Vivacity which we flatter our selves -will not fail to recommend +These+ to the same good Acceptance from the -Public, with which it has favor'd the +former+ Volumes._ - - - - - MEMOIRS - - OF THE - - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - VOL. III. - - To Madame de ---- - - -The Family I am descended from was originally of _Thuringia_. My -Grandfather, after having turn'd Protestant, came and settled in the -Electorate of _Brandenburg_, where he was kindly receiv'd, and advanc'd to -the chief Employments by the Elector _Frederic-William_, who made him -Master of the Horse, Minister of State, Chamberlain, Major-General, -Colonel of his Guards, and Commandant at _Berlin_. His Brother who came -along with him had also a share of his Favor; for he was made Colonel of a -Regiment of Horse, Lieutenant-General, and Governor of _Lipstadt_. They -both married, but the only one that left Male Issue was my Grandfather, -who by _Eleonora_ of _Nassau_, Daughter to Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, -had two Sons, and two Daughters. This however prov'd a very unsuitable -Match; for my Grandmother was imperious, frugal, and jealous, whereas her -Husband was extravagant, and an Admirer of the Fair Sex: which Tempers so -opposite to each other created a Misunderstanding between them, that -amounted almost to a staunch Hatred. Yet my Grandfather, some time before -he died, settled all his Estate upon her, repented of the Vexation he had -given her, and he thought this Generosity of his would have made her easy, -but it only render'd her the more impatient to be a Widow, insomuch that -she had not the Complaisance to conceal it from him; and the very last -Words he liv'd to hear her pronounce, were neither comforting nor -Christian. - -Soon after the Death of my Grandfather my Uncle died, who was my Father's -own Brother. The only Issue he left was a Daughter, who was chief Maid of -Honour to the Queen _Sophia Charlotte_, whose Bounties to her render'd her -a Person of no small Note in _Germany_. - -My Father married the Daughter of Baron _D----_ by whom he had my Brother -in 1690. I was born thirteen Months after him, _viz._ the 25th of -_February_ 1692, at _Issouin_, a Village in the Electorate of _Cologn_, -where my Father then lay with his Regiment in Winter-Quarters. The -Electoress was my God-mother, and I was christen'd _Charles-Lewis_. Before -I was full two years of Age I had the misfortune to lose my Father, who -died at _Maestricht_, and left my Mother a Widow with three Children, and -a very little Estate to maintain us. My Grandmother, who, as I had said -before, had all my Grandfather's Estate, was so extremely penurious, that -she had not the heart to part with any of it to my Mother, whose Situation -would have been very melancholy had it not been for the Generosity of the -King (at that time only Elector). This Prince sent for her back to -_Berlin_, and gave her a Pension; and in a little time after, my Relations -help'd her to another Husband, _viz. M. de M----_ Secretary of State for -Foreign Affairs, who tho' he died at the end of ten Months left her so -warm a Widow, that me might very well pass for one of the best Fortunes at -Court; and then she threw up her Pension, rather than keep it to the -prejudice of other Persons that stood more in need of it, which she -thought was an Abuse of the Elector's Bounty. - -My Mother's Fondness for me would not suffer her to part with me, so that -I was brought up under her Wing, and at a Court which was at that time the -most splendid in _Germany_. - - * * * * * - -_Frederic-William_, when he died, left five Princes, _viz._ the Elector, -whom he had by _Louisa-Henrietta_ of _Nassau_ Princess of _Orange_; and -the Margraves _Charles_, _Philip_, _Albert_, and _Christian_, by _Dorothy_ -Princess of _Holstein_, Dowager of the Duke of _Zell_. These Princes, at -an Age more proper for Pleasure than Business, studied how to be most -agreeable. Being frank and generous they adorn'd the Court, even more by -their personal Qualities than by their Magnificence; and the Elector -himself contributed to the splendor of it, by giving frequent Feasts, tho' -he was reproach'd with being too much addicted to them, too scrupulous in -the Ceremonies he requir'd to be observ'd at them, and more expensive in -them than elegant. Nevertheless, this is what strikes Foreigners more than -any thing; and 'tis Entertainments of this kind that give a Court its -fullest Lustre. The true Ornament of ours was the Electoress, Daughter of -_Ernest Augustus_, Elector of _Hanover_, and Sister to _George_ I. King of -_England_. Our Elector, after burying his first Wife the Princess of -_Hesse_, marry'd his second on the 28th of _September_ 1684, when he was -only the Electoral Prince. The latter Princess, from what Lineage soever -Heaven had sent her, had Qualities that would have procur'd her respect: -Her Beauty was regular, and tho' she was but little in stature, her Air -was majestic. She spoke all the Languages of _Europe_ that are in present -use, with ease, and was so good as to converse with all Foreigners in -their own Tongue. She understood History, Natural Philosophy, and -Divinity; but with Knowledge so extensive, she was extremely careful to -avoid the reputation of being Learned. As fond as she was of Reading, she -was not an enemy to Pleasures. She lov'd Music, Dancing, and Plays; and by -her command, Comedies were often represented, in which sometimes she did -not disdain to be an Actress. Her regard for all who excell'd in any Art -drew them to her Court, in which Politeness bore sway, as much as in any -other Court of _Europe_. Of all things in the world she had nothing near -so much at heart as the Education of her Son the Electoral Prince, whom -she lov'd tenderly, and omitted nothing to inspire him with all the Ideas -that might hereafter render him as exalted in Sentiments as he was to be -in Power: And the young Prince on his part seem'd to make a suitable -return for the Princess's care of him. - -While the Court was thus addicted to Pleasures and Feastings, they gave -themselves little or no trouble about the Affairs of Government; so that -_Dankelman_ the Prime Minister bore the weight of all. He had then the -Elector's intire Confidence, and so absolute an ascendant over his mind, -that he was suppos'd to be perfectly secure against the disgraces to which -Favorites are commonly expos'd. The Favor he stood in, was owing to the -most important Service that 'tis possible for a Subject to render to his -Sovereign: For one day when this Prince (as yet only the Prince Electoral) -was drinking Coffee with his Mother-in-law the Electoress, he was taken so -ill on a sudden that he was oblig'd to retire to his Apartment, where he -was seiz'd with Convulsions which threaten'd his Life. It happen'd that -_Dankelman_ then the Secretary of his Dispatches was the only Person at -hand, to relieve him: He open'd a Box in which there were certain -Antidotes, and having given him several Doses, for want of a Surgeon and a -Lancet he open'd a Vein with a Penknife; and his management was attended -with such good success, that the Prince, after having had a hearty Vomit, -found himself quite out of danger. - -An Event of this nature could not but make a great Noise: The Vulgar -especially, who are fond of nothing so much as what is extraordinary, -thought that the Prince's Indisposition did not proceed from a natural -Cause, but imagin'd that the Electoress's tenderness for the Margraves her -Sons was reason good enough to suspect that she wanted to get rid of the -Prince her Son-in-law, which was to be sure the shortest way to let them -into the Succession. The Electoral Prince's retreat to the Court of the -Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_ seemed to give a Sanction also to a Suspicion -of that sort. But be this as it will, the Prince stay'd there several -years, during which he married the Landgrave's Sister, by whom he had -only one Daughter, who marry'd in 1700, to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse_, now King of _Sweden_. - -_Dankelman_ was artful enough to make his advantage of this happy Incident -of having sav'd his Master's Life: He stuck closer to him than ever; and -that grateful Prince, as soon he came to the Electoral Dignity, made him -his prime Minister, and confer'd all the marks of Friendship on him, that -'tis possible for any Subject to aspire to; insomuch that _Dankelman_ -giving the Elector to understand one day, that he fear'd his Favour would -be of no long duration, this Prince was so good-natur'd, or so weak, as to -fortify him as far as was in the power of the most solemn Oaths[1]. -_Dankelman_ was so credulous as to trust to those Protestations; and -forgetting that the most solid Friendship of Princes cannot be proof -against their Inconstancy or Caprice, he thought himself above the reach -of Fate, and behav'd like a Man that had nothing to fear. But the little -care he took to gain People's Love, and the ever-odious Titles of Minister -and Favourite, made him soon hated by the whole Court. The Elector himself -began by degrees to be out of conceit with him; for their Tempers were -incompatible; the Minister being Covetous, and the Prince a Man of Pomp -and Expence; and he was so perpetually teaz'd with the Remonstrances of -_Dankelman_, that he hated him in his heart long before he durst make it -appear. The Minister too much elated with his Favour, and not so careful -to please his Master as to censure his Actions, thought himself able to -preserve the same ascendant over him, or at least, did not think the -Elector would ever offer to ruin him; which Confidence of his hinder'd him -from parrying the Thrusts that were made at him in secret; so that he was -arrested at midnight in his own House, and carry'd to _Spandaw_ in one of -the Elector's Coaches, under a Guard of twenty Men. - -His being so suddenly disgrac'd was matter of surprize to every body, but -of concern to few. 'Twas observ'd that on the very day wherein _Dankelman_ -was arrested, the Elector spoke to him so kindly in presence of the whole -Court, that those of the nicest penetration little thought his Fall to be -so near. Indeed, every body had long before endeavour'd, or wish'd for an -opportunity to trip up his heels; and the natural Inconstancy of the -Elector to his Favorites, and this Minister's want of complaisance to the -Elector, made it very probable that he would quickly be tumbled from that -Summit of Favor, on which he thought himself so sure of keeping his Hold; -there wanted only a more specious pretext to remove a Man from Court, who -had all along seem'd to aim at nothing but the welfare of the Government; -and such a one naturally presented itself in the affair of the Duchy of -_Limbourg_. - -This Duchy had been mortgag'd by _Spain_, as Security for considerable -Sums which were owing by that Crown to the Elector, who in consequence put -his Troops to quarter there for the Winter. The _Dutch_, to whom _Spain_ -was a Debtor in like manner, would gladly also have had that Duchy made -over to them, as Security for their Debt; which not being to be done -without the evacuation of our Troops, the matter was propos'd to -_Dankelman_, who, whether he was surpriz'd, or brib'd, gave his consent -to it. This was imputed to him as a Crime of State the more heinous, -because _Spain_ being at that time ready to conclude a Peace with -_France_, in pursuance of the Treaty of _Ryswic_, was very indifferent as -to complying with the Demands of the Elector. To this the Minister fell a -Sacrifice, but by good luck for him he had remitted several Sums to -Foreign Countries, so that his disgrace was the lighter; which moreover -had this singularity in it, that neither of his three Brothers nor any of -his Creatures had a share in it, but were all continued in their -Employments; and all the alteration that happen'd, was, that the Count _de -Barfous_, then a Veldt-Marshal, performed for some time the Functions of -the Prime Minister. - -In the mean time another Idol of Fortune rose upon the ruin of -_Dankelman_. This was _John Casimir de Kolbe_, a Gentleman originally of -the Palatinate: His first appearance at Court was in the time of -_Frederic-William_ the Great, in the retinue of the Princess-Palatine _de -Simmeren_, Sister of the first Electoress, who having desir'd the Elector -to give _Kolbe_ some Employment; he made him a Privy-Counsellor, but gave -him liberty to attend the Princess as much as ever, who was so good to him -that she was reproach'd with caring for no body else. He went with her -into the Palatinate, where that Princess died soon after, and then _Kolbe_ -return'd to Court, where he was a meer Stranger, without Relations, -Acquaintance or Protection; and 'twas a long time before any the least -notice was taken of him. But after the death of _Frederic-William_, he -made his Court to _Frederic_ his Son who succeeded him, and to _Dankelman_ -his Minister. Being always humble, and a Flatterer into the bargain, he -quickly gain'd their Friendship by his Assiduity, and by his study'd -Affectation not to meddle or make in any Affairs. _Dankelman_, as crafty a -Man as he was, did not perceive the Snare, but contributed most of all to -his Favor, thinking all the while that he was promoting a Creature from -whom he had nothing to fear. But _Kolbe_ no sooner perceiv'd the Elector's -Coldness to his Minister than he resolv'd to make his Advantage of it. He -did not alter his Measures immediately, but seeming to have as little -Concern in Affairs as ever, his only Aim was to feed and propagate the ill -Humors which the Elector was often in with his Favorite. This Prince was -inconstant, suspicious and choleric; and when those three Passions were -stirr'd up and managed, he was to be persuaded to any thing. _Kolbe_ who -for a long time had made his Temper his only Study, plainly perceiv'd his -Foible, artfully wrought upon it, and in the sequel made it subservient to -the Accomplishment of his Designs. He soon attain'd to the highest Degree -of Favor; the Elector made him his Great Chamberlain and First Minister; -all the Court was oblig'd to truckle to him; and as it always happens in -the Changes of Government, the Minister in Disgrace was regretted. Indeed -_Kolbe_ did not want for personal Qualities enough to make him belov'd; -but the worst on't was, they were eclips'd by an astonishing Fondness for -his Wife, to whom he was so blindly complaisant, that all the good People -at Court despis'd and hated him. - -This Lady has play'd so extraordinary a Part in the World, that I can't -avoid giving you some Account of her Origin and Character. Her Father, -one _Rickers_, was a Bargeman at _Emmerick_, a Town in the Duchy of -_Cleves_, where for better Subsistance he kept a sort of Tavern. He had -two Daughters, who pass'd for fine Women, that brought a good deal of -Company to his House, and in a Journey which the Elector made to _Cleves, -Bidekan_ his Valet de Chambre fell in love with the eldest, the Lady I am -speaking of, marry'd her and took her with him to _Berlin_, where she fell -so passionately in love with _Kolbe_, that after having been his Mistress -in her Husband's Life-time, he was hardly cold in his Grave but she became -his Wife. The Wedding was kept at the House of one _Commesser_, another of -the Elector's Valets de Chambre, where that Prince was present, with seven -or eight Persons in his Company; and from that very Juncture he began to -shew such great Marks of Complaisance to the Lady, that several People -thought she ow'd them to something more than to the Friendship he had for -his Favorite. Nevertheless I am very well persuaded they were mistaken; -and I remember, that when I was Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -Elector, he said to me in one of his ill Humors with his Favorite and his -Wife (and in these sort of Pets he was not capable of dissembling) _I know -the Notion that prevails of my being under certain Tyes to +Kolbe's+ Lady, -but there is nothing in it_; _and the Wrong is greater to me than to her_. -For really was it not enough for a Woman of such mean Extraction, Parts -and Beauty too, to be the Wife of a Minister, but she must also be -ambitious to be the Mistress of a Sovereign? Yet it must be confess'd, -that whether it was meer Humor, or a weak Attachment to the Favorite, the -Elector heap'd Wealth and Honors upon this Lady, insomuch that nothing -would serve him but she must be admitted to the Electoress's Circle, who -at that time indeed obstinately refus'd it; for who is there would not -have been disgusted to have seen the Daughter of _Rickers_ the Bargeman -mixing with Ladies of Quality that had a Right to be in the Circle? -However, some time after, the Electoress was oblig'd to wave all the Pleas -of Decorum, for the sake of the Need she stood in of the Great -Chamberlain; and his Wife had the Honor of the Circle. - -The same Year that _Kolbe_ was declared Prime Minister, the Emperor made -him a Count of the Empire. He then chang'd his Name for that of Count _de -Wartemberg_, which was the Name of a ruinous Castle that he had in the -_Palatinate_. His Lady, when she became a Countess, had a mind that her -Children by her first Marriage should be promoted to the Dignity of -Barons; and they were accordingly call'd Barons of _Asbach_. But these new -Titles of the Count and Barons compleatly turn'd the Head of Madame _de -Wartemberg_, and she was every day guilty of Extravagancies which were -disgusting and ridiculous. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of our Court in my early years. It began to -shew its Superiority over almost all the Courts of _Germany_, by the -Influence it had upon the Affairs of _Europe_: But that which added new -Lustre to it, was the erecting the Duchy of _Prussia_ into a Kingdom. The -first Hint of this was given by _France_ to _Frederic-William_; but that -Elector, whether it was owing to some Obstacles that he foresaw, or to the -little Advantage he thought to reap from it, was not willing to put the -Project in execution. His Son too perhaps would have miscarried in it, had -it not been for the Situation of Affairs in _Europe_, on account of the -_Spanish_ Succession. _Kolbe_, whom I shall hereafter call the Count of -_Wartemberg_, had all the Honour of this Event, because it happen'd in -his Ministry. I had some Particulars, _Madame_, from his own Mouth, which -I think important enough to have a place in these Memoirs. The Affair is -moreover so weighty of it self that I shall trace it from its very -beginning. - -Great Events commonly have their Source in Trifles. This was owing to -nothing more than the Refusal of the Prince of _Orange_, who was King of -_England_, to give an Arm-Chair to the Elector in a Conference betwixt -those two Princes at the _Hague_ in 1695. The Elector cou'd not bear that -the Prince of _Orange_, who had always been his Inferior, shou'd carry it -to him in such a lofty manner, after Fortune had rais'd him to the Throne -of _England_; and from that time he resolved to be a King too. - -_Dankelman_ the then Prime Minister, who cou'd not foresee the Situation -that _Europe_ was in some Years after, would fain have diverted the -Elector from a Project which he thought a perfect Chimæra; he put him in -mind of the Difficulties _Frederic-William_ met with in it, and of the -Reasons he had to refuse the Offers which _France_ made to him on that -head; he shew'd him that the same Reasons were still subsisting, and -reinforc'd by yet greater Difficulties; and that it was Madness to attempt -a Thing, the Success whereof was neither certain nor advantageous, his -Rank being so near a-kin to Royalty, that he would be never the better for -the Title. But the Elector had the refusal of the Arm-chair too much at -heart to hearken to any Reasons that could be brought against his Design, -and sent _Dankelman_, his Minister's Brother, to _Vienna_, to impart to -the Emperor the Scheme which he had form'd to erect _Prussia_ into a -Kingdom. - -_Prussia_, which is a Province detach'd from _Poland_, formerly belong'd -to the _Lithuanians_, from whom it was conquer'd by the _Teutonic_ Order. -_Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, the Grand Master of the said Order, -who had marry'd _Dorothy_, Daughter of _Frederic_ I. King of _Denmark_, -took it from those Knights in 1511, and made himself Master of it. This -engag'd him in a War with _Sigismond_ I. King of _Poland_, his Uncle by -the Mother's side, who had Pretensions upon the said Province; which War -continu'd five Years, till it was concluded by a Treaty, whereby it was -stipulated, That the Eastern _Prussia_ shou'd remain hereditary with the -Title of a Duchy to _Albert_, who, together with his Descendants shou'd -perform Allegiance and Homage for it to the King and Republic of _Poland_, -to which it was to revert on the failure of Issue Male in the Family of -_Albert_. - -The Emperor _Charles_ V. oppos'd this Transaction, by pretending that -_Prussia_ was a Fief of the Empire; and that therefore _Sigismond_ had no -Right to dispose of it. The Imperial Decree which was pass'd upon this -Occasion, had however no Effect, by reason of the Wars which the Emperor -was at that time engag'd in, and _Albert_ remain'd in peaceable Possession -of _Prussia_. He was succeeded by his only Son _Albert-Frederic_, who -receiv'd the Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and -his Cousin-Germans in 1569. This Prince dying without Issue, _John -Sigismond_ Elector of _Brandenburg_ succeeded him, and again receiv'd the -Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and his three -Brothers. Since that time the Duchy of _Prussia_ has always been -in the _Brandenburg_ Family from Father to Son; but the Elector -_Frederic-William_ the Great, having made War upon _Charles-Gustavus_ King -of _Sweden_, in favour of the Crown and Republic of _Poland_, the -Sovereignty of _Prussia_ was, in Acknowledgment thereof, yielded to him, -for himself and all his Male Descendants, by the Treaty of _Bydgost_ in -1659. - -By virtue of this Treaty, the Elector claim'd that _Prussia_ depended on -no other Power; and that he held it immediately by Divine Right; and upon -this Plea he thought himself authoriz'd to be declar'd King. But before he -took this Step, it was necessary to secure the Consent of a Part, at -least, of the Princes of the Empire. As the Emperor's Consent was not only -the most important, but the most difficult to obtain, the whole stress of -the Negociation lay almost at the Court of _Vienna_. - -When _Dankelman_ arriv'd there, he did not find the Court in a Temper to -grant it. The august Title of a King conferr'd upon an Elector, was at -first thought to be prejudicial to the Imperial Authority, and it was -look'd upon as exposing of that Dignity, to acquiesce in the Elector's -Demand before they had at least felt the Pulses of the Generality of the -Princes of _Europe_, and especially those of the Empire. 'Twas but -reasonable to imagine the Pope would oppose it strenuously upon the score -of the Protestant Religion, which by the Elector's Advancement might -gather fresh Strength. All Kings in general were interested not to suffer -an Instance which had a seeming Tendency to authorize every Prince to take -the same Step, on the single Pretence of being possess'd of a Bit of Land, -and holding it of no Power but God. But the Persons from whom the -greatest Objections were expected, were the Electors; and indeed they had -reason to fear, 1. That when the Elector of _Brandenburg_ came to be a -King, he wou'd no longer look upon them as his Equals, but wou'd claim -certain Distinctions from them in the Empire and in the Dyets. 2. That he -would withdraw the Dominions of his Electorate from the Obedience of the -Empire, and from the Laws to which all the other Electors were subject. -This Article was of the utmost consequence to them, especially with regard -to the Contingent they are oblig'd to furnish towards Wars which concern -the Empire, and which are the more burthensome, the fewer Heads they fall -upon. - -These being then the Notions of the Court of _Vienna_, _Dankelman_ had no -great Hopes of succeeding in his Negociation. Nevertheless the Court -always took care to keep fair with the Elector, whom they look'd upon as -an Ally that was well worth preserving; and perhaps they flatter'd -themselves they should get more by Promises and Expectations than by -granting him his Demand. - -The Death of _John Sobieski_ King of _Poland_, which happen'd on the 17th -of _June_ 1696, was another Inducement to the Emperor to pursue the same -Politics. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ by having _Prussia_ in his -Neighbourhood, might be of great Weight in the Election of a new King of -_Poland_; and the Emperor who had a Design to advance the Margrave _Lewis_ -of _Baden_ to the Throne, pretended to enter into the Views of the -Elector, that this Prince might afterwards fall in with his at the Dyet of -Election. For this end the Emperor's Ministers gave _Dankelman_ to -understand, that the first thing to be done was to clear the Difficulties -which the several Powers of _Europe_ might raise against the Elector's -Project; and that the Congress of _Ryswic_, at which all the Ministers -were to be present, was the most favourable Opportunity. - -Hereupon _Dankelman_ was recall'd from the Court of _Vienna_, and sent to -_Ryswic_ as Plenipotentiary from the Elector, jointly with M. _de -Schmettau_. The Elector for his part set out for _Konigsberg_, the Capital -of _Prussia_, that he might be nearer at hand to favor the Election of the -Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_. Mean time he was strenuously sollicited in -favor of _Alexander_ and _Constantine_ Princes of _Poland_, who for that -reason came themselves to _Berlin_; but the Elector was far from breaking -the secret Engagements which he had made with the Emperor: Therefore he -answer'd the Solicitations of those two Princes in a very ambiguous -manner, by engaging himself to nothing, and only telling them that he was -going into _Prussia_ that he might be the better inform'd of every thing -that pass'd at the Dyet of Election. - -The Necessity which the Elector stood in of _Poland_ to succeed in his -Views, laid him under an indispensible Obligation to concern himself in -that Election. He fully expected that the Right which the said Republic -claim'd to _Prussia_ wou'd induce it to oppose his Designs with Vigor; and -besides, under the Pretext of interesting himself in the Election of a -King, he might form a Party that hereafter would be capable to serve him; -therefore, as soon as he arriv'd at _Konigsberg_, he dispatch'd a -Messenger to the Cardinal _Radziowsky_ Primate of _Poland_, to acquaint -him of his Arrival, and sent M. _Dorerbeck_ Great Cup-bearer of _Prussia_ -as his Ambassador to the Dyet of Election, with Orders to support the -Interests of the Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_, but in the mean time to do -nothing that might disoblige the _Poles_. - -The Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_ was soon out of the Question; for the two -strongest Parties oblig'd him to retire, as well as the other Competitors -for the Crown. These two Parties were the one for _Frederic-Augustus_ -Elector of _Saxony_, and the other for the Prince of _Conti_. The Cardinal -Primate favor'd the latter, and _France_ seem'd to have his Election very -much at heart; yet _Frederic-Augustus_'s Party carried it, and he was -proclaim'd King. - -The Cardinal Primate was still obstinate for the Prince of _Conti_, and -actually sent one of his near Relations to the Elector to sollicit him in -his Favor; but the Elector, who thought the Elector of _Saxony_'s Party -the most substantial and the most powerful, did not scruple to own him for -King, and return'd for Answer to the Cardinal, That he advis'd him, as the -Chief Pastor of _Poland_, to maintain Peace in his Flock, and to submit to -the Elector of _Saxony_. Nevertheless the Primate stood out stiffly, and -form'd a Party in _Poland_, considerable enough to give the new King -Uneasiness. The Elector still persevering in his Views to make himself -necessary to _Poland_, return'd next year to _Konigsberg_, in hopes of -appeasing the Disturbances rais'd there by the two different Parties. -_Kolbe_, who was not yet Count of _Wartemberg_, but only Great -Chamberlain, made a Journey to _Warsaw_ for this purpose, on the part of -the Elector, and complimented the King on his Accession to the Crown. The -King in his Turn sent the Count _de Bilinsky_ Great Chamberlain of the -Crown to the Elector, to compliment him on his Arrival at _Konigsberg_, -and there to negociate an Interview betwixt them. The Elector wish'd for -it too heartily to refuse it, and _Fredericshoss_, one of his -Pleasure-houses, was chose for the place of Meeting. There every thing -pass'd, as is common upon those Occasions; a great deal of Business was -talk'd of, and referred to the Ministers for Conclusion. The two Princes -made each other magnificent Presents, and exchang'd all the Tokens of the -sincerest Friendship. This Union seem'd still increasing by the Sale which -the King of _Poland_ made this year to the Elector of the Fee for -protecting the Abbey-Town of _Quedlimbourg_, which no Elector of _Saxony_ -would ever part with before, whatsoever Instances were made to them by the -Family of _Brandenburg_. The Elector had less Reason than any of his -Predecessors to hope for Success in this Affair. _Poland_, besides the -Pleas of Interest, had others of Resentment; and this Prince's Conduct in -the affair of _Elbing_ bid fair to set the King and the Elector at -variance. The Dispute was about a Demand of 400,000 Crowns which the -Elector made upon _Poland_, for the Expences of the War, which his Father, -_Frederic-William_ the Great, had carry'd on in favor of the Republic -against _Charles_ XI. King of _Sweden_. The King of _Poland_ in the -Interview at _Fredericshoff_ had promis'd to persuade the Republic to pay -that Sum. The Elector whose Patience was worn out in Expectation of the -Performance, notwithstanding the many Reasons he had to keep fair with -_Poland_, caused the City of _Elbing_, which had been mortgag'd to him for -that Sum, to be invested. And M. _de Brantz_, my Uncle, who was -Lieutenant-General, was sent upon this Expedition, at the Head of a Body -of 12000 Men. - -The _Poles_ no sooner heard of it but they made a very great Clamor, and -the King complain'd loudly of the Elector's Proceeding, who being, _said -he_, his Cousin, his Friend, and Ally, ought to have had more Regard for -him. 'Twas at least after this manner that he express'd himself in the -Circular Letters, which he wrote to assemble the Nobility of _Poland_. But -the Elector went on still his own way, and the City of _Elbing_ was taken -before the _Poles_ had so much as a Thought of defending it. As soon as -the King of _Poland_ was told of it, he ordered the Elector's Resident to -depart the City of _Thorn_ in 24 Hours, and the Kingdom without Delay. M. -_de Reitwitz_, Envoy of _Poland_ to the Elector, fearing the same -Treatment, was absent from Court for a Fortnight; but return'd then, -causing his Appearance to be notify'd to the Ministers, not as Envoy from -the King of _Poland_, but as Envoy from the Elector of _Saxony_. By this -piece of Management 'tis plain that the King of _Poland_ did not take the -Affair of _Elbing_ so much to heart as he seem'd to do; and some time -after the Matter was accommodated; the Elector consenting to lose one -fourth of the Debt, and the _Poles_ promising to pay the rest at the -Expiration of three Months, and depositing their King's Crown for -Security. The Elector on his part restor'd _Elbing_ on condition -nevertheless, that he should have it again at the three Month's end, if -the 300,000 Crowns were not then paid. This Affair has ever since remain'd -_in statu quo_: The _Poles_ are still Debtors for that Sum, and the -Elector contents himself with detaining the Crown, which is still at -_Berlin_, in the Gallery over the great Stables, where 'tis kept in a -Case, seal'd with the Seal of the Kingdom of _Poland_. - -Mean time the Peace of _Ryswic_ was just sign'd, and sooner than expected, -by reason _France_ receded from several Pretensions; which every body -knows she was induc'd to do from the View she had at that time to the -_Spanish_ Succession, and to that end it was absolutely necessary for her -to make a Peace with that Power and to disarm the Allies. Consequently -Messieurs _Dankelman_ and _Schmettau_ had no time to push the Negociation -of the Affair of _Prussia_ any farther; nevertheless they acted with the -_Dutch_ to some purpose. - -The Elector had sent _Bartholdi_ to _Vienna_ in the place of _Dankelman_, -and M. _Blaspiel_ to _Dusseldorff_ to the Elector _Palatine_, whom he -thought proper to treat with extraordinary Regard, as well upon his own -Account, as with relation to the Empress his Sister who had a very great -Ascendant over the Emperor. - -_Bartholdi_ when he arriv'd at _Vienna_ found the Court in the very same -Disposition as it was in the time of _Dankelman_. There was a great shew -of Good-will, but no Advance made; for the Emperor's Ministers were never -at a loss for a Reason to defer coming to the Point. The Republic of -_Poland_ furnish'd very cogent ones too, by the Protestations it made -against every Step taken towards erecting _Prussia_ into a Kingdom, on -pretence that it formerly belong'd to the Republic, and that the _Poles_ -only suffer'd it to fall to the House of _Brandenburg_, on condition of -its reverting to them on the Failure of Issue Male in that Family. The -Emperor said he could not help having Regard to those Protestations, the -Alliance which he had been in for a long time with the Republic being -become much firmer since the raising the Siege of _Vienna_, when _John -Sobiesky_ at the Head of the _Poles_ so effectually reliev'd it. -_Bartholdi_ being dishearten'd with all these Delays, began to despair of -the Success of the Negociation. He flatter'd himself for a while that the -languishing State of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, which presag'd his -approaching Death, and the cruel War between the Houses of _Austria_ and -_Bourbon_, on account of the _Spanish_ Succession, would promote the -Success of his Master's Designs; and that the State Policy which at that -Juncture oblig'd the Emperor to strengthen himself with Allies, would make -him chuse to retain in his Party a Prince so powerful and so necessary to -his Interests as the Elector. But _Bartholdi_ was deceiv'd; and whether -the Court of _Vienna_ flatter'd itself that the Elector wou'd never -venture to take the part of _France_, or whether they thought it more -nearly concern'd them to humor the Powers that oppos'd the Elector's -Views, they had always some fresh Pretence or other to trump up. - -_Bartholdi_ cou'd not avoid giving an Account to the Elector his Master of -what he thought of these continual Delays, and he told him there was no -manner of Reason to hope that the Emperor would recognize him for King -before he was sure of the Consent of the Pope, and of all the Princes of -the Empire; that it was easy to see this was only a civil Excuse that the -Emperor made use of for his Refusal, rather than to make him his Enemy; -and that the Case was really so desperate, that he knew of but one -Stratagem to make use of before he retir'd; and that was that he shou'd -write with his own Hand to the Prince of ----, who, said _Bartholdi_, was -the only Person in the World to induce the Emperor to be more favorable. -His Dispatch was written in a Cypher, and the Secretary who decypher'd it, -thought he met with the Name of the Emperor's Confessor, instead of that -of the Prince of ----. The Elector approv'd of his Minister's Hint, and -wrote immediately to the Confessor, who happen'd to be a Jesuit. This -Reverend Father was overjoy'd to find himself courted by one of the -greatest Protestant Princes, and promising himself that he should reap -considerable Advantages for his Society, from the Success of a Negociation -which the Elector had so much at heart, and in which two of his most able -Ministers had already miscarried, he made no scruple to undertake it. - -As soon as he began to meddle with it, it assum'd a new Face; the Court of -_Rome_ made but a faint Opposition to it: That of _Vienna_ being alarmed -at the News they received from the Count _de Harrach_ their Ambassador at -_Madrid_, of the bad State of the King of _Spain_'s Health, and of the -_Spaniards_ Byass for the Duke of _Anjou_, became more tractable; and the -very Reasons that _Bartholdi_ urg'd in vain, began to be relish'd when -they were represented by the Confessor. This Jesuit convinc'd the Emperor, -that as he was resolv'd to dispute the Succession to the Crown of _Spain_ -with _France_, such an Ally as the Elector would give great Weight to -either of the two Parties that he fell in with. The Confessor's Arguments -were applauded by some, and faintly rejected by others; so that the -Father, by craftily taking advantage of the Good-Will of the latter, and -of the Lethargy of the former, brought the Affair of _Prussia_ in less -than two Month's Time to the Point of a happy Conclusion. - -While such effectual Endeavors were us'd for the Elector at the Court of -_Vienna_, his Interest was as successfully manag'd with the King of -_England_. The Electoress, together with her Mother the Electoress of -_Hanover_, went to pay him a Visit at _Aix la Chapelle_; and in that -Interview, these two Princesses prevail'd on King _William_ of _England_ -to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ for King of _Prussia_, and to -call the House of _Hanover_ to the Succession of the Crown of _England_. - -One particular Circumstance in this Journey that prov'd of such Service to -the Elector's Designs, and which many People look'd upon as a politic -Action, is, that it would not have been undertaken, had it not been for -the extreme Fondness of Madame _de Wartemberg_ to be admitted in the -Electoress's Circle. This Princess upon the Intelligence she receiv'd that -her Mother the Electoress of _Hanover_ was going to _Aix la Chapelle_, was -very desirous to go with her, but she cou'd not hope to obtain the -Elector's Consent to it, nor to have Money enough with her to bear her -Expences, if the Count _de Wartemberg_ oppos'd it; and therefore she -charg'd Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin to speak to him about it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ promis'd not only to obtain the Elector's Consent, -but also to give the Electoress an Order at large to take up any Sums of -Money that she should want, provided that Princess would on her part only -acknowledge the Favor, by granting his Wife the Honor of Admittance to her -Circle. The Electoress had this Journey so much at heart, because she knew -it wou'd give her the Pleasure of seeing a Mother whom she tenderly -lov'd, as well as a Freedom, for some time at least, from the Constraint -she was oblig'd to live in at _Berlin_, that she consented to the Count's -Demand. Madame _de Wartemberg_ was admitted to the Circle, and all the -Mortification the Electoress gave her, was always to talk to her in -_French_, which being a Language she did not understand, plainly shew'd -the Obscurity of the Countess's Birth; for at that Time all Persons of any -Rank or Figure convers'd in that Language commonly at our Court. The -Electoress's Condescension upon this Occasion is the only thing for which -she was to blame; for 'twas a Precedent which gave others Authority to -desire the same Favor; and to this may be said to be owing the unequal -Matches which several of the Nobility made afterwards. - -The Count _de Wartemberg_, in order to obtain the Elector's Consent, gave -him to understand that the Princess his Consort cou'd do more than any -body to prevail with the King of _England_ to recognize him for King. This -was touching him in the most sensible part; and therefore he made no -Scruple to let the Electoress go, who went and met her Mother at _Aix la -Chapelle_, and from thence they set out afterwards for _Brussels_. There -they stay'd a few days, in order to disguise the Motives of their Journey, -and from thence they went to _Loo_, where the King of _England_ was. They -each obtain'd of the Prince what they went to ask him; the House of -_Hanover_ was soon after call'd to the Succession of the Crown of -_England_, and the King gave his Promise, that as soon as the Emperor had -own'd the Elector King of _Prussia_, he wou'd be one of the first to -follow his Example. - -As soon as the News reach'd _Vienna_ that the King of _England_ had -promis'd to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ King of _Prussia_, the -remaining Difficulties were soon got over; the Protestations of the -Republic of _Poland_ were superseded, and the Emperor declar'd at length -that he own'd _Prussia_ for a Kingdom, and the Elector of _Brandenburg_ -for King; on condition however, - -1. That the Elector should never withdraw from the Empire the Provinces of -his Dominions thereon depending. - -2. That in the Emperor's Presence he should require no other Distinctions -than those which he actually enjoy'd now. - -3. That his Imperial Majesty when he wrote to him should only give him the -Title of your _Royal Dilection_. - -4. That nevertheless his Ministers at _Vienna_ should be treated on a Par -with those of Crown'd Heads. - -5. That the Elector should maintain six thousand Men in _Italy_ at his own -expence, in case the Emperor should be oblig'd to go to War for the -_Spanish_ Succession. - -6. That those Troops should remain there as long as the War continu'd. - -Thus, Madame, after tedious delays the Court of _Vienna_ consented at last -to the Success of this great Event, which after all ow'd its cause to the -refusal of an Arm-chair, and its issue to the mistake of a Secretary. -Nevertheless it did not fail to cost the Elector six Millions, of which -the Jesuits of _Vienna_ had 200,000 Crowns to their share. - -This agreeable News was scarce arriv'd at _Berlin_ when they heard of the -Death of the King of _Spain_, which happen'd the 1st of _November_, 1700. -His Death was notify'd to the Elector by M. _Desalleurs_, Envoy of -_France_ to our Court, as was also the Will whereby the Duke of _Anjou_ -was call'd to the Succession of all the late King's Dominions. The Elector -had entered into such Engagements with the Emperor, that he could not own -him; for which reason the King of _France_ recall'd M. _Desalleurs_, and -likewise refus'd to acknowledge the Elector for King, who in his turn -recall'd M. _Spanheim_, and sent him to _England_ with the Title of -Ambassador. - -The Elector was so urgent to be crown'd, that he hasten'd to _Konigsberg_, -the capital City of _Prussia_, without staying for the fine Season of the -Year; having fix'd on the 17th of _December_ for his Departure thither -with the whole Court. My Mother would also have been one of the Company, -but she was too far gone with Child. She was now marry'd to her third -Husband, who was the Count _de Wesen_; and the Nuptials were perform'd at -_Konigsberg_ in 1698, when the Elector was there about the Election of the -King of _Poland_. This was a Match, in the making of which, neither Love -nor Interest had the least share: M. _de Wesen_, tho' come of a very good -Family in the Duchy of _Zell_, was Heir but to a very small Estate, and -that he was obliged to divide with a great many Brothers; and my Mother -before he marry'd her had never so much as spoke to him, nor had she seen -him but while he was in the Office of Chief Steward. The Elector himself -made the Match at the solicitation of Madame _de Wartemberg_ who had a -very great kindness for M. _Wesen_ formerly, and perhaps had so still, and -by helping him to a rich Widow, she was willing to make him a recompence -for the Respect he had paid to her. There was no necessity of using -powerful Arguments with the Elector, to engage him to bring this Match -about. It was his Foible to make Matches, and were they good or bad, -provided he saw the Weddings, 'twas all alike to him. Consequently, as -soon as Madame _de Wartemberg_ had proposed this Marriage to him, he -promis'd to mention it himself to my Mother; nay, more than that, he came -to her House and made the Proposal. My Mother desir'd to be excus'd, -saying to his Highness, that she had been already married twice, that she -had two Sons by her first Husband, and that she did not care to hazard -their Interests and her own Peace by engaging herself in Matrimony a third -time. The Elector made her answer, that he would have it so, and that her -Children, so far from Losers, should be Gainers by it, because he would -take care of them. He added that he would allow her twenty-four Hours time -to consider of it, and then he left her, forbidding her to stir to the -Door, and promising to come and see her again next day, in order to have -her Answer. He then went into my Grandmother's Chamber, and said so many -fine things to her, in favor of the Son-in-Law he had in his eye for her, -that she was for it by all means. - -My Mother continued very wavering till next day, when the Elector return'd -as he had promis'd: And as 'tis not an easy matter to resist the Orders of -one's Sovereign, my Mother, tho' still against a new Engagement in her -heart, seemed however to consent to the Marriage, which in a few days -after was celebrated, and honour'd with the presence of the Elector, who -had the goodness to assure my Brother and me that it should not be the -worse for us. Mean time all my Relations exclaim'd against my Mother, and -when she return'd to _Berlin_ not a Soul of them went to see her. My -Grandmother by my Father's side was loudest in her Complaint; for her -great Age and the Honour she had of attending the late Electoress, Mother -to the Elector, made her take the freedom to tell that Prince her mind. -She was in a passion with him even to a degree of Childishness, telling -him that it griev'd her to the heart that she was not strong enough to -twist the neck of the Man that he had given to her Daughter-in-Law for a -Husband. The Elector to pacify her, promis'd her that he would be such a -friend to M. _de Wesen_, that this Marriage instead of being a prejudice -should be an advantage to us. And as soon as he had left her, he declared -him Marshal of his Court. - -This Office obliging my Father-in-law to follow the Prince in his Travels, -he left my Mother at _Berlin_, and carry'd me with him to _Konigsberg_, to -shew me the Ceremony of the Elector's Coronation. - -His Court was so numerous that upon the Road from _Berlin_ to -_Konigsberg_, which is reckon'd fourscore _German_ Miles, there were no -less than thirty thousand Hackney-Horses, besides those belonging to the -Stables of the King and Princes. The King, who was excessively fond of -Ceremony, omitted nothing that could be an addition to the splendor of his -Coronation. This Ceremony cost him immense Sums of Money, and convinc'd -Foreigners who came thither from a curiosity to see it, that our Court was -inferior to few others for Magnificence. - -Tho' one would think the preparations for such a solemn Festival must take -up a tedious deal of time, yet the King's Impatience hurry'd them so fast -that every thing was ready by the eighteenth of _January_, about a -Fortnight after the Arrival of the Court. The Proclamation for erecting -_Prussia_ into a Kingdom was made two Days before the King's Coronation, -with the sound of the Cannon, and all the Bells of the City, by four -Heralds at Arms in Mantles of blue Velvet with the Royal Arms thereon -embroider'd, and riding upon Horses richly accouter'd, the Housings being -of Silver-Brocade, sprinkled with Eagles and Coronets of Gold. They went -with a very numerous Train to the chief Quarters of the City, and there -made Proclamation in these terms: - -_Whereas it has pleased the Divine Providence to erect this Sovereign -Duchy of +Prussia+ into a Kingdom, and to set up for our King the most -High and most Potent Prince +Frederic I.+ our gracious Sovereign; we have -thought fit to give notice thereof to the People of this Kingdom, that -they may say as we do, "Long live +Frederic+, our most Merciful and most -Gracious King! Long live +Sophia-Charlotte+, our most Gracious Queen."_ - -The King to render the Ceremony of his Coronation still more august, -instituted the Day before[2] the Order of the _Black Eagle_, the Badges of -which are an Orange Ribband with a Cross hanging to it enamell'd with -Blue, in form of the Cross of _Malta_: In a Star of Silver which is -embroider'd upon the Coat, there is a black Eagle which gripes in one Claw -a Crown, and in the other a Scepter; and round the 'Scutcheon are these -words, _SUUM CUIQUE_, (i. e. to every one his own.) The principal -Statutes of this Order are, 1. That the Number of the Knights shall not -exceed thirty, exclusive of the Princes of the Royal Family, and Sovereign -Princes. 2. That the Knights shall prove their Nobility by sixteen -Descents. 3. That they shall promise to be just, chaste, and to protect -and support Widows and Orphans, according to their motto, _Suum cuique_. - -Tho' it was contrary to custom, to install the Knights before the -Coronation, the King was not so scrupulous as to conform to it, foreseeing -that the Ceremony of his Coronation receiv'd a new Lustre from this -Foundation. Nevertheless the Knights and Officers of the Order had then no -other Badges but the Ribband and Star embroider'd on their Clothes; and -'twas not till two Years after that the King gave to the new Knights, for -days of Ceremony, a Dress consisting of a Vest of Cloth of Gold, with -another over it of Sky-blue Velvet, reaching down to the Mid-leg, with a -Lining of Straw-color, and ty'd under the Cravat with yellow Ribbands, the -Tassels of which hang down to the Knees. Their Sash is of Straw-color'd -Velvet, embroider'd with Gold. Their Mantle is also of Straw-color'd -Velvet, lin'd with Gold-Mohair, and over it is a Collar of Gold enamell'd -with blue, forming these two Letters _F. R._ to signify _Fredericus Rex_: -This is call'd the Grand Collar of the Order. The Knights wear black -Velvet Caps on their Heads, with white Plumes of Feathers. The King's -Habit differs not from that of the Knights; but the Habits of the Grand -Master of the Ceremonies, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, differ in that -they only wear over their common Clothes full Gowns of Straw-color'd -Velvet, with an Orange-color'd Lining, and upon them the Cross of the -Order, fasten'd only by an Orange-color'd Ribband that hangs to their -Neck. - -The King at the first Promotion, or rather on the day that he instituted -the Order, created the full number of Knights, prescribed by the Statutes. -He also gave the Ribband of the Order to the Electoral Prince his Son, and -to his two Brothers the Margraves _Christian_ and _Albert_. The Margrave -_Philip_ staying behind at _Berlin_ to govern in the King's Absence, the -Ribband was sent to him by a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber. - -On the Coronation-day, about nine in the Morning the King was dressed by -the great Chamberlain, attended by all the Officers of the Bed-chamber. -His Coat was Scarlet embroider'd with Gold, and brilliant Diamonds were -his Buttons. Over that, he had a Royal Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, lin'd and -turn'd up with Ermin, which was fasten'd to his Breast by a Clasp of three -Diamonds. As soon as the King was dressed he went into a Hall in his -Apartment, where a Throne had been erected, on each side of which, there -lay on two Tables of Silver the Royal Ornaments that were to serve the -King and Queen. The King being seated on his Throne, ordered they should -be brought to him, and they were accordingly presented to him on the Knee. -Having the Crown in his Hand, he put it himself on his Head, and then -taking the Sceptre in his right Hand and the Royal Globe in his left, in -that posture he receiv'd the first Homages of the Prince Royal and of the -Margraves, who bent one Knee before him. After this the King arose and -went to the Queen's Apartment, preceded by the Knights of the Order, the -two Margraves, the Prince Royal, and the Noblemen that carried the Regalia -design'd for the Queen. - -Her Majesty was dress'd in a Purple Gown, and a Royal Mantle like the -King's. She was dress'd in her own Nut-brown Hair without any Powder, -which in conjunction with the Lustre of the Diamonds gave her an Air still -more noble and majestic. As soon as she perceiv'd the King, who met her at -the entrance of his Chamber, she fell on her knees, in which situation the -King embrac'd her, and with his own Hands set the Crown upon her Head. She -took the Scepter and Globe from the hands of the Lords who carried them, -and the King raising her up she follow'd him into his Apartment, where she -also receiv'd the Homage of the Prince Royal and the Margraves, in the -same manner as they had perform'd them to the King. - -Their Majesties went afterwards to Church with all the Pomp and -Magnificence, (I dare to say it) of the ancient Kings of _Asia_. The King -walk'd under a Canopy of Silver-Brocade embroider'd with Gold borne by ten -_Prussian_ Lords of the first Quality, and at some distance came the Queen -under another Canopy like to that of the King. The Grand Chamberlain held -up the Train of the King's Mantle, and the Queen's was born by the Duchess -of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, the one Lady of -Honour to the Queen, and the other having the first Reversion of that -Office. The Duke of _Holstein_ officiated as Great Master of her Houshold; -and the Princess of _Holstein_ walk'd at the head of the Court-Ladies. -Their Majesties were receiv'd by the two Bishops that were to perform the -Ceremony of the Coronation, who were dress'd in purple Velvet, after the -_English_ mode, and had for their Assistants six Ministers, three of them -_Calvinists_ and three _Lutherans_. They conducted the King and Queen to -their Thrones which had been erected on the two sides of the Altar, the -King's on the Right, and the Queen's on the Left. Tho' there is no Altar -in the _Calvinist_ Churches, the King had one, and had actually made a -present of a magnificent Crucifix to be plac'd upon it, in order to shew -how much he wish'd the Union of the two Protestant Churches. - -The Prince Royal seated himself a little behind the King towards the Right -on a Folding-chair, with his Governor the Count _de Dobna_ behind him: The -Margraves also sate in two Folding-chairs on both sides of the Queen. The -Duke and Duchess of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, -sate upon Stools immediately behind the Queen. The Princess of _Holstein_ -was also placed upon a Stool, but a little farther off. On both sides of -the Altar two Galleries were erected, the one for the Duchess of -_Courland_ the King's Sister, the young Duke her Son, and the three -Princesses her Daughters-in-Law, the other for the Ambassadors and Foreign -Ministers. - -When the King was to receive the sacred Unction, he went and kneel'd at -the foot of the Altar, gave the Globe and Sceptre to the Lords who had -before carried them, took off his Crown with his own hands, which he -plac'd on a Cushion like to that on which he kneel'd, and then receiv'd -three Unctions, one on the Forehead, and the two others on his Wrists. The -Great Chamberlain dried up the Oil with Cotton and Linnen, which one of -the Ministers presented to him on a Plate of Gold. After this the King -took his Crown again which no other hand had touch'd, and plac'd it -himself on his head; and having also taken the Sceptre and Globe again, he -went and replac'd himself on his Throne. The same Ceremonies were -observ'd at the Anointing of the Queen, with this difference only, that -she all the while kept the Crown on her Head, and that Madame _Stingland_, -her Lady of Honour, dried up the Oil. - -This done, the two Bishops with the six Ministers pay'd the first Homage -to both the King and Queen. The Bishop at Consecration said to the King, -_May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ FREDERIC KING OF PRUSSIA! _May the -Lord, the God of our King say the same! May he continue his Presence with -him as he has done hitherto, to the end that his Royal Throne may -aggrandize his Power from day to day._ - -The same Bishop said to the Queen, _May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA QUEEN OF PRUSSIA! _May the Lord our God preserve her for -a Token of his Blessing to her People, and may she from this time forward -see Prosperity and Salvation spread ever her Royal Family, and over her -Children, in the Peace of_ Israel! - -While the Music as it were repeated these same words, the Prince Royal and -the Margraves went and paid their Homage also to the King and Queen, -kneeling on the last Step of their Throne and kissing their Hands. The -Homage of the other Nobility only consisted in their making a profound -Obeysance without stirring out of their places. - -The Bishop who had perform'd the Consecration, turning about to the -People, said with a loud Voice, _Fear God and honour your King and your -Queen, for their Power cometh from the Lord who hath created Heaven and -Earth. May the same Lord vouchsafe to be their Guide and Guardian! May he -cover them with his Shadow, that the Heat of the Sun and the Rays of the -Moon, may never hurt their Sight! May the Lord keep them from all Evil? -save their Souls, and go in and out before them with Blessing, till Time -Shall be no more._ After some other Prayers, the King renew'd the Edicts -against Duels, and swore to observe them upon the Holy Gospels. And -therewith ended this long Ceremony. - -The King had all the reason in the World to be pleased with it, by reason -of the exactness with which every one perform'd his Function, which was a -thing hardly to have been expected in a Ceremony that was quite new to the -Performers; but they so well knew his delicacy in every matter of -Ceremony, and the Emulation they had to please him in this Taste was such, -that the most consummate Experience could not have acquitted itself -better. - -The Queen herself was the only Person that got a reprimand, and that was -by her taking some Snuff. Her Throne being over-against the King's, she -watch'd a long time for an opportunity, and when she thought his Majesty -did not observe her she stole out her Snuff-Box. The King happening to -turn his Eyes towards her the very same moment, she would fain have -conceal'd it, but his Majesty's Countenance was so fix'd on her that she -was convinc'd he perceiv'd it; and indeed this Prince who was upon this -occasion not to be trifled with, immediately order'd one of his Gentlemen -who was behind him to go and ask the Queen in his Name, _Whether she -remember'd the Place where she was, and the Rank she held there_. - -The King and Queen going out of the Church caus'd Gold and Silver Medals -to the value of ten thousand Crowns to be scatter'd among the People, -which had on one side their Effigies with these words, _FREDERICUS ET -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA, REX ET REGINA_; and on the reverse a Crown with these -words, _PRIMA MEÆ GENTIS_. - -The Ceremonies at the Royal Feast which follow'd, were not much short of -those at the Coronation. It was kept in the great Hall of the Palace, to -which the King and Queen repair'd almost with the same Train, and in the -same order as they had observ'd going to Church. - -When they were seated at Table, their Majesties return'd their Sceptres -and Globes into the hands of the Lords who had the Honour of carrying them -before. These Lords then plac'd themselves at each side of the Table, and -remain'd there during the whole Feast. The Prince Royal, the two Margraves -and the Duchess of _Courland_ the King's Sister, were the only Persons -that had the honour of dining with their Majesties. Of all the Ceremonies -that were observ'd there, the two following are what I have no where seen -but in _Germany_. As soon as the King and Queen had taken their Seats at -Table, the two Grand Marshals went out of the Hall into the Courtyard of -the Palace, and from thence rode on horseback to the great Stables -attended by Kettle-drums, Trumpets, and a great many Officers of the -King's Kitchen. There they found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit and stuff'd -with all sorts of Wild-fowl, of which they cut off a piece and carry'd it -in a Gold Dish to their Majesties Table. - -After this, the Great Cup-Bearer went with the like Train to the same -Stables, where there were two Fountains of Wine running from the Beaks of -two Eagles. Of this he fill'd a gold Goblet, and went and presented it to -the King. His Majesty having taken it and return'd it to him, he presented -it afterwards to the Queen, who return'd it to him in like manner; and -then he carry'd it to the great Beaufet, which was set up at the other end -of the Room over-against the King's Table. As often as the King or Queen -drank, nine Cannon were fired; six when the Prince Royal drank, and three -whenever the Margraves and the Duchess of _Courland_ drank. - -This Repast held a very long time, yet none of the Courtiers sate down to -Table till their Majesties were retir'd to their Apartments. About nine -o'clock at Night all the Bells in the City were rung, and the Noise of the -Cannon added to that of the Kettle-drums and Trumpets, serv'd as a signal -for the Bonfires that were lighted in all the Cross-streets. The Burghers -illuminated the Fronts of their Houses. Some of the most substantial had -also erected Triumphal Arches before their Houses, with Emblems and -Devices; others let Wine run for the Populace, and in short there was no -Burgher but strove to signalize their Joy some way or other. - -Their Majesties being desirous to honour the public Rejoicings with their -presence, went into the Streets about ten o'clock in a magnificent Coach, -accompanied by all their Courtiers on horseback. When they came before the -Town-House they were harangu'd by the chief Burgo-Master, who presented -them with a Collation in Panniers of Silver, after which they pass'd by -the House of the Duke of _Holstein_ Governour of _Konigsberg_. The Front -of the House represented the Temple of Glory; the Duke's Gentlemen -represented the Priests of the Temple, and threw Amber and Incense into -the Coals which were upon the Altar; the Duke's Children, who were eight -in number, were dressed like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and as the King -and Queen pass'd by, the eldest presented them with a Basket of Flowers, -and pronounc'd some Verses to them in the _German_ Language, expressing -the Vows which all the People made for the duration of their Prosperity. -Their Majesties, after stopping some time before this House, return'd to -the Palace. - -Throughout all the King's Dominions there were the like Demonstrations of -Joy, and the Coronation-day was celebrated every where like a Sunday. The -King and Queen spent the whole Carnival at _Konigsberg_, where they -receiv'd the Count _de Tobianski_ the Great Cup-bearer of _Poland_, who -came as Ambassador from the King his Master, to congratulate their -Majesties on their Coronation. It must be observed in the mean time, that -the Republic of _Poland_ never recogniz'd the King of _Prussia_'s Royalty, -tho' two of its Kings, _viz._ the Elector of _Saxony_, and King -_Stanislaus_ four years after recogniz'd him by their Ambassadors. - -The departure of the Court for _Berlin_ was fix'd for the eighth of -_March_. As the King had not yet made his entry at _Konigsberg_, the -Citizens entreated him to permit them to accompany him as far as the -limits of their Territory, which was granted them. Then several triumphal -Arches were erected, all the Streets were hung with Tapestry, and the King -set out from _Konigsberg_ attended by all the City Companies. His Majesty -rode on horseback, supported by two Equerries on foot. His Clothes were of -Crimson-Velvet lin'd with Ermin and embroider'd with Gold, and the Buttons -were of Diamonds. He had on his Hat a Loop and a Hat-band of Diamonds. -His Horse was most richly accouter'd: The Bit, Stirrups, and all the -Ornaments of the Bridle, were of massy Gold; the Housing of -Crimson-Velvet, all cover'd with Gold Embroidery and Diamonds. The Queen's -Coach was also of extraordinary Magnificence. Her Majesty sate in it -accompanied only by the Duchess of _Courland_, who sate over-against her. - -In short, they went out of _Konigsberg_ with all the Pomp and Apparatus -that us'd to attend Public Entrys. When their Majesties were got a quarter -of a League out of the Town, they alighted and went into their -Travelling-Coaches, and there they received the last Compliments which -were paid by the Echevins bare-headed and kneeling. Then the King and -Queen return'd into the City through another Gate, and staid in their -Palace till next day that they set out for _Berlin_. - -The Court was oblig'd to go by the way of _Dantzic_, because of the sudden -Thaw of the _Weissel_, which render'd it impassable. The Magistrates of -_Dantzic_ immediately sent out Deputies to their Majesties, to intreat -them to permit their City to make a public Entry for them; but the King -thank'd them, and was not willing they should be at any expence. -Nevertheless at the Entrance of the Territory of _Dantzic_ two -Burgo-Masters, four Counsellors, and the Syndic of the Town, at the head -of the Youth on horseback, went and paid their Majesties a Compliment. He -that spoke was the chief Burgo-Master, who pray'd their Majesties to -suffer the City to defray their Expences, while they stay'd in their -Territory. The King and Queen alighted at a House erected on purpose for -their Reception, which was of Wood, and represented the Temple of Glory. -There their Majesties found a magnificent Collation and a very fine -Concert of Music. In other Rooms several Tables were set up for the -Gentlemen of his Retinue. The King and Queen having spent the Night there, -pass'd thro' _Dantzic_ next day, and went over the _Weissel_, which at -that part of it was still frozen. Yet as there was cause to apprehend that -it was not froze hard enough to be pass'd with safety, the Magistrates, to -prevent any Accident, had cover'd the Ice with Straw, Beams and Planks; -and twenty-four young Men and as many Lasses, dressed like Sailors in -Jackets of Velvet and Sattin, assisted the King and Queen in their -passage; during which, the Girls presented them with Fish, Fruit, -Sweet-Meats and Flowers, and the young Sailors play'd to them on several -Instruments of Music. When their Majesties had passed the River, they -dismiss'd the Deputies of the City, and made them each a Present of a Gold -Chain and Medal, on which were their Effigies. On the seventeenth of -_March_ the King arriv'd at _Potzdam_[3], and the Queen at _Lutzelbourg_. -The King who had a Design to make a solemn Entry at _Berlin_, stay'd at -_Potzdam_ till the sixth of _May_, to give time for making the necessary -Preparations to receive him, and for the finishing one of the Fronts of -his Palace, which he wish'd might be compleated by that day. - -Towards the latter end of _April_ the King set out from _Potzdam_ for -_Schonhausen_, where the Queen met him some days after, and there their -Majesties prepared to make their Entry into Berlin. - -This Ceremony was perform'd with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible. -The City had caus'd seven Triumphal Arches to be erected; the Description -of one of those Arches may suffice to give an Idea of the Taste of our -Court for Entertainments of this kind. This Arch, which was at the Bars -entring the Suburb, seem'd to have been built by Gardeners. It was one -entire Green-house with Pillars and Pilasters, adorn'd with Flowers. -_Pomona_ and _Flora_ were seen to support the Pictures of the King and -Queen. The _Spring_, attended by the _Zephyrs_, presented them with Fruits -and Flowers, and a Row of Orange-Trees and Laurels in gilded Boxes lin'd -the Way from that Arch to St. _George_'s Gate, which has ever since that -Day been call'd the Royal Gate, because their Majesties enter'd thro' it -into the Town. - -Next day after their Entry the Deputies of the Provinces presented the -King with Free Gifts on his joyful Arrival, and the Margrave _Philip_ -Grand Master of the Artillery, caus'd a Fire-work to be play'd off, which -represented the King's Return to _Berlin_, by that of _Jason_, after the -Conquest of the Golden Fleece. - -After some other Festivals of this nature, occasion'd by the public Joy, -the Court separated, when the King set out for _Oranjebourg_[4], and the -Queen to _Lutzelbourg_. The Prince Royal staid at _Berlin_ to finish his -Exercises. Care had been taken to form a numerous Court for him, of all -young Gentlemen of his own Age, of whom this young Prince had form'd two -Companies, of which himself commanded the first, and the Duke of -_Courland_ the second. I was of this second Company, and we went -sometimes to perform our Military Exercises at _Lutzelbourg_ before the -Queen, who lov'd to see the Prince her Son display the first Fruits of his -Military Genius. We also acted some Comedies before her; for the Princess -aim'd to inspire the Prince her Son with a delicate Taste, even in -Pleasures. - -'Twas at this time that a Storm arose at Court against the Count _de -Wartemberg_ Great Chamberlain, and lately declar'd Prime Minister, which -threaten'd his Ruin; but it spent itself upon those only who had rais'd -it. The principal Authors of the Cabal were the Count _de Lottum_, M. -----, and the Grand Marshal, who had been for a long time the Great -Chamberlain's sworn Enemy. The Count _de Wesen_, my Father-in-law, was -pitch'd upon by these Gentlemen to raise the first Prejudices in the -King's Mind against this Minister. I have had the Honor to acquaint you, -_Madame_, that the Countess _de Wartemberg_ always wish'd well to M. _de -Wesen_ of which the advantagious Match she had procur'd for him was a very -convincing Proof. One would have thought therefore after such great -Service, that he ought in Gratitude to have devoted himself entirely to -the Fortune of the Count her Husband. But my Father-in-law puff'd up by -the Choice which the Count's Enemies had made of him, forgot his Duty and -his Interest, and accepted a Commission for the undertaking of which he -had in truth all the necessary Temerity, but not that Judgment nor that -Favor, which was absolutely requisite for conducting so ticklish an -Affair. - -The King had a real Love for M. _de Wartemberg_, yet he sometimes made him -feel his ill Humors. The Prince seem'd one day to be so angry with him, -and spoke of him to my Father-in-law with so much Resentment, that the -latter thought he had now a fair Opportunity to ruin the Count. He said to -the King, that the whole Court was surpriz'd at his extraordinary Kindness -to a Minister who every day abus'd his Name in the Oppression of the -People, and in the Commission of a thousand Acts of Injustice against his -faithful Servants; that his Rapines were excessive; and that his Wife's -Extravagance was so great, that he could shew by the Accounts of the -Comptrollers of the Kitchen, that the Great Chamberlain's Table cost more -than his Majesty's. _I know very well_, added M. _de Wesen, that if the -Prime Minister should hear of what I have now had the Honor to say to your -Majesty, I am undone; but if I held my peace, I thought I should be -wanting in my Duty; and what I have asserted I am ready to prove._ - -The King heard what he said very attentively, and my Father-in-law was so -vain as to think he had made Impression enough upon him to strike M. _de -Wartemberg_ quite out of his Favor; but this shallow Statesman, my -Father-in-law, did not consider that a Prince who complains of his -Favorite is not always dispos'd to receive the ill Impressions that others -are ready to give of him. Whether the King therefore thought after this -manner, or whether he was shock'd at the Ingratitude of M. _de Wesen_, who -ow'd his Fortune to M. _de Wartemberg_, he told the Minister the -Conversation that had pass'd, but assur'd him that he did not give Credit -to the Report; and that if he pleas'd he would take a Revenge on the Man -that had made it. - -The crafty Minister affected at that time an Air of Moderation, which cost -him the less Pains because he was an excellent Comedian. He said to the -King that he thought himself sufficiently reveng'd, by the little Heed his -Majesty gave to the scandalous Tales which his Enemies gave out against -him, and he desir'd his Majesty to pardon those who had offer'd to abuse -his Goodness, for the sake of oppressing him. Thus did he for a while -conceal the keenest Resentment under the Mask of the most forgiving -Temper; being resolv'd in his Heart to ruin those who had employ'd M. _de -Wesen_, tho' they were protected by the Queen, but especially to make -their Tool feel all the Weight of his Vengeance. - -A Journey which the King took to _Goltz_, one of his Hunting-Seats, near -the Fortress of _Custrin_, gave him a good Opportunity for it. Being alone -with the King in the same Coach, he put him so much out of conceit with M. -_de Wesen_, that when he arriv'd at _Goltz_, all that came to wait on him, -as he alighted out of the Coach, perceiv'd he was in an ill Humor. -Contrary to his usual custom, he spoke to no body, only he order'd my -Father-in-law to give his Attendance. When he had sat down, he scarce -touch'd the Bread, but he found fault with it, and complained of it to M. -_de Wesen_, as the Person who had the Direction of what came to his Table. -M. _de Wesen_ said to the King, That 'twas true the Bread was not as it -us'd to be, because the Carriage of the Pantry broke down by the way, and -the Baker came too late to Town to provide more. The King not well pleas'd -with this Answer, said, he was weary of being ill serv'd, and that he -expected every one shou'd do their Duty. At the same time he threw his -Napkin on the Ground. M. _de Wesen_ fetch'd another, and offer'd it to the -King, but he would not take it, and order'd him to be gone that Moment out -of his Presence. Two Hours after, M. _de Wesen_ was arrested by an Exempt -of the Life-Guards, who conducted him in his Coach under a Guard to -_Custrin_, the Capital of the New Marquisate, situate upon the _Oder_. -There my Father-in-law was kept as a State-Criminal, and the Minister sent -Orders to the Aulic Counsellor to go to my Mother's House, and clap a Seal -upon her Husband's Effects. She was at that time in the Country, and my -Brother happen'd to be at Church with our Governor, so that I was alone in -the House when those Gentlemen came to execute their Order. After they had -shew'd it to me, they ask'd me which was my Father-in-law's Apartment, -that they might not be oblig'd to put the Seal upon every thing. I made no -scruple to shew it to them, and as they withdrew they left me a Writing -which was an Order to my Mother not to come to Court, nor to sollicite her -Husband's Liberty. I sent immediately For my Governor, that he might go -with this disagreeable News to my Mother, whose Surprize was as great as -her Sorrow; for as she had an entire Love for her Husband, so she knew -nothing of his Intrigues against the Minister, to whom she thought he was -all along devoted. As the King's Order tied up her Hands, and hinder'd her -from coming to Court, I was charg'd to do what I could there, to obtain my -Father-in-law's Liberty. - -One day as the Queen made an Entertainment at _Lutzelbourg_ for the King, -I presented a Petition to him, in my Mother's Name, intreating him to -remove the Seal from her Effects, and the Guard from her House; and that -his Majesty would be pleas'd to appoint Commissioners to try her Husband; -to the end, that if guilty, he might be punish'd, or if innocent, that he -might be set at liberty. My Youth, and the Tears which I shed at the -Delivery of this Petition, melted the King's Heart, who told me, That he -would do what my Mother desir'd, for her sake only; that he sympathiz'd in -her Affliction; but that her Husband had so justly provok'd him, that he -could not avoid making him sensible of his Indignation: That withal, he -was very glad to see me so good-natur'd, as to sollicite in favor of a Man -who he knew had not dealt well either by my Brother or me, notwithstanding -the Injunction he laid upon him, when he match'd him to my Mother. I made -him answer, that I had no reason to complain of my Father-in-law; and that -tho' I had, my Mother's extreme Concern of Mind for what had happen'd, -wou'd be a sufficient Motive for me to sollicite his Liberty. _I commend -you_ said the King, _for these Principles. Go and tell your Mother that -she shall be made easy, and be assur'd that I will take care of you_. -Those were the very Expressions of the King, who, when I stoop'd to -embrace his Knees, encourag'd me also by clapping his Hand upon my -Shoulder. As soon as he was gone, the Queen sent for me into her Closet, -to give her an Account of this Conversation. I found her resting on a -Couch, attended by none but Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin, who sat -on the Ground at her Feet. When the Queen had enquir'd after my Mother's -Health, she order'd me to assure her of her Esteem and Friendship; and -when I had repeated to her what the King had said to me, she made Answer, -That she was very glad the King was so well inclin'd to me. _Cultivate his -good Disposition_, said she, _make it your Study to merit his Favor. As -for me, I will do every thing in my power to preserve you in it; and you -may always be sure of my Protection._ - -So gracious a Reception both from the King and Queen gave me great Hopes; -and I return'd to _Berlin_, not doubting but the Promises he had made to -me wou'd soon be perform'd; yet 'twas not without tedious Sollicitations -from my Mother's Friends that she obtain'd her Husband's Liberty, after -seven Months Confinement, besides paying a Fine for him of ten thousand -Crowns. The Revenge which the Minister took upon those who had made my -Father-in-law their Agent, was not so much talk'd of; for he contented -himself with banishing them to their respective Estates or Governments, -and disposing of their Offices among his most obsequious Creatures. One of -these was the Count _de Witgenstein_, upon whom he confer'd the Office of -the Grand Marshal. He was a Person of a good Family, but neither he nor -his Ancestors had ever done any Service to the State; and all his Merit -was an entire Devotion to the Prime Minister, to whom he was more a Slave -than a Friend. As long as the Count _de Wartemberg_ continu'd in Favor, he -kept his ground at Court; but the Fall of that Minister was attended with -his. The Disgrace of my Father-in-law did not fail likewise to create a -great deal of Trouble in my Family. My Mother follow'd him to his Estate -in the Duchy of _Zell_, and I was sent with my Brother under the Conduct -of a Governor to _Lunebourg_, there to finish my Studies. - -All _Europe_ was at this time in motion, and had taken part in the Quarrel -between the Houses of _Austria_ and _Bourbon_, on account of the -Succession to the Monarchy of _Spain_. _Philip_ of _Anjou_ was already in -possession of it, by virtue of _Charles_ II's last Will and Testament; -and in pursuance of the Right he had to it by his Grandmother _Mary -Theresa_ of _Austria_. The Emperor founded his Claim upon the Renunciation -made by that Princess when she was married to _Lewis_ XIV. The greatest -part of _Europe_, which the exorbitant Power of _France_ had begun to -alarm, sided with the Emperor, who quitted his Rights in favor of the -Archduke his Son. Besides the common Interest which it seem'd to be of all -_Europe_ to hinder two such Monarchies as _France_ and _Spain_ from being -govern'd by one Prince, several Potentates had their particular Reasons, -for laying hold of this opportunity, to make war with _France_. - -The Court of _England_ was alarm'd at the Proceeding of _Lewis_ XIV. who -had just recogniz'd the Son of _James_ II. lately deceas'd at _St. -Germains_, for King of _England_, by the Name of _James_ III. in prejudice -of King _William_, who had been recogniz'd by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The _Dutch_ govern'd themselves by the Views of King _William_, who was -all along their Stadtholder: And they could not forget the War in 1672, -the Wounds of which were still bleeding. - -The King of _Prussia_, besides his Interest in common with the other -Electors, to hinder _France_ from becoming too powerful, for fear lest -hereafter the said Court should saddle them with whom it pleas'd for an -Emperor, had Engagements subsisting with the Court of _Vienna_ and the -King of _England_. And in consequence of those Engagements he furnish'd -the Emperor with 6000 Men, and gave Orders for a Levy in his Dominions of -20,000 Men, which King _William_ had demanded of him, and which were -during the whole War in the Pay of the United Provinces. - -_France_ had no Allies but the Electors of _Bavaria_ and _Cologn_, who -suffer'd themselves to be prevail'd on by the Promises of _France_; the -chief of which was, That she would not make an end of the War till she had -caus'd the Elector of _Bavaria_ to be declar'd King of _Swabia._ - -The Duke of _Savoy_ was proof against the Advantages offered him by -_France_: And notwithstanding the Marriage of his two Daughters to the -Duke of _Burgundy_ and the Duke of _Anjou_, King of _Spain_, he was the -most zealous Ally against those two Crowns. He foresaw too very plainly, -that as long as those two Powers were united, such was the Situation of -his Dominions, that they wou'd hem him in between them; and therefore when -the Duchess his Mother, who was a thorow _French_ Woman, ask'd him, What -would become of his Daughters, if he dethron'd the King of _Spain_, and -ruin'd _France_, he reply'd to her, _And if I do not, what will become of -my Son?_ - -These, _Madame_, were in general the various Motions that affected -_Europe_ when King _William_ of _England_ died: Nor did this Accident -occasion any Alteration; for the Princess _Anne Stuart_, who succeeded him -by the Name of Queen _Anne_, pursued the same Views as her Predecessor, -and the War of the Allies against _France_ was carried on with the same -Vigor. - -By the Death of the King of _England_, who was the last Prince of the -_Orange_ Branch, our King was Heir to all his personal Estate; yet his -Right was contested by the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, who, tho' not so -nearly related as the King, had the Advantage of Kindred by the Male -Line, and had a Will of King _William_ in his Favor, which intitled him to -his Succession. As the States-General of the United Provinces were the -Executors of this Will, the King immediately communicated his Pretensions -to them, as he did also to Queen _Anne_, by M. _de Spanheim_ his -Ambassador at _London_. He founded his Right upon a Will of -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, King _William_'s Grandfather, who had -a Son and three Daughters, the eldest of whom married to the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ the King's Father; the second to the Prince _de Simmeren_, a -younger Prince of the present reigning _Palatine_ Family, who dying -without Issue, left his Right of Succession to the Electorate, to the -Branch of _Neuburg_; and the third was married to the Prince of -_Anhalt-Dessau_. - -The Will of _Frederic-Henry_ call'd the Male Descendants to his -Succession; and on Failure of them the three Princesses his Daughters; by -virtue of which, the King who descended from the eldest, claimed to be the -lawful Heir, notwithstanding the Testament of King _William_, who could -not dispose of an Estate which was intail'd. The King, for the better -Manifestation of his Rights, set out for the _Hague_, accompanied by the -Margrave _Albert_, his Brother, who left him at _Wesel_ in order to join -the Army at _Keiserswaert_[5]. - -At _Wesel_[6] the King receiv'd Messieurs _de Lintelo_, _Slingenlandt_, -and _Tour_, Deputies from the States-General, to whom he paid the same -Honors as to Sovereigns, and receiv'd them standing, with only an -Arm-Chair behind him. They gave him an Account of the last Will and -Testament of King _William_, which they had caus'd to be open'd in the -Presence of M. _Schmettau_ his Ambassador, Mr. _Stanhope_ the Envoy -Extraordinary of _England_, the Envoys of the Princesses of _Anhalt_ and -_Nassau-Friesland_, the Envoy of the Prince of _Nassau-Siegen_, the -Commissioners of the States appointed for that purpose, and the -Counsellors of the Domains of the late King _William_. They added that -they had found in this Will, that the Prince of _Nassau_, hereditary -Governor of _Friesland_, was call'd to the Succession as universal Heir, -and they exhorted the King to own him as such. But notwithstanding all -this, he enter'd his solemn Protest against the Will, and then set out for -the _Hague_. - -The King at his arrival alighted at the Palace of the Old Court, which was -part of the Inheritance of the King of _England_, and of which he had -already taken Possession, as well as of _Honslaerdyke_, another Palace of -the late King of _England_. The _Dutch_ wou'd fain have secur'd the -Succession to the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, but they could not easily -do this, without embroiling themselves with the King. Therefore they chose -to temporize, and came to no Conclusion while the King staid in _Holland_, -during which they endeavor'd to amuse him by procuring him all the -Pleasures that their Country afforded; but the Grand Affair of the -Succession to the King of _England_ engross'd all his Thoughts, and he -went away very much dissatisfy'd with the Conduct of the States-General at -this Juncture. - -As soon as he return'd to _Berlin_, he sent for my Brother and me from -_Lunenburg_, for fear lest my Mother, who was a _Lutheran_, should -persuade us to embrace that Religion. Next year he establish'd an -Academy, into which he gave Orders for our Entrance. The View of this -Establishment was to educate the young Nobility of the Court, in a manner -suitable to their Extraction. The King had the Nomination of those that -were to be admitted into this Academy, and Care had been taken to furnish -it with the best Masters in all the Arts and Sciences. The Expence of the -Students there were very moderate, the King having taken upon him to pay -the Extraordinaries. This illustrious School, which was then call'd, _The -Academy of Princes_, has lost very much of its former Splendor. - -I found the Court of _Berlin_ in the same State as when I left it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was still in the highest Favor; and the Count _de -Barfous_, the only Man who had presum'd for some time to make head against -the Minister, had at length been oblig'd to retire to his Estate; but what -made his Banishment from Court the more tolerable to him, was a Pension -which the King allow'd him of 20,000 Crowns. His Post of Velt-Marshal was -given to M. _de Wartensleben_, Lieutenant-General of the Emperor's Troops, -and General of those of the Duke of _Saxe Gotha_. This was also a Creature -of the Prime Minister; yet he had Honor and Honesty enough to oppose him -on Occasions, where he thought the Welfare of the State was concern'd. The -Count _de Lottum_, who had been involv'd in the Disgrace of my -Father-in-law, and whose Office of Grand Marshal had been conferr'd on the -Count _de Witgenstein_, retain'd a certain Air of Favor in his Disgrace, -as did also the Count _de Barfous_. The King had given him the Government -of _Wesel_, to which he retir'd; and as he could not avoid doing justice -to his Merit and Fidelity, he gave him the Command of the Troops design'd -for the _Netherlands_. He was charg'd with the Blockade of _Rhinberg_, a -Place in the Electorate of _Cologn_, which the _French_ then possess'd, -under color of being that Elector's auxiliary Forces. The Town surrendring -in a little time, he undertook the Blockade of _Guelders_, which made a -part of the _Spanish Netherlands_, and was yielded to us by the Peace of -_Utrecht_. The taking of these two important Places in the midst of -Winter, and the Behaviour of the Count _de Lottum_, who notwithstanding -the Severity of the Season, and the Treatment he had received from Court, -took all the Care possible for the Preservation of the King's Troops, made -him so much extoll'd at Court, as was mortifying to the Prime Minister. - -_France_ endeavor'd to repair the Loss of these two Places by seizing the -Principality of _Orange_, which we were not near enough to defend, and he -put the Prince of _Conti_ in immediate Possession of it, who had some -claim to it through the _Chalons_ Family, of which he call'd himself Heir. -But he soon after yielded the said Principality and his Pretensions, to -_Lewis_ XIV. who likewise caus'd an Edict to be publish'd there, by which -it was put to the choice of all the Inhabitants to turn Catholics, or to -sell their Effects and retire out of the Kingdom within the space of three -Months. The Generality of those who were not willing to change their -Religion, retir'd to our Court, and among others, the Members of the -Parliament. The King reliev'd them as far as he could, and caus'd -Collections to be made in all the Churches of his Dominions, the Money of -which was distributed to those who had the most pressing Occasion for it. - -Soon after the Loss of _Orange_, the Margrave _Albert_ married the -Princess of _Courland_. That Prince in 1696, had succeeded the late -Margrave _Charles_, his Father, in the Grand Mastership[7] of the Order of -St. _John_. This Order is the same as that of _Maltha_, and is only -separated from it since _Luther_. The Commanderies, subject to the Elector -of _Brandenburg_, which became Protestant, put themselves under the -Elector's Protection, and chose a Grand Master, or rather the Elector -chose one for them. The Choice has always fallen upon a younger Prince of -the Family, who is not engag'd by it to any Vow, more than the Knights, -who are only obliged to prove their Nobility, to which the Sovereign very -often objects. - -The Princess of _Courland_ was the eldest of the three Daughters that the -Duke of _Courland_ had by his first Lady. He married to his second Wife -the King's Sister, and some time after he died. The Duchess his Widow, who -had been oblig'd to abandon _Courland_, which the _Swedes_, the _Poles_ -and the _Muscovites_ equally harass'd, came to _Konigsberg_, to be present -at the Coronation of the King her Brother, who gave her that Protection -she expected. Here it was, that the Year before she had married the -Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_, the King's Cousin; and when she went -with her Husband into his Dominions, she left the eldest of her -Daughters-in-law with the Queen, in hopes of her marrying the Margrave -_Albert_: And the Queen, who was fond of this Princess, ordered it so, -that she obtain'd the King's Consent to the Marriage, which was celebrated -some time after at _Lutzelbourg_. - -Much about this time we had a new Ceremony in our Climates. This[8] was -the Erection of a Statue which the King caus'd to be set up in honor of -his Father _Frederic-William_ the Great. 'Tis perfectly like that of -_Lewis_ XIV. in the Square of _Vendôme_ at _Paris_. The Pedestal and Base -are of white Marble. This Statue was set up _July_ 12, 1703; and the King -in order to do the more Honor to the Elector his Father, caus'd the -Ceremony to be perform'd with a magnificent Apparatus, in presence of the -whole Court, and all the Benches of Justice. - -The following Year 1704 was happy to the Allies, by their Victories at -_Donawert_ and _Hochstet_. The Troops that the King had sent into -_Franconia_ and _Bavaria_, to the Emperor and the City of _Nuremberg_[9], -which call'd for Help against the _Bavarians_, contributed not a little to -the obtaining of those Victories. The King received the News of it by an -Express that was dispatch'd to him from the Prince of _Anhalt_, under -whose Command those Succours acted. This Express was follow'd some Days -after by a second, charg'd with a Letter from Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_, -who therein gave a sublime Encomium on the Valor of the _Prussian_ Troops. -_I have been an Eye-witness, +said he in his Letter+, particularly with -regard to the Infantry of the Right Wing, that all the Officers as well as -the common Soldiers fought with the most intrepid Courage, and for several -Hours check'd the Efforts of the Enemy, who at length not being able to -resist their Bravery, and the continual Fire which they made, were put -into such a Confusion, that they were oblig'd to fly with Precipitation, -and to abandon the Field of Battle to us._ The Prince attributes this -vigorous Action of the _Prussian_ Soldiers to the most exemplary Courage -and Valor of the Prince of _Anhalt_ their Commander. _'Tis but Justice_, -continu'd Prince Eugene, _to give the Prince of +Anhalt+ the Praise he has -so well deserved. He hazarded his Person upon all Occasions, and not -intimidated by the Danger to which he expos'd it, I always saw him at the -Head of his Troops, leading them on to Battle, and encouraging them by his -own Example; so that it may be said to his Honor, that he contributed the -greatest Share to that Victory._ This was a Panegyric the more pleasing to -the Subject of it, because it proceeded from the Mouth of a Prince, who -was too great a Master of Courage to be mistaken. - -After the Campaign was over, my Lord _Marlborough_ came to _Berlin_, where -he receiv'd all the Marks of Esteem from the King, which he could possibly -have desired. Every Point that he negociated for the Operations of the -Campaign was granted him, and he went away from Court highly satisfied. As -soon as he was gone the Prince Royal set out for _Hanover_, from whence he -went to _Holland_; and he intended to pass over to _England_, but an Event -which happen'd to the Grief of him and the whole Court, oblig'd him to -return to _Berlin_. - -This was the unexpected Death of the Queen, on the 1st of _February_ 1705, -after a few days Illness. This Princess us'd for some time past to go to -_Hanover_, to make a Visit to the Electoress her Mother, of whom, as I -have already had the Honor to acquaint you, she was extremely fond. The -Day that she was to set out for this Journey she found herself -indispos'd, but did not discover it, for fear lest the King should not -permit her to go. Her Illness continu'd during the whole Journey, and When -she came to _Hanover_, what with the fatigue of receiving Visits from the -Ladies of the Court, and her dancing at a Ball the same day, she grew much -worse. She came from the Ball with a Soreness in her Throat, which prov'd -so violent that the Physicians and Surgeons soon despair'd of curing her. -The Queen, tho' in the Flower of her Age, was not at all terrify'd when -she saw Death approaching her. She wrote a very tender Letter to the King, -in which she thanked him for the Love he had always manifested to her, and -recommended her Domestics to him. Her Brother the Duke _Ernest Augustus_ -was so deeply concern'd to see her in such a condition, that she did what -she could to comfort him: _There is nothing so natural_, said she to him, -_as Death; 'tis unavoidable, and tho' I am young enough to hope to live a -few Years longer, yet I am not loth to die_. - -M. _de la Bergerie_ the Minister of the _French_ Church, who assisted her -in her last Moments, was so surpriz'd at her courage and calmness, that he -was more attentive to hear her than to exhort her. _I have_, said she, -_for twenty Years seriously study'd my Religion, and have read the Books -that treat of it with too much application to be in any doubt as to my -Principles. You cannot mention any thing to me but what I have read, and -what you can say to me will certainly add nothing to my Opinion._ Then -turning towards my Cousin, who was on the other side of her Bed, _Alas!_ -said she, _what a deal of needless Ceremony is now going to be us'd about -this Body of mine_! At the same time almost, she stretch'd out her Hand -to Duke _Ernest_ her Brother, and said to him, _Dear Brother, I am -choak'd_; and that Moment she expir'd. - -A Courier was immediately dispatch'd to the Prince Royal, who was at the -_Hague_, and M. _de Bulau_ the Steward of the Queen's Houshold carried the -News to the King, who was so surpriz'd at it, that he fainted away several -times. When he came to himself he shew'd marks of the sincerest -Affliction, and seem'd fully sensible what a loss he had sustain'd. Indeed -this Princess truly deserv'd his Lamentation, as well as the Sorrow of the -whole State; and I for my part with my whole Family lost a solid and -sincere Protectress. - -The King's Grief was such, that it had no Interval, but in his application -to pay those Honours to the Queen, that were due to her Rank. He was -willing to signalize it by the magnificence of a Funeral Pomp, and for -this purpose he himself issued the necessary Orders. The Elector of -_Hanover_ (afterwards King of _England_) omitted nothing on his part to -shew his Sorrow for the loss of so dear a Sister. Her Body was laid for -several days upon a sumptuous Bed of State; her Ladies and the Officers of -her Houshold who had waited on her to _Hanover_ encompass'd it, and the -Elector's Guards and Officers stay'd with the Queen's Corpse, and pay'd -the same Attendance as if she had been living. When every thing was ready -to carry the Corpse to _Berlin_, the Elector caus'd it to be convey'd by -all his Guards even to the Frontiers of the Duchy of _Zell_, where it was -receiv'd by M. _de Bulau_ the Grand Marshal of the Court, who conducted it -to the Territories of _Brandenburg_; and there it was receiv'd by the -Count _de Witgenstein_, who accompany'd it as far as _Berlin_, where I -remember it arriv'd about ten o'clock at Night in a terrible Shower of -Rain. The King accompany'd by the Prince Royal and the Margraves in long -Mourning-Cloaks and by the Ladies of the Court in deep Mourning-Veils, -receiv'd the Queen's Corpse at its being taken out of the Funeral-Chariot, -and accompany'd it into the Old Chapel where a magnificent Cataphalque was -erected for depositing it. - -It represented a Temple of an Oval Form, whose Roof was supported by -Pillars of the _Corinthian_ Order, between each of which were plac'd -Statues that represented the Queen's Vertues. In the middle of the -Cataphalque just in the Upright there was a Glory, in which there was the -Queen's Cypher form'd by Stars. All the Statues, that were silver'd, added -to the Lustres, Branches and Chandeliers, made a noble Contrast with the -Black that cover'd the Walls and the Roof. There the Queen's Corpse was -repos'd till every thing was ready for her Interment. I will not here -enter into the detail of that Ceremony, which was one of the most -magnificent. What I observ'd extraordinary in it was, that 'twas the -King's pleasure that the Parliament of _Orange_, of which the greatest -part were Refugees at Court, should appear there in their Scarlet Robes. - -The Queen's Death occasion'd no alteration in Affairs; for she meddled -with the Government very little, and left all the care of it to the King -and his Ministers: But in matters of Pleasure she was not so unconcern'd; -and she understood them so well, that she was soon miss'd. The Courtiers -sustain'd a Lose that was irreparable; for this Princess, who knew every -body, was perfectly acquainted with every one's Birth and Merit, and took -a delight to distinguish them. Being lofty, but at the same time polite, -she knew better than any body in the World what it was to keep a Court; -and being virtuous without meanness, she could tell (which is no easy -matter) how to prescribe just Bounds to that Air of Gallantry, which alone -is capable of rendering a Court agreeable, and preserving Politeness in -it. - -The only Princess capable of supplying her place was the Margravine -_Philippa_, who then held the first Rank at Court. She was the Daughter of -the Prince of _Anhalt-Dessau_, and of the Princess of _Orange_. She was -good-natur'd and merry, and fond of Pleasures, but understood the delicacy -of them. She might sometimes have made us forget the loss of the Queen, if -the austere and perhaps jealous Humor of her Husband the Margrave _Philip_ -had not inclin'd that Prince to prefer his Residence at his House at -_Schwedt_ to the Court. - -Soon after the Queen, died the Emperor _Leopold_; which was an Event that -affected us not so much as the other, but concern'd the rest of _Europe_ -more. It was presently imagin'd that the Views to the Succession of -_Spain_ would have suffer'd some alteration by this Prince's Death; for -the Emperor _Joseph_ who succeeded his Father having no Son, the Archduke -his Brother who disputed the Crown of _Spain_ with the Duke of _Anjou_ was -his only Heir, and might one day or other by his Death become Master of -the Empire, and of the Dominions of the House of _Austria_. Therefore they -who dreaded to see the two Crowns united upon one Head, had as much and -more reason to fear the Archduke's making himself Master of _Spain_; the -Duke of _Anjou_ who was already in possession of that Crown, being at -that time very remote from that of _France_, by reason of the great number -of Princes that had a prior Right to his. Nevertheless the Powers of -_Europe_ were not mov'd by these Reflections, and the War was continu'd on -the side of the Allies with considerable Success. - -The King of _Sweden_ might, if he had pleased, have stopp'd the progress -of it, and immortaliz'd his Name by rendring himself the Arbiter of a -Quarrel, which divided _Europe_; for the Prosperity of his Arms had -render'd him the Terror of all the Powers in the North. He had in the Year -1704 depriv'd the Elector of _Saxony_ of the Crown of _Poland_, by causing -King _Stanislaus Leszinski_ the Palatine of _Posen_, to be proclaim'd King -of _Poland_; and he was already in the middle of _Saxony_ where he -committed universal Ravage, and when he might have turn'd the Balance -which way he pleas'd, the wrong Advice of his Favorite, corrupted by my -Lord _Marlborough_, was the cause of the Misfortunes into which that -Prince was afterwards precipitated. - -Our Court has had a sufficient share in these different Events; but -perhaps, _Madame_, 'tis so little known at your's as to deserve your -Curiosity: but I will only tell you of what I think most important. - -The _Swedes_ and _Poles_ had scarce laid down their Arms when the -Differences between the King of _Denmark_ and the Duke of _Holstein_ gave -them a fresh occasion to take them up again. In the Conferences that were -begun at _Pinneberg_ in 1696, there were hopes that those Princes would -soon be reconcil'd; but they only patch'd up a Peace which could not last -long, because of the Umbrage the King of _Denmark_ took at the Duke of -_Holstein_'s strict Alliance with _Sweden_; and they quarrel'd again about -the limits of their Dominions. The _Danes_ were the Aggressors, and they -demanded a reinforcement of four thousand Men of the King of _Poland_. -This Prince, who naturally took part with those that declar'd against -_Sweden_, was pleas'd well enough with the _Danes_ Demand, and as there -was an absolute necessity of passing those Troops over the Lands of the -King, (at that time Elector) he sent the Count _de Flemming_, now his -Prime Minister, to our Court, in order to sollicite their passage. Of a -great many Arguments that were alledg'd against it, the most specious -were, 'That the Mediators being still actually employ'd in procuring a -just and equitable Accommodation, it was the duty of a Mediator to hinder -the Rupture, rather than contribute to it by favoring this passage: That -the Court of _Prussia_ was Guarantee for the King of _Sweden_ and the Duke -of _Holstein_, that neither of those two Princes should begin the War -against the King of _Denmark_; and that consequently as War was not -declar'd against that Prince, his _Danish_ Majesty had no need of Foreign -Assistance; and that finally by giving passage to those Troops the Duke of -_Holstein_ would have just reason to accuse the Mediation of Partiality.' -Nevertheless, after all these fine reasons, the four thousand Men had -their Passage, either from surprise or the connivance of the Court. The -King of _Poland_ on his part, in order to make a considerable Diversion in -favor of the King of _Denmark_, brought Troops from _Livonia_ and besieg'd -_Riga_, which then belong'd to the _Swedes_. This Conduct of the King of -_Poland_, was, Madame, as the fatal Signal and the _Primum Mobile_ of that -tragical War, which tho' so glorious for the King of _Sweden_ in the -beginning, ended in the ruin not only of his Kingdom, but also of _Poland_ -and _Saxony_. And the greatest Gainer by it was the _Czar_. - -The _Danes_ while they waited for the Succours they had demanded from -_Poland_, besieg'd the Fortress of _Tonningen_ in the Duchy of _Sleswic_. -The King of _Sweden_ and the Duke of _Holstein_, before they oppos'd this -Enterprize, preferr'd their Complaints to the Dyet of the Empire, and then -prepar'd for driving the _Danes_ out of the Country. The Elector of -_Hanover_ and the Duke of _Zell_ join'd those two Princes, and the latter -marching to the Relief of _Tonningen_ had the Honor of obliging the -Besiegers to abandon it, upon the report only of his Approach. This Prince -therefore having nothing to do towards _Tonningen_, went with his Troops -and rejoin'd the Elector of _Hanover_. They met the four thousand Men whom -the King of _Poland_ was sending to the Assistance of the _Danes_, but -only took their Baggage and Arms, and then left them at liberty to return -home. - -The King of _Sweden_, on his part, push'd on the War against the _Poles_. -That great Prince whom extraordinary Undertakings never startled, having -already ravag'd a part of _Poland_, design'd a bold stroke, which was no -less than dethroning the lawful King of that Country, and setting up -another in his room. He had cast his eyes upon _James_ of _Poland_, Son of -King _John Sobieski_; but the King of _Poland_ parry'd this blow, by -causing the Prince _James_ and his Brother Prince _Constantine_, to be -carried away from an Estate of theirs near _Breslau_ to _Saxony_, where -they were strictly guarded like Prisoners at the Castle of _Leipsic_. The -Confinement of these Princes did indeed hinder either of them from being -elected King; but the King of _Sweden_ still persisted in his design of -dethroning the King of _Poland_, on purpose to be reveng'd of that Prince -for being so rash as to be the first that declar'd War against him. He -caused the Election to fall upon _Stanislaus Leczinski_ the Palatine of -_Posen_. The Bishop of _Posen_ officiated as Cardinal Primate in this -Ceremony, and proclaim'd the new King. The King of _Sweden_ wrote to all -the Princes with whom he was at peace, to acquaint them of this new -Election, and to exhort them to recognize it. The Letter he wrote to our -King had no Influence over him; for he made answer, that he had recogniz'd -one King of _Poland_ already, and that as long as he liv'd he would -acknowledge no other. He wrote at the same time to the King of _Poland_, -to demand the Liberty of the two Princes. The Emperor, to whom the eldest -had the Honour of being Brother-in-law, seconded the King's Demand; but -the Solicitations of both had no consequence, and the Princes were not -releas'd till a long time after. - -The following Year the King undertook to procure a Peace between the Kings -of _Sweden_ and _Poland_; but as the view of such Reconciliation was to -re-establish the Prince of _Saxony_ upon the Throne of _Poland_, the King -of _Sweden_ would hearken to no Proposal of Peace, unless the dethron'd -King would solemnly renounce the Crown. Mean time his _Swedish_ Majesty, -in order to mollify his Refusal of the King's Mediation, sent an -Ambassador-Extraordinary to him to recognize him as King of _Prussia_. -This Ambassador was the first that ever made a public Entry at _Berlin_, -and 'twas one of the most splendid that cou'd be, tho' all the Equipages -were in Mourning by reason of the Death of the Queen. - -Thus did this crafty King, by amusing those he had a mind to keep fair -with, always push at his own ends. He continu'd to ravage _Poland_, and -drove the King from thence into his Electorate of _Saxony_. There the -_Swedish_ Soldiers took up their Winter-Quarters, and committed such -Outrages as one would not have expected from a Nation so fruitful in -Heroes. The _Swedish_ Prince signaliz'd his Entrance into _Saxony_ by a -glorious Action, which was procuring the Liberty of the two _Polish_ -Princes, who had for two Years been detain'd Prisoners with very great -Severity and as little Reason. He afterwards march'd through all _Saxony_ -with the haughtiness of a Conqueror who comes to prescribe Laws to those -whom he has reduc'd to his Obedience. As for King _Stanislaus_ whom he had -caus'd to be crown'd King of _Poland_ at _Warsaw_, he led him about, with -him as it were in Triumph. As this new King advanc'd towards the -Territories of the Electorate of _Brandenburg_, to meet the Queen his Wife -who was coming from _Stetin_, our Court caus'd all the Honours to be paid -to him that were due to the Royal Dignity, without recognizing him all the -while for King. This Complaisance of our Court won the King of _Sweden_'s -Heart. Mean time the Neighbourhood of this great Monarch, who, where-ever -he march'd, carried Fire and Sword with him, gave vast uneasiness, and the -Joy was as great when he manifested a Design to turn his Arms against the -_Muscovites_, which he was put upon to do by the _English_. They had for -some time past suspected him to be supported under-hand by _France_, and -they thought the best way to embroil him with that Crown was to engage him -in a War with the _Czar_. The Person commission'd to negociate this Affair -was my Lord _Marlborough_, who went to the King of _Sweden_, and soon put -his Negociation in a hopeful way to succeed. He found about the King a -Minister so sordid, that he was not proof against an Offer of three -hundred thousand Crowns, to betray his Master into a War which could not -but be fatal to him; whereas, if he had pleas'd, he might have acquir'd -immortal Glory in the midst of _Saxony_, by rendring himself the Umpire of -two of the most potent Families in _Europe_, then contending for the Crown -of _Spain_. This Minister knowing his Master's ambitious Temper, propos'd -no less to him than dethroning the _Czar_. The young Monarch full of Zeal -and Courage did not imagine how impossible it was to dethrone a Prince who -was retir'd behind Provinces quite deserted, and where the Snow lay so -deep that 'twas difficult to distinguish whether they walk'd upon Land or -Rivers. He march'd out of the Electorate of _Saxony_ at the Head of his -Troops about the end of the Year 1707. Never had People juster Reasons for -giving public Marks of their Joy, than the _Saxons_ had to see the -_Swedish_ Monarch turn his Back to them. His Troops had committed -excessive Outrages in the Electorate; all the flat Country of _Saxony_ was -intirely ruin'd, and, except some great Towns such as _Leipsic_, where -they generously enough spent part of the Money they had extorted from the -poor _Saxon_ Peasant, there was not a Hamlet but was laid waste to such a -degree, that there were no hopes of its being restor'd to its original -Condition one while. - -Yet if the Misfortunes of an Enemy can in any measure compensate the -Losses he has occasion'd, the _Saxons_ had all the reason in the World to -be pleas'd in the Sequel. The _Swedish_ Troops gave way every where to the -_Muscovites_, who flush'd with former Victories, beat them to nothing. - -The greatest Loss the King of _Sweden_ sustain'd was near _Pultowa_. This -Prince, who was more ambitious than prudent, being got too far into -_Muscovy_, did not perceive his error till it was too late to retrieve it. -The _Czar_ had the Precaution, as he retir'd a little before into his own -Dominions, to burn above forty Leagues of Country thro' which the King of -_Sweden_ was to pass to him; so that this Prince soon found himself in a -very sad situation, not being able to stay in a place where there was no -manner of Provision, and forc'd to engage with an Army well intrench'd and -far superior to his own. But there was no avoiding it, and a Battle was -fought the 8th of _July_ 1709, when the _Swedes_ were all either cut in -pieces or taken Prisoners by the _Muscovites_. The King who was oblig'd by -a Wound in his Heel to be carry'd in a Litter had like to have been -kill'd, for one Cannon-Ball kill'd one of his Horses, and a second -demolish'd his Litter. The whole Army was in pain for the King's Life; but -the Officers who were near his Person snatch'd him out of danger, and -advis'd him to provide for his safety. This Prince was very loth to comply -with such a resolution, but finding himself oblig'd to yield to Force, -retir'd to _Bender_, a little Town at the entrance of _Moldavia_, which -belongs to the _Turkish_ Empire. The King of _Sweden_ was no sooner safe, -but the Remains of his Army with their Generals at their head submitted -to the Conqueror. This, Madame, was the Success of the Battle of -_Pultowa_; a Battle glorious to the _Muscovites_, but so fatal to the King -of _Sweden_ that he could never recover it: For after this Defeat this -young Hero was always expos'd to the most cruel Reverses of that very -Fortune, which in his early Years seem'd to delight in heaping Favors on -him. - -Mean time the two Families in competition for the Crown of _Spain_ had not -yet sheath'd their Swords. The King of _Sweden_ was even yet in the -Electorate of _Saxony_ when the _French_ lost the famous Battle of -_Ramellies_, which procur'd the Allies the greatest part of the _Spanish -Netherlands_. The Troops in _Italy_ also distinguish'd themselves, and -particularly the _Prussians_, who had so great a share in the raising of -the Siege of _Turin_, that the Duke of _Savoy_ wrote a Letter to the King, -in which he extolled the Valor of the _Prussian_ Generals and Soldiers. -"Yesterday, _said he_, the Enemy's Army was intirely put to the rout in -their own Lines before this place (_Turin_), in which your Majesty's -Troops had the greatest share, and I can never enough commend their -Bravery, nor the notable Valour of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who led them -on, _&c._" This Letter was dated the 8th of _September_, 1706. - -The Prince of _Anhalt_ too sent an Express with the same News to the King, -and gave a great Character of the Troops under his Command. "As your -Majesty's Troops, _said he, in his Letter_, were the first that enter'd -the Enemy's Trenches, so they have suffer'd very much, and especially the -Grenadiers. I may say that your Majesty's Forces have behav'd so well, -that they are intitled to universal Praise and Admiration, _&c_." Then he -enter'd into the Detail of the Losses sustain'd by the _French_, which -were indeed very considerable. 'Twas upon this occasion that the Marshal -_de Marsin_ was wounded and taken Prisoner, and besides forty-five Pieces -of heavy Cannon and one hundred and forty lesser that were taken from -them, they lost a great Convoy of two thousand Mules and one thousand -Horses, which was guarded by the Regiment of Dragoons of _Chatillon_. - -The raising of this Siege, and the Reputation the _Prussian_ Troops -thereby acquired was very acceptable News to the King, and while the Court -was rejoicing for this, there arriv'd other Advices which gave them no -less pleasure; and that was the raising of the Siege of _Barcelona_. This -City had been besieg'd for some time by the Marshal _de Tesse_; but King -_Charles_ who defended it made so stout a Resistance and such destructive -Sallies upon the _French_ Army, that the latter was oblig'd to retire. The -King was inform'd of it by an Express from King _Charles_. - -So many Successes one after another rais'd the hopes of the Allies -prodigiously. The Terror the _French_ Arms had for a long time impress'd -upon their Minds soon wore off, and nothing was heard every where but -shouts of Joy, to see so haughty a Nation at last humbled. Our Court was -more rejoic'd than any other at this great News, and every one envy'd the -Fortune of the _Prussian_ Soldiers, when they saw that the Duke of _Savoy_ -and the Prince of _Anhalt_ themselves, gave them the highest Encomia. - -At this happy Juncture was celebrated the Marriage of the Prince Royal, -which had been concluded at _Hanover_, a Journey the King made thither -with the Prince his Son. This young Prince had for a long time such a -veneration for the Princess the Elector's Daughter, as 'twas possible for -the most accomplish'd Merit to inspire him with, and of all the Princesses -in the World she was like to be the most acceptable to her Subjects; she -represented to us the Idea of the late Queen, and as she was her Niece and -design'd to succeed to her Dominions, she seem'd also to have inherited -all the great Qualities that made the former ador'd at our Court. The -Electoral Prince of _Hanover_ married her at _Hanover_ by Proxy, in -presence of the Count _de Finck_ the King's Ambassador. The Princess set -out from thence some days after with a Train becoming her present and her -future Dignity. The Elector her Father had given her the most magnificent -Suits of Apparel and Jewels that could be got for Money, and they were -purchas'd at _Paris_ by a Man sent on purpose. The Duchess of _Orleans_ -was desirous to chuse and give Directions for the Clothes, and she -afterwards shewed them to _Lewis_ XIV. who thought them so rich that he -said it were to be wish'd for the sake of the Mercers of _Paris_, that -there were more Princesses that could afford to make such Purchases. - -'Twas _Novemb. 27, 1706_, that this Princess made her public Entry at -_Berlin_. The King met her about half a League out of Town. As soon as her -Royal Highness perceiv'd the King's Coach she alighted, as the King did -also from his and went to meet her. After having embraced the Princess he -presented the Prince Royal to her, together with his Brothers and the two -Princesses. Then the King took Coach again, where the Princess plac'd -herself on the King's left hand; and the two Margraves sate over-against -them; the Prince-Royal and the King's three Brothers being mounted on -Horseback. The Entry was one of the most magnificent that was ever seen. -All the Troops then at _Berlin_ were under Arms, as well as all the -City-Militia, and drawn up in a Line from the Out-parts of the Town quite -to the Palace. The next day after the Princess's Arrival, there was a -sumptuous Feast, at which the Prince Royal and the Princess had -Arm-Chairs, but for that day only; for the next day their Royal Hignesses -sate in upright Chairs at the two ends of the Table. - -Our Court was then as splendid as in the time of the late Queen. There was -a continual Round of Pleasures, and every day was remarkable for Feasts, -Balls, Comedies, _&c._ These Rejoicings had lasted a good while, when all -on a sudden we had a most terrible Alarm. The King fell dangerously ill, -and his Physicians began to despair of his Recovery. But God, who always -considers the Wants of his People, did us the favor to restore him to us -for a while longer. Upon his Recovery he receiv'd the Compliments of the -whole Court, and the Congratulations of the Princes his Allies, who -acknowledg'd as well as his Subjects how necessary his Preservation was to -the Common Cause. - -Not long after the King's Recovery, I saw the young Count _de Metternich_ -arrive at _Berlin_, who came to bring the King Advice, That the _Swissers_ -had at length recogniz'd his Majesty for Sovereign Prince of _Neufchâtel_, -preferably to the other Princes his Competitors. The Count _de -Metternich_, who was the King's Ambassador in _Swisserland_, had the good -Fortune to carry this Point, notwithstanding the Menaces of _France_, who -asserted the Interests of several of her Subjects, at the Head of whom was -the Prince of _Conti_. Madame _de Nemours_, the Sovereign of _Neufchâtel_, -was no sooner dead, but each of the Claimants put in their Plea of Right -to this Sovereignty. As soon as the News of her Death was confirm'd, the -King sent Orders to M. _de Metternich_, his Ambassador-Extraordinary and -his Plenipotentiary in _Swisserland_, to repair to _Neufchâtel_ and take -care of his Interests. He went thither accordingly on the 30th of _June_, -and caus'd a Memorial to be distributed at his Arrival, containing the -King's Right to the said Principality. The _French_ Competitors on their -part distributed another, to establish their own Rights, and invalidate -the Pretensions of the King. There happen'd to be Disputes between the -Prince of _Conti_ and the _Prussian_ Ambassador about Precedency. M. _de -Puisieux_ the Ambassador of _France_, as it was his Duty to do, maintain'd -the Interests of the Prince of _Conti_, and presented to the Council of -_Neufchâtel_ a Memorial so haughty and menacing, as if it had come from -victorious _France_ in the Time when she was flush'd with Conquests. He -said in this Memorial, "That the King his Master cannot look with -Indifference upon the Conduct at _Neufchâtel_, in presuming to be so -disrespectful to the Princes of his Family; that it wou'd be the wisest -way for the Gentlemen of the Council speedily to take Measures to prevent -this Pretension of the _Prussian_ Minister from being carried any further, -a Pretension, _said he_, which has no Foundation, but in Malice or -Ignorance; because even tho' the new Title, which the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ has assum'd for some years, were universally recogniz'd, yet -this very Pretension of his Ambassador's would be always chimerical." Here -M. _de Puisieux_ gave them Warning, "That if they did not soon alter their -Conduct, the King of _France_ wou'd take Measures very opposite to the -pacific and kind Sentiments which he had entertain'd since the Affair of -_Neufchâtel_ was first in agitation." Such, _Madame_, was the Strain in -which the _French_ Minister talk'd. This Memorial was follow'd by several -others, which went to the very bottom of the Affair; and M. _de Puisieux_, -in order to engage the Council of _Neufchâtel_ to favour the _French_ -Claimants, still continued to talk in such a high Stile, as prejudiced -every body against the Side that he espous'd. You may judge of this -Ambassador's manner of Negociation, by the last Memorial which he -presented towards the close of _October_ 1707. After having establish'd -the Right of the _French_ Competitors with continual Invectives, he -concluded thus; _If it happens contrary to my Expectation, that your -Answer is not conformable to what I demand,--I have fresh Orders from his -Majesty to assure you, that nothing will be capable to hinder the Effects -of his Indignation, or to screen you from that just Vengeance which he -proposes to take._ Then, as if he affected to speak in a softer Strain, he -said to them with an Air of Protection, "That he hop'd while he staid at -_Neufchâtel_, to find favourable Inclinations for the entire Performance -of what he wish'd for." _'Tis the only thing you can do (+these are the -last Words of his Memorial+) to merit the Continuance of his Majesty's -Good-will. I wish for my own part, that you wou'd furnish me with -Opportunities to help maintain you in it._ But all these Menaces of the -_French_ Ambassador came to nothing, and only procur'd him sharp Answers -from the Ambassadors of _Prussia_, _England_, and _Holland_; for things -went on in the same Course in the Council of _Neufchâtel_, and the whole -Affair was determined to the Satisfaction of the King, who was proclaim'd -Sovereign thereof on the 3d of _November_ 1707. - -As soon as the King had been recogniz'd in that Sovereignty, the Count _de -Metternich_ sent his Son to his Majesty with the Sentence of the three -Estates, declaring the King lawful Heir of the said Principality, by -_Louisa_ of _Nassau_ his Mother, the eldest Daughter of Prince -_Frederic-Henry_, Son of _William_ of _Nassau_ call'd the _Belgic_, to -whom there had been a Transfer of the Rights of the House of _Chalons_, to -which the Sovereignty and Domaine of _Neufchâtel_ originally belong'd. - -The News of the Acquisition of this Sovereignty cou'd not but be very -acceptable to the King, who gave the young Count a most favorable -Reception, made him noble Presents, and amongst others, gave him the Key -of Chamberlain. - -Not many days after, _viz. Nov_. 23, 1707, the Court had a fresh Subject -of Joy, by the Princess Royal's safe Delivery of a Prince, whom the King -immediately declared Prince of _Orange_, and made him at the same time a -Knight of the Grand Order. His Majesty after this dispatch'd Couriers to -his Ambassadors at the Courts of the Princes his Allies to acquaint them -of the Birth of his Grandson. M. _de Spanheim_ the Ambassador in _England_ -received Orders to desire the Queen to be God-mother to the young -Prince;, and M. _de Schmettau_ Ambassador in _Holland_, and M. _de -Metternich_ Ambassador in _Swisserland_, were charged to invite the States -with whom they resided to be God-fathers. Besides these Powers, the King -and the Elector of _Hanover_ were God-fathers, and the Electoress of -_Hanover_ was God-mother. The Baptism was performed with great -Magnificence on the 3d of _December_ in the Church of the _Dome_. The Joy -at Court for the Birth of this Prince was of no long Duration; for in a -few Months after, he died: but the Sorrow for the Loss of him was -alleviated, by the Hopes that the Prince Royal had Youth and Health enough -to give us soon more Heirs. The Incident that was most alarming, was the -weakly Condition of the King, who recover'd but slowly from his Grand -Ailment; so that his Physicians advis'd him to make use of the Waters -of_Carlsbadt_ in _Bohemia_; and at the beginning of the fine Season, his -Majesty went thither accordingly. - -The King's Departure being resolv'd on, I begg'd his Majesty's leave, to -make the Campaign in _Flanders_ in quality of a Voluntier. I set out from -_Berlin_ with the _Gens d'Arms_, in which my Brother was a Cornet, and we -join'd the Army near _Louvain_. The Count _de Lottum_ receiv'd me as a -Voluntier; and I had the Pleasure to be near him all the Campaign. Not -many days after I had reached the Army, the Electoral Prince of _Hanover_, -(now _George_ II. King of _England_) arrived in the Camp of my Lord -_Marlborough_, and did that General the Honor to serve with him as a -Voluntier. The young Prince distinguish'd himself very much in this -Campaign, and gave the _English_ sufficient Proof that he was worthy -hereafter of wearing their Crown. 'Twas in this Campaign that the famous -Battel of _Audenarde_ was fought, in which the _French_ were again obliged -to yield to the Efforts of the Allies. It must be said however, in their -favor, that they were forc'd to fight without Artillery; for they had but -four Pieces of Cannon, the rest of their Ordnance and Baggage not being -yet arriv'd. The Action was very hot on both sides; they fought for -several Hours with exceeding Obstinacy, and always with a considerable -Loss on the part of the Enemy; whose Infantry was not only put to the -rout, but a great many Squadrons of the _French_ King's Houshold Troops; -which advanc'd to support the Foot; were cut in pieces; whereupon the -Confusion was so great, and the fire so furious in several places at once, -that 'twas almost impossible to distinguish the Allies from the Enemy; -therefore Orders were given to fire no more till next Morning, but to let -the Enemy escape, rather than run the risque of putting our own Army in -confusion. - -The Night being come, the _French_ scarce made any more Resistance but -retir'd by the way that goes from _Audenarde_ to _Ghent_, thro' the -Village of _Heusden_. This very Evening as I was standing with some -Officers of the Guards, at a small distance from the _Prussian_ Guards, I -perceiv'd a Trooper riding full speed towards us, who, when he arriv'd -said, _Gentlemen, the Duke_ de Vendosme _orders you to retire towards_ -Ghent. I cannot express to you how much he was surpriz'd when we told him -for Answer, That he was a Prisoner. _Kill me_, said he, _upon the spot, I -don't desire to out-live what has happened to me_. We comforted him as -well as we cou'd, and carried him to the Count _de Lottum_'s Quarters, to -whom he made himself known for M. _Duplanti_, Aid de Camp to the Duke _de -Vendosme_. What led him into the mistake was the Habit of the _Prussian_ -Guards, which is not very different from that of the _French_. - -The Battle of _Audenarde_ was the more glorious for the Allies, because it -was a Victory gain'd over the Duke of _Burgundy_ who commanded the Army of -_France_, and had with him the Duke of _Berry_ his Brother, and the -Chevalier _de St. George_; but they say this Battle was quite against the -Opinion of the Duke _de Vendosme_, whose Advice was not hearken'd to, and -the Cabals which the Duke of _Burgundy_ gave into, hinder'd the Designs of -that famous General from being follow'd, and were the Cause of the Loss of -the Battle. - -Next day about ten o'clock at Night the Count _de Lottum_ was detach'd -from the Grand Army with forty Squadrons and thirty Battalions, and -without any Resistance took possession, of the Lines towards _Ypres_, -which were immediately demolish'd. The 19th of that Month was celebrated -by the Army as a Day of Thanksgiving for the Victory they had gain'd; upon -which all the Cannon were fir'd, and there was a triple Salvo of all the -small Arms. - -On the 26th, my Lord _Marlborough_, who only waited for a Convoy of the -heavy Artillery to begin the Siege of _Lisle_, sent a Detachment to -_Brussels_, where there was a considerable Train, which came partly from -_Sas van Ghent_ and _Maestricht_. This March was cover'd by 22,000 Men of -Prince _Eugene_'s Army, which he himself commanded in Person. This great -Convoy arriving safe before _Lisle_, the Town was invested the 13th of -_August_. As it was one of the most considerable Sieges that had been -undertaken for a long time; and as 'twas natural to expect a vigorous -Resistance, on the part of the Marshal _de Boufflers_ who commanded in the -Place, there came Voluntiers from all Quarters to the Camp of the -Besiegers. Two great Princes, both able Generals, thought fit to be -present at this Siege, _viz._ the King of _Poland_ and the Landgrave of -_Hesse-Cassel_, who were at the opening of the Trenches, which was on the -22d at Night. - -Some Days after, the Enemy approach'd so near to us, that it was believed -they had an Inclination to engage. Our Generals were therefore at the head -of the Army as soon as the Day broke. Prince _Eugene_ join'd my Lord -_Marlborough_ with twenty-six Battalions and seventy-six Squadrons of his -Army which form'd the Siege; and the Army being drawn up in three Lines, -of which the two foremost consisted of the Cavalry; they remain'd in this -Posture till about ten o' clock in the Forenoon, when 'twas visible that -the Enemy had no mind to come to a Battle, and that they only meant to -disturb us; for which Reason the Generals caus'd Entrenchments to be cast -up, which were finish'd next Day, and the Detachment which Prince _Eugene_ -brought, was sent back again, excepting some Squadrons that staid. - -There was then so little Apprehension of an Attack, that most of the -Generals quitted the Grand Army to assist in the storming of the -Counterscarp, which happen'd on the 5th of _September_ at Night. Our Men -earned it, tho' with very great Loss on our side, and made Lodgments on -it. When this Attack was over, we set out to return to the Grand Army; -but to our misfortune the Guide that had conducted us, was run away; and -as it was not then more than one or two o'clock in the Morning, we were in -a very great Perplexity, and fell exactly into the Road that led to the -Centre of the Enemy's Camp. I was on horseback, perhaps a hundred Yards -from the Count _de Lottum_ who was in his Coach, when all on a sudden I -heard some body call out, _Who goes there?_ I confess to you, _Madame_ -that I was somewhat surpriz'd, but I comforted my self with the Thought, -that it was perhaps a Centinel of some _Walloon_ Regiment of the _Spanish_ -Troops, so that I answer'd, _Officers_. We were got in the midst of Hedges -and Trees, which hinder'd me of the Benefit of a little Moonlight, by -which I might perhaps have discover'd with whom we had to do; and -therefore I still went on: but I was no sooner out of the Thicket, than I -found my self near enough to a Body of Horse, to discern that 'twas -impossible it shou'd belong to us, because it was too near the Place, and -because it fronted us. I presently saw our Danger; I turn'd back as gently -as I cou'd possibly to the Count _de Lottum_, and told him what I had -observ'd. M. _de K----_ his first Adjutant call'd me a Simpleton. _Kraut_ -the second Adjutant treated me in much the same Stile; and in short I had -like to have been dismissed for a Fool; only the Count _de Lottum_ thought -it was Wisdom to run no hazard, and therefore he order'd his Coachman to -turn about, and the Officer of the Ordnance was detach'd to see whether I -was mistaken. The Truth of the Fact being by him confirm'd, the Adjutants -were almost frighten'd out of their Wits, made a thousand Apologies, and -promis'd to make me any sort of amends, if we were but so fortunate as to -escape the Danger which threaten'd us. At last we were delivered out of -it, I don't well know how; for had the Enemy advanc'd ever so little, we -were sure of being left dead on the Spot. - -Thus, _Madame_, have I given you what pass'd most remarkable since the -Storm of the Counterscarp. On the 11th, some Motion was made on the part -of the Enemy, who even advanc'd almost up to our Trenches; but we were in -a Posture to receive them. Their Army lay all Night under Arms, and next -Morning at Daybreak drew up in Order of Battle, but contrary to our -Expectation nothing came of it; for the Princes of _France_, the Chevalier -_de St. George_, the Duke _de Vendosme_, and several General Officers -contented themselves with taking a View of our Camp; but as they advanc'd -somewhat too near to our Intrenchments, we were oblig'd to be a little -rude to such great Princes, and to let fly some Cannon-Ball among them, -whereupon they thought fit to retire. - -My Lord Duke heard the same Day, that M. _de Chamillard_, Secretary at -War, was arriv'd from _Versailles_ in the Army of _France_, to be present -at a Council which was to be held there. It was therein resolv'd, That we -should not be attack'd, and that their only Business should be to cut off -our Convoys from _Brussels_. To execute this Project they posted -themselves behind the _Scheld_, from whence they indeed did very much -incommode us. We had no Passage left now but from _Ostend_, by which -General _Webb_ brought us a considerable Convoy. M. _de la Motte_, a -Lieutenant-General of the _French_ Army endeavor'd to hinder its Passage; -he had also the Advantage of the Ground. Nevertheless he was defeated near -_Wynendale_. To this Convoy may be ascrib'd the Conquest of _Lisle_, -which was at length oblig'd to surrender on the 28th of _October_, and the -Marshal _de Boufflers_ retir'd into the Citadel; yet as brave as the -Garison was that march'd into it with him, he could not hold it out long. -Thus the Allies gain'd some considerable Advantage or other every day. -Never did they make a more glorious Campaign; for besides the taking of -_Lisle_ and its Citadel, they had also the Glory in this same Campaign of -raising the Siege which the Elector of _Bavaria_ had laid to _Brussels_, -and of reducing _Ghent_ and _Bruges_. - -I forgot to tell you, that during the Siege of _Lisle_, we had like to -have lost Prince _Eugene_. This Prince receiv'd a Packet one day by the -Post, and having broke it open, he saw a greasy Paper, which gave him a -mistrust; but he only threw it upon the Ground, and a Person that gathered -it up being taken ill, it induc'd them to make an Experiment upon a Dog, -which when they had rubb'd it about his Nose, died that Instant. Thus was -God pleas'd to preserve this Hero from the basest of Treasons. - -I wish'd I could have been at the taking of _Lisle_, but was oblig'd to -quit the Army some time before, M. _Dankelman_ my Tutor having receiv'd -the King's Orders to send me to _Berlin_, where his Majesty design'd to -give me a Place at Court; and as he had Thoughts of marrying again, he -propos'd to prefer me to an Employment under the new Queen. - -The King's Marriage was talk'd of at the Waters of _Carelsbadt_. I have -had the honor to acquaint you, _Madame_, that the Physicians not knowing -what Remedy to prescribe, for curing him of the Faintness, which was the -Relic of his great illness in 1707, had at all adventures order'd the -Waters of _Carelsbadt_, and the King was perfectly recover'd by them. The -Recovery of his Health reviv'd the Pleasures of the Court. The voluptuous -Courtier, who had not yet forgot what the Presence of an amiable Queen is -capable of doing, began to form Vows, that the King might make a Choice as -good as the first: nay, the matter was carried farther; it was mention'd -to his Majesty, who was told withal, that nothing was more necessary, than -to think immediately of a second Marriage; and that the Prince Royal -having no Children, there was Danger of his Majesty's leaving no Issue. In -short, every body voted so heartily for a Marriage, that the King, who -also was desirous of it, declar'd he wou'd marry again. The only -difficulty was to know, who should be the Princess that was to be advanc'd -to the Throne; and then arose several Parties, who had each very different -Views. - -The Great Chamberlain was for the Princess of _Nassau-Friesland_, a -Marriage with whom, he imagin'd, would put an end to all the Disputes -about King _William_'s Succession. The King approv'd of the Proposal, and -sent the Baron _de Schalifer_ to negociate the Treaty. You would not -believe perhaps, _Madame_, that the very Mother of this Princess caus'd it -to miscarry, from a Jealousy of her Daughter's Grandeur. Her Pretext was, -that she had before vainly flatter'd herself with the Hopes of marrying -her Daughter to the Prince Royal; that she had been bubbled then; and that -it would be the same thing now. The Assurances that the Baron gave her to -the contrary, and the Advantages he shew'd her would accrue to her Family -from this Match, were all to no purpose; she remain'd inflexible; and -told him in plain Terms, that she could not bear to think of seeing her -Daughter so much above her. The Baron having made some other Attempts, -this jealous Mother prevail'd on her Daughter to refuse the greatest Offer -she could ever hope for. A great many of the Courtiers were not sorry to -see this Match broke off. They had been jealous for a long time of the -great Credit of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who being Uncle to the Princess in -question, 'twas natural to presume, that she would grow more powerful than -before, besides the being more united than ever to the Great Chamberlain, -to whom the Prince would be oblig'd for this Marriage. - -Then the Princess of _Hesse_ was propos'd, and the Princess of _Culmbach_. -The former had the Negative put upon her the very Moment that she was -mention'd, and that by the King himself. The latter was known to the King, -who had seen her at _Hall_, as he return'd from _Carelsbadt_. His Majesty -thought very well of her, and had even seem'd inclinable to determine in -her favor, when, opposite Cabals were set at work, which quite frustrated -the Proposal. - -The Duchess of _Zeitz_, the King's Sister, who married a Duke of -_Meckelbourg_ to her first Husband, proposed the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ -to the King. His Majesty, who had still perhaps the Princess of _Culmbach_ -in his Thoughts, did not seem at first to relish this Proposal; -nevertheless upon the Instances made to him by the Duchess his Sister, he -promised her to see the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ before he determin'd in -favor of any other Person. This he did accordingly, some time after he -return'd to _Berlin_, when he went to _Schwerin_, the Capital City of -_Meckelbourg_, on pretence of endeavoring to accommodate the Differences -between the Duke and the Nobility. There it was that the King saw the -Princess; she pleas'd him, and besides he had heard so much in her Praise, -that at length he determin'd to have her; and as soon as he return'd to -_Oranienbourg_, he declared his Marriage. - -This News did not create so much Joy at our Court as I imagin'd it wou'd; -and the Courtiers began to reflect seriously, upon what they had seem'd to -wish for with Impatience. They call'd to mind the Time of the late Queen. -Moreover, the Age and Health of the Prince and Princess Royal gave them -ground enough to hope, that the _Brandenburg_ Family would not want Heirs. -In fine, the Character of Mother-in-law, ever hated, gave Apprehension -that there wou'd soon be a Division in the Royal Family. For my own part, -I verily believe, _Madame_, that what most of all disgusted the Courtiers, -in the Choice which the King had now made, was, that the Queen was a -devout Lady, a Quality not very likely to make that Air of Gallantry -prevail at Court, which captivates the Heart of the Courtier. - -The King had no sooner declar'd his Intention to marry again, but there -was a Multitude of Sollicitors to be of the Queen's Houshold. One -_Bassompierre_ put himself upon the List, and he desir'd the King wou'd -make him the Queen's Chamberlain. The King made him answer, that he would -put no Officers about the Queen, except such as should be agreeable to -her; but that he would favor him so far, as to put him in the number of -those that shou'd be propos'd to the Queen as soon as she arriv'd. -_Bassompierre_ thought that by making previous Application to the Queen, -he should not fail of being admitted, and therefore he set out Post to -meet her. He told her Majesty that the King had sent him to be her -Chamberlain. The Queen believ'd him, admitted him in that quality, and -also gave him a Letter to carry to the King, with which he return'd to -_Berlin_. He told the King, that the Queen had appointed him her -Chamberlain. His Majesty easily imagin'd that the Queen had been -surpriz'd; and being justly angry with _Bassompierre_, forbad him the -Court. This _Bassompierre_ had a Brother who came to _Berlin_ the same -time as he did: These two Gentlemen said they were of that honest Family -of _Bassompierre_, of which there are some still in _Lorrain_: And by that -Name they went, _Anno_ 1707, in the Army in _Flanders_. The eldest said he -had been a Colonel in _France_, and that his Brother was a Captain in the -same Regiment. They pretended that they left their Country, the eldest for -having fought a Duel, and the youngest for being his Second. The King had -receiv'd them kindly, and given them Pensions, with a Promise to prefer -them to the Army the first Opportunity that should offer. These two -Brothers were at Court in a very agreeable Situation, and wou'd, no doubt, -have long enjoy'd it, when the eldest attempted to be the Queen's -Chamberlain; in which perhaps too he would have succeeded, if his -Eagerness for it had not made him take that Step, by which he incurr'd his -Majesty's Indignation. He was very much astonish'd at the Order which was -signify'd to him, not to be seen any more at Court; and at length fearing -he shou'd be found out to be what he really was, he retir'd, and went with -his Brother to _Saxony_, where they were both admitted into the King of -_Poland_'s Horse-Guards; but they did not enjoy that Shelter long: for the -Electoress of _Hanover_ having heard of their Intrigue at _Berlin_, wrote -to a great Lady in _France_, and desir'd her to inform her who those -_Bassompierres_ were. The Lady, who knew nothing at all of 'em, naturally -mistrusted that they were Fortune-Hunters; but for better Information she -enquir'd of M. _d'Argenson_, Lieutenant of the Police, who upon the -Description given him of those Gentlemen, discover'd they were a couple of -Sparks, whose Duel of Honor wou'd have been rewarded with the Brand of the -_Flower de Lis_ and the Galleys, if they could have been apprehended in -_France_. Upon this Discovery Messieurs _de Bassompierre_ were banish'd -out of _Poland_, and what became of them afterwards I cannot tell. - -Mean time all the necessary Preparations were making at _Berlin_ for the -Reception of the Queen, who was preparing on her part for her public -Entry. The Duke of _Meckelbourg_ married the Princess his Sister by Proxy -from the King. Next day the new Queen set out from _Schwerin_, in company -with the Duchess her Mother, the Duke her Brother, and the Duchess of -_Meckelbourg_ her Sister-in law. This Train went with her to the very -Frontier of _Meckelbourg_, which borders upon the Electorate of -_Brandenburg_, and there the Queen found M. _d'Erlach_, Marshal of the -Court, who receiv'd her in the King's Name, and offer'd her his House. -This Princess, after having taken leave of her Family, took Coach and -arriv'd at _Oranienburg_ the 24th of _November_. The King went and met her -about half a League from that House. As soon as she perceiv'd his Majesty, -she alighted out of her Coach and fell on her Knees. The King took her up -and embrac'd her, and after presenting the whole Royal Family to her they -went to the Castle. The King conducted the Queen to her Apartment, where -she always eat alone, to the very Day of the Celebration of the Marriage. -The 27th she made her Entry at _Berlin_, where she was receiv'd with all -possible Magnificence, and next Day their Majesties were married in the -Church of the _Dome_. The 29th, the King and Queen receiv'd the -Compliments of all the Deputies, Courts of Justice and Foreign Ministers; -and on the same day there was a great Entertainment which their Majesties -honor'd with their Presence. I was not willing, _Madame_, to tire you with -a tedious Detail of all the Ceremonies: I have already had the Honor to -acquaint you, that the King spar'd for nothing that might contribute to -the Magnificence of the Feast, which lasted several days, and was more -sumptuous every day than other. What I thought remarkable, was a Battle of -wild Beasts, at which their Majesties were present on the 17th of -_December_, when the Queen kill'd a Bear from her Gallery, with a shot -from a Hand-Gun. - -The Arrival of the new Queen created no great Change at Court, and except -the first Rank which she had of the Ladies every thing continued in the -same state. The Princess-Royal kept her Court at her own Lodgings twice a -Week, that is to say, on those Days when there was no Circle at the -Queen's; for upon the Drawing-Room Days she went to her Majesty's -Apartment, as did most of the Princesses, and they stay'd there to sup. -Her Majesty likewise granted the same Honor to several other Ladies, to -whom she gave an Invitation by a Gentleman when they were in the Circle. - -'Twas at the time of the King's Marriage that I lost my Father-in-law: I -was very much concern'd for his Death, especially on account of the -Trouble it gave my Mother, who could never get over it as long as she -liv'd. The very day that the News of it was brought to me, the King -declar'd me a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. I have had the Honor to tell -you, _Madame_, that I was taken out of the Army in hopes of being plac'd -near the Queen, but when I came to Court I found all her Houshold settled, -and my Name not in the List. I spoke of this to the Grand Marshal, who bid -me not be vexed, for that he would shortly get me a Post about the King, -and that was the Office of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, to which I was -nominated some time after, _i. e._ about the latter end of the Year 1708. - -You know, _Madame_, and one can hardly forget the prodigious cold Weather -we had the Winter following. It began on the Feast of _Epiphany_, 1709, -and was universal all over _Europe_. The Corn and Vines suffer'd so much -by it that there was a scarcity which lasted long enough to starve a -number of poor People, who cou'd not get Bread, it was so excessive dear. -Never was there a more melancholy Year; and there was such a poor -melancholy Court all the while, that it seem'd as if the severe cold -Weather had chill'd our Spirits. But when the fine Weather return'd they -began to revive, and every one prepar'd to set out for the Army. The -Prince Royal went to make the Campaign in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, and -M. _d'Arnheim_ departed to rejoin the Troops of which he had the Command -in _Piedmont_. This Campaign was very glorious to the Allies, but 'twas a -very bloody one. The famous Battle of _Malplaquet_ was one of those -Victories which procured us Laurels cover'd with Funeral Scutcheons, and -two more such Victories would have ruin'd the Infantry of the Allies. The -Prince Royal was Witness of the Bravery of our Troops, which distinguish'd -themselves in this Campaign, wherein they had been great Sufferers. The -Enemy on their part besides the Battle lost also _Mons_ and _Tournay_. - -I could have wish'd to have made this Campaign, but when I ask'd the -King's Leave to go, his Majesty refus'd me, saying, that he design'd me -for some other Business than that of Arms. This Answer pleas'd me to the -Life, and as I was young and by consequence apt enough to be vain, I was -so simple as to believe my self for a while in the highest Favor. But I -was soon convinc'd of my mistake. What serv'd to open my Eyes was this. -The Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, with which the King had honor'd -me, made it my duty to attend the King's Coach on horseback as often as -his Majesty went abroad; but being one day so much out of order that 'twas -impossible for me to ride a Horse, as ill luck would have it, the King -happen'd to go that very day from[10]_Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, and -perceiv'd that I was not upon Duty. This incens'd him so much against me, -that when I attended to receive his Hat and Cane upon his Return, he said -the harshest things that cou'd be to me, the least of which was, that if I -ever fail'd in my Duty again, he would deprive me of the Honor of serving -him. Guess, _Madame_, how much I was mortify'd at such a Reprimand given -in presence of eight or ten Persons that were in the King's Chamber. -Indeed I had much ado to brook it, and at first dash I really had a -Thought of resigning my Post. I spoke of it to the Count _de Witgenstein_, -who pacify'd me a little by giving me to understand, that if I did not -abate of my Fire I had nothing to do but to renounce all Advancement in -the Service of my King, a Service always preferable to any Fortunes that -can be made at the Court of any Foreign Prince. He promis'd to set me -right in the King's Opinion, and he kept his Word; for two or three Days -afterwards as the King return'd to _Charlottenbourg_, when I happen'd to -be all alone in his Chamber with the Chamberlain in waiting, his Majesty -did me the Honor to ask me, _If I was still in a Pet?_ I return'd no other -Answer but a profound Obeisance. The King said to me a second time, _I ask -you if you are out of humor because I chid you t'other day?_ I made Answer -with all the Respect possible, _That indeed I was vex'd to my heart that I -had given his Majesty any Cause to be out of Temper with me; that no body -was more ambitious than I was of serving him faithfully; and that tho' I -had the Misfortune lately to be wanting in my Duty, it was owing to a very -sad Indisposition. But_, said the King, _you should have let me know it -then, and I should not have reprimanded you. After all, I did so only to -try you, for in the main I was not so angry as I seem'd to be._ _Jackel_ -the King's Jester, who was present at this Conversation, took up the -Discourse and said to the King, _But, good Sir, the Indisposition he talks -of, is of his own making; for the true Cause is, he has no Saddle-Horses, -and the reason of this, is because he has not wherewithal to feed them._ -_Why then_, said the King, _I will give him wherewithal: The Great -Chamberlain_, said he to me, _shall dispatch you a Warrant for that -purpose; go to him._ I then advanc'd to kiss the King's Robe, but he drew -back, and as I was stooping he laid his Hand upon my Head, and said to me, -_You are young, be good, and I will take care of you._ In a few days -after, I had my Warrant dispatch'd to send for Forage to _Michlenhoff_, -where the like was distributed to other Courtiers who had obtain'd the -same Favor. - -At the same time the Duke of _Meckelbourg_ the Queen's Brother came to -_Berlin_, where he had a magnificent Reception, yet he was not very well -pleas'd with his Journey; for this Prince expected, as he was a Sovereign, -to have Precedency of the Margraves the King's Brothers, which was deny'd -him. He eat in private with the King, but the Margraves were not present, -and he stay'd at Court but three or four days, during which he was lodg'd -at the Palace and serv'd by the King's Officers. - -As for our new Queen she became so devout in a little time after her -Marriage, that every body was surpriz'd, and the Courtiers very much -disgusted. Nothing was talk'd of in her presence but Religion, and in the -Morning her Anti-chamber was frequented by Ministers, by Dr. _Francke_ -whom she had sent for on purpose from _Hall_, and by _Borst_ her -Confessor. It look'd as if one was in the Anti-chamber of some Governess -of a Convent, rather than in the Palace of a great Queen. Under pretence -of Prayers for Deliverance from the Plague which infected some of our -Provinces, there was nothing to be heard in her Apartments but Litanies. -The King did not like all this Cant; for tho' he had a great deal of -Religion, he did not love Bigotry. He made the Queen sensible that her -manner of living was not suitable to one that sate upon a Throne, and got -her content to the Removal of those Persons from about her who had -exhorted her to embrace the Party of the Pietists. _Francke_ was sent back -to _Hall_ to the great College which the Queen had newly founded for -Orphans, and whereof that Doctor had the Direction. Then there was only -_Borst_ her Majesty's Confessor left at Court, and he was advis'd not to -give himself so much Trouble about the Queen's Salvation. This Princess -was so zealous for her Religion, that she did not believe those who -profess'd a contrary one could be saved. I remember that one day as she -was talking about Religion to the King, she told him that she was very -much grieved to find him a _Calvinist_, and by that means out of the Road -to Salvation. The King who seem'd in an amaze at the Compliment, said to -her, _What, do you think then that I shall be damn'd? And what will you -say then when you speak of me after Death_? For you could not say _der -SEELIGE Konig_, (an Expression us'd in the _German_ Tongue, speaking of a -Person deceas'd, and which signifies, the _King is sav'd_.) The Queen was -a little puzzled how to reply, but after a few Moments Reflection she -said, I will say, _der liebe verstorbene Konig_, which signifies the _Dear -King deceas'd_. This Answer made the King uneasy, who return'd soon after -to his Apartment. I was that day in Waiting, and by consequence in his -Majesty's Apartment with some of the Court-Nobility, when the King told us -with a deal of Concern upon his Mind of the Conversation he had with the -Queen, which affected him the more, because at that time he thought very -seriously of the Union of the _Protestant_ Churches. - -Mean time the Pestilence, which had discover'd it self in some of our -Provinces, frighten'd us very much. The King upon this occasion acted like -a true Father of his People, by sending Money and Provisions to those that -were afflicted with it, and by causing a Day of solemn Fasting and Prayers -to be celebrated in all the Churches of his Dominions to beg of God that -he wou'd please to avert this Scourge from our Country. Moreover he caused -Lazarets or Pest-Houses to be erected at the Gates of all the Towns where -those who came from any suspected Place were to perform Quarantain. As the -whole time was now spent in Sermons and Prayers for removing the -Pestilence, the detail of which would not be very pleasing, I think it -will not be amiss here to tell you how the Service was perform'd before -the King and Queen. I will begin by giving you some Account -of[11]_Berlin_, and of his Majesty's[12]Palace. - -The City of _Berlin_[13] wou'd not have been what it is at this day, had -it not been for the _French_ Protestants. They had been kindly receiv'd by -the Elector _Frederic-William_: And the King, every whit as generous as -his Father, prolong'd and even augmented the Franchises granted to the -_French_, and in order to convince those Exiles that he was dispos'd to be -a Father to them, he had a mind that they should be no longer -distinguish'd from his natural-born Subjects; but caus'd Churches to be -built for them of which he maintain'd the Ministers, gave them a very fine -College for the Education of their Children, and also chose a Company of -Musketeers out of them in which none but _French_ were admitted. - -These Refugees were so sensible of the King's Goodness to them, that they -had an Emulation to shew their Gratitude to him by making Trade to -flourish. They were equally zealous for the embellishing and aggrandizing -of the City, and caus'd a great many Houses to be built there which were -both neat and commodious. They added to the City all that Quarter call'd -the _New Town_, which is certainly the most beautiful part of _Berlin_. Of -the Streets which run in a strait Line, the principal is adorn'd with six -Rows of Lime-Trees that form as many Walks, the middlemost of which is -lin'd with a Balustrade to keep off Coaches and Carriages. These Walks -terminate in a Wood, thro' which there's an Avenue of a League, which -leads to _Charlottenbourg_, a Royal Palace. - -At the Entrance of the _New Town_ there's the Arsenal[14], a Structure -which may pass for one of the finest in _Europe_: 'Tis a Quadrangle with a -large Square in the middle. The four outward Fronts are almost exactly -alike. The principal is divided into three Buildings, of which that in the -middle projects a little forwards. The Grand Floor consists of Arches -charged with Rustics, which support Pilasters of the _Ionic_ Order. The -part which projects from the middle is adorn'd with four Columns, and has -a large Pediment at the end of it. The grand or principal Gate is in the -middle. On the two sides there are four great fine Statues representing -the Cardinal Virtues on Pedestals. These seem to look towards the King's -Picture, which is represented in a great Medal of Brass gilt in the coping -of the Gate. Over this Picture, there's his Majesty's Cypher in the middle -of a Cartridge crown'd, supported by Fame and Victory. The Cartridge is -fill'd up with an Entablature upon which there's a _Latin_ Inscription in -Letters of Gold, to the Honor of the King. Finally, over this Entablature -there's a great Pediment in Basso-Relievo perfectly beautiful, -representing a _Mars_ which seems to rest upon a Trophy, and to look upon -a couple of Slaves chain'd at his Feet. The whole is compleated by a -Balustrade which rests upon the Pedestals that support the Trophies. This -stately Edifice is encompass'd with Spurs of Iron in the form of Cannon, -upon which there's the King's Cypher gilt; and these Spurs serve for a -Support to the Iron Chains which are hung in Festoons from one to the -other. - -The Inside of this Structure is as magnificent as the Outside. Two Rows of -Pillars support the lowermost Arch-Roof and form three Walks, of which the -middlemost is the narrowest, but the only one that serves for the Passage; -those on the sides being full of noble Brass-Guns. The King had a Design -to have a Cannon of a hundred Pounder plac'd at each Corner; but there is -only one finish'd which is call'd _Asia_, a terrible Machine fitter to -adorn an Arsenal than for any other use. The Ascent to it is by a Step, -because they were oblig'd to build the Carriage in proportion to the piece -that it bears. This Cannon is adorn'd all over with Eagles and Crowns; -and the King's-Arms are represented on it under a Royal Pavilion, as are -also those of the Margrave _Philip_ the King's Brother, as Grand Master of -the Artillery. This is all that is remarkable on the side of the _New -Town_. - -The King's Palace is also very magnificent; and the whole is so majestic, -that it appears at the first sight to be the Residence of some great -Monarch. Yet there's one fault in it, which is, that Uniformity has not -been nicely observ'd in it, because it has been carry'd on by Fits and -Girds, and every Architect has followed his particular Plan. - -This Palace consists of four large Buildings, which forms in the middle a -Court that is not so broad as 'tis long. The first Thing in the main Front -is a great high Portico with two Gates Arch-wise on the two sides. The -Proportions of the Columns and the Height of the Portico were copy'd from -_Constantine_'s Triumphal Arch at _Rome_. On the two sides of the Portico -there are twelve great Transom Windows encompass'd with Ornaments. The -Fronts that are on the side of the Court are much more magnificent than -the outer ones, but then they are more irregular. The Inside of the Palace -is not executed much better. Two Grand Stair-Cases lead to the Guard-Room, -the one on the Right and the other on the Left of the Entry. The -Stair-Case on the Left-hand is of a particular Contrivance, being in form -of a Glacis without any Step, so that a Coach may go up to it. The -Guard-Room is long but narrow, and has no Light but what comes from the -Windows on the Cupola over the Stair-Case. The Entry is in the middle. -There is a Turning on the Left to enter into the King's Apartment, which -shews at first sight three Chambers in a Row. The third of these Rooms -separates the least Apartment from the greatest, of which the former is on -the Right and the latter on the Left. I will only speak to you of the -last, which is the most magnificent. In turning therefore to the Left one -perceives a long Suite of Apartments, which form a magnificent Point of -View. The Furniture is surprizingly rich; nor is any thing to be seen, -look which way you will, but Gold, Silver, Marble, Brass, Painting, Glass, -China, _&c._ in a word, every thing that can be wish'd for, that is rich -and elegant. At the end of this Suite of Apartments there is a long -Gallery, the Cieling of which, like that of _Versailles_, represents the -principal Actions of the King, and the sides are adorn'd with Pictures -done by the most famous Hands, the Frames of which are of Brass gilt. - -At the end of this Gallery there was formerly a great Amber-Cabinet, with -divers Compartiments in Basso-Relievo, which perhaps had not its Fellow in -the World; but the King being desirous to make the _Czar_ a Present worthy -of his Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatcht that cost eighty -thousand Crowns. - -Were I to enter into the detail of the Beauties and Magnificence one meets -with at every step in this Palace, I should never have done; I believe it -may be sufficient to say that the King, as far as possible, imitated the -Inside of the Palace of _Versailles_. This great Prince took _Lewis_ XIV. -for a Model, and after his Example was intent on building magnificent -Structures and establishing different Manufactures, whereby the Poor might -earn their Living, and get for a reasonable Price those Commodities which -heretofore they used to import from Foreign Countries, at a very great -Expence. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you an account of almost all the -greatest Remarkables at _Berlin_. I shall now let you know after what -manner their Majesties are every day attended.[15] - -I begin with the King's Levee. His Majesty commonly rose between five and -six o'clock in the Morning, (I mean at the time that I have the Honour to -speak to you of;) tho' formerly he rose at three or four o'clock. As soon -as the King awak'd, the Page of the Back-Stairs who had watch'd with him -went and gave notice of it to the Valets de Chambre and the Yeomen of the -Wardrobe, who presently came in, undrew the Bed-Curtains, and open'd the -Window-Shutters, after which they went out and declar'd that the King was -stirring. Then the Chamberlain in waiting, the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber, and the Officers upon Guard came in and made a very low Bow. -The next that enter'd were the Physicians, to whom his Majesty gave an -account how he had rested. Then the Pages of the Back-Stairs brought a -great Silver Table with Coffee upon it, which was presented to the King by -the first Valet de Chambre in waiting upon a Gold Salver, and the Page -presented it about to all the Persons of Quality that were at the Levee. -Every body was oblig'd to drink two Cups, or else they run the risk of -being reprimanded. After drinking of the Coffee the Table was carry'd -away, and the King convers'd half an hour or more with those that were -present: Then he veil'd his Bonnet and all the Company retir'd. The Valets -de Chambre and the Grooms of the Wardrobe stay'd to dress the King, which -when they had done, his Majesty retir'd into his Closet, where was a Desk -for Prayer, and there he commonly stay'd an Hour, while they made his Bed. -After this he return'd into his Chamber, and then the Prime Minister came -in to give him an account of his Dispatches, which lasted till ten o'clock -or thereabouts. After this the King went to Council, where he stay'd a -little above an Hour. This Council consisted of the Prince Royal, the -Margrave _Philip_ Brother to the King, and the Ministers. When the Council -broke up the King went into his Closet, and there gave out his Orders. -Then two Kettle-Drummers plac'd in opposite Balconies that look'd into the -lesser Court, gave notice by the Sound of their Kettle-Drums to the -Officers of the Kitchen and Buttery to get everything ready for the King's -Service. As soon as the Cloth was laid, the Kettle-Drums were sounded a -second time. During this, the King accompany'd by the Prince Royal and the -Margraves his Brothers, pass'd thro' the Guard-Room into the Queen's -Apartment, where were all the Princesses. A few moments after, the -Kettle-Drums and twenty-four Trumpets divided into two Bodies, gave notice -for serving up Dinner. At the same time, two of the Life-Guards and six of -the Guard of Hundred _Swissers_ took possession of the Room where the King -was to eat. The two Life-Guard Men posted themselves behind the Arm-Chair -of the King and Queen, and the six _Swissers_ encompass'd the Table three -on each side with their Halberds in their hands. When Dinner was serv'd -up, the Great Chamberlain with his Staff in hand went and acquainted the -King of it, who immediately enter'd the Hall, follow'd by the Queen, who -was led by the Prince Royal; as were the Princess Royal and the -Margravines by the Margraves. At their entrance into the Hall, the King -gave his Hat and Cane, and the Queen her Gloves and Fan, to the -Chamberlains in waiting. Then two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber held out a -great Silver gilt Bason for them to wash in, and when they had wash'd, the -two Chamberlains gave them the Napkins. The two Gentlemen of the -Bed-Chamber always offer'd the Bason in like manner to the Princes and -Princesses to wash in, but they wou'd not accept it. - -When their Majesties had wash'd, the Grand Marshal who stood about the -middle of the Table opposite to the King gave a Rap with his Staff; at the -same time making a profound Obeisance; then a Page that stood by him did -the like, and after saying a short Grace their Majesties seated themselves -in their Arm-Chairs, and their Royal Highnesses in other Chairs, with only -Backs. Then the Carver approaching the Table tasted the Provision, and -therewith serv'd their Majesties, and the Princes according to their Rank. -When their Majesties call'd for Liquor the Chamberlain gave the hint to a -Page, and he did the same to a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber upon Duty, who -then went to the Side-board and fetch'd Wine and Water in two Bottles upon -a Salver of Gold. The Chamberlain tasted both, and then presented both to -their Majesties. The King always drank the Queen's Health, and the Queen -in like manner drank the King's. This done, their Majesties dismiss'd the -Court by making a Salute to the Grand Marshal. Then the Court retir'd, and -none stay'd but the Waiters. Before their Majesties rose from Table the -Prime Minister as well as the Master of the Horse approach'd, with the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe and the Captain of the Guards, to receive the -King's Orders, in case his Majesty was willing to ride out. When the -Dessart was ready to be serv'd, notice was brought to the Grand Marshal or -to him that bore the Staff in his absence, who then return'd to the King's -Table. When his Majesty rose from Table the Chamberlain brought him Water -to wash his Mouth, and the Queen's Chamberlain and their Royal Highnesses -Gentlemen attended the Queen and Princesses with the same. After this the -King led the Queen into her own Apartment, where he stay'd a little time, -then return'd to his own, and rested himself for an hour in his Closet. - -When the King was awaked, the Chamberlain and the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber enter'd his Majesty's Closet, where sometimes the Queen paid -him a Visit, and at other times the Prime Minister came and talk'd with -him about Business. In the Summer-time the King went abroad for the Air, -or the Pleasure of Fishing or Hunting, especially the Heron, in which he -took great delight. About six o'clock in the Evening his Majesty went to -the Queen's Apartment, and stay'd there about an Hour, after which he -return'd to his own, to that call'd _la Tabagie_ or the Tobacco-Room, -because there he smoak'd his Pipe, and several of the Nobility had the -Honour of smoaking there with him. The King never supp'd unless it was in -extraordinary cases, but amus'd himself with a Game at Chess. When he had -done playing he conversed very familiarly with the Chamberlain, the -Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber, and some privileg'd Courtiers; and when he -had a mind to put an end to the Conversation, he gave his Orders to the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe what Clothes to equip him with next day, and -then every body retir'd, and the Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the -Wardrobe went and put his Majesty to bed. This, _Madame_, was the manner -how the Service was perform'd at our Court. Never was there any -Interruption in the Hours prescrib'd for his Majesty's Exercises, unless -he labor'd under some Ailment. I thought that this Detail, tho' perhaps a -little tedious, wou'd not be quite so unpleasant as the Recital of all the -Litanies and other Prayers, in which the Queen was constant for the -remainder of the Year. - -In the beginning of the Year following, that is to say the 19th of -_January_ 1710, the Count _de Lottum_ presented the King with eleven -Pieces of Cannon, and several Colors and Standards that fell to his -Majesty's share in the distribution that was made of those that were taken -from the _French_, during the Campaign. - -At the same time we lost the Duke of _Courland_ for ever. This young -Prince was the King's Nephew by his Mother, who was his Majesty's Sister -by the same Father, but not by the same Mother. He was but an Infant when -he lost his Father the Duke of _Courland_, whose death was to him the -greatest of all Misfortunes, because of the Misunderstanding which the -Guardianship of this young Prince created between those who aspir'd to it. -The Duchess his Mother asserted that she was the rightful Guardian of the -Prince, her Son. His Uncle also pretended 'twas his Right. In short, the -Nobility of _Courland_ disputed it with them both. During these Domestic -Troubles, the several Parties, not watchful of their Neighbours Motions, -quickly found they had powerful Enemies to cope with. The _Saxons_ being -the nearest, were the most forward to take possession of their Country. -The _Muscovites_ were soon at their heels, and in concert with the -_Saxons_ rush'd upon what they thought most convenient. But they were both -soon oblig'd to abandon that Duchy to the King of _Sweden_, who came at -the head of his Troops, and without much difficulty sent them going. But -after all, Fortune being weary of seconding the Arms of the _Swedish_ -Monarch, he was oblig'd not long after his Entrance into _Courland_, to -yield the said Duchy to the _Muscovites_, who remain'd the sole Possessors -of it. - -All these Troubles had oblig'd the Duchess, with the Prince her Son, to -retire. She came to _Berlin_ where she was present at the King's -Coronation, and afterwards, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, -she marry'd the Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_. This Princess followed -the Margrave her Husband into his Dominions, and took the Duke of -_Courland_ her Son along with her. There did this young Prince stay with -the Margrave his Father-in-law, till after the King of _Sweden_'s Defeat -at _Pultowa_ by the _Muscovite_ Army. When the latter were become Masters -of _Courland_, the Duke flatter'd himself that he should be able to -prevail on the Czar to restore him to his Dominions: nor was he deceiv'd -in his Expectation; for the Czar was very ready to consent to it, on -condition nevertheless that he should marry his Niece, the Daughter of the -late Czar, his Brother. The Match was truly illustrious, for the Princess -was both the Daughter and Niece of a potent Monarch; but her Education had -been very different from that of the young Prince, and there was all the -Reason in the World to think, that they would not like one another long. -The Duke for his part could have wish'd to be restor'd to his Duchy upon -other Terms; but at length, thinking he could not do better than to accept -of those, and to put himself again at the head of his Subjects, who had -for several Years wish'd for his Presence; he set out for the Czar's -Court, and there married the Princess. This Marriage, which was concluded -with some Reluctance on the part of the young Duke, seem'd to portend him -none but unhappy Days; and in short, he was scarce married, but he fell -dangerously sick, and in a few days after died, which Illness they said -was owing to his having been forc'd to drink to excess on his Wedding-Day. -This occasion'd a general Desolation throughout the Duchy of _Courland_, -the poor People having entertain'd some Hopes that the Presence of their -lawful Sovereign would make them forget the Evils they had suffer'd by -several years continual Wars. - -Towards the Conclusion of this Year, the famous Count _de Wartemberg_, -Prime Minister and Great Chamberlain was disgrac'd; which, tho' it had -been long wish'd for, was surprizing to all Mankind, who thought the -Credit of that Minister too well establish'd, the chief Places of the -Kingdom being in the hands of his Creatures, from whose Gratitude there -was nothing that he might not promise himself; besides, they did not think -any Person would be so daring, as to cast the first Stone; the then recent -Instance of the Count _de Wesen_ being a sufficient Warning to deter any -Persons from entring into so dangerous a Combination. Nevertheless there -were two Persons at Court who were not terrify'd by the Peril, to which an -Enterprize of this nature expos'd them. The Name of both these Courtiers -was _Kamcke_, and being Cousins into the bargain, they were only -distinguish'd by the Appellations of _Great_ and _Little_. - -The _Great Kamcke_ had been successively Page to the King, Page of the -Bed-chamber, afterwards a declar'd Favorite, and at last Great Master of -the Wardrobe, which Post he held at the time of the Prime Minister's -Disgrace. The Favor with which the King honor'd him, was what made him -esteem'd more than any thing else; for setting that aside, he was not -remarkable for either the Virtues or the Vices which contribute almost in -the same measure to the forming of Great Men. He was reckoned a Man of -fine Parts, because he was fortunate enough to gain, and to preserve the -King's Favor; and he had the Reputation of being good-natur'd, because -having a place in which he might have done a great deal of Mischief, he -did none at all. 'Tis true too on the other hand, that he did no body any -Service; the Lethargy of his Temperament not permitting him to put himself -upon those Motions, which are equally necessary to serve a Friend, and to -ruin an Enemy. - -The _Little Kamcke_, his Cousin, was of a Temper quite different. He was -not only a Person of a piercing sparkling Wit, but had all the Politeness -of the most elegant Courtier. Being ambitious and vain, but always with -Temper; he was cut out for those delicate Undertakings to which the -Success alone gives a Sanction; and what is seldom to be found in so young -a Man, he had all the Management and Dissimulation necessary for -Execution. The Count _de Wartemberg_ had always hated him; for he -suspected him to have had a hand in those Ballads which _M----_, -afterwards the King of _Poland_'s Minister, had made upon the whole -Court, and in which the Count and Countess were very ill treated; but -_Little Kamcke_, who never despair'd of his Success, still continued to -make his court to the King, without seeming to take the least Notice of -the Minister's Ill-will. His assiduous Attendance was at length rewarded; -the King begun by granting him the Honor of playing with him every Night -at Chess; which was a Favor this young Courtier so artfully improv'd, that -in a little time after, his Majesty made him a Minister of State. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was mortify'd in two Respects by the Advancement of -_Little Kamcke_; for he did not expect such a Favor to be convey'd by any -Canal but himself; and besides it was granted to a crafty Enemy, whose -rising Credit might well give him Umbrage. _Kamcke_ for his own part -believing that he was only obliged to his own Merit for his Preferment, -had even less regard for the Prime Minister than before. They star'd upon -one another at first, without venturing to make an Attack; but by degrees -they came to high Words; and at length _Kamcke_ being puff'd up with his -Favor; and being moreover supported by all good Men, he vow'd the -Destruction of the Prime Minister, and his Creature, the Grand Marshal. He -was so cunning as to engage his Cousin _Kamcke_ in the Scheme, because the -latter being Great Master of the Wardrobe, cou'd give the Prime Minister -the fatal Blow with more Ease than any other Person; and he succeeded -happily; for he aggravated to his Majesty the Complaints of the People, -and the Murmurings of the whole Court. The Queen too being prejudic'd by -the _Kamcke_ spoke sharply against the King, who at last consented to the -removal of a Minister, whom till then he had thought he could not be -without. - -This great Scene was open'd by the Disgrace of the Count _de Witgenstein_, -the Grand Marshal of the Court, and the Prime Minister's Creature, who was -arrested in his House on the 27th of _December_ at 10 o'clock at Night, by -a Lieutenant of the Guards and ten Grenadiers. Next day, about 9 in the -Forenoon, M. _de Gersdorf_, Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, accompanied -by _Stoffius_, Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, came from the -King to demand his Ribban. He presently restor'd it, assuring them that he -was wrongfully maltreated; but that nevertheless he did not complain of -the King, and that they were only his Enemies who had impos'd upon his -Majesty's Goodness to ruin him. Not long after an Officer of the Guards -came in and told him, that he had Orders to carry him to _Spandau_. He -made answer, that he was ready to go wherever the King commanded him; only -he desir'd Leave to write to his Mother-in-law, who was the Queen's Lady -of Honor. The Officer told him, that he was forbid to let him speak or -write to any Person whatsoever; and then he took him with him into a Coach -that was attended by 12 Life-Guard Men. - -The Noise of his Confinement being presently spread throughout the Town, a -Multitude of People gather'd in a trice before his House, every one crying -out against the Grand Marshal, calling him the People's Blood-sucker, and -the Author of all their Taxes. When they saw him put into a Coach to be -carried to _Spandau_[16], their Shouts, were doubled; but the Grand -Marshal, without being shock'd, let down the Glasses of his Coach, and -told the furious Rabble, that he had been a faithful Servant to his King, -and that he had never done any thing in his Administration that could be -laid to his Charge; but the Clamours of the People hinder'd him from being -heard, and he went out of Town, laden with Curses. - -The Hatred that was manifested against him, came from a Source which -always touches the People in the most sensible part; he was suspected to -have had a hand in the Creation of several Taxes; and to have been the -Projector of the Insurance-Office from Fire. The Establishment of this -Office was very well design'd; for it undertook to indemnify private -Persons for the Loss they might have sustain'd by Fire; and for this -purpose, every one was tax'd in a certain Sum of Money, that there might -always be a Fund sufficient to answer the Losses by Fires. Frauds were -soon committed in the Management of the Moneys that seem'd to be -appropriated for a very good Use; and by degrees that Establishment, which -was erected for the Relief of the People in their extreme Necessities, -serv'd only to oppress them. - -The Disgrace of the Grand Marshal was soon followed by that of the Prime -Minister. Two days after the Confinement of the former, the King ordered -M. _d'Ilgen_ one of his Ministers, and principal Secretary of State, to -demand the Seals of his Prime Minister, and to order him in his Name to -have nothing more to do with the Affairs of the Government. He receiv'd -this News with Courage, and said to the Secretary of State, that he never -had any other Will but his Majesty's, and that therefore he was ready to -obey his Orders. The next day he received Orders to quit the Palace, and -to retire to his Estate at _Wolfersdorff_, a few Leagues from _Berlin_. He -immediately made ready to be gone; but before he set out, he sent to -desire the King to give him leave to wait on him, to thank him for all the -Favors he had receiv'd at his Majesty's hands; to which the King -consented, and the Prime Minister appear'd with an Air suitable to the -situation of his Affairs. He put every Wile in practice that is possible -to be of service to a Minister who has had long experience of a Court, and -a perfect Knowledge of his Master's Temper; he pray'd, he wept, but -contrary to his own Expectation and that of the whole Court, the King -continu'd stedfast, and dismiss'd him, tho' with all the possible marks of -Friendship and Affection; for when he was going out of his Closet the King -call'd him back, and taking a Ring of twenty thousand Crowns from his -Fingers, he gave it to him, and said that he desir'd him to keep it as a -mark of his Esteem. Thus did the King to his regret dismiss a Person, whom -if he had pleas'd he might still have kept in his Service. - -The Prime Minister, the moment he went from the King, set out for -_Wolfersdorff_, from whence he wrote a very moving Letter to his Majesty -to desire him to accept of that Estate for a Present, together with his -Wife's Garden which is now the Queen's, (they call it _Monbijou_[17]) and -all his Porcellane Ware. The King return'd him a very obliging Answer, and -accepted of the Presents he offer'd him, on condition however to pay him -for them; and indeed not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_ receiv'd the -Value of them. Yet notwithstanding this mark of Esteem he was on the -brink of being arrested; and _T----_ who was near the King's Person at -that critical Juncture, assur'd me afterwards that 'twas _Little Kamcke_ -that had diverted the King from it. The Count's Enemies had so incens'd -his Majesty against him, that the Order for his Arrest was just ready to -be dispatch'd, when _Little Kamcke_ represented to the King, that all -things duly consider'd, the Prime Minister was not so culpable as to -deserve being arrested; that Banishment was sufficient; that however, if -his Majesty was apprehensive, that the Count knowing the Secrets of the -State would discover them to other Powers, the only way was to secure his -Fidelity to him by a handsome Pension, on condition however that he should -never lie out of _Francfort on the Main_, where he would be near his -Majesty's Territories and out of a Capacity to give him any Umbrage. The -King approved of this Advice, and sent to tell the Count that he would -continue a Pension of twenty-four thousand Crowns to him for his Life, on -condition that he would promise not to stir out of _Francfort_. This was a -very advantageous Offer, to a Man who trembled every moment for fear of -losing his Liberty, and therefore without much deliberation what to do, he -thought of nothing but packing up and carrying off the Wealth he had -heap'd together. When the Count and Countess came to Court they had not -wherewithal to subsist; but they went away with Millions, and the Countess -alone had as many Diamonds as were worth half a Million of Crowns. She was -mortally uneasy for fear of being stripp'd of her Treasure, till she saw -herself quite out of the King's Dominions, and then her Spirits began to -rise. Upon the Road they were overtaken by an Express, who brought an -Order to the Count _de Wartemberg_ to deliver up the Golden Key to the -Great Chamberlain, together with the Commission of Hereditary Post-Master; -which he obey'd instantly with very great Submission, and afterwards -continued his Journey towards _Francfort_. - -The King gave the Chamberlain's Key to the _Great Kamcke_, Grand Master of -his Wardrobe, and the Office of Post-Master was executed in Commission by -_Little Kamcke_. As to the place of Prime Minister, it was not fill'd up; -and the King, lest it should be thought that he intended to be still -govern'd as he had been all along, declar'd he would have no more Prime -Ministers. Not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_'s Departure, the King -sent for Count _Christoper de Dobna_, and the Count _de B----_, to come to -_Berlin_. The former for some time made a Figure very like to that of a -First Minister, but had not the Title. The Post of Grand Marshal was -supply'd by M. _de Printz_, with the Applause of the whole Court. The -Count _de Witgenstein_ was restor'd not long after to his Liberty, on -paying down a Fine to the King of fourscore thousand Crowns. Thus, -_Madame_, have you had the Catastrophe of the two chief Favorites of our -Court. - -I had left _Berlin_ for some Months when this great Revolution happen'd, -which I heard the first News at _Hanover_. I happen'd to be with the -Electoress when she receiv'd the Letter from the King, that inform'd her -of the Change he had made At his Court, and of his Intention to be for the -future his own Prime Minister. For my part I was gone from _Berlin_ with a -design to travel, because of some very harsh words which the King said to -me one day when I had fail'd to pay my Attendance as a Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber. The Assiduity with which I made my Court to the Margrave -_Philip_ subjected me to a very sharp Reprimand from the King. What gave -occasion to it was this, I endeavour'd to be with the Margrave as often as -possible, tho' indeed I was not there so often as I wish'd; for I don't -think there was a Prince in the World to whom a Man could make his Court -with so much Pleasure and Freedom. As the Margrave was almost always at -_Schwedt_, it happen'd one day that when 'twas my turn to wait on the -King, I took it in my head to stay at the Margrave's Court, so that a Man -who happen'd to be then going out of the Service was oblig'd to be -continu'd in it some time longer. The King asking him the reason, the -Gentleman made him Answer that I was the cause of it, and that I had not -so much as taken care to speak to any body to officiate for me. I arriv'd -in two, or three days, and enter'd into the Service the Week following. -The King who knew very well that my Attachment to the Margrave his Brother -was the only cause of my Absence from my Post, ask'd me as soon as I made -my Appearance before him, whether I serv'd his Brother or him, and why I -did not do my Duty better? I was so thunder-struck at the manner with -which the King said these few words to me, that really I don't remember in -the least what I said for my Excuse; but I don't forget, that whether he -thought my Plea good or bad, he made me no Answer. I was so nettled at -this Rebuke from the King in the presence of several Persons, that I -resolv'd to be gone out of sight for a while, the better to digest my -Resentment. I therefore ask'd his Majesty's Leave to travel, which I -easily obtain'd, on condition however that I should not go to _France_. -For the King was then at War with that Crown, which besides did not look -upon him in any other Light than as Elector. - -As soon as I had obtain'd a Permission to travel, I prepar'd to set out, -but after having taken Leave of their Majesties, I went to pass a few days -more at the Court of the Margrave _Philip_: And the Margravine engag'd me -to go to _Dessau_ to pay my Devoirs there to the Princesses her Sisters. I -had the Honor to find them at ORANJEBAUM, a House built by the late -Princess of _Orange_, their Mother; and 'tis a magnificent Palace, worthy -of the Princess by whose Order it was erected. I stay'd there eight or ten -Days, and then continu'd my Journey towards the Duchy of _Hanover_, where -I wanted to go and see my Mother, before I engag'd farther in the great -Journey that I had in my Thoughts. - -From _Oranjebaum_ I went to[18]HALL in _Saxony_, which is a City that -belongs to the King, and is a part of the Duchy of _Magdebourg_. The -Courts of Justice and the Regency of the Duchy were formerly held in this -City, but now they are kept in the City of _Magdebourg_[19]. And _Hall_ is -only remarkable for its University which was founded in 1695, and for its -excellent Salt-Works. From _Hall_ I went to HALBERSTADT, the Capital of a -Principality of the same Name. This City was for eight hundred Years -subject to its Bishops till it was seculariz'd and yielded by the Treaty -of _Westphalia_ in 1648, to the Electoral Family of _Brandenburg_. The -River here is very small, for which reason the Trade of this Town is -inconsiderable; but as it is the Seat of the Regency of the Principality, -and of the Courts of justice, 'tis much frequented. Its Cathedral Church, -which is worth seeing, belongs to a Chapter wherein the Catholics and the -Protestants are equally admitted, and both have the Liberty of their -Public Worship. The Catholics have several Convents in the Town, of which -that of the Recollets is the most beautiful, and their Church is very -fine. These Fryars say they owe their Foundation to the ancient Counts of -_Regenstein_, who were heretofore Feudataries to the House of _Brunswic_, -and whose Lands belong now to the King, notwithstanding the very fair -Pretensions of the Dukes of _Brunswic_, and especially of the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, Father to the Empress, to whose share those Pretensions -devolv'd. In 1709 this Prince gave a Sum of Money for new vamping the Tomb -of their Founder, which they have done, and moreover added a _Latin_ -Inscription to it in Capital Letters of Gold. When the King went to -_Halberstadt_ he honor'd this Convent with his Presence, on which occasion -the Father-Guardian preach'd before him and gave the Sacramental -Benediction, because his Majesty had a mind to see the Ceremonies of the -Catholic Church. - -From _Halberstadt_ I went to WOLFEMBUTTLE[20], which City is the common -Residence of the Dukes of _Brunswic_. Tis built only of Timber, and has no -remarkable Structure but the Palace which is very fine, and the Library -which is worthy of the Observation of the Learned and the Curious, not -only for the Beauty of the Room and the regular Disposition of the Books, -but for the Number of the Printed Volumes and Manuscripts. As soon as I -arriv'd I sent to know if I might have the Honor of waiting on the Duke, -who was then at _Saltzdabl_, a League from _Wolfembuttle_. From this City -to the Castle the Road is lin'd with a very fine Row of Trees. His -Highness having permitted me to pay him my Respects, I waited on him, and -was receiv'd with extraordinary Kindness. This Prince, who was then -fourscore Years of Age, had nevertheless all the Presence of Mind and all -the Vigour of a Man of thirty. I believe it needless to observe to you -that the Person whom I have the Honor to mention to you was the late Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_. This Duke besides a superior Understanding knew many -things, which Princes are glad to abandon to Persons of a mean Condition. -If you have read the Romance of _Octavia_, and his Translation of several -of _Corneille_'s and _Racine_'s Tragedies, you will readily own that no -Person ever wrote in our Language more politely. This Prince was also -perfect Master of the _Roman_ History, which he had made his particular -Study. He had moreover a wonderful Taste for every thing that was Elegant, -and especially for the Liberal Arts. One may judge of the Skill he had in -Architecture by his Castle of _Saltzdabl_, which is a Structure not -inferior in Magnificence to any that has been rais'd by Sovereign Princes. -In this Castle, besides immensely rich Furniture, there is a numerous but -choice Collection of Pictures that are put up in a great Gallery, which is -one of the finest Rooms in all _Germany_. The Duke did me the Honor after -I had din'd to carry me to it. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ was at that time no more than the Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_, and his two Sons, of whom the present Duke Regent was the -eldest. Tho' this Prince has been three times married he has had no Issue, -so that the only one of the Family that has had Children is the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, who marry'd a Princess of _Oetingen_, by whom he has had -three Daughters, the eldest of whom wears the Imperial Crown, the second -was marry'd to a Prince of the _Czarian_ Family, and the third to the -Prince of _Brunswic-Bevern_ presumptive Heir of the Dominions of -_Wolfembuttle_. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ is intirely _Lutheran_; yet the late Duke -_Anthony_ died a Catholic, to which Religion he was converted a little -before his Death. The Enemies of his Reputation affected to give out, that -Ambition was the motive of his entring into the Pale of the Church, and -that the Bishopric of _Hildesheim_ or the Electorate of _Cologne_, which -were both vacant at that time by the Elector's being put under the Ban of -the Empire, was the View of his Conversion: but 'tis easy to perceive that -this Reproach is nothing but meer Calumny, if it be consider'd, that the -Duke of _Brunswic_ consider'd only in that Quality had too high a Rank in -the Empire to be flatter'd with the Episcopal or Electoral Dignity, -especially at the Age of fourscore, and when he could not hope for -Posterity to inherit either. 'Tis very certain that the Conversion of this -Prince was the Effect of a long Examination which he had made of the -Religion that he embrac'd, he having entertain'd Thoughts of it for -several years. When he consented that his Grand-Daughter should be -married to the Emperor, it was demanded of that Princess, that she should -abjure the Religion in which she had been educated. There was at that time -an Assembly of the ablest Divines in _Germany_, who agreed as the _French_ -Ministers did when _Henry_ IV. consulted them about his Conversion, that -Salvation was to be had in the Catholic Religion. This Confession of the -Ministers was some encouragement to the timorous Princess, who being but -young and very tender-conscienc'd, thought there was Danger in taking such -a Step. The Duke, in order to reconcile her thoroughly to it, promis'd her -to turn Catholic himself; and _Imhoff_ his Minister did the same. As the -latter was a Man of good Sense, and moreover of great Probity, he had -acquir'd his Master's Confidence, and as Religion had for some time past -the principal Share in their Conversation, _Imhoff_ after having weigh'd -every thing well, could not deny, that the Catholic was the only true -Religion; and he made his Abjuration of the Protestant, some time after -the Princess. The Duke was a good while longer before he took this Step; -for tho' he was a real Catholic in his Heart, he was willing to prepare -his Subjects for this Alteration by gentle means; but when he receiv'd a -Letter from his Grand-Daughter, he made no longer Delay. This Princess -arriving at _Barcelona_, and hearing that the Duke had not yet perform'd -the Promise he made to change his Religion, she wrote a long Letter to -him, wherein she let him know how uneasy she was, for fear that the -Religion which he had advis'd her to chuse was not the true Religion, -because he was so long in embracing it himself. Then the Duke declar'd -himself, and convinc'd his Grand-Daughter, that not content with having -procur'd her one of the principal Crowns in this World, he had also done -his Endeavor to secure her another that was more glorious and more -durable. - -After the Duke had embrac'd the Catholic Religion, he caus'd a Church to -be built at BRUNSWIC[21], which is a City but two small Leagues from -_Wolfembuttle_, thro' a very strait Road, lin'd on both sides with Trees. -When I had taken a good View of all that was worth seeing at _Saltzdabl_, -I came to this City, which I found did not come up near to the Notion I -had of it; nevertheless 'tis the Capital of the Duchy of _Brunswic_. They -say 'twas built _Anno_ 868, by _Bruno_ the Son of _Alphonsus_ Duke of -_Saxony_, who call'd it after his own Name. It was afterwards very much -enlarg'd by the Emperor _Henry_ the _Faulconer_. 'Twas formerly rank'd -among the chief _Hanse_ Towns, and govern'd it self after the manner of a -Republic, pretending to be independent of its Dukes, who always oppos'd -it's Liberty Sword in hand, and 'twas not without great difficulty that -they brought it in Subjection to them. _Henry_ Duke of _Brunswic_, -surnam'd the _Young_, besieg'd it three times, but always in vain. At -length in 1617, the City was compell'd to perform Homage to Duke -_Frederic-Ulric_, the then Regent. Nevertheless it preserv'd its -Privileges, which still gave it an Appearance of Freedom till 1671, when -_Rodolph Augustus_, Duke of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, made himself absolute -Master of it. Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ once had a Design to fortify this -Place, and the Duke his Son seem'd at first to have the same Intention; -but afterwards he chose rather to have noble Structures erected in it, -amongst which there's a very great Palace, where ten Sovereigns might -lodge without incommoding one another. This Prince caus'd it to be built -for the Duchess his Wife, in case she should survive him; and no Cost was -spar'd to render it one of the richest and most magnificent Palaces that -was ever seen, to the intent that the Charms of so fine a Habitation might -contribute in some measure to make the Duchess more cheerful in her -melancholy State of Widowhood; which indeed could not but be the more so -to the Princess, because by losing her Husband, she must also lose her -Sovereignty; for they had no Children, and the Duke was too old for them -ever to expect any. - -This is the only Palace in _Brunswic_ that is remarkable. The Duke of -_Blankenbourg_'s, 'tis true, is very large, and has very fine Apartments, -but is old, and has nothing extraordinary; it joins to the Church of St. -_Alaise_, which is the principal Church, and the Place where several of -the Dukes are buried. On the Square over-against the Church, there's a -Lion of Brass, on a very high Pedestal, representing that which they say -was tam'd by the Duke _Henry_ surnam'd the _Lion_, to such a degree, that -the terrible Animal follow'd him wherever he went; and even after the -Duke's Death and Interment in the Church of St. _Alaise_, the Lion went -towards the Church Door, try'd to break it open, stay'd there in spite of -all the Attempts to take him off, and died on the very Spot, for Grief -that he had lost his Master. - -I afterwards went to ZELL[22], and from thence to HANOVER. The first of -these Towns is small, and has nothing remarkable. It was formerly the -common Residence of the Dukes of _Zell_, who had a very commodious Castle -in it; but since that Country devolv'd by Inheritance to the House of -_Hanover_, there's nothing remaining here but the Courts of Justice and -the Regency. - -HANOVER[23] is the Capital of the Electorate, and the Seat of the -Electors. This Court was always one of the politest in _Germany_, -especially during the Life of the late Princess _Sophia_, the Electoress -Dowager and Mother. This August Princess, who was descended from the most -illustrious Blood in _Europe_, was the Daughter of the unhappy _Frederic_, -the Elector _Palatine_, and of the Princess of _England_, Daughter of K. -_James_ I. by whom the Right of Succession to the Crown of _England_ -devolv'd to the House of _Hanover_. This Princess, tho' she was full -Fourscore when I was at _Hanover_, labour'd under none of those -Infirmities, which one would think to be inseparable from so great an Age: -She was really a Prodigy for Vivacity and Memory; she spoke _French_, -_English_ and _Italian_ as well as her Mother-Tongue, and had moreover a -wonderful just way of Thinking, which she had taken the pains to cultivate -by great Reading. This Princess had been the Mother of several Children, -of whom there were then but three Princes surviving, _viz._ the eldest, -who was then the Elector, and afterwards King of _Great Britain_; the -second whose Name was Duke _Maximilian_; and the third the Duke _Ernest -Augustus_, afterwards Bishop of _Osnabrug_ and Duke of _York_. - -Of the Electoress's three Sons, none but the Elector had any Children; and -these are the Electoral Prince, now King of _England_, and the Princess -Royal, now our Queen. - -The Electoral Prince's Family was more numerous. He has had a Son and -several Daughters by the Princess of _Brandenburg-Anspach_. I had the -Honor of waiting on the Princes and Princesses the very next day after my -Arrival, and was received very graciously, especially by the Electoress -Mother, who all the Time that I staid at Court, honor'd me with her -special Protection. - -I spent all the _Carnival_ time at this Court, where 'twas open'd on the -2d day of _January_ by a _French_ Comedy, after which there was Play and a -Drawing-Room at the Electoress's Apartment till ten o'clock at Night. Next -day there was a Ridotto in imitation of that of _Venice_, that is to say, -a public Ball, to which every body was admitted that had a Mask, but not -with Arms. This Ball was held at the Town-House, every other day during -the whole _Carnival_. In the same Room where the Ridotto was perform'd, -they play'd at _Ombre_ and _Picquet_, and in another at _Basset_; there -was a third Room in which the Tables were cover'd with a cold Treat; and -next to this third Room there was a fourth, in which were distributed -Coffee, Chocolate, Liquors, _&c._ - -I had a very great Share in all the Diversions of the _Carnival_, being -then at an Age when nothing is so much minded as Pleasures; especially -when a Person has Money enough to keep him from the Uneasiness, which is -the necessary consequence of the want of that precious Metal. Of this I -was now furnish'd with a handsome Stock, and therewith cut a very gay -Figure; but was soon oblig'd to lessen my Expences, because nothing would -serve me but I must try a fatal Experiment, in which I was bit. I had a -mind to try Fortune at Gaming; and play'd at first with pretty good Luck; -but afterwards the Chance turn'd, and I was soon in a very great Quandary -what to do with my Person, being neither able to proceed in my Journey, -nor return from whence I came; and much less to stay at _Hanover_, where I -had always made some Figure. I then did what young Fellows us'd to do in -such a Situation; that is to say, made several Bargains, but none to my -Advantage. At last I was oblig'd to expose my Circumstances to my Mother, -who was still my Guardian. I had much ado to get the Money of her that I -wanted; but I wrote such moving Letters to her, that she was sensible at -last that she was my Mother, and after having made me wait a little while, -she was so good as to send me the necessary Sums. - -This little Disorder in my Affairs happen'd at a very unseasonable Time: -for the Electoress had been so kind as to get a Passport for me to go to -_Paris_, by means of the late Madame of _France_; but as the same was only -granted for two Months, 'twas impossible for me to make use of it, having -been oblig'd to spend almost all that time in contriving Expedients to -retrieve my Finances. - -The Money that my Mother was so kind as to send me, put me again into a -Condition of travelling. The Emperor _Joseph_'s Death happening at that -time, I resolv'd to go and see the Election of a new Emperor. This great -Prince died at _Vienna_, the 17th of _May_, at 32 years of Age and nine -Months. He left the Imperial Throne vacant, but his other Crowns devolv'd -by Hereditary Right to his Brother. As soon as that Emperor died, the -Empress Mother assum'd the Government of his Hereditary Kingdoms and -Dominions, in the Absence of the King her Son, to whom she sent an Express -to carry the News, as she did also to each of the Electors. The _Saxon_ -and _Palatine_ Electors, as Vicars of the Empire, took Care of the -Government of it during the Inter-regnum; and the Elector of _Mentz_, as -Great Chancellor of the Empire, wrote circular Letters (which are call'd -Letters of _Intimation_) to invite the Electors to the Assembly that was -to be at _Francfort_ for the ensuing Election. - -As this Assembly was not to be till _August_, I went in the mean while to -_Holland_. The first Town I pass'd thro' after I left _Hanover_, was -MINDEN, which is a Town upon the _Weser_, encompass'd with Walls, and -defended by some Half-Moons, which nevertheless don't hinder one's seeing -every thing that passes in the Square from a Hill that commands the Town, -and from whence 'tis an easy matter to beat it to the ground. 'Twas -formerly a Hanse Town, being a part of _Westphalia_, and had always the -Title of a Bishopric, till the Treaty of _Munster_, when it was -seculariz'd, and given to the Family of _Brandenburg_, who settled a -Regency here. It always retain'd two Chapters, one of Canons, and the -other of Canonesses, into which the Ladies must make proof of their -Nobility to be admitted. The famous Count _Tilly_, General of the Imperial -Troops, when he was pursuing _Maurice_ the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -attack'd and took this Place in 1626, when the General, exasperated with -the Town, which tho' extremely weak, refused to comply with the very -advantagious Terms that he offer'd it, took it by Storm, and put near 3000 -Men, Soldiers and Inhabitants, to the Sword. - -As I proceeded, I passed thro' HERVORDEN, which is an ill-built Town, in -the County of _Ravensberg_. 'Tis an Imperial Town, and yet the King -maintains a Garison in it. There's a Chapter of Ladies, the Abbess of -which is a Native Princess of the Empire; and indeed this is what the Town -is most remarkable for, it being otherwise not very considerable any more -than the Towns of LIPSTADT and HAM. These belong both to the King, of -which the first is fortify'd, and Justice is therein administer'd, in the -Name of the King and the Count _de la Lippe_, who has half of the Revenue. -Every thing relating to the Fortifications or the Garison, is the King's. -The Baron _de Heiden_, General of the Horse, was Governor of it when I was -there. - -After having left these two Places, there is no considerable Town till we -come to WESEL, which stands upon the _Rhine_, and is a part of the Duchy -of _Cleves_. 'Tis now one of the strongest Places in _Europe_; for the -King, who was about fortifying it when I was there, ordered that no Cost -should be spar'd to carry the Works to the utmost Perfection. The Person -he employ'd to direct them was M. _Bot_ a _Frenchman_, and Governor of the -Place, one of the ablest Engineers now living. When I had rested a few -days at _Wesel_ I fell down the _Rhine_ to _Nimeguen_, and by the way saw -EMMERICK and SCHENK. _Emmerick_ is a Hanse Town upon the _Rhine_, which -was taken by the _French_ in 1652, and restor'd two years after to the -Elector of _Brandenburg_. _Schenk_, which is the first place in _Holland_, -stands at the Point where the _Rhine_ divides it self into two Branches, -one of which is call'd _Vahal_, and the other retains the Name of the -_Rhine_. This Place was built in 1586, by _Martin Schenk_ a _Gueldrian_, -from whom it took the Name. - -NIMEGUEN[24] is built upon a Hill which rises by degrees to the very -Centre of the Place, and is part of the Province of _Guelderland_. This -Town is famous for having been taken and re-taken in the War the _Dutch_ -carry'd on with _Spain_ for preserving their Liberty. That Crown was -oblig'd at last to yield it to the _Dutch_, from whom _Lewis_ XIV. took it -in 1672; but it was restor'd to them soon after. 'Twas in this Place that -the Peace was concluded between _France_ and the Allies in 1678. At the -beginning of the War for the _Spanish_ Succession, the Duke of _Burgundy_ -endeavor'd to make himself Master of it, but he had not the Fortune to -succeed. The _Dutch_ have made it very strong, it being their main Bulwark -towards the Duchy of _Cleves_. To go by Land from _Nimeguen_ to UTRECHT, I -cross'd the _Vahal_ over a Flying-Bridge. I shall not speak of this City -now; for I did not stay there, but went strait to LEYDEN[25], a City in -the Province of _Holland_, famous for its University, founded in 1575. - -This is without dispute one of the finest Cities in all the United -Provinces. 'Tis situate in the ancient Channel of the _Rhine_. The Streets -which are broad and very long, are extremely neat, and are for the most -part divided by Canals, that are of a great Conveniency to its Trade, -which consists chiefly in Woollen Cloth, whereof the City of _Leyden_ -makes more than any other Town in _Holland_. There's a Library also in -this City, which is a very good Collection of the most curious printed -Volumes, and a great Number of very scarce old MSS. Here is likewise a -Physic-Garden worth seeing, and especially a Hall for Anatomies, in which -there is all manner of Curiosities. This City sustain'd a Siege by the -_Spaniards_ in 1574, when the _Dutch_ shook off their Tyrants Yoke. During -this the City was reduc'd to the last Extremity, the Siege having -continu'd from _Easter_ to the 3d of _October_, when the _Spaniards_ were -oblig'd to retire. Tho' _Leyden_ is a very pretty City, yet I take it to -be one of the dullest Places in all _Holland_ to live in; for go where one -will, we meet with such sickly Countenances as makes one melancholy to see -them: not but that the Town's-People are as healthy here as elsewhere; -only the Habit they have got of appearing always in their Night-Gowns, and -of even walking the Streets in them, makes them look more like -Valetudinarians, than People in Health. - -After a few days stay at _Leyden_, I went to the HAGUE[26], which I think -may well be call'd the principal Village of _Europe_, it having neither -Walls nor Ramparts; but bating that, 'tis one of the pleasantest Places in -all _Holland_; it being so delightful that the States-General have chose -it, preferably to any other, for holding their Assemblies; and here also -reside the Ministers of the Foreign Courts. There is not a Place in all -_Holland_ that yields such fine Walks, and the People are polite and much -more sociable than in any other part of the Country. Most of the People of -Quality meet every Evening alternately at one another's Houses: These -Assemblies would be much finer than they are in general, if the Company -was not so promiscuous; but the Freedom of the Country, and the Wealth of -the Inhabitants, very often set the Burgher upon a Level with the Man of -Quality, and sometimes too above him. - -The Houses at the _Hague_ are very fine, yet they are all without the -Rules of Architecture, without Ornament, and in a manner without -Regularity, excepting the Palaces of the Old Court and of Prince -_Maurice_, and the House of M. _Obdam_. There's not a House in short that -has the air of a great Man's House; the inner Rooms are commonly very -mean, and not very commodious; they have no Notion of Anti-Chambers; the -Domestics pass their Time in the Kitchens or the Entries; and, except at -the Houses of Ambassadors, what we call a _Swiss_ or Porter, is no where -to be seen. There's a great Number of _Jews_ at the _Hague_, who make a -fine Figure, especially the _Portuguese Jews_. These Gentlemen have the -Equipages of Ambassadors, with magnificent Houses and Gardens; and they -often make Treats with the utmost Delicacy and Splendor. They are admitted -into all Companies, and only differ from the Christians of this Country by -being possess'd of much more Wealth, and living at a far greater Expence. -I knew one of 'em whose Name was _Duliz_, that was very much esteem'd: He -was good-natur'd, generous, extremely charitable, and reliev'd all -indifferently that were Objects of Compassion, without giving himself the -Trouble of enquiring whether the Sharers of his Bounty were _Jews_ or -_Christians_: And to my own knowledge he contributed as freely for the -Maintenance of a Church, as if it had been his own Synagogue. - -When I had staid about a Month at the _Hague_, I set out to see the chief -Towns of _Holland_. The two first that one comes to are DELFT and -_Rotterdam_. _Delft_[27] is a League from the _Hague_. They say that this -Town was built by _Godfrey_ the _Crooked_ when he had conquer'd this -Country; and that _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ having made himself master of it, -demolish'd its Walls and Castle. It was entirely burnt to the ground by -Accident in 1536, and afterwards re-built. The like Misfortune happen'd to -it again in 1654, when the Powder Magazine took fire, and the Town, tho' -not totally consum'd, was nevertheless very much damag'd. It was again -entirely re-built in the general Taste of all the Towns of _Holland_, that -is to say, with Canals. There are two fine Churches at _Delft_, in the -Chief of which there is the Tomb of Prince _William_ of _Orange_, who was -assassinated in this Town in 1584, by _Belthazar Gerard_, a Native of -_Franche-Comte_; and in the other Church there is the Tomb of the famous -_Dutch_ Admiral _Martin Trompe_, which is of Marble, with a very fine -Inscription, and beautiful Basso-Relievo's, which represent the principal -Actions of that great Man. 'Twas in this Town, that the Plenipotentiaries -of _France_ resided during the Congress of _Ryswic_. All Ambassadors are -receiv'd here on the part of the States, and 'tis here that they begin -their March for their public Entry at the _Hague_. The Road which leads -to it is lin'd with Elms, and entirely pav'd with Brick. There is not a -Place in all _Holland_ where so many Passage-Boats are continually coming -and going. They set out every Half-hour for the _Hague_, and every Hour -for _Rotterdam_. These Boats are the favorite Carriers of the Country; and -they are the most convenient Passage, not only for the Regularity of their -Departure and Arrival, but because the Fare is settled. I forgot to tell -you, that _Delft_ is the Place where they make the fine Earthen Ware. - -From _Delft_ I went and lay at ROTTERDAM[28]. This City, which stands upon -the _Maese_, is second to _Amsterdam_ for Trade, notwithstanding the -Difficulty of entring the _Maese_, at the Mouth of which River Ships are -oblig'd to stay for the Tide, and for a Pilot that knows the Coast. They -say that _Rotterdam_ derives its Origin from _Ruther_ King of the -_Franks_. This City is large and well built; and by its several Canals has -a convenient Communication with all the Towns of _Holland_. The only -Monument at _Rotterdam_ is a Statue of Brass in the great Square, -representing the famous _Erasmus_, to whom this City gave Birth. - -From _Rotterdam_ I went to DORT, or DORDRECHT, which is a very ancient -Town, and the first in Rank in the Dominions of _Holland_. It stands in an -Island between the _Maese_, the _Merwe_, the _Rhine_, and the _Ling_, -having been broke off from the main Land in 1421, by an Inundation, which -laid almost all its Territory under Water, and drown'd about 100,000 -Persons. All these Rivers form a kind of Sea; so that at a distance the -Situation of this Town looks very much like that of _Venice_. This Place -was anciently the Residence of the Counts of _Holland_, one of whom, -_viz._ _Albert_ of _Bavaria_, founded a Collegiate Church here in 1363. -The Protestants assembled that famous National Synod here in 1618, which -did not separate till the year following, after having establish'd that -Religion which prevails at this time in the United Provinces. - -When I had staid at _Dort_ as long as was necessary to see the Town and -Parts adjacent, I return'd to _Rotterdam_, from whence I went next day in -a Boat for AMSTERDAM[29]. This is the most famous City in all _Holland_, -its Extent, vast Trade and Riches being the Admiration of all Foreigners; -and what is more surprizing is, that it owes its Aggrandizement to itself, -and its great Wealth to its Commerce. 'Tis said that this City was not -known before the Year 1204; and that then it was no more than a little -Castle call'd _Amstel_, from the Name of the River on which it was built. -The then Lord of it, _Gysbrecht van Amstel_ brought Inhabitants to it, who -were for most part poor Cottagers, that carried on a small Trade with -their Neighbours by means of their Fishery; and at last by the force of -Industry throve so well, that _Amstel_ from a Village, became in a few -years, a very considerable Town, which was always subject to its own -Lords, till a second _Gysbrecht_ being concern'd in the Assassination of -_Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, was oblig'd for some time to get out of -the way, which prov'd to the Detriment of _Amsterdam_; but _Gysbrecht_ -returning at length began to build Bridges and Towers, as he did several -Houses at the same time in the neighbouring Country; and then they began -to call the Place _Amsteldam_, by the Addition of the Word _Dam_, i. e. a -_Dyke_, to its former Name of _Amstel_. This little Town was united -afterwards to the County of _Holland_. _William_ IV. Sovereign of the -Country, gave it several Privileges in 1342. These _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ -confirm'd afterwards, by giving the Inhabitants a Power also of enlarging -the Town, which by its Situation, and the Industry of the Inhabitants to -improve its Commerce, soon became considerable; yet it continued without -any Walls, even so long as the Year 1482. In the 16th Century this City -increas'd considerably in Power; and during the Troubles which arose on -account of Religion, took great Care to preserve the Catholic Religion, -and their due Allegiance to its Princes. It turn'd out the Ministers of -the Reformed Religion, and all that had embrac'd that Doctrine several -times. But at length finding its Trade decay; and that the Succours -brought to it by the Duke of _Alva_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, were -scatter'd, 'twas oblig'd to surrender to the Prince of _Orange_ in 1587, -on condition nevertheless that the Catholics should not be molested. This -indeed was promis'd, but not duly perform'd; for the Clergy and Friars -were soon after expell'd, and the Altars demolish'd; the consequence of -which was the putting an entire stop to all the public Exercise of the -Catholic Religion. The War which the Inhabitants of _Amsterdam_ had upon -their hands, and the Persecution of the Catholics had hurt its Trade very -much, till the Civil Wars kindled in the neighbouring Provinces drove -several Merchants from _Brussels_, _Antwerp_, _&c._ to _Amsterdam_, where -these new Citizens contributed so much to the Revival of its Commerce, -that they have render'd it one of the finest and richest Cities in Being; -and 'tis commonly call'd, _The Warehouse of the World_. - -If the Situation of _Amsterdam_ be duly considered, it may be said to be -one of the Wonders of the World. It stands so low, that it wou'd be -continually in danger of being drown'd, were not the Water kept out by -Dykes as high as the Waves. The River _Amstel_, so gentle that one can -hardly perceive which way it runs, passes thro' the whole City, and forms -the great Canal over which there are two Bridges. That which is at the -Mouth of the Sea, call'd the _Pont-neuf_, is one of the finest of the -kind, not only for its Sluices, but for the noble View there is from -thence of the Harbor, where Ships are continually going out or coming in -from all parts of the World. Besides the Great Canal, there are others -which deserve to be taken notice of, as, _The Emperors_ Canal, _The Lords_ -Canal; that of the _Cingle_, and the _Princes_ Canal: All these Canals are -broad and deep, and furnish'd with great Kays. The Sides are fac'd with -Free-stone or Brick, and adorn'd with Lime-Trees and Elms. Very fine -Houses are built on most of these Kays, and especially upon the Kay of -_The Lords_ Canal; and new ones are building every day, which are very -beautiful; and tho' they are small, and not in the Rules of Architecture, -have a certain Air of Neatness which is to be found no where else. Almost -all the Houses have very fine Steps of shining black Marble, and noble -Window-Frames, with very fine Panes, which are often of polish'd Glass. - -The Streets of _Amsterdam_ are generally pretty narrow, yet very fine and -neat; and on certain Days of the Week great Care is taken to wash them. I -must tell you by the way, that there is not a place where the People are -so fond of washing as they are at _Amsterdam_; for they scour the inside -of their Houses every Week without fail, together with the Furniture of -the Kitchen; so that they are always in the Suds. 'Tis true, that without -this Care every thing would grow mouldy and spoil, as Foreigners have very -often experienc'd, who, how loth soever to comply with this sort of -Slavery, which they thought only the Fashion of the Country, were soon -oblig'd to submit to it: And I believe, that were it not for this -Necessity of always washing, the _Dutch_ wou'd not lose so much Time about -it; for in other respects I have not observ'd 'em so nice. These People -wear a Shirt for a Fortnight very well under a nasty, greasy Woollen -Waistcoat: and their manner of eating is as slovenly; for the Generality -know no Forks but their Fingers, wherewith they scoop up the Sallad -swimming in the Vinegar, which is commonly their favorite Dish[30]. - -Of all the Public Buildings at _Amsterdam_, the Stadt-house is certainly -the most magnificent. 'Tis a great Pile built of Free-stones very finely -set, and forms a long Square. The 7 Porticoes which are in the main Front, -and which the Architect has reduc'd to the number of 7, to denote the 7 -United Provinces, are look'd upon as a defect in Architecture; for they -are so narrow, that three Persons can scarce walk a-breast in them: which -indeed is contrary to the Rules of Architecture, but yet no Fault in a -Building, which like the Stadt-house is frequently expos'd to the Rage and -Riots of a People as turbulent as the _Amsterdamers_. These seven -Porticoes lead to two Gates at the Foot of the Grand Stair-Case. I don't -pretend, _Madame_, to give you all the particular Beauties of this -Structure, being not acquainted enough with the Rules, or even the Terms -of Architecture, to presume to enter into any Description of this nature; -therefore I shall confine my self to what most strikes the Eye. - -The Pediment of the principal Front was to my mind well fancy'd. 'Tis -adorn'd with a Relievo of white Marble, in which a Woman is represented -supporting the Arms of the City. There is also a _Neptune_, some Figures -of Heroes, Lions, Unicorns, and the whole is of admirable Workmanship. -This Pediment is crown'd with three fine Statues of Brass, which denote -Justice, Power and Plenty. On the very Top of this whole Building there's -a Tower in form of a Dome. Here is a very fine Clock with Chimes, which -are a pretty Amusement for such as are fond of that sort of Music. - -The Inside of this House is every part of it very magnificent. The Chamber -where they pass Sentence on Criminals is lin'd throughout with Marble, and -adorn'd with Basso-Relievo's, representing all the Emblems and Attributes -of Justice. That which is most admir'd there is a fine Marble Statue -representing _Themis_. This Room is rais'd very high, and a little too -dark; yet 'tis so contriv'd, that all the People in the Square may see the -Criminals try'd. The three Porticoes at the Entrance answer to the three -Windows of this Hall, which Windows instead of Glass, have noble Bars of -Brass curiously wrought. - -The Great Hall is another stately Room, to which there's an Ascent by a -large Stair-Case with two Flights. All the Walls are lin'd with -Basso-Relievo's of Marble, intermix'd with fine Paintings. There are two -Galleries or Corridors at the two ends of the Hall, which lead to -Apartments on the right and left. In these Chambers are kept the several -Offices relating to Affairs of the City. The Jurisdiction or Province of -each Chamber is inscrib'd over the Door; and the Affairs there treated, -are represented in magnificent Basso-Relievo's. In one of these Rooms, -such Persons as are not of the Reform'd Religion are oblig'd to be married -before the _Echevin_, or else they are condemn'd in a Fine; and according -to the Laws, their Marriage is to be reckon'd null and void. - -In the Town-House is kept the famous Bank, which is the Repository of such -a vast Treasure. Prodigious Arches and huge double Bars of Iron before the -Windows, render it inaccessible. The Vaults are admirable, being built -upon Piles in the middle of the Water, and yet so dry as if they were cut -out of a Rock. One part of these Vaults serves for containing the immense -Wealth, the other for confining Criminals. I had the Curiosity to go and -see those Dungeons, which are all very lightsome and kept very neat; and -in spite of the Proverb, they may be said to be very fine Prisons. - -After I had been at the Town-House, I went to visit the Square where the -Merchants assemble about the Affairs of their Trade from Noon till half an -Hour past one o'clock. This Square, which is longer than 'tis broad, is -surrounded with a large open Gallery or Corridor, supported by Free-stone -Pillars, for shelter in case of Rain; and is call'd the _Bourse_ or -_Exchange_. Here are Merchants of all Nations, the diversity of whose -Habits and Languages is as pleasing as the Beauty of the Place; and -especially the Hurry those People are in that are call'd _Brokers_, who -are the Men employ'd by the great Merchants to traffick the Bills of -Exchange, or to transact their other Affairs. To see them scowering from -one to the other all about this Square, there's no body but wou'd think -they were mad. - -The _India_-House and Admiralty-Office are also worth seeing. The first -serves as a Warehouse for laying up such Merchandize as comes from the -_Indies_. In the latter there is all the necessary Rigging for fitting out -a Fleet to Sea. The _India_ Company have their separate Arsenal, which is -in nothing inferior to that of the States. In this City there are -Hospitals also of every Kind very well maintain'd, and Houses of -Correction for both Sexes. _Amsterdam_ is the Place of Refuge for Sects of -all Denominations, who have their several Chappels or Chambers there, -wherein they exercise their Religion, but the _Calvinists_ and _Lutherans_ -only are allow'd the Liberty of Public Worship. However the _Jews_ have -two fine Synagogues here; the one for the _German_, and the other for the -_Portuguese_ Nation. Of this Sect there are great Numbers, and they live -in a particular Quarter, which is not the most inconsiderable of the City. - -But notwithstanding all this Magnificence of Buildings, and the Concourse -of so many Nations, I was quite out of conceit with _Amsterdam_. Every -body sticks to Trade, and the Gratification of their Avarice is their -whole Study. The Generality with their immense Wealth live like Misers; -and all their Happiness, their Pleasure and their Pride consists in having -a great deal of Money: They think of nothing but how to acquire Riches; -and they look upon every Man that lives genteelly as a Prodigal. As to the -_Dutch_ Freedom, I don't believe there's a Place where it bears greater -Sway than at _Amsterdam_. 'Tis true, that this so much boasted Liberty -serves very often but to render the Citizens insolent with Impunity; for -there is not a Scrub but thinks himself as good a Man as the best in the -Country: Foreigners have sometimes much ado to bear it, they being often -abus'd without daring to complain; for it costs so much to obtain Justice -here, that People had rather put up with an Insult, than seek a Remedy by -due Course of Law. The Attorneys and Solicitors of this City outdo those -of all other Countries in flattering their Clients to their Ruin, and most -of this Gentry cut a great Figure, have noble Houses and Gardens, and some -too have very spruce Equipages. - -From _Amsterdam_ I went to HARLEM[31], which is but three Leagues. -Heretofore, while the Catholic Religion subsisted in this Country, it was -a Bishopric, Suffragan of _Utrecht_. The Town stands but a League from the -Sea, or rather upon its Shore, the Sea having overflow'd a considerable -part of the Country, which forms a Lake, now call'd the _Harlem Meer_, or -Sea of _Harlem_. This Town communicates by its Canals both with -_Amsterdam_ and _Leyden_. They pretend it was founded by the _Normans_ in -the ninth Century. Pope _Paul_ IV. erected it into a Bishopric in 1559, -at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. In 1572 the Bishop was -turn'd out by the Protestants, not long after which the Town was besieg'd -and taken by _Frederic_ of _Toledo_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, who oblig'd -the Inhabitants to surrender at Discretion, and caus'd them to be treated -in the most barbarous manner in the World. The _Dutch_ retook it -afterwards, and have held it ever since. There are very fine Walks in this -City, and especially a Grove which is deem'd a charming Place by the -Citizens of _Amsterdam_, who come hither in the Summer to make their -Parties of Pleasure. - -After having seen what was most remarkable at _Harlem_, I return'd by the -way of _Leyden_ to the _Hague_, where I had not been many days, before the -King arriv'd, having pass'd the same day before _Rotterdam_, where he had -been saluted with a triple Discharge of the Cannon, as he was also at -_Delfshaven_, where he found his Yatcht, follow'd by several others that -had been sent to him from the _Hague_. These attended the King to _Delft_, -where his Coaches staid for him, with which he came to his Palace of the -_Old Court_. - -There he found a Guard of fourscore Men, with a Captain and a Pair of -Colors. His Majesty caus'd his Arrival to be immediately notify'd to the -President of the Assembly of the States-General, and next day, after -Sermon time, he receiv'd the Deputation from the said States, consisting -of nine Members, who when they arriv'd at the King's Palace found the -Guard under Arms, Colors flying, and the Drum beating, and were receiv'd -at the bottom of the Stairs by the Grand Marshal and several Gentlemen of -the Chamber, and introduc'd into the King's Bed-chamber, who receiv'd -them bare-headed and standing before an Arm-Chair. As the Audience was -only to compliment his Majesty upon his Arrival, it was very short; and -the States returning to the usual Place of their Assembly, went afterwards -and din'd with the King. - -Some days after this his Majesty set out for _Honslaerdyk_, a Place two -Leagues from the _Hague_, which he enjoy'd by Inheritance from the late K. -_William_ of _England_. Thither I follow'd the King, who staid there till -he had receiv'd Advice, that the Prince of _Nassau_, Governor of -_Friseland_, was to come from the Army in _Flanders_ to the _Hague_, there -to make an end of the Differences betwixt him and his Majesty about the -Succession to the Family of _Orange_, of which that Prince took the Title, -by virtue of the last Will and Testament of the late King of _England_, -the last Prince of the said Family. The King had been expecting him for -some days, when a Courier arriv'd with the News, that the Prince was -drown'd in the Passage of the _Moerdyke_. Having embark'd there with his -Retinue to pass the _Stryen-Sas_, he was not got above thirty or forty -Paces from Shore, when a furious Gust of Wind arose, by which the Vessel -was overset and lost. As the Sea swell'd at the same time, and the Prince -knew not how to swim, he could not get ashore. Colonel _Hilkes_ who -accompanied him was drown'd with him, and none but his Domestics escap'd. -The unfortunate Prince was seen to hang by the Mast of the Vessel for some -Moments, and there were some hopes of relieving him, had it not been for a -Wave, which drove by a Blast of Wind carried him off from the piece of -Wood he clung to, and cast him away. The Body of this Prince, who was -very much regretted, was not found till about a Week after, in the very -same place where the Vessel happen'd to be cast away. 'Twas carried to -_Dort_ where 'twas embalm'd, and then remov'd to _Lewarden_, there to be -interr'd in the Tomb of his Family. - -The King was the more afflicted at this sad Accident, because the News was -told him too hastily, by a foolish Courier, who, for want of knowing his -Master's Temper, thought that the News of the Prince of _Friseland_'s -Death wou'd not be disagreeable to him; but the King gave public -Demonstration how sorry he was for his Loss, and sent a Gentleman of the -Bed-chamber to the last Princess-Dowager of _Nassau_, to assure her how -much he sympathiz'd in her loss. - -The Death of the Prince of _Friseland_ interrupted the whole Treaty of -Accommodation. The said Prince left a Daughter, and the Princess his Wife -pregnant, who wrote to the States to desire them not to do any thing in -prejudice of the Infant of whom she hoped to be deliver'd; and that as -they were Executors Testamentary, they would preserve the Bulk of his -Inheritance entire; and that otherwise she openly protested against every -thing that might be done. This Demand did not hinder the States from -granting the King a provisional Portion; and it was agreed, that his -Majesty, as well as the Heirs of the Prince of _Nassau_, now deceas'd, -should be paid 150000 _Dutch_ Florins a year, out of the Estate of the -_Orange_ Family: That the Palaces of Prince _Frederic-Henry_, of which the -King was already in Possession, shou'd continue his; but that the _Dieren_ -Palace shou'd be common both to the King and the Prince's Heirs; and that -the rest should be referr'd to a definitive Accommodation, which is the -Thing that still remains to be done. I had the Honor to pay my Court -punctually all the Time that his Majesty spent at the _Hague_; and when he -set out, I went with him to _Dieren_, where I took leave of the King, -little thinking 'twou'd be the last Time I should see him. - -I went thro' DUSSELDORFF[32], the Capital of the Duchy of _Berg_, which -was then the Residence of the Elector _Palatine_, who, it must be noted, -was the first of the _Palatine_ Electors that liv'd here; for the Electors -commonly resided heretofore at _Heidelberg_ or _Manheim_. The Elector -_John-William_ had preferred _Dusseldorff_ to all other Places, from an -early liking that he took to that Town, of which he was Master, even in -the Life-time of the Elector his Father; who when he married his Son to -the Emperor _Leopold_'s Sister, yielded to him the Duchies of _Juliers_ -and _Berg_, of which _Dusseldorff_ is the Capital City, and wou'd have -been one of the finest in _Germany_, if the Emperor had liv'd long enough -to put the great Projects which he had form'd in execution. This Prince -had already begun to augment the City with one entire Quarter, the Streets -whereof were as strait as a Line; and I saw the Plan of a new Palace that -he intended to build, which wou'd certainly have been one of _Europe_'s -Grand Structures. As to that now at _Dusseldorff_, the only beautiful part -of it is that call'd the Gallery; tho' why it has that Name I can't -imagine, since nothing resembles a Gallery less. It contains five Rooms, -three of which are much bigger than the others. One of these Rooms is -quite full of magnificent Paintings by the famous _Rubens_. In another -there's a great number of Paintings by _Van der Werf_, a _Dutch_ Painter -who died lately at the _Hague_. If a Man has ever so little Taste or Skill -in Painting, 'tis impossible for him to be indifferent for such Pictures, -which may be said to be all Master-pieces. Such are those representing the -good old Man _Simeon_ holding the Savior of the World in his Arms; our -Lord teaching in the Temple; and the Pictures of the Elector and -Electoress, in two particular Rooms of the first Story of this Gallery, -are the Models of the most magnificent Statues of _Italy_, sent for by the -Elector from all parts of that Country at a vast Expence. The three others -are full of modern Statues of Marble and Brass, which are for the most -part done by the famous _Gripilli_ an _Italian_, and an excellent Artist, -especially for Busts that require a Likeness. - -In the Court-yard of the Palace there's an Equestrian Statue of the -Elector arm'd cap-a-pee, with the Electoral Bonnet on his Head, and -mounted upon a very fine Horse of yellow Copper. In the same Court there -is likewise a very fine Fountain, the Group of which is of Brass very -curiously wrought, but so incumber'd with Works of different Kinds, that -'tis difficult to distinguish them. - -Five Leagues from _Dusseldorff_ there's a Hunting-Seat call'd -_Bensberg_[33], which is built in a Forest on a Hill, from whence there's -a fine Prospect of the City of _Cologne_, the _Rhine_, and all the flat -Country. To this Castle there's a large Avenue, by a gradual Ascent, till -one comes to the Grate of the first Court, on each side whereof there's a -large Guard-House, the Front of which forms a Gallery supported by Pillars -of grayish Marble, which is dug in this Country. The rest of this Seat has -very much the air of the Castle of _Versailles_, only 'tis not so large or -lofty. In the two Wings of this Building, there are two Stair-Cases which -lead to the Apartments. 'Tis plain that this Structure was design'd -entirely by an _Italian_; because, according to the Fashion of that -Country, the Apartments consist of a great number of Rooms all upon one -Floor too, but without any Closets or Conveniencies. The outside of this -Structure is the oddest thing in the World. It consists of numberless -Ornaments, which 'tis impossible to distinguish: And I think it no -Injustice to the Castle of _Bensberg_, to say, 'tis a noble fine House -full of Imperfections. - -After having given you an Account of the Elector's several Buildings, I -fancy, _Madame_, that some short Memoirs of his Family will not be -disagreeable to you. To be sure you are not ignorant, that the Succession -of the _Neubourg_ Family to the Dignity of Elector _Palatine_, is owing -only to the Extinction of the Protestant _Palatine_ Family, the last of -which was the Elector _Charles_, who left but one Sister, married to -MONSIEUR _Philip_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. -_Philip-William_ Duke of _Neubourg_, the Father of him whom I have had the -Honor of mentioning to you, was the first Elector of this Branch. This -Prince, who had a numerous Family, match'd them to the chief Crowns of -_Europe_, and he had no less than four Princes and five Princesses. - -The eldest of the Princes was the Elector _John-William_ of _Neubourg_, -who married to his first Wife an Archduchess of _Austria_, Sister to the -Emperor _Leopold_, by whom he had no Issue. He married to his second Wife -_Anne-Mary-Louisa_ of _Medicis_, Daughter to _Cosmo_ III. Great Duke of -_Tuscany_; but having no more Issue by this Match than by the former, he -took the Hereditary Prince of _Sultzbach_ to his Court, where he was -brought up as the Heir of his Family, in case that himself and the Princes -his Brothers died without Male Issue. This young Prince was then look'd -upon as the Electoral Prince, and receiv'd all the Honors as such. The -Person who had the Care of his Education was the Baron _de Seckingen_; and -it may be said, that he did his utmost to make a great Prince of him. - -The second was _Charles-Lewis_, now the Elector. - -The third _Francis-Lewis de Neubourg_, Elector of _Triers_ and Grand -Master of the _Teutonic_ Order. - -The fourth _Alexander-Sigismond_, Bishop of _Augsbourg_. - -The Princesses were all married. The eldest, whose Name was -_Eleonora-Magdalena-Theresa_ of _Neubourg_, married the Emperor _Leopold_, -Father to the present Emperor, and died _Jan. 19, 1719_, aged 74. - -The second was married to the King of _Portugal_. - -The third, nam'd _Mary-Anne_ of _Neubourg_, was married to _Charles_ II. -King of _Spain_. - -The fourth, _Dorothy_ of _Neubourg_ was married to the Duke of _Parma_, by -whom she had among other Children Princess _Elizabeth Farnese_, the second -Wife of _Philip_ V. King of _Spain_. - -The fifth and last of these Princesses, _Hedwiga-Elizabeth_ of _Neubourg_, -was married to _James-Lewis Sobieski_, by whom she had _Clementina -Sobieski_, Wife to the Chevalier _de St. George_. The Mother died at -_Olaw_ the 10th of _August_ 1722, aged 50. - -After having pass'd some time at the _Palatine_ Court, I set out about the -middle of _August_ for _Francfort_ on the _Main_, where I arriv'd a few -days before the opening of the Conferences for the Election of an Emperor. - -FRANCFORT[34] is one of the most considerable Towns of all _Germany_, has -the Title of an Imperial City, and is a part of the Diocese of _Mentz_. -'Tis divided into two parts by the _Main_, over which there is a fine -Stone Bridge. The frequent Fires which this City has suffer'd, and -especially that of 1719, have contributed not a little to its -Embellishment, all the Houses being re-built in a better Taste than -before; yet most of the Buildings are still of Timber and fac'd with -Plaister that is color'd, few private Men having been at the Expence of -building with Stone. _Francfort_ may thank the _Jews_ for most of those -Fires; for the _Jews_ who are very numerous here, live in a Quarter by -themselves, which is shut up every Night; and being so narrow, that they -are straiten'd for Room, they are oblig'd to lie in Heaps as it were upon -one another, in very high Houses, which being moreover of Timber, easily -catch Fire. They have seen their whole Quarter in Ashes twice -successively, because they refus'd the Assistance they might have had to -extinguish the Flames; for they never wou'd open their Gates for fear of -being robb'd, unless when they saw that the People were going to break -them open by Force. Notwithstanding all the Reasons for not suffering them -at _Francfort_, they have a better Toleration than the _Calvinists_, and -have fine Synagogues; whereas the _Calvinists_ do not enjoy the free -Exercise of their Religion, the Magistrates and most of the Inhabitants -being _Lutherans_. - -The City of _Francfort_ is one of the first that embrac'd the Opinions of -_Luther_, which presently occasion'd a Revolt: For the Inhabitants -demanding the free Exercise of _Lutheranism_, and the Clergy and Senate -vigorously opposing it, there was an Insurrection, in which the -Inhabitants having the Advantage, they depos'd the Senate, and establish'd -a sort of Magistracy compos'd of twenty-four, taken from the Body of the -Populace. These Acts of Violence had such fatal Consequences, that at last -in 1530 the City embrac'd the Confession of _Augsbourg_, enter'd into the -League of _Smalcald_, and had a share in the other Calamities which -afflicted the Empire. 'Twas besieg'd twice in 1552, by _Maurice_ Elector -of _Saxony_, and by _Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, surnam'd the -_Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who made himself Master of it; but it soon -after recover'd its Liberty, and since that time has increas'd very much. -The Elections and Coronations of the Emperors render it a very -considerable Place. These two Grand Ceremonies are perform'd in the Church -of St. _Bartholomew_, which is a vile, little, dark Building, very -improper, in short, for Solemnities of that sort. The Imperial Feast is -kept on the very Day of the Coronation, in the Great Hall of the -Town-house, which is indeed a very wide but irregular Room. The Town-house -is called _Romer_: They say 'twas anciently the House of a private -Gentleman, who made a Present of it to the City. If that be true, it may -be said the Gentleman liv'd at large. - -This City has considerable Fairs, which draw a great Number of Merchants -to it and People of Quality. The River _Main_ which falls into the _Rhine_ -near _Mentz_, is a great Advantage to its Commerce. This, _Madame_, is -within a Trifle all that can be said of _Francfort_. I am now to have the -Honor of giving you a particular Account of the chief Circumstances that -attended the Election and Coronation of the Emperor. - -The Conferences for the Election were open'd on the 25th of _August_, and -held from nine o'clock in the Morning till Noon. The Plenipotentiaries of -the absent Electors therein communicated their full Powers, and referr'd -them to the Elector of _Mentz_, who afterwards made a Speech upon what had -given occasion to that August Assembly. In this first Session it was -resolv'd, that every thing there treated of shou'd be kept secret; and -then they adjourn'd. - -The March of the Electors of _Mentz_ and _Triers_ to and from the -Town-house was very grand. The first was _Lotharius-Francis de Schonborn_, -of the Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_; and the second was -_Charles-Joseph de Lorrain_, who was of the _Lorrain_ Family, and died in -1715, on the 4th of _December_. These two Princes rode each in a great -Coach, cover'd with black Cloth, attended by all their Houshold and Guards -in close Mourning. - -The Equipages of the Ambassadors of the absent Electors were very spruce, -especially the Equipages of the Ambassadors of _Saxony_, who had also the -Honor to have with them their Master's Son, who went by the Name of the -Count of _Lusatia_. Besides, the King of _Poland_ had given them his own -Equipage, and permitted them to cloath their Domestics in his Livery. - -The Ambassadors whom the King (of _Prussia_) sent in quality of Elector of -_Brandenburg_, appear'd likewise with a Splendor worthy of the Prince whom -they represented. They were the Count _de Dlona_ and M. _Henning_; but the -former had the Honors of the Embassy. This Minister appear'd with a Train -of 40 Gentlemen of the King's Bed-chamber; he had 5 Coaches drawn by 6 -Horses each, 8 Pages, 36 Footmen and 2 _Swiss_. M. _Henning_, who was -appointed to attend to the Business, had not the Satisfaction to see the -Success of these Assemblies; for having in the very first Session spoke -with great Zeal for the Interests of his Country, he heated himself to -such a degree, that he found himself out of Order when he came home; and -that very Night he had a Fit of an Apoplexy of which he died next day. The -Count _de Metternich_ was appointed to supply his Place. No body was -fitter to serve the King in the Assembly at _Francfort_ than this -Nobleman, who had in several Embassies acquir'd a great Knowledge of the -Affairs of the Empire; and particularly in the Embassy at _Ratisbon_, in -which he was employ'd a long time. - -As soon as the Conferences were open'd, the Foreign Ministers, _viz._ the -Pope's Nuncio, the Envoys of _Savoy_ and of the other Princes of _Italy_, -the Envoy Extraordinary of the States-General, and those of the Princes of -the Empire, notify'd their Arrival to the Electoral College, and sent -their Credentials to the Chancery, which was kept at the Palace of the -Elector of _Mentz_, that Prince being by Birth Chancellor of the Empire. - -At the beginning of these Conferences there were some Difficulties -started, relating to the Pretensions of the Nuncio and Nephew of the then -Pope _Clement_ XI. who pretended that the Electors should pay him the -first Visit; and that when he return'd it to them, they were bound to give -him the Right Hand. The Electors were very much startled at the Nuncio's -Demand, and publickly refus'd to subscribe to such Claims; so that no -Visit was made on either side, and the Nuncio only saw the Electors in a -Garden where they happen'd to meet by Chance. The Nuncio threaten'd he -would protest against the Ninth Electorate establish'd in favor of the -Family of _Brunswic-Hanover_, and against the Royal Dignity of _Prussia_; -but he was given to understand, that neither of his Protestations would -avail any thing. And the Ambassadors of _Prussia_ sent him word in plain -Terms, that if he offered to protest against the Regal Dignity of their -Master, the King would not fail to give Order to his Troops that were in -_Italy_, to enter into the Ecclesiastic State, and to live at Discretion -therein, as if it were an Enemy's Country. The Nuncio frighted by those -Menaces, and thinking he already saw the _Prussian_ Troops in his -Holiness's Territories, sent his Secretary forthwith to the Ambassadors to -assure them that he wou'd not protest; that he never had a Thought nor -Order for it; that his Holiness had all the Respect and Esteem for the -King their Master which so great a Prince deserv'd; and that he would be -glad to give Proofs of it upon every Occasion. - -The Electors of _Cologn_ and _Bavaria_ protested likewise against the -Assembly, in case they were refused Admission to the Conferences for the -Election; but they were of no more avail than those of the Nuncio. Those -Princes sent their Protests by the Post, in form of Letters, directed to -the Count _de Papenheim_ Marshal of the Empire, and seal'd with an unknown -Seal. The Situation those Electors stood in at that time, did not permit -them to cause their Protests to be publish'd with the due Formalities, -nevertheless they were soon made public. The Respect and Friendship People -had for the illustrious Family of _Bavaria_, made every body eager to have -Copies of 'em, but they signify'd nothing, and the Conferences continu'd. - -On the 2d of _October_ the Conferences being ended for that Day, the -Magistrates and Heads of the Militia, went in a Body to the Town-house, to -take the Oath prescrib'd by the Golden Bull. They there found the -Electors, who were at that time in _Francfort_, and the Ambassadors of the -absent Electors, all sitting in Chairs of State, under a great Canopy of -black Velvet. After the Oath was read, the Magistrates and the Officers of -the Militia took it in presence of the Elector of _Mentz_, as did also the -Citizens and the Garison, but the Ceremony was different; for it was not -taken in the Town-house, but without it, in an open Gallery, rais'd in a -great Square, and hung with Cloth. There the Chancellors of the two -Spiritual Electors and the Magistrates receiv'd the Oath of the Citizens, -in presence of the Electors and Ambassadors, who were plac'd at the -Windows of the Town-house. The Burghers, who were to the Number of 14 -Companies, took the Oath first, and then the Soldiers of the Garrison. - -On the 10th of _October_ Proclamation was made by Sound of Trumpet for all -Foreigners, who were not in the Retinue of the Electors, or the Electoral -Ambassadors, to retire out of the City before the Sun was set, till the -Electors had chose an Emperor. The Nuncio thought at first, that his -Character and the Respect due to the Holy Father would exempt him from the -general Rule; but being inform'd of the contrary, he retir'd to -_Aschaffenbourg_. - -On the 12th, about seven in the Morning all the Bells were rung, upon -which the Burghers and the Soldiers of the Garrison assembled at the -Houses of their respective commanding Officers; and then went and posted -themselves in the Streets leading from the Town-house to the Church of St. -_Bartholomew_. The Burghers had the Post of Honor from the Soldiers. At -nine o'clock the Electors and Ambassadors went to the Town-house, the -Courts and Equipages of all but the Ambassadors of _Bohemia_ having laid -aside their Mourning. - -The Moment after the Electors arriv'd in the usual Chamber of the Assembly -they went into other Rooms, where they caus'd themselves to be dress'd in -their Electoral Habits, which are very majestic, being wide Gowns very -much plaited with very long Sleeves, the Linings and Facings being of -Ermin; and over all the Electors wear a sort of Mantle of Ermin. The -Habits for the Spiritual and Temporal Electors are much the same, only -those of the former are of Scarlet, and those of the latter of -Crimson-Velvet. Their Caps are of the Color of their Habits, and like them -turn'd up with Ermin. - -As soon as the Electors were dress'd they return'd to the Assembly-Room, -and then went with the Ambassadors of the other Electors from the -Town-House to the Square, where they found Horses sumptuously caparison'd, -which they mounted, and thus rode in Cavalcade to St. _Bartholomew_'s -Church. The three Electors rode first in one Row bare-headed. The four -Ambassadors of the absent Electors rode next, according to the Rank of -their Masters. Their Electoral Highnesses and the Ambassadors were -receiv'd at the Door of the Church by the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the Head -of the Chapter, who conducted them into the Choir, where they plac'd -themselves, according to their Rank, in the Stalls of the Canons, which -were lin'd with Velvet and Gold-Lace. The Elector of _Triers_ sate by -himself opposite to the Altar, where a Praying-Desk and an Arm-Chair were -set up for him, which were lin'd also with Crimson-Velvet. - -When all the Company were seated, the Bishop of _Neustadt_ began the Mass. -At the first Consecration, the Ambassadors of the Protestant Electors went -into the Chappel of the Conclave which joins to the Choir: After the -Elevation of the Host they return'd to their Places, where they remain'd -during the rest of the Office, and then the Electors and Ambassadors all -went up to the Altar. The Elector of _Mentz_ was in the middle between the -Elector of _Triers_ on his Right and the Elector-Palatine on his Left. The -Ambassadors were in the same Row, according to their Rank, on the Right -and Left of the Electors. The Elector of _Mentz_ took the Book of the -Gospels and laid his Right Hand upon it, as did also the Electors that -were present, and the Ambassadors of those who were absent, and then took -the customary Oath to elect no Person for Emperor but one that they should -think in Conscience to be most qualify'd. After having taken the Oath they -went into the Chapel of the Conclave, where they were shut up near three -Hours. Then they return'd into the Church and plac'd themselves in a -Gallery erected over the Grate that separates the Choir from the Nave, -which was lin'd with Scarlet Cloth and hung with Tapestry, and had seven -Arm-Chairs plac'd in it of red Velvet, adorn'd with Lace and Fringe of -Gold. The Electors and Ambassadors being seated, the Chancellor of _Mentz_ -read aloud the Act which had been just drawn up in the Conclave, whereby -CHARLES King of the _Romans_, and of _Spain_, was proclaim'd Emperor. Then -the whole Church resounded with great Shouts of _Long live the Emperor_! -And at the same instant the Cannon was fir'd from the Ramparts, and the -Burghers and the Garison made three Discharges of their small Arms. - -After the Proclamation the Electors and the Ambassadors descended from the -Gallery to their Places in the Choir, and after the singing of _Te Deum_ -which was tun'd by the Bishop of _Neustadt_, they return'd to the -Town-House in the same Order that they came. There the Electors quitted -their Robes of Ceremony, and each return'd to their Palaces, where they -stay'd till the Evening; and the Ambassadors did the same. At Night they -all supp'd at the House of the Count _de Windisgratcht_, the first -Ambassador of _Bohemia_, and by consequence the Ambassador of the new -Emperor, who gave a magnificent Feast, which was accompany'd with a very -fine Concert of Music. This great Day's Work was concluded by the Choice -which the Electoral College made of Prince _Charles_ of _Neubourg_, to -carry to the new Emperor the Act of his Proclamation. - -Notwithstanding the surprizing Concourse of People from all Quarters to -see this august Ceremony, there was not the least Disorder in the whole -Solemnity, excepting a little Dispute that happen'd between the Prince _de -la Tour Taxis_ and the Count of _Nassau-Weilbourg_. The former, tho' of a -modern Family in comparison to the Count, yet presuming upon his Title of -Prince, claim'd Precedency of the Count, but the latter decided the -Difference in an instant; for he took the Prince by the Arm, and pushing -him behind him, said to him, _You are to know, Sir, that such Princes as -you are, walk behind such Counts as I am_. The Prince very much stunn'd at -the Compliment, did not think proper to push his Pretensions farther. - -Immediately after the Ceremony of the Election was over, I set out for -_Zell_, where I had the Misfortune to find my self Motherless as well as -Fatherless. My Mother having died there during my stay at _Francfort_, -whose Death grieved me very much, and the more because 'twas the first -Incident I had met with in all my Life to give me a serious Concern: But -now perhaps, that I am more us'd to Disappointments, such News would not -make so much Impression upon me as it did then. - -I stay'd some time at _Zell_ to settle several Affairs with my Brother -relating to my Mother's Succession, till I had a Letter acquainting me -that the Ceremony of the Emperor's Coronation was fix'd for the 22d of -_December_, and thereupon I set out immediately again for _Francfort_. - -I travell'd thro' _Hanover_, which I have already had the Honor to mention -to you, and from _Hanover_ I went to CASSEL, which Town is the common -Residence of the Landgrave of _Hesse_, and divided into two Parts by the -River _Fulde_. The New Town is very well built with pretty Houses, and the -Streets are very even and spacious. The Landgrave's Palace which is old is -encompass'd with Ramparts, part of which on that side next to the Country -forms a Terras planted with Orange-Trees, which in Winter are cover'd by a -boarded House. The Name of the present Landgrave is _Charles_, who was -born the 3d of _August_ 1654, and has had seven Children by _Mary-Amelia_ -of _Courland_. - -1. Prince _Frederic_, born the 28th of _August_ 1676, who became King of -_Sweden_ by his Marriage with _Eleonora_ Princess of _Sweden_, who -succeeded _Charles_ XII. He had to his first Wife _Louisa-Dorothea-Sophia_ -only Daughter of the King of _Prussia_, at which time he was Stadtholder -of _Cleves_, and had a Regiment of Foot in his Majesty's Service. - -2. The Princess _Sophia-Charlotta_ Duchess-Dowager of -_Mecklemburg-Swerin_, who lives still in _Mecklemburg_, from whence she -often goes to the Court of her Father. - -3. Prince _William_, who is a Lieutenant-General of the _Dutch_ Forces, -and Governor of _Maestricht_. He marry'd _Wilhelmina_ of _Saxe-Zeits_. - -4. The Princess _Mary-Louisa_, Dowager of the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_ -drown'd in his Passage at the _Moerdyke_. - -5. The Prince _Maximilian_, marry'd to a Princess of _Hesse-Darmstad_. - -6. The Prince _George_, a General Officer in the Service of _Prussia_, -Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the Black -Eagle. - -7. _Wilhelmina-Charlotte_, who was a most accomplish'd Princess, but died -some time ago. - -These Princes and Princesses met very often at the Court of the Landgrave -their Father, and then render'd it one of the most splendid in _Germany_, -not only by reason of their Magnificence, but for their affable Deportment -to all Mankind, but especially to Foreigners. I was loth to go from -_Cassel_, but as the Term fix'd for the Emperor's Coronation drew near, I -could not stay there any longer. - -And indeed, I arrived at FRANCFORT but a few Hours before the Emperor. The -Electors and Ambassadors went out of Town and met his Imperial Majesty, as -did also the Magistrates with the Burgo-Master, and complimented him under -a Tent erected there for that purpose. When the Compliments were ended his -Majesty went again into his Coach, as did the Electors and Ambassadors -into theirs, and they enter'd the City while the Cannon fir'd and the -People shouted, _Long live the Emperor Charles_ VI. His Imperial Majesty -alighted at the Church of St. _Bartholomew_. The Elector-Palatine who was -so indispos'd that he could not go out to meet his Majesty, receiv'd him -at the Door of the Church, as did also the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the -Head of the Chapter; and his Majesty was conducted to a Throne set up for -him on the Right-side of the Altar, by the Electors. The Elector-Palatine -walk'd before, and the two other Electors supported the Emperor. When he -was seated on his Throne, the Bishop tun'd the _Te Deum_, and gave the -Benediction. The Emperor was afterwards conducted with the same -Ceremonies to his Palace, which was hung with Mourning. The Electors and -Ambassadors having accompany'd his Imperial Majesty to his Closet, retir'd -to their respective Habitations. The next and following Days the Emperor -receiv'd the Visits of the Electors, the Ambassadors, and the Electoress -Palatine, which he return'd. - -When the 22d of _December_, the Day fix'd for the Coronation, was arriv'd, -all the Burghers and the Garison were drawn up under Arms all the way from -the Imperial Palace to the Church. The Procession was begun by the Footmen -and Pages belonging to the Ambassadors, to the Elector-Palatine and to the -Emperor, and they were follow'd by the Courtiers of the Elector and of the -Emperor, and by Persons of Quality that were in the Ambassadors Retinue. -After them there appear'd six Heralds at Arms, the first of which carry'd -a single Eagle, the second a double Cross, the third a Lion, and the three -others Spread-Eagles, the whole after the manner of the _Roman_ Ensigns. -After the Heralds, came the Ambassadors, the Vicars of the Electors, and -the Elector-Palatine, bearing the _Imperialia_ or Ornaments of the Empire; -and immediately after them the Emperor appear'd, under a stately Canopy. -His Habit was like that of the Secular Electors, that is to say, a Robe of -Crimson-Velvet turn'd up with Ermin: He had on his Head a Crown enrich'd -with Diamonds, which was the Crown of his Family, and he rode a very fine -_Spanish_ Horse, the Equipage of which was truly magnificent. Behind the -Emperor came the principal Officers of his Houshold, and the Captain of -the Guards at the Head of his Company; and the Elector-Palatine's -Life-Guards closed the March. - -When the Emperor arrived at the Church, the Electors of _Mentz_ and -_Triers_ in their Pontificalibus went and receiv'd him at the Door, from -whence they conducted him to his Seat in the Choir over-against the High -Altar. There his Imperial Majesty heard the Mass, after which he was -conducted to the Town-House almost in the same Order as was observ'd at -his coming to Church, with this Difference, that the Emperor was deck'd -with the Ornaments of the Empire, which consist of the Crown, the Mantle, -and _Charlemain_'s Sword. His Majesty was now on foot between the two -Ecclesiastical Electors, who accompany'd him, as did the Elector-Palatine, -and the Vicars and Ambassadors of the absent Electors to the Great Hall of -the Town-House, where the Imperial Feast was prepar'd. The Emperor plac'd -himself at one of the Windows looking into the great Square, on purpose to -be seen by the People; of whom there was such a Multitude, that not only -the Square but the Windows and Roofs of the Houses were cover'd with them. - -From this Window his Majesty saw the Officers of the Empire perform their -Functions. The Count _de Papenheim_ the Elector of _Saxony_'s Vicar, as -Grand Marshal of the Empire, was the first that began the Ceremony. He was -mounted on a very fine Horse, which he rode full gallop to a Heap of Oats -in one Corner of the Square, wherewith he fill'd a Measure of Silver, -after which he return'd to the Middle of the Square, where he threw both -the Oats and the Measure among the Populace, and then he went to the -Banquetting-Room. - -The Elector-Palatine appear'd next, encompass'd with his Guards, and -preceded by his Courtiers. He went on horseback to a Kitchen built for the -purpose in the great Square, where he found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit, -of which he cut off a Slice, and putting it into a Gold Dish he carry'd it -to the Emperor's Table. - -The Count _de Zinzendorf_, Vicar to the Elector of _Hanover_ as Treasurer -of the Empire, came next. He was on horseback attended by the Emperor's -Guards, and taking a compass round the Square he scatter'd Medals of Gold -and Silver among the Populace, which he took out of a couple of Bags of -Cloth that were ty'd to his Saddle-Bow. These Medals represented on one -side the Globe of the Earth encompass'd with Clouds, and this _Latin_ -Inscription, _Constantiâ & Fortitudine_. On the other side was this -Legend, _Carolus, Hispaniarum, Hung. & Bohem. Rex. A. A. Electus in Regem -Roman. coronat. Francof. 22 Decemb. 1711_. Over which there was an -Imperial Crown like to that of _Charlemain_. - -The Count _de Dhona_ Ambassador from the King as Elector of _Brandenburg_, -perform'd the Function of Great Chamberlain of the Empire in the absence -of the Prince of _Hohenzollern_ the Elector's Vicar, who was at that time -indispos'd. The Count preceded by all his Livery, and accompany'd by some -of the Emperor's Guards, rode on horseback towards the middle of the -Square, where a Table was erected on which there was a Basin and Ewer of -Silver gilt full of Water, with a Napkin that had been dipp'd in it, all -which he took and carry'd into the Banquetting-Room, and gave to the -Emperor to wash. - -Afterwards the Count _de Kinski_, Ambassador of his Imperial Majesty as -King of _Bohemia_, officiated for the Person whom he represented, as Great -Cup-Bearer of the Empire: For this purpose he took a Goblet of Gold and -fetch'd Wine at a Fountain erected in the middle of the Square -representing the Imperial Eagle; which done, the Count went into the -Banquetting-Room, and gave it to the Emperor to drink. - -Thus did the Officers of the Empire acquit themselves of their several -Functions: After this the Emperor plac'd himself alone at a Table upon a -rais'd Floor, cover'd with red Cloth; and over it there was a Canopy of -Gold Brocade. When the Emperor was seated the Electors plac'd themselves -at Tables that were prepar'd for them on both sides of the Hall, on Floors -that were a Step lower than the Emperor's. Over each Table there was a -Canopy of Crimson-Velvet inrich'd with Gold, and they had each an -Arm-Chair of the same. On the Right-side of each Table there was a -magnificent Beaufet. The three Electors sate alone at their several -Tables, and the Ambassadors of the absent Electors, after having stood a -little while behind the Chairs plac'd for their respective Masters, went -into another Room. On the following Days the Electors din'd with the -Emperor, and his Majesty went also and din'd with the Electors. At length, -after the Emperor had perform'd all the Ceremonies that are observ'd at -Coronations, he set out from _Francfort_ for his Hereditary Dominions, -where he was impatiently expected by his Subjects. - -Just as I was ready to depart from _Francfort_ I receiv'd the melancholy -News of the Death of the King's Brother the Margrave _Philip_, to whom I -was very much attached, and was therefore mightily afflicted for the Loss -of him. The King's Ambassadors, to avoid the Expence of putting their -Equipage in Mourning, kept his Death secret, so that they did not notify -it to his Imperial Majesty till the Day before he went. - -I set out from _Francfort_ much about the same time as the Emperor did, -and pass'd through _Cassel_, _Hanover_, and _Dusseldorff_. I lik'd -_Francfort_ so well before, that it tempted me to return to it; and -besides, that was the Place to which a Passport was to be directed that I -had sent for from _France_, in order to carry me to _Paris_. As soon as I -receiv'd it I traveled thro' _Minden_, which I have already had the Honor -to mention to you; and from thence, after having pass'd through _Bilefeld_ -a little Town in the County of _Ravensberg_, I arriv'd at MUNSTER. - -This, which was formerly an Imperial City, is now the See of a Bishop, -Prince of the Empire, and Lord of the Town and its Jurisdiction. It stands -in _Westphalia_ in a large Plain, and on a little River which renders it -very strong. It was the Birth-place of the famous _Muntzer_, the Head of -the Anabaptists, a Sect of Heretics, who grew so powerful that they -undertook to make themselves Masters of the City, and to chuse themselves -a King; and about the End of the sixteenth Century, they accordingly chose -for their Sovereign one _John of Leyden_, a Taylor, infamous for the -Cruelties and Outrages which he committed. But Heaven deliver'd the City -from such a Scourge; for at length after some Resistance it was reduc'd, -and _John of Leyden_ was put to death by the Hangman. The City revolted -again afterwards; but at last the Bishop humbled it in 1661, and since -that time it has always been subject to the Bishops its Sovereigns. 'Twas -at _Munster_ that was held the famous Assembly of _Westphalia_, which -establish'd the Fortune of many Sovereigns, and the Religion of their -Subjects. The Peace which was there sign'd serves also as a Basis for all -the Treaties that are made at this time. The Treaty of _Munster_ imported -in substance, "That _Maximilian_ Duke of _Bavaria_ should remain in -Possession of the Electorate of the Counts Palatine, which had been given -him by the Emperor _Ferdinand_ II: That _Charles Lewis_ Count Palatine -should be restor'd to his Principality, and be created an eighth Elector -for himself and his Descendants. That the Protestants should have their -Churches and the free Exercise of their Religion, on the Footing as it was -in 1624; and that they should retain the Church-Revenues, of which they -had been possess'd ever since the first of _January_, that Year: That -_Sweden_ should have Hither-_Pomerania_, a Part of the other _Pomerania_, -the Island and Principality of _Rugen_, the Town and Port of _Wismar_, -Archbishopric of _Bremen_, and the Bishopric of _Verden_, with the Title -of a Duchy: That the Elector of _Brandenburg_ should have the Bishoprics -of _Halberstadt_, _Minden_ and _Camin_, with the Farther-_Pomerania_: That -_France_ should have the intire Sovereignty of _Metz_, _Toul_, and -_Verdun_, and the Dependencies thereof, that of _Pignerol_ and _Brisac_, -the Landgraviate of Upper and Lower _Alsace_, _&c._ That the Confederates -should restore the Towns they had taken, and disband their Troops; and -that the seven Circles of the Empire should furnish five Millions of -Rixdollars for the Pay of the _Swedish_ Soldiers." Such were the -Conditions of this Peace, which was not very advantageous to the Catholic -Religion. - -The Bishop who had the See of _Munster_ while I was there, was of the -Family of _Metternich_, and at the same time Bishop of _Paderborn_. I did -not stay long in that City, but proceeded thro' _Dusseldorff_, where I -found the whole Court return'd from _Francfort_. - -From thence I set out for COLOGNE[35], where M. _Happe_ who was appointed -by the King to levy the Contributions which _Luxembourg_ and other -neighbouring Countries were oblig'd to pay, entertain'd me very civilly, -gave me an Apartment at his House, and made me exceeding welcome. - -I stay'd some time in this City, which is a very flourishing Town by -reason of its convenient Situation for the Trade of their Merchants, who -have great Vessels constantly going up and down the _Rhine_, to -_Francfort_ and _Holland_. 'Tis a pretty large City, but always very dirty -and ill pav'd, and the Houses are for most part very old, and consequently -dark and incommodious. The City is governed by a Senate, which does not -depend on the Elector, whose Power is very much limited, he having no -Authority but in Criminal Affairs; yet he is allow'd Sovereign Command for -three Days, after which if he stays at _Cologne_ he is no more regarded -than a private Gentleman. This is the reason that the Prince commonly -resides at _Bonn_, and that he only goes to _Cologne_ on the Eves of the -Grand Festivals, to officiate there. Nevertheless the City is oblig'd to -pay Homage to the Elector, and to swear Fidelity to him, on Condition that -he preserve them in the Enjoyment of their Privileges; which is a -Condition that the Elector can scarce violate were he ever so much -inclin'd to it, because 'tis the City that maintains the Garison, and is -Mistress of the Arsenal. - -The Catholic is the only Religion that is allow'd to be exercised at -_Cologne_. Nor are Protestants admitted into the Senate, or any Employment -in the City, but go to preach at _Mulheim_, a little Town in the Country -of _Berg_, which belongs to the Elector-Palatine. - -I had not the Honor of seeing the Elector, who by reason of the -Misfortunes he had suffer'd in the late Wars, was oblig'd at that time to -live in _France_. His Name was _Joseph-Clement_ of _Bavaria_. He possess'd -the Bishoprics of _Hildesheim_ and _Liege_, together with the -Archbishopric of _Cologne_. He died the 12th of _November_ 1723, after -having caus'd his Nephew the Duke _Clement_ of _Bavaria_, Bishop of -_Munster_ and _Paderborn_ to be chose Co-adjutor of _Cologne_. - -The Archbishops of _Cologne_ are Great Chancellors of the Empire in -_Italy_, but don't officiate as such; for most of the Princes of _Italy_ -pretend to be independent of the Empire, or call themselves perpetual -Vicars thereof; and in this Quality they perform what the Emperor might do -within the Extent of their Jurisdictions. This however extends only to -common Cases, for in extraordinary ones they are oblig'd to have recourse -to the Imperial Court. Then 'tis the Elector of _Mentz_ alone who -officiates in quality of Chancellor of _Germany_; and 'tis he that has the -Custody of the Archives and Titles which relate to _Italy_. - -The Electors of _Cologne_ for a long time contested with those of _Mentz_ -the Right of consecrating the Emperors, tho' the latter pretend this Honor -belongs to them, as Primates of _Germany_. But the Differences between -those Princes have been regulated; and they have agreed that either of -them, in whose Diocese the Emperor happens to be crown'd, should -consecrate him; and that if the Coronation should be perform'd in neither -of their Dioceses, then they should take it by turns. Nevertheless after -this Accommodation the Elector of _Cologne_ consecrated the Emperor -_Leopold_ in 1658, at _Francfort_ a City in the Diocese of _Mentz_; but it -was done with the Consent of the Elector of _Mentz_, and without making it -a Precedent for the future. - -I have observ'd, that at _Cologne_ most of the public Buildings are either -Churches or Convents. The Metropolitan Church would be one of the most -magnificent in all _Germany_, were it finish'd. Among other stately Tombs -here is that of the _Three Kings_ who came to worship the Savior of the -World, whose Bodies they say were remov'd from _Constantinople_ to -_Milan_, and from thence brought hither. All the People have a very great -Veneration for these Reliques. - -Except the Churches and the Monasteries one sees no public Structures, nor -any House fine enough to raise a Stranger's Admiration; here is still to -be seen the House where Death put an end to the Misfortunes of _Mary de -Medicis_, Queen of _France_, who came to _Cologne_ for Refuge from the -Persecution of Cardinal _Richelieu_. This Cardinal, tho' he was oblig'd to -that Princess for his prodigious Wealth, was not content with having -forc'd her to quit the Kingdom of _France_, but abridg'd her even of the -Necessaries of Life; insomuch that 'twas a hard matter for her to find a -Butcher that would undertake to serve the Table of that unfortunate -Princess with Meat. She died the 3d of _July_, 1643. - -After I had amused my self with seeing what was to be seen in the City of -_Cologne_, I long'd so much to see that famous City _Paris_, that I set -out thither very soon. I forgot to tell you that the Out-works of -_Cologne_, especially the Ramparts are very agreeable. There are noble -Rows of Elms which serve for Walks, and terminate in a Kay that runs along -the _Rhine_, and would be a very fine one, if it was not disfigur'd by a -Half-moon, which has been cut out to cover the Gate of the _Rhine_, and to -secure the Passage of the Flying-Bridge. - -When I set out from _Cologne_ I went down the _Rhine_ and the _Vahal_, as -far as _Dort_, and from thence (without once going ashore) to ANTWERP, -which City I take to be the most beautiful of all the _Netherlands_. It -makes a part of _Austrian Brabant_, and is the Capital of the Marquisate -of the Holy Empire. 'Tis situate in a great Plain on the Right-side of the -_Schelde_, at a Place where that River separates the Duchy of _Brabant_ -from the County of _Flanders_. It contains a number of Churches built in a -very good Taste, and a great many very noble public Edifices. The Church -of our Lady, which is the Cathedral, is a Work that has nothing like it -except it be in _Italy_. 'Tis above 500 Feet in length, 240 in breadth, -and 340 in height. It contains Sixty-six Chapels, adorn'd with Marble -Columns, all different, and with fine Paintings. The Tower which serves -for the Steeple is very lofty and perfectly beautiful. - -The most magnificent of the Churches, next to the Cathedral, was that of -the _Jesuits_, which was consum'd by Lightning the 18th of _July_, 1718. -The Pavement was of Marble, in Compartiments. There were two low Isles, -one above the other, which were supported by fifty-six Marble Pillars. The -four Arches were clos'd with thirty-eight great Pictures in gilt Frames, -and the Walls in which there were forty Windows were lin'd with Marble. -The great Roof was of very fine carv'd Work, charg'd with a small Dome, -very lightsome and very well made. As to the High Altar it would require -an able Connoisseur to give such a Description of it as the Beauty of the -Workmanship requires: For my own part all I can say of it is, that 'twas -all over Marble, Jasper, Porphyry, and Gold. The Picture represented the -Assumption of the Virgin _Mary_, and was a complete Piece. Our Lady's -Chapel, which was a part of the same Church, was as rich as the rest of -the Building, the Sides and the Roof of it being fac'd with Marble, and -adorn'd with six Statues of Alabaster. Besides this Chapel there were -fifty others, all of the utmost Magnificence. The Great Gate of the -Church, and the _Jesuits_ College adjoining to it, were answerable to the -Beauty of the Structure. All this stately Building was entirely destroy'd; -and what is most to be pitied, the Pictures of the famous _Rubens_, of -which this Church was full, were destroy'd with it; a Loss the more -considerable, because 'tis not to be repair'd; for as to the rest, they -are preparing to build a Church as magnificent as the former. - -There are several other fine Edifices at _Antwerp_, of which I don't -undertake the Description. I shall only mention a Word or two of the -Town-House and the Exchange. The former stands in a great Square, -encompass'd with fine Houses. Tho' the Building is quite in the _Gothic_ -Taste, yet 'tis a noble Monument of the Wealth of those who founded it. -The Exchange is worth seeing, on account of the Galleries round the -Square, in which the Merchants assemble as they do at _Amsterdam_, from 12 -o'clock till half an hour past 1. - -The Citadel or Castle of _Antwerp_ was formerly reckon'd one of the -strongest and most regular Citadels in _Europe_; but the Works which -_Lewis_ XIV. caus'd to be made in the _Netherlands_, and upon all the -Frontiers of the Kingdom, have very much sunk the Reputation of the -ancient Fortifications. 'Twas in the Square of this Castle, which was -built by Order of the Duke of _Alva_, that he caus'd that famous Statue of -Brass to be erected, which would have been an eternal Monument of his -Pride and Cruelty, if it had not been pull'd down and broke to pieces by -the Populace, as soon as the Duke quitted the _Netherlands_ by Order of -his Master K. _Philip_ II. 'Tis said that while he commanded in this -Country, he caus'd above 18000 Persons to be executed by the common -Hangman. - -Next to the Citadel, I cannot help giving you some Account of the Harbor, -which is very beautiful and commodious. Here is a very large Square, -where, by the Help of a certain Machine, they easily unload all the Goods. -Another good Conveniency, and what contributes to render this a very -trading City, is, that besides the River there are eight great Canals, by -which Ships may enter into the City. Yet notwithstanding all these -Conveniencies, the Trade of _Antwerp_, tho' considerable, is not near so -flourishing now, as it was before the Civil Wars, and the new Opinions in -Affairs of Religion. 'Tis even astonishing how this City could hold up its -Head again after the Calamities it suffer'd, even from its own Sovereign, -whose Troops in 1576, burnt above 600 Houses in _Antwerp_; and while the -unfortunate Inhabitants were running, as it were, into the midst of the -Flames, to rescue their best Effects, the _Spaniards_ fell upon 'em, and -kill'd and drown'd near 10000. This terrible Fire was the total Ruin of -_Antwerp_; the Town-House and several noble Palaces were reduc'd to Ashes; -and the immense Riches which they contain'd were carry'd off by -Plunderers, who pillag'd for three Days, during which they committed all -manner of Outrages. Nevertheless, this unhappy City, which had like to -have been buried for ever under its own Ashes, was rais'd to Life again -some time after by the Confederates, who remain'd, as it were, its -Sovereigns, till 1585, when the Prince of _Parma_ took it from them, after -a Siege that lasted near twelve Months, and was one of the most famous -Sieges that had ever been known before, as well upon account of the few -Troops the Duke of _Parma_ had to carry it on, which in all were but 1200 -Men, as for that famous Dyke by which he shut up the Harbor, and for the -Bridge which he laid over the _Scheld_. - -_Antwerp_ remain'd under the Dominion of the House of _Austria_ from that -Time to the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, when it was oblig'd to -receive a _French_ Garison in the Name of _Philip_ V. whom the Elector of -_Bavaria_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, own'd for King of _Spain_. But -by the Battle of _Ramellies_, _Antwerp_ and a part of the _Netherlands_ -were reduc'd under the Dominion of the Emperor. During the War that was -enter'd into for the _Spanish_ Monarchy, a Battle was fought in the -Neighbourhood of _Antwerp_, near the Village of _Ekeren_, for which both -Parties sung _Te Deum_. - -Having set out from _Antwerp_ to pursue my Journey to _Paris_, I pass'd -thro' MECHLIN[36], which is a very fine City, and the See of an -Archbishop, whose Revenue is very considerable. The Metropolitan Church is -dedicated to St. _Rambaut_. This City is the Seat of a Great Royal -Council, which is, as it were, the Parliament of the Country, and was -establish'd by _Charles_ Duke of _Burgundy_ in 1473. _Mechlin_ is famous -for the Lace made there, which is finer and better than any that is made -in the other Towns of the _Netherlands_. - -From _Mechlin_ I went to BRUSSELS[37], the Capital of the Duchy of -_Brabant_. This City stands on the little River _Senna_, that falls into -the _Scheld_ by the Canal of _Vilvorde_, and divides the lower Town by -several Canals that terminate in the said Canal of _Vilvorde_, which is -very convenient for their Trade, whereof this City has a considerable -Share. There are several Manufactures at _Brussels_, of which that of -_Devos_ for Tapistry is worth seeing; that skilful Operator having carried -his Art to the utmost degree of Perfection that the Curious can desire. -The common People of _Brussels_ are more polite than in any other City of -the _Netherlands_; for most of the Nobility of the Country come hither -commonly to pass the Winter; and there are few Families of Note that have -not a House here. - -The Royal Palace is very large, and the Apartments beautiful, tho' very -old. This Palace stands high above the City, being situate upon a Hill, -from whence there is a noble Prospect, which is diversify'd by the -Gardens, and the Park that joins to the Palace, wherein there are several -very pleasant Walks, adorn'd with fine Grottos and Fountains. - -The Town-house is another very fine Building. It stands in a Square, -encompass'd with Grand Houses, built after _Brussels_ was bombarded by the -_French_, under the Command of the Marshal _de Villeroy_, when this -Quarter of the Town in particular suffer'd very great Damage; but it is -since become the more agreeable by the magnificent Houses built where the -old ones stood. - -I left _Brussels_ to go to Mons the Capital City of _Hainault_, which -stands upon a Hill, on the Banks of the little River of _Trouil_, and is -one of the strongest Places in the Low-Countries. _Lewis_ XIV. besieg'd it -in Person, and took it in 1691. It was restor'd to _Spain_ by the Peace of -_Ryswic_, but afterwards at the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, it -return'd as well as all the Low-Countries under the Dominion of _France_. -But at length after the Battle of _Malplaquet_, it became subject to the -House of _Austria_. In this City there's a famous Abbey of Nuns, which is -a very honorable Retreat for young Women of Quality, who are Orphans, or -don't care to be dependant on their Parents. They wear the Habit of Nuns -in the Morning, to be present at the Office; but in the Afternoon they -dress like Gentlewomen; and they make no Vow. - -From _Mons_ I went to VALENCIENNES[38], which City is a part of the -Province of _Hainault_, and the chief Town of _French Flanders_. Its -beautiful Fortifications display the same Magnificence that was always -observ'd in all the Works erected in the Reign of _Lewis_ XIV. That -Monarch besieg'd _Valenciennes_ in Person, in the Year 1677; and after -having taken it by Storm, caus'd a strong Citadel to be erected in it at -the Expence of the Inhabitants. This City had been besieg'd by the -Marshals _Turenne_ and _La Ferte_ in the Year 1656; but Don _John_ of -_Austria_, the Governor of the _Netherlands_, accompanied by the Prince of -_Condé_, who at that time, bore Arms against the King, made them raise the -Siege; and in this Expedition the Marshal _de la Ferte_ was taken -Prisoner. - -The late Elector of _Cologne_ liv'd at _Valenciennes_ when I was there, -the Casualties of the War having oblig'd him to quit his own Dominions. I -was introduc'd to that Prince by the Prince _de Tingri_, when his -Electoral Highness gave me a favorable Reception, and told me that he knew -my Father; but I plainly perceiv'd by what he said, that this Prince would -have been as glad to be in his City of _Bonn_, as in a Town of _France_. - -I stay'd at _Valenciennes_ three Days, after which I set out for -CAMBRAY[39]. This City is the Capital of the _Cambresis_, and one of the -strongest Places in _Europe_. They say its Original is very ancient; for -some Authors pretend, that _Camber_ King of the _Sicambri_ was the Founder -of it. The Kings of _France_ conquer'd it, and were Masters of it a long -while. After the Death of _Charles_ the _Bald_, it was for some time a -Bone of Contention between the Emperor, the King of _France_, and the -Earls of _Flanders_; but the latter seiz'd it, and the Emperors afterwards -declar'd it a free City of the Empire. _Francis_ I. King of _France_ -granted it a Neutrality; but the Emperor _Charles_ V. made himself Master -of it; and afterwards during the Revolutions of the _Netherlands_, it fell -under the Dominion of the Duke _d'Alençon_, Brother to _Henry_ III. who -restor'd it to the _French_ by a Treaty, which he concluded with _John de -Montluc_, whom King _Henry_ IV. afterwards made Prince of _Cambray_. Not -long after this, the _Spaniards_ took it by surprize, and kept it till -1677, when Lewis XIV. took it, and it has remain'd ever since in the -Possession of _France_, which Crown has considerably augmented its -Fortifications. - -_Cambray_ has the Title of an Archbishopric, which was erected in 1559, by -Pope _Paul_ II. at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. The -Suffragans granted to this Metropolitan were the Bishoprics of _Arras_, -_Tournay_, _St. Omer_ and _Namur_, which were anciently Suffragan Sees to -the Church of _Rheims_. The Archbishop takes the Title of _Duke of_ -Cambray, _Count of the_ Cambresis, _and Prince of the Holy Empire_. He -that was the Archbishop while I was there, was the illustrious M. _de -Fenelon_, a Prelate as venerable for his Piety, as for the Delicacy of his -Pen. The present Archbishop is the natural Son of the late Duke of -_Orleans_ the Regent, and was formerly Bishop and Duke of _Laon_. This -Prelate fully answers the vast Hopes that were conceiv'd, from his good -Qualities in his Non-age. His Predecessor in this Dignity was the famous -Cardinal _Dubois_, the Minister of _France_. - -I forgot to tell you, that the City of _Cambray_ is also of great Note for -the famous League that was concluded between the Pope, the Emperor -_Maximilian_, _Lewis_ XII. King of _France_, and _Ferdinand_ King of -_Arragon_, against the Republic of _Venice_. - -From _Cambray_ I went to ST. QUINTIN, which City is the Capital of the -_Vermandois_, and is of Note for the famous Battle of _St. Quintin_, -call'd also the Battle of St. _Lawrence_, because 'twas fought on the 10th -of _August_, in 1557. After the Truce was broke between _Henry_ II. King -of _France_, and _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, _Philibert-Emanuel_ Duke of -_Savoy_, who was Governor of the _Netherlands_, besieg'd the City of _St. -Quintin_, which was destitute of Troops, and moreover in a very bad -Condition. The Admiral _Coligni_ got into it with some Forces, which gave -Time to the Constable _de Montmorency_ to pass the _Somme_ with the -_French_ Army under his Command, and throw some Succours into the Town. -This was executed indeed, but with so much Precipitation, that the Men who -entered it were scarce five hundred in number. The Constable perceiving -the Approach of the _Spaniards_, and his Troops being moreover incumber'd -with their Equipage, endeavored to make his Retreat; but the Duke taking -advantage of his Incumbrance, surpriz'd him between the Villages of -_Essigny_ and _Rizerolles_, and charg'd him home before he had Time to put -his Men into Order of Battle; and the Constable and his Son were taken -Prisoners, with a great many Persons of Distinction. The Number of the -Slain was even greater than that of the Prisoners; and among the former -was _John_ of _Bourbon_, Duke of _Anguien_, a Prince of the Blood Royal, -and above 600 Gentlemen. The _Spaniards_ Loss did not exceed 500 Men. -_Philip_ II. in acknowledgment for this Victory, made that extraordinary -Vow, which he afterwards perform'd, to build the Monastery of St. -_Lawrence_ at the _Escurial_; upon which a certain Ambassador of _France_, -when he was shew'd that stately Edifice, said, _That +Philip+ must needs -be terribly afraid when he made so considerable a Vow_. After the Battle, -_St. Quintin_ surrender'd to the _Spaniards_, who kept it till the Treaty -of _Chateau-Cambresis_, in 1559. - -From _St. Quintin_ I went to COMPIEGNE, a City in the Diocese of -_Soissons_, which is situate on the West side of the _Oyse_ and the -_Aisne_. The famous Maid of _Orleans_ ow'd the Loss of her Liberty to this -City. For that illustrious Heroine going to the Relief of _Compiegne_, -which the _English_ had resolv'd to besiege, had the Misfortune to fall -into their hands, and was carried Prisoner to _Roan_, where they burnt her -for a Witch. 'Twas at the Castle of _Compiegne_ that the Cardinal _de -Richlieu_ kept the Queen _Mary de Medicis_ a Prisoner, till that Princess -found Means to escape, and to retire to _Flanders_. I have had the Honor -already to tell you, that this unfortunate Queen died at _Cologn_. - -This same Castle was also for some time the Residence of the Elector of -_Bavaria_, after he was ejected out of his Dominions by the victorious -Arms of the Emperor. The Court his Electoral Highness kept here was so -splendid, that it did not look like the Court of a Refugee Prince. - -Near _Compiegne_ there's a very large Forest, which renders the -Neighbourhood of this City very pleasant. There are fine Roads cut out in -this Forest, which render it very convenient for Hunting. - -The only considerable Place from _Compiegne_ to _Paris_ is SENLIS; and -that purely on account of its being the See of a Bishop: for setting aside -its Situation, which is very agreeable, by reason of the Neighbourhood of -the beautiful Forest of _Chantilly_, _Senlis_ is a very trifling Place. -Near this City is the Abbey of our _Lady of Victory_, which _Philip -Augustus_ caus'd to be built as an Acknowledgment for the Victory he won -in Person at _Bouvines_, over the Emperor _Otho_ IV. and his Confederates, -on _Sunday July_ 27th, 1215; upon which very Day, his Son too won another -Battle over the _English_ in _Anjou_. They say that the two Couriers that -were carrying the News of each of the Victories, from the one Army to the -other, met at the very Place where now stands the Church of this Abbey. - -Betwixt _Senlis_ and _Paris_ there stands the little Town of St. DENYS, -famous for the magnificent Abbey which gives Name to it. In this Church -are the Tombs of the Kings and Princes of _France_, whose Mausoleums are -of rich Workmanship. Here is a Treasure also which contains a great Number -of very curious Pieces. The Abbey of St. _Denys_ has also given its Name -to the great Plain in which it stands. 'Twas in this Plain that the famous -Battle was fought between the Catholics and Hugonots, in the Reign of -_Charles_ IX. when the Constable _Montmorency_, who at the Age of 83, -commanded the Catholics, was wounded, but gain'd the Victory over the -Heretics. - -At my leaving _St. Denys_, I had at length the pleasure of seeing what I -had a long time passionately wish'd for, I mean the famous City of -PARIS[40], where I arriv'd about the beginning of the Year 1712. I make no -scruple to call it the chief City of the World, as it is the Capital of -the chief Kingdom in Christendom. The Extent of its Circumference, the -Beauty of its Buildings, the Multitude of its Inhabitants, the continual -Arrival and the Residence of Foreigners there, the Variety and Plenty of -Commodities of all sorts, render it the finest City in the World; and on -those Accounts 'tis justly reckon'd as the Ornament, the Soul and the -Strength of the _French_ Empire. I was not willing however to make any -stay here at first, because of my Impatience to see the famous Castle of -VERSAILLES, so much talk'd of at all Foreign Courts. - -I had entertain'd so grand an Idea of this Palace, and was so fully -persuaded of its being all over Gold and Azure, that at the first Sight -the Beauty of it did not strike me. The Entrance to _Versailles_, as one -comes from _Paris_, does not set it off at all, tho' the Avenue that leads -to it is one of the most magnificent; but when one comes up to the Castle, -and turns about towards this Grand Avenue, the two sumptuous Stables on -the sides of it form a Prospect, which gives a sublime Idea of the Master -of those stately Piles of Building. The Front of the Castle, which looks -towards the Gardens is the finest; and on that Side is the superb Gallery, -which is the Admiration of all Foreigners. What most surpriz'd me at -_Versailles_ is the Inside of the Castle, which if one examines it well, -looks like several Castles join'd together. The Royal Family, which was -still pretty numerous, was lodg'd there very much at their Ease, each -having their Guard-Chamber, an Anti-Chamber, a Presence-Chamber, a -Bed-Chamber, and Great Closet and Wardrobes. The chief Officers and Ladies -attending the Princesses were also commodiously lodg'd. The greatest part -of the Lords of the Court had Lodgings too here, which were indeed pretty -much straiten'd for want of room, but very convenient. In short, I was -assur'd, that when _Lewis_ XIV. was at _Versailles_, about 20,000 Persons -lay every Night in the Body of this Castle, and the Buildings in the Verge -of it, the Apartments and other Lodgings being so well laid out, that all -this great Multitude did not croud one another. - -The finest Pieces in the Inside of the Castle are the Gallery and the -Saloons that join to it. The Walls are lin'd with Marble. Every Place -shines with the Works of the greatest Masters in Gold and Brass, and with -noble Pier-Glasses. I have heard say, that before the War for the -_Spanish_ Succession, all the Tables, Chandeliers and Stands, which are -now of Marble and gilt Frames, were of Massy Silver; but the King -converted them into Money to help defray the vast Expences of the Wars he -was then engaged in. The Cieling of the Gallery represents in several -Pictures the principal Actions of _Lewis_ the XIVth's Life; and is also -adorn'd with Cartridges and Gildings, which are remarkable both for their -Richness and their Elegance. - -The Chapel is perfectly answerable to the Magnificence of the Inside of -the Castle. The Critics indeed think 'tis too lofty for its Bigness; and -without pretending to much Skill in Architecture, of which what I now say -is perhaps a Proof, I should readily subscribe to their Opinion. Indeed a -Man ought to be plac'd in the Pew from whence the King hears Mass, to have -a just View of the fine Paintings with which the Cieling is enrich'd; and -than which there's nothing to be seen that is finer or better fancy'd. The -principal Picture represents God the Father in all his Glory, as fully as -Human Weakness can conceive it. This is a piece of Painting I am never -weary of admiring; and I found some new Pleasure every time I look'd on -it. The Cieling is supported by noble Pillars of a white Stone, as -beautiful as Marble, which form a Gallery that runs round the Chapel, of -an equal height all along with the King's Pew, and the Ballisters are of -yellow Copper and Marble. When one looks down from the Pew, the Chapel -seems too low, and the Great Altar not high enough. Opposite to the King's -Pew, and exactly over the High Altar, there's an Organ-Loft of a very good -Contrivance, where the King's Music sits. 'Tis a very good Band; and those -who are nice Judges always admire the first Touch they give to their -Instruments, the Moment that the King enters the Chapel to hear Mass. - -I own to you, _Madame_, that I thought it one of the finest Sights in the -World, to see _Lewis_ XIV. enter the Chapel in all his Grandeur, attended -by the Cardinals and the Lords of his Court. The Life-Guards and the -Hundred _Swiss_ took up the Gallery and the Bottom of the Chapel, and the -Drums beat, and the _Swiss_ Fifes play'd till his Majesty was seated. On -Communion or Sermon Days the King went down into the Chapel, and then the -Pavement, which is of very fine Marble, was cover'd all over with noble -Tapestry. When the King receiv'd the Sacrament, a Praying-Desk was set for -him over-against the High Altar, and then the Hundred _Swissers_ were -rang'd in two Rows, and the Courtiers encompass'd his Majesty. During the -Sermon the King's Chair of State was plac'd over-against the Pulpit, and -the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family and Blood were seated in -Folding Chairs, on both sides of the King in the same Line. But the -Princes and Princesses very seldom assisted at the King's Mass; and when -they did, they kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade that the King did, -but quite off of his Carpet. - -The Gardens of _Versailles_ may be rank'd among the modern Wonders; and I -don't believe that the so much boasted Gardens of the superb _Semiramis_ -were finer. For really, considering the Statues, Vases and Water-works of -Marble and Brass, one wou'd think Pains had been taken to ransac _Greece_ -and _Rome_ it self, both ancient and modern, for its most wonderful -Productions on purpose to bring them to this charming Place. These Gardens -were plann'd by the famous _Le Nautre_. At the end of the Great Walk which -fronts the Castle there's a very spacious Canal. It forms a Cross to a -certain Distance, one side of which leads to the _Menagerie_, and the -other to _Trianon_. The _Menagerie_ is a very little House with only a few -Rooms, from whence the King may see the rarest Animals of all sorts, which -are kept there. As for _Trianon_ and its Gardens, one would not think at -the first View that they were made by Man. The Whole is perfectly -inchanting, and a Person ever so little captivated with the strange Tales -of the Fairies, wou'd not scruple to think this magnificent Structure the -Master-piece of those ingenious Work-women. The whole Building, to outward -Appearance, seems very small; but when one examines the Inside of it, the -Apartments are both spacious and commodious. The Outside of this Palace -is partly hid by fine Groves; what appears of it is fac'd with white -Marble, adorn'd with an Order of Pilasters of red Marble, with Windows in -form of Arches between them. _Lewis_ XIV. often retir'd to this charming -Solitude, to be shelter'd from the Importunities of the Courtiers; and no -body was admitted to him but such Persons as his Majesty appointed. - -A little League from _Versailles_ there's _Marly_, another Royal Palace; -and which of all the Palaces has the most pleasant Gardens, tho' those of -_Versailles_ are by much more sumptuous. The Great Cascade, which is all -of Marble of various Colors, makes a stately Appearance. When one is at -the Top of this Cascade, and looks toward the Palace, one sees all the -Gardens, and a Plain thro' which the River _Seine_ winds itself, having on -one side the Castle of _St. Germain en Laye_; and on the other the Castle -_de Maisons_, belonging to the President of that Name, which forms an -admirable Point of View. _Lewis_ XIV. who was fond of _Marly_, -condescended to divest himself there of part of his Grandeur, and did a -great many Ladies of Quality the Honor to make them sit down with him at -Table. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you a slight Sketch of the famous -Palace of _Versailles_, and its Neighbourhood. I did not think it so -proper to give you an exact Detail of the Beauties one discovers at every -Step in this magnificent Palace. You have undoubtedly seen a good -Description of them already, in the Books printed upon that Subject. I -shall now add a Word or two of the Princes and Princesses of the Royal -Family. - -I shall not presume to say any thing of the August Head of this -illustrious Family, since it wou'd require a more delicate Pen than mine -to treat so sublime a Subject with suitable Dignity. All that I shall do -my self the Honor to Say to you of _Lewis_ XIV. is, that if a good Mien -was to be the Merit for the Crown of _France_, this Great Prince might -have put in his Claim for it upon that account, as justly as on the -account of his Birth. He was already advanc'd in years in 1712, when I had -the Honor to see him; and yet he had a nobler Air than any Man in his -Kingdom. - -The Duke of _Burgundy_, who became Dauphin of _France_, by the Death of -his Father, _Lewis_ XIVth's Son, who was the year before carried off in a -very few days by the Small-Pox at his Palace of _Meudon_, was the first -Prince in the Kingdom next to the King. His Great Qualities prognosticated -that if he liv'd, his Reign wou'd be very happy: Being Devout, without -neglecting any of the Duties of a Prince, he had a way of reconciling the -Retirement of a Cloyster to the Bustle of a Court; and tho' he had the -Great Affair of his Salvation always at heart, yet he thought, and justly -too, that his Practice of Piety ought not to exclude his Application to -the Affairs of State. He married a Princess, whose great Qualities wou'd -have made the _French_ happy, if an untimely Death had not snatch'd her -away in the Flower of her Age. Her Name was _Mary Adelaide_ of _Savoy_. I -can assure you, _Madame_, that I never saw one that had a more Noble and -Majestic Presence than this Princess. And several Ladies that had the -Honor of being with her in private assur'd me, that none could be more -sprightly and gay. Her Youth made her fond of Pleasures; but yet she -never was forgetful of her Duties. She had an extraordinary Respect and -Regard for the King. She went every Evening to Madame _de Maintenon_'s -Apartment when the King was there, and after the Council was over, she put -every thing in practice that her gay Humor cou'd imagine to divert him. -The Princess had also a particular Esteem for the Dauphin her Husband, and -as this Prince never fail'd of being at Mass, nor at Vespers, or the -Evening Prayers, the Dauphiness always went with him, and very readily -made her Pleasures give place to her Duties. - -I had not been long at the Court of _France_ when this illustrious Couple -died within a few days of one another. The first who paid that Tribute to -Nature was the Dauphiness. This Princess fell sick at _Versailles_, soon -after which the Purples discover'd themselves; and at length her Distemper -appearing desperate, she was admonish'd to prepare for Death: but this was -Advice she could not find in her heart to comply with, it being a hard -matter to renounce a voluptuous Life; especially when supported with the -Hopes of being e'er long possess'd of one of the first Crowns in the -World. This Princess died, as it were, in the Arms of the Duchess of -_Orleans_, who by her Desire never left her during all the time of her -Illness. - -The King, who was very much afflicted for her Death, set out immediately -for _Marly_, whither the Dauphin follow'd him. This Prince knowing the -Value of the Jewel he had lost, so indulg'd his Grief that he sicken'd -almost as soon as he arriv'd at _Marly_, of the same Distemper that had -just depriv'd him of his Consort. He received the Sentence of his Death -with a Resolution truly Christian; and in the Height of his Distemper was -often heard to put up this Petition, _My God! save the King and -Government_. The Night he died he had a very great Desire to hear Mass; -and whatever they could say to convince him that the Rules of the Church -did not allow it to be celebrated at that Hour, yet he wou'd not take a -Denial; so that as soon as the Midnight Bell rung, Mass was said in his -Chamber, at an Altar that was put up at his Bed's feet. After the -Elevation of the Host, the Dauphin was very much compos'd, and continu'd -praying to God till his Strength failing him every Minute more and more, -he gave up the Ghost. This happen'd on the 18th of _February_ 1712, six -Days after the Death of the Dauphiness. - -The King had need of all his Stock of Courage to support so many Shocks -one after another. The Royal Family was in the utmost Consternation. Those -that were about the King wou'd fain have persuaded him to retire elsewhere -a little while for Change of Air; but he answered undauntedly, _That he -was every where in the Hands of God_; _and that therefore he would -continue where he was_. This great Prince had soon after, another Trial of -his Patience, by the News he receiv'd of the Death of the Duke of -_Bretagne_, who upon the Decease of his Father had been declar'd the -Dauphin. This young Prince died at _Versailles_ the 8th of _March_ 1712, -when he was but five Years old. There never was a more sorrowful Scene -than to see the Funeral Pomp of this Year, which serv'd at the same time -for the Father, Mother and Son. - -The only one that remain'd of this August Stock was the Duke of _Anjou_ -now _Lewis_ XV. This Prince too, who was but a Child, was such a poor -Weakling all along, that no body thought he would live; and he was at this -time in such a bad way, that the very Physicians despair'd of his -Recovery. Nevertheless he insensibly gathered Strength, and now the -_French_ see their young Monarch in a more vigorous State of Health than -they could have hoped for in his Childhood: For this I believe they are -oblig'd to the great Care which was taken of this young Prince by the -Duchess of _Ventadour_, who was charg'd with his Education, in which Post -she acquitted herself with all the Zeal that a Person could do, who knew -the Value of that precious Deposit which was committed to her trust. - -The next to the Throne after this young Prince was the Duke of _Berry_, -Brother to the Duke of _Burgundy_. He was of a fair Complexion, and for -his Age a little too corpulent. He spent his time chiefly in Hunting, and -when the Chace was over he us'd to go to his Duchess's Apartments to game; -for this Princess, after the Death of the Duchess of _Burgundy_, kept an -Assembly. - -The last Prince of the Royal Family was the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards -Regent of the Kingdom; of whom I shall have occasion to say more, when at -the death of _Lewis le Grand_ he took on him the Government of the Kingdom -during the present Monarch's Minority. - -The first People at Court next to the Princes of the Royal Family, were -the Princes of the Blood. The chief was the Duke of _Chartres_, now Duke -of _Orleans_, by the Death of his Father who was the Regent of _France_ -during the Minority of _Lewis_ XV. - -The Duke of _Bourbon_, and the Counts _de Charolois_ and _Clermont_ -compos'd the _Condé_ Branch. The first of these Princes whom they call -only _The Duke_, was a tall portly Man, very free and easy, but had the -misfortune to lose one Eye when he was a hunting by some small Shot that -scatter'd from the Duke of _Berry_'s Fowling-piece, as he let fly at some -Game. - -The other two Princes were well-shap'd and very fair, but being as yet -very young, they were as well as the Duke of _Chartres_ in the hands of -their Governors. - -The Prince of _Conti_, Son of him who was formerly decked King of -_Poland_, was the only Prince of the second Branch of _Bourbon_. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes that then composed the Court of -_France_. I shall now do myself the Honor to give you some account of the -Princesses according to their Rank, distinguishing them as I have done the -Princes, by the Titles of Princesses of the Royal Family, and Princesses -of the Blood. - -The first Princess of the Royal Family was the Dauphiness, whom I have had -the Honor to mention to you. - -Next to the Dauphiness, the Duchess of _Berry_ was first in Rank. This -Princess was the Daughter of the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards the Regent. -She resembled her Father very much for her Wit, and had she not been a -little too bulky she would have been one of the most amiable Princesses of -the whole Court. I shall have occasion to let you into this Princess's -Character presently. - -_Madame_, the second Wife of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ -XIV. was the third Princess at Court, during the Life of the Dauphiness. -Her Name was _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_; being the Daughter of the -Elector _Charles-Lewis_ by _Charlotte_ of _Hesse_, and the last of the -illustrious Branch of the Palatine Family. The Court I constantly pay'd to -this Princess, to whom I was moreover well recommended by the Electoress -of _Hanover_ Mother to the King of _England_, enables me to tell you some -Particulars which will give you a just Notion of her. - -This Princess was very affable, yet not very forward to grant her -Protection. She talk'd a great deal, and talk'd well. She lov'd especially -to speak in her Mother-Tongue, which she had not forgot tho' she had been -fifty Years in _France_, for which reason she was overjoy'd to see her -Countrymen, and to correspond with them by Letters. She was very punctual -in writing to the Electoress of _Hanover_, and to several other Personages -in _Germany_; and the Letters she commonly wrote were not little Billets, -but took up twenty or thirty Sheets of Paper. Of these I had a sight of -several that would have been worth publishing, and have not seen any thing -better writ in the _German_ Tongue. In short, this Princess did nothing -but write from Morning till Night. Immediately after she rose, which was -always about ten o'clock, she sate down at her Toilet. From thence she -went into her Closet, where after having spent some time in Prayer, she -took Pen and Ink and wrote till she went to Mass. After this was ended, -she wrote again till Dinner-time, which did not last long, and then she -fell to writing again till ten o'clock at Night. About nine o'clock when -she received Company in her Closet she was found sitting at a great Table -spread with Papers, and there was an _Ombre_ Table just by it, at which -the Marshal _de Cleremhault_'s Lady and the other Ladies of the Princess's -Houshold used to play. Every now and then the Princess cast an Eye upon -the Game, and would give her Advice and write at the same time. At other -times she convers'd with those who paid their Court to her. I once saw -this Princess napping, and the Moment after start out of her Sleep and -write on. This, _Madame_, was the common Life of the Princess when she was -at _Versailles_. Sometimes however she went out a hunting with the King, -dress'd like an _Amazon_, and sometimes to the Opera. For this Princess -was very fond of Plays, so that after the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. when the -Court came to settle at _Paris_ she often made the _French_ and _Italian_ -Comedians perform at the Theatre of the Royal Palace. - -As to Rank, never did any Princess support it better than this. As she was -punctual to the last degree in requiring the Honors due to her, so she -return'd to every one the Honors that belong'd to them. I heard her once -talk very sharply upon this head to the Duchess of _Berry_; and indeed -none but she durst have talk'd to that Princess in such a Stile. It -happen'd in _Lewis_ XVth's Minority that the Duchess of _Berry_ came to -her one Evening in a Scarf. After she had been there about half an Hour -she ask'd Madame _de Mouchy_ what o'clock it was; whereupon the Princess -ask'd the Duchess of _Berry_ what she said to Madame _de Mouchy_. The -Duchess made her Answer, that she was going to the _Tuilleries_, and -therefore she ask'd what time of Night it was. _How! to the_ Tuilleries, -said Madame; _What are you going to take an Airing by the Light of -Flambeaus?_ For, indeed, it was just Night. _No, Madame_, said the Duchess -of _Berry_, _I am going to the King_. _To the King!_ reply'd Madame; _Pray -excuse me for expressing my Surprize!_ _What, go to the King, +Madame+, -in that Dress! I thought you knew your Duty to him better: I beseech you_, -Madame, _do no such thing. Render to the King the Respect that you owe -him, and then you will have a Right to challenge what is your due from -every body else._ - -The Duchess of _Berry_, who was not pleas'd at this Reprimand, was going -to reply, but Madame interrupted her, and said, _No_, Madame, _nothing can -excuse you: Surely you may think fit to dress your self as seldom as you -go to the King, since I that am your Grandmother dress my self every day. -Speak the Truth, and say 'tis meer Laziness that hinders you from putting -on your Clothes, which is a Fault that becomes neither your Age nor your -Rank. A Princess ought to be dress'd like a Princess, and a Chambermaid -like a Chambermaid._ The Duchess of _Berry_ being not us'd to such -Lectures, was extremely mortify'd at being so check'd, and upon this -occasion she did what she us'd to do when any thing was ever said that -offended her, and when Decency did not permit her to make a haughty Reply; -that is, she arose, made a low Curt'sy, and went away. Madame fell to -writing again, but talk'd still of the same Subject, and not without some -Warmth. She said, looking about to all the Company, _Was I in the wrong, -pray, to talk as I did to the Duchess of_ Berry? _What say you to it?_ You -will easily suppose, Madame, that nobody open'd their Lips, but while she -was running on still in the same strain, to the great Confusion of every -Soul in her Closet, the Princess of _Conti_ came in, which gave a Turn to -the Conversation. - -After _Lewis_ XIVth's Death, Madame follow'd the Court to _Paris_, where -she resided in the Winter, but commonly spent the fine Season at _St. -Cloud_. From thence she came very often to the King's Apartment, us'd to -be at the Theatre, and return in the Evening to _St. Cloud_. She had then -with her _Mademoiselle_, now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and _Mademoiselle de -Valois_, now the Princess of _Modena_. The other Princesses, her -Grandaughters, liv'd at _Paris_ with the Duchess of _Orleans_ their -Mother. This Princess, tho' the Mother of the Duchess of _Berry_, had not -the Precedency of her, and when she was at her Daughter's House she had -only a Folding-Chair allowed her, whereas the Duchess sate in an -Arm-Chair. The Duchess of _Orleans_ was the last of the Royal Family. - -The first of the Princesses of the Blood was the Princess-Dowager of -_Condé_, _Anne_ of _Bavaria_ Countess-Palatine, Daughter of _Edward_ -Prince-Palatine of the _Rhine_. She was call'd only, Madame the Princess. -She commonly resided at _Paris_, where she liv'd a very exemplary Life for -her Piety and great Charity. She died the 23d of _February_, 1723, at -seventy-five Years of Age. - -This Princess was Mother to the Duke of _Bourbon_ (that died in 1710) -whose Wife _Louisa-Francese_ of _Bourbon_, the legitimated Daughter of -_Lewis_ XIV. was, I can assure you, Madame, one of the most beautiful -Princesses of the Court; and tho' already the Mother of eight Children, it -was much more natural to take her for their Sister. With so much Beauty, -she had also Charms still more preferable; and all these external -Qualities were supported by a majestic Air, and a Deportment which gain'd -this illustrious Princess Respect at the same time that her affable and -obliging Behavior procured her Love. She had moreover a lively sparkling -Wit, always sure to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, or -whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos'd the Ridicule of that -Behavior, which notwithstanding the good Taste of the Age had perhaps made -the Fortune of some fawning Courtier. - -The next in Rank to that Princess was the first Dowager-Princess of -_Conti_, the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. The Air, Shape and -Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise in the World, that I -believe, Madame, you are not ignorant that she was reckon'd the tip-top -Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho' she was pretty much advanc'd in -Years, she had still that Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of the -Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary Piety of her Mother in her -latter Years. After the Death of _Lewis_ XIVth's Son the Dauphin, this -Princess was very much retir'd, so that I never saw her any where but at -_Madame_'s Apartments; and since the Death of the King she scarce appears -any where at all. - -The Princess of _Conti_, the second Dowager is by Birth Princess of -_Condé_. She is Mother of the Prince of _Conti_, of _Mademoiselle de -Conti_, who died Duchess of _Bourbon_, and of _Mademoiselle de la -Roche-sur-Yon_. It may be said that this Branch of _Bourbon_ have had -their share of Sense and Virtue. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ and the late Duchess of _Vendôme_ were Sisters of -the second Dowager-Princess of _Conti_, and the Daughters of _Henry -Julius_ Prince of _Condé_, and of the Princess-Palatine, whom I have -already had the Honor to mention to you. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ is a Princess of real Merit, and a great Wit. She -degenerates in no respect from the illustrious Blood of _Condé_. She -liv'd with more Splendor than any Princess of _France_. She commonly -resided at _Seaux_, a magnificent Castle not far from _Paris_, and one of -the finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious Apartments which -are also richly furnish'd, but for the extent of the Park in which there's -such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of Marble and Brazen Statues, as -presents the curious Spectator always with something new. It may be said, -that in her time the Pleasures had fix'd their Residence in this charming -Place. There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, and People were -glad to leave both the Court and City, being sure of finding something at -_Seaux_ better contriv'd than the common Representations on the Stage; and -indeed they were never disappointed, the Duchess of _Maine_ having an -exquisite Taste in such things; for she lov'd the fine Sciences, and was a -better Judge than any body, of what they call Composures. This illustrious -Princess took a delight in bespeaking Plays, and sometimes did not think -it beneath her to act a part in them her self. The famous _Baron_ and -_Beauval_ had often the Honor of performing with her. Those who have -frequented the _French_ Theatre know full well that such a choice was a -very evident Proof of that Princess's Taste for good Declamation. After -the Comedy there was generally a Party for Play, and then a magnificent -Supper, after which there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most commonly -there was a Ball, at which there was always a vast Number of Masks; yet -the whole was so well ordered, that there was plenty of Refreshments for -every body. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes and Princesses who form'd the Court of -_France_ when I came thither, and I thought 'twas proper to give you a -Character of them before I mention'd the Conduct I observ'd at my Arrival -there. - -I first got my self introduc'd to Madame, to whom I was moreover -recommended by the Electress of _Hanover_, the King of _England_'s Mother. -This Princess, who always retain'd a particular Regard for the _Germans_, -receiv'd me with even more kindness than she commonly shew'd to those of -that Nation. She did me the Honor to introduce me to the King herself, one -Night after his Majesty had supp'd. This Prince was in his Bed-Chamber, -with all the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King -remember'd my Name, and did me the Honor to ask me, whether I was not the -Son of one _Pollnitz_, who had been at his Court from the Elector of -_Brandenbourg_? And upon my telling him that I was his Grandson, he said -to me, _Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken for his Son_. -His Majesty then ask'd me if I intended to make any stay in _France_. I -answer'd, that I was so overjoy'd to find myself at the Feet of the -greatest of Kings, that I would do my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him -as long as possible. The King seem'd to like my Answer, and turning -towards Madame, he said to her, speaking of me, _He talks French well_. He -afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, and told me as he withdrew that -he should take a pleasure in doing me Service. - -Next day Madame introduc'd me to the Duke of _Burgundy_ the Dauphin, and -to the Dauphiness, which illustrious Couple died some time after, as I -have had the Honor to tell you. Madame also caus'd me to be introduc'd to -the Duke and Duchess of _Berry_, but neither of 'em said one word to me. -I was very well receiv'd by the Duke and Duchess of _Orleans_. It was not -easy to see this Prince without loving him; for his Affability supported -by a most sparkling Wit, and the most elegant Accomplishments, endear'd -him to all that had the Honor of Access to him. This Prince constantly -paid his Attendance at Court, and had the greatest Respect for Madame. He -never miss'd a Day of waiting upon this Princess. He went to her -Apartments every Night at half an Hour past eight, and play'd at Chess -there till the King's Supper-time; but this Prince only sate down at the -Game, and as he went in and out he always kiss'd her Hand. - -The Court of _France_, tho' very splendid by reason of the number of -Princes and Princesses of which it consists, was nevertheless not so gay -as I expected. The Life at _Versailles_ was the most uniform in the World: -The King's Hours were settled, and he that had seen but one Day there had -seen a Year. The King rose at nine or ten o'clock. The Princes and all the -Courtiers attended his Levee, and after he was dress'd he kneel'd down to -Prayers on a Cushion of Black Velvet, with his Chaplains and the Bishops -that were at his Levee, kneeling also round him. When Prayers were ended, -the King went into his Closet, where sometimes the Ministers came to speak -to him about Business, and in the mean while the Courtiers walk'd in the -great Gallery, thro' which the King walk'd to hear Mass, and there all the -Courtiers waited to be seen by his Majesty as he pass'd. I never saw a -Nation more fond of paying their Attendance at Court than the _French_; -for I have even seen many Courtiers, who thinking the Prince had not -observ'd them, stept forwards into another Room, and then another, till -by chance his Majesty happen'd to cast his Eyes upon them. - -After Mass was over the King return'd to his Closet; sometimes he held a -Council and afterwards din'd alone, at which time one might also observe -how the Courtiers strove to be seen by him. The King eat with a good -Appetite, nay I thought he eat voraciously. His Dinner lasted three -Quarters of an Hour, and upon certain Days there was Music. After Dinner, -the King went down by the Back-stairs, and took Coach to go a hunting in -the Park of _Versailles_, which was full of small Game. He return'd about -the Dusk of the Evening, and went to Madame _de Maintenon_'s Apartment, -where there were only a few of the old Courtiers, and generally speaking, -none but Ladies; as, Madame _de Caylus_, a Cousin of Madame _de -Maintenon_, and Madame _de Dangeau_, who play'd at Cards with the King -when the Ministers were not there; for then, instead of Gaming, Business -was the Subject, and there every thing was commonly settled. At ten -o'clock at Night, when word was brought to the King that Supper was serv'd -up, his Majesty went to the Table, where the Princes and Princesses always -accompanied him. The Duchesses were plac'd behind the Folding-Chairs of -the Princes, on both sides of the Table; and the other Ladies of Quality -stood on the Right hand of the King's Arm-chair. His Majesty, after making -a Bow to the Princes and Princesses and all the Ladies, sate down in his -Chair, and then the Princes and Princesses took their Seats, as did also -the Duchesses. The other Ladies of Quality pass'd into a Salon just by, -where they were at liberty to sit down. The Supper lasted no longer than -the Dinner: The King talk'd there but little, and sometimes he address'd -himself to _Madame_, or to the Duchess of _Orleans_; but I never heard him -speak to the Dukes of _Berry_ and _Orleans_, nor even to the Duchess of -_Berry_. - -After Supper was over, the King, preceded by the Princes, went into his -Bed-Chamber, where he found such of the Ladies as were not Duchesses, to -whom he put off his Hat, and then sate down by the Ballustrade that was -before his Bed, where he stay'd till the Princesses and Duchesses were -enter'd into the Room. I observ'd that the old Court-Ladies made a -profound Curt'sy to the King's Bed when they enter'd his Chamber, which -the young Ladies did not; for being perhaps more puff'd up with their -Youth and their Charms, they did not think themselves oblig'd to pay so -much Respect. When the Duchesses who had attended at Supper enter'd to the -King's Bed-Chamber, the King made an Obeisance to them, as he did to the -other Ladies; and then the King preceded by the Princes, and followed by -the Princesses who had supp'd with him, went into his Closet, to which the -Princes and Princesses of the Blood also repair'd. His Majesty convers'd -with 'em for a while, during which the Duchesses and the other Ladies -withdrew. At length the King dismiss'd the Princes and Princesses, and -went to Bed. Then the Courtiers separated, and the Generality retir'd. -Some went to the Duke of _Berry_'s Couchée, and others to the Duke of -_Orleans_'s. Those who paid their Court to this Prince were well receiv'd -by him. For my own part I went thither as often as I could, not so much to -pay my Court to _Madame_, as from a natural liking I had to this Prince. - -Thus, Madame, did the King pass his Life. The Pleasures of the Courtiers -were at best but dull, Gaming being almost their whole Amusement. The -Assembly was commonly held at the House of the Prince _d'Armagnac_ of -_Lorrain_, Master of the Horse, where there was Play in the Afternoon. -Foreigners were perfectly welcome to this Prince, as they were also to the -Cardinal of _Roban_. The latter liv'd very magnificently, and at the -Houses of these two Noblemen you were sure to see the Prime of the -Nobility of _France_. - -When the Court was at FONTAINBLEAU[41], 'twas much more gay than it was -when at _Versailles_, where it may be said, that it shone in its full -Lustre. Nevertheless tho' _Fontainbleau_ is not near so magnificent, it -has the Air of a Castle, which _Versailles_ has not. Moreover, Art and -Nature seem to have acted in concert towards forming the magnificent -Buildings which several Monarchs have caus'd to be erected at -_Fontainbleau_: Whereas at _Versailles_ Nature seems to have had nothing -to do, every thing being the Work of Art, and too much adorned. Perhaps I -may be the only one of this Opinion, but I always thought that the -Magnificence at _Versailles_ was too general. - -I was at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Conclusion of the Suspension -of Arms with the _English_. The News of the Peace on the point of being -concluded, and the Victory at _Denain_, seem'd to have restor'd to the -Court such an Air of Gayety as had not been known there for many years. -The Elector of _Bavaria_ was there at that time, and there was such Gaming -at the Duchess of _Berry_'s and the Duke of _Antin_'s, as if they had no -Sense at all of the public Calamities. The Party was of twelve Cutters at -_Lansquenet_, who began with setting four Lewid'ors, and at last stak'd -Rouleaus of a hundred Lewid'ors on a Card. I won seven hundred Lewid'ors -there one Night, in less than an Hour's time, and the Duchess _de la -Ferte_ trick'd me out of no less than a hundred, besides fourscore that -she borrow'd of me, and never paid me again. Perhaps she thought 'twas the -best way to make herself amends for the Trouble she was pleas'd to take -upon her, of setting my Money upon the Table, there being such a Croud of -Ladies round it that I could not get near it. - -While the Court was at _Fontainbleau_, who should come thither but Mr. -_St. John_, since made Lord _Bolingbroke_, to settle the Plan of the Peace -that was afterwards concluded at _Utrecht_. He could not have been better -receiv'd than he was there if he had been a Sovereign Prince, for the King -himself had an extraordinary Regard for him. I was one day to see his -Majesty dine, when there was to be Music, but as soon as it struck up the -King stopt it, by calling out aloud, _I am informed that M. +de St. John+ -dines with the Duke of +Antin+. Let my Music wait on him there, and let -him know that I send it to him, and that I wish it may give him Pleasure._ -You will easily imagine, Madame, that all the Courtiers, in imitation of -the Monarch, strove who should be most complaisant to the _English_ -Minister, who for his part justly merited the Regard that was paid to him. - -The Court stay'd at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Arrival of this -Minister, and all the while there was nothing but Merriment and a -continual Succession of Pleasures. The Hunting-Matches were of the utmost -Magnificence. The Ladies were there either on horseback or in Chaises in -the Retinue of the Duchess of _Berry_ and _Madame_. So many fine Women -mounted on horseback all richly dressed, the King in a Chaise attended by -the whole Court on horseback, and the sumptuous Hunting-Equipages to be -seen all at once in the pleasant Forest of _Fontainbleau_, form'd one of -the finest Sights that could be. On the Days when there was no Hunting, -the King took the Air in an open Calash round the great Canal, accompany'd -by Ladies whose Habits were the finest and of the most beautiful Fancy -that could be imagin'd. When the Court return'd from their Airing there -was a Comedy or else a Drawing-Room at the Duchess of _Berry_'s, where -they play'd at _Lansquenet_. - -At those times too when there was no Hunting there were Assemblies at M. -_le Grand_'s, and several others of Quality. I observ'd that most of the -Nobility were more inclinable to be complaisant at _Fontainbleau_, than at -_Versailles_: If a Man was ever so little known for a Person of Quality, -they freely furnish'd him with the King's Horses for Hunting, which is -scarce ever practis'd but in _France_ and _Lorrain_. Indeed I have seen -the same thing done at the Court of _Bavaria_, but 'twas very seldom. - -After I had follow'd the Court for some time to _Versailles_ and -_Fontainbleau_, I went back again to the famous City of PARIS. I no sooner -arriv'd there but I had a considerable Fit of Sickness, which brought me -almost to the Brink of the Grave. I committed myself to the care of the -famous _Dutch_ Physician _Helvetius_. This skilful Doctor set me upon my -Legs in a very little time; and when I was able to go abroad, he advis'd -me to take a Walk in the Garden of _Luxembourg_, which they cry'd up for -the best Air in all _Paris_. I did not fail to pursue the Doctor's -Direction, and observ'd indeed, that the Air I breath'd in that Garden was -very good for me: But in a little time it had like to have prov'd most -pernicious to me. For one Morning as I was walking there, I saw two Ladies -coming a good way off, in a Deshabillé, who had both a grand Air, and a -most noble Carriage. They were footing it on the very Terrass where I was -walking; so that I sat down on a Bench to see them pass by. I confess to -you, that I thought their Persons as lovely as their Undress was genteel -and noble. As they sail'd by me, one of 'em happen'd to drop her -Handkerchief, which I that instant snatch'd up and presented to her. She -receiv'd it in a very polite manner, and I pass'd her a Compliment, to -which she made a witty Reply. By degrees we entered into a Conversation, -which tho' it held only a Quarter of an Hour, cost me very dear; for I -fell in Love, and more deeply in Love than I can express to you. The -Ladies asked my Name. You will imagine I did not put them to the trouble -of asking it twice; the rather, because I hop'd that in requital they -would tell me their Names: But notwithstanding all my Intreaty they wou'd -not satisfy me. She that I was most enamour'd with at the first View, bid -me in very good _High-Dutch_ not to give my self any Uneasiness to know -who they were; as she was going away, she said that I should not fail to -see them again if I made any stay at _Paris_. I gave her my Hand and led -her to her Coach, which seem'd to be well lin'd. I also saw a Couple of -lusty Lackeys who were well clad. All this put together, confirm'd me in -the Notion I had conceiv'd, that they were Ladies of Quality; or, at -least, in good Keeping. I wou'd have given all the World to be inform'd -exactly who and what they were; but 'twas absolutely impossible for me to -make any Discovery. The Lackey that I had with me being a _German_, and -even more a Stranger here than my self, was upon that account an improper -Person, for the Management which is necessary for such Discoveries. I -remain'd therefore mortally uneasy, and it had like to have made me as -light-headed as I was in the Illness from which I was but newly recover'd. -I did not fail to go to _Luxembourg_ Gardens every day, and staid there -from nine o'clock in the Morning till Night, excepting only the little -time it took me to go home to Dinner. All these Jaunts forwards and -backwards lasted about a Fortnight, at the end of which I found my self -just as forward as I was the first Day. At last, when I had given over all -Thoughts of being so happy as to find this Fair-one out, I was surpris'd -to see her at a Place where I never dreamt of finding her. One day as I -waited upon the Ladies _de V----_ and _D----_ to the Play-house where -_Cid_ was to be acted, and _Quinaut_ the Elder began with playing -_Roderigo_; judge, _Madame_, how great was my Surprize when I saw that the -Heroine of my Passion was also the Heroine of this Play, in which she -perform'd the Part of _Clymene_. In all my Life I was never so confounded, -and began to question whether I ought to indulge a Passion of that nature. -I perceiv'd some Reluctance in my Mind against attaching my self to a -Person whose Profession is rarely susceptible of those nice Sentiments, -which Persons of Honor always demand in Love. But the Course I took was -really the same that a Boy of nineteen years of Age wou'd have done; that -is to say, I acted the very contrary to what I ought to have done. I -foolishly indulg'd my I Passion, so that I had scarce Patience to stay for -the Interval between the Play and the Entertainment, before I went behind -the Scenes, where I found my Fair-one, with several Gentlemen of my -Acquaintance about her, whom I took at first for so many Rivals; and as if -it was not Punishment enough to be in love, I must needs be jealous too. I -spoke to _D----_, (which was the Name of this dissembling Creature) but I -perceiv'd that what I said put her into a Flutter; and I observ'd that she -was over and above complaisant to a Gentleman of the Long Robe who stood -near her. I was not mistaken in my Guess; 'twas _B----_, one of the -Counsellors of Parliament, who bore this Lady's Expences, and at such a -Rate too, as if he had been an Officer of the Finances, rather than a -Magistrate. I was so vain as to think of supplanting this Lover, or at -least, if I could not quite non-suit him, I flatter'd my self that I -should put him to a Non-plus. For this end I began to frequent the Comedy, -and soon had the Comfort to find that my Love was not repaid with -Ingratitude. - -The Difficulty was to find a convenient Opportunity of seeing one another; -but Love and Fortune soon pav'd the way for our Interview. Young _Q----_, -the Sister of _D----_, who also liv'd with her, happen'd to have the -Small-Pox. The Counsellor, who was extremely afraid of the Consequence, -immediately took _D----_ from those Lodgings, and gave her an Apartment in -the Hotel _d'Entragues_: But my comic Mistress gave me notice of her new -Quarters; and the very same Day I hir'd a Chamber there too. I took no -body with me but one Domestic, who was the Confident of my little Secrets; -and there, in spite of my troublesome _Argus_, it was easy for me to see -his Mistress, who would have been glad to be mine, if I had been so -generous as he was, to give her 14000 Livres a year. But I chose rather to -go snacks with him in the Favors which the Fair-one granted, than to pay -so dear for the Exclusion of a Rival. The Counsellor, for his part, was -not so indifferent, and having a Mistrust, he left no Stone unturn'd to -find out the real Truth of the matter; nor was it long e'er his Curiosity -was satisfy'd. Any other Person, not so deeply smitten as he was, might -have known what he had to trust to for a Trifle of Expence; but this -unbelieving Gallant, who, perhaps, was also too much conceited of his own -Merit, and had too great an Opinion of his Nymph's Virtue, to presume to -be jealous of her Honor upon slight Appearances, try'd new Experiments. He -gave a Bribe to a Chambermaid, who made him see enough with his own Eyes -intirely to remove those Suspicions which he had so fondly indulged. In a -word, he saw me with his dear Mistress; and at a time too, when we should -have least of all thought of being seen together. What a Fury the provok'd -Lover was in, is easy to imagine, Nevertheless he was so prudent as to -dissemble his Passion till I was retir'd to my own Chamber. Then, like -another _Roland_, he took a Revenge for the Infidelity of his _Angelica_ -upon every thing that happen'd in his way. He broke and dash'd all to -pieces; he tore off her Topknot, and threaten'd no less than utter -Destruction to all about him. To all this Noise the Damsel return'd no -Answer but Tears, which at length wrought so far upon this outragious -Lover, as to pacify him: being then more calm, he larded his severe -Reproaches with the softest Expressions; and taking the advantage of her -Foible, offer'd her to increase her Pension, if she wou'd but promise him -inviolable Fidelity. The Fair-one swore that nothing should, hereafter, -lead her astray from her Duty; and in a Flood of Tears she consented to -receive 2000 Crowns Addition to her Pension, which made it 20000 Livres a -year. The Bargain was concluded with great Joy on both sides; but yet it -was not strictly perform'd; for I continu'd my Visits to the Damsel, till -at length her Sister being recover'd of her Distemper, Miss return'd to -her own House. The Difficulties that then occurr'd, together with my own -Fickleness, quite cool'd my Passion, which it was the easier for me to get -rid of, because it was not in the least founded in Esteem; and perhaps, -had it not been purely for the Pleasure of teazing that Limb of the Law, I -had withdrawn my Addresses sooner. - -My Amour with the fair Comedian did not sequester me from Company; and I -will venture to say, that I made a tolerable Figure in a Country where -every body that is not _French_ passes readily for a Barbarian. Several -Gentlemen who saw how graciously the King receiv'd me at _Versailles_, -were eager to pay me their Respects; particularly the Duke _D----_, first -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, made me such a Compliment as I cannot easily -forget. I became acquainted with this Nobleman at _Versailles_. He -accosted me with the utmost Civility in the Great Gallery, the very Day -after I had been introduc'd to his Majesty, and told me that I had good -reason to be pleas'd with the Reception which the King gave me; but much -more with what he said when I was withdrawn; which was, _That of all the -Foreigners who had been introduc'd to him, no body had saluted him with a -better Grace and a more easy Air than the Margrave of_ Anspach _and me_. -The said Duke made a Proposal to me for my entring into the Service of -_France_; and also promis'd me that I should be made a Colonel, if I would -turn _Roman Catholic_. I thank'd him for his obliging Offers; but assur'd -him, that Interest should never make me alter my Religion. I was also at -that time full of the Prejudices of the Protestants against the Catholics; -moreover, I was of an Age not mature enough for serious Reflections: for I -thought of nothing in the world but my Pleasures; and indeed, how could a -Man of my years help abandoning himself to them, when all the Kingdom, -_Paris_ especially, breath'd an Air of Gayety, which there was no -withstanding? _France_ saw that Peace which she had long wish'd for, on -the point of being concluded; her late Losses had been expung'd by the -Victory at _Denain_, and other Advantages which the _French_ Troops -obtain'd, not only by the raising of the Siege of _Landrecy_, which the -Allies had invested, but by the taking of _Marchiennes_ and _St. Amant_. -The Allies began therefore to think of a Peace, and the _English_ were at -last willing to consent to it. I have already had the Honor to acquaint -you, that my Lord _St. John_ was come to the Court of _France_ to have a -Conference upon the Articles of the so much desir'd Peace; and that he -was receiv'd there as a Man who came with the most important News that -'twas possible for them to receive. - -As soon as that Minister was return'd to _London_, the Congress was open'd -at _Utrecht_ for a Peace; and _France_ and _England_ mutually sent their -Ambassadors to one another. The Duke _d'Aumont_ was appointed to go in -that quality to the Court of _England_; and before he departed, the King -gave him the Order of the Holy Ghost. This Nobleman was perfectly welcome -to the Court-Party at _London_, which was desirous of Peace; but was an -Eye-sore to the opposite Party, who hated to hear the mention of it. The -_French_ Ambassador was insulted, and treated with such Outrage, that his -House was set on fire, and the Loss thereby sustain'd was very -considerable; the said Duke having borrow'd the richest Furniture of -several Persons, which was entirely burnt. The Duke of _Orleans_ thereby -lost a noble Suit of Hangings, and several very scarce Pictures. - -The Person who was sent to _France_, as Ambassador from the Court of -_England_, was the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, whose Reception by the King, the -Court and the Kingdom was sufficient Demonstration how well they lik'd the -Commission which he came to negotiate. This Ambassador kept no very great -Table at the Court of _France_; nor was his Equipage very gay. He was -indeed a Nobleman of very great Merit, but of a mean Presence; for he was -blind of one Eye, and exclusive of that Defect no body would hardly have -taken him for a Nobleman, if he had not been adorn'd with the Order of the -Garter. He had his Duchess with him, who was an _Italian_ Lady by Birth, -and Sister to the famous _P----_, so well known in _England_ for his -Extravagancies and his tragical Exit. The Duke of _Shrewsbury_ was -betroth'd to her in _Italy_, and married in _England_. This Duchess -appear'd at the Court of _France_ with the most Foreign Air in the World. -The Duchess _d'Aumont_ was to have introduc'd her to the King and the -Princesses; but as she was at that time indispos'd, she desir'd Madame _de -Chatillon_ to perform the Office for her. The King receiv'd the -Ambassadress with great Marks of Distinction; and she was afterwards -introduc'd to _Madame_, where she found a numerous Company that came -thither out of meer Curiosity; and there it was that I had the Honor of -seeing her. She seem'd at first in such Confusion, as if she had never -liv'd in any Court, but by degrees she took courage. She talk'd a great -deal, and talk'd well. - -The same Night the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was with the King at Supper, -where she was plac'd in the Rank of the Duchesses, exactly behind the Duke -of _Berry_. She talk'd a great deal to this Prince, tho' she had only a -Glimpse of him once before at the Duchess of _Berry_'s Apartment. All the -Supper-time she did nothing but twitch him by the Sleeve, to advise him -not to eat so much. Every body was very much surpriz'd to see this -Familiarity of her's; and I observ'd that the Duke of _Berry_ was not a -little confounded at it. I forgot to mention one Circumstance wherein I -thought the King was over and above polite. As he came to the Table he -pass'd by the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_, without seeing her; but just as he -was going to sit down, M. _de Livry_ the Chief Steward acquainted him, -that the Ambassadress of _England_ was come to his Supper. Upon this, the -King return'd that instant to the Place where she was, and said to her, -_That he had pass'd her without saluting her, because he did not see her; -and that, he thought she was so fatigu'd with the Visits she had made in -the Day that she was retir'd_. The King also desir'd her to go and repose -her self; but she made her Excuse and said, _That 'twas impossible to have -the Honor of paying Duty to so great a King as his Majesty, and to -complain of Fatigue_. - -The Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was much of the same Temper as her Lord the -Ambassador: She did not care for expensive Living. I remember that one day -when I was at the Palace of _Soissons_, where she lodg'd, the Duchess _de -----_, who was a very gay Lady, wou'd fain have engag'd the Ambassadress -to give a Ball: for this purpose she signify'd what a general Melancholy -there was all over _France_, on account of the Death of the Princes, and a -War of several years continuance; and said, every body expected that the -Duke of _Shrewsbury_, who was come over to _France_ to bring Peace, would -also be inclinable to procure the Return of those Pleasures which so many -Calamities had banish'd. But it all avail'd nothing; for the Ambassadress -made answer to the Duchess, that she should be very glad to see a general -Mirth at _Paris_; and that she thought the Duke of _Shrewsbury_ had -brought the _French_ such important News, as wou'd have put an end to all -Sadness for the past Misfortunes, without expecting him to procure other -Pleasures. 'Twas to no purpose therefore to insist any longer on a Ball -from that Quarter. - -You will undoubtedly be surpriz'd, Madame, when you hear who was the -Person that gave the first Ball, instead of the Ambassador of _England_. -'Twas I that reviv'd _Paris_ out of that fatal Lethargy, into which it -seem'd to be fallen. I gave a Ball at _Carneaux_, or rather _Mesdames de -la M----_ _D----_ and _de V----_ gave it for me. These Ladies having in -form desir'd me to give a Ball, I immediately excus'd my self, on the -consideration that as I was a Stranger it did not become me to set a -Pattern for Entertainments, especially for a Peace which could be of no -farther Advantage to me, than as it would indeed enable me to live more to -my Satisfaction, in a Country where it had been long wish'd for. Moreover, -there were other Reasons much of the same nature as those that govern'd -the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, which made me grudge the Expence of a Ball that -I foresaw would be very chargeable. My Arguments had some weight with the -Ladies; but a Ball they were resolv'd to have, and therefore they made a -Proposal to me, that if I would give them but ten Lewid'ors there should -be a Ball, and I should have nothing else to do but to give out at the -Opera and the Comedy, that there would be a Ball such a day at _Carneaux_. -This I did not fail to do, and wherever I came I found People very well -inclin'd to be present at the Assembly. The Ladies on their part hir'd the -great Hall of the _Carneaux_, which they caus'd to be very finely -illuminated, and having provided a very good Concert of Music there, they -caus'd the Ball to be open'd by their Waiting-Women and Valets de Chambre. -I supp'd with the Ladies that Evening, and ingenuously own'd to them that -I did not very well know what Effect a Ball of that sort would have at -_Paris_. After a good deal of joke upon it we went thither as soon as -ever we had supp'd, and I confess that in my Life I never saw more -Maskers. They crouded one another from the very Gate of the Court into the -Hall, where the People were ready to faint for the very Heat, and did not -know whom to apply to for a drop of Water: Every body rav'd against the -Ball, and against the Person that gave it. But by good luck they did not -know whom they were oblig'd to for such an Entertainment. Mean time I had -the Precaution to provide some Refreshments for the Ladies in my Company, -and they were not ill bestow'd. This Ball drew me in to give ten or a -dozen other Entertainments of the like kind, and altogether as unprovided -of Refreshments. Yet notwithstanding the general Thirst complain'd of for -want of Liquor, and the Curses that I heard them utter against the -_Undertaker_, there was always a vast Croud of Masqueraders. - -Thus, Madame, did I pass my time at _Paris_, I kept the greatest and the -gayest Company, and I had pretty good Fortune at Play, which, together -with what was remitted to me from home, put me in a Condition to live -there like a Prince. I made fresh Acquaintance every day, and they gave me -fresh Pleasures, till I receiv'd News which troubled me very much, _viz._ -the Death of our King _Frederic_ I. which happen'd on the 15th of -_February_ this Year, and was occasion'd by one of the saddest Accidents -that could have fallen out. 'Twas the Queen herself who in one of those -Vertigo's, to which she had been for some time past subject, frighten'd -the King so that he never recover'd it. It happen'd thus: - -The Queen had for a long while given herself up to more than ordinary -Devotion, and to a rigid Life not very agreeable to her natural Temper. -But the Princess thought 'twas the best Course she could take, to stop the -Mouths of those who had been so audacious as to give out that before her -Marriage she was not always the Fondest of Retirement. The recluse and -self-denying Life she led after Marriage, made her subject to Vapors, -which ended in Frenzy, the Fits whereof were terrible. The King was not -acquainted with her unhappy Disorder for a long time, till at last the -Queen being one day in a more outragious Fit than ordinary, was so strong -as to get loose from the Ladies that had the Care of her Person, and being -but half dress'd, with her Hair dishevel'd, she went thro' a private -Gallery to the King's Apartment. As she enter'd it she broke a Glass-Door, -by which she cut both her Hands and Arms; and in this bloody pickle rush'd -in upon the King like a Fury, and abus'd him with such Reproaches as would -never have enter'd into the head of the poor Princess, if she had been -well. The King, who was at the same time somewhat indispos'd, was taking a -Nap in an easy Chair; but he started out of his Sleep, and imagin'd -himself in the hands of a Ghost, every thing contributing to confirm him -in that Notion. For the Queen having her Hair flying about her Temples, -and no Clothes on but an Under-Petticoat, and a quilted Waistcoat of -_Marseilles_ Linnen, and her Arms and Face being moreover of a Gore-Blood, -the King fancy'd her to be the _White Woman_[42], and did so much believe -that this Apparition was a certain Presage of his approaching Dissolution, -that it threw him the same Instant into a Fever, which oblig'd him to -take to his Bed, and he never recover'd it. This Prince lay ill for near -six Weeks, during which he had the Consolation to see how dear he was to -his Subjects; for one day as he thought himself a little better, so that -the Physicians began to have hopes of his Recovery, he caus'd himself to -be carry'd towards a Window, from whence he saw the whole Square full of -People, who were offering up Vows to Heaven for his Life. This was so -moving a Scene to him, that the generous Prince could not refuse a Tribute -of Tears for the Tenderness of his People. But their Prayers were not -heard; and his Majesty died at _Berlin_ with a Constancy and Courage -worthy of him, after having given excellent Instructions to his Son the -Prince Royal. - -This young Prince was heartily griev'd for the Death of the King his -Father, and as soon as he had receiv'd the first Homages of the Margraves -who were the late King's Brothers, and of the whole Court, he shut himself -up in his Apartment where he abandon'd himself to that Lamentation which -he had reason to make for the Loss he had sustain'd. The Person that -notify'd his Death to the Courtiers who crouded the Apartments, was M. _de -Printz_, the Grand Marshal. They say, that when this Nobleman made his -appearance to proclaim the melancholy News, it so seiz'd him that he could -only say, _The King, the King, the King!_ his redoubled Sighs discovering -the rest that his Tongue had not power to declare. - -The King's Funeral Obsequies were very magnificent. In the Streets, from -the Palace to the place of Interment, several Regiments of Soldiers were -drawn up in a Line on each side. The new King accompany'd the Convoy, and -when the Corpse was deposited in the Royal Vault he went out of the -Church, and mounting on horseback put himself at the Head of the Troops -which made three Discharges of small Arms, and at the same time the Cannon -were fir'd from the Ramparts. Thus, Madame, were the last Devoirs paid to -_Frederic_ our First King. - -As to the Queen, the Physicians were of Opinion that her Native Air would -be of service to her, and therefore she was carry'd to her Mother's Seat -at _Grabau_ in _Mecklemburg_, where she still remains, but without any -Hopes as yet of her Recovery. - -After the Death of _Frederic_ I. the King his Son dismiss'd the whole -Court, the three Companies of Life-Guards were broke, and the Guard of the -hundred _Swiss_ sent home to their own Country: In short, every thing -assum'd a new Face. I saw, and was really mortify'd to see, that there was -nothing more for me to hope for in my own Country. Nevertheless, tho' I -thought I should have broke my Heart the first Moment that I receiv'd the -melancholy News, my Sorrow was of no long duration. I had not, indeed, a -very splendid Fortune to be my Comfort, but I was so young that I presum'd -to think I should never come to want. Besides, my Birth was some Relief to -my Mind; and to tell you the plain truth of the matter, as Things stood -with me at that time, I was quite in love with _Paris_, which was reason -good enough why I should not devote myself long to Melancholy. - -Happening to be at the Fair of _St. Germain_, I there contracted Love for -another Mistress. I had no reason to be asham'd of the choice I then made, -because I might have hop'd to have been possess'd of every thing that was -capable of fixing a Man of Gallantry. I abandon'd my self intirely to this -new Amour, and as I was naturally fond of Expence, I laid out such a Sum -that all my Friends were startled at it. My Equipages, Clothes, Liveries, -_&c._ were all of the utmost Magnificence, and the frequent Presents that -I made were very rich. But I was soon reduc'd to a Necessity of making -very serious Reflections upon my past Conduct; tho' I had no body to blame -but myself; for as to Mademoiselle _de S----_ (which was the Name of the -Angel I ador'd) she would certainly have been well enough pleas'd with a -Lover less profuse, so that with a little Oeconomy I might have made a gay -Figure at _Paris_: But my new Passion would not suffer me to think so -close of my Finances, which were now so much disorder'd that I saw no -Remedy, except to return to my own Country: But I was so uneasy to think -of going away, that I was very loth to fix on a day for my Departure. Mean -time my dear Mistress and her Mother both press'd me with Tears in -abundance to undertake a Journey so necessary; the one wishing it for my -own sake, and the other for the sake of her Daughter; for the good Mother -was as eager after Money, as the Daughter was disinterested. At length the -melancholy Day being come, I set out from _Paris_ without bidding Farewel -to any one Friend whatsoever except _Madame_, and the Duke of _Orleans_, -because I hop'd to be back again speedily. I left all my Servants behind, -except only one Domestic who was privy to all my Affairs. - -The Day that I set out I arriv'd about five o'clock in the Evening at -_Roye_ in _Picardy_, where I was told I could not proceed farther for -want of Post-Horses, the Duke of _Ossuna_ who was gone Ambassador of -_Spain_ to the Treaty at _Utrecht_, having taken them all up. I resolv'd -therefore to go on with those that brought me to _Roye_. I halted at very -sad Quarters, at a place betwixt _Roye_ and _Peronne_. The first thing I -did was to go to Bed, and really need enough I had of Rest; for my Head -was so confus'd with a thousand different Thoughts, that I felt my Brains -work almost as if I had been light-headed. But when I was in Bed 'twas -much worse with me, I still indulg'd Melancholy. One while I wanted to go -back again to _Paris_, whither my Love call'd me strongly. On the other -hand, I was sensible of the sad Necessity of pursuing my Journey. In -short, Swarms of different Inclinations succeeded each other; but at last, -after a long debate with my self, I resolv'd to return to _Paris_. The -time when I made this noble Resolution was about two o'clock in the -Morning. I got up that Moment, and call'd for my Valet. As he lay in -another part of the House which was separate from my Apartment, I thought -'twas better to go my self and awake him, than to lose my time in calling -for him. I went out of my Chamber accordingly, but as ill luck would have -it, I had not observ'd, or rather the confusion I was in made me forget -that my Chamber-Door open'd into a Gallery that run round the House. This -Gallery was so lately built that they had not time to put Rails to it, so -that before I had gone two steps I had the finest tumble that ever I made -in my Life. I fell from the Gallery into the Yard, and by good luck upon a -heap of Dung, otherwise I might have been wounded, if not kill'd; so that -all the harm I had was the surprize to find my self sinking in a Matrass -as offensive as 'tis possible to conceive. My greatest perplexity was then -to contrive how to get out of it, and to find the way back to my Chamber: -But the Night was so dark, and I was so little acquainted with the House -where I lodg'd, that I despair'd of getting out without Help; I began then -to call out lustily for my Valet. But the Rascal never heard me, and -indeed I was inform'd soon after, that he had been drunk, so that his -Liquor had plung'd him into a profound Sleep. Seeing that I had to do with -one that was as deaf as a Post, I thought fit to call out aloud for -_Mary_, _Catherine_, _Joan_, and other Names, hoping that there was some -Servant-Maid in the House, whom one at least of these Names would fit: Nor -was I deceiv'd, for one of the Maids came to my Assistance, but the Wench -taking me for a Spirit ran away in an instant, with a great Cry of -_Jesu-Maria_. I was then terribly mortify'd: At this rate I plainly saw I -should be forc'd to spend the rest of the Night in the Dunghill, and to -wait with patience till the whole Family was risen. What made me the more -apprehensive of the Consequences of this Disaster was, that tho' we were -got into the Summer Season, yet the Nights were cold, and I had nothing -over my Shirt but a Taffeta Night-Gown. I began again therefore to call -and baul so loud, that at length some of the Family ran out to see what -was the matter; but like the Servant-Maid they all took me for a Ghost -come to haunt the House, and were afraid to come near me. At length, all -this Noise awak'd my Valet, who ran out in his Shirt. He imagin'd at first -that there had been a Design to murder me, but when I bid him put the -Horses in my Chaise, he thought I was crazy; and indeed, I was pretty far -gone that way. I repeated my Order to get my Chaise ready, that I might be -gone that instant. My Valet, who had scarce recover'd from the Surprize he -was in at my giving such an Order, said, _Alas, Sir, be easy; 'tis but two -o'clock in the Morning yet, at five you shall be gone._ I told him, that -he was a Fool, and that go I would. But he, like other Skipkennels who are -apt to be fancy if their Masters treat them with any degree of -Familiarity, refus'd point-blank to obey me. He said that I had no -Consideration, that because I could not sleep my self I hinder'd others -from sleeping; that I roll'd along the Day in an easy Chaise, whereas he -rode generally upon very sorry Horses; that in short he wanted Rest, and -that he would not set out till he had two Hours more Sleep, and had a good -Breakfast. I was like to have been in a Passion, but saw 'twas to no -purpose, and therefore we split the Difference; he compounded with me not -to go to Bed again, and I gave him leave to take his Breakfast. When he -thought fit to make an end, I got into my Chaise, and order'd the -Postillion to strike into the Road for _Paris_. Then my Valet imagin'd -indeed that I was crack-brain'd; he said I was wrong, and that we must -turn into the Road to the _Netherlands_. I order'd him to hold his tongue, -and go on. The poor Boy being confirm'd more and more in his Notion that I -was Kite-headed, was wonderful uneasy, and at every Stage came with a -sorrowful Countenance to the side of my Chaise to know how I did, and if I -wanted any thing. At length I arriv'd at _Paris_, where all that knew of -my Departure were startled to see me return'd so soon. I feign'd my self -very much out of order, and that I came back again for fear of a Fit of -Sickness, in which case I chose to be at _Paris_ rather than any where -else. But no body would believe me, for they thought that some Love-Affair -at heart was the sole cause of my returning in such a hurry. I stay'd -three Days at _Paris_, but did not go once to _Versailles_ for fear of -_Madame_, who was a Princess that did not love such Frolics, and I for my -part did not love Reprimands, and therefore I thought it best to keep out -of her way. Mean time the very same reason that determined me the first -time to take a Journey to my own Country still subsisted, and at last I -quitted _Paris_ in good earnest, tho' I was resolv'd to be absent as -little a while as possible. - -I went the common Road to _Brussels_, and from thence through _Breda_ and -_Gorcum_, to _Utrecht_; having a desire to see in what state the Congress -was, which was then held at that place. - -BREDA, which is a Place of Strength, situate on the River of _Mercke_, is -part of _Dutch Brabant_, and one of the most considerable Towns in the -_Netherlands_. This City and its Territory has the Title of a Barony, and -has had several Masters. The last Owners of it were the Princes of -_Nassau_, who acquired it in 1404, by _Eagelbert_ of _Nassau_'s Marriage -with _Joan_ the only Daughter of the Lord of _Leck_, who was Sovereign of -_Breda_. _Henry de Nassau_ founded the Castle in this Town, and the Tomb -of _René_ is still to be seen in the Collegiate Church of St. _Peter_, -which was founded about the Year 1303. This City suffer'd very much -towards the latter end of the sixteenth Century, during the Wars for -Religion. 'Twas at first seiz'd by the Confederates, who form'd the -Republic of the United Provinces. The Prince of _Parma_ took it from them -the 18th of _June_ 1581; but Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_ made himself -Master of it in 1590, by means of a Boat laden with Turf, under which he -had caus'd about threescore Soldiers to be conceal'd, who made themselves -Masters of the Castle, and thereby gave the Prince an Opportunity to take -the Town by Capitulation. They tell a very remarkable Story of one of the -Soldiers that was hid in that Boat, _viz._ That having a Necessity of -coughing, he desir'd one of his Comrades to kill him outright, for fear -that his impertinent Cough should discover the Stratagem. This Soldier -richly deserv'd to have his Name transmitted to Posterity; for sure a -_Roman_ could not have said a more gallant Thing, and an Instance of -inferior Courage to this would perhaps have been rewarded with a Statue. -Some Years after the Reduction of _Breda_, the great _Spinola_ General of -the _Spanish_ Forces, besieg'd and took it after a Siege, or rather -Blockade of eleven Months. 'Twas a fourth time besieg'd by -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, who took it after a Siege of four -Months, and then it came into the hands of the _Dutch_, who have remain'd -Masters of it ever since, and have considerably augmented its -Fortifications; and as the Place is situate in very Marshy Ground, they -have erected Sluices there, by means of which they can easily lay all the -neighbouring Country under Water. For the rest, this is not one of the -best built Cities in the _Netherlands_, and were it not for its Ramparts -would be a very inconsiderable Place. The King of _Prussia_, by virtue of -his Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of _England_, -adds to his Titles that of _Baron of Breda_. - -Having pass'd through _Gorcum_, which I thought a Town of very little -consequence, I came to UTRECHT[43], which is one of the most noted Cities -in the _Netherlands_, and gives Name to one of the seven Provinces, -whereof it is the Capital. It was formerly a Bishop's See, and the Bishops -were Sovereigns of the Province, and Princes of the Empire. The Dukes of -_Brabant_ and _Cleves_, the Counts of _Holland_ and _Guelderland_, and -other Sovereigns to the number of twenty-eight, were Feudataries to its -Bishop. The Emperor _Charlemain_, that great Founder of Bishoprics, -annex'd so Many Prerogatives to this with a View of engaging the Bishops -to act with Zeal for Conversion of the _Pagans_ who possess'd a Part of -the Neighbouring Countries. _Philip_ II. erected this Bishopric into an -Archbishopric in favor of _Schenck_ of _Tautenbourg_; but he did not enjoy -the new Dignity long, for at the same time that this Country revolted from -_Spain_, the Protestant Religion was introduc'd into it, and the -Archbishop was expell'd. _Henry_ of _Bavaria_ was the last Bishop who was -Sovereign of this Country, but his Subjects rebell'd against him and -turn'd him out. This Bishop implor'd the Protection of _Charles_ V. to -whom with the Consent of his Clergy and States he transferr'd the Temporal -Dominion of the Country in 1528, and from thence he was translated to the -Bishopric of _Worms_. The famous Union of the seven Provinces, to which -the Establishment of the Republic is owing, was concluded at _Utrecht_ the -13th of _January_, 1579. - -The City of _Utrecht_ is famous also for the Birth of Pope _Adrian_ VI, in -1459. They say this Pontiff was of mean Extraction, and was only oblig'd -to his own Merit for his Advancement. The Emperor _Maximilian_ trusted him -with the Education of _Charles_ his Grandson. He was afterwards sent to -_Spain_ with the Title of Ambassador to King _Ferdinand_, who gave him the -Bishopric of _Tortosa_. Upon that Monarch's Death he shar'd the Regency of -_Spain_ with the Cardinal _Ximenes_, and afterwards remained sole Viceroy -of that Kingdom. He was made a Cardinal the first of _July 1517_, by Pope -_Leo_ X. and chose Pope the ninth of _January 1522_. - -While I am thus making Digressions in speaking of the City of _Utrecht_, -you will also permit me to tell you that this City gave birth to the -famous _Anna-Maria Schuurman_, that learned Lady who spoke _Latin_, -_Greek_, _Hebrew_, the _Syriac_, _Chaldee_, _Italian_, _Spanish_, and -_French_ Languages as fluently as the _Low Dutch_, which was her -Mother-Tongue. She also knew how to paint in Miniature, and to engrave -both with the Graving Tool and the Diamond upon Copper and Glass. Queen -_Christina_ of _Sweden_ did her the same Honor, as _Alexander_ formerly -did to _Diogenes_, for she went to pay her a Visit, and was surpriz'd at -the Beauty of her Performances. This most ingenious Artist of her Sex died -in 1678, at 71 Years of Age. - -_Balderic_ of _Cleves_ the fifteenth Bishop of _Utrecht_, caus'd this City -to be encompass'd with Walls; and _Charles_ V. built its Castle, which has -at present nine Bastions, two Half-moons, and a Hornwork. They say that -the great Church dedicated to St. _Martin_, was built in the Year 630 by -King _Dagobert_; and after it was destroy'd, together with all the other -Buildings in the City by the _Normans_, _Adelbolde_ the 19th Bishop caus'd -it to be rebuilt and consecrated in 1024, in presence of the Emperor -_Henry_ II. and twelve Bishops. It was ruin'd a second time, but was -magnificently rebuilt. There's a very fine Tower at the Entrance 388 Foot -high, from whence fifteen or sixteen Towns may be seen distinctly. - -There's a better Air at _Utrecht_ than in the other Towns of _Holland_, -the Ground it stands on being much higher, and by consequence not so -marshy. This Town, which is situate upon the old Channel of the _Rhine_, -is incompass'd with a fine fruitful Plain, and has charming Walks in the -Neighbourhood, which are not inferior to those at the _Hague_. - -The _French_ were at one time Masters of this Place, but on the 13th of -_November_ 1673, it reverted to its lawful Sovereigns. When I arriv'd here -I heard that the Peace was just sign'd by the Plenipotentiaries of -_France_ and _Spain_ on the one part, and by the Ministers of _England_, -_Portugal_, _Prussia_, _Savoy_ and _Holland_, on the other part. The -principal Conditions were, That _Philip_ V. should remain in possession of -the Crown of _Spain_, on condition nevertheless that he should renounce -the Succession to the Crown of _France_, for himself and his Descendants: -That _England_ should have _Gibraltar_ in _Spain_, and _Port-Mahon_ in the -_Mediterranean_: That _Dunkirk_ should be demolish'd: _France_, by the -way, was very loth to consent to the ruin of a Place which had already -cost her several Millions, and requir'd a considerable Expence moreover to -demolish. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ was recogniz'd King of _Prussia_, -both by _France_ and _Spain_, and had even the Title of _Majesty_ given -him, which _France_ never us'd to allow to the Kings of _Denmark_ and -_Poland_. To the King of _Prussia_ was also yielded what he before -possess'd in _Spanish Guelderland_, as an Equivalent for the Principality -of _Orange_, which that Monarch yielded to _France_. The Duke of _Savoy_ -was own'd King of _Sicily_, and he obtain'd some Places in the _Milanese_. -The King of _Portugal_ remain'd peaceable Possessor of the Conquests which -he had made during the War. The _Dutch_ got least of all by the Peace, and -perhaps they repented that they did not accept of the Terms offer'd them -at _Gertruydenberg_. - -As soon as I arriv'd at _Utrecht_, I did not fail to make a Visit to the -Ambassadors of _Prussia_, who were the Count _de Denhoff_, the Count _de -Metternich_, and the Marshal _de Biberstein_. They receiv'd me with all -the Civility possible, and presented me to all the Foreign Ministers. I -found at this City the Countess Dowager of _Wartemberg_, who was lately -come hither. The Count her Husband, who died at _Francfort_, desir'd upon -his Death-bed that his Corpse might be carried to _Berlin_, which was -perform'd with a good deal of Pomp. They say, that the late King, who was -very fond of him, as I have already had the Honor to mention to you, wou'd -needs see his Funeral Convoy; and as it pass'd before the Windows of his -Castle he could not refrain shedding Tears. Perhaps he then repented that -he had disgrac'd that Minister on such slight Pretences; and perhaps too, -the melancholy Spectacle put him in mind of that unavoidable Coast, on -which both the Majesty of Kings, and the Magnificence of Courtiers, will -at last be run ashore. - -The Countess of _Wartemberg_ was more undaunted. She was far from -indulging any mortifying Reflection; but on the contrary, was glad to -find her self in possession of a very great Estate; and gladder still to -think that she was uncontroulable. She left _Francfort_ where she had -resided ever since her Husband's Disgrace; and thinking that too -melancholy a Place to spend her Life in, she made choice of the City of -_Utrecht_, as the most gay of any that she knew. She soon had an Intrigue -or two upon her hands; and when I arriv'd, I heard that the Chevalier _de -B----_ was her Bosom Friend. This Gentleman was newly set out for -_Versailles_, with a Commission to carry the News of the Peace. I was not -much concerned whether I made any Visit to the Countess; for I observ'd -that all of our Court who were then at _Utrecht_, were shy of her to such -a degree, that I did not care to be the only one that shew'd any Regard -for her. But tho' I had resolv'd not to visit her, I happen'd to fall in -her Way. This Lady had brought a _French_ Gentlewoman with her, whom I -knew very well at _Berlin_; and as she had Wit at will, I had a mind to -renew my Acquaintance with her, the rather because I had a Curiosity to -know a little of the Countess's History. The first time I paid her a Visit -she made me an Offer to carry me to see the Countess of _Wartemberg_; -which I refus'd in such a manner that she did not insist upon my going. -But she thought fit to tell the Countess that I was lately come to -_Utrecht_; that I had paid her a Visit; and that she thought I perfectly -resembled the Chevalier _de B----_. There needed no other Motive to set -the Countess agog to see me; and she desir'd her Gentlewoman to bring me -to her. But notwithstanding all her Persuasion, I peremptorily refus'd it. -At last, as I was making a Visit one day to the Gentlewoman, who should -bounce into the Room where I was, but the Countess _de Wartemberg_. She -said, that tho' I scorn'd her so much as not to make her a Visit, she had -resolv'd to come and see me. I was going to reply, but the Countess, -without giving me time to speak, told me, that she thought me alter'd much -for the better; that no two drops of Water were more like than I, and the -Chevalier _de B----_; and that in short we perfectly resembled each other -even in the Tone of our Voice: But by Madam _de Wartemberg_'s leave, there -never were two People more unlike. The Knight Commander was a handsome -well-set Man, which you know, Madame, is a Character I never had the -Vanity to affect; and I thought every part of the Countess's Compliment so -extraordinary, that in truth, a Scholar just come from the College could -not have been more dash'd than I was. I made an Answer, 'tis true, but to -tell you frankly, I knew not what I said. I gave her my Hand, and led her -to her own Apartment, where she still descanted upon the mighty -Resemblance betwixt the Chevalier and me. In fine, I think I may venture -to say, without giving my self an Air as if I was the Darling of the Fair -Sex, and without passing in your Opinion for a Coxcomb, that 'twas my own -fault I was not taken, in Body and Soul, for the Chevalier; but I was so -fortunate as to be disintangled by a Valet de Chambre, who came to -acquaint her of the Arrival of M. _Menager_ the third Plenipotentiary of -_France_ at the Congress, to whom I had Obligations for bringing me out of -this Scrape. This kind of Visit made me take proper Measures to prevent -any more such, for the little time I had to stay in this City. - -From _Utrecht_ I went to _Wesel_, and from thence thro' _Westphalia_ to -the Duchy of MAGDEBOURG. The City of this Name was formerly an -Archbishopric, erected by the Emperor _Otho_ the Great in favor of the -_Vandals_ newly converted, but by the Peace of _Westphalia_ the whole -Country was seculariz'd with the Title of a Duchy, in favor of the -_Brandenburg_ Family, in Exchange for that part of _Pomerania_ which was -yielded to the _Swedes_. There are few Towns in _Germany_ that have -suffer'd so many Revolutions as _Magdebourg_. This City was put under the -Ban of the Empire in 1553, by _Charles_ V. for refusing Submission to his -Orders, for it was then in open Rebellion, so that the Elector _Maurice_ -of _Saxony_ was sent to reduce it. The Siege lasted a whole Year, the -Elector not being very much in haste to push on the Conquest. As this War -was undertaken purely for the Destruction of the Protestant Religion, -which this City had embraced; the Elector, who was himself a Protestant, -thought by spinning out the Siege to regain the good Opinion of those of -his Religion, who were uneasy to see him support the Interests of the -Emperor and the Catholics. The Elector however made them easy, by -promising the Protestants of _Magdebourg_, that he would join them in the -War against the Emperor, immediately after the Surrender of the Place. -Matters were transacted on both sides with very great sincerity. The Place -surrender'd, and the Elector entered it not as a victorious Prince, but -rather as an Ally who brought Relief to it. He made use of the Garison to -reinforce his Army, and then declar'd War against the Emperor, on pretence -that the Religion and Liberty of _Germany_ were in danger. - -A Change of this nature was so extraordinary, that the Emperor could not -expect it: For this Prince had himself promoted the Elector of _Saxony_ to -the Dignity he possess'd, after having depriv'd the unfortunate _Frederic_ -of his Dominions; and for so considerable a Present he might very well -hope the Elector would have made him grateful Returns. The Emperor -therefore was so far from thinking himself oblig'd to be on his Guard for -fear of Surprise, that he imagin'd himself in a State of perfect Security, -when the Elector of _Saxony_ had like to have surpriz'd him at _Inspruck_ -the Capital of _Tirol_. The Emperor knew nothing of the Plot, till he was -on the point of being made Prisoner; and 'twas with much ado that he -escap'd, for he was at that time ill of the Gout, and oblig'd to leave -both his Equipage and Domestics behind him. He would upon this occasion -have given the Prince _John-Frederic_ his Liberty, but this Prince was -loth to abandon him in this Misfortune, and accompany'd him into -_Carinthia_, twenty-eight Leagues from _Inspruck_, where the Emperor made -his Retreat. - -The City of _Magdebourg_ was a very great Sufferer in the War, which is -commonly call'd, _The War of thirty Years_, because during that Term -_Germany_ was ravag'd on all sides. _Tilly_ the Emperor's General besieg'd -it in 1631, when 'twas taken by Storm, and all the Inhabitants put to the -Sword. A Fire also had a part in its Destruction, and committed such -Ravage that _Magdebourg_, which was one of the finest Cities in _Germany_, -was intirely reduc'd to Ashes. The Burghers indeed had no body but -themselves to blame for their Misfortune, for General _Tilly_ would not -have treated them so severely if they had not refus'd an advantageous -Capitulation, of which he made them an Offer some days before the Storm. - -But since this Town has been in the hands of the _Brandenburg_ Family, the -Electors have taken care to fortify it so well, that it would now be a -hard matter to take it. The late King caus'd a Citadel to be built here, -which is separated from the City by the _Elbe_. The present King has added -considerable Works to it, which are remarkably substantial and -magnificent. His Majesty has also caus'd a very fine Arsenal to be built -in the Great Square, which tho' not very large, is stor'd with a -considerable number of Cannon and other Arms. On the Right hand of this -Square is the Great Church, formerly the Cathedral, a _Gothic_ Building, -where meets the Chapter which is still subsisting, tho' Protestant; and -according to ancient Custom, none are admitted into it but Men of Quality. - -The Situation of _Magdebourg_ is very fine, having an Outlet on all sides -to spacious Plains, that are very fruitful in Corn. The _Elbe_, which, as -I have said, separates the Citadel from the Town, renders its Commerce -also very easy with _Hamburg_, _Saxony_ and _Bohemia_, for which reason -several Merchants are settled here who have noble Houses. And since the -King has transferr'd the Regency of the Country hither from _Hall_, the -Town grows every day finer, so that it may now be reckon'd one of the most -beautiful Towns in the two Circles of _Saxony_. - -From _Magdebourg_ in my Way to _Berlin_ I pass'd thro' BRANDENBURG, which -is a City on the River _Havel_, that was built by M. _Branden_, a Prince -of _Franconia_. 'Twas heretofore a Bishopric, but now the whole Country is -seculariz'd, and makes a part of the _Marquisate_ of _Brandenburg_. Here -is a considerable Trade, and the King keeps a Garison in it, consisting of -a Battalion of the tall Grenadiers. You have so often seen the Regiment of -which this Battalion is a part, that 'tis needless to commend it to you -farther than to observe, that 'tis perhaps the finest Regiment in -_Europe_. - -I did not stay at _Brandenburg_, because I would be the sooner at BERLIN. -On the day that I arrived there I was so tir'd with having walk'd all Day -and Night, that I kept my Bed till the Evening, when I had the Honor to -wait on the Queen, the King having been gone a few days before to -_Potzdam_, Her Majesty kept her Chamber, and had not been out of it since -her last Lying-in, when she was deliver'd of the Princess -_Charlotta-Albertina_, who died the Year following on the 10th of _June_. -I was so coldly receiv'd by her Majesty, that I had no reason to hope for -favor at Court, or at least with her Majesty. But the Margravines receiv'd -me with all the Civility possible. The Margravine-Dowager especially -assur'd me that she would continue that Protection with which she had -always honor'd me. - -As to the City of _Berlin_, it had not yet dry'd up its Tears for the Loss -it had lately sustain'd, by the Death of _Frederic_. 'Tis true the King -his Son gave great hopes, but the thorough Change he had made in his -Court, caus'd the late King to be lamented. The new Monarch thought of -nothing but keeping up a numerous Army, and that he might do this without -laying a Burden upon his Subjects, he dismiss'd all his Court, and the -intire Houshold of the King his Father, so that there was nobody at Court -but the Ministers. Most of the Persons of Quality who lived heretofore at -_Berlin_, were retir'd either to their Estates or their Governments, which -made the City a most melancholy Place to stay in, and all these -Alterations convinc'd me that there was nothing for me to expect in this -Country. I therefore resolv'd to settle all my Domestic Affairs with the -utmost speed, designing to return forthwith to _Paris_. Before I went -thither, I made a Trip to _Zell_, in order to examine the Accompts of a -Person I had deputed as my Attorney to receive the Deeds of my Mother's -Estate. But to my sorrow, my Mother had by her Will devis'd the greatest -part of her Estate to the Children she had by her former Husband, so that -what I could lay claim to was far short of what I promis'd my self. - -From _Zell_ I went to HAMBOURG[44], purely to see that City. I had -travel'd thither once before, but was then so young that I was not in a -Capacity to take notice of any thing in this City worthy of Remark. -_Hambourg_, which is one of the best Towns in _Germany_, is a part of -Lower _Saxony_, being situate upon the _Elbe_ a few Leagues from the Mouth -of that River, which is a great Conveniency to its Trade. Before it was -erected into a Republic 'twas a part of _Holstein_, on the Territory of -which it was built; and therefore it had frequent Quarrels with the Dukes -of _Holstein_, and the Kings of _Denmark_, who are the Sovereigns of -_Holstein_. The latter, as well as the _Swedes_, have attempted several -times to make themselves Masters of _Hambourg_, but have been repuls'd as -often as they came before it: For this City is not easy to be reduc'd, -because it has noble Ramparts and very strong Out-works, and it also takes -care to be well provided with Artillery, and a good Garrison. Moreover, -'tis always sure of the Protection of the Families of _Brandenburg_ and -_Brunswic_, it being so advantagiously situated, that 'tis the Interest of -both, that no Power whatsoever should take it. - -_Hambourg_ is also very considerable on account of the Wealth of its -Inhabitants, who are almost all Merchants, and much of the Temper of the -_Dutch_ Merchants, very greedy of Gain and thrifty. Their greatest Delight -is so have Gardens at the City-Gates, pretty much in the Taste of those of -_Holland_. The Wives of the great Merchants are as much confin'd at -_Hambourg_, as the Women of Quality are at _Venice_, but I observ'd they -were only pent up from Foreigners. A Man may pass his time very well in -this City, where there are several Persons of Quality to see, who make -their Visitors perfectly welcome. The Walks in and about this City are -charming, and especially that on the Ramparts is a noble one, there being -a double Row of Trees which forms an agreeable Covert, and from whence -there's a Prospect finely diversify'd by noble Houses, Gardens, Woods, -Meadows, _&c._ in the midst of which one sees the Rivers _Elbe_ and -_Alster_, which both together yield a charming View. The River of _Alster_ -comes into the Town and forms a Basin very like a great Pond, which has a -fine Kay on the sides of it planted with several Rows of Lime-Trees, -between which there's a very fine Walk. - -Near _Hambourg_ lies the Town of ALTENA[45]. The King of _Denmark_ gave it -this Name to banter the Deputies of _Hambourg_ who made Remonstrances to -him against his building this Town too near to theirs, and in their -Discourse to the King about the Town said several times, _Sie ist al te -na_, which in the Language of the Country signifies, _it is too near_. The -King taking particular Notice of the Monosyllables _al te na_, said to the -Deputies that he could not excuse himself from carrying on the Town which -he was building, and that all he could do to oblige them was to order it -to be call'd by the Name of _Altena_, which they themselves had given it. -And indeed, a more significant Name could not have been put upon this -Town, for 'tis situate just at the Gates of _Hambourg_, and is a part of -_Danish Holstein_. It was formerly a priviledg'd Place for Bankrupts, and -for all that had committed any Crime in _Hambourg_. But the present King -of _Denmark_, rather than this Town should continue any longer in the -Enjoyment of a Privilege which fill'd it with Knaves and Vagabonds, -delivers up Malefactors to the Magistrates of _Hambourg_ whenever they -reclaim them. - -_Altena_ is remarkable for the Multiplicity of Religions which are there -publickly exercis'd. I believe, that excepting _Amsterdam_, there is not a -Town in _Europe_ where there are so many Sects; but few of 'em are allow'd -a Church. The Neighbourhood of this Town to _Hambourg_, and its Situation -moreover upon the _Elbe_, does great Prejudice to that City. 'Tis now -several years since _Altena_ was burnt by the _Swedes_, under the Command -of the Count _de Steinbock_; when they scarce allow'd Time to the -Inhabitants to make their Escape; so that they had the Grief to be -Eye-Witnesses of the burning of their Houses and Goods, and several Old -Men, and a number of Infants perish'd in the Flames. I found _Altena_ in -that sorrowful State when I first went thither; but upon a Review of it -since, I see that 'tis rebuilt in such a manner, that 'tis now a finer and -more flourishing Town than ever. After four or five days Stay at -_Hambourg_ I set out, and never did any body go off at a more proper Time; -for in a few days after it, the Plague discover'd it self in the City; -upon which it was shut up, and its Communication forbid with any other -Place. - -I return'd thro' _Zell_, where I made no manner of stay, to -AIX-LA-CHAPELLE[46], an Imperial City, on the Confines of the Duchies of -_Juliers_ and _Limbourg_. 'Tis encompass'd with Mountains, which form so -pleasant a Vale, that _Charlemain_ chose rather to reside at -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, than in either of the many beautiful Cities which he -conquer'd. This Emperor caus'd a Collegiate Church to be built here, in -which his Tomb is still to be seen; and the Memory of that Prince is to -this day held in great Veneration. On the Festival of St. _Charles_, -there's a solemn Procession here, in which the Effigies of that Monarch is -carried with an Equipage which excites Laughter rather than Devotion. The -Preacher's Pulpit in this same Collegiate Church is inrich'd with Plates -of Gold; and they say that the Branch which hangs down before the High -Altar is of the same Metal. 'Tis in this Church that many Emperors have -been consecrated; and several of the Imperial Ornaments are still kept -there. The Emperor is born Canon of the Church of _Aix_, and takes the -Oath as such on the Day of his Coronation. - -Certain Reliques are preserv'd at _Aix-la-Chapelle_, which are shew'd but -once in seven years; and then they are expos'd to View from the top of a -Tower in the City, during which the People gaze at them on their Knees, in -the Squares and Streets leading to the said Tower. This Ceremony was -perform'd when I was at _Aix_ in 1713, at which time there was a Concourse -to it of an incredible number of Pilgrims from _Hungary_, _Tirol_, and all -the Provinces of _Germany_. Persons of superior Rank are allow'd the -Liberty of going up to the top of the Tower where those Reliques are -expos'd, and may look near to them, but must by no means touch them. Of -all that I saw, I only remember a Smock, which they affirm was the -Virgin's: There were some spots on it, which they said were the Stains of -the Milk with which she suckled the Savior of the World. This Shift seem'd -to be quite seamless, and made of a sort of Stuff which I know not how to -describe to you, for it was neither of Linnen nor Callico. - -The City of _Aix_ is very famous for its hot Baths, and for the Waters -that are taken there twice a year, _viz._ in _Spring_ and _Autumn_; at -which two Seasons there's a great Resort hither of Foreigners. The Waters -are hot, and of a very unpleasant Taste, and they smell like a rotten Egg; -for which reason People are loth to take them when they first come; but -after they are us'd to it, they go down very well. The Baths especially -are wonderfully good against the Contraction of the Sinews and against -Wounds. Nor is there a Place where the Waters are us'd with more -Conveniency, there being plenty of every thing that one wou'd wish for, -and especially good Company; for _Brabant_, _Liege_, _France_, _Holland_ -and _Germany_, lie so near to it, that there's always a great many People -here, and very good Diversion. - -I set out from _Aix_ for PARIS, by the way of _Maestricht_ and _Louvain_; -but as I travell'd Post thro' these Towns, I shall reserve the Description -of them to you, till such time as I make a longer stay in them. On my -Arrival at _Paris_ I was deeper in Love than ever. I was receiv'd by my -dear Mistress with such Tokens of Love, as gave me all the reason in the -world to think, that I was the happiest Man living: And in reality I was -so, because at that time I knew of no other Happiness than to be in her -good Graces; yet my natural Levity made me soon think otherwise. I saw the -Marchioness _de P----_; and I will frankly own to you, that all the -Veneration I had for _S----_ abated. I thought then there was nothing to -compare with the new Object of my Passion. _S----_ quickly perceiv'd my -Inconstancy, and reproach'd me for it; but they were Reproaches unmix'd -with Gall, and such as nothing but Love can inspire. The consequence was, -that my Passion for her reviv'd; and upon this occasion I was made -sensible, that a Flame not well extinguish'd is always apt to burst out -again; and that there needs no great Compulsion to renew the Passion of -Love. The Sentiments of the Man of Honor being join'd to those of the -Lover, I ask'd my own Conscience what _S----_ had ever done to disgust me. -And in fine, I gave Judgment against my self, that I could not without -Ingratitude forsake so amiable a Mistress. I took care, therefore, to -absent my self by degrees from the Marchioness _de P----_; and found it no -very hard matter to stifle a Passion, which, to speak plainly, was but a -sudden Flash. - -While I staid at the Court of _France_, I saw the Ceremony of the double -Marriage of the Duke of _Bourbon_ and the Prince of _Conti_, who married -each other's Sister. The Duke married _Mary-Anne_ of _Bourbon-Conti_, -Sister to the Prince of _Conti_, who married _Louisa-Elizabeth_ of -_Bourbon-Condé_, the Duke's Sister. - -These Marriages made no addition to the Pleasures of the Court, and every -thing remained very quiet, till News came of the Advantages which the -Marshal _de Villars_ had gain'd over the Allies. This Campaign was both -glorious and advantageous to the Marshal; and every body talk'd of the -immense Sums of Money which he had put into his Pocket. His Conduct was -narrowly pry'd into, and his Enemies charg'd that to him as a Crime, for -which, perhaps, they would have commended any other General. They said -that he brought with him several Waggons laden with Bandoliers for -Safeguards; and that he got so much Money by this means, that at his -Return he laid out 1,800,000 Livres in a Purchase. Nay, they had the -Assurance to speak of it to the King, who said to the Marshal one day at -Dinner, _That he heard he had bought a fine Estate. 'Tis true, Sir_, -reply'd the Marshal, _I have just purchas'd a very pretty Estate_; _and if -I have the Honor to command your Army next year, I hope to buy a more -considerable one and make your Enemies pay for it_. This Answer quite -broke the Measures of those who had endeavour'd to do the Marshal ill -Offices. He knew very well that he had Enemies, but it gave him little -Concern; for he was in high Favor, and he deserv'd it. They say that when -he set out to make the Campaign in 1713, he said to the King at taking -leave of him, _I desire your Majesty to remember, that while I am going -to fight your Enemies, I leave your Majesty in the midst of mine._ He -acquitted himself very bravely; and at length, by the Reduction of -_Landau_ and _Fribourg_, he procur'd that Peace, by which the Electors of -_Cologne_ and _Bavaria_ were restor'd to their Dominions. - -After I had been some Months at _Paris_ I receiv'd Letters from _Berlin_, -with Advice, that the King had Thoughts of forming his Houshold; and that -I could not do better than to go and offer him my Service. I was not long -in demurring upon what Course to take. I had always been bred up in -Sentiments which convinc'd me, that to serve one's Sovereign was -preferable to any other Service; and besides, I always found my self -naturally attach'd to the Family of our Kings. I therefore resolv'd to -leave _Paris_ once more. You know my Humor so well, _Madame_, that you -cannot think but it was with some Reluctance that I form'd a Resolution of -this nature; and I will frankly own to you, that I was heartily grieved to -leave a Place where I had my fill of Pleasures, which I knew I could not -have a Taste of elsewhere: but at length I gave Attention only to my Duty; -and tho' the Tears which I saw shed for my sake melted my Heart, yet they -were not powerful enough to make me alter my Design. - -From _Paris_ to _Wesel_, I went the same Road that I came; and from -_Wesel_ I proceeded to HANOVER, where I fell sick. My Design was to be -_incog._ but the ill State of my Health oblig'd me to have recourse to a -Physician; nay, I thought one while, that all the Remedies in the World -would do me no good; and that 'twas high Time for me to prepare in good -earnest for my last long Journey. My Kinswoman Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ -was soon inform'd of my Arrival; and as soon acquainted the Electoress of -it, who was so gracious as to send to know how I did; and this she -repeated twice every day as long as I was ill. This Princess always had a -Kindness for me, which I shall for ever acknowledge. I was told, that -during my Illness, _F----_ thinking to divert the Company at my Expence, -said at the Elector's Table, _That my Distemper was not mortal; that I had -caught it in +France+; and that there were Surgeons at +Hanover+ who had -Skill enough to set me to rights._ The Electoress was very angry with him, -and said, _Sir, your Banter is absurd; if he had the Distemper that you -say, he would have staid in +France+ for the Cure, since he is not -ignorant, that the People of this Country go thither for the same Purpose; -and he has too much Sense not to follow their Example_. - -As soon as I was able to get abroad, I did not fail to wait on the -Electoress with my most humble Thanks. That Princess gave me a much better -Reception than I durst presume to have expected. The Kindness which she -show'd to me, induc'd Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ and Madame _de K----_ to -think, that I might easily obtain Admission into her Service if I would -but ask her; and accordingly those Ladies prevail'd on me to take that -Step, tho' I very much question'd my Success; and I found by Experience -that my Suspicion was but too well grounded. I made my Application to the -Princess by Letter; in which, perhaps, I acted indiscreetly, because I -thereby gave her Leisure to take the Opinion of other People. Accordingly -she did so; and to my misfortune applied to Madame _de B----_ who could -not endure me; because, as I heard afterwards, _Madame_ of _France_ had -acquainted the Electoress, that I told her the Electoral Prince had a -particular Respect for her Ladyship. This was enough to exasperate a -Person against me, who made outward Profession of the most rigid Virtue; -and when the Electoress consulted her about me, she was transported to -think what an infallible Opportunity she had to be reveng'd. She artfully -insinuated to the Electoress, that she ought not to admit me into her -Service, and did not want Reasons to back her Insinuations; the Desire of -Revenge being what always supplies specious Arguments in abundance to hurt -an Enemy. The Electoress so well approv'd of those she made use of to -exclude me from her Service, that she order'd M. _de P----_ to tell me, -_That she was very much oblig'd to me for the Attachment which I -manifested for her Person; but that she could not imagine, that after I -had serv'd a King, I should like to wait upon so old a Princess as she -was: That 'twould be more suitable for me to be in the Service of her Son; -and that she should take a Pleasure to help me to it: But that as for her -self she must stay till she was Queen of +England+ before she could admit -me into her Service; because, if that should happen, she should then be in -a better Capacity to make my Fortune_. You perceive, _Madame_, this was a -Refusal that I could not well complain of, 'twas so season'd with -everything to take off the Bitterness of it. For my part, I own to you -that I felt none. As I had only taken this Step in pure Complaisance to -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, she was stung to the quick at this Denial; -not so much for my sake (I knew very well what the matter was) but for her -own; whose Vanity was very much mortify'd by it; for she thought her self -in Favor, and saw 'twas a Favor without any Credit: And her Resentment -proceeded so far, that she hinder'd me from taking Leave of the -Electoress, who in a few days after set out for _Gohr_ with the Prince her -Son. For my part I also set out from _Hanover_ for BERLIN. - -When I came thither I found the King's Houshold Officers already -nominated, yet this did not hinder me from asking his Majesty for -Employment. The Person who spoke for me was M. _de Printz_ the Grand -Marshal, who brought me News of a Refusal of a very different sort from -what I found at _Hanover_. In the latter, I had no reason to complain of -the Electoress, who with all the Politeness possible refus'd me a Favor, -which when all is said and done, I should not have valued, if I had not -ask'd for it. But now I had a very cruel Repulse, by being deny'd the only -thing for which I had undertaken the Journey to _Berlin_. The Behaviour of -the Court to me in this Instance concern'd me not a little. I had never -done any thing to seclude me from an Establishment in my own Country. My -Ancestors had serv'd in it, and bore such a distinguish'd Rank in it too, -that I might very well think some Notice would have been taken of me. -Moreover, I had the Honour of being Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -late King, but now had the Mortification of seeing Persons prefer'd before -me who had never been seen at Court, and such too for most part as are of -very obscure Birth. Finding therefore I had no hopes of succeeding at -Court, I saw that I must go seek my Fortune elsewhere, and I thought of -entring into the Service of the King of _Poland_. There was not a fitter -Man upon earth to serve me with that Prince than his Prime Minister the -Count _de Flemming_, who happen'd to be then at _Berlin_ upon his Master's -Affairs. I got my Friends to speak to the Count, and attended him -constantly. That Minister seem'd inclinable to serve me, and promis'd to -speak for me to the King his Master. - -He set out for WARSAW the latter end of _November_, and thither I follow'd -him; upon which he introduc'd me to the King, and to all the -Court-Nobility. I cou'd not have set out better than I did at the Court of -_Poland_. I was patronis'd by the Man who mov'd in the highest Sphere -there, next to the King himself; and for that Reason every body strove to -shew me Respect. The Count _de Flemming_ seem'd to be pleas'd at the -Regard that was paid to me; at least, I was so short-sighted as not to -perceive that it was to him a matter of very great Indifference. I was -excusable in not suspecting him of double dealing with me; for hitherto I -had no other Reason but to applaud his Generosity, and that Good-will -which he had express'd to do me Service. Endeavors were not wanting to -undeceive me, and I soon after saw with my own Eyes, that the fair -Promises he made to me were nothing more nor less, than what they call -_Court-Holy-Water_. - -Not long after my Arrival at _Warsaw_, the King of _Poland_ set out for -_Germany_. I thought my self bound in Interest to wait for his Return, in -order to treat about my Affairs; and I spent this time at _Warsaw_ in the -most agreeable manner that could be. I was soon known by all the _Polish_ -Nobility, who were as civil to me as could be imagin'd. Every thing I -beheld made me fancy I was at _Paris_, there being every where the same -Politeness, and a certain easy Deportment which the _French_ think none -are Masters of but themselves. The _Polish_ Ladies are very amiable, -witty, and have a good deal of Sprightliness. With these Qualities, one -would naturally imagine they are not indifferent to Pleasures; and I -observ'd that they have a delicate and very exquisite Taste for every -thing that passes under the Name of Diversions. They are passionately fond -of Music, and still more of Plays. And at _Warsaw_ they have as much of -both as they desire; for the King, who is a Prince as gallant as he is -magnificent, takes care that every thing be done at Court, in a manner -worthy of a great Prince. He maintains a Set of _French_ Comedians there; -and moreover, frequently gives Balls and Concerts. These Diversions are -generally attended with noble Feasts that the King makes for the Ladies of -his Court; at which times, that Prince is always admir'd for his good -Mien, and for that Gracefulness which sets off all his Actions. - -The _Polish_ Lords are not near so gay as the Ladies; or, at least, they -don't come up to them for Elegance and Contrivance. Their Domestics and -Equipage are generally slovenly; their Tables are indeed serv'd with -Profusion, but without Delicacy, which I take to be intirely owing to the -want of good Officers or skilful Cooks; for in other respects, _Poland_ is -a Country, where there is as good Cheer as any in the World. Their -Butcher's Meat is delicious, and they have plenty of good Fish. Wine is -not the Produce of the Country, but the want of it is not perceiv'd at -the Tables of the _Polish_ Nobility, where the Wine of _Hungary_, tho' -very dear, is drank as common as Water. I observed one thing at the -Generality of their Tables, that does not tally with the Grandeur which -they pretend to, _viz._ That the Master of the House and his intimate -Friends drink the best Wine, while the other Guests that are invited, are -oblig'd to put up with the common sort. Tis to be observ'd, that tho' -_Poland_ abounds with all Necessaries for Life, yet 'tis a Country very -inconvenient for Travellers, especially those who are not in a Capacity to -carry every thing along with them. I have not seen a Place where there is -so little Accommodation at the Public-Houses, there being hardly a Chair -in them to sit down upon. Therefore the Travellers of any Fashion take -care to carry all Necessaries with them. The Duke of _York_, Bishop of -_Osnabruck_, said a very pertinent thing upon this occasion, _viz._ _That -he did not know a Country where Travellers were more at home than in -+Poland+, because they were always making use of their own Furniture_. - -I heard that the King was shortly to go for _Dresden_, and therefore I set -out thither immediately with the Count _de Hoim_, a Minister of State to -his _Polish_ Majesty. In my Way to _Dresden_ I saw no Place of Note but -_Breslau_ and _Leipsic_. BRESLAU, the Capital of _Silesia_, is a pretty -large and very beautiful City, which in the Winter-Season is inhabited by -a great Number of Nobility. The Count _de Flemming_ stopping there a -couple of days, I halted there too. I saw very good Company here, -especially at the Houses of the Count _de Maltzam_, and the Princess of -_Teschen_, who was formerly the Princess _Lubomirski_. This Lady made a -grand Figure, gave People a hearty Reception, and treated with -Magnificence. I could have wish'd to have staid at _Breslau_ a few days -longer; but as the Count _de Flemming_, by whose Patronage I hop'd still -to get some Establishment at Court, was going to the King in _Saxony_, I -went with him to the Fair at _Leipsic_, where the King and Queen were -already arriv'd. As the King had been absent a good while, the Princes of -the Blood, and a great number of Persons of Quality, came hither to pay -their Respects to him; and after the Fair was ended, his Majesty return'd -to _Dresden_, where he had not been long arriv'd, but he married the Count -_de Saxony_ (his natural Son by the Countess of _Koningsmarck_) to -Mademoiselle _de Loven_, who was a young Gentlewoman of a good Family, and -one of the richest in _Silesia_. The Ceremony of this Marriage was -perform'd in presence of the whole Court; and for several days the King -gave Feasts answerable to his good Fancy and Magnificence. His Majesty is -very fond of this Count of _Saxony_, who is one of the most amiable -Gentlemen that I have seen; and besides, he very much resembles the King -of _Poland_, which, to be sure, makes that Monarch the more in love with -him. - -DRESDEN[47] was then the Centre of the Pleasures of _Germany_, and the -Plays, _&c._ exhibited here, made me almost think I was at _Paris_. I will -not trouble you with all the Particulars of the several splendid -Entertainments that were made in the Carnival Time, there having been -enough written on that Subject already by other Pens. I shall have the -Honor, therefore, to say nothing more of it to you, than that every -Spectator was more charm'd with the King's affable Behavior, than they -were with the Beauty of the Representations, and the Splendor of the -Feasts. - -I should, no doubt, have had a better Relish for all these Pleasures, if I -could have lik'd the Situation of my Affairs. I had all along conceiv'd -Hopes of entring into the Service of _Poland_, and plac'd a very great -Dependance on the Promises made by the Count _de Flemming_; but when I -came to _Dresden_, I found the Face of Affairs quite chang'd. I put him in -remembrance of his Promise; but he answer'd me in such a droll manner, as -convinc'd me that I ought not to expect any great Matter from him. -However, that I might have nothing to reproach my self with, I still -continu'd to give him Marks of a very great Attachment to his Person. Yet -I met with several Rebuffs, which did not discourage me; and which I had -the more Reason to bear with Patience, because I knew that he treated his -most trusty Confidents in the same manner. At last, not caring, perhaps, -to do any thing of himself, he sent me to M. _de Lowendahl_ the Grand -Marshal, and the latter referr'd me to M. _de Fitzthum_ the King's -Favorite. I was charm'd with this Gentleman's Politeness and good Manners; -and I don't think there ever was a Favorite more obliging, and that took -less upon him. Far from amusing me, he convinc'd me of the Impossibility -there was of my obtaining any Place at Court, unless the King thro' his -special Grace should be inclin'd to prefer me; which could not be done -neither, without disobliging several of the _Polish_ Noblemen, who -likewise sollicited Places at Court, and seem'd to have a sort of Right to -them by virtue of their Birth. I did not yet quite despair of Success; -and as this was a Favor that could only be granted by means of the Count -_de Flemming_, I had recourse again to that Minister; but I was never the -nearer. To be sure I took a wrong time to speak to him about my Business, -when perhaps he had other Affairs of greater Consequence that might -ingross his Thoughts. In a word, he rebuff'd me to such a degree, as was -sufficient to make me quite renounce my Pretensions. I took leave of the -King and Queen, and prepar'd to go for _Berlin_. - -But before I set out, an Adventure happen'd, which, together with my -Vexation that I had not succeeded in my Designs, made me hate to stay any -longer at _Dresden_, as much as I was in love with the Place when first I -came to it. At _Leipsic_ Fair I had drawn a Bill of 300 Crowns, payable to -the Bearer. The Person for whom I drew the Bill had given a Commission to -a Merchant at _Dresden_ to receive that Sum. The Bill did not come to the -Merchant's Hands, till the very Day of my Departure; and as the Term was -expir'd, he sent to my Quarters for the Money. I was not at home that -Minute; and the Man hearing that I was to set out the same Day, made use -of a Custom introduc'd and constantly observ'd in _Saxony_; which is, to -arrest the Person that fails to answer a Bill of Exchange upon the Day -appointed; so that just as I was going into my Chaise I was made a -Prisoner. It happen'd to be about ten o'clock at Night. By Misfortune I -had lost a great deal at Play this Carnival; and not having so much Money -by me, I had recourse to the Count _de Flemming_; who lent it to me. This -was the only time that I can be sure that Nobleman did me any Service. I -repaid him soon after my Arrival at _Berlin_. - -Without making a long stay at _Berlin_, I went and pass'd a few days at an -Estate which I have, two Leagues out of that City; but the Uneasiness that -haunted me every where, made me resolve to return to _France_, having -still in View the getting some Establishment at _Berlin_ or elsewhere. -While I was preparing every thing for my Journey, I had the Misfortune to -break my Left Leg by a Fall from my Horse. This Accident, after the -various Disgraces and Disappointments I had already suffer'd, Does it not, -_Madame_, give you the Idea of another _Orestes_, pursu'd by Destiny from -one Country to another? I could expect nothing more after this, than to -fall into the Hands of some Quack of a Bone-setter, who, after putting me -to Torture, would, perhaps, leave me a Cripple for all the rest of my -Life. To tell you the plain Truth, I had some Apprehension of it; for a -Man of my Kidney could not but be afraid of every thing in such a Case. -However, whether it was owing to Hap-hazard, or to the Skill of the -Surgeon, after suffering very great Torment, I was perfectly cur'd; and in -such a manner, that I never felt any thing of it afterward. The ninth Day -after my Fall I went to _Berlin_. As my Indisposition was such, that I -could travel neither in a Chaise nor Coach, I hir'd Porters to carry me; -so that my Entry was more than ordinary comic. This new Equipage surpriz'd -all that saw it, the Children especially, who not being us'd to see such -Carriages, follow'd me from the Out-parts of the City to my Lodgings; and -as the Numbers swell'd by the Way, the Train consisted of at least 200 -Followers, by that time I came home. I was very sensible, at my Arrival, -that I had done wrong to be carried abroad so soon; for a Fever took me, -and not long after an Imposthume gather'd, that bred the Distemper which -they call in _France_ the _King's Evil_. A fresh Reason this for my -Complaint of the Severity of my Destiny; for in reality I suffer'd such -Pains for above twenty Days, as are impossible for me to express. - -As soon as I was in a Condition to go abroad, I waited on the Queen, who -had just receiv'd Tydings, that the Elector of _Hanover_, her Father, was -then call'd over by the _English_ to succeed the deceas'd Queen _Anne_. No -doubt, _Madame_, you remember the Joy there was at Court upon this News. -The King made an Offer to the new Monarch of any Assistance that he might -have occasion for, to support him on the Throne. Some days after the -Arrival of this great News, I took leave of the Queen, and set out for -HAMBOURG. - -I was very well receiv'd in this City by _L----_, who was at that time -Envoy from _Prussia_ to the Circle of Lower _Saxony_. I knew him at a time -when Fortune, as it were, frown'd upon him; but now it might be said, that -she had loaded him with her Favors. He was glad to see me, and that he had -an Opportunity of shewing me in what Grandure he liv'd. Since he had -married a Woman, who was, indeed, very old, but very rich, he had been so -wise as to make an Acquaintance with such as were capable of serving him; -and whether 'twas owing to Money, or to mere Favor, he was quickly made a -Minister of State; and in a little time after receiv'd the Key as one of -the King's Chamberlains. I was very well pleas'd to see him in so -splendid a Situation; but could not help taking pity on him for being -yok'd to a Wife so disagreeable. She was a Person, who with the Obstinacy -and Ill-nature of Old Age, had all the Mettle of Youth, besides her being -a perfect Original both in her Apparel, and in the Furniture of her House. -Her Husband could never prevail upon her to dress as became a Person of -her Rank, nor to alter any thing in her Furniture, tho' ever so unpolite. -I had the Pleasure one day that I was invited thither to Supper, of -examining the Inside of the House at my Leisure. The Apartment where we -supp'd was furnish'd in a very whimsical Manner. The first Room was lin'd -with black Leather gilt, and round it were plac'd Chairs of green Taffety, -adorn'd with Furbelows of a Rose Color. The second Chamber was hung with -green Tapestry. The Chairs were of black Velvet, lac'd with Gold, and the -Room was full of Crystal Sconces. At one End of it there was an Alcove -hung with white Leather gilded, and in the Middle of the Alcove there was -a Bed of a very extraordinary Fashion, which had no Curtains, but had four -Pillars to support the Tester, and a Wooden Cornish at the top gilded; and -the Whole was cover'd with Mother of Pearl and Tortoise-shell. The Bed had -a Counterpane on it of black Velvet and Gold-Lace. In the four Corners of -the Alcove were four Statues of white Marble, each holding a Wax-Candle. -There were other Wax-Candles upon gilded Sconces, and a very fine Branch. -The Whole, I assure you, look'd much more like a Room for lying in State, -than a Chamber for Entertainment. We sat down, however, to Table; but this -amiable Lady refus'd to be of the Company, and chose to stay behind a -Door, which was in the Alcove, from whence she resolv'd to be a -Spectatress of the Entertainment through the Chinks. - -We were all heartily at Supper, and in very little pain for the Absence of -our Landlady, when on a sudden there came from the Alcove a very ugly -Figure, dress'd all in white. I was the first that perceiv'd it; and -really, if I had given ever so little Credit to the haunting of Houses by -Spirits, I should have thought I then saw one. The Whole perfectly -resembled that Scene of the Knight in the _Festin de Pierre_, excepting -nevertheless that we were not honor'd with the least Obeisance. I heard -swearing and scolding at the Domestics, which made me suspect that it -might be the Mistress of the House. Nor was I mistaken, we were obliged -for this Apparition to a Wax-Candle that drop'd upon a Velvet Chair, which -she perceiv'd from the Place where she was conceal'd, and stay'd some -time, thinking that one or other of the Domestics would have remedied this -Evil; but at last seeing that no body minded it, she resolv'd to come out -her self to the Relief of the Chair. This Apparition was the Cause of a -great Hurly-burly; the Lackeys excus'd themselves, because they were -employ'd in waiting; and there were long and warm Disputes on both sides, -betwixt the Mistress and the Servants, during which, the Guests, who rose -in Respect to the Lady, were all the while standing. The Husband -endeavor'd to pacify his dear Spouse, and made her sensible of the -Situation in which she kept us; upon which, without making the least -Compliment, she sate down at the Table, and I thought the Rage of the -Storm was over; but far from it, she was no sooner seated than she began -again to rave with more Fury than before. A Lackey, to whom, it seems, -all this Bawling was more distasteful than it was to us, thought fit to -tell her very bluntly, _That she made a great Noise for nothing_. Then the -Lady was quite outragious, and went to give the Lackey a Blow with all the -Weight of her Arm; but the Droll cunningly parry'd it, by receiving the -Stroke upon a Plate he had in his Hand; which, as he manag'd it, serv'd -him for a Shield. The Gentlewoman gave herself such a terrible Blow, that -for one while she could not speak; and when she came to her self, she made -a worse Racket than before. At length, the Lackey was turn'd out of the -Room; and at that very instant, luckily for us, the Pain which the Lady -felt for the Blow, increas'd to such a degree, that she was forc'd to -retire. She was no sooner gone but we all burst out in a Laugh. The -Husband himself was ready to split his Sides, and desir'd the Company to -be under no manner of Restraint, but to talk as gayly of this Adventure as -we pleas'd. Indeed we were heartily merry at the Expence of the Old Lady; -but yet we were the greatest Losers by it in the end; for while we thought -her a good way out of Hearing, she thought fit to stay at the Door to -listen to what we said, which not being to her liking, she took an -immediate Revenge, for she deprived us of the Dessert, and the poor -Husband had not Interest enough to get another. - -I was so gorg'd at this charming Repast, that for fear of a second -Invitation I set out next Day for HANOVER, where I arriv'd the very Day -before the new King set out for _England_. The Electoress, his Mother, to -whom the Crown first belong'd of Right, died suddenly, as she was walking -in _Herrenhausen_ Garden, not long before Queen _Anne_ died. The Elector -her Son was recogniz'd King by the _English_, as the next Protestant Heir; -for if the Catholics could have had any Right to the Crown, this Elector -would have been but the 23d or 24th in the direct Line. The Nobleman who -acquainted the Elector of his Advancement to the Crown was my Lord -_Clarendon_, Envoy from the Queen of _England_ at the Court of _Hanover_. -Perhaps it was with some Regret that he executed this Commission, being -related to the _Stuart_ Family; and as it was generally thought, not very -much inclin'd to the Family which now governs _England_. Be this as it -will, he discharg'd the Commission with a good Grace. My Lord receiv'd the -News that the _English_ had proclaim'd the Elector for their King, one -Evening as he had been at Supper with that Prince at a House called _The -Whim_, belonging to Madame _de K----_, now my Lady _L----_. As his -Lordship came home he found a Courier just arriv'd with the Privy -Council's Orders to him, to recognize the Elector for King of _England_. -He immediately got into his Coach, and went to _Herrenhausen_, where he -found the Elector a-bed. His Lordship thinking 'twas worth while to awake -the Elector, for the sake of telling him the News that so great a Diadem -was fallen to him, enter'd his Bed-Chamber, and kneeling on the Floor, was -the first that recogniz'd the Elector for King. This Prince immediately -summon'd his Council. Many People were pleas'd to say, that the Elector -hesitated for a good while, whether or no he should accept of the August -Dignity that was offer'd to him; but for my part, I fancy, that the Voyage -to _England_ was more the Subject of the Council's Deliberation, than the -Question, whether its Crown should be accepted. - -After the Council was over, the new King was complimented upon his -Accession to the Throne; and that very Instant he gave Orders to get every -thing ready for his Departure, which was fix'd for the 11th of -_September_. The Time between the Elector's assuming the Royal Stile and -his Departure, was spent in sending and receiving Couriers to and from the -principal Courts of _Europe_. All the Nobility and Gentry, Subjects to the -new Monarch, flock'd from all Parts to see him before he went away. This -Prince was so well belov'd, that his Subjects were very sorry that he was -going to leave them; but for his part, tho' his People were not a little -dear to him, he preserv'd that Tranquillity of Mind, and that Discretion, -which govern'd all his Actions; and he seem'd no more concerned at parting -with them, than he was elated with his new Dignity: but it was otherwise -with the Prince his Son, who was so impress'd with the Fortune added to -his Family, that I heard him say to an _English_ Gentleman, the Day before -he went, _That he had not one Drop of Blood in his Veins but what was -+English+, and at the Service of his new Subjects_. - -On the 11th of _September_, early in the Morning, the King and the Prince -of _Wales_ set out from _Herrenhausen_, amidst the Acclamations of the -Court and the People, with which the Road was lin'd. They wish'd his -Majesty all manner of Happiness, and accompanied him with their good -wishes a good distance from _Herrenhausen_, before they took Leave of his -Majesty. The last Farewels were attended with so many Tears, that the King -could not help being a little mov'd; and he assur'd them, _That it should -not be long before he would make a Tour to_ Hanover. - -The King's Retinue was not very numerous; for he only took with him such -Persons as were absolutely necessary for his Service; and of these too, he -sent some back, when he went on board the Yatcht that came for him to -_Holland_, to carry him over to _England_. The Princess of _Wales_ -follow'd the King some time after, with the Princesses her Daughters; but -Prince _Frederic_ her Son remain'd at _Hanover_ for his Education. - -When the King came to _London_, he found Subjects as much attach'd to his -Person, as those he had left at _Hanover_; and not long after his Arrival -he was, according to Custom, crown'd at _Westminster_. There was so great -a Concourse of People at the Ceremony, that it seem'd as if all the Nation -had flock'd thither to receive their new Sovereign. I was told there was -only one Person, and that was a Woman, who refus'd to own him for King; -and that this happen'd upon the very Day of the Coronation, when a -Champion, arm'd from Head to Foot, entring into the Banquetting-Hall, and -according to Custom challenging any Person whatsoever, who did not -acknowledge the Elector of _Hanover_ as lawful King of _England_, that -Lady threw down her Glove, and with a very ill-tim'd Effrontery made -Answer aloud, _That +James+ the Third was the only lawful Heir of the -Crown, and that the Elector of +Hanover+was an Usurper_. - -Not many days after the King of _England_'s Departure, I set out from -_Hanover_ for _Aix-la-Chapelle_, where I made use of the Baths, as my -Physicians had order'd me, to strengthen my Leg. From _Aix_ I proceeded -in the _Paris_ Road to MASTRICHT[48], which is a strong Place belonging to -_Dutch Brabant_, tho' situate in the middle of the Country of _Liege_, on -which it was for a long time dependent. It was also subject to the -_Spaniards_ till 1633, when it was taken by the _Dutch_, who were -acknowledg'd lawful Possessors thereof by the Peace of _Munster_, and were -thereupon at great Expence to fortify it, so that it was reckon'd one of -the strongest Places in _Europe_, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in 1673, in 13 -Days time. The King himself then commanded his Army; and he had with him -MONSIEUR his Brother. Three Years after this, the Allies besieg'd it also, -but their Arms being not so successful as those of _France_, they were -forc'd to abandon their Enterprize. At last, by the Peace of _Nimeguen_ it -was restor'd to the _Dutch_, who keep a strong Garrison in it. - -_Mastricht_ is very well built, in a flat Country, surrounded with Hills. -The _Maese_ runs thro' the City, over which there is a very high Stone -Bridge. They say that the late Count _d'Auverquerque_, who died -Velt-Marshal of the _Dutch_, out of pure Gallantry, to convince a Lady how -much he lov'd her, leap'd his Horse off the Bridge into the _Maese_. This -young Lady so much belov'd was Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_. As she was -passing over the Bridge, Count _d'Auverquerque_, who rode by the side of -her Coach, entertain'd her very much about his Passion for her; but Miss -so little heeded what he said, that she scarce vouchsaf'd to lend him an -Ear. At length being fatigu'd with hearing the same String always harp'd -upon, she told him, that Lovers were never sparing of their Promises; but -when any Testimonials were demanded of their Love, they then discover'd -how little it was to be depended on. _For instance, Sir_, said she, _I -would venture a good Wager now, that if I were to ask you to leap from -this Bridge into the River, you would not do it_. The furious Lover made -no other Answer to this Defiance, but clapping Spurs to his Horse, leap'd -him off of the Bridge into the _Maese_. The young Lady thought her -generous Lover would most certainly be drown'd; but luckily for him he -kept his Seat, and his Horse, which was as mettlesome as the best, had -Strength enough after such a Leap, to swim with his Rider to an Island, -whither a Boat was sent to fetch him. After such a Trial as this, the -young Lady might boast, either that she was lov'd to Distraction, or that -she had a distracted Lover. - -From _Mastricht_ I went to LOUVAIN[49], which is surnamed the _Wise_, -probably by reason of its University, which was founded in 1426, by _John_ -IV. Duke of _Brabant_, and has been in its time one of the most celebrated -Universities in _Europe_; but it has not that Reputation now. And as to -the City, 'tis much more famous for its Antiquity, than upon any other -account; for they say it was founded by _Julius Cæsar_. 'Tis indeed, at -present, a very large City, but ill built, the only remarkable Edifices -that I saw there, are the Collegiate Church dedicated to St. _Peter_, and -the Church of the Jesuits. _Louvain_ is not a Place of great Trade as -yet, but a very fine Causey which is made from thence to _Brussels_, and -another to _Tongres_, which is to be carried on to _Liege_, will very much -increase its Commerce, especially with the _Austrian Netherlands_. - -I went from _Louvain_ to _Brussels_, and from thence to GHENT[50], which -is the Capital of _Spanish Flanders_, and one of the biggest Cities in -_Europe_. It stands four Leagues from the Sea, is water'd with three -Rivers, the _Scheld_, the _Lys_, and the _Lise_, and adorn'd with fine -Squares and noble Buildings. The great Clock is worth seeing; it weighs -11000 Pounds, and is erected upon a Dragon, which Count _Baldwin_ brought -from _Constantinople_. A Canal has been dug from this City to the Sea, -which is of very great Service to its Trade. - -'Twas at _Ghent_ that _Charles_ V. was born, who granted this City -extraordinary Privileges; yet the Inhabitants were so ungrateful as to -rebel against this Emperor, who resolv'd to punish them for it; and that -he might go the nearer way to work with 'em, ventur'd upon the Parole of -_Francis_ I. to pass thro' _France_, in order to come at them. He -chastis'd those Rebels with such Severity, that they had no reason to -boast that this Emperor was their Countryman. He caus'd twenty-five of -their principal Citizens to be executed by the common Hangman, banish'd a -greater number of them, confiscated their Estates, and took away all their -Privileges. In fine, _Ghent_ which was one of the most considerable Cities -in _Europe_, soon became a Desert; and _Charles_ V. to leave a Monument -of his Wrath to Posterity, caus'd a Fortress to be built, which is still -the Citadel of this Place, and is of great Consequence to the Emperor, -when he happens to be at War with _France_; for when the _French_ are -Masters of _Ghent_, the Navigation of the _Scheld_ is interrupted; and in -case of a War, 'tis better to see them Masters of _Brussels_ than of -_Ghent_: For I remember, that in 1708, while the Allies besieg'd _Lisle_, -the _French_ being then Masters of _Ghent_, incommoded their Army very -much. This City is finely recover'd since _Charles_ the Vth's Time. The -States of _Flanders_ have their Assemblies here, and the Emperor commonly -signifies his Will and Pleasure to them, by the Governor-General of the -_Netherlands_ residing at _Brussels_. - -From _Ghent_ I went thro' _Courtray_ and _Menin_ to LISLE[51], which is -the Capital of _French Flanders_, and one of the best and most beautiful -Towns of that Government. It belong'd formerly to the King of _Spain_, -till 1667, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in Person. The Garison then -consisting of but 6000 Men, was not strong enough to check the Progress of -the _French_ Arms, so that after nine Days open Trenches the Place was -taken. _Lisle_ was left in the Possession of _France_ by the Treaty of -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, in 1668; but in 1708, the Allies after a tedious and -toilsome Siege, made themselves Masters of it. At last, however, this City -reverted to _France_ by the Treaty of _Utrecht_. The Inhabitants were so -overjoy'd at their not being left in subjection to the _Dutch_, which they -were afraid of, that on the Day the Place was evacuated, they made -Bonfires in all parts of the Town; and not without Cause, for after they -fell under the Dominion of the _Dutch_, their Trade stood still, those new -Guests chusing rather to send for what they wanted from _Holland_, than to -make use of the Manufactures of this City. But with the _French_ the Case -was otherwise, for they bought their Necessaries in the City, and liv'd -with the Inhabitants on perfect good Terms. - -_Lewis_ XIV. made _Lisle_ one of the finest Places in _Europe_. Its -Streets are magnificent, and particularly the Street _Royale_, built in -the Reign of that Monarch. 'Tis very strait, and adorn'd on both sides -with very fine Houses built alike. In this City resides the Governor of -_Flanders_. The Marshal _de Boufflers_ was succeeded in this Government by -the Duke his Son. When I was here, the Prince _de Tingry_, Governor of -_Valenciennes_, officiated in this Government for the said Duke, who was -then under Age. - -I was so impatient to be at _Paris_, that I made no stay in any Place upon -the Road, till I arriv'd there. I alighted at a Bagnio, and the first -Sally I made abroad was to pay my Devoirs to Mademoiselle _de S----_. -Absence had not damp'd my Flame, and I was only glad to see _Paris_ again, -in hopes of finding out her whom I ador'd. But how was I surpriz'd when -the Mother of that lovely Damsel came to welcome me with a Flood of Tears, -and told me, that I must think no more of her Daughter, for that she died -about a Month ago in the Province of _Perigord_, whither she went to -accompany a Lady of her Acquaintance! I was so thunder-struck at this -News, that I was not able to speak. I fainted away, was carried back to my -Lodgings, and was that Moment let blood; but 'twas some time after it -before I came to my self, and then I did nothing but give my self up to -Sorrow. Mine was no longer an inward Grief, but vented it self in such -continual Exclamations interrupted with Sighs, that every one who saw me -believ'd I was going the way of all Flesh; or that, at least, I should be -out of my Senses: And truly they were not much mistaken, for I was so in a -great measure. In this unhappy Situation did I remain five whole Days, at -the end of which the Mother of _S----_ came to make me a Visit; and at her -entring into my Room, she told me, that her Daughter was not dead; and -that she had just receiv'd a Letter from her, by which she acquainted her, -that she should soon be at _Paris_. This sort of Resurrection was as -reviving News to me, as the former was mortifying. I felt a surprizing -Revolution in my Spirits; and am of Opinion, that if 'tis possible to die -with an Excess of Joy or of Grief, I had share enough of both those -Passions within a short Space of Time not to survive them. But I was -reserv'd by Fate for other Adventures. - -In Fact, I was hardly recover'd from the several Shocks which I had lately -undergone, but was forc'd to bear the Brunt of another. The Occasion of -this was, meeting at the House of a Lady of my Acquaintance with a Friend -of _S----_, whose Name was Madame _de R----_; and who had been married for -some time, by the Advice of her Parents, to a Man far advanc'd in Years. -The young Lady hated her Husband more heartily than is common for Girls of -sixteen that marry to Men of above sixty. I had seen her formerly, but she -was then so young, that I did not much mind her: And happy wou'd it have -been for me, if I had always view'd her with the same Indifference! But -when I came to see her after her Marriage, her Beauty, her fine Presence -and her noble Deportment made a very sensible Impression on me. I was -pitch'd upon to play at Cards with her and another Lady, and all the time -she did nothing but rally me upon my Amour with _S----_, and hinted -several times to me, that the Lady was not deserving of the Heart I had -set upon her. As I could not guess to what all this Discourse tended, when -the Game was over I went with the Lady to a distant Window, and there -begged her for God's sake to explain her self. She stood out a long while, -on pretence that she should be oblig'd to tell me what would only make me -uneasy: But all these Delays rendering me still the more impatient to know -what it could be, I press'd her to such a degree that at last she -consented to let me into the Secret. _You won't take a Denial, I see_, -said she: _Well then, if you must know, you shall. But you must thank your -self for it, if I tell you what will heartily vex you; for I know your -Temper, and to what a Degree you are smitten. You think_, continu'd she, -_that_ S---- _is in the Country, but you are mistaken; for she is at_ -Paris, _and has never been out of it all the time. She is as much in love -with the Marquis_ de V----, _as he is with her. She keeps no Company now -but him. Two Months ago she remov'd from her House in the Suburb of_ St. -Antoine, _where she then liv'd, because she heard you was coming to Town. -The truth is, she did not care you should reproach her to her Face; and -being in Hopes that you might forget her, she sent to let you know, that -she was dead; but hearing that you was so inconsolably melancholy, it -mov'd her to pity you, and she has now sent you word that she is still -living. Indeed it won't be long before you see her; but it will only be to -receive your Dismission, and to give you to understand from her own Lips, -that she prefers_ V----_'s Addresses to yours. I have heard all this from -one of my Waiting-Women, whose Sister is a Servant to Madame_ S----. _For -as to my part, since I am married to M._ R----, _'tis not convenient for -me to keep her Company. You will do well to renounce her, and need not -fear but you may find better than her._ As she express'd these Words her -Eyes darted in my Face, and at the same instant she blush'd. I was going -to make her an Answer, but she left me abruptly, and all the rest of the -Evening made it her Business to avoid me, I thought, however, to have an -Opportunity of speaking to her when she was going out; but she went away -with another Lady, so that 'twas impossible for me to say a Word to her. - -I return'd home miserably disturb'd in my Mind. Hatred, Love, Revenge, -Contempt; in short, all the Passions of a Lover, slighted on the one hand, -and flatter'd on the other, play'd their part to rack my Brain. Guess, -_Madame_, in what a Condition I was, when I had such violent Attacks to -struggle with. In fine, Contempt triumph'd over the Passion I had -conceiv'd for _S----_. The charming Eyes of Madame _de R----_ made me -forget the false-hearted Creature on whom I had doated. But in the sequel -I was quickly convinc'd that I was no sooner cur'd of one foolish Amour, -but I was plung'd into another of the same Nature. The last Words of -_R----_ seem'd to be very engaging; I explain'd them in my own favor, and -thought sincerely that she had taken a Fancy to me. I flatter'd my self -again and again with these agreeable Notions, and found an infinite -Pleasure in making my own Chain. Nevertheless you will soon see that I was -bubbled as much in this Amour as I was in the former. Madame _de R----_ -was one of the finest Women, and without dispute one of the greatest -Coquettes in _Paris_; being whimsical withal, and more self-conceited than -Women of that Cast generally are; she did not understand what it was to -settle her Heart upon any Man, and yet expected to be doated on herself. I -push'd head-long into this new Engagement, and thought my self at one time -the happiest Man in the World. My Friends too were as much deceiv'd as I -was, and thought me for a long while the only Favorite. I will tell ye -hereafter what became of this Amour, and shall for the present break off -the Detail of these ridiculous Amusements, to tell you how it far'd with -me in the Affair which most demanded my Application. - -Soon after my Return to _Paris_, I went to _Versailles_, where I had the -Honor to pay my Duty to the King and the Princes. _Madame_ receiv'd me so -kindly that I thought my self sure of her Protection, and therefore -acquainted her of my Intention to beg an Employment of his Majesty, and -desir'd her that she would be so good as to recommend me. Madame promis'd -me that she would, and was true to her Word; for she not only spoke her -self but also made the Duke of _Orleans_ speak for me to M. _Voisin_, who -was at that time Chancellor and Secretary of War. This Gentleman promis'd -their Royal Highnesses that he would think of a Place for me; but when I -waited upon him, with one of Madame's Officers, who, by her Order -introduc'd me, that Minister receiv'd me with a Countenance as crabbed as -ever I saw. His Head was invelop'd in a monstrous large Peruke, that -hindered both his Sight and Hearing, which at other times were natural -enough to him. However, in Respect to Madame he heard me, and then said, -that the King had already made one considerable Reduction in his Troops, -and was going to make another; and that therefore he did not see what -Hopes I could have of being employ'd. I was very much dissatisfied with -this Answer, which was so different from the Promise he had made to Madame -and the Duke of _Orleans_. I made a Report to their Royal Highnesses of -what the Minister said to me; upon which the Duke of _Orleans_ told me, -_This signifies nothing, I will speak to him again, and I hope you will -find your Account in it_. He spoke accordingly, but _Voisin_ did nothing -the more nor the less for it. However, as I had a grateful Heart for the -Advances which Madame and the Duke her Son had been so good as to make in -my favor, I continu'd to pay my Duty to them; and they both gave me -Demonstration that they were not Insensible of my constant Attendance. I -was almost every Night at the Duke of _Orleans_'s Couchée. His Court was -then but small, and excepting his Domestics I was sometimes all alone with -him. I was the more amaz'd at the Carriage of the Courtiers to this -Prince, because 'twas natural to think that the Government of the Kingdom -would soon fall into his hands. The Duke of _Berry_ was just dead. The -King was too old to expect he could live much longer, and the Dauphin too -young to take the Management of Affairs upon him for a good while. In -short, every thing promis'd this Prince the Regency of the Kingdom -infallibly, yet scarce any body regarded him as the rising Sun. The -Courtiers Respect for the King made them all stick to his Majesty, and a -Reign so glorious and so long, seem'd to them as if it was never to have -End. - -I stay'd at _Paris_ the rest of the year 1714, and some Months of the year -1715. This Winter there was one of the noblest Sights in _Paris_ that -could be, _viz._ The Entry of the _Persian_ Ambassador, and especially the -Audience he had of his Majesty some days after it. But the Ambassador did -not contribute so much to the Lustre of this Shew, as to give us any great -Idea of the _Persian_ Magnificence; and indeed, in my whole Life I never -saw any thing so pitiful; for all his Equipage being out of Order, his -Domestics having scarce Cloaths to their Backs, and almost all of them -ill-looking Fellows, formed a very melancholy Scene. Besides, the Presents -he brought were really not worthy of the Prince that sent them, or of him -that received them. Before this Ambassador made his Entry, he lodg'd at -_Charenton_, to which Place every body went to stare at him as a Prodigy. -The Torrent carried me thither among the rest, and a numerous Company -there was of us. The Interpreter told us, before we went in, that a -Compliment must be made to the Ambassador, and we drew Cuts to determine -who should be the Speaker. The Lot fell upon me. I made but a very short -Speech to him, wherein after having congratulated him upon his Arrival, I -told him, that I hop'd his Stay in _Europe_, and especially in _France_, -would not be disagreeable to him. He thank'd me by his Interpreter, and -bid him tell me, that as he was come to see the greatest King in the -World, next to the Sophy his Master, he should be always satisfy'd, happen -what would to him, when once he had appeared before his Majesty. He made -us sit down, and we ask'd him several Questions concerning his Voyage, the -Court of _Persia_, and the Sophy; but he told us, that he had never been -at _Ispahan_, and never seen the Sophy. During this Conversation he gave -us Coffee and Sweet-meats, and was mighty civil to us. - -But upon all Occasions when his Character was to be supported, he was not -near so tractable; for he then took upon him too much State, so that when -the Marshal _de Matignon_, who was to come from the King to carry him to -the Ambassadors House, was to enter his Chamber, he pretended that he was -not obliged to stand up. The Baron _de Breteuil_, the Introductor of the -Ambassadors, represented to him that he could do no less than pay that -Deference to M. _de Matignon_ who came from the King; but he might as well -have reason'd with a Post; and all that he could get from him, was a -Promise, that when the Marshal entered his Chamber he wou'd that Moment -rise and go out all at once. There was another Scene to manage when he -came down Stairs. They proposed to him to ride in the King's Coach; but he -said, he would do no such thing; that it was a Cage; and that he would -make his Entry on horseback. The Baron _de Breteuil_, therefore, in order -to make him get into the Coach, was under a Necessity of talking smartly -to him; and even to threaten him, that he should make no Entry, nor have -any Audience, if he did not subject himself to the Customs establish'd in -_France_. At length the Ambassador capitulated, they split the Difference, -and he consented to ride one half of the way in the Coach, and the other -on horseback. I never saw such a Multitude of People as I did at this -Entry; the Concourse was really astonishing; for from the first Bar in the -Suburb of _St. Antoine_ to the Ambassadors House, there were Scaffolds all -along on both sides of the way, full of People. The same Croud of -Spectators follow'd him for several days, so that when he went abroad, -either to the Bagnio, or to take the Air, he could scarce go along, there -were such Throngs of People to gaze at him. - -The Audience which the King gave him was a very magnificent Scene. _Lewis_ -XIV. appeared at it in all the Majesty of a great King; and be the -Audiences of the _Great Mogul_, describ'd to us by _Tavernier_, ever so -brilliant, I can scarce think they are to compare with the Ceremony I am -now speaking of, and whereof I was an Eye-witness, which was performed in -the Great Gallery at _Versailles_. The King's Throne, which was at one -end, and rais'd very high, was of a Gold Ground, with Flowers and the Arms -of _France_ embroider'd on it. The King was dress'd in a Suit of -Coffee-color'd Velvet, adorn'd with Jewels, to the Value of several -Millions. The young Dauphin was at his Majesty's Right Hand in a Robe of -Gold Brocade, adorn'd with Diamonds and Pearls. The Duke of _Orleans_ was -on his Left, dress'd in a Suit of blue Velvet, adorn'd with a Gold -_Spanish_ Point, seeded with very beautiful Diamonds and Pearls. The -Princes of the Blood, the legitimated Princes, the Prince of _Dombes_ and -the Count _d'Eu_, both Sons to the Duke of _Maine_, sat in the same Row, -on the Right and Left of the King, all observing the Rank due to their -Birth. All along the Gallery on the Right-Side of the Throne, there were -several Rows of Steps, on which stood the Ladies richly dress'd. The -Duchess of _Berry_ and Madame were next to the Throne, and next to them -stood the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, who was then at the Court of -_France_ with the Title of the Count of _Lusatia_. That Side of the -Gallery which fronts the Garden was taken up by Noblemen richly -apparell'd, and the Space which serv'd for the Passage, from the Entrance -of the Gallery to the Throne, was cover'd with a magnificent Tapestry, as -were the rest of the Apartments from the Stair-Case of Marble to the -Gallery. In the Courts below, the Regiments of the _French_ and _Swiss_ -Guards, newly cloath'd, were rang'd in Order of Battle: And the -Life-Guards, the Musketeers, and all the King's Houshold Troops were also -drawn up in the same Order. But the Splendor of the Soldiery was very much -lessen'd by a great Quantity of Rain which pour'd down almost all day -long. - -The Ambassador with all his Attendance pass'd thro' all those Troops to -the Gallery; and when he was advanc'd near to the Throne, he there -deliver'd his Credentials to M. _de Torcy_, Minister and Secretary of -State, by whom they were given to the Interpreter, who read them. He -afterwards gave his Majesty the Presents that the Sophy sent him, which -were so inconsiderable, that at first sight one could hardly imagine they -were sent from one of the most powerful Monarchs of _Asia_. The Whole -consisted of Turquoise Stones, a Scymitar garnish'd with precious Stones, -a Box of Balm to which he ascribed wonderful Virtues, and some other -things of no great Value. After the Audience was over, the Ambassador was -regal'd, and then reconducted to the House of the Ambassadors, where he -was defray'd at the Expence of the Court, all the time that he staid at -_Paris_. He was furnish'd at first with the King's Horses for himself and -his Retinue; but as his Stay was long, and as besides he spoil'd all the -King's Horses, he was accommodated afterwards with Horses that were hir'd. - -Some time after this Audience, the Ambassador went to the Opera, where the -Benches in the Amphitheatre were taken away, to make it more commodious to -hold him and his Retinue. Tho' there was an incredible number of People of -the first Quality, he seem'd to be under no manner of Constraint, and -smoak'd his Pipe there a good while, with as much Freedom, as if he had -been in his Chamber. The Eagerness of the People to run after him was soon -abated; they began in a short time after his Arrival, to be indifferent -whether they saw him or not; and at length, they were so weary of him, -that every body wish'd publickly that he was gone. - -I have had the Honor to acquaint you, that the Electoral Prince of -_Saxony_ was at the _Persian_'s Audience. This Prince had been for some -time in _France_; and tho' he was _incog._ by the Name or Title of the -Count of _Lusatia_, he had the Retinue of a King's Son. The Count _de -Coste_, who died Bishop of _Warmia_, was his Governor, and the Baron _de -Hagen_ his Sub-Governor. He had also several Gentlemen with him, besides -Pages, and a number of Officers. His Equipage was magnificent, and his -Table as elegant as could be desir'd. He was presented to the King by -_Madame_, who gave him out to be a _German_ Gentleman of a good Family. - -This Prince gave a sumptuous Ball at the Hotel _de Soissons_, in the -Apartment where _Dumont_ the Envoy of _Holstein_ liv'd. There was an -amazing Croud of Masqueraders, and among the rest your humble Servant, who -had good Diversion there with a Lady who trusted me with a Secret, by -mistake, for another Person. As she is a Lady of some Distinction, you'll -excuse me from telling her Name. All that I shall do my self the Honor to -acquaint you of at present is, that she was a Duchess who was fond of -_R----_ to Distraction; but he had abandon'd her for Mademoiselle _de -S----_. The Duchess saw him enter the Ball-Room with _V----_, who was -formerly a Confident of their Amours, and an intimate Friend of _R----_. -The Duchess, as disguis'd as she was, was presently known by her faithless -Lover; so that when she went to lay hold of him, he slily stole away with -his Friend, and secreted himself in the Croud. Being afraid of Reproaches -from the Duchess, he thought fit also to change his Domino. _V----_ -likewise exchang'd his for mine. _R----_ shew'd me the Place where he had -seen the Duchess, and desir'd me to pass by her, but not to speak to her, -in case that she offered to talk with me. I promis'd every thing he ask'd, -yet was resolv'd to have a Parley with her, if I found a proper -Opportunity, which soon presented. You must know, that I so much resembled -M. _de V----_ in Stature, that the Duchess readily took me for him, and -beckoning me aside, at the Instant that she was in high Wrath with -_R----_, for refusing to speak to her, she made a general Confession to me -of all her Intrigue. While she was going on thus, without Reserve, to -make a Variety of Confessions to me, of which I thought she might repent -when she knew that she had been speaking to the wrong Person; I -interrupted her by saying, _She was mistaken in her Man, and that I was -not_ V----. She reply'd hastily, _What need all these Grimaces? Hear me -out to the End of my Tale. This is not a Place to play the fool in. You -know_, continu'd she, _that I have granted the ungrateful Man but every -thing_. I broke in upon her again, and said to her, _By my Troth_, Madame, -_I did not know one word of the Matter till now_. She jeer'd me for -pretending to be ignorant of what she had been telling me, and continu'd -her Discourse to me with all the Plainness and True-heartedness that is -seldom found in Narratives of this nature. After she had run on a good -while, she said, _Alas!_ Sir, _What say you, Speak, now is your Time to -speak, and justify your Friend, if you can. I really think_, replied I, -_that +R----+ is a Scoundrel to set so little a Value upon the Kindness -you have for him; and instead of justifying him, when I see him, I shall -certainly rattle him for it. I shall tell him every Tittle that you have -now done me the Honor to divulge to me; and tho' I am not +V----+, nor -very intimate with +R----+, I am persuaded that he will give Attention to -what I shall say to him. Ah, Sir!_ replied the Duchess, _Why do ye go to -alter the natural Tone of your Voice? How can you deny your self? What -have I done to be thus treated? Upon my Honor, Madam_ I said, _I don't -impose on you; let your own Eyes be Witness_. At the same Moment I pull'd -off my Mask. The Lady was so astonish'd that I can't express it. She cou'd -not speak; and I perceiv'd, by her Confusion for having made such an open -Confession to me, that she did not know, whether she had best say on, or -retire? I really pitied her, and did all I could to hearten her. I begg'd -her to be assur'd that I would keep every thing she had said to me -inviolably secret; and that I was as sensible as she could be, of the -Consequence of revealing Things of that nature. The good Lady began to -pluck up her Spirits; and after some farther Discourse she desir'd me to -hand her out, and to help her to find her Coach. It was impossible to -discover her Coach or mine either in the Croud; and therefore she chose to -take a Hack. I went with her to her House, where she desir'd me to go back -to the Ball, and tell the Ladies whom I had seen in her Company that she -was taken very ill. I obey'd her Orders punctually, and did not fail next -Day to pay her a Visit, and this Visit pav'd the way for others, which -gave me an Opportunity to contract a most intimate Acquaintance with her. -I had the Honor, in short, of being her most esteemed Friend, and found -her possess'd of a thousand good Qualities, which render'd her the best -Companion in the World. - -The most comical part of this Adventure was, to find _R----_ quarrelling -bitterly with the Duchess for holding a long Parley with a Gentleman in -Masquerade at the Ball. He pretended to be jealous, and wrote a thundering -Letter to her next day, wherein he told her, that he would have nothing -more to do with her. On the other hand Madam _de R----_, with whom I went -to the Ball, and whom I was still passionately fond of, took advantage of -the Conference I had with the Duchess, and also pretended Jealousy, (for -to be serious, I knew afterwards that 'twas only a Copy of her -Countenance.) She expatiated a good deal upon her Uneasiness at the long -Conversation that pass'd betwixt us. I was silly enough to believe that -she was sincere in what she said, and more Fool still to be transported -with the Thought that I had made her jealous. I did all in my power, -however, to remove her Suspicions; in a word, I said every thing that a -Lover can say, who loves sincerely, and would convince that he does so. -She seem'd to be satisfy'd with my Protestations; but yet instead of -making a suitable Return to the Respect I had for her, she continu'd to -teaze me all the rest of the Winter. Her Behavior was so extremely -coquetish, that it gave me a deal of Vexation; and besides, I did not like -to see the Marquis _de V----_ so often at her House. - -I had been pester'd with this Marquis for a long time. 'Twas he that took -away _S----_ from me; and no sooner was I got into the Favor of Madame _de -R----_, but he found a way to insinuate himself there too. I was so -provok'd to see him always at my Heels, that I quarrel'd with him one day -at _C----_, where we happen'd to meet at the House of the President _de -N----_. We were actually at Daggers-drawing, when M. _de C----_ came and -parted us. _V----_ assur'd me that he had no manner of Pretence to Madame -_de R----_, and actually promis'd me, that if I did not like his Visits to -her, he would not renew them. And he was as good as his Word, so that I -was perfectly reconcil'd to him; but I was not at all pleas'd with Madam -_de R----_. I saw plainly that I was betray'd. I had fresh Cause to -suspect her every day, and yet I hugged the Chains wherewith she had bound -me; in which I sufficiently confuted the vulgar Error of those who assert, -that People never love heartily but once. I ought, however, to reflect a -little upon this last Amour, which was extremely hurtful to me. Madam _de -R----_ was so extravagant that a Man could not be upon good Terms with -her, without being, at an excessive Expence. To support my self I borrow'd -Money every where, till e'er long I knew not where to find Lenders. On the -other hand my Creditors began to make me frequent Visits, till they were -tir'd with my continually putting them off from one time to another, and -then truly they resolv'd to proceed against me by Law; and at length took -out a Writ to attach my Person. I was very much stunn'd at the News, but -because I had put them in an ill Humor, I was willing to avoid the Effects -of it, by keeping my Chamber for some days, till M. _de N----_ had -procur'd me an Order to stay Prosecution. This Respite put me upon ways -and means to find Money, all my Desire being to satisfy my Creditors. I -was aware how difficult it was to get a sufficient Sum to pay them -remitted from home; for all my Estate was entail'd upon my Brother and -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_; and she never intended to give her Consent to -the mortgaging of any part of it. Yet having no other way to bring my self -out of Trouble, I got my Friends to intercede with her; which they did so -powerfully, that at length they really prevail'd on her to agree to the -borrowing of some Money upon the Estate, which was lent accordingly; and -by this Means I got happily out of this Scrape. The Difficulties I had -been plung'd in made me wiser, and I lessen'd my Expences, which I -perceiv'd, indeed, was not the way to preserve the Favor of Madam _de -R----_. But what should I do? To dip my self again over head and ears in -Debt, and to run the risque of having another scurvy Action enter'd -against me, was what I could not resolve on. At this same time I obtain'd -a Pension of 2000 Livres; but as to an Employment, none could I get of the -Secretary at War. - -This put me so much out of Temper, that notwithstanding my Passion for -Madam _de R----_, and my being so much attach'd to _France_, I determin'd -to try once more for an Establishment elsewhere. For this purpose I wrote -to the Prince of _H----_, a General Officer in the Emperor's Service, and -a Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who return'd me a very obliging Answer, -how glad he should be to admit me into his Regiment; but that there was no -Company vacant in it, nor none like to be, unless I could strike a Bargain -with a certain old Captain who had a Design to retire, and would gladly -part with his Company for 2000 Crowns. To find such a round Sum as 2000 -Crowns, in the Situation which I was in then, and to find the -Philosopher's Stone, was as easy for me one as the other. I resolv'd, -however, to treat with the Captain. - -I therefore set out for _Bruges_, where the Prince of _H----_ was in -Garison with his Regiment. I met with a Captain, but he was pretty stiff, -and would absolutely hear of no Terms but the Money down, or old Plate for -Security. The Prince, who really wish'd me well, and perfectly knew the -State of my Affairs, wrote to my Cousin to persuade her to consent to my -taking up some more Money upon the Estate. I also indited the most moving -Letter I could, to melt her; but 'twas all to no purpose: The Answers she -return'd were very sarcastical. She set me off to the Life, and she had -the Art to persuade the Prince who had wrote to her, that to give me Leave -to borrow more Money, was to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. For -my own part I was in a manner convinc'd that she had Reason on her side. I -therefore quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I propos'd to buy, and -set out for _Paris_. - -I was not sorry to leave BRUGES[52], it being one of the saddest Places in -the _Netherlands_ for a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet 'tis a -very considerable City. 'Tis said to be very ancient, and that it was -encompass'd with Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant on the -Bishopric of _Tournay_; but since the Reign of _Philip_ II. it has been -erected into a Bishop's See, which is now Suffragan to the Archbishopric -of _Mechlin_. Its Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. _Donat_, is a very -old and a very fine Structure. The other Churches are also of an elegant -Model, especially the _Jesuits_ Church and our _Lady_'s. In the latter -there's the Tomb of _Charles_ the _Bold_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ who -was kill'd before _Nancy_, from whence his Corpse was translated hither, -by order of _Mary_ of _Austria_, his Grandaughter, the Widow of a King of -_Hungary_ and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. The Situation of _Bruges_ -is very advantagious, it being but three Leagues from the Sea; and for the -Ease of its Trade there are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels -pass to and fro as they do in _Holland_; with this Conveniency moreover, -that People dine there as elegantly as in the best Tavern. Tho' all these -Canals have a Communication with the Sea, yet their Waters are not fast, -by reason of the Sluices and other Machines, which they make use of to -prevent it. 'Tis natural to suppose, that Fields in which so many Canals -are cut, must be fertile; yet the Trade of _Bruges_ is very much dwindled -since the flourishing of that of _Amsterdam_, which has engross'd it all -to it self. - -I forgot to tell you, that 'twas at _Burges_ the Order of the Golden -Fleece was instituted by _Philip_ the _Good_, Duke of _Burgundy_ on the -very Day that he consummated his Marriage with _Isabel_ the Daughter of -_John_ King of _Portugal_. 'Twas to this City also that _Charles_ II. King -of _England_ came for Refuge, when his Subjects rebell'd against him; and -so well was he receiv'd here, that when he was in peaceable Possession of -his Throne he shew'd his Gratitude, by permitting the Citizens to send -fifty Vessels every year to the Coasts of _England_, to catch Herrings. So -much, _Madame_, for _Bruges_. - -Just as I was setting out, I heard that the Prince of _H----_ was going -for NEWPORT[53], where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in Garison; -and thither I went with him. This, which is a very ancient Town, was -heretofore intirely destroy'd by the _English_, and afterwards rebuilt by -_Philip_ the _Bold_, Duke of _Burgundy_. The Rebels of _Ghent_ burnt it in -1383, because it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held out a very -sharp Siege by the _French_, in which the Women display'd a very great -share of Valour. During the Revolt of the _Netherlands_ it submitted to -the Prince of _Parma_. In that same War, the _Dutch_ who were besieging -it, under Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, gain'd a great Victory over the -_Spaniards_, at the Gates of the Town; and yet they thought fit to raise -the Siege. They say, that with some Expence _Newport_ might be made one of -the best Harbors in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was given to -the Marquis _de Priè_, Commandant in the _Netherlands_; but hitherto it -has not been approv'd of. Tho' 'tis a Town not very much fortify'd, yet -'tis a strong Place considering the Advantage it has of laying all the -Country round it under Water. 'Tis quite encompass'd with Downs and -Marshes, the former of which abound with Rabbets. The Prince of _H----_ -gave me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the only Diversion that -can be taken by Officers who are condemn'd to be in Garison in such a Hole -as _Newport_. We staid there two Days, after which the Prince and Princess -of _H----_ return'd to _Bruges_. For my own part I accompanied the Prince -of _Holstein_ to YPRES, of which he is Governor for the _Dutch_. - -This is one of the best Cities in _Europe_, and is notable for having -suffer'd several Sieges. The Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the -Reign of _Philip_ II. when they plundered the Churches and Convents, and -drove out the Fryars. The Archduke _Leopold_ retook it from those -Furiosos, and it remained in Possession of _Spain_ till 1658, when 'twas -taken by the Marshal _de Turenne_; but by the _Pyrenean_ Treaty it -reverted to its lawful Sovereign. In 1678, _Lewis_ XIV. besieg'd it in -Person and took it; and by the Treaty of _Nimeguen_, which was concluded -the same year, 'twas yielded to him by _Spain_. The _French_ caus'd it to -be considerably fortify'd; after which they remain'd peaceable Possessors -of it till the Peace of _Utrecht_, when they yielded it to the Allies, in -exchange for _Lisle_ which had been taken from the _French_. _Ypres_ is -now a Barrier for the _Dutch_, who keep a good Garison in it. -Nevertheless, Justice is administer'd, and the Taxes raised here, in the -Name of the Emperor, as Sovereign of _Spanish Flanders_. - -From _Ypres_ I went to _Lisle_, of which I have already had the Honor to -give you some Account; and from _Lisle_ in a very short time I proceeded -to PARIS. Who should I see there, but the famous Countess of _Wartemberg_? -The Chevalier _de B----_, who being at _Utrecht_ during the Congress, had -there sign'd a Contract to marry her, returning to _France_ as soon as the -Peace was concluded, the Countess follow'd him and came to _Versailles_, -where she had the Honor of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures of -three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, which she shew'd to the King, -telling him at the same time, _That after she had seen three Monarchs at -her Feet, she was now come from the Heart of_ Germany _to throw her self -at the Feet of his Majesty_. The King, who was surpriz'd at the -Compliment, star'd at her, but said not a Word. Some days after this she -appear'd at the Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and those so -large, that she was call'd, _The Lady of precious Stones_. All the young -Fellows combin'd to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother of a -Family thought those Diamonds would look as well upon him as they did upon -the Countess. When they had pilfer'd some from her, she was more cautious -how she paraded with 'em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her Care, -the Chevalier _de B----_ dextrously stripp'd her of all she had in one -day. He had been for some time wishing that he could revoke the -Marriage-Contract which he had sign'd with the Countess; his Family also -press'd him to break off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not knowing -what Course to take to recover the Contract, which the Lady refus'd to -restore, he made use of this very singular Expedient. One day when he was -at _Versailles_, he set out Post from thence to find out the Countess of -_Wartemberg_, and told her that the King had just receiv'd an Express from -_Berlin_, by which the King of _Prussia_ desir'd him to put her under an -Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other Effects, as having been stole -from the King his Father. _I just had the News_, said the Chevalier to -her, _from M._ de T----, _who knowing the Respect I have for you, was -willing to give me an Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you -from the Misfortune that threatens you_. The Countess being thunder-struck -at this News, said to the Chevalier in a Fright, _O my God! What shall we -do? Your only way_, said he, _is to give me Charge of all your Diamonds; -your Interests and mine are the same; I don't believe you suspect me; I -will carry them all to my Father's House, where they will be safe: And as -for your Person, you may be very easy; for M._ de T----_has assur'd me, -that 'tis your Effects they want, and not your Person_. Madame _de -Wartemberg_ believ'd every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming the -Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, she deliver'd up all her Diamonds to him, -with every thing besides of most Value. _B----_ having all this Booty, -took his Leave of her. The Countess thought she had play'd a very cunning -Part in thus securing her Effects; but 'twas not long before she was -sensible that she had play'd a foolish one. _B----_ was not to be seen -for four or five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting himself, -wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could not obtain so much as one -Answer. At last, on the fifth day, _B----_ made his Appearance, and gave -the good Lady some Encouragement. He told her that her Jewels were all -safe; and that she might have them whenever she pleas'd, upon this -trifling Condition only; namely, that she would restore him the Contract -he had sign'd to marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz'd at this -Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, That Princesses of the Empire -were not to be thus treated; that she was come to _Paris_ upon his -Engagement to marry her; and that she knew how to oblige him to it. -_B----_, who was resolv'd to break with her at any rate, told her, that -she was at her full Liberty to chuse either of these two Proposals that he -made to her, _viz._ To go to Law, and thereby to be certain of losing her -Effects; or else, to recover them, by restoring that Paper to him which he -demanded. He made her sensible, that by going to Law, he might naturally -hope to get the better of her, not only from the Justice of his Cause, but -from the Interest of his Relations; and that as to her Effects, since -there was no Witness that saw her deliver them into his Hands, he should -take a Course which she would think pretty hard, _viz._ Deny that he had -ever receiv'd them, and in the mean time sell one part of the Jewels to -enable him to find Law to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that the -Chevalier was resolv'd to be as good as his Word, and that she had no -Chance to get any thing, determin'd to give up the Contract; and _B----_ -thereupon brought back her Diamonds; which was such an honest Action on -his part, that it engag'd Madam _de Wartemberg_ to make him a Present of a -noble Ring, valu'd at 20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence -with _B----_. - -The Countess, to make her self easy for the Loss of her Lover, resolv'd to -look out for others; but she was not happy in the Variety of her Choice. -_They were all_, said she, _insincere; and for the most part knavishly -inclin'd_. In short, she renounc'd all manner of Society with _Frenchmen_; -she thought them too volatile and nimble for her, and upon this Occasion -she extol'd the _Germans_ for the honestest Souls in the World; yet she -soon found the contrary, to her Cost: For having made an Acquaintance with -a clever handsome young _German_, they both promis'd each other Marriage, -as soon as they came to a Protestant Country, and a Contract was actually -sign'd between them for that purpose; but the Spark thought that after -they had sign'd and seal'd, the Nuptial Benediction was only an -insignificant Ceremony to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly -Goods; and that his Right ought to commence from the very day that the -Articles were agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit to march off -with all the precious Stones of his Spouse that was to be, and set out -with them from _Paris_, designing to elope to _Lorrain_. The Countess, who -was soon inform'd of his Departure, was mortally uneasy at the Treachery -of her Lover, tho' the Danger she was in of losing her Diamonds stuck most -to her Heart. By good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her dear Thief -went, and sent a Messenger after him, who found him at _Meaux_, where he -was so unwise as to make a Halt for some days. He was brought back to -_Paris_, where the Countess, who denied that she had ever made the least -Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing to swinge him; but -the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, by whom he was protected, put a stop to -all further Prosecution, and caus'd the Jewels to be restor'd to Madam _de -Wartemberg_, who did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for being of -a Temper that did not permit her to be idle, she had already contracted a -clandestine Marriage with _F----_. These various Intrigues happening so -soon one after another, were so much talk'd of, that the Countess did not -think fit to stay any longer in _France_, but set out for _Holland_, where -she remains to this day[54]. - -Towards the Close of the Year, _viz._ on the 1st of _September_ 1715, -_France_ lost _Lewis_ XIV. He died a Death truly Christian, for which he -had been some time before preparing himself; so that when Notice was given -him, that he must make ready to go out of this World, he was not at all -surpriz'd. He took his last Farewel of his Family with a Courage worthy of -Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young Dauphin, the Heir of his -Crown; which he accompanied with several important Advices and -Exhortations, especially not to go to War without a just Cause, and not to -be so fond of it as he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning the young -Monarch should wear, adding, that what he prescrib'd to him was the same -that he wore at the Death of the King his Father. This Monarch express'd a -vast Affection for the Princes of his Family, and strongly recommended his -Successor to the Duke of _Orleans_. They say that he stretch'd forth his -Hand to the Marshal _de Villeroy_, and said to him, _Adieu, my Friend, we -must part_. Madame _de Maintenon_ staid with the King all the Time of his -Illness, because he desir'd it, except one Day, when the King being so ill -that they thought he could not recover it, she return'd to _St. Cyr_; but -as soon as the Monarch came to himself, and found Madame _de Maintenon_ -gone, he sent for her, and begg'd her not to forsake him. Accordingly she -continu'd with him till his Death, upon which she went back to _St. Cyr_, -where she liv'd mightily retir'd till 1719, when she died. - -'Tis astonishing to think what a Change there was at Court upon the Death -of _Lewis_ XIV. The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last Moment -of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; no, not even the Duke of -_Orleans_: but the very Moment that the King died, the Face of every thing -was alter'd; and all the Court was made to the Duke of _Orleans_, as the -sole Dispenser of Favors, who went, accompanied by all the Princes and -Courtiers, to the young Monarch, and paid him the due Homage. - -_Lewis_ XIV. had appointed the Duke of _Orleans_ Regent of the Kingdom by -his last Will; but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen for -Associates in the Government, without whom he could conclude nothing. He -also depriv'd him of the Guardianship of the young King, and gave it to -the Duke _de Maine_; in a word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, that -this Prince had nothing but the Shadow of the Regency. The Duke, however, -artfully procur'd that Honor to be paid to him, which he claim'd as his -due. He conducted the young King to Parliament with a great Train. The -_French_ and _Swiss_ Guards being drawn up in a Line in the Streets, to -the very Gates of the Palais or Parliament-House, the _Gens d'Arms_, -Musketeers, Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended his Majesty to the -Palais, where he was receiv'd with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted to -the Court, which they call his _Bed_ of Justice. When every body had taken -their Seats, the Duke of _Orleans_ broke silence and said, _That tho' the -Regency belonged to him by Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could -produce the Codicil of the late King to them in proof of it; which having -caus'd to be read, together with the Will, he shew'd the Inconveniencies -that might arise from the little Authority which was given to him; and -that his Rank and Birth had always intitled him to hope for more_. And -having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, _Whether they did not own -him for the Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom_. He added, _That -whatever Authority should be given him, he should be glad to follow the -Advice of the Parliament; that he would share his Authority with the -Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if there should happen to be a Failure -of Justice in his Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to him to -bear their Remonstrances_. He clos'd all with saying, _That he should like -well enough to have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but that he -wish'd they might be at entire Liberty to do good_. The Votes ran in his -Favor; the late King's Will was annull'd, the Duke of _Orleans_ declared -Regent of the Kingdom, and Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy -of his Majesty's Education was given to the Duke of _Maine_. The Regent -return'd his Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same time told them, -_that he was for pursuing a Plan of Government that was found among the -Papers of the Duke of +Burgundy+, Father to the present King; according to -which Plan it appeared that the said Prince had a Design to establish -Councils for every Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, &c. -and to be governed entirely by what the Majority of the Voices therein -should determine_. - -The Duke _du Maine_ had no reason to be satisfy'd with this Assembly; for -besides being depriv'd of the Guardianship of the King, he had much ado to -preserve the Prerogatives which the late King had annex'd to the Quality -of a legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes and Peers declared -immediately against the Precedency that had been granted to those Princes, -and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, where they demanded -that they might only be considered as a Part of their Body; and that they -might be allow'd no other Rank than what they deriv'd from their Peerages. -Hereafter we shall also find the Princes of the Blood declaring against -those Princes that had been legitimated. - -This Demand of the Dukes did not take place at that time, no more than -another which they also made upon the same Day, _viz._ that the first -President, when he ask'd their Opinion in Parliament, should veil the -Bonnet to them, in the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. The -Duke of _Orleans_ desir'd them to permit the Usages of Parliament to be -observ'd on that Day, and assured them that he would decide that Affair -very shortly. The President _de Novion_, afterwards the first President, -then spoke, and answered the Regent, that his Royal Highness had no Right -to make a Decision in an Affair which related directly to the Person of -the King, whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing in his -Majesty's Absence; and that consequently nothing could be alter'd in the -Usage of Parliament, but by the King himself when he came of Age. - -After the Court of Justice broke up, the King return'd to _Vincennes_, -where he resided after the Death of the late King, till the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_ was made fit for his Reception. The Regent and the Princes -accompanied the King, and they afterwards went back to _Paris_, each Man -to his own House. They say that the Duke of _Maine_ was no sooner return'd -home, but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know what had pass'd in the -Bed of Justice, came that very instant to ask him what News he brought; -and when he told her, that the Regent was the sole Master of the King and -Kingdom, she reproach'd him bitterly. - -As soon as the _Louvre_ was in a readiness the King set out thither from -_Vincennes_, where Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and Princesses -of the Blood. The Palace of _Luxemburg_ was given to the Duchess of -_Berry_, who made great Alterations in the Apartments. This Princess had a -mighty Ascendant over her Father the Duke of _Orleans_, and she made such -a use of it that there was not a day but she obtain'd new Favors. As she -was the first Princess in the Kingdom, there being at that time no Queen, -she desir'd to have a Captain of the Guards to attend her; a Privilege -which none had ever enjoy'd before but the Queens. The Duke of _Orleans_ -could not deny her, and the Person invested with this Character was the -Marquis _de la Rochefoucault_. Madame no sooner heard of this -Augmentation of Officers in the Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but -she presently appointed M. _de Harling_ to be Captain of her Guards, who -was a _German_ Gentleman that had been her Page. The Duchess of _Berry_ -wanted also to be stil'd _Madame_ as well as the Princess her Mother; yet -to prevent Confusion she signify'd, that when they made mention of her -they should not call her _Madame la Duchesse de Berry_, but _Madame, -Duchesse de Berry_. Moreover, she pretended to the Right of having -Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded before her when she went abroad in -Ceremony, tho' this was never observ'd to any body but the Queen. In -short, this Princess enter'd once into _Paris_ with all this Attendance, -as she return'd from _la Muette_. When she pass'd before the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_, the Officers of the Guards were very much astonish'd to -hear the Trumpets, and represented that no body but the King and Queen -ought to march with such Pomp; upon which Madame _de Berry_ wav'd her -Privilege for the future, tho' with regard only to _Paris_. - -Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, who was so fond of -Grandeur, must naturally be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior -to Persons that had the Honor of approaching her. Yet she was quite the -Reverse. I was acquainted with several Ladies that had the Honor of some -Familiarity with her; and they all assur'd me, that she was the -best-natur'd Princess in the World. She never stood upon Formalities in -point of Ceremonial with the Generality of the Ladies, but freely -permitted them to come and visit her in a Scarf. 'Tis true indeed that she -did not affect Dress herself, and consequently it would not have been -good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies to appear in a formal -Dress, which she was scarce ever seen in her self. _Madame_, as I have -already had the Honor to tell you, was much more precise. She was always -in the Court-Dress, and never suffer'd any but Ladies that were advanc'd -in years, or such as were not in Health, to appear before her in any -other. - -The Duke Regent, according to the Promise he had made to the Parliament, -when he held the Bed of Justice, establish'd several Councils. There was -one which was call'd _The Council of the Regency_, others for War, the -Finances, the Marine, and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of the -late King were dismiss'd, except the Chancellor _Voisin_, who kept his -Post. M. _Desmaretz_ and M. _de Pontchartrain_, one the Minister of the -Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both destitute of Employment. -M. _Desmaretz_ was put to some trouble in a Chamber which the Regent -establish'd at the _Grand Augustins_, for calling to account those who had -had the Management of the public Money. 'Twas called the _Chamber of -Justice_; and the President _Portail_, who is now the first President, was -at the Head of it. Great Advantages were expected from this Establishment, -which would, they said, not only pay off the King's Debts, but also bring -considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless it all came to nothing. -There was a Fine laid indeed, and 'twas a general one; but as most of the -Financiers had married their Daughters to the Great Men of the Kingdom, -they came off for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: Some were -condemn'd to the Galleys, and others to perpetual Imprisonment, after -having been set in the Pillory, where the People had the Pleasure of -insulting them; and that was all they got by it. As for the King, he was -not a Penny the richer for it; and no body got more by it than the Ladies -who sollicited for the lowering of the Fines, and ran away with almost all -the Profit. The Public, in general, was very much perplex'd by it: Most -People, afraid of being fin'd, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, -became so scarce in but six Months time, that it look'd as if _Lewis_ XIV. -had carried it all out of the Kingdom with him to the other World. They -began to lament the Loss of that Prince, and the Love of the Public for -the Regent vanish'd very fast, 'Twas not long before, that every one -thought they had reason to curse the late King; and the _Frenchman_, who -is naturally fickle, imagin'd without knowing why or wherefore, that the -Death of _Lewis_ XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy Century. The -Prince who was at the Head of the Administration was loaded with -Blessings, tho' he had not yet done any thing to win their Hearts; and in -a very short time this same Prince, who was so much ador'd, found himself -the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon took care to be inform'd -how the Public stood affected to him. I happen'd to be one day at -_Madame_'s, when this Prince declared aloud, _Six Months ago_, said he, _I -was perfectly ador'd in_ Paris, _tho' I had done nothing to deserve it; -and I am now as much hated, but for what reason I should be glad to know_. -He knew perhaps, or at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity of -Silver was the only Cause of it; and it appeared by the Regent's Conduct, -that the King's Coffers were so far from being full, that Payments were -made, not in Silver, but in Paper; a Money always fluctuating, and with -which the _French_ began to be tir'd. They had so often seen Bills, with -various Denominations; and the Fare of the last sort call'd _Mint-Bills_, -in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that it was almost impossible -they should entertain a better Opinion of those that were created at the -beginning of the Regency, by the Name of _Government-Bills_: Yet these -were admitted notwithstanding the great Clamor against them; and by and by -we shall find that the _French_, who are always doom'd to be bubbled, gave -into a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps to view, but more ruinous -in the Event, than those which had appear'd before it. - -Another thing which put the People out of conceit with the Government, was -the Fluctuation of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing was fix'd; -and what was done one day, was cancell'd the next. The Regent, who was -really a good-natur'd and very affable Prince, seem'd to put himself into -the hands of too many People: No body that had a Favor to ask was turn'd -away; it often happen'd that the same Thing was promis'd to two Persons, -and a third obtain'd it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments were -promis'd, but the Promise seldom kept: So far from it, that several -Pensions were suppress'd, and mine, which cost me so much Pains in the -Sollicitation, was of that number. I made some Bustle to be put upon the -List again; yet all that I could obtain was a Promise that my Pension -should be renew'd very soon: But the Performance is still to come. - -All this striking off of Pensions, together with a considerable Reduction -of the Army, reduc'd a great many People to Beggary. I saw several -Knights of St. _Lewis_ at that very time, waiting with Impatience for the -Dusk of the Evening, that they might go out, and beg Alms in the public -Places. This extreme Misery was attended, as may be easily imagin'd, by -Robberies and Murders; so that all this while _Paris_ had a great -Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension that I should be a Sharer in the -common Desolation, engag'd me to pay my Court to _Madame_ with more -Assiduity than ever, and I earnestly intreated her to honor me with her -Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess return'd me for Answer, _That -she was resolv'd not to meddle or make; that however I had no reason to be -uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her speaking in my Behalf to the -Prince her Son, since he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that for -the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs and Sollicitations, that -I must have patience for a while longer_. I made her Answer, _That I was -very willing to wait as long as her Royal Highness pleas'd; but that I was -sadly afraid I was not in a Situation to stay long_. _Madame_ reply'd to -me, _There is a Remedy for all Things: Be you to-morrow at my Closet as -soon as I have din'd_. I was there punctually according to her Orders, and -found her all alone. As soon as she saw me she said, _I am a poor Widow -that can't do great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige you_. She -then gave me the Key of her Bureau, and bid me open it, and take a Bag out -of one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the Tune of three thousand -Livres. I receiv'd it with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh -Token of her Royal Highness's Goodness attach'd me to her more than ever. - -The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew'd a Demand which they had -already made in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they expected to be -made to them by the first President when he call'd for their Opinion: They -also claim'd several Prerogatives over the[55] Nobility, and wanted to -establish themselves as a Middle State between the Princes of the Blood -and those call'd Gentlemen. The Regent made them Answer, _That for his -part he had never acknowledg'd more than three Orders, the Clergy, the -Nobility, and the third Estate; and that 'twas their Business to choose -which Class they would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment -which was intirely unprecedented_. The Dukes demanded moreover, to be -excus'd from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with a private Gentleman; -but the Duke _de la Feuillade_ refus'd to sign this Petition, because he -said, _He would not be expos'd to an Affront from any Gentleman, and he -restrain'd from resenting it_. - -The Parliament did not vouchsafe to answer the Memorial of the Dukes, and -only confirm'd what the President _de Novion_ had advanc'd, that it was -the King's sole Right to determine Claims of that sort, and that therefore -they must wait till his Majesty was of Age. The Nobility did not treat the -Demand of the Dukes with the same Indifference as the Parliament, and met -to consider how they should behave; but there came an Order forbidding -them to continue their Assemblies. Yet for all this Prohibition they drew -up a Memorial between themselves, which was presented to the King. This -Conduct of theirs so disgusted the Court, that several of the Nobles who -were known to have the greatest Hand in the Memorial were taken up and -committed to the _Bastile_. The Dukes met at the same time at the House of -the Archbishop of _Rheims_, who was afterwards the Cardinal _de Mailly_. -In fine, the Result of all these Motions on both sides, was a Declaration -issued by his Majesty, requiring that every thing should remain in the -same State as in the late King's Life-time, without prejudice to the -Rights of either Party. A zealous Parliamentarian, who, 'tis like, could -not brook that Pretensions so frivolous as that of the Dukes should remain -unanswer'd, publish'd a very long Tract to prove, that several of the -Dukes were not Gentlemen; and that the Generality of the Members of -Parliament were indisputably of better Extraction than those who were -grac'd with the Title of Dukes. I question if _Henry_ IV. who very often -did the Nobility the Honor to call himself a Gentleman, would have left -the Claim of the Dukes undetermin'd. - -At this very time the Princes of the Blood presented a Petition to his -Majesty against the Legitimated Princes. The former were uneasy to see -the latter in possession of Rank equal to theirs, and pretending to an -equal Share with them in the Right of Succession to the Crown; and -therefore demanded that the Legitimated Princes, _viz._ the Duke _du -Maine_ and the Count _de Toulouse_, and their Descendants, should be -declar'd to have forfeited the Rank of Princes of the Blood; and that the -Act by which the late King declared those Princes capable of succeeding to -the Crown, should be struck out of the Registers of the Parliament. - -The Legitimated Princes presented a Memorial to the King on their part, -whereby they represented to his Majesty, that the Demand of the Princes of -the Blood was contrary to his Authority; that the Sovereigns had always -the Liberty of granting such Honors as they thought fit, either to the -Court or the Parliament; and that moreover, the late King, when he -declar'd them Princes of the Blood, did it in the most authentic Manner, -the Declaration which gave them that Dignity, being register'd in -Parliament, in the Presence, and even with the Advice of the Princes of -the Blood, and of the Dukes and Peers. - -Several Writings were publish'd at that time on both sides of the -Question, to prove the Justice of the Cause which each maintain'd. The -Amount of what the Legitimated Princes pleaded was, That Kings were the -absolute Dispensers of Favors; and that the Kings who were _Lewis_ XIVth's -Predecessors, formerly granted those very Privileges, which they now aim'd -to deprive them of, without Opposition. They quoted for Example the -_Longueville_ Family, whose Descendants had always the Rank of Princes of -the Blood. They also instanc'd in several Bastards who had succeeded to -the Crown, in the first and second Race of the Kings of _France_; and -observ'd, that the Case would have been the same in the third Race, if the -same Fact had happen'd. - -The Princes of the Blood gave an ample and solid Reply to the Memorial of -the Legitimated Princes. They advanc'd, that the King as great as his -Authority was, could not grant Prerogatives that were peculiar only to -Birth-right; that a Bastard was one without Father, without Mother, -without Kindred, _&c._ and by consequence incapable of holding any Rank -which Blood alone can give; that moreover, the Claim of the Legitimated -Princes would deprive the Nation of its Right of calling such Family to -the Crown as they thought fit, in case the Royal Family should happen to -be extinct. - -This Memorial was confuted by another, and to the latter there was a -Reply. In fine, both sides grew so warm, that to put an end to the -Quarrel, the King was oblig'd to speak. He declared solemnly, _That the -Legitimated Princes should enjoy the Rank of Princes of the Blood during -their Lives, but that they could not succeed to the Crown_. This -Declaration was very well receiv'd, in appearance, by both Parties; but -perhaps too it was the Cause of some Events, which in the Consequence gave -the Regent no little Uneasiness, whereof I shall soon have occasion to -make mention. - -During these Transactions in _France_, there were Commotions of much -greater Consequence in _England_, where a Revolution was expected in favor -of the Chevalier _de St. George_, who having spent some time at the Prince -_de Vaudemont_'s House at _Commercy_ in _Lorrain_, was just set out for -_Scotland_. He embark'd between _Ostend_ and _Dunkirk_, and had a happy -Passage. As soon as he arriv'd he found a considerable Party which -declar'd for him. Every thing seem'd at first to favor him: A great many -Persons came to own him for King, and he was serv'd in that Quality. But -his Happiness was of no long Duration, and he was oblig'd to retire with -Precipitancy from a Country where he was in danger of being ill us'd. - -'Twas the Opinion of many People that this Undertaking would have -succeeded, if the Prince had not discover'd so much Zeal for the Catholic -Religion; for 'twas only desired of him to promise to preserve the -Privileges of _Scotland_ in Religious Matters, but he would not hear of -it. Moreover, he rose one day from Table without eating a Morsel, because -a Clergyman of the Church of _England_ had said the Grace; and upon this -Occasion he protested, that he would never eat a Bit of what a Heretic -pretended to give a Blessing to. This great Zeal for Religion, a Zeal -perhaps too flaming in Circumstances where he might, without any Crime, -have smother'd it, was the reason that all the Protestants in _Scotland_, -many of whom had already declared in his Favor, turn'd their backs on him. -I happen'd to be present when all this was told to the Duke of _Orleans_. -He made Answer, _If all this be true, 'tis no wonder that he has not -succeeded; and I look upon him as an undone Prince_. At the same time I -observ'd such an Air of Satisfaction in his and _Madame_'s Countenances, -as convinc'd me that they were not ill pleas'd to see the Elector of -_Hanover_ establish'd on the Throne of _England_. - -The Chevalier _de St. George_ return'd to _France_, and having pass'd -thro' the whole Kingdom _incog._ he went for Refuge to _Avignon_. The -_English_ did all they could with the Regent to engage him to arrest the -Chevalier, and demanded likewise that he would cashier all the _English_ -and _Irish_ Officers in the Service of _France_, that were the Pretender's -Adherents. The Regent satisfy'd them but in part, for he only cashier'd -the Officers. The Chevalier _de St. George_ was hotly pursu'd, and 'tis -even said that a certain Lord was a good while in chace of him, with a -Design to have killed him; but the Chevalier escap'd the Danger by the -Haste that he made to _Avignon_. When he quitted _Scotland_ he was oblig'd -to leave several Lords that had follow'd him in the Lurch, particularly -the Duke of _Lirie_, Son to the Marshal _de Berwic_, Natural Son of -_James_ II. who had so much Difficulty to get to _France_ again, that -'twas even reported for a long while that he had been taken Prisoner and -beheaded, as Lord _Derwentwater_ was at _London_. - -The _French_ were sorry to see that Fortune always cross'd the Chevalier -_de St. George_, and could not help pitying the Queen his Mother, whose -Sorrows were by this Disaster increas'd; for she had, by the Miscarriage -of this Expedition, ruin'd several of her Friends, who had made their -utmost Efforts to support the Charges of it. - -Tho' the _Orleans_ Family was not very much afflicted at the Misfortune of -the Chevalier _de St. George_, yet it did not hinder _Madame_ from going -to _Chaillot_ to condole with the Queen upon her late Misfortunes. I was -at the Royal Palace when _Madame_ return'd from the Visit; and she did me -the Honor to tell me, _That she had been almost crying her Eyes out_. I -pretended to be ignorant of the Cause of her Tears, and took the Freedom -to ask her, _What was the matter? The poor Queen of +England+!_ said she, -_I pity her heartily. I have been weeping with her_. I could not help -letting _Madame_ know how much I was surpriz'd at this Grief of her's, -because I imagin'd she was more in the Interest of the Family that -govern'd _England_, than of a Prince who was a Stranger to her; and one, -moreover, that was always out of Fortune's Favor. _You are in the right_, -said Madame, _all the Relations of my late Aunt are dear to me, and I with -'em well. But this poor Queen takes it as much to heart as if it was but -to-day that she left the Crown. But what can she do? The only way for her -is to make her self easy. 'Tis not her Doom to be happy; and since one of -'em must be unfortunate, I had rather she was so than the King of -+England+. But_, added she, _this must not be told_. Madam _de D----_ -coming in just after these Words, _Madame_ told her, _That she had been to -see the Queen of +England+, but that she thought she had been with the -Nymph +Arethusa+ all the while_. Madam _de D----_ made Answer to her, -_That it was not surprizing to see Tears shed by Persons so much afflicted -as the Queen was. What then_, said Madame, _are not thirty Tears -Misfortunes enough to inure her to them_? Thus did this Princess wipe away -the Tears which lately fell from her in such a Torrent. - -The fine Season being come, _Madame_ went to _St. Cloud_, and took with -her Mademoiselle _de Chartres_ now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and -Mademoiselle _de Valois_ now Princess of _Modena_. _Madame_ spent all the -Summer at _St. Cloud_, so that I made several Trips thither. I told her -my Case, and desir'd that she would please to intercede for me with the -Duke her Son. She always promis'd me she would, but never did; and yet she -said to every body who talk'd of me to her, _That she wish'd me well_; -while, on the other hand, tho' this Princess mortally hated _S----_ a -_Prussian_ Gentleman, she earnestly importun'd the Duke her Son to serve -him; and I was present one day when she sollicited for him. After the Duke -of _Orleans_ retir'd, she call'd me to her, and said, _You heard how I -espous'd the Interests of +S----+, yet I can assure you he does not -deserve it_. Then _Madame_ told me strange Stories to the disadvantage of -_S----_, upon which I took the Freedom to defend his Cause, and to assure -her Royal Highness that he had been misrepresented to her. _What!_ said -Madame, _will you offer to deny that he had his Hand cut off for -counterfeiting the Sign-Manual of the King of +Denmark+?_ As I knew the -Adventure of _S----_ at the _Danish_ Court, and that his was not a Crime -of such a nature; and as, moreover, I knew that the Loss of his Right Arm -was owing to a Fall that he had receiv'd, I represented to _Madame_, that -I should have thought the cutting off of his Hand Punishment enough in all -reason for the Crime of which she suspected _S----_; but that -nevertheless, his Arm was cut off near the Shoulder. _Alas_! said the -Princess, _that's because it was cut a second time. But, Madame_, I -instantly reply'd, _How could your Royal Highness favor a Man that was -capable of such a Fraud? I have my Reasons for it_, said she. I did not -venture to indulge my Curiosity further. But in fine, this M. _de S----_ -who was to the last degree abhorr'd, obtain'd what he desir'd; whereas, -for my part, as well as I was wish'd, I could not possibly obtain so much -as a positive Denial, which would at least have serv'd to undeceive me, -and to make me look out for Preferment from another Quarter. - -While _Madame_ was at _St. Cloud_, the Duchess of _Berry_ resided at -_Meudon_, tho' sometimes she came to _Paris_. I had the Honor of paying my -Compliments to this Princess very often. She was good-natur'd and -generous, and very free to ask Favors of the Regent her Father, who seldom -deny'd her; so that whoever had her Protection, was in a sure way to be -advanc'd. The Count _de R----_, a young Man of Quality, and who was just -enter'd as a Lieutenant in that Princess's Guards, knew better than any -body how to gain his Mistress's Favor. I knew him some time before this -Preferment of his, when he was a Lieutenant in the King's Regiment, very -much out at heels, and by consequence not in a Condition to keep a certain -Sett of Company; at least, in the manner that he would have desir'd: But -by meer Chance he was quarter'd upon the Duchess of _Berry_, who wanted a -Man of a good Family to be Lieutenant of her Guards; for till then those -who officiated in that Post were only Persons of a common Extraction, for -which reason few there were that strove to get it. _R----_ thought very -prudently, that in his present Circumstances he was not oblig'd to mind -such Scruples; and he spoke to his Sister, who was a Lady of the -Bed-Chamber to the Duchess, of the Design he had to offer his Service. He -actually did so, and was admitted. He perform'd the Duty of it a good -while, and the Princess took no more Notice of him than she did of any of -her other Officers. What began to make him known was this. One day as the -Princess was going out she observ'd that _R----_ was not on horseback by -the side of her Coach, as his Duty demanded of him; and she complain'd of -it to the Duke _de la Rochefoucault_ the Captain of her Guards. This -Officer, who was fond of _R----_, and was, moreover, naturally inclin'd to -do him Service, said to the Princess that _R----_ was not well; but -setting his Indisposition aside, as he had the Honor to be a Gentleman, he -thought it hard to ride like a Stable-Boy by the side of her Coach, while -several Officers of the Houshold, who were not equal to him, rode in the -Coach that follow'd. The Duchess of _Berry_, who was a kind Mistress, -immediately gave Orders, that the Lieutenant of her Guards should ride in -the Waiting-Coach. _R----_ return'd her Thanks, and was more assiduous -than ever in his Attendance on her. Madame _de M----_ spoke afterwards so -much in Commendation of _R----_, that the Princess her self talk'd with -him several times, and was convinc'd that Madame _de M----_ had told her -the Truth, and that _R----_ deserv'd her Favor. He was quickly Master of a -splendid Fortune, gay Furniture, Clothes and Equipage; and she also -preferr'd him to several Regiments, which he always dispos'd of to his -advantage. To the Honor of _R----_ be it said, that his Prosperity did not -make him a jot the vainer; he was still as good-natur'd and civil as ever, -his old Friends always found him the same, and very often he did them -important Services. He had afterwards a Quarrel with the Regent, who -caus'd him to be banish'd from his Regiment; and during his Exile the -Duchess of _Berry_ died at _la Muette_, the 20th of _July, 1719_, aged -only 24. - -Mean time the King who had been at _Paris_ ever since his Return from -_Vincennes_, was removed out of the hands of the Women into those of the -Men, and the Person appointed for his Governor was the Marshal _de -Villeroy_. The Choice of him was the more applauded, because he was one of -the old experienced Courtiers, and a Man whose Zeal and Attachment to the -King's Person no body question'd. The Constitution of this young Prince -was so tender, that they could not be too careful of it. The Marshal, as -old as he was, fully answer'd what was expected of him: He gave -extraordinary Application to the discharge of his Duty, and was never out -of his Majesty's sight. This Nobleman's Post being the most honorable that -can be desir'd in _France_, there quickly arose envious Persons, who -strove, tho' in vain, to depreciate him in the Esteem of the Public. They -confess'd that he was a very proper Person to teach the young Monarch to -walk and make his Salute like a King, to put his Hat on with a Grace, to -accost a Lady in the politest manner, and other things of that nature; but -that he was by no means fit to inspire him with Ideas suitable to his -Rank, and that he could never make him think like a King. But the -consequence shew'd what the Marshal was capable of, and the young Prince -quickly gave Proofs that he had learnt of the Marshal not only to walk, -but to think like a King. I remember one Passage, which is a very plain -Indication of his being fully persuaded that he was the sole Master in his -Kingdom, and that there was no Person above him. When _Madame_ came to the -_Thuilleries_, she made but a very short Visit at Court, because she went -to hear Mass; and she said to the King as she retired, _That she was -going to wait on a greater Lord than he_. The young Prince seem'd a little -surpriz'd at first, but after a Moment's Reflexion he made her Answer, -_Undoubtedly_, Madame, _you are going to pray to God_. Another day the -_French_ Comedians having play'd the Tragedy of _Athalia_ before his -Majesty, 'tis said the Prince could not bear with any Patience to see -young _Joas_ seated on the Throne, for he had a Fancy that he was a second -King; nor would he so much as applaud the Lad who so perfectly well play'd -the Part of _Joas_. These Passages are a sufficient Demonstration, that he -had been inspir'd with Sentiments suitable to his Dignity; and that in -time, perhaps, he will not be inferior in any respect to his August -Great-Grandfather. - -As to my own Affairs, I had the Mortification to find them still in the -same Situation. 'Tis certain that no Sollicitation was wanting on my part, -nor Promises on the part of the Regent; but after all, nothing was -concluded, and I was then not a whit forwarder than when I arriv'd in -_France_, tho' I had not near so much Money. Mean time I was too earnest -for entring into the Service to be disheartened, and shutting my Eyes -against the Improbability of Success, I renew'd my Sollicitation. My -Residence at _Paris_ being extremely ruinous to me, my particular -Acquaintance could not conceive how I was able to support my self. -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ soon heard that I had not yet obtain'd any -thing in _France_, and that nevertheless I was obstinately bent on staying -there: She could not bear the Thoughts of the Expence, which she was -sensible I was oblig'd to be at; and as my Estate was entail'd upon her, -she imagin'd that the Money I spent in _France_ was so much taken out of -her Pocket. She resolv'd therefore to make me quit _Paris_, knowing very -well that 'twas cheaper to live elsewhere. For this end she desir'd the -Princess _de G----_, who corresponded by Letters with _Madame_, to write -to her Royal Highness, and to intreat her to protect me no longer, because -I did not deserve her Favors. The Letter was accordingly written and sent -to _Madame_, who told me the whole Contents of it. 'Twas so well cook'd -up, that my Cousin might boast of having a good Secretary. But her Royal -Highness assur'd me, that this Letter should make no Impression upon her, -and that she would always be my Friend. I most humbly thank'd the -Princess, withdrew in a terrible Pet with my Cousin; and in the first -transport of my Passion I wrote her a Letter, in which I did not spare -her. As she was really a Woman of very good Sense, she answer'd me in the -same Style. I replied; she did the same; and thus we carried on a Literary -Correspondence, in which there were very pretty Sayings on both sides. - -To compleat my Happiness I was afflicted with a Redundancy of Choler, -which was follow'd with the Jaundice, a Distemper that brought me to the -very Brink of the Grave. My Friends did not forsake me; and among others I -may say, that I had more than ordinary Obligation to the Abbé _d'Asfeldt_, -who desir'd me to reflect on my State; and as he knew that I was not a -Roman Catholic, and that the Prejudices in which I had been bred up, gave -me great Prejudice to the contrary Party, he conjur'd me to permit him to -discourse me about Religion, only one Hour in a Day; to which I consented -with pleasure. Every body knows with what an Energy he speaks, and with -what a winning Grace. He continued his Visits all the time of my Sickness, -which by degrees went quite off. I was so affected with what he said to -me, that I promised him I would receive Instruction when I was recover'd; -and as soon as I got abroad, I was as good as my Word. He brought me -acquainted with Father _Denis_, a barefooted _Carmelite_, who in some -Conferences with me finish'd what the Abbé _d'Asfeldt_ had begun; so that -in a little time after, I made public Profession of my Faith to Father -_Denis_[56], in presence of an infinite number of Persons of Quality. The -Marquis _d'Asfeldt_ and the Abbé his Brother were my Witnesses, and sign'd -my Confession of Faith along with me. When the Ceremony was ended, I was -accosted on all sides with Embraces from abundance of People, of whom -three parts in four were quite unknown to me; yet their Zeal for Religion -made them fond of expressing how glad they were to see me admitted into -the Bosom of the Church. I receiv'd the Communion the same Week, upon the -Festival of _All-Saints_: And at length I waited on the Cardinal _de -Noailles_, who made a very fine Speech to me, exhorting me to continue -stedfast in the Religion that I had embrac'd. - -The News of my Conversion was soon spread in _Germany_, and _Luther_ and -_Calvin_ themselves could not have exclaim'd against it more than my good -Cousin did. The same Princess who had formerly recommended me so heartily -to _Madame_, wrote to her again to tell her, _That she ought not to be -surprised at my changing my Religion, and that 'twas nothing but a -Ceremony which I had perform'd two or three times before_. But tho' she -gave it this Turn, it made little or no Impression upon _Madame_. And for -my own part I did not give much heed to what my Enemies said; and that I -might not be in the way of hearing it, I left off going to the Royal -Palace, where _Madame_ resided after she quitted _St. Cloud_. - -I spent the Winter of 1717 very disagreeably, that is to say, I wanted -Money; and without that current Metal, a Man may live as well in the -remotest Desert as in _Paris_. I was quickly oblig'd to by down my -Equipage, and at last to sell some of my Clothes to satisfy my clamorous -Debtors: Yet for all this I could not stave off an Affront from one of -them, who to be sure was more hungry than the rest; for tho' he had -promis'd to give me a Month longer, he caus'd me to be arrested in the -little Market of the Suburb of _St. Germain_, and all at once was I -hurried to the Abbey. This might have prov'd a very fatal Misfortune to -me, if I had not been assisted that very day by M. _de N----_ a Counsellor -of Parliament, to whom I sent word of it the very Moment I was in Hold; -upon which he came immediately, and offer'd his Bond for the Debt: But my -Creditor would hear of no Terms except the Money down, and refus'd to take -his Security. M. _de N----_ was so exasperated at this Denial, that he -wrote a Line to the First President desiring him to set me at liberty, -which I obtain'd accordingly upon the Spot, without Money, or so much as -giving the Creditor any manner of Security. M. _de N----_ too, in order to -oblige me to all Intents and Purposes, was so good as to get a Writ of -Protection for me, after which my Creditors could not touch me: And -indeed, considering the Situation I was then in, that was the greatest -piece of Service that could be done for me. - -I was no sooner got out of this Scrape but I fell into another, not -altogether so vexatious indeed, yet very perplexing. In my Visits to the -President _de P----_'s Lady, I became acquainted at her House with a -Widow, who tho' old, ugly, covetous and silly, and to crown all, terribly -fond of Law, was so rich, that all those amiable Qualities were -over-look'd by a number of pleasant Companions, who strove to make Love to -her, in hopes of contracting a Marriage which seem'd so likely to make -their Fortunes. The Widow could not tell how to fix her Choice; not that -she was averse to Matrimony, but the Conditions she requir'd were so -extraordinary, that the very mention of them made her Gallants take their -Leave of her. The President _de P----_'s Wife, who knew the Lady very -well, and my Circumstances even better, advis'd me to try my Luck; and for -my Encouragement she promis'd to serve me: and serve me she did so -effectually, that the Lady was not displeas'd with the Pains which she -perceiv'd I took to make my self acceptable to her. She offer'd me an -Apartment in her House; in short, she made me to understand that I need -not despair of any thing. I had some Reluctance to accept of that Offer, -altho' it was so advantagious; and for this Reason chiefly, the Want of -Money, because I did not care to be at her House without being better -equip'd. By good Luck my Landlady, who was one of those intriguing Dames -with which _Paris_ swarms, help'd me out of this Difficulty. She -discover'd all in an Instant what was the matter, and in concert with an -_Italian_ Valet de Chambre, who had liv'd with me for some time, she -help'd me without any Difficulty to every thing that was necessary for my -Appearance with Splendor. I then hir'd more Servants, bought very fine -Liveries; in short, all my Equipage was in a few days more gay than ever. -'Tis true it was all upon Tick; but our old Lady, as covetous as she was, -would not let me suffer upon that score. In the mean time I had a very -difficult Game to play; for I was oblig'd to counterfeit being over head -and ears in Love with the most disagreeable Woman upon the Face of the -Earth; and at the very time too when I was still courting Madame _de -R----_, who without dispute was as handsome a Woman as any whatsoever. Nor -was this all; for the old Lady, to be like the fine Women forsooth, -affected to be jealous; and whenever I ventur'd to leave her, which was -but very seldom, she was sure to set on a Spy to watch me. We generally -went abroad together. By eight o'clock in the Morning we us'd to be at the -Palais importuning the Judges, or else provoking the Attorneys and -Sollicitors to scold like Madmen. When we had done there, the good Lady -return'd home and sat down to her Toilet, and I us'd to sit by her in an -Arm-chair till I was quite tir'd. At first indeed I had some Pleasure in -being so near a Spectator of the Art by which a very disagreeable Face may -be sometimes made tolerable. My old Lady's was all artificial from the -Forehead to the Chin; and I question whether a Picture takes up more -Colours than she made use of to dawb her Features with? Her Apparel was -rich, but as much dy'd and daub'd as all the rest. A Correspondence so -tiresome as this was, gave me a horrid Disgust; but yet when I reflected -what a Pass I had reduc'd my self to by my Extravagance, I thought it was -not my Interest to break it off. I continu'd therefore to play the Part of -an amorous Suitor. And at last, fearing that I should sink under the -Fatigue, I began to talk strenuously of Marriage; but the good Lady still -said it was yet too soon, and that she was willing to have further Tryal -of me. She resolv'd at length to consent to it; but 'twas upon such -extraordinary Terms, that really I should have renounc'd any other Match -upon that score, if it had been twenty times more advantagious. I resolv'd -therefore to have no more to say to the silly Woman, and to retire. I -thought of making another Tour to _Berlin_ to settle my Affairs, and to -sell my Land if Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ would give her Consent; but I -put off my Departure for a little time in hopes of seeing the Czar of -_Muscovy_, who was shortly expected at _Paris_. - -This Monarch, from no other Motive but Curiosity, came from one of the -Extremities of _Europe_ to see the Court of _France_. They would have had -him make a public Entry; but he desir'd to be receiv'd without Ceremony. -_Verton_ the King's Chief Steward met him on the Frontier, and conducted -him to _Amiens_, where the Marquis _de Nesle_ complimented him in the Name -of the King, and then went with him half way to _Paris_. The Marshal _de -Tesse_, who was charged to accompany the Prince all the time he was to -stay in _France_, went also to meet him. The Czar arriv'd at the _Louvre_ -by ten o'clock at Night, and was conducted to the Queen Mother's -Apartment, which had been sumptuously furnish'd for his Reception. Some -Moments after his Arrival the Marshal _de Villeroy_ came from the King to -make his Excuses that he was not at the _Louvre_ to receive him, by reason -his Majesty's tender Years and Constitution did not permit him to sit up -so late. They laid that the Czar was not satisfy'd with this Excuse, nor -with the Regent for not coming to meet him. 'Tis certain that he appeared -to be very much out of Temper all the Evening, would eat no Supper, and -took but one Glass of Beer: Nor would he stay at the _Louvre_, saying, -_That the Furniture of his Apartment was too rich; and that his -Attendants, who were not the most cleanly, might happen to spoil it_. -'Twas one o'clock in the Morning when the Czar was pleas'd to shift his -Lodging, and the Marshal _de Tesse_ would have been sadly put to it, had -he not caus'd the Palace of _Lesdiguieres_ to be furnish'd by way of -Precaution. The Czar thought this House also too richly furnish'd, and -notwithstanding all they could say he would not lie in a magnificent Bed -which was put up in the Apartment that was to be his, but caus'd a little -Bed to be set up for himself in the Wardrobe. Next day the Regent came and -paid him a Visit, when the Prince _de Kourakin_ the Czar's Ambassador to -_Holland_ serv'd for their Interpreter. The Visit lasted near an Hour, and -there all the Ceremonial was settled that was to be observ'd to the -_Russian_ Monarch. - -After this the King went to see him first, being accompanied from the -Palace of the _Thuilleries_, with the chief Lords and Officers of the -Crown. The Czar receiv'd his Majesty as he alighted from the Coach, and -took him in his Arms with a Transport of Fondness; at which the young -Monarch seem'd a little surpriz'd. He said to the Czar, _That he was very -glad to see him safe arrived at +Paris+; that he wish'd him Pleasure as -long as he staid in his Dominions; that he should have the same Respect -paid to him as to himself, and that he had given Orders for the -Court-Service always to give way to his_. Then the two Monarchs went hand -in hand into a Chamber where two Chairs of State were plac'd. The Czar -being the Stranger sate on the Right Hand. The Duke _du Maine_ and the -Marshal _de Villeroy_ stood behind the King's Chair of State, and answer'd -the Questions which the Czar ask'd his Majesty. After a short Visit the -King rose first, and was accompanied to his Coach by the Czar, who at -taking Leave of his Majesty caught him up again in his Arms, and hoisting -him higher than his Head, said, _He wish'd that his Grandeur and Power -might surpass that of the late King_ Lewis XIV. He help'd the King into -his Coach, and did not return till it mov'd off. - -Next day the Czar went to the _Thuilleries_ with the same Train as the -King has when he goes abroad, and rode in the King's Coach attended by the -chief Lords of his Court, who sat over-against him, and at the -Coach-Doors. As soon as he enter'd the Court, the King went to the Gate of -the Castle, receiv'd him at his landing, and then conducted him to his -Apartment, always giving the Czar the Right Hand. I never saw more People -at the _Thuilleries_ than there were on that day, insomuch that the two -Monarchs had scarce room to pass. The Czar shew'd a prodigious Care of the -King, kept him up by one Hand, and wav'd the other to keep off such as -were apt to croud too near him. After a Visit no longer than that which -the King made to the Prince, his Majesty reconducted him to the Coach, -and the Czar return'd to his House with the same Train that had -accompanied him. When that Prince return'd to his Apartment, he told the -Marshal, _That he was very much surpriz'd at the infinite Croud of People -in the way_. To which the Marshal made Answer, _That the +French+ had so -great a Veneration for his Person, and so high an Idea of his illustrious -Qualities, that no wonder they were so eager to see a Prince, who they -knew beforehand was deserving of their Admiration_. The Czar seem'd very -well pleas'd with this Answer, yet he desir'd, _That for the future, when -he went abroad, the People might be oblig'd to keep out of his way_. He -paid a Visit next day to the Regent and to _Madame_. The latter talk'd to -him for two Hours in _High-Dutch_, and the Czar answer'd the Princess in -_Low-Dutch_. When he was withdrawn he said to M. _de S----_, _That -+Madame+ was extremely inquisitive; that she wanted to knew every thing; -and that she had ask'd him too many Questions; but that after all, he told -her no more than what he was willing she should know_. - -The Czar was very curious to see every thing that was worth seeing in and -about _Paris_. He inform'd himself of every thing, and took care to write -every thing in his Pocket-book that he thought remarkable. He rose at -Day-break, and rambled about from one Place to another till Night. To -prevent all manner of Incumbrance he chose to make use of none but the -Marshal _de Tesse_'s Coaches, tho' that Nobleman would have been well -enough contented without such Preference, because he kill'd several of his -Horses; and the poor Marshal himself must have sunk under the Fatigue of -the perpetual Motion that he was oblig'd to, if the Czar had staid much -longer; but this Monarch lost no time, and examin'd every thing with equal -Nicety and Dispatch, because he intended to be gone as soon as he had -satisfy'd his Curiosity. - -The Court spar'd nothing to pay this Prince all due Honors. The Regent for -this purpose order'd a general Review of all the King's Houshold Troops, -and of the _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards in the Walks of _Roule_ and in the -_Elysian Fields_. The Czar repair'd thither on horseback, and 'twas -expected he would have staid out the whole Review; but he only rode -briskly in the Front of the first Line, without casting his Eyes on the -Troops, and then clapping Spurs to his Horse, without paying any -Compliment to the Regent, he return'd full Gallop to _Paris_. From thence -he went directly to _St. Ouen_, where the Duke _de Tresmes_, First -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and Governor of _Paris_, gave him an -Entertainment, with which he seem'd better pleas'd than with the Review. -He was loth to consent to the Admission of the Ladies into the Orangery -where the Table was spread, and only spoke to Madame _de Bethune_, -Daughter of the Duke _de Tresmes_, for which Distinction she was oblig'd -to M. _de Bethune_, who having been a good while in _Poland_, talk'd the -_Polish_ Language very well, which procur'd him the Honor of being able to -converse with his Czarish Majesty. The chief Noblemen, after the Example -of the Duke _de Tresmes_, made Entertainments for the _Russian_ Monarch. -The Duke Regent also prepar'd a Grand Feast for him at _St. Cloud_; but -just as the Czar was setting out from _Paris_, he was seiz'd with a -violent Fit of the Cholic, which hinder'd his going abroad; nor do I know -that he had a Sight of the Castle of _St. Cloud_ at all. He seem'd to be -more delighted with _Versailles_ than any other Place, insomuch that he -caus'd a Plan of it to be taken, and said, _He would have a Building -something like to it erected in his own Country_. With this View he -engag'd Workmen of all sorts, and promis'd them great Advantages to -encourage them to go to _Muscovy_. A great number suffer'd themselves to -be taken in, and the Regent consented to let them go out of the Kingdom; -but we are assur'd that the Promises made to them were not perform'd, and -the Generality thought themselves very happy when they were return'd to -_France_. This Prince was not liberal; and what Presents he made were only -valuable as they came from so great a Prince. I saw a poor Soldier of the -Invalids make him a Present of a Plan of that Hospital, which had cost him -ten Years Labor; but tho' the Prince seem'd to think it a fine Piece, yet -the Soldier had a very small Reward. The King of _France_, however, made -him a noble Present, and thereby convinc'd him how different the Temper of -the _French_ was from that of the _Muscovites_. The Czar, in short, -return'd towards his Dominions very well satisfy'd with _France_, and went -first to _Holland_ where the _Czarina_ staid for him; and from thence he -proceeded by Land to _Petersbourg_. - -The Czar's Residence in _France_ had brought such a vast Number of -Foreigners to _Paris_, that the City being more populous than ever, new -Pleasures were thought of to divert them. A private Gentleman made a -Proposal to me, which if I could have succeeded in, would have been of -very great Service to me at that Juncture; for it was to put a -considerable Sum of Money in my Pocket, if I could obtain a Patent for -licensing Balls and Plays in the _Elysian Fields_, where the Projector -wou'd have erected Booths for that purpose. I spoke of this to the Regent, -who, according to his Custom, promis'd me the Grant at the first Word; but -M. _d'Argenson_, who was then only Lieutenant of the Police, made him soon -alter his Mind; for he represented to his Royal Highness, that such Balls -would infallibly be attended with great Disorders. The Objection was -specious, and like enough to be true; but after all, such a Licence would -not have increas'd the Disorder very much, especially at a Place where -'twas for a long time the Fashion to take the Air in the Night, so that -there were often more Coaches in the Course or Ring after Midnight, than -in the Day-time. Besides, a way might be found to avoid all the Disorders -that could possibly be foreseen. But M. _d'Argenson_ was a Man that -neither lov'd Novelties, nor Opportunities of obliging. I was the better -pleas'd with this Project, because if it had taken, I saw that I should be -in a Condition to stay some time longer at _Paris_, and to live in a -genteel manner. But at last, when I saw it defeated, I thought of nothing -but returning to _Berlin_. While I was putting every thing in order for my -Journey, I saw the Count _de Rothenbourg_ at _Paris_, who was come from -_Berlin_, and to return thither shortly with a Commission on some Affairs -of _France_. This Gentleman, who encourag'd me in my Design to go thither, -assur'd me that it would be the easiest matter in the World for me to sell -my Lands; that the King had just erected Fiefs; and that he gave every Man -leave to dispose of his Estate; nay more, he offer'd to carry me along -with him, and to advance me what Money I wanted. I thought all these to -be very advantagious Proposals; but they were Words without Deeds. 'Tis -true he lent me Money, that is to say, Government-Bills; but taking an -advantage of the Necessity he found me in, oblig'd me to conclude one of -the most fatal Bargains I ever made in my Life. I discounted my Bills, -that is to say, I lost considerably by them, and with the residue of the -Money I set out from _Paris_ to _Strasbourg_, where M. _de Rothenbourg_ -had appointed to meet me: But for his part he went by the way of -_Burgundy_, where he had an Estate; so that I staid for him near a Month, -which surely I should not have done if I had been in Cash. When he came he -told me, _That 'twas impossible for him to carry me with him to +Berlin+, -because he had no room in his Coach_. 'Tis true that it was full, but -there were some People in it, whom it would have better become to have got -up behind. I was by this means under an indispensable Necessity to stay at -_Strasbourg_, till I had a sufficient Remittance from _Berlin_, to enable -me to continue my Journey, without being beholden to any body. - -I did not repent my Stay at STRASBOURG; for tho' I had been at it before, -yet I never was there long enough to make any Observation upon the -Remarkables of the Place. _Strasbourg_[57] is one of the best Cities in -_Europe_. 'Tis the Capital of _Alsace_, and was conquer'd by _Lewis_ XIV. -in 1682, without any Expence but of Menaces and Money. That Monarch -fortify'd it considerably, and caus'd a Citadel and Arsenal to be built -there, which are Monuments worthy of a Great King. The Cathedral Church -has not its equal for its Bulk and Grandeur. The Doors are of Brass, and -very well wrought. There's a Pyramidal Spire 574 Foot high, which is a -very noble Piece of Work. The Great Clock is also worth seeing. I was -surpriz'd to see the great number of Wheels and Machines that give Motion -to all the Constellations, and turn the Needles, which upon Dials of -several sorts mark the Hours of the Day and Night, with the Course of the -Moon and the other Planets. In the Vestry of this Church, which is very -rich, are most sumptuous Altar-Ornaments and Copes. The Episcopal Palace -which joins to the Church is indeed a very commodious, but not a -magnificent Building, tho' it stands upon a considerable Spot of Ground, -whereon a fine Structure might be erected; but there's no Appearance that -such a thing will be undertaken yet a while, because the Cardinal _de -Rohan_ now Bishop of _Strasbourg_, who would be the properest Person for -it in the whole World, resides but little at _Strasbourg_, and justly -prefers _Saverne_ to it, where he has a most stately Palace. - -_Strasbourg_ was formerly an Imperial City, the Magistrates whereof were -_Lutherans_, but now the Catholics are the Masters, and have excluded the -_Lutherans_ from all manner of Employment. The King of _France_ keeps a -strong Garison in it, and the Commandant here for the King is the Marshal -_de Bourg_. This Nobleman lives more retir'd than is usual for People that -are in Power. The Officers go to him very often in the Morning, when the -Marshal makes them sit down in a Circle, where I have seen such a Silence -observ'd, that if Foreigners were Witnesses of it, they would not twit the -_French_ with having too much _Clack_. This Levee us'd to hold about half -an Hour, after which every one went to dinner where he pleas'd, the -Marshal only keeping a Table for Grand Festivals, or when any Person of -Distinction arriv'd from the Court of _France_, which is very rare, except -when the Cardinal _de Rohan_ is at _Strasbourg_. When his Eminency is -there, a great deal of Company follows him, and he lives with an Air of -Grandeur suitable to his Birth and Dignity. Add to this, that there is not -any Nobleman, perhaps, that is of a more courteous and polite Deportment. -When this Prelate is not at _Strasbourg_ the Place is very melancholy, -especially for such as don't run into the common Debaucheries of Youth; -for the latter indeed always find wherewith to amuse themselves: and -indeed I have observ'd with my own Eyes that the young Fellows of -_Strasbourg_ are very debauch'd, and the Ladies very gentle. - -After I had staid a while at _Strasbourg_, I receiv'd News at last from -_Berlin_, together with Money to proceed in my Journey. I made haste thro' -the Cities of _Heidelberg_[58], _Darmstad_ and _Francfort_, and stopt at -HANAU, where I had the Honor of paying my Compliments to the Count of that -Name, who commonly resides there. He married a Princess of -_Brandenbourg-Anspach_, Sister to the Princess of _Wales_, by whom he has -had but one Daughter, married to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse-Darmstad_, so that the Family of _Hanau_ is like to be extinct in -the Person of this Count. A part of his Territories, _viz_. those which -are Fiefs of the Empire, will revert to the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -according to Conventions which this Prince has made with the King of -_Poland_, who was Heir to a good Part of the County of _Hanau_ as Elector -of _Saxony_; but the latter sold all his Pretensions to the Landgrave. - -The City of _Hanau_[59] stands near the _Maine_, and is distinguish'd into -the Old and New Towns. The new Town owes its Foundation to the _Walloon_ -Protestants, who came to settle in this County during the Religious Wars -in the _Netherlands_. The Streets of this Quarter, which is the finest of -the two, are broad, and as strait as a Line, and the Architecture of the -Houses on both sides is almost the same. A very exact Police is observ'd -in it, as well for the Neatness of the Streets, as for the Security of the -Inhabitants. This Count's Predecessors establish'd several Manufactures at -_Hanau_; and here is a considerable Trade in Snuff and Woollen Stuffs. The -_French_ Refugees have contributed not a little to render this City much -more considerable than it was before. - -The Castle or Palace of the Count is in the Old Town; and he has another -House at the Gates of the Town call'd _Philip's-Ruhe_[60], the Apartments -of which are very fine and nobly furnish'd, and the Gardens are of a grand -Taste, and a very advantagious Situation. - -From _Hanau_ I went to FULDE, an Abbat's Town of the Empire, in which -stands the famous Abbey of _Fulde_ of the Order of St. _Benedict_. The -Fryars are all Gentlemen by sixteen Descents. The Abbat is elected by his -Fryars, and has the Title of _Primat of the Abbats, Prince of the Empire, -and Hereditary Chancellor of the Empress_. The Person who is now vested -with that Dignity is of the Family of _Butler_. He maintains a great Court -and several Regiments; so that he lives absolutely like a Temporal Prince. -I should have lik'd his Reception of me very well, if he had not made me -drink so hard, that if I had staid there longer, my next Journey might -probably have been a vast way beyond _Berlin_. 'Tis my Opinion, Things -duly consider'd, that there's no need of any extraordinary Vocation to be -a Fryar at _Fulde_; for those Gentlemen enjoy every thing that a Man would -wish for in a genteel Life. The House they dwell in is more like the -Palace of a great King than a Convent; and the Abbey-Church, and another -lately built without the Town, may be reckon'd among the noblest Buildings -in _Germany_. - -From _Fulde_ I went to EISENACH[61], thro' the most detestable Roads that -I ever travell'd. _Eisenach_ stands upon the River _Nese_, at the feet of -horrible Mountains. 'Tis the Seat of the Duke of _Saxe-Eisenach_ of the -_Weimar_-Branch, who being absent at that time, I had not the Honor to see -him. - -I proceeded from _Eisenach_ to GOTHA[62], the Residence of the Duke of -_Saxe-Gotha_, who is the most powerful Prince of _Saxony_, next to the -Elector. He is descended from the unfortunate _John-Frederic_ Elector of -_Saxony_, who was put under the Ban of the Empire, and depriv'd of his -Electorate by _Charles_ V. The Town is well built, and the Duke's Palace, -which is separate from it, is surrounded with Ramparts. - -From _Gotha_ I went to ERFURT[63], a City which formerly was dependent on -the Family of _Saxony_, who by a solemn Treaty yielded it to the Elector -of _Mentz_ in 1665; and it now belongs to the present Elector of that -Name. The Inhabitants have made several Attempts to shake off their -Dependency upon that Elector, who on his part has not been wanting in -Measures to make them easy; and has made considerable Fortifications to -the Castle, in which he maintains a good Garison. The Town is large, and -contains fine Churches, of which the Cathedral is remarkable for its Bulk: -This Church had formerly a most magnificent Steeple; but some years ago -the Spire was entirely consumed by Lightning. - -From _Erfurt_ I went to LEIPSIC[64] one of the most considerable Cities in -the Electorate of _Saxony_, and of special Note for its University and its -Fairs. The former, which was founded in 1408, by _Frederic_ the _Warrior_, -has always supported it self with Reputation, notwithstanding the -Neighbourhood of the University of _Hall_. The Situation of _Leipsic_ is -charming, and which way soever one enters it, there are beautiful Houses -and Gardens kept in excellent Order. The _Boses_ and _Appel_, Merchants of -_Leipsic_ have Gardens at the Gates of the Town, in which they have laid -out surprizing Sums of Money: _Appel_ especially has a Garden which a -Prince need not be asham'd of. Besides these Gardens here are Walks, which -are not the less agreeable for being natural. Here is a remarkable Wood, -which is called in the Language of the Country _Rosendahl_, _i. e._ -the _Vale of Roses_. It consists of fourteen Walks, with a great Meadow in -the Middle. Each Walk has a noble Point of View, and they are all -agreeably diversify'd. The Inside of _Leipsic_ is perfectly answerable to -the Out-parts: The Streets are very even, and the Houses large and well -built. The only fault I found with them is, that they are too much charg'd -with Sculpture, and not duly proportion'd: They are all very lofty, and -for the Generality five or six Stories high. The Rents of them are very -dear, and at the time of the Fairs there's such a Resort of Merchants -hither from all parts, that 'tis very difficult to get a Lodging. When I -came thither 'twas _Michaelmas_ Fair; at which time the King of _Poland_ -was there. This Prince when he comes to _Leipsic_ does not lodge in the -Castle, tho' it has very commodious Apartments, but resides in the House -of _Appel_, the Merchant whom I just now mention'd, who is Proprietor of -one of the finest Gardens thereabouts. That King gives the Preference to -his House, because 'tis near the Place where the Fair is kept. So much, -_Madame_, for what is chiefly remarkable at _Leipsic_. - -I made no long stay there, because I was impatient to return to BERLIN. At -my first Arrival there I liv'd very retir'd. I foresaw the little -Satisfaction I had to expect at that Court, which made me resolve not to -be seen there. Nevertheless I could not conceal my self long; for the -Favors with which the Margravine-Dowager had always honor'd me, obliged me -to pay my Respects to that Princess, who receiv'd me very kindly, and soon -after spoke of me to his Majesty in so favorable a Manner, that he was -desirous to see me; and he sent M. _de Grumkau_ to bid me wait on him at -_Charlottenbourg_, and to send in my Name to him by _Ast_, one of his -Valets de Chambre. I could have been very glad to have been excused from -paying Obedience to that Order; but it was too punctual, his Majesty -having actually appointed the Hour that I was to appear before him. On the -Day fix'd I therefore went to _Charlottenbourg_, and sent for _Ast_, who -came and conducted me to a Gallery, where he bade me wait a little time; -but I had not been there a Quarter of an Hour when the King enter'd it, -attended by _la Fourcade_, Major-General and Commandant of _Berlin_. His -Majesty came up directly to me, and ask'd me, with a good deal of -Vivacity, _From whence I came, and what was the Cause of my Return to_ -Berlin? I made answer, _That I was come last from_ France, _and that my -domestic Concerns had brought me back to_ Berlin. His Majesty, who -proceeded to enquire into my Affairs, seem'd well enough pleas'd with the -Answers I had the Honor of making to him, and turning towards _la -Fourcade_, said to him, _That he should never have known me, if he had not -been appriz'd who I was beforehand_: And then he said to me, _That he -should hereafter look on me no other than as a_ Frenchman. I made answer, -_That I should think my self very unfortunate if his Majesty should look -on me in that Light; and that let me be at ever such a Distance from his -Person and his Dominions, I should always be ambitious of calling my self -his Subject; and that I should constantly preserve the same Sentiments of -Respect and Loyalty to my King and Country, in which I had been educated_. -The King then ask'd me, _Whether I had any Intention to sell my Estate?_ -I confess'd to him, _That I had no other Remedy left to enable me to -satisfy my Creditors_; and I actually entreated him to interpose his -Authority to procure the Consent of Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ to the Sale -of it. The King said to me, _That he would give his Orders to M. +de -C----+, to engage her to hearken to Reason_; and then he very graciously -dismiss'd me. - -I went back to _Berlin_, and did not fail to return Thanks to the -Margravine for the good Offices she had done me with the King. The Queen -returning some few days after this from _Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, I -had the Honor to pay my Respects to her, and was kindly receiv'd. It was -quickly blaz'd after what Manner I had been receiv'd by their Majesties, -which was Reason enough to engage the Courtiers to shew me that -Complaisance, which otherwise I durst not have expected. I took little -notice, however, of those Gentlemens Compliments, but prepar'd my self for -finishing the Grand Affair for which I was come. I caus'd advantagious -Offers to be made to Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, to gain her Consent. The -King order'd a Letter to be wrote and sent to her at _Hanover_, to -determine her in my Favor; assuring her at the same time, _That he thought -my Proposals very reasonable; and that her Acceptance of them would do him -a Pleasure_. I also went my self to _Hanover_, to try if I could persuade -her: But neither the Visits I made to her upon the Affair, nor those so -powerful Recommendations of it, had any Effect; and she continu'd -obstinate in her Refusal. - -At my Return from _Hanover_, the King sent me an Order to wait on him. I -was introduc'd by one of his Favorites into the Closet where his Majesty -us'd to smoak. The King was then playing at a Game with Tables call'd -_Tick-tack_, the Prince of _Anhalt_ Velt-Marshal, and several other -Generals and Officers being present. The King rose up as soon as the Game -was ended, came to me and talk'd with me for a while very graciously. And -then sitting down, he order'd all that were in Company to take their -Seats. Every one took his Place without observing any Rank. The King -smoaked, as did most of the Gentlemen in the Closet; but by good Luck no -body offer'd me a Pipe, which I was very glad of, because I could never -smoak in all my Life. The King talk'd to me a great deal about my Affairs; -and in particular about the Sale of my Estate. 'Twas not long before I -perceiv'd that my Cousin had brought the King over to her Interest; for as -soon as my Land came to be the Topic of Conversation, he told me in very -plain Terms, _That it would be very wrong for me to part with it, even -tho' my Cousin were to give her Consent to it; that instead of paying my -Debts with the Purchase-Money, I would be apt to squander it in my -Pleasures; that 'twas high time to think of some Employment to enable me -to pay my Debts, without selling my Estate_. He added, _That if, -nevertheless, I persisted in my Resolution to sell it, he would write -again to Mademoiselle_ de Pollnitz _to perswade her to consent to it; and -that this was the utmost that he could do for me, as Affairs stood; since -it would be an Injustice to compel her to give a Consent to any thing that -she imagin'd would be to her prejudice_. After a little farther Discourse -with me about my domestic Affairs, his Majesty talk'd to me of the Report -current at _Berlin_, _That I had chang'd my Religion_; and ask'd me, -_Whether 'twas really true, that I was turn'd_ Papist. I told him, _That I -was of the Religion of my Ancestors_. Here I will acknowledge to my shame, -that I had not Courage enough to make public Declaration that I was a -Catholic. Besides, I hoped in so pressing a Dilemma to get off by a double -Entendre; which is a Rule adopted by the Doctors themselves. The double -Entendre consisted in that, when I said I was of the Religion of my -Ancestors, I meant that which was formerly profess'd by my Grandfather and -Great-Grandfather; and indeed all my Ancestors were Catholics. My -Grandfather himself was a Catholic once, tho' he embrac'd the new -Religion, to swim with the Stream. The King, who concluded from what I -said, that I was still a Protestant, did not press me farther upon that -Head;, but the Prince of _Anhalt_ was not so easily satisfy'd; for he gave -the King to understand that he believ'd the Reports of my having chang'd -my Religion, were but too true, and he actually said to his Majesty _That -the only way to be sure of the Truth of what I had affirm'd, would be to -give me the Sacramental Test in the Church of the_ Dome. The King was also -of that Opinion, nevertheless it did not take effect. At our leaving the -King, the Prince of _Anhalt_, who, 'tis like, wanted to get a real -Confession from me, that I had chang'd my Religion, charg'd it home upon -my Conscience, and blam'd me very much for not having own'd that I was a -Catholic. But as I could not be certain what was the Drift of those -Remonstrances, I was so far from declaring my Mind to that Nobleman, that -I still continu'd in the Negative. - -The Audience which I had of the King gain'd me his Good-will; and he one -day spoke so honorably of me in presence of the Courtiers, that my Friends -advis'd me to strike in with this Ray of Favor, and petition him for some -Employment. I followed their Advice, and wrote accordingly to the King, -who was then at _Potzdam_. - -Two Days after I sent my Letter, I receiv'd an Answer, sign'd with his -Majesty's own Hand, which was drawn up in these Terms; - -_I received your Letter of the 9th of_ January, (1718) _and for Answer I -assure you, that I grant you the first Pension of Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber that shall happen to be vacant_. - - FREDERIC-WILLIAM. - -I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty's kind Intentions towards me, -that as soon as he was return'd to _Berlin_, I did not fail to go and -thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, _That the Trifle he had now -granted me was not worth Thanks_. I thought, _Madame_, that this was a -very hopeful Beginning for a Man not us'd to see his Undertakings crown'd -with Success. The Courtiers strove who should be most complaisant to me; -and I receiv'd Compliments from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that -I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge me long with this Calm; -and a Storm soon arose, which drove me farther out of Port than I was -before. It was owing to the following Accident. - -In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King recall'd M. _de Kniphausen_ -his Envoy in _France_, with a design to nominate another in his room. -Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I thought my self as well -qualify'd for it as the best; and to pave the way for it, I propos'd to -save the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting myself with an -Abatement of two hundred Crowns _per_ Month less than the usual Salary. -This Proposal was so well relish'd by M. _de Grumkau_ the Minister of -State, that he protected me, and undertook to recommend me to the King. I -also spoke of it my self to M. _d'Ilgen_, the Minister for Foreign -Affairs, whose Daughter was married to the said M. _de Kniphausen_. I gave -this Minister to understand, that I should never have had a Thought of -asking for this Place, if I had not been satisfy'd, that M. _de -Kniphausen_ himself had desired to be recalled. M. _d'Ilgen_ received me -with the utmost Civility, and promis'd with an Oath to serve me upon this -Occasion; adding, that he could not express his Happiness in having such -an Opportunity to discover the Respect and Veneration which he had for my -Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance in a Courtier made me suspect the -Sincerity of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc'd that my Jealousy -was but too well founded. When my Audience was over, this Minister would -needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos'd it as much as I could, but when I -saw it was to no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended me to the -very Door of my Coach. I us'd many words with him upon his own Threshold, -and begg'd him not to go a Step farther, especially as it rain'd very -hard, which you'll say was Reason enough of it self to have engaged him to -retire: Yet it all signify'd nothing, he would not abate an Ace of his -Complaisance, but stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till it -mov'd off. This, however, was all the Service he did me; for instead of -serving me with the King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted the -Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas'd with me for desiring less -Salary than his Son-in-law had, who, when he was at _Paris_, was -continually writing to _Berlin_, that his Allowance was not sufficient to -maintain him. - -To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv'd an anonymous Letter, assuring -him that I was a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, there was -added to the Letter an authentic Certificate from Father _Denis_, before -whom I had made the Confession of my Faith. The King express'd his -Resentment against me, and complain'd that I had impos'd upon him. Several -People alarm'd me with more Danger than there was in reality; however, I -was not frighten'd at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the -general Talk was to hinder me from going to Court, and did not think that -the King was so angry as they gave out, till at last I was appriz'd that -his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting me under an Arrest. The Person -who came to bring me this Intelligence was _H----_, who was very well with -_M----_ the King's Favorite; and I gave the more Credit to it, because I -did not think that he could be so dishonorable as to attempt to do me an -ill Office. This _H----_ was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a -handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, which the King gave him, for -having executed a Commission at _Stralsund_ with the King of _Sweden_, -which few but himself would have accepted. As his Pension was too pitiful -to subsist him, several Persons reliev'd him; and I will venture to say, -That tho' I was not in very easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some -Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with Truth declare it, that he -requited me with Ingratitude. He came to me with an Aggravation of that -piece of Intelligence, which when all was said and done, was not of such a -Nature as to drive me from the Court; but his manner of divulging it, made -me believe I was ruin'd past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at -_Berlin_. He came one day into my Chamber with a most dejected Air, and -told me, _That he had been just inform'd by M._ de M----, _that as soon as -the King was return'd, I should infallibly be arrested_; and at the same -time he put on such an external Appearance of Concern to see me oblig'd to -fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. I resolv'd therefore to be gone; -but the Difficulty was to raise Money, which I had no means of doing but -by making a great many disadvantagious Contracts, whereby I was a very -great Sufferer in the Sequel. - -After I had made Money of every thing I set out in the Night from -_Berlin_, leaving word at home that I was bound to _Hanover_; but as soon -as I was got out of Town I steer'd my Course for _Leipsic_, where I staid -a few days, and then went to MENTZ, where I had a Cousin in the Elector's -Service, who entertain'd me as a good Kinsman would do, and introduc'd me -to his Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. I have already had -the Honor to tell you of the Prerogatives of the Elector of _Mentz_ at the -Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for me to speak to you of his -Person. He was _Francis-Lotharius_ of _Schonborn_, of the Illustrious -Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_. Besides the Archbishopric of _Mentz_, -he had also the Bishopric of _Bamberg_. He had then two Coadjutors, the -Elector of _Triers_ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_ for _Mentz_; and the -Count _de Schonborn_, Vice-Chancellor of the Empire, for _Bamberg_. He -might then be about seventy Years of Age. He was a Prince of a noble -Aspect, affable, ador'd by both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very -hearty for every thing that might contribute to the Tranquillity and Honor -of the Empire. The City of _Mentz_ is obliged to him for the noble Works -with which he has caus'd it to be fortify'd; for it may be said he has -spar'd no Cost to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing to -fear from Foreigners. - -_Mentz_[65] stands upon a rising Ground along the _Rhine_, in one of the -finest Parts of _Germany_. 'Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric -Suffragan to _Triers_, but Pope _Zachary_, or as some say _Gregory_ III. -erected it into an Archbishopric, and granted him at the same time the -Primacy of the Churches of _Germany_. 'Tis said that the first Bishop of -_Mentz_, who was honor'd with the Dignity of Elector, was nam'd -_Willigise_, and that he was the Son of a _Cartwright_, or, as others say, -a _Carman_ of the Village of _Schoningen_ in the Country of _Brunswic_. He -advanc'd himself purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor to -the Emperors _Otho_ III. and _Henry_ II. and finally to that of Archbishop -of _Mentz_. But in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued in -such an humble Frame of Mind that he caus'd Wheels to be painted every -where about his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the Meanness of -his Extraction always in his Eyes: And we are assur'd this is the Reason -why the Electors of _Mentz_ always bear in their Arms a Wheel Argent in a -Field Gules. - -The Chapter of _Mentz_ consists of forty two Canons, of whom the Dean and -the twenty three first are call'd _Capitulars_, and the other -_Domicellaires_. The former only are those that elect the Archbishop, who -from the Moment that he is chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The -Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the Emperor does the same in -Temporals. The Elector becomes at the same time Great Chancellor of the -Empire of _Germany_, which gives him the Title of perpetual Dean of the -Electors, and an Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial -Chamber of _Wetzlar_. - -_Mentz_ has a very flourishing Trade, especially in Wines. The best -Vineyards for _Rhenish_ Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and -especially in the Neighbourhood of _Mentz_. And that which also -contributes very much to the Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the -Merchandize that passes up and down the _Rhine_, stops in its Harbor, to -be put on board fresh Bottoms. - -I did not stay long at _Mentz_, but set out for STUTGARD[66], the Capital -of the Duchy of _Wirtemberg_. This City stands in a very fine Country, and -is divided into two parts by a small River call'd the _Neckar_. The Houses -at _Stutgard_ are generally ill built, yet as the Streets are broad and -lightsome, the Town is very gay. The Ducal Palace is very old but very -commodious, by reason of the Extent and Number of the Apartments. Here is -a very fine Garden with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel'd. The -Trees are kept in full Mould, secur'd by a Roof and a sliding Partition, -which they take care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves that make it -one continu'd Summer. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ is seldom in this Palace, -except at the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, she is there -almost always, and has a separate House from the Duke's, where she lives -very retir'd. I wish'd for an Opportunity to pay my Respects to her, but -was deprived of that Honor, because I had not been introduc'd to the Duke. -This Prince's usual Residence is at _Ludwigsbourg_ a Pleasure-House which -he caus'd to be built some Leagues from _Stutgard_; but while I was at -_Wirtemberg_ he was with the whole Court at _Wildstadt_, whither I went to -have the Honor of paying my Duty to him. _Wildstadt_ is one of the vilest -Places in _Germany_, yet 'tis very much frequented by reason of its Baths -of Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign Remedy for many -Diseases, especially Sciaticas, and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke -commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here with his whole Court, which -being very numerous and splendid, _Wildstadt_ is then a Place agreeable -enough. The Duke had with him the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is -married to _Henrietta_ of _Prussia_, the late Margrave _Philip_'s -Daughter. The Person of this Prince was very amiable, and like the Duke -his Father, his Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially to -Foreigners, to whom they are both very kind. While the Court was at -_Wildstadt_, their Amusement in the Morning was the use of the Baths, -where the Duke and the Prince his Son gave Gentlemen the Liberty of -bathing with them; for it must be observ'd that each Bath will hold -twenty Persons very commodiously. When the Bathing was over, they took -their Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly in the Apartment of the -Duke, who went from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary Princess, -who lodg'd with the Prince her Husband in a House over-against the Duke's. -There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well serv'd, where the Gentlemen -eat with the Duke and his Children, and none but Pages waited. After -Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus'd others to ride some manag'd Horses, -than which I have no where seen any that were more beautiful or better -train'd than his were. In the Evening there was another Assembly at the -Princess's, where there was play till Supper-time. I was told that when -the Court was at _Ludwigsbourg_ there was a greater Variety of Diversions, -and that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical Entertainments, of which -the Duke was very fond, and actually kept a Company of _French_ Comedians -in Pay, who perform'd very well. In a word, this Prince may be said to -have neglected nothing that he thought suitable to his Dignity, or that -might render his Court more splendid. And that every thing might look with -a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv'd, like other Sovereigns, to -establish an Order, of which he himself is the Head. They call it the -Order of St. _Hubert_. 'Tis a broad red Ribband, to which hangs a Cross -enamell'd white. None are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish'd -Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also wears those of _Prussia_ and -_Denmark_ alternatively. The Hereditary Prince wears the _Prussian_ Order -at large, and that of the Duke his Father at his Button-Hole, just as they -wear the Cross of St. _Lewis_ in _France_, except nevertheless on the -Festival Days of St. _Hubert_, when he wears the red Ribband at full -length. - -Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied the Duke to _Wildstadt_, -those of most Note were the Count _de Gravenitz_ and _S----_, which two -Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal -of the Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order of _Prussia_, the -King having therewith honor'd him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince -with the Princess of _Prussia_. This Minister, who had the Duke of -_Wirtemberg_'s intire Confidence, had been nominated to accompany the -Hereditary Prince to _Berlin_. He certainly deserv'd the Favor with which -the Duke honor'd him; and I have not known many Noblemen more civil and -obliging. But _S----_ wanted a great deal of being so affable; tho' his -Origin was very different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who to be -sure thought himself at the height of Felicity when he was Secretary to -the late M. _B----_, Minister of State to the late King at _Berlin_. -Nevertheless, after the Death of his Master his Star guided him to the -Court of _Wirtemberg_, where he has amass'd immense Riches, and is entered -into the greatest Employments. He wears the Order of _Dannebrog_, the King -of _Prussia_ having desir'd it for him of the King of _Denmark_, upon the -Recommendation of the Duke of _Wirtemberg_, who being very willing to give -his Minister some Badge of Honor, and not caring at the same time to -debase his own Order of St. _Hubert_, caus'd the Order of _Dannebrog_ to -be demanded for him, which is given to all Persons indifferently without -regard to Quality. - -The Duke of _Wirtemberg_'s Court is altogether _Lutheran_, as well as the -rest of his Dominions. Mean time he permitted the Princess, who is a -_Calvinist_, to have a particular Chapel for her self and her Domestics. -The Countess _de Gravenitz_, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who is a Catholic, -was also allow'd a Chapel for the Exercise of her Religion. - -I forgot to tell you what Title is assum'd by the Dukes of _Wirtemberg_. -They call themselves _Banner-Bearers of the Empire_, which Title they -distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, which is Azure with -the Banner of the Empire, Or charg'd with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac'd -Bend-wise. The Dukes of _Wirtemberg_ have another Dignity more solid than -the former, _viz._ to be joint Directors of the Circle of _Swabia_, with -the Bishop of _Constance_. - -The Duchy of _Wirtemberg_ was formerly confiscated to the use of -_Ferdinand_ I. Brother to the Emperor _Charles_ V. but 'twas afterwards -restor'd to the Princes of this Name, on condition of their holding it -dependent on the House of _Austria_. This Feudal Subjection was annull'd -in 1631, in the time of _Frederic_ Duke of _Wirtemberg_, on condition that -upon the Failure of Issue Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House of -_Austria_. In pursuance of these Treaties the Princes of that Family bear -the Title and Arms of the Family of _Wirtemberg_. - -While I staid at this Court that Disorder which I had been teaz'd with for -several Years became at last so serious an Affair, that instead of -proceeding to _Vienna_, to which I at first purpos'd to go, I set out for -_Strasbourg_, in hopes of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the -necessary Operation upon me. Several offer'd to take me in hand, but the -King's Lieutenant assur'd me, that my best way wou'd be to employ the -Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. I did so, but can't say I -had much reason to like him. He may, for aught I know, be an able Surgeon, -but sure I am that he is a very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to -give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support the Operation) which had -like to have sent me into the other World: But by good Luck I perceiv'd -his Ignorance before he had time to kill me. I took no more of his -Remedies; and when I found my self well enough recover'd to bear the -Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv'd to go to _Paris_, which I take to be the -Nursery of the most experienc'd Surgeons. I stop'd a few days at SAVERNE, -where there was a very great Company at the House of the Cardinal _de -Rohan_, to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; and he receiv'd -me with that Air of Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this Prince -is distinguish'd. - -From _Saverne_ I went to _Luneville_, and in all the Way found no -considerable Place but PHALTZBOURG, which was formerly a Part of -_Lorrain_, and had the Title of a Principality. 'Tis now a Place very -regularly fortify'd, and serves to guard the Road into _Lorrain_, which -_France_ secur'd to her self by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The Court of _Lorrain_ commonly resides at LUNEVILLE, since the Beginning -of the late War, when the _French_ put a Garison into _Nancy_, of which -they continu'd Masters till the Treaty of _Baden_. This City, which -heretofore was inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke of _Lorrain_ -has added a great many Buildings to it, which are a great Ornament to it; -and therefore the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, preferably to -any other Place. As to the Duchess, she has a particular Reason for being -so fond of _Luneville_, it being the City assign'd her for her Jointure. - -The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing noble without, but the Inside -is most magnificent. The Entrance and Front very much resemble those of -_Versailles_ towards _Paris_. As to the Front towards the Garden I can say -nothing of it, because that side of the Palace was not finish'd when I -went thither. The Apartments of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, and -richly furnish'd. The first Anti-chamber is a very large Saloon of curious -Structure. 'Tis wainscotted and adorn'd with the Pictures of the _Lorrain_ -Family. In one, the Duke's Father is represented making a triumphant Entry -in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame flying before it, Peace -and Victory offering him Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of -_Turks_ in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. The Whole together forms -a magnificent Painting; and I was told there are Tapestries in the Duke's -Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but I did not see them. - -This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses Apartments from the Chapel, -which for the Contrivance of it very much resembles that of _Versailles_. -It stands on the Right of the Entry into the Saloon, and the Apartments -are on the Left. The Prince's Apartment looks over _Luneville_, and over -the Courts belonging to the Kitchen, and the Princess's is situate on the -Garden-side. The Princess's is much larger than the Duke's; and when I saw -it, 'twas richly furnish'd, adorn'd with noble Gilding, Glasses and -Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part of the Palace has since been -intirely consum'd by Fire, tho' I am assur'd the Whole is re-built as well -as before, and that the Apartments are every whit as well furnish'd. So -much for the Palace: I will now give you a short Account of their Royal -Highnesses, and their August Family, as it stood in 1718, when I had the -Honor to see it. - -_Leopold_ Duke of _Lorrain_ and _Bar_ was the Head of the Family, and the -Sovereign of the Country. He married Mademoiselle of _France_, -_Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Orleans_, Daughter of _Philip_ of _France_, Duke -of _Orleans_, Brother of _Lewis_ XIV. By which Marriage they had three -Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, who was stil'd Duke of -_Bar_, died in 1723, at a Time when he was in Expectation of great -Fortune. His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, is actually bred up -at _Vienna_, where the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education. - -The Duke of _Lorrain_'s Houshold is considerable, and every thing is -establish'd there on a good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are -magnificent, and so well furnish'd, that Foreigners who accompany the -Prince into the Field, are equipp'd with Horses out of his Stables. The -Prince's Attendance is almost the same as that of the Princes of _France_, -and all his Houshold on the same Footing. The Marquis _de Craon_ was then -the Great Chamberlain and Prime Minister. He was a very courteous -Nobleman, and treated all that had Business with him with extraordinary -Civility. He had great Credit at Court, and the Prince was mighty -bountiful to him; insomuch that after having heap'd Wealth upon this -Favorite, he had a mind to see him promoted to the eminent Dignity of -Prince, which upon the Duke's Desire the Emperor conferr'd upon him -accordingly. Not long after, one of the Prince of _Craon_'s Daughters was -married to a Prince of the _Lorrain_ Family, _viz._ the Prince _de Lixin_, -formerly known by the Name of the Chevalier _de Lorrain_, who is now the -Duke of _Lorrain_'s Steward of the Houshold. His Father-in-law has given -him his fine House at _Craon_, not far from _Luneville_. Madame _de -Craon_, who is a Partner in her Husband's Fortune and Credit, is Lady of -Honor to the Duchess, and very much esteem'd by the Duke. I had the Honor -to see this Prince spend the Afternoons at her House, and the Courtiers, -after the Example of their Master, did justice to the Lady's Merit. - -From _Luneville_ I went to NANCY, which is the Capital City of _Lorrain_, -and was formerly the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. It stands -but a little distance from the River _Meurte_, in the midst of a beautiful -Plain; and is divided into two Parts, _viz._ the Old and New Towns. I had -the Honor to tell you, that the _French_ made a Conquest of it in 1631. It -had good Reason to remember, that it was once under a Foreign Dominion; -for its Fortifications were so demolish'd in 1668, that there was but one -Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and in this Condition it was restor'd -to its Sovereign at the Peace of _Ryswic_. Not many years after, when -_Lewis_ XIV. enter'd into the War for maintaining his Grandson upon the -_Spanish_ Throne, he oblig'd the Duke of _Lorrain_ to receive a Garison at -_Nancy_. The Duke was so disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho' the King -had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his Royal Highness all the due -Honors and Respect, he would not stay in a Town, of which he might be said -to be Sovereign, but not the Master; and retir'd to _Luneville_, where he -continu'd ever after, tho' _Nancy_ was evacuated at the Treaty of _Baden_. - -A little way from _Nancy_, in the Road to _Paris_, there's a Chapel and a -Cross, said to have been erected upon the very Spot where _Charles_ the -last Duke of _Burgundy_ was kill'd in 1476, when he was besieging the -Town, then in possession of _René_ Duke of _Lorrain_. There's a -Copper-plate affix'd to the Cross upon the High-way, on which may be read -the Particulars. - -Between _Nancy_ and _Toul_, which is in the _Paris_ Road, one passes thro' -the forest of _Haye_, wherein _Lewis_ XIV. caus'd a Way to be cut, which -will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Magnificence of that Great -Prince. Those who are bound to _Toul_ cross the _Moselle_ in a Ferry-boat -about a League on this side that Town, to which they arrive over a pretty -large Plain. The Learned give a very ancient Original to the City of TOUL; -for they pretend it was first founded by _Tullus Hostilius_ King of the -_Romans_: But you may believe as much of this as you please. All that I -can say of the Town, after having view'd it well, is, that 'tis very ill -built, and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. 'Tis a Bishopric -Suffragan of _Triers_, and one of the three Bishoprics of _Lorrain_ that -were yielded to _France_. - -From _Toul_ I traveled to BAR-LE-DUC, the Capital of the Duchy of _Bar_. -This Duchy is dependant on the Crown of _France_, tho' 'tis part of the -Dominions of _Lorrain_, and is under the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The -Dukes of _Lorrain_ were formerly oblig'd, either in their own Person, or -by an Envoy, to perform Homage to the King of _France_, upon the Death -either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation was chang'd, or rather -limited, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, in a Journey which -the Duke and Duchess of _Lorrain_ made to _Paris_ in 1718, when it was -regulated, _That a Duke of +Bar+ should be oblig'd to pay Homage but once -in his Life to a King of +France+; but that he should pay it in Person_. -This Convention was register'd in the Parliament of _Paris_. But this was -not the only Advantage which the Duke reap'd from his Journey; for the -Regent, at the Request of his Sister, restor'd a great number of Villages -to him that ought to have been restor'd to the Duke of _Lorrain_ at the -Peace of _Ryswic_, and which the Ministry of _France_ had thought fit to -keep. - -From _Bar-le-Duc_ to CHALONS, 'tis a wild desert Country, yet very -fruitful in Corn. The Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little; -which added to the length of the Post-Stages, renders it a very -disagreeable Journey. They say 'twas in these Fields that the King -_Meroveus, Aëtius_ General of the _Romans_, and _Theodoric_ King of the -_Visigoths_, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, with _Attila_ King of the -_Huns_, that they kill'd two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is a -Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation of _Chalons_ is very -advantageous. The River _Marne_ which runs into the _Seine_ almost at the -Entrance of _Paris_, is a great Convenience for the Merchants of that -City. This City is in _Champaigne_, and its Bishop has the Title of -_Count and Peer of_ France. The ancient Counts of _Champaigne_ resided -here, and the Palace they liv'd in is still to be seen. The Parliament of -_Paris_ was transferr'd hither in 1592; and there that illustrious -Assembly pass'd that famous Arrêt against the Pope's Legate, and the -League, which under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive _Henry_ -III's lawful Successor, _Henry_ IV. of the Crown of _France_. - -Several most illustrious Marriages have been celebrated in the City of -_Chalons_. 1. That of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. 2. -That of _Lewis_ Dauphin of _France_ Son of _Lewis_ XIV. with -_Anne-Christina-Victoria_ of _Bavaria_, on the 7th of _March_ 1680: And -finally, the Marriage of _Lewis_ Duke of _Orleans_, Son of the Duke -Regent, to _Augusta-Maria-Johanna_ of _Baden_, on the 13th of _July_ 1724. - -There's not one considerable Place all the way from _Chalons_ to _Paris_. -I pass'd thro' CHATEAU-THIERRY, which is a Duchy that was given to M. _de -Bouillon_ in Exchange for the Principality of _Sedan_; with this Clause -nevertheless, that the King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The _Marne_ -runs at the Foot of this Town. - -Ten Leagues from hence there's the City of MEAUX, which is the Capital of -_Brie_, with the Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church nor Town -did I see any thing remarkable. The Suburbs are very fruitful, and the -Neighbourhood of _Paris_ gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity of putting -off their Commodities to Advantage. - -'Tis but a few Hours Journey from _Meaux_ to PARIS in the direct Road. But -I went some Leagues out of the way to see M. _de N----_, at his Seat at -_C----_, near _Fontainbleau_, and after having spent some days there very -pleasantly, we travell'd together to _Paris_. When we had pass'd the Time -that was necessary to discharge the Obligations of Friendship and Decency, -I reflected on what was the real Motive of my Journey; which, as I have -had the Honor to tell you, was to put my self into the Hands of some able -Surgeon. The Man to whose Care I committed my self was the famous _La -Peronie_, who perform'd the Operation upon me with the utmost Skill, yet I -suffer'd extreme Pain. During my Illness, which was of some Continuance, -my Friends, who were my faithful Companions, were so good as to inform me -of every thing that pass'd; and if it had been lawful to have betray'd -them, or if I had been in any Post under the Government, I might perhaps -have made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, which would have been to -his advantage, and enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first breaking -out, which indeed he extinguish'd afterwards, tho' it was perhaps owing as -much, if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his Prudence. - -_Paris_ was at that time in a Crisis, when it dreaded a Minority as -troublesome as that of _Lewis_ XIV. Every body was dissatisfy'd. There was -a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And the Government-Bills were a -fresh Subject of Complaint; for tho' they were establish'd at the -Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to keep up their Credit, yet -there was a very great Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was -overcharg'd with them, and as there is nothing which sits so uneasy on -People as their Loss, every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. At this -same Juncture the Duke Regent was afflicted with sore Eyes, which -indanger'd his Sight. I was assur'd that the Chancellor said to some -People in Confidence, _That 'twas absolutely necessary to think of proper -Measures for transferring the Regency to another Person, in case that -Prince should happen to be blind_: And they say that 'twas for this -Expression that he lost the Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of -_January_ 1718. When M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State went to him -to demand them, the Chancellor resign'd them immediately, saying, _That he -restor'd them to his Royal Highness with more Pleasure than he took them_. -At the time that they were brought to the Regent the Duke _de Noailles_ -was with him, who being more than ordinary surpriz'd to see the Seals, -because he knew nothing of the Chancellor's Disgrace, could not help -asking the Regent, _What he was going to do with the Seals?_ To which that -Prince made Answer, _That he design'd them for M. +d'Argenson+ Lieutenant -of the Police_. The Duke being dissatisfy'd with this Change, desir'd the -Regent's Leave to retire, which was granted him with more Readiness than -he desir'd. - -The Seals were given upon the same day to M. _d'Argenson_. The Regent -himself sign'd the Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little -Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister took the usual Oath to -the King; and at the same time the Duke Regent declar'd him Chief of the -Council of the Finances. The Disgrace of the Chancellor made the -Parliament uneasy, and occasion'd fresh Murmuring among the People; the -rather because 'twas reported, that his Royal Highness ow'd him a Grudge -for his Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not lik'd by the -Parliament. - -While _Paris_ was in such a Ferment, there was some Commotion in -_Bretagne_. The Payment of the Free Gift being demanded of the States then -assembled, they made answer, _That they could not grant it till they had -first examin'd their Funds. They intended_, they said, _to regulate their -Finances, which were very much disorder'd_. This Delay was look'd upon as -an open Rebellion, and at the fourth Assembly they receiv'd Orders to -separate. This put them quite out of Temper, and the Nobility deputed four -of their Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a long Memorial, in -which they demonstrated how impossible it was for their Province to pay -the Free Gift at that instant. They complain'd of the Invasion of the -Privileges of a Province which had only submitted to _France_ upon -condition that they should be sacredly preserv'd. They concluded with -praying his Royal Highness to grant them, at least, some time longer. _We -flatter our selves, Sir_, said they, in the close of their Memorial, _that -a Delay of a few days, contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to -ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness the worse Opinion of -a Nobility which is so much devoted to you, and to which you have declar'd -your Good-will_. - -The Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That they must obey and pay, and -that then they would see what could be done_. This Answer did not satisfy -the uneasy _Bretons_, and the Parliament of the Province sent their -Deputies to _Paris_. When they were admitted to the King's Audience, M. -_de Blossac_, who was their Spokesman, made much the same Representation -as the Deputies of the Nobility had done before. All the Answer they had -was a Declaration from the King, by the Keeper of the Seals, who was -present, _That the Privileges of their Province should not be infring'd_. -The same Deputies presented a long Petition to his Majesty, wherein they -discover'd not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal for their -Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility of paying the Free -Gift so soon. These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual as those -of the States; and the Regent, who was resolv'd to be obey'd, made use of -his Authority, by banishing the most mutinous of the Gentry from the -Province, and others of 'em he caus'd to be summon'd to _Paris_, as well -as several of their Members of Parliament, in order to give an Account of -their Conduct. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of Affairs when I arriv'd at _Paris_. There -was no Talk of any thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem'd to tend -to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order to obviate any Enterprize of that -sort, thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; and for this end -he caus'd them to be paid punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and -to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous Promotion of the Knights -of St. _Lewis_. There was a Creation of about four hundred in a few days, -so that go where one would, there was nothing to be seen but the Crosses -of St. _Lewis_. It were to be wish'd that the Species had been as common, -but of this there was less Probability than ever. The Regent had just -undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, which seem'd to be a Thing of -great Consequence to private People. His Royal Highness caus'd the Edict -for this purpose to be register'd, and foreseeing that the Parliament -would not come into his Measures, he caus'd the same to be publish'd by -the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament was stung to the quick by the -Publication of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its being -register'd, it ought to have been first communicated to them. The Chambers -met upon this Occasion, and 'twas agreed that all the Sovereign Courts -mould be invited to join with the Parliament in an Affair of such -Importance. - -_M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A._ when the Invitation was sent to his -Company, took the advantage of it to make his court to the Regent, and -went and inquir'd at the Royal Palace how he had best act. The Regent took -this well at his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate -Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the Chamber of Accounts, and the -Officers of the Mint to take any notice of the Parliament's Invitation. - -Nevertheless the Parliament still continu'd its Assemblies, and sent a -Deputation to the Royal Palace, confiding of the First President, the -President _d'Aligre_, and several Counsellors, to engage the Regent to -revoke the aforesaid Edict; and they represented in a very long Discourse, -_That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial to the_ French -_and profitable to Foreigners, who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of -Silver, which intrinsically would not be worth twenty five Livres; and -that this would circulate an infinite number of counterfeit Species in the -Kingdom, considering the immense Profit that Foreigners would make by it_. -They then complain'd of the Edict's being register'd at the Court of the -Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it ought, at least, to have been -communicated. The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That he did -not think he ought to send the last Edict to the Parliament, because the -Court of the Mint was establish'd a superior and competent Court in -Matters of that kind; that there had been no Edict sent to Parliament -concerning the Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was sent -thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that Company; that as to the -Inconveniencies, he had maturely weighed them, but that he could not -excuse himself from issuing the Edict, and that as to the Suspension of -the Edict, 'twas not to be thought of, the Work being so far advanc'd, and -a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides Debts that must -necessarily be paid off._ - -The Parliament not being satisfy'd with this Answer, there was another -Assembly, to the Number of 165 Members, next day, _viz._ the 20th of -_June_, from 8 o'clock in the Morning till 2 in the Afternoon, when they -pass'd an Arrêt, by which it was agreed to make most humble Remonstrances -to the King to obtain Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of the -Mint, not register'd in Parliament, as prejudicial to the King, to Trade, -to the Government, and to the Fortunes of private People; that in -consequence thereof all Persons should be prohibited to receive the -new-coin'd Species, and to make Payments in any other Species than those -which had their Currency, by virtue of the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys -should likewise be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments or -Reimbursements made with the new Species. This Arrêt was set up in Writing -within the Palais or Parliament-House, and the Parliament took care to -have several written Copies of it dispers'd, because of the Prohibition -which their own Printer was laid under, not to commit it to the Press. - -The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial this Arrêt was to his -Authority, assembled the Council, when they pass'd an Arrêt declaring that -of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon the Regal Authority, and that -his Majesty revok'd and annull'd it, as well as all the Resolutions taken -in that Body. All Mankind was alarm'd, and they fear'd, not without -Reason, what would be the Consequences of so violent a Proceeding. The -Parliament on their part did not abate one jot of their State; and when -the King's Council laid upon the Table a Letter de Cachet, with the Arrêt -of the Council of State, they agreed to send the Whole back again without -reading one Word of it; and that the Arrêt pass'd the day before should be -put in execution according to its Form and Tenor. Hereupon the Council of -State pass'd another Arrêt, by which the King claim'd to himself and his -Council the Cognizance of all the Differences which might arise with -regard to the Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies of _French_ -Guards to the Mint, and another Detachment to the Bank: And after having, -by this means, made every thing secure, he gave the Parliament leave to -come and make their Remonstrances to the King. The Person who spoke in the -Name of the rest was M. _de Mesmes_ the First President, at the Head of -seven Presidents _a Mortier_, thirty-two Counsellors, and the King's -Council. His Speech was long and well study'd. He began with extolling the -Qualities observable in the young King. Then he said, _That tho' the -Parliament only wish'd for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence_ -_to admire them, they were under a Necessity of acquainting him with the -just Alarms of all the Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict for -a general Recoinage of the Species, which impoverish'd those that had any -Fortunes left in_ France, _without being any Relief to the numerous Poor_. -This Speech was divided into two Parts. The first related to the manner in -which the said Edict had been publish'd. The second enter'd into the -particular Inconveniencies with which the various Clauses of the Edict -would be attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov'd by those Reasons, -as to order its Repeal. M. _de Mesmes_ supported those two Articles by a -Speech as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close he said, that in -the Arrêts which had been pass'd by his Company, they had only followed -the Precedents that had been found in the Registers. - -The First President left his Speech in Writing, that the King might be -able to answer it; and it was not long before the said Answer was -return'd. The Deputies of the Parliament being sent for to the -_Tuilleries_, on the 2d of _July_ 1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to -them in his Majesty's Presence, _The King has caus'd the Remonstrances of -his Parliament to be examin'd in Council, and his Majesty will always be -dispos'd to give them a favorable Hearing, when they have not a Tendency -to the splitting or the cramping of his Authority._ He added, _That the -Edict in question had been maturely examin'd; and that 'twas the best -Remedy for paying off the Debts of the State; that the said Edict was not -such a Burden upon the Public; and that it was only so to those who should -make advantageous Contracts by obligatory Deeds._ He concluded with -saying, _That the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the neglect -of Submission_; and that he had given Orders for registring the Letters -Patent in pursuance of the Arrêt of Council whereby his Majesty claims the -Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or that may arise relating to the -Edict. This Answer being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners were -appointed to examine it; and at the same time to search the Registers if -there was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that sort, in order to -conform to it. The Commissioners having made their Report, the Company -came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke Regent, _That nothing had -been determin'd on that Subject, because the Company desired that they -might first of all make new Remonstrances to the King; and that they -intreated his Royal Highness to procure them an Audience_. The Regent was -nettled at the Parliament's Importunity, and he made answer to the King's -Council, who were sent to him with the Message, _That he should have -thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy'd with the Answer -which the King had before given; but that since he saw they were not, he -would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that his Majesty expressed to -Remonstrances, to give them the Liberty of presenting them, but no -otherwise than in Writing_. - -The Parliament was not discouraged, but still continu'd to demand an -Audience, which was at length granted for the 26th of _July_; when all the -People of Distinction in _Paris_ flock'd to Court to hear the -Remonstrances. The first President spoke for nearly three quarters of an -Hour, tho' his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation of what he -had said before. His Majesty made answer, _My Keeper of the Seals will -explain my Intentions to you_. But the Keeper of the Seals said no more -than this, _The King has already explained his Intentions to you, and he -will explain them to you farther hereafter_. - -The Parliament dissatisfy'd with this Answer, which they thought too -Laconic, as Affairs then stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they had -good reason to look upon as the _Primum Mobile_ of the Confusion of -Affairs; I mean _John Law_, whose rapid Fortune furnish'd a large Field of -Discourse. They were very sensible that a Director of the Bank could not -easily acquire so much Wealth, but a great many People must be -considerable Losers. The Parliament therefore cited this Financier to -appear before them in Person, but he never went near them; and when, in a -few days after, they chang'd the Summons to a Warrant for arresting him, -the Duke Regent protected him by an Arrêt of Council. This Prince wisely -judging of what Importance it was to him to make the Parliament easy, and -to secure Respect to the Regal Authority of which he was the Depositary, -appointed a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ -for the 26th of _August_. He order'd the King's Houshold Troops to keep to -their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The same day he sent circular -Letters of Invitation to all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of -_France_, to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors and -Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to the Secretaries, and to some of -the Counsellors of State who were nominated by the Keeper of the Seals. -The Princes were also invited to this Tribunal. The Parliament walk'd -thither on foot, about 11 o'clock in their red Robes. The President _de -Novion_ was at the Head of their Body, because the first President was at -that time very much afflicted with the Gout; however, he went to the -_Thuilleries_ in a Coach. - -After the Council of the Regency broke up, the King went from his little -Apartment upon the Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied by -the Duke Regent and the Princes of the Blood. Four Presidents _au Mortier_ -and six Counsellors came thither to receive him, and conducted him to his -Bed of Justice. The King being seated on his Throne, and all the Company -having taken their Places, they began with reading the Letters Patent -establishing M. _d'Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals, which were order'd to be -register'd. After this an Arrêt of Council was read, forbidding the -Parliament to take Cognizance of the Affairs of State. Upon the reading of -this Arrêt, the first President broke Silence and said, _The Subject -seem'd to him of so great Importance, that with the due Respect and -Submission which the Company had for his Majesty's Orders, he desired his -Majesty's Permission to withdraw, to take it into Consideration_. As -little Attention was paid to this Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones. -The Regent drew near to the King and whisper'd him; and the Keeper of the -Seals, after approaching his Majesty for a Minute, made answer to the -Company, _The King will be obey'd, and obey'd too upon the Spot_. - -Then a Declaration was read, importing, that the Dukes and Peers should -have Seats in Parliament immediately after the Princes of the Blood. A -second, which derogated from the Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of -_May_ 1694, and restrain'd the Legitimated Princes to the meer Honors and -Prerogatives of their Peerages: And a third, which re-established the -Count _de Tholouse_ in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives for his own -Person only. - -After the reading of these Declarations the Duke spoke and represented to -his Majesty, _That the late King having seem'd desirous that the Duke of_ -Maine _should have the Care of his Majesty's Education, tho' the Place -belong'd to him by Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he was -at that time a Minor; but as this was not the Case now, he desir'd that -the Honor might be conferr'd upon him_: which Demand was granted to him, -as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, who demanded to have Precedence of -the Presidents _au Mortier_ in Parliament. - -Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no doubt be famous to the latest -Posterity. The Parliament was very much mortify'd at the Conduct observ'd -to them, and declared next day in their Assembly, by an Arrêt which was -register'd, _That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to have any -Share in what pass'd the Day preceding in the Bed of Justice; and that -Posterity might be inform'd of it, Commissioners were nominated, to draw -up a verbal Account of all the Proceedings_. The Regent being inform'd of -what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments of the Gray and Black -Musketeers, commanded by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at Night, took up -those that had been the most zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs -_de Blamont_, President of the 4th of the Inquests, _Feydeau_ Counsellor -of the same Court, and _St. Martin_ a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber. -They were clapp'd into three Coaches, each guarded by eight Musketeers and -an Officer, and carried to Places which the Court had appointed; and at -the same time the Papers of the two former were seiz'd. - -As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of this Arrest, they met and made -a Deputation to the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy the -Privilege they always had of trying those of their own Body for any Crimes -they may be accus'd of. The Keeper of the Seals made them answer, _The -Affairs which bring this Deputation to the King are Affairs of State, -which demand Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig'd to see due Respect -paid to his Authority. The future Behavior of his Parliament will -determine his Majesty's Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them._ The -Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace to make fresh Intercession with -the Regent for the Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness -returned much the same Answer to them as they had the day before, -whereupon the Parliament shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing -Justice. Mean time the King's Council were always in Motion at the -_Louvre_, and at the Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory -Answer; and on the 5th of _September_ the Marquis _d'Essiat_, Master of -the Horse to the Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the part of his -Royal Highness, to open the Courts again, and to continue the Sessions, -assuring them, that an Answer should shortly be returned to their late -Instances. - -Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us'd to the President and the -Counsellors that had been apprehended, put a great many People out of -Temper: These Exiles were consider'd as Martyrs to the public Liberty, and -every Man made their Case his own. Several Parliaments seem'd inclinable -to support that of _Paris_. The Parliament of _Bretagne_ discover'd more -Zeal than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the Parliament of _Paris_, -offering to join with them in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also -wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, which they addressed to -M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State. - -At the same time a very important Event happened, which took off the -Attention of the _French_, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, and -rais'd the Speculation of all _Europe_. This was the _Spanish_ Expedition -to _Sicily_. To let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I must go -farther back, and give you a general Account of the State of Affairs of -_Europe_ in the preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance of his Alliances -with the Republic of _Venice_, from whom the _Turks_ had taken a Part of -the _Morea_, was sollicited to declare War against those Infidels. The -Pope, on his part, dreading that the _Turks_ should land in _Italy_, -caus'd Instances to be made to his Imperial Majesty to persuade him to the -War. The Emperor could not determine with himself for a good while to -break with the _Turks_, for fear lest _Spain_ should take an Advantage of -such Rupture, and fall upon his Provinces in _Italy_. The Pope encourag'd -the Emperor, by acquainting him, _That the King of +Spain+ had given him -his solemn Promise that he would undertake nothing in +Italy+._ He also -gave him to understand, _That instead of having any reason to be afraid of -+Spain+, he might expect all manner of Assistance from that Crown in the -present War; since it had engag'd to send him a powerful Squadron; and -that the better to enable him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him -leave to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of +Spain+._ These -Representations made an Impression upon the Emperor; but the Thing which -absolutely determin'd him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, that he had -concluded with _England_, by which that Crown engaged to assist him with -its Navy, in case that his Dominions were invaded. He therefore declared -War against the _Turks_, and sent a numerous Army against them, under -Command of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. The Campaign prov'd very glorious -for this Prince. He began it with a Victory near _Temeswaer_, after which -he laid Siege to that Place, and in a very little time reduc'd it. Mean -while _Spain_ prepar'd a Naval Armament, under Pretence of sending -Succours to the _Venetians_. But how was all _Europe_ surpriz'd, when it -was known that the Prime Minister of _Spain_, the Cardinal _Alberoni_, -heretofore Chaplain to the Duke _de Vendôme_, afterwards Agent of _Parma_ -at the Court of _Madrid_, and finally, by the Queen's Favour, promoted to -the Summit of Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail'd on the King of -_Spain_ to employ the Sums that were levied upon the Estates of the -Clergy, and appropriated for the Support of the Honor of the Christian -Name, in the Conquest of _Sardinia_! The Reduction of it was attended with -no great Difficulty, because the Island, in reliance upon the Faith of -Treaties, was at that time but indifferently furnish'd with Troops. The -Emperor made his Complaints to the Pope, and to _France_ and _England_ as -Guaranties of the Neutrality of _Italy_. These Powers did their utmost to -engage the King of _Spain_ to desist from his Pretensions. The Duke Regent -order'd the Duke of _St. Aignan_, Ambassador of _France_ at the _Spanish_ -Court, to represent to the King all the Inconveniencies into which this -War might plunge him; but the _Spanish_ Minister, who rely'd upon the -secret Correspondence he had in _France_, refused all Proposals of an -Accommodation, tho' they were so very advantageous to the King of _Spain_: -For it was propos'd to him, that the Emperor should recognize him the -lawful Possessor of _Spain_ and the _Indies_; and moreover, that he should -consent to the securing of the Successions of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ to -the Queen of _Spain_'s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious than -those that had been granted to him by the Peace of _Utrecht_, and of which -the King, of _Spain_ so earnestly desir'd to see the Confirmation the Year -that _Lewis_ XIV. died. - - The End of the Third Volume. - - - - - An Alphabetical INDEX - - TO THE - - THIRD VOLUME. - - - A. - - _Adrian_ VI. (Pope) his Birth and Parentage 220, 221. - - _St. Aignan_ (Duke de) 359. - - _Aix-la-Chapelle_, Relics and Town, 233, _&c._ - - _Alberoni_ Cardinal, 359. - - _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ Count of _Holland_, 130, 131. - - _Albert_ (Margrave) of _Brandenbourg_, his Marriage to the Princess of - _Courland_, 54. - - _Albert_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, Grand Master of the _Teutonic_ - Order, his Marriage, and War with _Poland_, 13. - - _Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who so call'd, 146. - - ALTENA, _t._ 231. - - _Alva_, Duke of, his Cruelty and Statue, 168. his Son, 138. - - AMSTERDAM, _t._ its Foundation and Increase, 130, 131. - Its Description, 132, _&c._ - Remarks on its Inhabitants, 133, 137. - - _Anabaptists_, their Head, 161. - - _Anhalt-Dessau_ (_Leopold_ Prince of) his Valor, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Arnheim_, (M. de) 88. - - ANTWERP, _t._ 166, _&c._ - - _Appel_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Argenson_, M. de, 86, 346. - - _Arm-Chair_, consequence of its Refusal, 12, 25. - - _Asbach_, Barons de, 11. - - _Asfeldt_ (Abbot of) 306. - - _Attila_, King of the _Huns_, his Defeat, 343. - - _Audenard_ (Battle of) 76, 77. - - _Augsbourg_ Confession, 146. - - _Aumont_ (Duke of) his different Reception at _London_ by the several - Parties, and the burning of his House, 206. - - _Auverquerque_ (Veldt-Marshal de) 255. - - - B. - - _Baden_ (_Lewis_ Margrave of) 15, 16, 17. - - _Balderic_ of _Cleves_, Bishop of _Utrecht_, 221. - - _Ball_, extraordinary given by the Author, 209. - - _Barcelona_ Siege rais'd 69. - - _Barfous_ (Count de) 8. His Banishment from the _Prussian_ Court, 52. - - _Bargeman_'s Daughter, her notable Rise, 9 to 12. - - BAR-LE-DUC, _t._ 342. - - _Bartholdi, Prussian_ Minister, 20, 21, 22. - - _Bassompierre_ (Brothers) their History, 85. - - BENDER, _t._ 67. - - BENSBERG, _t._ 142. - - _Bergerie_, (M. de la) 57. - - BERLIN, 93, _&c_. 229. Distance from _Koningsberg_, 28. - - _Berry_ (Duke of) his Character, 185. - Duchess, 186. - Her Character and Favour with the Regent, 287, 288. - Her Kindness for the Count de _R_----, 301. - Her Death, 302. - - _Biberstein_, (Marshal de) 223. - - BILEFELD, _t._ 161. - - _Bilinsky_, Count de, 17. - - _Bills, French_, 291, 345. - - _Blamont_, M. de, President, 356. - - _Blankenbourg_, Duke of, 114, 116. - - _Blaspiel_, M. Minister, 20. - - _Bolingbroke_ (_Henry St. John_, Lord) his Reception in _France_, 198, - 205, 206. - - _Borst_, the Queen of _Prussia_'s Confessor, 91, 92. - - _Bose_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Bot_, the Architect, 124. - - _Boufflers_, Marshal, 259. - - _Bourbon_, Duke of, 185, 186, 236. - - _Bourg_, Marshal de, 318. - - _Bouvines_ Battle, 176. - - _Brandenburg_, Princes of, Apparition presaging their Death, 211. - - _Brandenbourg Bareith_, Margrave of, 54, 103. - - BRANDENBURG, _t._ 228. - - _Brantz_, General, our Author's Uncle, 18. - - BREDA, _t._ 218. - - BRESLAU, _t._ 243. - - _Breteuil_, Baron de, 266. - - _Britany_ (Duke of) his Death, 184. - Discontent of that Province, 347. - - BRUGES, _t._ 276. - - _Brunswic_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - The City, 118. - - BRUSSELLS, _t._ 170. - - _Bulau_ Countess, 32. - M. de, Steward, 58. - - _Burgundy_ (_Charles_ Duke of) kill'd, 343. - - _Burgundy_ (Duke of, afterwards Dauphin) his Character and his Death, - 182, 183. - Death and Character of the Dauphiness, 182, 183. - - _Bydgost_ Treaty, 14. - - - C. - - CAMBRAY, _t._ 172. - Its Archbishop, 173. - League, 174. - - CASSEL, _t._ 155. - Landgrave's Family, 155. - - _Chair_ of State refus'd by the Prince of _Orange_ to the Elector of - _Brandenbourg_, and its Consequence, 12, _&c._ - - _Chalons_ Family, 74. - - CHALONS-SUR-MARNE, _t._ 343. - - _Chamber_ of Justice, 289. - - _Chamillard_, M. de, 80. - - _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, his Death, 21, 26. - - _Charles_ V. (Emperor) 13, 257. - - _Charles_ VI. (Emperor) - See _Election_ and _Coronation_. - - _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_, Origin and Progress of his War with - _Poland_, 61, to 67. - How he was betray'd by one of his Ministers, 61, 66. - - _Charolois_, (Count de) 186. - - _Chartres_, (Duke de) 185. - - CHATEAU-THIERRY, _t._ 344. - - ----_Cambresis_ Treaty, 175. - - _Clarendon_, Lord, 252. - - _Clermont_, (Count de) 186. - - _Colbe_ (see _Wartemberg_.) - - _Coligny_, Admiral, 174. - - _Cologne_, (_Joseph-Clement_ Elector of) 164. _t._ 163, _&c._ - Archbishops of, 164, _&c._ - - COMPIEGNE, _t._ 175. - - _Condé_ (Princess of) 190. - - _Conty_ (Princess of) 191. - (Second Dowager) 191. - (Prince of) 17, 53, 72, 186, 236. - - _Coronation_ of the Emperors, 157, _&c._ - - _Cough_, so dreaded by a Soldier, that he chose rather to be kill'd, - 219. - - _Courland_ (Duke of) 41. - Dispute about his Guardianship, 102. - His Marriage with the Czar's Niece, and his Death, 103, 104. - - ----Duchess of, 36, 54. - - _Court_ what most contributes to its Lustre, 3. - - _Craon_, Marquiss de, 340. - - _Culmbach_, Princess of, 83. - - CUSTRIN, _t._ 44, 45. - - _Czar_ of _Muscovy_ in _France_, 310, to 315. - - - D. - - _Danckleman_ (Baron de) Prime Minister of _Frederic_ I. King of - _Prussia_, 4. - The Rise of his great Favor, 5. - His Disgrace, 6, 7, 8. - Facts relating to it, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16. - - _Dankelman_ M. our Author's Tutor, 81. - - _Dannebrog_ Order, 336. - - _Dauphin_ of _France_, his Death and Character, 182. - - DELFT, _t._ 128. - - _Denis_ (Father) 306. - - _Denmark_, King, his Dispute with the Duke of _Holstein_, 61, 63, _&c._ - - _Desalleurs_ M. Envoy of _France_, 26. - - _Devos_, Manufacture for Tapistry, 170. - - _Dohna_, Count de, 33, 111, 148, 159. - - Don _John_ of _Austria_, 172. - - _Dorerbeck_ M. Cup-bearer of _Prussia_, 17. - - DORT, _t._ 129. - - DRESDEN, _t._ 244. - - _Dress_, a remarkable Conversation about it, between two great - Duchesses in _France_, 186, to 189. - - _Duliz_, a wealthy and generous _Jew_, 127. - - _Duplanti_, his Adventure after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76, 77. - - DUSSELDORFF, _t._ 141. - - - E. - - _Eagle-Black_ (Order of) in _Prussia_, its Institution, 29, 30. - - _Eckeren_ Battle, 170. - - _Effiat_, Marquis de, 357. - - EISENACH, _t._ 321. - - _Elbing_ mortgaged and taken, 18, 19. - - _Election_ of the Emperors, 147 to 154. - - _Eltz_, see _Mentz_. - - EMMERIC, _t._ 124. - - _England_ (_George_ I. King of) his Behaviour at the News of his - Proclamation, 251, 252. - His Departure for _England_, 253. - A singular Circumstance of his Coronation, 254. - - _Erasmus_, his Statue, 129. - - ERFURT, _t._ 322. - - _Erlach_, M. de, 86. - - _Ernest, Augustus_, Duke of _Hanover_, 57, 58. - - _Eugene_ (Prince of) a Plot to poison him, 81. - His Character of the Prince of _Anhalt_, 55, 56. - His glorious Campaign in _Hungary_, 359. - - - F. - - _Feldtbruck_ (Mademoiselle de) see _Auverquerque_. - - _Fenelon_, M. Archbishop of _Cambray_, 173. - - _Ferte_ (Duchess de la) cheats our Author of some Money, 198. - - ----Marshal de, 172. - - _Finck_, Count, Ambassador, 71. - - _Fistula_, what call'd in _France_, 248. - - _Fitzthum_, M. de, 245. - - _Flemming_ (_James Henry_ Count de) 62. - How he amus'd the Author, 241, 243, 246. - - _Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, assassinated, 130. - - _Fontainbleau_, Palace and Court, 197. - - _France_ (_Lewis_ XIV. King of) his Character, 182. - His remarkable Wish in favour of the Mercers of _Paris_, 70. - How he liv'd in his latter days, 182, 195. - His Death, 283, 284. - - ----(_Lewis_ XV. King of) 184, 185. - His Answer to Madame, when she said she was going to wait on a - greater Lord than he, 304. - - FRANCFORT on the _Main_, _t._ 145. - - _Francke_, Dr. 91, 92. - - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of _Orange_ his Will, 50. - - _Frederic-William_ (King of) see _Prussia_. - - _Frederic_ Elector of _Saxony_, unfortunate, 227. - - _Frederic-William_ the Great, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his War with - _Charles-Gustavus_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - His Statue, 55. - - _Frederic-William_, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his Wives and Issue, 3, - 4. - - _Frederic_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, as cruel as his Father, 138. - - FULDI, _t._ 320. - Abbat, 321. - - - G. - - _George_ I. (King) see _England_. - - _George_ II. (King) his Valor in _Flanders_, 75, 76. - - _Gersdorf_, M. de, Colonel, 107. - - GHENT, _t._ 257. - - _Golden Fleece_, Order instituted, 277. - - GOTHA, _t._ 321. - - _Gravenitz_, Count de, 336. - - _Gripilli_, a famous _Italian_ Statuary, 142. - - _Grumkan_, M. 329. - - _Gueldres_ taken, 53. - - _Gustavus-Charles_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - - - H. - - HAGUE, _t._ 126, _&c._ - - HALBERSTADT, _t._ 113. - - HALL in _Saxony_, _t._ 113. - - HAM, _t._ 124. - - HAMBOURG, _t._ 230, 249. - - HANAU, _t._ 319. - Some Particularities of the Count and his Court, 320. - - HANOVER, _t._ 120. - _George_ (late) Elector, his Concern for the Death of the Queen of - _Prussia_ his Sister, 58. - - HARLEM, _t._ 137. - - _Harrach_, Count de, 22. - - _Haye_ Forest, 342. - - _Heiden_, Baron de, General, 124. - - _Henning_, M. de, _Prussian_ Minister, 148. - - HERVORDEN, _t._ 124. - - _Hesse_, Princess of, 83. - - _Hohenzollern_, Prince, 159. - - _Holstein_, Prince and Princess, 32, 33, 37, 61. - - _Honslaerdyke_ Palace, 139. - - St. _Hubert_, Order of Knights, 335. - - - I. - - _Jackel_, the King of _Prussia_'s Jester, 90. - - _James_ II. how his Queen Dowager was condol'd by the _French_ Court, - on the Miscarriage of the Pretender's Expedition to _Scotland_, - 299. - - _Jesuits_ Church at _Antwerp_ consum'd, 167. - - _Jews_ at the Hague, 127. - At _Francfort_, 145. - - _Illgen_ (Baron de) 108. - His Disservice to the Author, 329. - - _Imhoff_, Minister to the D. of _Wolfembuttle_, 117. - - _Insurance-Office_ from Fire erected at _Berlin_, 108. - - _John_ of _Leyden_ the Taylor, 161. - - St. _John_, an Equestrian Order, 54. - - _Joseph_, Emperor of _Germany_, his Death, 123. - - _Joseph-Clement_, Elector, see _Cologne_. - - ISSOUIN, _t._ our Author's Birth-place, 2. - - _Justice_, Bed of, erected in _France_, 354. - - - K. - - _Kamcke_ (Brothers) their History, 104, 105, 110, 111. - Authors of the Disgrace of the Count _de Wartemberg_, 105, 106, _&c._ - - _Kings_ of _Cologn_, Three, 165. - - _Kinski_, Count de, 160. - - _Knights_ of St. _Lewis_, their Poverty, 292. - Their Numbers, 348. - - _Kniphausen_, M. de, Ambassador, 328, 329. - - _Kolbe_, see _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Kolbe_). - - _Koningsmark_, Countess of, 244. - - _Kraut_, M. Aid de Camp, 79. - - - L. - - L----, Envoy of _Prussia_ at _Hambourg_, Character of his Lady, and an - Account of an Entertainment that he gave the Author, 248 to 251. - - _Lady of Precious Stones_, who so call'd, and why, 279. - A Learned Lady, 221. - - _Law, John_, Projector of the _Mississippi_ Scheme, 354. - - _League_ of _Cambray_, 74. - - _Leap_, a desperate one for a young Lady, 255, 256. - - _Leck_, Lord of ----, 218. - - _Legitimated_ Princes of _France_, 294, _&c._ - - _Leopold_, Emperor, his Death, 60. - - LEIPSIC, _t._ 322. - - _Lewis_ XIV. and XV. See _France_. - - LEYDEN, _t._ 125. - - _Limbourg_ Duchy mortgag'd, 7, 8. - - _Lippe_, Count de, 124. - - _Lion_ tam'd by a Duke of _Brunswic_, 119. - - LIPSTADT, _t._ 124. - - _Lisle_ Siege, 73. - Its Surrender, 81. - Description of the Town, 258, 259. - - _Longueville_ Family, 295. - - _Lorrain_ (Court of) 338, 339, to 341. - - _Lottum_ (Count de) 52, 77, 79, 102. - - _Loven_, Mademoiselle de, 244. - - LOUVAIN, _t._ 256. - - _Lubomirski_, Princess of, 243, 244. - - _Lowendahl_, Marshal, 245. - - LUNEVILLE, _t._ 338. - - _Lutherans_ and Calvinists, 146. - - _Luxembourg_ Garden, 200. - - - M. - - MAGDEBURG, _t._ and Duchy, 113, 226, 227. - - _Maine_ (Duke and Duchess) 191, 284, 286, 287. - - _Maintenon_, Madam, 284. - - _Malplaquet_ (Battle of) 89. - - _Marlborough_ (Duke of) his Journey to _Berlin_, 56. - Bribes a Minister of the King of _Sweden_, 61, 66. - - MARLY, _t._ 181, 183. - - _Marne_, r. 343. - - _Marsin_, Marshal de, 69. - - MASTRICHT, _t._ 255. - - _Match-maker_, Elector of _Brandenburg_, a great one, 27. - - MEAUX, _t._ 344. - - MECHLIN, _t._ 170. - - _Mecklemburg_ (Princess of) married to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, - 86. - Her extravagant Devotion, 91. - Her Answer to the King upon it, 92. - Loses her Senses, 211. - She is sent back to _Mecklemburg_ after the King's Death, 213. - - _Medicis, Mary_ de, Queen of _France_, her Distress, 165, 166, 175. - - MENTZ, t. and Elector, 331, 332. - - _Mesmes_, M. de, President of the Parliament of _Paris_, 352. - - _Metternich_, Count de, Ambassador of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 75, 148. - - MINDEN, _t._ 123. - - MONS, _t._ 171. - - _Montluc, John_ de, 173. - - _Montmorency_, Constable, 174, 176. - - _Motte_ (M. de la) see _Wynendale_. - - MUNSTER, _t._ 161. - Treaty, 162. - Bishop, 163. - - _Muntzer_, Head of the _Anabaptists_, 161. - - _Muscovites_, Success over the _Swedes_, 65, to 68. - - - N. - - NANCY, _t._ 341. - - _Nassau_, Princes of, 218. - - _Nassau-Orange_ (Princess of) refuses to give her Daughter to the King - of _Prussia_, 82. - - ---- (Prince of) drown'd in passing the _Moerdyke_, 139. - Provisional Settlement made by the Sates General, between him and the - King of _Prussia_, touching King _William_'s Succession, 140. - - _Nassau-Weilbourg_ (Count de) 154. - - _Nautre_ (le) Gardener, 180. - - _Nemours_, Madame de, Princess of _Neufchâtel_, 72. - - _Neufchâtel_ adjudged to the King of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 73. - - NEWPORT, _t._ 277, 278. - - NIMEGUEN, _t._ 125. - - _Novion_ de, President, 354. - - - O. - - _Orange, Maurice_, Prince of, his Daughter, our Author's Grandmother, - 2. - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of, his Will, 50, 51. - Parliament of _Orange_, 59. - _William_, Prince of, his Tomb, 128. - - ORANGE, _t._ seiz'd by _Lewis_ XIV. 53. - - ORANJEBAUM, _t._ 113. - - _Orleans_ (Duke of) Regent of _France_, 185. - Beginning of his Regency, 284, _&c._ - History of it, 345, _&c._ - - _Orleans_ (Madame de) _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_, her - Character, 186, 187. - Her Censure of the Duchess of _Berry_, 188, 189. - What she said to the Author on the Misfortunes of the Queen of - _England_, who was Dowager to _James_ II. 299. - Her Promise of Protection to the Author, and her Non-performance, - 300, 301. - - _Orleans_, Maid of, 175. - - _Osnabrug_ (Duke of _York_) Bishop of, his pertinent Remark on - _Poland_, 243. - - _Ossuna_, Duke of, 215. - - - P. - - _Palatine_ (_Charles Philip_ of _Neubourg_, Elector) 143. - - _Palatine_ (Family) 143, _&c._ - - _Papenheim_, Count de, 150, 158. - - PARIS, _t._ 177, 199, 345, _&c._ - How the Author liv'd there, 176, _&c._ 210. - - _Parliament_ of _Paris_, its Broils with the Regent, 348, 349, _&c._ - - _Peers_ of _France_, 293. - - _Persian_ Ambassador at _Paris_, Particulars relating to him, 265, - _&c._ - His Entry at _Paris_ 265. - His Audience of the King, 267. - How he smoak'd his Pipe at the Opera, 269. - - PHALTZBOURG, _t._ 338. - - _Philip_ II. of _Spain_, his remarkable Vow, 175. - - _Philip_, V. see _Spain_ - - _Philip_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, his Temper, 60. - Character of his Lady, 60. - His Death, 160. - - _Pinneberg_, Conferences there, 61. - - _Poland_ (Intrigues in the Election of its King) 15, to 18. - Its Crown pawn'd to the King of _Prussia_, 19. - - _Poland, Augustus_ II. King of, see _Charles_ XII. K. of _Sweden_. - - _Poles_ (their Character); 241, 242. - - _Pollnitz_, Mademoiselle de, 23, 46, 238, 239, 325, _&c._ - - _Pollnitz_ (_Charles-Lewis_, Baron de) our Author. - His Extraction, Education, and the History of his Family, 1, 2, _&c._ - Has an Electoress for his God-mother, 2. - His honourable Intercession with the King of _Prussia_ for his - Father-in-law, 45, 46. - His Entrance by that King into the Princes Academy, 52. - His Service in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, 75. - Adventure that he tells after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76. - Another at the Siege of _Lisle_, 79. - His Return to _Berlin_, 81. - His Advancement to the Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, 88. - His mistaken Conceit, that he was in great Favor, 89. - The King's Reprimand of him and Reconcilement, 90, 91. - His Departure from _Berlin_, in order to travel abroad upon some - harsh Words said to him by the King, 111, 112, 113. - How he lost all his Money by Play at _Hanover_, and prevail'd on his - Mother for more, 122. - His Loss of his Mother, 154. - His Introduction to and Reception by the King of _France_ and the - Princes, 192, 193. - His dangerous Illness at _Paris_, 199. - The Acquaintance he made with an Actress in _Luxemburg_ Garden, and - the Consequences of that Amour, 200, 204. - Tempted to turn Catholic, 205. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said of him, 205. - He gives an extraordinary Ball, 209. - He falls in Love with Mademoiselle _de S_----, 214. - Consequences of it, 215, 235. - His unlucky Tumble into a Heap of Dung, 215. - Oblig'd by his extravagant Charges to go home, 215, 217. - His sudden Return to _Paris_, 217. - His Amour with the Countess of _Wartemberg_, 224, 225. - His Journey to and Reception at _Berlin_, 228, 229. - His return back again to _Paris_, 235. - He falls in Love with Madame _de P_----, 235. - He renews his Courtship to Madame _de S_----, 235-236. - His Return again to _Berlin_, 237. - Remarks on his Distemper, 238. - His Reception at the Court of _Hanover_, 238. - And at _Berlin_, 240. - How he was amus'd by the Count _de Flemming_, 241, 245, 246. - His ill Success at the Court of _Poland_, 241, 242, 245. - His Arrest at _Dresden_, and how he obtain'd his Liberty, 246. - How he broke his Leg, and was troubled with a Fistula, 247. - His merry Description of a House and Family at _Hambourg_, and of an - Entertainment he had there, 249, 250. - His Return once more to _Paris_, 259. - How he fell in love with Madam _de R_----, 260, 270, to 275. - The Consequences of it, 262, 270 to 275, _&c._ - He sollicits Employment in _France_, 263, _&c._ - An Adventure that happen'd to him at a Ball, 270, 271. - His Quarrel with the Marquis _de V_----, 273. - His Extravagance, his Arrest, and how he got out of the Scrape, 274, - 275. - His Pension of 2000 Livres, 275. - His Disputes with his Cousin, 276. - His Loss of his Pension and Sollicitation to regain it, 291, 292. - His Present from _Madame_, 292. - Who made him large Promises, but did nothing for him, 301, 304. - His melancholy Situation, 305. - His embracing the Popish Religion, 306. - His Arrest for Debt, 307. - His Intrigue with an Old Woman, 308, 309. - His unsuccessful Proposal of a Scheme to the Regent, 316. - His Departure from _Paris_, 316. - His Return to _Berlin_, and Reception by the King of _Prussia_, 323, - 324, to 327. - His Reversion of the next Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber's Pension that - fell, 328. - The Occasion of his Disgrace, 329, 330. - His precipitate Retreat from _Berlin_, 331. - Oblig'd by his Fistula to go to _Paris_, 337, 338, 345. - The Operation there perform'd on him, 345. - - POTZDAM, _t._ 40. - - _Pretender_'s Miscarriage in his Expedition to _Scotland_, 296, 297. - A flagrant Instance of his Bigotry, 297. - His Return to _France_, 298. - - _Princes_ of the Blood, in _France_, Contention betwixt them, 294, - _&c._ - - _Princess_ (Madame la) 190. - - _Printz_, M. de, 111, 212, 240. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic_ I. King of) his Coronation, 28, to 38. - His Entry to Konigsberg, 38. - His Reception by the Magistrates of _Dantzic_ when he came on their - Territories, 39. - His Entry at _Berlin_, 41. - His Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of - _England_, 49, 50. - His Measures for justifying them, 51. - His Reception at the _Hague_, 51. - His Protection to the Refugees from _Orange_, 53. - His Sovereignty of _Neufchâtel_ recogniz'd, 71, _&c._ - Negociations for his 2d Marriage, 82, 83. - His Choice of the Princess of _Mecklemburg_, 84. - The new Queen's Arrival, 86, 87. - Their Marriage 86. - His Care of his Subjects that were afflicted with the Plague, 93. - His Domestic Attendance, 98, _&c_. - His Tour to the _Hague_, 138. - The Magnanimity with which he receiv'd the News of the Prince of - _Orange_'s Death, 140. - He sickens of a Fright and dies, 210, 211, 212. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic-William_ King of) his Diversion when he was Prince - Royal, 41, 42. - His Marriage to the Elector of _Hanover_'s Daughter, and her - Character, 70. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said when he saw her Wedding-Apparel, 70. - Her Entry at _Berlin_, 70, 71. - Her Delivery of a Prince, his Baptism as Prince of _Orange_, and his - Death, 74, 75. - His Accession to the Crown, 212. - The Alteration he made at his Court, 213. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) the first Wife of _Frederic_ I. and Sister to the - late Elector of _Hanover_, her Death, 56. - Honors done to her Corpse, 58, 59. - Her Character, 4, 59, 60. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) second Wife to _Frederic_ I. See _Mecklemburg_, - Princess of. - - _Prussia_, (Court of) 3, to 113. - - _Prussia_, Duchy, 13. - - _Prussia_, particular Reason of its being erected into a Kingdom, 11, - 12, 29. - And Negociations for that purpose, 14, _&c._ 25. - Owing to a Blunder, 21, 22, 25. - - _Puisieux_, M. de, Ambassador of _France_, 72, 73. - - _Pultowa_, Battle of, 67, 68. - - - Q. - - _Quedlimbourg_ Abbey, 18. - - ST. QUINTIN, _t_. 174. - Battle, _ibid_. - - - R. - - _Radziowski_, Cardinal, 16. - - _Ramellies_ Battle, its Consequences, 68, 169. - - _Refugees, French_, their Reception at _Berlin_, 53, 93, 94. - Their Gratitude, 94. - - _Regenstein_, Counts of, 114; - - _Reitwitz_, M. de, _Polish_ Envoy, 19. - - _Religions_, a Multiplicity of 'em, where, 232. - - _Rhinberg_ taken, 53. - - _Richlieu_, Cardinal, 165, 175. - - _Rohan_, Cardinal de, 319. - - _Rothenbourg_ (Count de) amuses the Author, 316, 317. - - ROTTERDAM, _t._ 129. - - _Ryswic_ Treaty, 20. - - - S. - - ST. DENYS, _t._ 176. - ----QUINTIN, _t._ 174. - - SALTZDAHL, _t._ 115, _&c._ - - SAVERNE, _t._ 338. - - _Saxony_, _Frederic-Augustus_, Elector of, 17. - Electoral Prince of, 269. - - _Saxony_ (_Maurice_ Count of) his Character and Marriage, 244. - The Electorate ruin'd, 66. - - _Schalifer_, Baron de, 82. - - SCHENK, _t._ 125. - - _Schmettau_, M. de, the Minister, 16, 20, 51, 75. - - _Schonborn_, Count _Lotharius-Francis_ de, Elector of _Mentz_, 147. - - _Schuurman_ (_Ann Mary_) 221. - - _Seaux_ Castle, 192. - - _Seckingen_, Baron de, 144. - - SENLIS, _t._ 176. - - _Shift_, (seamless) said to be the Virgin _Mary_'s, 234. - - _Shrewsbury_ (Duke of) sent to _Paris_, 206. - Characters of the Duke and Duchess, 206, 207. - The King's Complaisance to her, 207, 208. - - _Sigismund_ I. King of _Poland_, his War with the Margrave of - _Brandenbourg_, 13. - - _Simmeren_, Princess de, 8. - - _Snuff_, the Queen of _Prussia_ reprimanded by the King for taking it, - 35. - - _Sobieski_ (_John_ King of _Poland_) his Death, 15. - His Son _James_, 63. - _Sobieski_, Princess, 145. - - _Sophia_, Princess of _Hanover_, her Character, 120. - Death, 251. - - _Spanheim_, M. _Prussian_ Ambassador, 26, 50, 74. - - _Spanish_ Succession, Quarrel about it, 47, 48, _&c._ 60. - - _Stanhope_, Mr. 51. - - _Stanislaus_ (King) proclaim'd, 61, 64. - Crown'd 65. - - _Steinbock_, Count de, 232 - - _Stoffius_ (M. de) Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, 107. - - STRASBOURG, _t._ 317. - - STUTGARD, _t._ 333. - - _Sultzbach_ (Hereditary Prince of) 144. - - _Sweden_ (see _Charles_ XII. King of) the present King's Marriage, 6, - 155. - - _Synod_ of _Dort_, 130. - - - T. - - _Tapistry_ Manufacture, 170. - - _Teschen_ (Princess of) 243, 244. - - _Tesse_, Marshal de, 69, 310, 311. - - _Tilly_, Count, 123. - - _Tobianski_, Count de, 38. - - TONNINGEN, _t._ 63. - - _Torcy_, M. de, 268. - - TOUL, _t._ 342. - - _Tour_, M. 50. - - _Tour Taxis_, Prince of, 154. - - _Treaty_ of _Munster_, 162. - - _Trianon_ Palace, 180. - - _Tromp, Martin_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, his Tomb, 128. - - _Troops, Prussian_, characteris'd, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Turenne_, Marshal, 172, 279. - - _Turin_ Siege rais'd, 68. - - - U. - - VALENCIENNES, _t._ 172. - - _Vendosme_, Duke of 76, 77. - - VERSAILLES, _t._ 177, _&c._ to 197. - - _Vienna_ Siege, 21. - - _Villars_ (Marshal de) 236. - - _Villeroy_, Marshal de, 171, 303. - - _Vilvorde_ Canal, 170. - - _Voisin_, M. de, Chancellor, 263, 264. - - _Vrilliere_, M. de, Secretary, 358. - - UTRECHT, _t._ 220. Treaty, 223. - - - W. - - WARSAW, _t._ 241, _&c._ - - _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Colbe_) Count de, Prime Minister to - _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_; his History, 8, 17, 24. - Cabal against him, 42. - His Revenge, 44. - His Disgrace, 104, 109, 111. - His Death at _Francfort_, and how he was lamented by the King of - _Prussia_, 223. - - _Wartemberg_ (Countess de) her mean Extraction, great Fortune, 9, 10, - _&c._ - Some Particulars relating to her Conduct 23, 24, 26, 27. - Her Retirement to _Utrecht_, 223, _&c._ - Consequence of her Intrigue with the Chevalier _de B_----, 224, 225. - Her Behaviour at _Paris_, 279, _&c._ - Departure for _Holland_, _ib._ - - _Wartensleben_ (Marshal de) 53. - - _Web_ (General) see _Wynendale_. - - _Werf, Vander_, a _Dutch_ Painter, 142. - - WESEL, _t._ 124. - - _Wesen_ (Count de) his Marriage to our Author's Mother, 26, 27. - His Preferment, 28. - His Engagement in a Cabal against the Count _de Wartemberg_, 42. - How it prov'd his Ruin, 43, _&c._ - His Death, 88. - - _Westphalia_ Treaty, 162. - - WILDSTAT, _t._ 334. - - _William_ III, King of _England_, by whom prevail'd on to call the - illustrious House of _Hanover_ to the Succession, 23, 24. - Dispute about the Succession to his own Estate as Prince of _Orange_, - 49, 50. - His Will, 51. - - _Winter_, very cold, 88. - - _Wirtemberg_, (Duke of) his Family and Court, 334, _&c._ 337. - - _Witgenstein_ (Count de) his Promotion and Disgrace, 47, 59, 90, 107. - His Release, 111. - - WOLFEMBUTTLE, _t._ 114. - Character of the Duke _Anthony-Ulric_, 115. - - _Wolfersdorff_, 109. - - _Woman_, in white, an Apparition, 211. - - _Wynendale_, M. _de la Motte_'s Defeat there by General _Web_, 80. - - - X. - - _Ximenes_, Cardinal, 221. - - - Y. - - YPRES, _t._ 278, 279. - - - Z. - - _Zeits_, Duchess of, 83. - - _Zell, Dorothy_, Duchess-Dowager of, to whom remarried, 3. - - ZELL, _t._ 120. - - _Zinzendorf_, Count de, 159. - - - - - FOOTNOTES: - - -[1] See Vol. I. of the Letters, _pag._ 16. a remarkable Passage relating -to this Fact, together with this Minister's Character and Death. - -[2] See Vol. I. of the Memoirs, _p._ 29. some Particulars concerning this -Order, which are not here. - -[3] See Vol. I. _p._ 34. for the Description of this Town, which is the -common Garrison of the first Battalion of the tall Grenadiers, so much -talk'd of in _Europe_. - -[4] See the Account of this House Vol. I. _p._ 49. - -[5] See for the present State of this Place, Vol. II. _p._ 347, 361. - -[6] See the Vol. above mention'd, _p._ 362. - -[7] See Vol. I. _p._ 28. - -[8] See the compleat Description of this Monument, and of its Erection, -Vol. I. _p._ 9. - -[9] See Vol. I. _p._ 196, where there are curious Observations upon this -City and its Inhabitants. - -[10] See Vol. I. _p._ 35. - -[11] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. _&c._ where this capital City of the Electorate -of _Brandenburg_ is describ'd with wonderful Exactness and Regularity. - -[12] See also with regard to this Palace, Vol. I. _p._ 10. - -[13] See also the same Vol. _p._ 31. for the Nature of the Pleasures of -the City and Court. - -[14] See Vol. I. _p._ 18. where there is a more particular Description of -this Edifice. - -[15] See Vol. I. _p._ 33, _&c._ the Temper of the present King, and his -Way of Living. - -[16] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[17] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[18] See Vol. I. _p._ 82, 85, 377, 380. - -[19] See Vol. I. _p._ 48, 80. - -[20] See Vol. I. _p._ 75. - -[21] See Vol. I. _p._ 69, 75. - -[22] See the Description and State of this Town, Vol. I. _p._ 61,68. where -you will find a pleasant Remark upon the _French_ that swarm'd there in -the Time of the last Duchess, who was a _French_ Lady of the _Olbreuse_ -Family. - -[23] See Vol. I. _p._ 63, 68, _&c._ - -[24] See Vol. II. _p._ 365, 370. - -[25] See Vol. II. _p._ 396. - -[26] See Vol. II. _p._ 398. - -[27] See Vol. II. _p._ 400, 425. - -[28] See Vol. II. _p._ 426. - -[29] See Vol. II. _p._ 317, 371. - -[30] They who are well acquainted with _Holland_ know that the Author -could only draw this Character for the very Dregs of the People. - -[31] See Vol. II. _p._ 394. - -[32] See Vol. II. _p._ 358. where there's a curious Inventory of the -Statues and Paintings of the greatest Masters that are all up and down the -Castle of _Dusseldorff_. - -[33] See Vol. II. _p._ 357. - -[34] See Vol. I. _p._ 340. - -[35] See Vol. II. _p._ 332, 336. - -[36] See Vol. II. _p._ 317. - -[37] See Vol. II. _p._ 298, 317. - -[38] See Vol. II. _p._ 296. - -[39] See Vol. II. _p._ 291, 296. - -[40] See Vol. II. _p._ 189, to 290. - -[41] See Vol. II. _p._ 184, 188. - -[42] That is a Spectre dress'd in white, which they say appears in the -Palace of the Princes of _Brandenburg_, a little before the Death of any -one of the Family. - -[43] See Vol. II. _p._ 367, _&c._ - -[44] See Vol. I. _p._ 51, _&c._ - -[45] See Vol. I. _p._ 57, _&c._ - -[46] See Vol. II. _p._ 327. - -[47] See Vol. I. _p._ 87, 157, _&c._ - -[48] See Vol. II. _p._ 319, 329. The dangerous Adventure of the Marshal -_d'Auverquerque_, for Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_, is related there with -Circumstances that are different from the Account given of it by the -Author, in this and the following Page. - -[49] See Vol. II. _p._ 319. - -[50] See Vol. II. _p._ 310, 317. - -[51] See Vol. II. _p._ 296, 315. - -[52] See Vol. II. _p._ 312. - -[53] See Vol. II. _p._ 313. - -[54] See Vol. II. _p._ 409, 410. - -[55] That our Reader may the better understand this, it must be observ'd -that the Custom of _France_ and that of _England_ are, in this respect, -very different: For tho' in _England_ a Baron is as much a Peer as a Duke, -yet in _France_ none but the Dukes, and not all of them, are honor'd with -the Dignity of Peers: But these modern Peers are very different from the -ancient Peers of _France_, who were six Spiritual and six Temporal, _viz._ -three Dukes and three Earls or Counts of each State. The former are still -in Being, namely, the Duke Archbishop of _Rheims_, the Duke and Bishop of -_Laon_, the Duke and Bishop of _Langres_, the Count Bishop of _Beauvais_, -the Count Bishop of _Chalons_, and the Count Bishop of _Noyon_; but the -Temporal, who were Sovereign Princes, have been extinct a long time. - -[56] The Confession of Faith, as he deliver'd it some time after to the -Cardinal ---- at _Rome_, is inserted at the end of Vol. IV. by way of -_Appendix_. - -[57] See Vol. I. _p._ 305, _&c._ - -[58] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[59] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[60] See Vol. I. _p._ 361. - -[61] See Vol. I. _p._ 183. - -[62] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[63] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[64] See Vol. I. _p._ 83. - -[65] See Vol. II. _p._ 353. - -[66] See Vol. I. _p._ 279. - - FINIS. - - * * * * * - - - Transcriber's Amendments - -Transcriber's Note: Blank pages have been deleted. On pages that remain, -some unnecessary page numbers may have been deleted when they fall in the -middle of lists. Footnotes have been moved to the end of the work. We have -rendered consistent on a per-word-pair basis the hyphenation or spacing of -such pairs when repeated in the same grammatical context. The publisher's -inadvertent omissions of important punctuation have been corrected. - -The following list indicates any additional changes. The page number -represents that of the original publication and applies in this etext -except for footnotes since they have been moved. - - Page Change - - 13 who, together with his Desendants[Descendents] shou'd perform - 35 could not have aquitted[acquitted] itself better. - 78 twenty-six Battallions[Battalions] and seventy-six Squadrons - 97 Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatch[Yatcht] - 105 Lethargy of his Temperament not permiting[permitting] - 125 but he had not the Fortune to succeeed[succeed]. - 162 humbled it in in[del 2nd in] 1661, and since - 180 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 182 Honor of being with her in private assurr'd[assur'd] me, - 196 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 197 [41] See Vol. II. [_p._] 184, 188. - 220 to one of the seven Provinces, wherof[whereof] it is - 228 had not refus'd an advantagious[advantageous] Capitulation, - 240 proceeded so far, that she hindred[hinder'd] me - 247 having still in View the getting some Establimment[Establishment] - 272 therefore she chose to to[del 2nd to] take a Hack - 281 a folish[foolish] one. _B----_ was not to be seen - 288 The Duchess of of[del 2nd of] _Berry_ wanted also to be stil'd - 304 for entring into the Service to be disheartned[disheartened], - 313 and the Czar answer'd the Princeis[Princess] in - 339 and richly furnish'd. The first Antichamber[Anti-chamber] is a - 342 ever after, tho' _Nancy_ was evacuted[evacuated] - 356 Share in what pass'd the Day preceeding[preceding] - Index: Has an Electoress for his God-mother, {?}[2]. - Index: _Brunswik[Brunswic]_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - Index: BRUSSELLS[BRUSSELS], _t._ 170. - Index: _Danckelman[Dankelman]_ M. our Author's Tutor, 81. - Index: His Entry to Koningsberg[Konigsberg], 38. - - * * * * * - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - -***** This file should be named 38507-8.txt or 38507-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/5/0/38507/ - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/38507-8.zip b/old/38507-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6f8fd6e..0000000 --- a/old/38507-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/38507-h.zip b/old/38507-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4124e80..0000000 --- a/old/38507-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/38507-h/38507-h.htm b/old/38507-h/38507-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 9f0b2b5..0000000 --- a/old/38507-h/38507-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15204 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz (3), by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 12%; - margin-right: 12%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - h2 {line-height: 2em;} - -p { - margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - text-indent: 2em; -} - -a:focus, a:active { outline:#ffee66 solid 2px; background-color:#ffee66;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -sup {padding-left: 0.1em; vertical-align: text-top; line-height: 50%; font-size: small;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 88%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - color: gray; - margin-top: -0.45em; -} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.footnotes {border: solid gray 1px; margin-top: 1em; clear: both;} -.footnotes ol {margin-left:0; margin-right:0; padding:0; width:100%; list-style-type:none;} -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; width:80%; margin-bottom: 0em; - font-size: 0.9em; text-align: justify;} -.footnote .label { } -.fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: 0.8em; text-decoration: none; position: relative;} -.c3 {font-size: 1.17em; margin: 0.83em 0; font-weight: bolder; text-align: center;} -hr.ChapterTopRule {width: 85%; height: 2px; color: black;} -.f {font-style: normal} -.index {text-align: left; list-style-type: none; text-indent: -6em; padding-left: 6em;} -.indexsubhdr {padding-left: 6em; padding-top: 2em; padding-bottom: 1em;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III - Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from - Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, - England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not - Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but - the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several - Courts. - -Author: Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -Release Date: January 6, 2012 [EBook #38507] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<hr style="width: 85%;" /> - -<div class="center" style="width: 25em; margin: auto; border: solid 1px; -padding: 1em;"> Transcriber's Note: The original publication has been -replicated faithfully except as -listed <a href="#Changes" name="Start" id="Start">here</a>. -Footnotes are located <a href="#FOOTNOTES">here</a>.<br /> - -There is an <a href="#An_Alphabetical_INDEX">index</a>. </div> - -<!--002.png--><hr style="width: 85%;" /> - -<h1 style="line-height: 1.5em;"> -<small>THE</small><br /> -<big>MEMOIRS</big><br /> -<small>OF</small><br /> -<i>CHARLES-LEWIS</i>,<br /> -Baron de <span class="smcap">Pollnitz</span>. -</h1> - -<div class="c3"> -<span style="font-size: small;">BEING</span><br /> -The OBSERVATIONS He made in his<br /> -late <span class="smcap">Travels</span> from <i>Prussia</i> thro'<br /> -<i>POLAND</i>,<br /> -<i>GERMANY</i>,<br /> -<i>ITALY</i>,<br /> -<i>FRANCE</i>,<br /> -<i>SPAIN</i>,<br /> -<i>FLANDERS</i>,<br /> -<i>HOLLAND</i>,<br /> -<i>ENGLAND</i>, <i>&c.</i><br /> -<br /> -Discovering not only the PRESENT STATE<br /> -of the Chief <span class="smcap">Cities</span> and <span class="smcap">Towns</span>;<br /> -<br /> -<span style="font-size: small;">BUT</span><br /> -<br /> -The CHARACTERS of the <span class="smcap">Principal Persons</span> -at the Several COURTS.<br /> -<br /> -VOL. III.<br /> -<br /> -<i>LONDON</i>:</div> - -<div class="center">Printed for <span class="smcap">Daniel Browne</span>, at the <i>Black Swan</i>, -without <i>Temple-Bar</i>; and <span class="smcap">John Brindley</span>, at -the <i>King's-Arms</i>, in <i>New Bond-street</i>.<br /> -<span class="smcap">M.dcc.xxxviii</span>.</div> - -<!--003.png--> - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> -<h2><span style="font-size: small;">THE</span><br /> - -PREFACE,<br /> - -<span style="font-size: small;">By the <span class="smcap">Translator</span>.</span></h2> - -<p><i>The <span class="f">Baron de Pollnitz's</span> Account -of his <span class="f">Travels</span>, and of the Observations -he made wherever he came, -both of <span class="f">Persons</span> and <span class="f">Things</span>, has -had such a Run in Foreign Parts, that the -Bookseller at <span class="f">Amsterdam</span>, who first printed it -in three Volumes in <span class="f">12<sup>mo</sup></span>, soon after published -a second Edition of it in <span class="f">four</span> Volumes, and -has now printed a third Edition in <span class="f">five</span> Volumes.</i></p> - -<p><i>The three first Volumes, which are those -that are translated in our first and second, -he calls <span class="f">Letters</span>; and to the fourth and fifth -he has given the Title of <span class="f">Memoirs</span>, which is -<span class="f">that</span> we have chose for our Translation of the -Whole.</i></p> - -<p><i>It happens that these two New Volumes -were written by our Author before the first</i><!--004.png--><span class="pagenum">iv</span> -<i>and second that were translated and publish'd -last Year; but why they were not also printed -before the others, is thus accounted for by M. -<span class="f">Changuion</span> the Bookseller at <span class="f">Amsterdam</span>, in -his Preface to the Original of these Memoirs</i>, -viz.</p> - -<p><i>'The Author, when at <span class="f">Paris</span>, sold the Copy -to a Person, who sold it again to a Bookseller -in <span class="f">Holland</span>; and the latter was actually -going to print it when he heard that I -was just ready to publish the <span class="f">Letters</span> of the -Baron <span class="f">de Pollnitz</span>, (the same that are the -Subject of our two first Volumes). The Title-Pages -of the one and the other had such -a Resemblance, that the Bookseller in <span class="f">Holland</span>, who purchas'd the Copy, of which -these two additional Volumes are a Translation -imagin'd it to be the same with the -other, and laid the <span class="f">MS.</span> by. But not long -after this, he took it into his head to review -it, and by comparing it with the former -Volumes, he found this a quite different -Treatise. He saw, that it not only -contain'd a History of the Author's <span class="f">Life</span> and -<span class="f">Family</span>, but an Account of several Courts -and Courtiers of <span class="f">Europe</span>, very circumstantial, -and altogether new; and that here -was a Relation of several Travels of our -Author, that to <span class="f">Spain</span> in particular, of -which there's not a Word in the former Volumes; -in short, that this Copy of his was -the Account of the Baron's <span class="f">first Travels</span>, antecedent -to those already publish'd.'</i><!--005.png--><span class="pagenum">v</span></p> - -<p><i>Upon his communicating this Discovery to -M. <span class="f">Changuion</span>, the latter bargain'd with -him for it, and has just published it in <span class="f">Holland</span>, as a Sequel to the former Volumes, tho' -if he had had the <span class="f">MS.</span> sooner, he would undoubtedly -have given it the Preference.</i></p> - -<p><i>At the End of the last Volume there is a -Translation of a remarkable Piece from the -<span class="f">Italian</span> Original, which is the <span class="f">Confession of Faith</span> made by the Baron <span class="f">de Pollnitz</span>, and -his Motives for changing his Religion.</i></p> - -<p><i>The said Bookseller thinks, that the Author -(tho' he has since abjur'd the <span class="f">Romish</span> for -the <span class="f">Protestant</span> Religion, as may be seen in our -Preface to the first Volume) will not be angry -with him for publishing that Piece, because -it has such a tendency to confute the malicious -Insinuations which he complains of in -his <span class="f">Memoirs</span>, and proves, that if he did -not then embrace the <span class="f">True Religion</span>, he -took the Pains however to examine it.</i></p> - -<p><i>On the other hand, the Publication of this -ample <span class="f">Confession</span> will demonstrate to all -Catholics, that whatsoever Arguments they -employ against Christians of the <span class="f">Protestant Communions</span>, the latter are not afraid to -let them see the Light.</i></p> - -<p><i>To conclude; tho' some Places are here and -there mention'd in these Volumes, which are -also to be found in the Two First, and with -that Conformity indeed betwixt them, which -the <span class="f">Truth</span> unavoidably demanded; yet 'tis</i><!--006.png--><span class="pagenum">vi</span> -<i>proper to observe, that the Descriptions are -sometimes more copious, the Reflections almost -every where different; and that in both -there is an agreeable Variety and Vivacity -which we flatter our selves will not -fail to recommend <span class="f">These</span> to the same good Acceptance -from the Public, with which it has -favor'd the <span class="f">former</span> Volumes.</i><!--007.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">1</a></span></p> - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> -<h2 style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: large;">MEMOIRS</span><br /> - -<span style="font-size: small;">OF THE</span><br /> - -Baron de <span class="smcap">Pollnitz</span>.<br /> - -<span class="smcap">Vol. III</span>.</h2> - -<div class="center" style="font-size: large;">To Madame de ——</div> - -<p>The Family I am descended from was -originally of <i>Thuringia</i>. My Grandfather, -after having turn'd Protestant, -came and settled in the Electorate of -<i>Brandenburg</i>, where he was kindly receiv'd, and -advanc'd to the chief Employments by the Elector -<i>Frederic-William</i>, who made him Master -of the Horse, Minister of State, Chamberlain, -Major-General, Colonel of his Guards, and Commandant -at <i>Berlin</i>. His Brother who came along -with him had also a share of his Favor; for he -was made Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, Lieutenant-General, -and Governor of <i>Lipstadt</i>. They -both married, but the only one that left Male -Issue was my Grandfather, who by <i>Eleonora</i> of -<i>Nassau</i>, Daughter to Prince <i>Maurice</i> of <i>Orange</i>, -had two Sons, and two Daughters. This however<!--008.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">2</a></span> -prov'd a very unsuitable Match; for my Grandmother -was imperious, frugal, and jealous, whereas -her Husband was extravagant, and an Admirer -of the Fair Sex: which Tempers so opposite to -each other created a Misunderstanding between -them, that amounted almost to a staunch Hatred. -Yet my Grandfather, some time before he died, -settled all his Estate upon her, repented of the -Vexation he had given her, and he thought this -Generosity of his would have made her easy, but -it only render'd her the more impatient to be a -Widow, insomuch that she had not the Complaisance -to conceal it from him; and the very -last Words he liv'd to hear her pronounce, were -neither comforting nor Christian.</p> - -<p>Soon after the Death of my Grandfather my -Uncle died, who was my Father's own Brother. -The only Issue he left was a Daughter, who was -chief Maid of Honour to the Queen <i>Sophia Charlotte</i>, -whose Bounties to her render'd her a Person -of no small Note in <i>Germany</i>.</p> - -<p>My Father married the Daughter of Baron -<i>D——</i> by whom he had my Brother in 1690. -I was born thirteen Months after him, <i>viz.</i> the -25th of <i>February</i> 1692, at <i>Issouin</i>, a Village in -the Electorate of <i>Cologn</i>, where my Father then -lay with his Regiment in Winter-Quarters. The -Electoress was my God-mother, and I was -christen'd <i>Charles-Lewis</i>. Before I was full two -years of Age I had the misfortune to lose my -Father, who died at <i>Maestricht</i>, and left my Mother -a Widow with three Children, and a very -little Estate to maintain us. My Grandmother, -who, as I had said before, had all my Grandfather's -Estate, was so extremely penurious, that -she had not the heart to part with any of it to -my Mother, whose Situation would have been<!--009.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span> -very melancholy had it not been for the Generosity -of the King (at that time only Elector). -This Prince sent for her back to <i>Berlin</i>, and gave -her a Pension; and in a little time after, my Relations -help'd her to another Husband, <i>viz. M. de -M——</i> Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who -tho' he died at the end of ten Months left her so -warm a Widow, that me might very well pass -for one of the best Fortunes at Court; and then -she threw up her Pension, rather than keep it to -the prejudice of other Persons that stood more in -need of it, which she thought was an Abuse of -the Elector's Bounty.</p> - -<p>My Mother's Fondness for me would not suffer -her to part with me, so that I was brought up -under her Wing, and at a Court which was at that -time the most splendid in <i>Germany</i>.</p> - -<div style="padding-bottom: 1em;"> </div> - -<p><i>Frederic-William</i>, when he died, left five Princes, -<i>viz.</i> the Elector, whom he had by <i>Louisa-Henrietta</i> -of <i>Nassau</i> Princess of <i>Orange</i>; and the -Margraves <i>Charles</i>, <i>Philip</i>, <i>Albert</i>, and <i>Christian</i>, -by <i>Dorothy</i> Princess of <i>Holstein</i>, Dowager of -the Duke of <i>Zell</i>. These Princes, at an Age -more proper for Pleasure than Business, studied -how to be most agreeable. Being frank and -generous they adorn'd the Court, even more by -their personal Qualities than by their Magnificence; -and the Elector himself contributed to -the splendor of it, by giving frequent Feasts, tho' -he was reproach'd with being too much addicted -to them, too scrupulous in the Ceremonies he requir'd -to be observ'd at them, and more expensive -in them than elegant. Nevertheless, this is what -strikes Foreigners more than any thing; and 'tis -Entertainments of this kind that give a Court -its fullest Lustre. The true Ornament of ours was<!--010.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> -the Electoress, Daughter of <i>Ernest Augustus</i>, Elector -of <i>Hanover</i>, and Sister to <i>George</i> I. King -of <i>England</i>. Our Elector, after burying his first -Wife the Princess of <i>Hesse</i>, marry'd his second -on the 28th of <i>September</i> 1684, when he was -only the Electoral Prince. The latter Princess, -from what Lineage soever Heaven had sent -her, had Qualities that would have procur'd her -respect: Her Beauty was regular, and tho' she -was but little in stature, her Air was majestic. -She spoke all the Languages of <i>Europe</i> that are -in present use, with ease, and was so good as -to converse with all Foreigners in their own -Tongue. She understood History, Natural -Philosophy, and Divinity; but with Knowledge -so extensive, she was extremely careful to avoid -the reputation of being Learned. As fond as she -was of Reading, she was not an enemy to Pleasures. -She lov'd Music, Dancing, and Plays; -and by her command, Comedies were often represented, -in which sometimes she did not disdain -to be an Actress. Her regard for all who -excell'd in any Art drew them to her Court, in -which Politeness bore sway, as much as in any -other Court of <i>Europe</i>. Of all things in the -world she had nothing near so much at heart as -the Education of her Son the Electoral Prince, -whom she lov'd tenderly, and omitted nothing -to inspire him with all the Ideas that might hereafter -render him as exalted in Sentiments as he -was to be in Power: And the young Prince on -his part seem'd to make a suitable return for the -Princess's care of him.</p> - -<p>While the Court was thus addicted to Pleasures -and Feastings, they gave themselves little or -no trouble about the Affairs of Government; so -that <i>Dankelman</i> the Prime Minister bore the<!--011.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> -weight of all. He had then the Elector's intire -Confidence, and so absolute an ascendant over -his mind, that he was suppos'd to be perfectly secure -against the disgraces to which Favorites are -commonly expos'd. The Favor he stood in, -was owing to the most important Service that -'tis possible for a Subject to render to his Sovereign: -For one day when this Prince (as yet -only the Prince Electoral) was drinking Coffee -with his Mother-in-law the Electoress, he was -taken so ill on a sudden that he was oblig'd to retire -to his Apartment, where he was seiz'd with -Convulsions which threaten'd his Life. It happen'd -that <i>Dankelman</i> then the Secretary of his -Dispatches was the only Person at hand, to relieve -him: He open'd a Box in which there were certain -Antidotes, and having given him several -Doses, for want of a Surgeon and a Lancet he -open'd a Vein with a Penknife; and his management -was attended with such good success, that -the Prince, after having had a hearty Vomit, -found himself quite out of danger.</p> - -<p>An Event of this nature could not but make a -great Noise: The Vulgar especially, who are fond -of nothing so much as what is extraordinary, -thought that the Prince's Indisposition did not -proceed from a natural Cause, but imagin'd that -the Electoress's tenderness for the Margraves her -Sons was reason good enough to suspect that she -wanted to get rid of the Prince her Son-in-law, -which was to be sure the shortest way to let them -into the Succession. The Electoral Prince's retreat -to the Court of the Landgrave of <i>Hesse-Cassel</i> -seemed to give a Sanction also to a Suspicion -of that sort. But be this as it will, the Prince -stay'd there several years, during which he married -the Landgrave's Sister, by whom he had<!--012.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> -only one Daughter, who marry'd in 1700, to -the Hereditary Prince of <i>Hesse</i>, now King of -<i>Sweden</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Dankelman</i> was artful enough to make his advantage -of this happy Incident of having sav'd -his Master's Life: He stuck closer to him than -ever; and that grateful Prince, as soon he came -to the Electoral Dignity, made him his prime -Minister, and confer'd all the marks of Friendship -on him, that 'tis possible for any Subject to -aspire to; insomuch that <i>Dankelman</i> giving the -Elector to understand one day, that he fear'd his -Favour would be of no long duration, this -Prince was so good-natur'd, or so weak, as to -fortify him as far as was in the power of the most -solemn Oaths<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>. <i>Dankelman</i> was so credulous as -to trust to those Protestations; and forgetting that -the most solid Friendship of Princes cannot be -proof against their Inconstancy or Caprice, he -thought himself above the reach of Fate, and behav'd -like a Man that had nothing to fear. But -the little care he took to gain People's Love, and -the ever-odious Titles of Minister and Favourite, -made him soon hated by the whole Court. The -Elector himself began by degrees to be out of -conceit with him; for their Tempers were incompatible; -the Minister being Covetous, and the -Prince a Man of Pomp and Expence; and he -was so perpetually teaz'd with the Remonstrances -of <i>Dankelman</i>, that he hated him in his heart long -before he durst make it appear. The Minister -too much elated with his Favour, and not so -careful to please his Master as to censure his Actions,<!--013.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> -thought himself able to preserve the same -ascendant over him, or at least, did not think the -Elector would ever offer to ruin him; which -Confidence of his hinder'd him from parrying the -Thrusts that were made at him in secret; so that -he was arrested at midnight in his own House, -and carry'd to <i>Spandaw</i> in one of the Elector's -Coaches, under a Guard of twenty Men.</p> - -<p>His being so suddenly disgrac'd was matter of -surprize to every body, but of concern to few. -'Twas observ'd that on the very day wherein -<i>Dankelman</i> was arrested, the Elector spoke to -him so kindly in presence of the whole Court, -that those of the nicest penetration little thought -his Fall to be so near. Indeed, every body had -long before endeavour'd, or wish'd for an opportunity -to trip up his heels; and the natural Inconstancy -of the Elector to his Favorites, and -this Minister's want of complaisance to the Elector, -made it very probable that he would quickly -be tumbled from that Summit of Favor, on -which he thought himself so sure of keeping his -Hold; there wanted only a more specious pretext -to remove a Man from Court, who had all -along seem'd to aim at nothing but the welfare -of the Government; and such a one naturally -presented itself in the affair of the Duchy of -<i>Limbourg</i>.</p> - -<p>This Duchy had been mortgag'd by <i>Spain</i>, as -Security for considerable Sums which were owing -by that Crown to the Elector, who in consequence -put his Troops to quarter there for the Winter. -The <i>Dutch</i>, to whom <i>Spain</i> was a Debtor in like -manner, would gladly also have had that Duchy -made over to them, as Security for their Debt; -which not being to be done without the evacuation -of our Troops, the matter was propos'd to<!--014.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> -<i>Dankelman</i>, who, whether he was surpriz'd, or -brib'd, gave his consent to it. This was imputed -to him as a Crime of State the more heinous, -because <i>Spain</i> being at that time ready to conclude -a Peace with <i>France</i>, in pursuance of the Treaty -of <i>Ryswic</i>, was very indifferent as to complying -with the Demands of the Elector. To this the -Minister fell a Sacrifice, but by good luck for -him he had remitted several Sums to Foreign -Countries, so that his disgrace was the lighter; -which moreover had this singularity in it, that -neither of his three Brothers nor any of his Creatures -had a share in it, but were all continued in -their Employments; and all the alteration that -happen'd, was, that the Count <i>de Barfous</i>, then a -Veldt-Marshal, performed for some time the -Functions of the Prime Minister.</p> - -<p>In the mean time another Idol of Fortune rose -upon the ruin of <i>Dankelman</i>. This was <i>John -Casimir de Kolbe</i>, a Gentleman originally of the -Palatinate: His first appearance at Court was in -the time of <i>Frederic-William</i> the Great, in the -retinue of the Princess-Palatine <i>de Simmeren</i>, -Sister of the first Electoress, who having desir'd -the Elector to give <i>Kolbe</i> some Employment; -he made him a Privy-Counsellor, but gave him -liberty to attend the Princess as much as ever, -who was so good to him that she was reproach'd -with caring for no body else. He went with her -into the Palatinate, where that Princess died soon -after, and then <i>Kolbe</i> return'd to Court, where he -was a meer Stranger, without Relations, Acquaintance -or Protection; and 'twas a long time before -any the least notice was taken of him. But after -the death of <i>Frederic-William</i>, he made his Court -to <i>Frederic</i> his Son who succeeded him, and to -<i>Dankelman</i> his Minister. Being always humble,<!--015.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> -and a Flatterer into the bargain, he quickly -gain'd their Friendship by his Assiduity, and by -his study'd Affectation not to meddle or make -in any Affairs. <i>Dankelman</i>, as crafty a Man -as he was, did not perceive the Snare, but contributed -most of all to his Favor, thinking all the -while that he was promoting a Creature from -whom he had nothing to fear. But <i>Kolbe</i> no -sooner perceiv'd the Elector's Coldness to his Minister -than he resolv'd to make his Advantage -of it. He did not alter his Measures immediately, -but seeming to have as little Concern in -Affairs as ever, his only Aim was to feed and propagate -the ill Humors which the Elector was -often in with his Favorite. This Prince was -inconstant, suspicious and choleric; and when -those three Passions were stirr'd up and managed, -he was to be persuaded to any thing. <i>Kolbe</i> -who for a long time had made his Temper his -only Study, plainly perceiv'd his Foible, artfully -wrought upon it, and in the sequel made it subservient -to the Accomplishment of his Designs. -He soon attain'd to the highest Degree of Favor; -the Elector made him his Great Chamberlain -and First Minister; all the Court was oblig'd -to truckle to him; and as it always happens -in the Changes of Government, the Minister -in Disgrace was regretted. Indeed <i>Kolbe</i> did -not want for personal Qualities enough to make -him belov'd; but the worst on't was, they were -eclips'd by an astonishing Fondness for his Wife, -to whom he was so blindly complaisant, that all -the good People at Court despis'd and hated -him.</p> - -<p>This Lady has play'd so extraordinary a Part -in the World, that I can't avoid giving you some -Account of her Origin and Character. Her Father,<!--016.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> -one <i>Rickers</i>, was a Bargeman at <i>Emmerick</i>, a -Town in the Duchy of <i>Cleves</i>, where for better -Subsistance he kept a sort of Tavern. He had -two Daughters, who pass'd for fine Women, that -brought a good deal of Company to his House, -and in a Journey which the Elector made to <i>Cleves, -Bidekan</i> his Valet de Chambre fell in love with -the eldest, the Lady I am speaking of, marry'd -her and took her with him to <i>Berlin</i>, where she -fell so passionately in love with <i>Kolbe</i>, that after -having been his Mistress in her Husband's -Life-time, he was hardly cold in his Grave but -she became his Wife. The Wedding was kept -at the House of one <i>Commesser</i>, another of the Elector's -Valets de Chambre, where that Prince -was present, with seven or eight Persons in his -Company; and from that very Juncture he began -to shew such great Marks of Complaisance -to the Lady, that several People thought she -ow'd them to something more than to the Friendship -he had for his Favorite. Nevertheless I -am very well persuaded they were mistaken; and -I remember, that when I was Gentleman of the -Bed-chamber to the Elector, he said to me in -one of his ill Humors with his Favorite and his -Wife (and in these sort of Pets he was not capable -of dissembling) <i>I know the Notion that prevails -of my being under certain Tyes to <span class="f">Kolbe's</span> Lady, -but there is nothing in it</i>; <i>and the Wrong is -greater to me than to her</i>. For really was it not -enough for a Woman of such mean Extraction, -Parts and Beauty too, to be the Wife of a Minister, -but she must also be ambitious to be the -Mistress of a Sovereign? Yet it must be confess'd, -that whether it was meer Humor, or a weak Attachment -to the Favorite, the Elector heap'd -Wealth and Honors upon this Lady, insomuch -that nothing would serve him but she must be admitted<!--017.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> -to the Electoress's Circle, who at that -time indeed obstinately refus'd it; for who is -there would not have been disgusted to have seen -the Daughter of <i>Rickers</i> the Bargeman mixing -with Ladies of Quality that had a Right to be -in the Circle? However, some time after, the -Electoress was oblig'd to wave all the Pleas of Decorum, -for the sake of the Need she stood in of -the Great Chamberlain; and his Wife had the -Honor of the Circle.</p> - -<p>The same Year that <i>Kolbe</i> was declared Prime -Minister, the Emperor made him a Count of the -Empire. He then chang'd his Name for that -of Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>, which was the Name of -a ruinous Castle that he had in the <i>Palatinate</i>. -His Lady, when she became a Countess, had a -mind that her Children by her first Marriage should -be promoted to the Dignity of Barons; and they -were accordingly call'd Barons of <i>Asbach</i>. But these -new Titles of the Count and Barons compleatly -turn'd the Head of Madame <i>de Wartemberg</i>, and -she was every day guilty of Extravagancies which -were disgusting and ridiculous.</p> - -<p>Such, <i>Madame</i>, was the State of our Court in -my early years. It began to shew its Superiority -over almost all the Courts of <i>Germany</i>, by the Influence -it had upon the Affairs of <i>Europe</i>: But that -which added new Lustre to it, was the erecting -the Duchy of <i>Prussia</i> into a Kingdom. The -first Hint of this was given by <i>France</i> to <i>Frederic-William</i>; -but that Elector, whether it was owing -to some Obstacles that he foresaw, or to the little -Advantage he thought to reap from it, was -not willing to put the Project in execution. His -Son too perhaps would have miscarried in it, -had it not been for the Situation of Affairs in -<i>Europe</i>, on account of the <i>Spanish</i> Succession. -<i>Kolbe</i>, whom I shall hereafter call the Count of<!--018.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -<i>Wartemberg</i>, had all the Honour of this Event, -because it happen'd in his Ministry. I had some -Particulars, <i>Madame</i>, from his own Mouth, -which I think important enough to have a place -in these Memoirs. The Affair is moreover so -weighty of it self that I shall trace it from its -very beginning.</p> - -<p>Great Events commonly have their Source in -Trifles. This was owing to nothing more than the -Refusal of the Prince of <i>Orange</i>, who was King -of <i>England</i>, to give an Arm-Chair to the Elector -in a Conference betwixt those two Princes at the -<i>Hague</i> in 1695. The Elector cou'd not bear -that the Prince of <i>Orange</i>, who had always been -his Inferior, shou'd carry it to him in such a lofty -manner, after Fortune had rais'd him to the -Throne of <i>England</i>; and from that time he resolved -to be a King too.</p> - -<p><i>Dankelman</i> the then Prime Minister, who -cou'd not foresee the Situation that <i>Europe</i> was -in some Years after, would fain have diverted -the Elector from a Project which he thought a -perfect Chimæra; he put him in mind of the -Difficulties <i>Frederic-William</i> met with in it, and -of the Reasons he had to refuse the Offers which -<i>France</i> made to him on that head; he shew'd -him that the same Reasons were still subsisting, -and reinforc'd by yet greater Difficulties; and -that it was Madness to attempt a Thing, the Success -whereof was neither certain nor advantageous, -his Rank being so near a-kin to Royalty, that he -would be never the better for the Title. But the -Elector had the refusal of the Arm-chair too -much at heart to hearken to any Reasons that -could be brought against his Design, and sent -<i>Dankelman</i>, his Minister's Brother, to <i>Vienna</i>,<!--019.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> -to impart to the Emperor the Scheme which he -had form'd to erect <i>Prussia</i> into a Kingdom.</p> - -<p><i>Prussia</i>, which is a Province detach'd from -<i>Poland</i>, formerly belong'd to the <i>Lithuanians</i>, -from whom it was conquer'd by the <i>Teutonic</i> -Order. <i>Albert</i> Margrave of <i>Brandenburg</i>, the -Grand Master of the said Order, who had marry'd -<i>Dorothy</i>, Daughter of <i>Frederic</i> I. King of -<i>Denmark</i>, took it from those Knights in 1511, -and made himself Master of it. This engag'd -him in a War with <i>Sigismond</i> I. King of <i>Poland</i>, -his Uncle by the Mother's side, who had Pretensions -upon the said Province; which War -continu'd five Years, till it was concluded by a -Treaty, whereby it was stipulated, That the -Eastern <i>Prussia</i> shou'd remain hereditary with the -Title of a Duchy to <i>Albert</i>, who, together with his -Descendants shou'd perform Allegiance and Homage -for it to the King and Republic of <i>Poland</i>, -to which it was to revert on the failure of Issue -Male in the Family of <i>Albert</i>.</p> - -<p>The Emperor <i>Charles</i> V. oppos'd this Transaction, -by pretending that <i>Prussia</i> was a Fief of -the Empire; and that therefore <i>Sigismond</i> had -no Right to dispose of it. The Imperial Decree -which was pass'd upon this Occasion, had however -no Effect, by reason of the Wars which -the Emperor was at that time engag'd in, and -<i>Albert</i> remain'd in peaceable Possession of <i>Prussia</i>. -He was succeeded by his only Son <i>Albert-Frederic</i>, -who receiv'd the Investiture of it from -the King of <i>Poland</i>, for himself and his Cousin-Germans -in 1569. This Prince dying without -Issue, <i>John Sigismond</i> Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> -succeeded him, and again receiv'd the Investiture -of it from the King of <i>Poland</i>, for himself and -his three Brothers. Since that time the Duchy<!--020.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span> -of <i>Prussia</i> has always been in the <i>Brandenburg</i> -Family from Father to Son; but the Elector <i>Frederic-William</i> -the Great, having made War upon -<i>Charles-Gustavus</i> King of <i>Sweden</i>, in favour of -the Crown and Republic of <i>Poland</i>, the Sovereignty -of <i>Prussia</i> was, in Acknowledgment -thereof, yielded to him, for himself and all his -Male Descendants, by the Treaty of <i>Bydgost</i> in -1659.</p> - -<p>By virtue of this Treaty, the Elector claim'd -that <i>Prussia</i> depended on no other Power; and -that he held it immediately by Divine Right; -and upon this Plea he thought himself authoriz'd -to be declar'd King. But before he took this -Step, it was necessary to secure the Consent of a -Part, at least, of the Princes of the Empire. As -the Emperor's Consent was not only the most -important, but the most difficult to obtain, the -whole stress of the Negociation lay almost at the -Court of <i>Vienna</i>.</p> - -<p>When <i>Dankelman</i> arriv'd there, he did not -find the Court in a Temper to grant it. The -august Title of a King conferr'd upon an Elector, -was at first thought to be prejudicial to the Imperial -Authority, and it was look'd upon as exposing -of that Dignity, to acquiesce in the Elector's -Demand before they had at least felt the -Pulses of the Generality of the Princes of <i>Europe</i>, -and especially those of the Empire. 'Twas -but reasonable to imagine the Pope would oppose -it strenuously upon the score of the Protestant -Religion, which by the Elector's Advancement -might gather fresh Strength. All Kings in -general were interested not to suffer an Instance -which had a seeming Tendency to authorize every -Prince to take the same Step, on the single -Pretence of being possess'd of a Bit of Land, and<!--021.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> -holding it of no Power but God. But the Persons -from whom the greatest Objections were -expected, were the Electors; and indeed they -had reason to fear, 1. That when the Elector of -<i>Brandenburg</i> came to be a King, he wou'd no -longer look upon them as his Equals, but wou'd -claim certain Distinctions from them in the Empire -and in the Dyets. 2. That he would withdraw -the Dominions of his Electorate from the -Obedience of the Empire, and from the Laws -to which all the other Electors were subject. This -Article was of the utmost consequence to them, -especially with regard to the Contingent they are -oblig'd to furnish towards Wars which concern -the Empire, and which are the more burthensome, -the fewer Heads they fall upon.</p> - -<p>These being then the Notions of the Court of -<i>Vienna</i>, <i>Dankelman</i> had no great Hopes of succeeding -in his Negociation. Nevertheless the -Court always took care to keep fair with the Elector, -whom they look'd upon as an Ally that -was well worth preserving; and perhaps they -flatter'd themselves they should get more by Promises -and Expectations than by granting him -his Demand.</p> - -<p>The Death of <i>John Sobieski</i> King of <i>Poland</i>, -which happen'd on the 17th of <i>June</i> 1696, -was another Inducement to the Emperor to pursue -the same Politics. The Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> -by having <i>Prussia</i> in his Neighbourhood, -might be of great Weight in the Election of a -new King of <i>Poland</i>; and the Emperor who had -a Design to advance the Margrave <i>Lewis</i> of <i>Baden</i> -to the Throne, pretended to enter into the Views -of the Elector, that this Prince might afterwards -fall in with his at the Dyet of Election. For this -end the Emperor's Ministers gave <i>Dankelman</i> to<!--022.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> -understand, that the first thing to be done was -to clear the Difficulties which the several Powers -of <i>Europe</i> might raise against the Elector's Project; -and that the Congress of <i>Ryswic</i>, at which -all the Ministers were to be present, was the most -favourable Opportunity.</p> - -<p>Hereupon <i>Dankelman</i> was recall'd from the -Court of <i>Vienna</i>, and sent to <i>Ryswic</i> as Plenipotentiary -from the Elector, jointly with M. <i>de -Schmettau</i>. The Elector for his part set out for -<i>Konigsberg</i>, the Capital of <i>Prussia</i>, that he might -be nearer at hand to favor the Election of the -Margrave <i>Lewis</i> of <i>Baden</i>. Mean time he was -strenuously sollicited in favor of <i>Alexander</i> and -<i>Constantine</i> Princes of <i>Poland</i>, who for that reason -came themselves to <i>Berlin</i>; but the Elector was -far from breaking the secret Engagements which -he had made with the Emperor: Therefore he -answer'd the Solicitations of those two Princes -in a very ambiguous manner, by engaging himself -to nothing, and only telling them that he -was going into <i>Prussia</i> that he might be the better -inform'd of every thing that pass'd at the -Dyet of Election.</p> - -<p>The Necessity which the Elector stood in of -<i>Poland</i> to succeed in his Views, laid him under -an indispensible Obligation to concern himself in -that Election. He fully expected that the Right -which the said Republic claim'd to <i>Prussia</i> wou'd -induce it to oppose his Designs with Vigor; -and besides, under the Pretext of interesting himself -in the Election of a King, he might form a -Party that hereafter would be capable to serve -him; therefore, as soon as he arriv'd at <i>Konigsberg</i>, -he dispatch'd a Messenger to the Cardinal -<i>Radziowsky</i> Primate of <i>Poland</i>, to acquaint -him of his Arrival, and sent M. <i>Dorerbeck</i><!--023.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> -Great Cup-bearer of <i>Prussia</i> as his Ambassador -to the Dyet of Election, with Orders to support -the Interests of the Margrave <i>Lewis</i> of <i>Baden</i>, but -in the mean time to do nothing that might disoblige -the <i>Poles</i>.</p> - -<p>The Margrave <i>Lewis</i> of <i>Baden</i> was soon out -of the Question; for the two strongest Parties -oblig'd him to retire, as well as the other Competitors -for the Crown. These two Parties were -the one for <i>Frederic-Augustus</i> Elector of <i>Saxony</i>, -and the other for the Prince of <i>Conti</i>. The -Cardinal Primate favor'd the latter, and <i>France</i> -seem'd to have his Election very much at heart; -yet <i>Frederic-Augustus</i>'s Party carried it, and he -was proclaim'd King.</p> - -<p>The Cardinal Primate was still obstinate for -the Prince of <i>Conti</i>, and actually sent one of his -near Relations to the Elector to sollicit him in -his Favor; but the Elector, who thought the Elector -of <i>Saxony</i>'s Party the most substantial and -the most powerful, did not scruple to own him -for King, and return'd for Answer to the Cardinal, -That he advis'd him, as the Chief Pastor of -<i>Poland</i>, to maintain Peace in his Flock, and to -submit to the Elector of <i>Saxony</i>. Nevertheless -the Primate stood out stiffly, and form'd a Party -in <i>Poland</i>, considerable enough to give the new -King Uneasiness. The Elector still persevering -in his Views to make himself necessary to <i>Poland</i>, -return'd next year to <i>Konigsberg</i>, in hopes of appeasing -the Disturbances rais'd there by the two -different Parties. <i>Kolbe</i>, who was not yet Count -of <i>Wartemberg</i>, but only Great Chamberlain, made -a Journey to <i>Warsaw</i> for this purpose, on the -part of the Elector, and complimented the King -on his Accession to the Crown. The King in -his Turn sent the Count <i>de Bilinsky</i> Great Chamberlain<!--024.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -of the Crown to the Elector, to -compliment him on his Arrival at <i>Konigsberg</i>, -and there to negociate an Interview betwixt -them. The Elector wish'd for it too heartily -to refuse it, and <i>Fredericshoss</i>, one of his -Pleasure-houses, was chose for the place of Meeting. -There every thing pass'd, as is common -upon those Occasions; a great deal of Business -was talk'd of, and referred to the Ministers for -Conclusion. The two Princes made each other -magnificent Presents, and exchang'd all the Tokens -of the sincerest Friendship. This Union -seem'd still increasing by the Sale which the King -of <i>Poland</i> made this year to the Elector of the -Fee for protecting the Abbey-Town of <i>Quedlimbourg</i>, -which no Elector of <i>Saxony</i> would ever -part with before, whatsoever Instances were made -to them by the Family of <i>Brandenburg</i>. The -Elector had less Reason than any of his Predecessors -to hope for Success in this Affair. <i>Poland</i>, -besides the Pleas of Interest, had others of -Resentment; and this Prince's Conduct in the -affair of <i>Elbing</i> bid fair to set the King and the -Elector at variance. The Dispute was about a -Demand of 400,000 Crowns which the Elector -made upon <i>Poland</i>, for the Expences of the War, -which his Father, <i>Frederic-William</i> the Great, -had carry'd on in favor of the Republic against -<i>Charles</i> XI. King of <i>Sweden</i>. The King of <i>Poland</i> -in the Interview at <i>Fredericshoff</i> had promis'd -to persuade the Republic to pay that Sum. -The Elector whose Patience was worn out in -Expectation of the Performance, notwithstanding -the many Reasons he had to keep fair with <i>Poland</i>, -caused the City of <i>Elbing</i>, which had been -mortgag'd to him for that Sum, to be invested. -And M. <i>de Brantz</i>, my Uncle, who was Lieutenant-General,<!--025.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -was sent upon this Expedition, -at the Head of a Body of 12000 Men.</p> - -<p>The <i>Poles</i> no sooner heard of it but they made -a very great Clamor, and the King complain'd -loudly of the Elector's Proceeding, who being, -<i>said he</i>, his Cousin, his Friend, and Ally, ought -to have had more Regard for him. 'Twas at -least after this manner that he express'd himself -in the Circular Letters, which he wrote to assemble -the Nobility of <i>Poland</i>. But the Elector went -on still his own way, and the City of <i>Elbing</i> -was taken before the <i>Poles</i> had so much as a -Thought of defending it. As soon as the King -of <i>Poland</i> was told of it, he ordered the Elector's -Resident to depart the City of <i>Thorn</i> in -24 Hours, and the Kingdom without Delay. -M. <i>de Reitwitz</i>, Envoy of <i>Poland</i> to the Elector, -fearing the same Treatment, was absent from -Court for a Fortnight; but return'd then, -causing his Appearance to be notify'd to the -Ministers, not as Envoy from the King of <i>Poland</i>, -but as Envoy from the Elector of <i>Saxony</i>. -By this piece of Management 'tis plain that the -King of <i>Poland</i> did not take the Affair of <i>Elbing</i> -so much to heart as he seem'd to do; and some -time after the Matter was accommodated; the -Elector consenting to lose one fourth of the Debt, -and the <i>Poles</i> promising to pay the rest at the -Expiration of three Months, and depositing their -King's Crown for Security. The Elector on his -part restor'd <i>Elbing</i> on condition nevertheless, -that he should have it again at the three Month's -end, if the 300,000 Crowns were not then paid. -This Affair has ever since remain'd <i>in statu quo</i>: -The <i>Poles</i> are still Debtors for that Sum, and the -Elector contents himself with detaining the -Crown, which is still at <i>Berlin</i>, in the Gallery<!--026.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -over the great Stables, where 'tis kept in a Case, -seal'd with the Seal of the Kingdom of <i>Poland</i>.</p> - -<p>Mean time the Peace of <i>Ryswic</i> was just sign'd, -and sooner than expected, by reason <i>France</i> receded -from several Pretensions; which every -body knows she was induc'd to do from the -View she had at that time to the <i>Spanish</i> Succession, -and to that end it was absolutely necessary -for her to make a Peace with that Power and to -disarm the Allies. Consequently Messieurs <i>Dankelman</i> -and <i>Schmettau</i> had no time to push the Negociation -of the Affair of <i>Prussia</i> any farther; -nevertheless they acted with the <i>Dutch</i> to some -purpose.</p> - -<p>The Elector had sent <i>Bartholdi</i> to <i>Vienna</i> in -the place of <i>Dankelman</i>, and M. <i>Blaspiel</i> to <i>Dusseldorff</i> -to the Elector <i>Palatine</i>, whom he thought -proper to treat with extraordinary Regard, as -well upon his own Account, as with relation to -the Empress his Sister who had a very great Ascendant -over the Emperor.</p> - -<p><i>Bartholdi</i> when he arriv'd at <i>Vienna</i> found the -Court in the very same Disposition as it was in -the time of <i>Dankelman</i>. There was a great shew -of Good-will, but no Advance made; for the -Emperor's Ministers were never at a loss for a -Reason to defer coming to the Point. The Republic -of <i>Poland</i> furnish'd very cogent ones too, -by the Protestations it made against every Step -taken towards erecting <i>Prussia</i> into a Kingdom, -on pretence that it formerly belong'd to the -Republic, and that the <i>Poles</i> only suffer'd it to -fall to the House of <i>Brandenburg</i>, on condition -of its reverting to them on the Failure of Issue -Male in that Family. The Emperor said he could -not help having Regard to those Protestations, the -Alliance which he had been in for a long time<!--027.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -with the Republic being become much firmer -since the raising the Siege of <i>Vienna</i>, when <i>John -Sobiesky</i> at the Head of the <i>Poles</i> so effectually -reliev'd it. <i>Bartholdi</i> being dishearten'd with all -these Delays, began to despair of the Success of -the Negociation. He flatter'd himself for a -while that the languishing State of <i>Charles</i> II. -King of <i>Spain</i>, which presag'd his approaching -Death, and the cruel War between the Houses of -<i>Austria</i> and <i>Bourbon</i>, on account of the <i>Spanish</i> -Succession, would promote the Success of his Master's -Designs; and that the State Policy which -at that Juncture oblig'd the Emperor to strengthen -himself with Allies, would make him chuse to -retain in his Party a Prince so powerful and so -necessary to his Interests as the Elector. But -<i>Bartholdi</i> was deceiv'd; and whether the Court -of <i>Vienna</i> flatter'd itself that the Elector wou'd -never venture to take the part of <i>France</i>, or whether -they thought it more nearly concern'd them -to humor the Powers that oppos'd the Elector's -Views, they had always some fresh Pretence or -other to trump up.</p> - -<p><i>Bartholdi</i> cou'd not avoid giving an Account -to the Elector his Master of what he thought of -these continual Delays, and he told him there -was no manner of Reason to hope that the Emperor -would recognize him for King before he -was sure of the Consent of the Pope, and of all -the Princes of the Empire; that it was easy to -see this was only a civil Excuse that the Emperor -made use of for his Refusal, rather than to -make him his Enemy; and that the Case was -really so desperate, that he knew of but one Stratagem -to make use of before he retir'd; and that -was that he shou'd write with his own Hand to -the Prince of ——, who, said <i>Bartholdi</i>, was the<!--028.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> -only Person in the World to induce the Emperor -to be more favorable. His Dispatch was written -in a Cypher, and the Secretary who decypher'd -it, thought he met with the Name of the Emperor's -Confessor, instead of that of the Prince of -----. The Elector approv'd of his Minister's -Hint, and wrote immediately to the Confessor, -who happen'd to be a Jesuit. This Reverend -Father was overjoy'd to find himself courted by -one of the greatest Protestant Princes, and promising -himself that he should reap considerable -Advantages for his Society, from the Success of -a Negociation which the Elector had so much -at heart, and in which two of his most able -Ministers had already miscarried, he made no -scruple to undertake it.</p> - -<p>As soon as he began to meddle with it, it assum'd -a new Face; the Court of <i>Rome</i> made but -a faint Opposition to it: That of <i>Vienna</i> being -alarmed at the News they received from the -Count <i>de Harrach</i> their Ambassador at <i>Madrid</i>, -of the bad State of the King of <i>Spain</i>'s Health, -and of the <i>Spaniards</i> Byass for the Duke of <i>Anjou</i>, -became more tractable; and the very Reasons -that <i>Bartholdi</i> urg'd in vain, began to be relish'd -when they were represented by the Confessor. This -Jesuit convinc'd the Emperor, that as he was -resolv'd to dispute the Succession to the Crown -of <i>Spain</i> with <i>France</i>, such an Ally as the Elector -would give great Weight to either of the two -Parties that he fell in with. The Confessor's -Arguments were applauded by some, and faintly -rejected by others; so that the Father, by -craftily taking advantage of the Good-Will of -the latter, and of the Lethargy of the former, -brought the Affair of <i>Prussia</i> in less than two<!--029.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> -Month's Time to the Point of a happy Conclusion.</p> - -<p>While such effectual Endeavors were us'd for -the Elector at the Court of <i>Vienna</i>, his Interest -was as successfully manag'd with the King of -<i>England</i>. The Electoress, together with her -Mother the Electoress of <i>Hanover</i>, went to pay -him a Visit at <i>Aix la Chapelle</i>; and in that Interview, -these two Princesses prevail'd on King <i>William</i> -of <i>England</i> to recognize the Elector of -<i>Brandenburg</i> for King of <i>Prussia</i>, and to call the -House of <i>Hanover</i> to the Succession of the Crown -of <i>England</i>.</p> - -<p>One particular Circumstance in this Journey -that prov'd of such Service to the Elector's Designs, -and which many People look'd upon as -a politic Action, is, that it would not have been -undertaken, had it not been for the extreme -Fondness of Madame <i>de Wartemberg</i> to be admitted -in the Electoress's Circle. This Princess -upon the Intelligence she receiv'd that her Mother -the Electoress of <i>Hanover</i> was going to <i>Aix -la Chapelle</i>, was very desirous to go with her, -but she cou'd not hope to obtain the Elector's -Consent to it, nor to have Money enough with -her to bear her Expences, if the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> -oppos'd it; and therefore she charg'd -Madamoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i> my Cousin to speak to -him about it. The Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> promis'd -not only to obtain the Elector's Consent, but also -to give the Electoress an Order at large to take -up any Sums of Money that she should want, -provided that Princess would on her part only -acknowledge the Favor, by granting his Wife -the Honor of Admittance to her Circle. The -Electoress had this Journey so much at heart, -because she knew it wou'd give her the Pleasure<!--030.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span> -of seeing a Mother whom she tenderly lov'd, -as well as a Freedom, for some time at least, from -the Constraint she was oblig'd to live in at <i>Berlin</i>, -that she consented to the Count's Demand. Madame -<i>de Wartemberg</i> was admitted to the Circle, -and all the Mortification the Electoress gave her, -was always to talk to her in <i>French</i>, which being -a Language she did not understand, plainly shew'd -the Obscurity of the Countess's Birth; for at -that Time all Persons of any Rank or Figure -convers'd in that Language commonly at our -Court. The Electoress's Condescension upon -this Occasion is the only thing for which she was -to blame; for 'twas a Precedent which gave others -Authority to desire the same Favor; and -to this may be said to be owing the unequal -Matches which several of the Nobility made afterwards.</p> - -<p>The Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>, in order to obtain -the Elector's Consent, gave him to understand -that the Princess his Consort cou'd do more than -any body to prevail with the King of <i>England</i> -to recognize him for King. This was touching -him in the most sensible part; and therefore he -made no Scruple to let the Electoress go, who -went and met her Mother at <i>Aix la Chapelle</i>, -and from thence they set out afterwards for <i>Brussels</i>. -There they stay'd a few days, in order to -disguise the Motives of their Journey, and from -thence they went to <i>Loo</i>, where the King of <i>England</i> -was. They each obtain'd of the Prince -what they went to ask him; the House of <i>Hanover</i> -was soon after call'd to the Succession of -the Crown of <i>England</i>, and the King gave his -Promise, that as soon as the Emperor had own'd -the Elector King of <i>Prussia</i>, he wou'd be one of -the first to follow his Example.<!--031.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span></p> - -<p>As soon as the News reach'd <i>Vienna</i> that the -King of <i>England</i> had promis'd to recognize the -Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> King of <i>Prussia</i>, the remaining -Difficulties were soon got over; the -Protestations of the Republic of <i>Poland</i> were superseded, -and the Emperor declar'd at length -that he own'd <i>Prussia</i> for a Kingdom, and the -Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> for King; on condition -however,</p> - -<p>1. That the Elector should never withdraw -from the Empire the Provinces of his Dominions -thereon depending.</p> - -<p>2. That in the Emperor's Presence he should -require no other Distinctions than those which he -actually enjoy'd now.</p> - -<p>3. That his Imperial Majesty when he wrote -to him should only give him the Title of your -<i>Royal Dilection</i>.</p> - -<p>4. That nevertheless his Ministers at <i>Vienna</i> -should be treated on a Par with those of Crown'd -Heads.</p> - -<p>5. That the Elector should maintain six thousand -Men in <i>Italy</i> at his own expence, in case -the Emperor should be oblig'd to go to War for -the <i>Spanish</i> Succession.</p> - -<p>6. That those Troops should remain there as -long as the War continu'd.</p> - -<p>Thus, Madame, after tedious delays the Court -of <i>Vienna</i> consented at last to the Success of this -great Event, which after all ow'd its cause to the -refusal of an Arm-chair, and its issue to the mistake -of a Secretary. Nevertheless it did not fail -to cost the Elector six Millions, of which the Jesuits -of <i>Vienna</i> had 200,000 Crowns to their -share.</p> - -<p>This agreeable News was scarce arriv'd at <i>Berlin</i> -when they heard of the Death of the King<!--032.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> -of <i>Spain</i>, which happen'd the 1st of <i>November</i>, -1700. His Death was notify'd to the Elector -by M. <i>Desalleurs</i>, Envoy of <i>France</i> to our Court, -as was also the Will whereby the Duke of <i>Anjou</i> -was call'd to the Succession of all the late King's -Dominions. The Elector had entered into such -Engagements with the Emperor, that he could -not own him; for which reason the King of -<i>France</i> recall'd M. <i>Desalleurs</i>, and likewise refus'd -to acknowledge the Elector for King, who in his -turn recall'd M. <i>Spanheim</i>, and sent him to <i>England</i> -with the Title of Ambassador.</p> - -<p>The Elector was so urgent to be crown'd, that -he hasten'd to <i>Konigsberg</i>, the capital City of -<i>Prussia</i>, without staying for the fine Season of the -Year; having fix'd on the 17th of <i>December</i> for -his Departure thither with the whole Court. My -Mother would also have been one of the Company, -but she was too far gone with Child. She -was now marry'd to her third Husband, who was -the Count <i>de Wesen</i>; and the Nuptials were perform'd -at <i>Konigsberg</i> in 1698, when the Elector -was there about the Election of the King of <i>Poland</i>. -This was a Match, in the making of -which, neither Love nor Interest had the least -share: M. <i>de Wesen</i>, tho' come of a very good -Family in the Duchy of <i>Zell</i>, was Heir but to a -very small Estate, and that he was obliged to divide -with a great many Brothers; and my Mother -before he marry'd her had never so much as -spoke to him, nor had she seen him but while he -was in the Office of Chief Steward. The Elector -himself made the Match at the solicitation of -Madame <i>de Wartemberg</i> who had a very great -kindness for M. <i>Wesen</i> formerly, and perhaps -had so still, and by helping him to a rich Widow, -she was willing to make him a recompence for the<!--033.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -Respect he had paid to her. There was no necessity -of using powerful Arguments with the Elector, -to engage him to bring this Match about. -It was his Foible to make Matches, and were -they good or bad, provided he saw the Weddings, -'twas all alike to him. Consequently, as soon as -Madame <i>de Wartemberg</i> had proposed this Marriage -to him, he promis'd to mention it himself -to my Mother; nay, more than that, he came to -her House and made the Proposal. My Mother -desir'd to be excus'd, saying to his Highness, that -she had been already married twice, that she had -two Sons by her first Husband, and that she did -not care to hazard their Interests and her own -Peace by engaging herself in Matrimony a third -time. The Elector made her answer, that he -would have it so, and that her Children, so far -from Losers, should be Gainers by it, because he -would take care of them. He added that he -would allow her twenty-four Hours time to consider -of it, and then he left her, forbidding her to -stir to the Door, and promising to come and see -her again next day, in order to have her Answer. -He then went into my Grandmother's Chamber, -and said so many fine things to her, in favor of -the Son-in-Law he had in his eye for her, that -she was for it by all means.</p> - -<p>My Mother continued very wavering till next -day, when the Elector return'd as he had promis'd: -And as 'tis not an easy matter to resist -the Orders of one's Sovereign, my Mother, tho' -still against a new Engagement in her heart, seemed -however to consent to the Marriage, which in -a few days after was celebrated, and honour'd -with the presence of the Elector, who had the -goodness to assure my Brother and me that it -should not be the worse for us. Mean time all my<!--034.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> -Relations exclaim'd against my Mother, and -when she return'd to <i>Berlin</i> not a Soul of them -went to see her. My Grandmother by my Father's -side was loudest in her Complaint; for her -great Age and the Honour she had of attending -the late Electoress, Mother to the Elector, made -her take the freedom to tell that Prince her -mind. She was in a passion with him even to a -degree of Childishness, telling him that it griev'd -her to the heart that she was not strong enough -to twist the neck of the Man that he had -given to her Daughter-in-Law for a Husband. -The Elector to pacify her, promis'd her that he -would be such a friend to M. <i>de Wesen</i>, that this -Marriage instead of being a prejudice should be -an advantage to us. And as soon as he had left -her, he declared him Marshal of his Court.</p> - -<p>This Office obliging my Father-in-law to follow -the Prince in his Travels, he left my Mother -at <i>Berlin</i>, and carry'd me with him to <i>Konigsberg</i>, -to shew me the Ceremony of the Elector's Coronation.</p> - -<p>His Court was so numerous that upon the -Road from <i>Berlin</i> to <i>Konigsberg</i>, which is reckon'd -fourscore <i>German</i> Miles, there were no less than -thirty thousand Hackney-Horses, besides those -belonging to the Stables of the King and Princes. -The King, who was excessively fond of Ceremony, -omitted nothing that could be an addition -to the splendor of his Coronation. This Ceremony -cost him immense Sums of Money, and -convinc'd Foreigners who came thither from a -curiosity to see it, that our Court was inferior to -few others for Magnificence.</p> - -<p>Tho' one would think the preparations for -such a solemn Festival must take up a tedious -deal of time, yet the King's Impatience hurry'd<!--035.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span> -them so fast that every thing was ready by the -eighteenth of <i>January</i>, about a Fortnight after -the Arrival of the Court. The Proclamation for -erecting <i>Prussia</i> into a Kingdom was made two -Days before the King's Coronation, with the -sound of the Cannon, and all the Bells of the -City, by four Heralds at Arms in Mantles of blue -Velvet with the Royal Arms thereon embroider'd, -and riding upon Horses richly accouter'd, the -Housings being of Silver-Brocade, sprinkled with -Eagles and Coronets of Gold. They went with -a very numerous Train to the chief Quarters of -the City, and there made Proclamation in these -terms:</p> - -<p><i>Whereas it has pleased the Divine Providence -to erect this Sovereign Duchy of <span class="f">Prussia</span> into a -Kingdom, and to set up for our King the most -High and most Potent Prince <span class="f">Frederic I.</span> our -gracious Sovereign; we have thought fit to give -notice thereof to the People of this Kingdom, -that they may say as we do, "Long live <span class="f">Frederic</span>, -our most Merciful and most Gracious King! Long -live <span class="f">Sophia-Charlotte</span>, our most Gracious Queen."</i></p> - -<p>The King to render the Ceremony of his Coronation -still more august, instituted the Day before<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> -the Order of the <i>Black Eagle</i>, the Badges -of which are an Orange Ribband with a Cross -hanging to it enamell'd with Blue, in form of the -Cross of <i>Malta</i>: In a Star of Silver which is embroider'd -upon the Coat, there is a black Eagle -which gripes in one Claw a Crown, and in the -other a Scepter; and round the 'Scutcheon are -these words, <i>SUUM CUIQUE</i>, (i. e. to every<!--036.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> -one his own.) The principal Statutes of -this Order are, 1. That the Number of the -Knights shall not exceed thirty, exclusive of the -Princes of the Royal Family, and Sovereign Princes. -2. That the Knights shall prove their -Nobility by sixteen Descents. 3. That they shall -promise to be just, chaste, and to protect and support -Widows and Orphans, according to their -motto, <i>Suum cuique</i>.</p> - -<p>Tho' it was contrary to custom, to install the -Knights before the Coronation, the King was -not so scrupulous as to conform to it, foreseeing that -the Ceremony of his Coronation receiv'd a new -Lustre from this Foundation. Nevertheless the -Knights and Officers of the Order had then no -other Badges but the Ribband and Star embroider'd -on their Clothes; and 'twas not till two Years -after that the King gave to the new Knights, for -days of Ceremony, a Dress consisting of a Vest of -Cloth of Gold, with another over it of Sky-blue Velvet, -reaching down to the Mid-leg, with a Lining -of Straw-color, and ty'd under the Cravat with -yellow Ribbands, the Tassels of which hang down -to the Knees. Their Sash is of Straw-color'd Velvet, -embroider'd with Gold. Their Mantle is -also of Straw-color'd Velvet, lin'd with Gold-Mohair, -and over it is a Collar of Gold enamell'd -with blue, forming these two Letters <i>F. R.</i> to signify -<i>Fredericus Rex</i>: This is call'd the Grand -Collar of the Order. The Knights wear black -Velvet Caps on their Heads, with white Plumes -of Feathers. The King's Habit differs not from -that of the Knights; but the Habits of the Grand -Master of the Ceremonies, the Secretary, and the -Treasurer, differ in that they only wear over their -common Clothes full Gowns of Straw-color'd -Velvet, with an Orange-color'd Lining, and upon<!--037.png--><span class="pagenum">31</span> -them the Cross of the Order, fasten'd only by an -Orange-color'd Ribband that hangs to their Neck.</p> - -<p>The King at the first Promotion, or rather on -the day that he instituted the Order, created the -full number of Knights, prescribed by the Statutes. -He also gave the Ribband of the Order to the Electoral -Prince his Son, and to his two Brothers -the Margraves <i>Christian</i> and <i>Albert</i>. The Margrave -<i>Philip</i> staying behind at <i>Berlin</i> to govern -in the King's Absence, the Ribband was sent to -him by a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber.</p> - -<p>On the Coronation-day, about nine in the Morning -the King was dressed by the great Chamberlain, -attended by all the Officers of the Bed-chamber. -His Coat was Scarlet embroider'd with -Gold, and brilliant Diamonds were his Buttons. -Over that, he had a Royal Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, -lin'd and turn'd up with Ermin, which -was fasten'd to his Breast by a Clasp of three -Diamonds. As soon as the King was dressed he -went into a Hall in his Apartment, where a -Throne had been erected, on each side of which, -there lay on two Tables of Silver the Royal Ornaments -that were to serve the King and Queen. -The King being seated on his Throne, ordered -they should be brought to him, and they were -accordingly presented to him on the Knee. Having -the Crown in his Hand, he put it himself on -his Head, and then taking the Sceptre in his -right Hand and the Royal Globe in his left, in -that posture he receiv'd the first Homages of the -Prince Royal and of the Margraves, who bent -one Knee before him. After this the King arose -and went to the Queen's Apartment, preceded -by the Knights of the Order, the two Margraves, -the Prince Royal, and the Noblemen that carried -the Regalia design'd for the Queen.<!--038.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span></p> - -<p>Her Majesty was dress'd in a Purple Gown, -and a Royal Mantle like the King's. She was -dress'd in her own Nut-brown Hair without any -Powder, which in conjunction with the Lustre of -the Diamonds gave her an Air still more noble -and majestic. As soon as she perceiv'd the King, -who met her at the entrance of his Chamber, she -fell on her knees, in which situation the King -embrac'd her, and with his own Hands set the -Crown upon her Head. She took the Scepter -and Globe from the hands of the Lords who carried -them, and the King raising her up she follow'd -him into his Apartment, where she also receiv'd -the Homage of the Prince Royal and the -Margraves, in the same manner as they had perform'd -them to the King.</p> - -<p>Their Majesties went afterwards to Church -with all the Pomp and Magnificence, (I dare to -say it) of the ancient Kings of <i>Asia</i>. The King -walk'd under a Canopy of Silver-Brocade embroider'd -with Gold borne by ten <i>Prussian</i> Lords -of the first Quality, and at some distance came the -Queen under another Canopy like to that of the -King. The Grand Chamberlain held up the -Train of the King's Mantle, and the Queen's -was born by the Duchess of <i>Holstein</i>, and the -Ladies <i>Stingland</i> and <i>Bulau</i>, the one Lady of -Honour to the Queen, and the other having -the first Reversion of that Office. The Duke -of <i>Holstein</i> officiated as Great Master of her -Houshold; and the Princess of <i>Holstein</i> walk'd -at the head of the Court-Ladies. Their Majesties -were receiv'd by the two Bishops that -were to perform the Ceremony of the Coronation, -who were dress'd in purple Velvet, after the <i>English</i> -mode, and had for their Assistants six Ministers, -three of them <i>Calvinists</i> and three <i>Lutherans</i>.<!--039.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> -They conducted the King and Queen -to their Thrones which had been erected on the -two sides of the Altar, the King's on the Right, -and the Queen's on the Left. Tho' there is no -Altar in the <i>Calvinist</i> Churches, the King had -one, and had actually made a present of a magnificent -Crucifix to be plac'd upon it, in order to -shew how much he wish'd the Union of the two -Protestant Churches.</p> - -<p>The Prince Royal seated himself a little behind -the King towards the Right on a Folding-chair, -with his Governor the Count <i>de Dobna</i> behind -him: The Margraves also sate in two Folding-chairs -on both sides of the Queen. The Duke -and Duchess of <i>Holstein</i>, and the Ladies <i>Stingland</i> -and <i>Bulau</i>, sate upon Stools immediately behind -the Queen. The Princess of <i>Holstein</i> was also -placed upon a Stool, but a little farther off. On -both sides of the Altar two Galleries were erected, -the one for the Duchess of <i>Courland</i> the King's -Sister, the young Duke her Son, and the three -Princesses her Daughters-in-Law, the other for -the Ambassadors and Foreign Ministers.</p> - -<p>When the King was to receive the sacred -Unction, he went and kneel'd at the foot of the -Altar, gave the Globe and Sceptre to the Lords -who had before carried them, took off his Crown -with his own hands, which he plac'd on a Cushion -like to that on which he kneel'd, and then receiv'd -three Unctions, one on the Forehead, and -the two others on his Wrists. The Great Chamberlain -dried up the Oil with Cotton and Linnen, -which one of the Ministers presented to him -on a Plate of Gold. After this the King took -his Crown again which no other hand had touch'd, -and plac'd it himself on his head; and having also -taken the Sceptre and Globe again, he went and<!--040.png--><span class="pagenum">34</span> -replac'd himself on his Throne. The same Ceremonies -were observ'd at the Anointing of the -Queen, with this difference only, that she all the -while kept the Crown on her Head, and that -Madame <i>Stingland</i>, her Lady of Honour, dried -up the Oil.</p> - -<p>This done, the two Bishops with the six Ministers -pay'd the first Homage to both the King and -Queen. The Bishop at Consecration said to the -King, <i>May Blessing and Prosperity attend</i> <span class="smcap">Frederic -King of Prussia</span>! <i>May the Lord, -the God of our King say the same! May he continue -his Presence with him as he has done hitherto, -to the end that his Royal Throne may aggrandize -his Power from day to day.</i></p> - -<p>The same Bishop said to the Queen, <i>May Blessing -and Prosperity attend</i> <span class="smcap">Sophia-Charlotta -Queen of Prussia</span>! <i>May the Lord our God preserve -her for a Token of his Blessing to her People, -and may she from this time forward see Prosperity -and Salvation spread ever her Royal Family, -and over her Children, in the Peace of</i> Israel!</p> - -<p>While the Music as it were repeated these same -words, the Prince Royal and the Margraves went -and paid their Homage also to the King and -Queen, kneeling on the last Step of their Throne -and kissing their Hands. The Homage of the -other Nobility only consisted in their making a -profound Obeysance without stirring out of their -places.</p> - -<p>The Bishop who had perform'd the Consecration, -turning about to the People, said with a loud Voice, -<i>Fear God and honour your King and your Queen, for -their Power cometh from the Lord who hath created -Heaven and Earth. May the same Lord vouchsafe -to be their Guide and Guardian! May he cover -them with his Shadow, that the Heat of the</i><!--041.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span> -<i>Sun and the Rays of the Moon, may never hurt -their Sight! May the Lord keep them from all -Evil? save their Souls, and go in and out before -them with Blessing, till Time Shall be no more.</i> -After some other Prayers, the King renew'd the -Edicts against Duels, and swore to observe them -upon the Holy Gospels. And therewith ended -this long Ceremony.</p> - -<p>The King had all the reason in the World to -be pleased with it, by reason of the exactness with -which every one perform'd his Function, which -was a thing hardly to have been expected in a -Ceremony that was quite new to the Performers; -but they so well knew his delicacy in every matter -of Ceremony, and the Emulation they had to -please him in this Taste was such, that the most -consummate Experience could not have acquitted -itself better.</p> - -<p>The Queen herself was the only Person that -got a reprimand, and that was by her taking -some Snuff. Her Throne being over-against the -King's, she watch'd a long time for an opportunity, -and when she thought his Majesty did not -observe her she stole out her Snuff-Box. The -King happening to turn his Eyes towards her -the very same moment, she would fain have conceal'd -it, but his Majesty's Countenance was so -fix'd on her that she was convinc'd he perceiv'd -it; and indeed this Prince who was upon this -occasion not to be trifled with, immediately order'd -one of his Gentlemen who was behind him -to go and ask the Queen in his Name, <i>Whether -she remember'd the Place where she was, and the -Rank she held there</i>.</p> - -<p>The King and Queen going out of the Church -caus'd Gold and Silver Medals to the value of -ten thousand Crowns to be scatter'd among the<!--042.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -People, which had on one side their Effigies with -these words, <i>FREDERICUS ET SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA, -REX ET REGINA</i>; and on -the reverse a Crown with these words, <i>PRIMA -MEÆ GENTIS</i>.</p> - -<p>The Ceremonies at the Royal Feast which follow'd, -were not much short of those at the Coronation. -It was kept in the great Hall of the -Palace, to which the King and Queen repair'd -almost with the same Train, and in the same order -as they had observ'd going to Church.</p> - -<p>When they were seated at Table, their Majesties -return'd their Sceptres and Globes into the -hands of the Lords who had the Honour of -carrying them before. These Lords then plac'd -themselves at each side of the Table, and remain'd -there during the whole Feast. The Prince Royal, -the two Margraves and the Duchess of <i>Courland</i> -the King's Sister, were the only Persons that had -the honour of dining with their Majesties. Of -all the Ceremonies that were observ'd there, the -two following are what I have no where seen -but in <i>Germany</i>. As soon as the King and Queen -had taken their Seats at Table, the two Grand -Marshals went out of the Hall into the Courtyard -of the Palace, and from thence rode on -horseback to the great Stables attended by Kettle-drums, -Trumpets, and a great many Officers -of the King's Kitchen. There they found a -whole Ox roasting on a Spit and stuff'd with all -sorts of Wild-fowl, of which they cut off a piece -and carry'd it in a Gold Dish to their Majesties -Table.</p> - -<p>After this, the Great Cup-Bearer went with -the like Train to the same Stables, where there -were two Fountains of Wine running from the -Beaks of two Eagles. Of this he fill'd a gold<!--043.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -Goblet, and went and presented it to the King. -His Majesty having taken it and return'd it to -him, he presented it afterwards to the Queen, -who return'd it to him in like manner; and then -he carry'd it to the great Beaufet, which was set -up at the other end of the Room over-against the -King's Table. As often as the King or Queen -drank, nine Cannon were fired; six when the -Prince Royal drank, and three whenever the -Margraves and the Duchess of <i>Courland</i> drank.</p> - -<p>This Repast held a very long time, yet none -of the Courtiers sate down to Table till their Majesties -were retir'd to their Apartments. About -nine o'clock at Night all the Bells in the City -were rung, and the Noise of the Cannon added -to that of the Kettle-drums and Trumpets, serv'd -as a signal for the Bonfires that were lighted in -all the Cross-streets. The Burghers illuminated -the Fronts of their Houses. Some of the most -substantial had also erected Triumphal Arches -before their Houses, with Emblems and Devices; -others let Wine run for the Populace, and -in short there was no Burgher but strove to signalize -their Joy some way or other.</p> - -<p>Their Majesties being desirous to honour the -public Rejoicings with their presence, went into -the Streets about ten o'clock in a magnificent -Coach, accompanied by all their Courtiers on -horseback. When they came before the Town-House -they were harangu'd by the chief Burgo-Master, -who presented them with a Collation in -Panniers of Silver, after which they pass'd by the -House of the Duke of <i>Holstein</i> Governour of <i>Konigsberg</i>. -The Front of the House represented the -Temple of Glory; the Duke's Gentlemen represented -the Priests of the Temple, and threw Amber -and Incense into the Coals which were upon<!--044.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> -the Altar; the Duke's Children, who were eight -in number, were dressed like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, -and as the King and Queen pass'd by, -the eldest presented them with a Basket of Flowers, -and pronounc'd some Verses to them in the <i>German</i> -Language, expressing the Vows which all -the People made for the duration of their Prosperity. -Their Majesties, after stopping some time -before this House, return'd to the Palace.</p> - -<p>Throughout all the King's Dominions there -were the like Demonstrations of Joy, and the -Coronation-day was celebrated every where like -a Sunday. The King and Queen spent the whole -Carnival at <i>Konigsberg</i>, where they receiv'd the -Count <i>de Tobianski</i> the Great Cup-bearer of <i>Poland</i>, -who came as Ambassador from the King -his Master, to congratulate their Majesties on -their Coronation. It must be observed in the -mean time, that the Republic of <i>Poland</i> never recogniz'd -the King of <i>Prussia</i>'s Royalty, tho' two -of its Kings, <i>viz.</i> the Elector of <i>Saxony</i>, and King -<i>Stanislaus</i> four years after recogniz'd him by their -Ambassadors.</p> - -<p>The departure of the Court for <i>Berlin</i> was -fix'd for the eighth of <i>March</i>. As the King -had not yet made his entry at <i>Konigsberg</i>, the -Citizens entreated him to permit them to accompany -him as far as the limits of their Territory, -which was granted them. Then several triumphal -Arches were erected, all the Streets were -hung with Tapestry, and the King set out from -<i>Konigsberg</i> attended by all the City Companies. -His Majesty rode on horseback, supported by -two Equerries on foot. His Clothes were of -Crimson-Velvet lin'd with Ermin and embroider'd -with Gold, and the Buttons were of Diamonds. -He had on his Hat a Loop and a Hat-band<!--045.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> -of Diamonds. His Horse was most richly -accouter'd: The Bit, Stirrups, and all the Ornaments -of the Bridle, were of massy Gold; the -Housing of Crimson-Velvet, all cover'd with -Gold Embroidery and Diamonds. The Queen's -Coach was also of extraordinary Magnificence. -Her Majesty sate in it accompanied only by the -Duchess of <i>Courland</i>, who sate over-against -her.</p> - -<p>In short, they went out of <i>Konigsberg</i> with all -the Pomp and Apparatus that us'd to attend Public -Entrys. When their Majesties were got a -quarter of a League out of the Town, they alighted -and went into their Travelling-Coaches, -and there they received the last Compliments -which were paid by the Echevins bare-headed -and kneeling. Then the King and Queen return'd -into the City through another Gate, and -staid in their Palace till next day that they set -out for <i>Berlin</i>.</p> - -<p>The Court was oblig'd to go by the way of -<i>Dantzic</i>, because of the sudden Thaw of the -<i>Weissel</i>, which render'd it impassable. The Magistrates -of <i>Dantzic</i> immediately sent out Deputies -to their Majesties, to intreat them to permit -their City to make a public Entry for them; but -the King thank'd them, and was not willing they -should be at any expence. Nevertheless at the -Entrance of the Territory of <i>Dantzic</i> two Burgo-Masters, -four Counsellors, and the Syndic of the -Town, at the head of the Youth on horseback, -went and paid their Majesties a Compliment. -He that spoke was the chief Burgo-Master, who -pray'd their Majesties to suffer the City to defray -their Expences, while they stay'd in their Territory. -The King and Queen alighted at a House -erected on purpose for their Reception, which<!--046.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -was of Wood, and represented the Temple of -Glory. There their Majesties found a magnificent -Collation and a very fine Concert of Music. -In other Rooms several Tables were set up for -the Gentlemen of his Retinue. The King and -Queen having spent the Night there, pass'd thro' -<i>Dantzic</i> next day, and went over the <i>Weissel</i>, -which at that part of it was still frozen. Yet as -there was cause to apprehend that it was not -froze hard enough to be pass'd with safety, the -Magistrates, to prevent any Accident, had cover'd -the Ice with Straw, Beams and Planks; and -twenty-four young Men and as many Lasses, -dressed like Sailors in Jackets of Velvet and Sattin, -assisted the King and Queen in their passage; -during which, the Girls presented them with Fish, -Fruit, Sweet-Meats and Flowers, and the young -Sailors play'd to them on several Instruments of -Music. When their Majesties had passed the -River, they dismiss'd the Deputies of the City, -and made them each a Present of a Gold Chain -and Medal, on which were their Effigies. On -the seventeenth of <i>March</i> the King arriv'd at -<i>Potzdam</i><a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>, and the Queen at <i>Lutzelbourg</i>. The -King who had a Design to make a solemn Entry -at <i>Berlin</i>, stay'd at <i>Potzdam</i> till the sixth of <i>May</i>, -to give time for making the necessary Preparations -to receive him, and for the finishing one of -the Fronts of his Palace, which he wish'd might -be compleated by that day.</p> - -<p>Towards the latter end of <i>April</i> the King set -out from <i>Potzdam</i> for <i>Schonhausen</i>, where the -Queen met him some days after, and there their -Majesties prepared to make their Entry into -Berlin.<!--047.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span></p> - -<p>This Ceremony was perform'd with all the -Pomp and Magnificence possible. The City had -caus'd seven Triumphal Arches to be erected; -the Description of one of those Arches may suffice -to give an Idea of the Taste of our Court for -Entertainments of this kind. This Arch, which -was at the Bars entring the Suburb, seem'd to -have been built by Gardeners. It was one entire -Green-house with Pillars and Pilasters, adorn'd -with Flowers. <i>Pomona</i> and <i>Flora</i> were seen to -support the Pictures of the King and Queen. -The <i>Spring</i>, attended by the <i>Zephyrs</i>, presented -them with Fruits and Flowers, and a Row of -Orange-Trees and Laurels in gilded Boxes lin'd -the Way from that Arch to St. <i>George</i>'s Gate, -which has ever since that Day been call'd the -Royal Gate, because their Majesties enter'd thro' -it into the Town.</p> - -<p>Next day after their Entry the Deputies of -the Provinces presented the King with Free -Gifts on his joyful Arrival, and the Margrave -<i>Philip</i> Grand Master of the Artillery, caus'd a -Fire-work to be play'd off, which represented the -King's Return to <i>Berlin</i>, by that of <i>Jason</i>, after -the Conquest of the Golden Fleece.</p> - -<p>After some other Festivals of this nature, occasion'd -by the public Joy, the Court separated, -when the King set out for <i>Oranjebourg</i><a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>, and the -Queen to <i>Lutzelbourg</i>. The Prince Royal staid -at <i>Berlin</i> to finish his Exercises. Care had been -taken to form a numerous Court for him, of all -young Gentlemen of his own Age, of whom this -young Prince had form'd two Companies, of -which himself commanded the first, and the -Duke of <i>Courland</i> the second. I was of this second<!--048.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> -Company, and we went sometimes to perform -our Military Exercises at <i>Lutzelbourg</i> before -the Queen, who lov'd to see the Prince her Son -display the first Fruits of his Military Genius. -We also acted some Comedies before her; for the -Princess aim'd to inspire the Prince her Son with -a delicate Taste, even in Pleasures.</p> - -<p>'Twas at this time that a Storm arose at Court -against the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> Great Chamberlain, -and lately declar'd Prime Minister, which -threaten'd his Ruin; but it spent itself upon -those only who had rais'd it. The principal Authors -of the Cabal were the Count <i>de Lottum</i>, M. ——, -and the Grand Marshal, who had been for a -long time the Great Chamberlain's sworn Enemy. -The Count <i>de Wesen</i>, my Father-in-law, was -pitch'd upon by these Gentlemen to raise the first -Prejudices in the King's Mind against this Minister. -I have had the Honor to acquaint you, <i>Madame</i>, -that the Countess <i>de Wartemberg</i> always wish'd -well to M. <i>de Wesen</i> of which the advantagious -Match she had procur'd for him was a very convincing -Proof. One would have thought therefore -after such great Service, that he ought in -Gratitude to have devoted himself entirely to the -Fortune of the Count her Husband. But my -Father-in-law puff'd up by the Choice which the -Count's Enemies had made of him, forgot his -Duty and his Interest, and accepted a Commission -for the undertaking of which he had in truth -all the necessary Temerity, but not that Judgment -nor that Favor, which was absolutely requisite -for conducting so ticklish an Affair.</p> - -<p>The King had a real Love for M. <i>de Wartemberg</i>, -yet he sometimes made him feel his ill Humors. -The Prince seem'd one day to be so angry -with him, and spoke of him to my Father-in-law<!--049.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -with so much Resentment, that the latter -thought he had now a fair Opportunity to ruin -the Count. He said to the King, that the whole -Court was surpriz'd at his extraordinary Kindness -to a Minister who every day abus'd his Name in -the Oppression of the People, and in the Commission -of a thousand Acts of Injustice against his -faithful Servants; that his Rapines were excessive; -and that his Wife's Extravagance was so great, -that he could shew by the Accounts of the Comptrollers -of the Kitchen, that the Great Chamberlain's -Table cost more than his Majesty's. <i>I know -very well</i>, added M. <i>de Wesen, that if the Prime -Minister should hear of what I have now had the -Honor to say to your Majesty, I am undone; but if -I held my peace, I thought I should be wanting in -my Duty; and what I have asserted I am ready to -prove.</i></p> - -<p>The King heard what he said very attentively, -and my Father-in-law was so vain as to think -he had made Impression enough upon him to -strike M. <i>de Wartemberg</i> quite out of his Favor; -but this shallow Statesman, my Father-in-law, did -not consider that a Prince who complains of his -Favorite is not always dispos'd to receive the ill -Impressions that others are ready to give of him. -Whether the King therefore thought after this -manner, or whether he was shock'd at the Ingratitude -of M. <i>de Wesen</i>, who ow'd his Fortune to -M. <i>de Wartemberg</i>, he told the Minister the -Conversation that had pass'd, but assur'd him that -he did not give Credit to the Report; and that if -he pleas'd he would take a Revenge on the Man -that had made it.</p> - -<p>The crafty Minister affected at that time an -Air of Moderation, which cost him the less Pains -because he was an excellent Comedian. He said<!--050.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -to the King that he thought himself sufficiently -reveng'd, by the little Heed his Majesty gave to -the scandalous Tales which his Enemies gave out -against him, and he desir'd his Majesty to pardon -those who had offer'd to abuse his Goodness, for -the sake of oppressing him. Thus did he for a -while conceal the keenest Resentment under the -Mask of the most forgiving Temper; being resolv'd -in his Heart to ruin those who had employ'd -M. <i>de Wesen</i>, tho' they were protected by -the Queen, but especially to make their Tool -feel all the Weight of his Vengeance.</p> - -<p>A Journey which the King took to <i>Goltz</i>, one -of his Hunting-Seats, near the Fortress of <i>Custrin</i>, -gave him a good Opportunity for it. Being alone -with the King in the same Coach, he put -him so much out of conceit with M. <i>de Wesen</i>, -that when he arriv'd at <i>Goltz</i>, all that came to -wait on him, as he alighted out of the Coach, -perceiv'd he was in an ill Humor. Contrary to -his usual custom, he spoke to no body, only he -order'd my Father-in-law to give his Attendance. -When he had sat down, he scarce touch'd the -Bread, but he found fault with it, and complained -of it to M. <i>de Wesen</i>, as the Person who had -the Direction of what came to his Table. M. -<i>de Wesen</i> said to the King, That 'twas true the -Bread was not as it us'd to be, because the Carriage -of the Pantry broke down by the way, and -the Baker came too late to Town to provide more. -The King not well pleas'd with this Answer, -said, he was weary of being ill serv'd, and that -he expected every one shou'd do their Duty. At -the same time he threw his Napkin on the -Ground. M. <i>de Wesen</i> fetch'd another, and -offer'd it to the King, but he would not take it, -and order'd him to be gone that Moment out of<!--051.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -his Presence. Two Hours after, M. <i>de Wesen</i> -was arrested by an Exempt of the Life-Guards, -who conducted him in his Coach under a Guard -to <i>Custrin</i>, the Capital of the New Marquisate, -situate upon the <i>Oder</i>. There my Father-in-law -was kept as a State-Criminal, and the Minister -sent Orders to the Aulic Counsellor to go to my -Mother's House, and clap a Seal upon her -Husband's Effects. She was at that time in the -Country, and my Brother happen'd to be at -Church with our Governor, so that I was alone -in the House when those Gentlemen came to execute -their Order. After they had shew'd it to -me, they ask'd me which was my Father-in-law's -Apartment, that they might not be oblig'd to -put the Seal upon every thing. I made no -scruple to shew it to them, and as they withdrew -they left me a Writing which was an Order -to my Mother not to come to Court, nor to sollicite -her Husband's Liberty. I sent immediately -For my Governor, that he might go with this -disagreeable News to my Mother, whose Surprize -was as great as her Sorrow; for as she had -an entire Love for her Husband, so she knew -nothing of his Intrigues against the Minister, to -whom she thought he was all along devoted. -As the King's Order tied up her Hands, and -hinder'd her from coming to Court, I was charg'd -to do what I could there, to obtain my Father-in-law's -Liberty.</p> - -<p>One day as the Queen made an Entertainment -at <i>Lutzelbourg</i> for the King, I presented a Petition -to him, in my Mother's Name, intreating -him to remove the Seal from her Effects, and -the Guard from her House; and that his Majesty -would be pleas'd to appoint Commissioners to -try her Husband; to the end, that if guilty, he<!--052.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span> -might be punish'd, or if innocent, that he might -be set at liberty. My Youth, and the Tears -which I shed at the Delivery of this Petition, -melted the King's Heart, who told me, That -he would do what my Mother desir'd, for her -sake only; that he sympathiz'd in her Affliction; -but that her Husband had so justly provok'd -him, that he could not avoid making him sensible -of his Indignation: That withal, he was -very glad to see me so good-natur'd, as to sollicite -in favor of a Man who he knew had not dealt -well either by my Brother or me, notwithstanding -the Injunction he laid upon him, when he -match'd him to my Mother. I made him answer, -that I had no reason to complain of my Father-in-law; -and that tho' I had, my Mother's extreme -Concern of Mind for what had happen'd, wou'd -be a sufficient Motive for me to sollicite his Liberty. -<i>I commend you</i> said the King, <i>for these -Principles. Go and tell your Mother that she shall -be made easy, and be assur'd that I will take care -of you</i>. Those were the very Expressions of the -King, who, when I stoop'd to embrace his -Knees, encourag'd me also by clapping his Hand -upon my Shoulder. As soon as he was gone, the -Queen sent for me into her Closet, to give her -an Account of this Conversation. I found her -resting on a Couch, attended by none but Madamoiselle -<i>de Pollnitz</i> my Cousin, who sat on -the Ground at her Feet. When the Queen had -enquir'd after my Mother's Health, she order'd me -to assure her of her Esteem and Friendship; and -when I had repeated to her what the King had -said to me, she made Answer, That she was very -glad the King was so well inclin'd to me. <i>Cultivate -his good Disposition</i>, said she, <i>make it your -Study to merit his Favor. As for me, I will do</i><!--053.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -<i>every thing in my power to preserve you in it; -and you may always be sure of my Protection.</i></p> - -<p>So gracious a Reception both from the King -and Queen gave me great Hopes; and I return'd -to <i>Berlin</i>, not doubting but the Promises he had -made to me wou'd soon be perform'd; yet 'twas -not without tedious Sollicitations from my Mother's -Friends that she obtain'd her Husband's -Liberty, after seven Months Confinement, besides -paying a Fine for him of ten thousand -Crowns. The Revenge which the Minister took -upon those who had made my Father-in-law -their Agent, was not so much talk'd of; for he -contented himself with banishing them to their -respective Estates or Governments, and disposing -of their Offices among his most obsequious -Creatures. One of these was the Count -<i>de Witgenstein</i>, upon whom he confer'd the Office -of the Grand Marshal. He was a Person of a -good Family, but neither he nor his Ancestors -had ever done any Service to the State; and all -his Merit was an entire Devotion to the Prime -Minister, to whom he was more a Slave than a -Friend. As long as the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> -continu'd in Favor, he kept his ground at Court; -but the Fall of that Minister was attended with -his. The Disgrace of my Father-in-law did not -fail likewise to create a great deal of Trouble in -my Family. My Mother follow'd him to his Estate -in the Duchy of <i>Zell</i>, and I was sent with my -Brother under the Conduct of a Governor to -<i>Lunebourg</i>, there to finish my Studies.</p> - -<p>All <i>Europe</i> was at this time in motion, and -had taken part in the Quarrel between the Houses -of <i>Austria</i> and <i>Bourbon</i>, on account of the Succession -to the Monarchy of <i>Spain</i>. <i>Philip</i> of -<i>Anjou</i> was already in possession of it, by virtue<!--054.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> -of <i>Charles</i> II's last Will and Testament; and in -pursuance of the Right he had to it by his -Grandmother <i>Mary Theresa</i> of <i>Austria</i>. The -Emperor founded his Claim upon the Renunciation -made by that Princess when she was married -to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. The greatest part of <i>Europe</i>, -which the exorbitant Power of <i>France</i> had -begun to alarm, sided with the Emperor, who -quitted his Rights in favor of the Archduke his -Son. Besides the common Interest which it -seem'd to be of all <i>Europe</i> to hinder two such -Monarchies as <i>France</i> and <i>Spain</i> from being govern'd -by one Prince, several Potentates had -their particular Reasons, for laying hold of this -opportunity, to make war with <i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>The Court of <i>England</i> was alarm'd at the Proceeding -of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. who had just recogniz'd -the Son of <i>James</i> II. lately deceas'd at <i>St. Germains</i>, -for King of <i>England</i>, by the Name of -<i>James</i> III. in prejudice of King <i>William</i>, who had -been recogniz'd by the Treaty of <i>Ryswic</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>Dutch</i> govern'd themselves by the Views -of King <i>William</i>, who was all along their Stadtholder: -And they could not forget the War in -1672, the Wounds of which were still bleeding.</p> - -<p>The King of <i>Prussia</i>, besides his Interest in -common with the other Electors, to hinder -<i>France</i> from becoming too powerful, for fear lest -hereafter the said Court should saddle them with -whom it pleas'd for an Emperor, had Engagements -subsisting with the Court of <i>Vienna</i> and -the King of <i>England</i>. And in consequence of -those Engagements he furnish'd the Emperor -with 6000 Men, and gave Orders for a Levy in -his Dominions of 20,000 Men, which King <i>William</i> -had demanded of him, and which were<!--055.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> -during the whole War in the Pay of the United -Provinces.</p> - -<p><i>France</i> had no Allies but the Electors of <i>Bavaria</i> -and <i>Cologn</i>, who suffer'd themselves to be -prevail'd on by the Promises of <i>France</i>; the chief -of which was, That she would not make an end -of the War till she had caus'd the Elector of <i>Bavaria</i> -to be declar'd King of <i>Swabia.</i></p> - -<p>The Duke of <i>Savoy</i> was proof against the Advantages -offered him by <i>France</i>: And notwithstanding -the Marriage of his two Daughters to -the Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> and the Duke of <i>Anjou</i>, -King of <i>Spain</i>, he was the most zealous Ally -against those two Crowns. He foresaw too very -plainly, that as long as those two Powers were -united, such was the Situation of his Dominions, -that they wou'd hem him in between them; -and therefore when the Duchess his Mother, who -was a thorow <i>French</i> Woman, ask'd him, What -would become of his Daughters, if he dethron'd -the King of <i>Spain</i>, and ruin'd <i>France</i>, he reply'd -to her, <i>And if I do not, what will become -of my Son?</i></p> - -<p>These, <i>Madame</i>, were in general the various -Motions that affected <i>Europe</i> when King <i>William</i> -of <i>England</i> died: Nor did this Accident occasion -any Alteration; for the Princess <i>Anne Stuart</i>, -who succeeded him by the Name of Queen <i>Anne</i>, -pursued the same Views as her Predecessor, and -the War of the Allies against <i>France</i> was carried -on with the same Vigor.</p> - -<p>By the Death of the King of <i>England</i>, who -was the last Prince of the <i>Orange</i> Branch, our -King was Heir to all his personal Estate; yet his -Right was contested by the Prince of <i>Nassau-Friesland</i>, -who, tho' not so nearly related as the -King, had the Advantage of Kindred by the<!--056.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> -Male Line, and had a Will of King <i>William</i> in -his Favor, which intitled him to his Succession. -As the States-General of the United Provinces -were the Executors of this Will, the King immediately -communicated his Pretensions to them, -as he did also to Queen <i>Anne</i>, by M. <i>de Spanheim</i> -his Ambassador at <i>London</i>. He founded his -Right upon a Will of <i>Frederic-Henry</i> Prince of -<i>Orange</i>, King <i>William</i>'s Grandfather, who had a -Son and three Daughters, the eldest of whom -married to the Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> the King's -Father; the second to the Prince <i>de Simmeren</i>, a -younger Prince of the present reigning <i>Palatine</i> -Family, who dying without Issue, left his Right -of Succession to the Electorate, to the Branch of -<i>Neuburg</i>; and the third was married to the Prince -of <i>Anhalt-Dessau</i>.</p> - -<p>The Will of <i>Frederic-Henry</i> call'd the Male -Descendants to his Succession; and on Failure of -them the three Princesses his Daughters; by virtue -of which, the King who descended from the -eldest, claimed to be the lawful Heir, notwithstanding -the Testament of King <i>William</i>, who -could not dispose of an Estate which was intail'd. -The King, for the better Manifestation of his -Rights, set out for the <i>Hague</i>, accompanied by -the Margrave <i>Albert</i>, his Brother, who left him -at <i>Wesel</i> in order to join the Army at <i>Keiserswaert</i><a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a>.</p> - -<p>At <i>Wesel</i><a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> the King receiv'd Messieurs <i>de Lintelo</i>, -<i>Slingenlandt</i>, and <i>Tour</i>, Deputies from the -States-General, to whom he paid the same Honors -as to Sovereigns, and receiv'd them standing, -with only an Arm-Chair behind him. They<!--057.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span> -gave him an Account of the last Will and Testament -of King <i>William</i>, which they had caus'd -to be open'd in the Presence of M. <i>Schmettau</i> his -Ambassador, Mr. <i>Stanhope</i> the Envoy Extraordinary -of <i>England</i>, the Envoys of the Princesses -of <i>Anhalt</i> and <i>Nassau-Friesland</i>, the Envoy of -the Prince of <i>Nassau-Siegen</i>, the Commissioners -of the States appointed for that purpose, and the -Counsellors of the Domains of the late King <i>William</i>. -They added that they had found in this Will, -that the Prince of <i>Nassau</i>, hereditary Governor -of <i>Friesland</i>, was call'd to the Succession as universal -Heir, and they exhorted the King to own -him as such. But notwithstanding all this, he -enter'd his solemn Protest against the Will, and -then set out for the <i>Hague</i>.</p> - -<p>The King at his arrival alighted at the Palace of -the Old Court, which was part of the Inheritance -of the King of <i>England</i>, and of which he had -already taken Possession, as well as of <i>Honslaerdyke</i>, -another Palace of the late King of <i>England</i>. -The <i>Dutch</i> wou'd fain have secur'd the Succession -to the Prince of <i>Nassau-Friesland</i>, but they -could not easily do this, without embroiling themselves -with the King. Therefore they chose to temporize, -and came to no Conclusion while the King -staid in <i>Holland</i>, during which they endeavor'd to -amuse him by procuring him all the Pleasures that -their Country afforded; but the Grand Affair of -the Succession to the King of <i>England</i> engross'd -all his Thoughts, and he went away very much -dissatisfy'd with the Conduct of the States-General -at this Juncture.</p> - -<p>As soon as he return'd to <i>Berlin</i>, he sent for -my Brother and me from <i>Lunenburg</i>, for fear lest -my Mother, who was a <i>Lutheran</i>, should persuade -us to embrace that Religion. Next year<!--058.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> -he establish'd an Academy, into which he gave -Orders for our Entrance. The View of this -Establishment was to educate the young Nobility -of the Court, in a manner suitable to their Extraction. -The King had the Nomination of those that -were to be admitted into this Academy, and -Care had been taken to furnish it with the best -Masters in all the Arts and Sciences. The Expence -of the Students there were very moderate, -the King having taken upon him to pay -the Extraordinaries. This illustrious School, -which was then call'd, <i>The Academy of Princes</i>, -has lost very much of its former Splendor.</p> - -<p>I found the Court of <i>Berlin</i> in the same State -as when I left it. The Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> -was still in the highest Favor; and the Count -<i>de Barfous</i>, the only Man who had presum'd for -some time to make head against the Minister, -had at length been oblig'd to retire to his Estate; -but what made his Banishment from Court the -more tolerable to him, was a Pension which the -King allow'd him of 20,000 Crowns. His Post -of Velt-Marshal was given to M. <i>de Wartensleben</i>, -Lieutenant-General of the Emperor's Troops, -and General of those of the Duke of <i>Saxe Gotha</i>. -This was also a Creature of the Prime Minister; -yet he had Honor and Honesty enough to oppose -him on Occasions, where he thought the -Welfare of the State was concern'd. The Count <i>de -Lottum</i>, who had been involv'd in the Disgrace -of my Father-in-law, and whose Office of Grand -Marshal had been conferr'd on the Count <i>de Witgenstein</i>, -retain'd a certain Air of Favor in his Disgrace, -as did also the Count <i>de Barfous</i>. The King -had given him the Government of <i>Wesel</i>, to -which he retir'd; and as he could not avoid doing -justice to his Merit and Fidelity, he gave<!--059.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -him the Command of the Troops design'd for -the <i>Netherlands</i>. He was charg'd with the -Blockade of <i>Rhinberg</i>, a Place in the Electorate -of <i>Cologn</i>, which the <i>French</i> then possess'd, under -color of being that Elector's auxiliary Forces. -The Town surrendring in a little time, he undertook -the Blockade of <i>Guelders</i>, which made a -part of the <i>Spanish Netherlands</i>, and was yielded -to us by the Peace of <i>Utrecht</i>. The taking of -these two important Places in the midst of Winter, -and the Behaviour of the Count <i>de Lottum</i>, -who notwithstanding the Severity of the Season, -and the Treatment he had received from Court, -took all the Care possible for the Preservation of -the King's Troops, made him so much extoll'd -at Court, as was mortifying to the Prime Minister.</p> - -<p><i>France</i> endeavor'd to repair the Loss of these -two Places by seizing the Principality of <i>Orange</i>, -which we were not near enough to defend, and -he put the Prince of <i>Conti</i> in immediate Possession -of it, who had some claim to it through the -<i>Chalons</i> Family, of which he call'd himself Heir. -But he soon after yielded the said Principality -and his Pretensions, to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. who likewise -caus'd an Edict to be publish'd there, by which -it was put to the choice of all the Inhabitants to -turn Catholics, or to sell their Effects and retire -out of the Kingdom within the space of three -Months. The Generality of those who were -not willing to change their Religion, retir'd to -our Court, and among others, the Members of -the Parliament. The King reliev'd them as far -as he could, and caus'd Collections to be made -in all the Churches of his Dominions, the Money -of which was distributed to those who had the -most pressing Occasion for it.<!--060.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span></p> - -<p>Soon after the Loss of <i>Orange</i>, the Margrave -<i>Albert</i> married the Princess of <i>Courland</i>. That -Prince in 1696, had succeeded the late Margrave -<i>Charles</i>, his Father, in the Grand Mastership<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> of -the Order of St. <i>John</i>. This Order is the same -as that of <i>Maltha</i>, and is only separated from it -since <i>Luther</i>. The Commanderies, subject to the -Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i>, which became Protestant, -put themselves under the Elector's Protection, -and chose a Grand Master, or rather the Elector -chose one for them. The Choice has always -fallen upon a younger Prince of the Family, who -is not engag'd by it to any Vow, more than the -Knights, who are only obliged to prove their -Nobility, to which the Sovereign very often objects.</p> - -<p>The Princess of <i>Courland</i> was the eldest of the -three Daughters that the Duke of <i>Courland</i> had -by his first Lady. He married to his second -Wife the King's Sister, and some time after he -died. The Duchess his Widow, who had been -oblig'd to abandon <i>Courland</i>, which the <i>Swedes</i>, -the <i>Poles</i> and the <i>Muscovites</i> equally harass'd, -came to <i>Konigsberg</i>, to be present at the Coronation -of the King her Brother, who gave her that -Protection she expected. Here it was, that the -Year before she had married the Margrave of -<i>Brandenburg Bareith</i>, the King's Cousin; and -when she went with her Husband into his Dominions, -she left the eldest of her Daughters-in-law -with the Queen, in hopes of her marrying -the Margrave <i>Albert</i>: And the Queen, who -was fond of this Princess, ordered it so, that -she obtain'd the King's Consent to the Marriage, -which was celebrated some time after at <i>Lutzelbourg</i>.<!--061.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span></p> - -<p>Much about this time we had a new Ceremony -in our Climates. This<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> was the Erection -of a Statue which the King caus'd to be set up -in honor of his Father <i>Frederic-William</i> the -Great. 'Tis perfectly like that of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -in the Square of <i>Vendôme</i> at <i>Paris</i>. The Pedestal -and Base are of white Marble. This Statue was -set up <i>July</i> 12, 1703; and the King in order -to do the more Honor to the Elector his Father, -caus'd the Ceremony to be perform'd with a magnificent -Apparatus, in presence of the whole Court, -and all the Benches of Justice.</p> - -<p>The following Year 1704 was happy to the -Allies, by their Victories at <i>Donawert</i> and <i>Hochstet</i>. -The Troops that the King had sent into -<i>Franconia</i> and <i>Bavaria</i>, to the Emperor and -the City of <i>Nuremberg</i><a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>, which call'd for -Help against the <i>Bavarians</i>, contributed not a -little to the obtaining of those Victories. The -King received the News of it by an Express -that was dispatch'd to him from the Prince -of <i>Anhalt</i>, under whose Command those Succours -acted. This Express was follow'd some -Days after by a second, charg'd with a Letter -from Prince <i>Eugene</i> of <i>Savoy</i>, who therein gave -a sublime Encomium on the Valor of the <i>Prussian</i> -Troops. <i>I have been an Eye-witness, <span class="f">said he in his Letter</span>, particularly with regard to the -Infantry of the Right Wing, that all the Officers -as well as the common Soldiers fought with the most -intrepid Courage, and for several Hours check'd -the Efforts of the Enemy, who at length not being -able to resist their Bravery, and the continual Fire -which they made, were put into such a Confusion, that</i><!--062.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> -<i>they were oblig'd to fly with Precipitation, and -to abandon the Field of Battle to us.</i> The Prince -attributes this vigorous Action of the <i>Prussian</i> -Soldiers to the most exemplary Courage and -Valor of the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i> their Commander. -<i>'Tis but Justice</i>, continu'd Prince Eugene, <i>to -give the Prince of <span class="f">Anhalt</span> the Praise he has so -well deserved. He hazarded his Person upon all -Occasions, and not intimidated by the Danger to -which he expos'd it, I always saw him at the -Head of his Troops, leading them on to Battle, -and encouraging them by his own Example; so -that it may be said to his Honor, that he contributed -the greatest Share to that Victory.</i> This was -a Panegyric the more pleasing to the Subject of -it, because it proceeded from the Mouth of a -Prince, who was too great a Master of Courage -to be mistaken.</p> - -<p>After the Campaign was over, my Lord -<i>Marlborough</i> came to <i>Berlin</i>, where he receiv'd -all the Marks of Esteem from the King, which -he could possibly have desired. Every Point -that he negociated for the Operations of the Campaign -was granted him, and he went away from -Court highly satisfied. As soon as he was gone -the Prince Royal set out for <i>Hanover</i>, from -whence he went to <i>Holland</i>; and he intended to -pass over to <i>England</i>, but an Event which happen'd -to the Grief of him and the whole Court, -oblig'd him to return to <i>Berlin</i>.</p> - -<p>This was the unexpected Death of the Queen, -on the 1st of <i>February</i> 1705, after a few -days Illness. This Princess us'd for some time -past to go to <i>Hanover</i>, to make a Visit to the -Electoress her Mother, of whom, as I have already -had the Honor to acquaint you, she was -extremely fond. The Day that she was to set<!--063.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> -out for this Journey she found herself indispos'd, -but did not discover it, for fear lest the King -should not permit her to go. Her Illness continu'd -during the whole Journey, and When she -came to <i>Hanover</i>, what with the fatigue of receiving -Visits from the Ladies of the Court, and her -dancing at a Ball the same day, she grew much -worse. She came from the Ball with a Soreness -in her Throat, which prov'd so violent that the -Physicians and Surgeons soon despair'd of curing -her. The Queen, tho' in the Flower of her Age, -was not at all terrify'd when she saw Death approaching -her. She wrote a very tender Letter -to the King, in which she thanked him for -the Love he had always manifested to her, and -recommended her Domestics to him. Her Brother -the Duke <i>Ernest Augustus</i> was so deeply -concern'd to see her in such a condition, that she -did what she could to comfort him: <i>There is nothing -so natural</i>, said she to him, <i>as Death; 'tis -unavoidable, and tho' I am young enough to hope -to live a few Years longer, yet I am not loth to -die</i>.</p> - -<p>M. <i>de la Bergerie</i> the Minister of the <i>French</i> -Church, who assisted her in her last Moments, -was so surpriz'd at her courage and calmness, -that he was more attentive to hear her than to -exhort her. <i>I have</i>, said she, <i>for twenty Years -seriously study'd my Religion, and have read the -Books that treat of it with too much application -to be in any doubt as to my Principles. You cannot -mention any thing to me but what I have read, -and what you can say to me will certainly add nothing -to my Opinion.</i> Then turning towards my -Cousin, who was on the other side of her Bed, -<i>Alas!</i> said she, <i>what a deal of needless Ceremony -is now going to be us'd about this Body of mine</i>! At<!--064.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -the same time almost, she stretch'd out her Hand -to Duke <i>Ernest</i> her Brother, and said to him, -<i>Dear Brother, I am choak'd</i>; and that Moment -she expir'd.</p> - -<p>A Courier was immediately dispatch'd to the -Prince Royal, who was at the <i>Hague</i>, and M. <i>de -Bulau</i> the Steward of the Queen's Houshold carried -the News to the King, who was so surpriz'd -at it, that he fainted away several times. When -he came to himself he shew'd marks of the sincerest -Affliction, and seem'd fully sensible what a -loss he had sustain'd. Indeed this Princess truly -deserv'd his Lamentation, as well as the Sorrow -of the whole State; and I for my part with my -whole Family lost a solid and sincere Protectress.</p> - -<p>The King's Grief was such, that it had no Interval, -but in his application to pay those Honours -to the Queen, that were due to her Rank. He -was willing to signalize it by the magnificence of -a Funeral Pomp, and for this purpose he himself -issued the necessary Orders. The Elector of <i>Hanover</i> -(afterwards King of <i>England</i>) omitted nothing -on his part to shew his Sorrow for the loss -of so dear a Sister. Her Body was laid for several -days upon a sumptuous Bed of State; her -Ladies and the Officers of her Houshold who -had waited on her to <i>Hanover</i> encompass'd it, -and the Elector's Guards and Officers stay'd with -the Queen's Corpse, and pay'd the same Attendance -as if she had been living. When every -thing was ready to carry the Corpse to <i>Berlin</i>, -the Elector caus'd it to be convey'd by all his -Guards even to the Frontiers of the Duchy of -<i>Zell</i>, where it was receiv'd by M. <i>de Bulau</i> the -Grand Marshal of the Court, who conducted it -to the Territories of <i>Brandenburg</i>; and there it<!--065.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> -was receiv'd by the Count <i>de Witgenstein</i>, who -accompany'd it as far as <i>Berlin</i>, where I remember -it arriv'd about ten o'clock at Night in a terrible -Shower of Rain. The King accompany'd -by the Prince Royal and the Margraves in long -Mourning-Cloaks and by the Ladies of the -Court in deep Mourning-Veils, receiv'd the -Queen's Corpse at its being taken out of the Funeral-Chariot, -and accompany'd it into the Old -Chapel where a magnificent Cataphalque was erected -for depositing it.</p> - -<p>It represented a Temple of an Oval Form, -whose Roof was supported by Pillars of the <i>Corinthian</i> -Order, between each of which were -plac'd Statues that represented the Queen's Vertues. -In the middle of the Cataphalque just in -the Upright there was a Glory, in which there -was the Queen's Cypher form'd by Stars. All the -Statues, that were silver'd, added to the Lustres, -Branches and Chandeliers, made a noble Contrast -with the Black that cover'd the Walls and the -Roof. There the Queen's Corpse was repos'd -till every thing was ready for her Interment. I -will not here enter into the detail of that Ceremony, -which was one of the most magnificent. -What I observ'd extraordinary in it was, that -'twas the King's pleasure that the Parliament of -<i>Orange</i>, of which the greatest part were Refugees -at Court, should appear there in their Scarlet Robes.</p> - -<p>The Queen's Death occasion'd no alteration in -Affairs; for she meddled with the Government -very little, and left all the care of it to the King -and his Ministers: But in matters of Pleasure -she was not so unconcern'd; and she understood -them so well, that she was soon miss'd. The -Courtiers sustain'd a Lose that was irreparable; -for this Princess, who knew every body, was perfectly<!--066.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> -acquainted with every one's Birth and Merit, -and took a delight to distinguish them. Being -lofty, but at the same time polite, she knew better -than any body in the World what it was to keep -a Court; and being virtuous without meanness, -she could tell (which is no easy matter) how to -prescribe just Bounds to that Air of Gallantry, -which alone is capable of rendering a Court agreeable, -and preserving Politeness in it.</p> - -<p>The only Princess capable of supplying her -place was the Margravine <i>Philippa</i>, who then -held the first Rank at Court. She was the -Daughter of the Prince of <i>Anhalt-Dessau</i>, and -of the Princess of <i>Orange</i>. She was good-natur'd -and merry, and fond of Pleasures, but understood -the delicacy of them. She might sometimes -have made us forget the loss of the Queen, if the -austere and perhaps jealous Humor of her Husband -the Margrave <i>Philip</i> had not inclin'd that -Prince to prefer his Residence at his House at -<i>Schwedt</i> to the Court.</p> - -<p>Soon after the Queen, died the Emperor <i>Leopold</i>; -which was an Event that affected us not so -much as the other, but concern'd the rest of <i>Europe</i> -more. It was presently imagin'd that the -Views to the Succession of <i>Spain</i> would have suffer'd -some alteration by this Prince's Death; for -the Emperor <i>Joseph</i> who succeeded his Father -having no Son, the Archduke his Brother who -disputed the Crown of <i>Spain</i> with the Duke of -<i>Anjou</i> was his only Heir, and might one day or -other by his Death become Master of the Empire, -and of the Dominions of the House of -<i>Austria</i>. Therefore they who dreaded to see the -two Crowns united upon one Head, had as much -and more reason to fear the Archduke's making -himself Master of <i>Spain</i>; the Duke of <i>Anjou</i><!--067.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> -who was already in possession of that Crown, being -at that time very remote from that of <i>France</i>, -by reason of the great number of Princes that -had a prior Right to his. Nevertheless the -Powers of <i>Europe</i> were not mov'd by these Reflections, -and the War was continu'd on the side -of the Allies with considerable Success.</p> - -<p>The King of <i>Sweden</i> might, if he had pleased, -have stopp'd the progress of it, and immortaliz'd -his Name by rendring himself the Arbiter of a -Quarrel, which divided <i>Europe</i>; for the Prosperity -of his Arms had render'd him the Terror of -all the Powers in the North. He had in the Year -1704 depriv'd the Elector of <i>Saxony</i> of the Crown -of <i>Poland</i>, by causing King <i>Stanislaus Leszinski</i> -the Palatine of <i>Posen</i>, to be proclaim'd King of -<i>Poland</i>; and he was already in the middle of -<i>Saxony</i> where he committed universal Ravage, -and when he might have turn'd the Balance -which way he pleas'd, the wrong Advice of his -Favorite, corrupted by my Lord <i>Marlborough</i>, -was the cause of the Misfortunes into which that -Prince was afterwards precipitated.</p> - -<p>Our Court has had a sufficient share in these -different Events; but perhaps, <i>Madame</i>, 'tis so -little known at your's as to deserve your Curiosity: -but I will only tell you of what I think -most important.</p> - -<p>The <i>Swedes</i> and <i>Poles</i> had scarce laid down -their Arms when the Differences between the -King of <i>Denmark</i> and the Duke of <i>Holstein</i> gave -them a fresh occasion to take them up again. In -the Conferences that were begun at <i>Pinneberg</i> in -1696, there were hopes that those Princes would -soon be reconcil'd; but they only patch'd up a -Peace which could not last long, because of the -Umbrage the King of <i>Denmark</i> took at the Duke<!--068.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -of <i>Holstein</i>'s strict Alliance with <i>Sweden</i>; and -they quarrel'd again about the limits of their -Dominions. The <i>Danes</i> were the Aggressors, -and they demanded a reinforcement of four -thousand Men of the King of <i>Poland</i>. This -Prince, who naturally took part with those that -declar'd against <i>Sweden</i>, was pleas'd well enough -with the <i>Danes</i> Demand, and as there was an -absolute necessity of passing those Troops over -the Lands of the King, (at that time Elector) he -sent the Count <i>de Flemming</i>, now his Prime Minister, -to our Court, in order to sollicite their passage. -Of a great many Arguments that were alledg'd -against it, the most specious were, 'That -the Mediators being still actually employ'd in -procuring a just and equitable Accommodation, -it was the duty of a Mediator to hinder -the Rupture, rather than contribute to it by -favoring this passage: That the Court of <i>Prussia</i> -was Guarantee for the King of <i>Sweden</i> and -the Duke of <i>Holstein</i>, that neither of those two -Princes should begin the War against the King -of <i>Denmark</i>; and that consequently as War was -not declar'd against that Prince, his <i>Danish</i> Majesty -had no need of Foreign Assistance; and -that finally by giving passage to those Troops -the Duke of <i>Holstein</i> would have just reason to -accuse the Mediation of Partiality.' Nevertheless, -after all these fine reasons, the four thousand -Men had their Passage, either from surprise -or the connivance of the Court. The King of -<i>Poland</i> on his part, in order to make a considerable -Diversion in favor of the King of <i>Denmark</i>, -brought Troops from <i>Livonia</i> and besieg'd <i>Riga</i>, -which then belong'd to the <i>Swedes</i>. This Conduct -of the King of <i>Poland</i>, was, Madame, as -the fatal Signal and the <i>Primum Mobile</i> of that<!--069.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -tragical War, which tho' so glorious for the King -of <i>Sweden</i> in the beginning, ended in the ruin -not only of his Kingdom, but also of <i>Poland</i> and -<i>Saxony</i>. And the greatest Gainer by it was the -<i>Czar</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>Danes</i> while they waited for the Succours -they had demanded from <i>Poland</i>, besieg'd the -Fortress of <i>Tonningen</i> in the Duchy of <i>Sleswic</i>. -The King of <i>Sweden</i> and the Duke of <i>Holstein</i>, -before they oppos'd this Enterprize, preferr'd -their Complaints to the Dyet of the Empire, -and then prepar'd for driving the <i>Danes</i> out of -the Country. The Elector of <i>Hanover</i> and the -Duke of <i>Zell</i> join'd those two Princes, and the -latter marching to the Relief of <i>Tonningen</i> had -the Honor of obliging the Besiegers to abandon -it, upon the report only of his Approach. This -Prince therefore having nothing to do towards -<i>Tonningen</i>, went with his Troops and rejoin'd -the Elector of <i>Hanover</i>. They met the four -thousand Men whom the King of <i>Poland</i> was -sending to the Assistance of the <i>Danes</i>, but only -took their Baggage and Arms, and then left them -at liberty to return home.</p> - -<p>The King of <i>Sweden</i>, on his part, push'd on -the War against the <i>Poles</i>. That great Prince -whom extraordinary Undertakings never startled, -having already ravag'd a part of <i>Poland</i>, design'd -a bold stroke, which was no less than dethroning -the lawful King of that Country, and setting -up another in his room. He had cast his -eyes upon <i>James</i> of <i>Poland</i>, Son of King <i>John -Sobieski</i>; but the King of <i>Poland</i> parry'd this -blow, by causing the Prince <i>James</i> and his -Brother Prince <i>Constantine</i>, to be carried away -from an Estate of theirs near <i>Breslau</i> to <i>Saxony</i>, -where they were strictly guarded like<!--070.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> -Prisoners at the Castle of <i>Leipsic</i>. The Confinement -of these Princes did indeed hinder either -of them from being elected King; but the King -of <i>Sweden</i> still persisted in his design of dethroning -the King of <i>Poland</i>, on purpose to be reveng'd -of that Prince for being so rash as to be -the first that declar'd War against him. He -caused the Election to fall upon <i>Stanislaus Leczinski</i> -the Palatine of <i>Posen</i>. The Bishop of -<i>Posen</i> officiated as Cardinal Primate in this Ceremony, -and proclaim'd the new King. The King -of <i>Sweden</i> wrote to all the Princes with whom -he was at peace, to acquaint them of this new -Election, and to exhort them to recognize it. -The Letter he wrote to our King had no Influence -over him; for he made answer, that he -had recogniz'd one King of <i>Poland</i> already, and -that as long as he liv'd he would acknowledge -no other. He wrote at the same time to the -King of <i>Poland</i>, to demand the Liberty of -the two Princes. The Emperor, to whom -the eldest had the Honour of being Brother-in-law, -seconded the King's Demand; but the -Solicitations of both had no consequence, and -the Princes were not releas'd till a long time -after.</p> - -<p>The following Year the King undertook to -procure a Peace between the Kings of <i>Sweden</i> and -<i>Poland</i>; but as the view of such Reconciliation -was to re-establish the Prince of <i>Saxony</i> upon the -Throne of <i>Poland</i>, the King of <i>Sweden</i> would -hearken to no Proposal of Peace, unless the dethron'd -King would solemnly renounce the -Crown. Mean time his <i>Swedish</i> Majesty, in order -to mollify his Refusal of the King's Mediation, -sent an Ambassador-Extraordinary to him -to recognize him as King of <i>Prussia</i>. This Ambassador<!--071.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> -was the first that ever made a public -Entry at <i>Berlin</i>, and 'twas one of the most -splendid that cou'd be, tho' all the Equipages -were in Mourning by reason of the Death of the -Queen.</p> - -<p>Thus did this crafty King, by amusing those -he had a mind to keep fair with, always push at -his own ends. He continu'd to ravage <i>Poland</i>, -and drove the King from thence into his Electorate -of <i>Saxony</i>. There the <i>Swedish</i> Soldiers took -up their Winter-Quarters, and committed such -Outrages as one would not have expected from -a Nation so fruitful in Heroes. The <i>Swedish</i> -Prince signaliz'd his Entrance into <i>Saxony</i> by a -glorious Action, which was procuring the Liberty -of the two <i>Polish</i> Princes, who had for two Years -been detain'd Prisoners with very great Severity -and as little Reason. He afterwards march'd -through all <i>Saxony</i> with the haughtiness of a -Conqueror who comes to prescribe Laws to those -whom he has reduc'd to his Obedience. As for -King <i>Stanislaus</i> whom he had caus'd to be -crown'd King of <i>Poland</i> at <i>Warsaw</i>, he led him -about, with him as it were in Triumph. As this new -King advanc'd towards the Territories of the Electorate -of <i>Brandenburg</i>, to meet the Queen his Wife -who was coming from <i>Stetin</i>, our Court caus'd all -the Honours to be paid to him that were due to -the Royal Dignity, without recognizing him all -the while for King. This Complaisance of our -Court won the King of <i>Sweden</i>'s Heart. Mean -time the Neighbourhood of this great Monarch, -who, where-ever he march'd, carried Fire and -Sword with him, gave vast uneasiness, and the -Joy was as great when he manifested a Design -to turn his Arms against the <i>Muscovites</i>, which -he was put upon to do by the <i>English</i>. They<!--072.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -had for some time past suspected him to be supported -under-hand by <i>France</i>, and they thought the -best way to embroil him with that Crown was to -engage him in a War with the <i>Czar</i>. The Person -commission'd to negociate this Affair was my -Lord <i>Marlborough</i>, who went to the King of -<i>Sweden</i>, and soon put his Negociation in a hopeful -way to succeed. He found about the King -a Minister so sordid, that he was not proof against -an Offer of three hundred thousand -Crowns, to betray his Master into a War which -could not but be fatal to him; whereas, if he -had pleas'd, he might have acquir'd immortal -Glory in the midst of <i>Saxony</i>, by rendring himself -the Umpire of two of the most potent Families -in <i>Europe</i>, then contending for the Crown of -<i>Spain</i>. This Minister knowing his Master's ambitious -Temper, propos'd no less to him than dethroning -the <i>Czar</i>. The young Monarch full -of Zeal and Courage did not imagine how impossible -it was to dethrone a Prince who was retir'd -behind Provinces quite deserted, and where -the Snow lay so deep that 'twas difficult to distinguish -whether they walk'd upon Land or Rivers. -He march'd out of the Electorate of -<i>Saxony</i> at the Head of his Troops about the end -of the Year 1707. Never had People juster -Reasons for giving public Marks of their Joy, -than the <i>Saxons</i> had to see the <i>Swedish</i> Monarch -turn his Back to them. His Troops had committed -excessive Outrages in the Electorate; all -the flat Country of <i>Saxony</i> was intirely ruin'd, -and, except some great Towns such as <i>Leipsic</i>, -where they generously enough spent part of the -Money they had extorted from the poor <i>Saxon</i> -Peasant, there was not a Hamlet but was laid -waste to such a degree, that there were no hopes<!--073.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -of its being restor'd to its original Condition one -while.</p> - -<p>Yet if the Misfortunes of an Enemy can in any -measure compensate the Losses he has occasion'd, -the <i>Saxons</i> had all the reason in the World to be -pleas'd in the Sequel. The <i>Swedish</i> Troops gave -way every where to the <i>Muscovites</i>, who flush'd -with former Victories, beat them to nothing.</p> - -<p>The greatest Loss the King of <i>Sweden</i> sustain'd -was near <i>Pultowa</i>. This Prince, who was more -ambitious than prudent, being got too far into -<i>Muscovy</i>, did not perceive his error till it was -too late to retrieve it. The <i>Czar</i> had the Precaution, -as he retir'd a little before into his own -Dominions, to burn above forty Leagues of -Country thro' which the King of <i>Sweden</i> was to -pass to him; so that this Prince soon found himself -in a very sad situation, not being able to stay -in a place where there was no manner of Provision, -and forc'd to engage with an Army well -intrench'd and far superior to his own. But -there was no avoiding it, and a Battle was fought -the 8th of <i>July</i> 1709, when the <i>Swedes</i> were -all either cut in pieces or taken Prisoners by the -<i>Muscovites</i>. The King who was oblig'd by a -Wound in his Heel to be carry'd in a Litter had -like to have been kill'd, for one Cannon-Ball -kill'd one of his Horses, and a second demolish'd -his Litter. The whole Army was in pain for -the King's Life; but the Officers who were near -his Person snatch'd him out of danger, and advis'd -him to provide for his safety. This Prince -was very loth to comply with such a resolution, -but finding himself oblig'd to yield to Force, retir'd -to <i>Bender</i>, a little Town at the entrance of -<i>Moldavia</i>, which belongs to the <i>Turkish</i> Empire. -The King of <i>Sweden</i> was no sooner safe,<!--074.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -but the Remains of his Army with their Generals -at their head submitted to the Conqueror. This, -Madame, was the Success of the Battle of <i>Pultowa</i>; -a Battle glorious to the <i>Muscovites</i>, but -so fatal to the King of <i>Sweden</i> that he could never -recover it: For after this Defeat this young -Hero was always expos'd to the most cruel Reverses -of that very Fortune, which in his early -Years seem'd to delight in heaping Favors on -him.</p> - -<p>Mean time the two Families in competition -for the Crown of <i>Spain</i> had not yet sheath'd -their Swords. The King of <i>Sweden</i> was even -yet in the Electorate of <i>Saxony</i> when the <i>French</i> -lost the famous Battle of <i>Ramellies</i>, which procur'd -the Allies the greatest part of the <i>Spanish -Netherlands</i>. The Troops in <i>Italy</i> also distinguish'd -themselves, and particularly the <i>Prussians</i>, -who had so great a share in the raising of the -Siege of <i>Turin</i>, that the Duke of <i>Savoy</i> wrote a -Letter to the King, in which he extolled the Valor -of the <i>Prussian</i> Generals and Soldiers. "Yesterday, -<i>said he</i>, the Enemy's Army was intirely -put to the rout in their own Lines before this -place (<i>Turin</i>), in which your Majesty's Troops -had the greatest share, and I can never enough -commend their Bravery, nor the notable Valour -of the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i>, who led them -on, <i>&c.</i>" This Letter was dated the 8th of -<i>September</i>, 1706.</p> - -<p>The Prince of <i>Anhalt</i> too sent an Express -with the same News to the King, and gave a -great Character of the Troops under his Command. -"As your Majesty's Troops, <i>said he, -in his Letter</i>, were the first that enter'd the -Enemy's Trenches, so they have suffer'd very -much, and especially the Grenadiers. I may<!--075.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> -say that your Majesty's Forces have behav'd -so well, that they are intitled to universal Praise -and Admiration, <i>&c</i>." Then he enter'd into -the Detail of the Losses sustain'd by the <i>French</i>, -which were indeed very considerable. 'Twas -upon this occasion that the Marshal <i>de Marsin</i> -was wounded and taken Prisoner, and besides -forty-five Pieces of heavy Cannon and one hundred -and forty lesser that were taken from them, -they lost a great Convoy of two thousand Mules -and one thousand Horses, which was guarded -by the Regiment of Dragoons of <i>Chatillon</i>.</p> - -<p>The raising of this Siege, and the Reputation -the <i>Prussian</i> Troops thereby acquired was very -acceptable News to the King, and while the -Court was rejoicing for this, there arriv'd other -Advices which gave them no less pleasure; and -that was the raising of the Siege of <i>Barcelona</i>. -This City had been besieg'd for some time by -the Marshal <i>de Tesse</i>; but King <i>Charles</i> who -defended it made so stout a Resistance and such -destructive Sallies upon the <i>French</i> Army, that -the latter was oblig'd to retire. The King was -inform'd of it by an Express from King -<i>Charles</i>.</p> - -<p>So many Successes one after another rais'd -the hopes of the Allies prodigiously. The Terror -the <i>French</i> Arms had for a long time impress'd -upon their Minds soon wore off, and -nothing was heard every where but shouts of -Joy, to see so haughty a Nation at last humbled. -Our Court was more rejoic'd than any other at -this great News, and every one envy'd the Fortune -of the <i>Prussian</i> Soldiers, when they saw that -the Duke of <i>Savoy</i> and the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i> -themselves, gave them the highest Encomia.<!--076.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span></p> - -<p>At this happy Juncture was celebrated the -Marriage of the Prince Royal, which had been -concluded at <i>Hanover</i>, a Journey the King made -thither with the Prince his Son. This young Prince -had for a long time such a veneration for the -Princess the Elector's Daughter, as 'twas possible -for the most accomplish'd Merit to inspire him -with, and of all the Princesses in the World -she was like to be the most acceptable to her -Subjects; she represented to us the Idea of the -late Queen, and as she was her Niece and design'd -to succeed to her Dominions, she seem'd also to -have inherited all the great Qualities that made -the former ador'd at our Court. The Electoral -Prince of <i>Hanover</i> married her at <i>Hanover</i> by -Proxy, in presence of the Count <i>de Finck</i> the -King's Ambassador. The Princess set out from -thence some days after with a Train becoming -her present and her future Dignity. The Elector -her Father had given her the most magnificent -Suits of Apparel and Jewels that could -be got for Money, and they were purchas'd at -<i>Paris</i> by a Man sent on purpose. The Duchess -of <i>Orleans</i> was desirous to chuse and give Directions -for the Clothes, and she afterwards -shewed them to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. who thought them -so rich that he said it were to be wish'd for the -sake of the Mercers of <i>Paris</i>, that there were -more Princesses that could afford to make such -Purchases.</p> - -<p>'Twas <i>Novemb. 27, 1706</i>, that this Princess -made her public Entry at <i>Berlin</i>. The King -met her about half a League out of Town. -As soon as her Royal Highness perceiv'd the -King's Coach she alighted, as the King did -also from his and went to meet her. After -having embraced the Princess he presented the<!--077.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -Prince Royal to her, together with his Brothers -and the two Princesses. Then the King -took Coach again, where the Princess plac'd herself -on the King's left hand; and the two Margraves -sate over-against them; the Prince-Royal -and the King's three Brothers being mounted -on Horseback. The Entry was one of the -most magnificent that was ever seen. All the -Troops then at <i>Berlin</i> were under Arms, as -well as all the City-Militia, and drawn up in a -Line from the Out-parts of the Town quite -to the Palace. The next day after the Princess's -Arrival, there was a sumptuous Feast, at -which the Prince Royal and the Princess had -Arm-Chairs, but for that day only; for the -next day their Royal Hignesses sate in upright -Chairs at the two ends of the Table.</p> - -<p>Our Court was then as splendid as in the -time of the late Queen. There was a continual -Round of Pleasures, and every day was remarkable -for Feasts, Balls, Comedies, <i>&c.</i> These -Rejoicings had lasted a good while, when all on -a sudden we had a most terrible Alarm. The King -fell dangerously ill, and his Physicians began -to despair of his Recovery. But God, who always -considers the Wants of his People, did us -the favor to restore him to us for a while longer. -Upon his Recovery he receiv'd the Compliments -of the whole Court, and the Congratulations of -the Princes his Allies, who acknowledg'd as well -as his Subjects how necessary his Preservation -was to the Common Cause.</p> - -<p>Not long after the King's Recovery, I saw -the young Count <i>de Metternich</i> arrive at <i>Berlin</i>, -who came to bring the King Advice, That the -<i>Swissers</i> had at length recogniz'd his Majesty for -Sovereign Prince of <i>Neufchâtel</i>, preferably to the<!--078.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -other Princes his Competitors. The Count <i>de -Metternich</i>, who was the King's Ambassador in -<i>Swisserland</i>, had the good Fortune to carry this -Point, notwithstanding the Menaces of <i>France</i>, -who asserted the Interests of several of her Subjects, -at the Head of whom was the Prince of -<i>Conti</i>. Madame <i>de Nemours</i>, the Sovereign of -<i>Neufchâtel</i>, was no sooner dead, but each of the -Claimants put in their Plea of Right to this Sovereignty. -As soon as the News of her Death -was confirm'd, the King sent Orders to M. <i>de -Metternich</i>, his Ambassador-Extraordinary and his -Plenipotentiary in <i>Swisserland</i>, to repair to <i>Neufchâtel</i> -and take care of his Interests. He went -thither accordingly on the 30th of <i>June</i>, and -caus'd a Memorial to be distributed at his Arrival, -containing the King's Right to the said -Principality. The <i>French</i> Competitors on their -part distributed another, to establish their own -Rights, and invalidate the Pretensions of the -King. There happen'd to be Disputes between -the Prince of <i>Conti</i> and the <i>Prussian</i> Ambassador -about Precedency. M. <i>de Puisieux</i> the Ambassador -of <i>France</i>, as it was his Duty to do, maintain'd -the Interests of the Prince of <i>Conti</i>, and -presented to the Council of <i>Neufchâtel</i> a Memorial -so haughty and menacing, as if it had come -from victorious <i>France</i> in the Time when she -was flush'd with Conquests. He said in this -Memorial, "That the King his Master cannot -look with Indifference upon the Conduct at -<i>Neufchâtel</i>, in presuming to be so disrespectful -to the Princes of his Family; that it wou'd -be the wisest way for the Gentlemen of the -Council speedily to take Measures to prevent -this Pretension of the <i>Prussian</i> Minister from -being carried any further, a Pretension, <i>said</i><!--079.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -<i>he</i>, which has no Foundation, but in Malice -or Ignorance; because even tho' the new Title, -which the Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> has assum'd -for some years, were universally recogniz'd, -yet this very Pretension of his Ambassador's -would be always chimerical." Here M. -<i>de Puisieux</i> gave them Warning, "That if they -did not soon alter their Conduct, the King of -<i>France</i> wou'd take Measures very opposite to -the pacific and kind Sentiments which he had -entertain'd since the Affair of <i>Neufchâtel</i> was -first in agitation." Such, <i>Madame</i>, was the -Strain in which the <i>French</i> Minister talk'd. This -Memorial was follow'd by several others, which -went to the very bottom of the Affair; and M. -<i>de Puisieux</i>, in order to engage the Council of -<i>Neufchâtel</i> to favour the <i>French</i> Claimants, still -continued to talk in such a high Stile, as prejudiced -every body against the Side that he espous'd. -You may judge of this Ambassador's manner of -Negociation, by the last Memorial which he -presented towards the close of <i>October</i> 1707. -After having establish'd the Right of the <i>French</i> -Competitors with continual Invectives, he concluded -thus; <i>If it happens contrary to my Expectation, -that your Answer is not conformable to -what I demand,—I have fresh Orders from his -Majesty to assure you, that nothing will be capable -to hinder the Effects of his Indignation, or to -screen you from that just Vengeance which he proposes -to take.</i> Then, as if he affected to speak in -a softer Strain, he said to them with an Air of -Protection, "That he hop'd while he staid at -<i>Neufchâtel</i>, to find favourable Inclinations for -the entire Performance of what he wish'd for." -<i>'Tis the only thing you can do -(<span class="f">these are the last Words of his Memorial</span>) -to merit the Continuance</i><!--080.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> -<i>of his Majesty's Good-will. I wish for my -own part, that you wou'd furnish me with Opportunities -to help maintain you in it.</i> But all -these Menaces of the <i>French</i> Ambassador came -to nothing, and only procur'd him sharp Answers -from the Ambassadors of <i>Prussia</i>, <i>England</i>, -and <i>Holland</i>; for things went on in the same -Course in the Council of <i>Neufchâtel</i>, and the -whole Affair was determined to the Satisfaction -of the King, who was proclaim'd Sovereign -thereof on the 3d of <i>November</i> 1707.</p> - -<p>As soon as the King had been recogniz'd in -that Sovereignty, the Count <i>de Metternich</i> sent -his Son to his Majesty with the Sentence of the -three Estates, declaring the King lawful Heir -of the said Principality, by <i>Louisa</i> of <i>Nassau</i> his -Mother, the eldest Daughter of Prince <i>Frederic-Henry</i>, -Son of <i>William</i> of <i>Nassau</i> call'd the <i>Belgic</i>, -to whom there had been a Transfer of the Rights -of the House of <i>Chalons</i>, to which the Sovereignty -and Domaine of <i>Neufchâtel</i> originally -belong'd.</p> - -<p>The News of the Acquisition of this Sovereignty -cou'd not but be very acceptable to the King, -who gave the young Count a most favorable -Reception, made him noble Presents, and amongst -others, gave him the Key of Chamberlain.</p> - -<p>Not many days after, <i>viz. Nov</i>. 23, 1707, -the Court had a fresh Subject of Joy, by the -Princess Royal's safe Delivery of a Prince, whom -the King immediately declared Prince of <i>Orange</i>, -and made him at the same time a Knight of the -Grand Order. His Majesty after this dispatch'd -Couriers to his Ambassadors at the Courts of the -Princes his Allies to acquaint them of the Birth -of his Grandson. M. <i>de Spanheim</i> the Ambassador -in <i>England</i> received Orders to desire the<!--081.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> -Queen to be God-mother to the young Prince;, -and M. <i>de Schmettau</i> Ambassador in <i>Holland</i>, -and M. <i>de Metternich</i> Ambassador in <i>Swisserland</i>, -were charged to invite the States with -whom they resided to be God-fathers. Besides -these Powers, the King and the Elector of <i>Hanover</i> -were God-fathers, and the Electoress of -<i>Hanover</i> was God-mother. The Baptism was -performed with great Magnificence on the 3d of -<i>December</i> in the Church of the <i>Dome</i>. The Joy -at Court for the Birth of this Prince was of no -long Duration; for in a few Months after, he died: -but the Sorrow for the Loss of him was alleviated, -by the Hopes that the Prince Royal had Youth -and Health enough to give us soon more Heirs. -The Incident that was most alarming, was the -weakly Condition of the King, who recover'd -but slowly from his Grand Ailment; so that his -Physicians advis'd him to make use of the Waters -of<i>Carlsbadt</i> in <i>Bohemia</i>; and at the beginning of -the fine Season, his Majesty went thither accordingly.</p> - -<p>The King's Departure being resolv'd on, I -begg'd his Majesty's leave, to make the Campaign -in <i>Flanders</i> in quality of a Voluntier. -I set out from <i>Berlin</i> with the <i>Gens d'Arms</i>, -in which my Brother was a Cornet, and we -join'd the Army near <i>Louvain</i>. The Count -<i>de Lottum</i> receiv'd me as a Voluntier; and -I had the Pleasure to be near him all the -Campaign. Not many days after I had reached -the Army, the Electoral Prince of <i>Hanover</i>, -(now <i>George</i> II. King of <i>England</i>) arrived -in the Camp of my Lord <i>Marlborough</i>, and did -that General the Honor to serve with him as a -Voluntier. The young Prince distinguish'd himself -very much in this Campaign, and gave the<!--082.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -<i>English</i> sufficient Proof that he was worthy hereafter -of wearing their Crown. 'Twas in this -Campaign that the famous Battel of <i>Audenarde</i> -was fought, in which the <i>French</i> were again -obliged to yield to the Efforts of the Allies. -It must be said however, in their favor, that they -were forc'd to fight without Artillery; for they -had but four Pieces of Cannon, the rest of their -Ordnance and Baggage not being yet arriv'd. -The Action was very hot on both sides; they -fought for several Hours with exceeding Obstinacy, -and always with a considerable Loss on the part -of the Enemy; whose Infantry was not only put -to the rout, but a great many Squadrons of the -<i>French</i> King's Houshold Troops; which advanc'd -to support the Foot; were cut in pieces; -whereupon the Confusion was so great, and the -fire so furious in several places at once, that -'twas almost impossible to distinguish the Allies -from the Enemy; therefore Orders were given -to fire no more till next Morning, but to let the -Enemy escape, rather than run the risque of -putting our own Army in confusion.</p> - -<p>The Night being come, the <i>French</i> scarce -made any more Resistance but retir'd by the -way that goes from <i>Audenarde</i> to <i>Ghent</i>, thro' -the Village of <i>Heusden</i>. This very Evening as -I was standing with some Officers of the Guards, -at a small distance from the <i>Prussian</i> Guards, I -perceiv'd a Trooper riding full speed towards us, -who, when he arriv'd said, <i>Gentlemen, the Duke</i> -de Vendosme <i>orders you to retire towards</i> Ghent. -I cannot express to you how much he was surpriz'd -when we told him for Answer, That he -was a Prisoner. <i>Kill me</i>, said he, <i>upon the spot, -I don't desire to out-live what has happened to me</i>. -We comforted him as well as we cou'd, and carried<!--083.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> -him to the Count <i>de Lottum</i>'s Quarters, to -whom he made himself known for M. <i>Duplanti</i>, -Aid de Camp to the Duke <i>de Vendosme</i>. What -led him into the mistake was the Habit of the -<i>Prussian</i> Guards, which is not very different from -that of the <i>French</i>.</p> - -<p>The Battle of <i>Audenarde</i> was the more glorious -for the Allies, because it was a Victory -gain'd over the Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> who commanded -the Army of <i>France</i>, and had with him -the Duke of <i>Berry</i> his Brother, and the Chevalier -<i>de St. George</i>; but they say this Battle was -quite against the Opinion of the Duke <i>de Vendosme</i>, -whose Advice was not hearken'd to, and -the Cabals which the Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> gave -into, hinder'd the Designs of that famous General -from being follow'd, and were the Cause -of the Loss of the Battle.</p> - -<p>Next day about ten o'clock at Night the -Count <i>de Lottum</i> was detach'd from the Grand -Army with forty Squadrons and thirty Battalions, -and without any Resistance took possession, -of the Lines towards <i>Ypres</i>, which were immediately -demolish'd. The 19th of that Month -was celebrated by the Army as a Day of -Thanksgiving for the Victory they had -gain'd; upon which all the Cannon were fir'd, -and there was a triple Salvo of all the small -Arms.</p> - -<p>On the 26th, my Lord <i>Marlborough</i>, who only -waited for a Convoy of the heavy Artillery to -begin the Siege of <i>Lisle</i>, sent a Detachment to -<i>Brussels</i>, where there was a considerable Train, -which came partly from <i>Sas van Ghent</i> and -<i>Maestricht</i>. This March was cover'd by 22,000 -Men of Prince <i>Eugene</i>'s Army, which he himself -commanded in Person. This great Convoy arriving<!--084.png--><span class="pagenum">78</span> -safe before <i>Lisle</i>, the Town was invested -the 13th of <i>August</i>. As it was one of the most -considerable Sieges that had been undertaken for -a long time; and as 'twas natural to expect a vigorous -Resistance, on the part of the Marshal <i>de -Boufflers</i> who commanded in the Place, there -came Voluntiers from all Quarters to the Camp of -the Besiegers. Two great Princes, both able Generals, -thought fit to be present at this Siege, -<i>viz.</i> the King of <i>Poland</i> and the Landgrave of -<i>Hesse-Cassel</i>, who were at the opening of the -Trenches, which was on the 22d at Night.</p> - -<p>Some Days after, the Enemy approach'd so -near to us, that it was believed they had an Inclination -to engage. Our Generals were therefore at the -head of the Army as soon as the Day broke. -Prince <i>Eugene</i> join'd my Lord <i>Marlborough</i> with -twenty-six Battalions and seventy-six Squadrons -of his Army which form'd the Siege; and the -Army being drawn up in three Lines, of which -the two foremost consisted of the Cavalry; they -remain'd in this Posture till about ten o' clock in -the Forenoon, when 'twas visible that the Enemy -had no mind to come to a Battle, and that -they only meant to disturb us; for which Reason -the Generals caus'd Entrenchments to be cast up, -which were finish'd next Day, and the Detachment -which Prince <i>Eugene</i> brought, was sent -back again, excepting some Squadrons that -staid.</p> - -<p>There was then so little Apprehension of an -Attack, that most of the Generals quitted the -Grand Army to assist in the storming of the -Counterscarp, which happen'd on the 5th of -<i>September</i> at Night. Our Men earned it, tho' -with very great Loss on our side, and made -Lodgments on it. When this Attack was over,<!--085.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> -we set out to return to the Grand Army; but to -our misfortune the Guide that had conducted us, -was run away; and as it was not then more than -one or two o'clock in the Morning, we were in -a very great Perplexity, and fell exactly into the -Road that led to the Centre of the Enemy's -Camp. I was on horseback, perhaps a hundred -Yards from the Count <i>de Lottum</i> who was in his -Coach, when all on a sudden I heard some body -call out, <i>Who goes there?</i> I confess to you, <i>Madame</i> -that I was somewhat surpriz'd, but I comforted -my self with the Thought, that it was perhaps -a Centinel of some <i>Walloon</i> Regiment of -the <i>Spanish</i> Troops, so that I answer'd, <i>Officers</i>. -We were got in the midst of Hedges and Trees, -which hinder'd me of the Benefit of a little Moonlight, -by which I might perhaps have discover'd -with whom we had to do; and therefore I still -went on: but I was no sooner out of the Thicket, -than I found my self near enough to a Body -of Horse, to discern that 'twas impossible it -shou'd belong to us, because it was too near the -Place, and because it fronted us. I presently saw -our Danger; I turn'd back as gently as I cou'd -possibly to the Count <i>de Lottum</i>, and told him -what I had observ'd. M. <i>de K——</i> his first Adjutant -call'd me a Simpleton. <i>Kraut</i> the second Adjutant -treated me in much the same Stile; and in -short I had like to have been dismissed for a -Fool; only the Count <i>de Lottum</i> thought it was -Wisdom to run no hazard, and therefore he order'd -his Coachman to turn about, and the Officer -of the Ordnance was detach'd to see whether I -was mistaken. The Truth of the Fact being by -him confirm'd, the Adjutants were almost -frighten'd out of their Wits, made a thousand Apologies, -and promis'd to make me any sort of<!--086.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> -amends, if we were but so fortunate as to escape -the Danger which threaten'd us. At last we were -delivered out of it, I don't well know how; for -had the Enemy advanc'd ever so little, we were -sure of being left dead on the Spot.</p> - -<p>Thus, <i>Madame</i>, have I given you what pass'd -most remarkable since the Storm of the Counterscarp. -On the 11th, some Motion was made on -the part of the Enemy, who even advanc'd almost -up to our Trenches; but we were in a Posture -to receive them. Their Army lay all -Night under Arms, and next Morning at Daybreak -drew up in Order of Battle, but contrary to -our Expectation nothing came of it; for the -Princes of <i>France</i>, the Chevalier <i>de St. George</i>, the -Duke <i>de Vendosme</i>, and several General Officers -contented themselves with taking a View of our -Camp; but as they advanc'd somewhat too near -to our Intrenchments, we were oblig'd to be a -little rude to such great Princes, and to let fly -some Cannon-Ball among them, whereupon they -thought fit to retire.</p> - -<p>My Lord Duke heard the same Day, that M. -<i>de Chamillard</i>, Secretary at War, was arriv'd from -<i>Versailles</i> in the Army of <i>France</i>, to be present at -a Council which was to be held there. It was -therein resolv'd, That we should not be attack'd, -and that their only Business should be to cut off -our Convoys from <i>Brussels</i>. To execute this -Project they posted themselves behind the <i>Scheld</i>, -from whence they indeed did very much incommode -us. We had no Passage left now but from -<i>Ostend</i>, by which General <i>Webb</i> brought us a considerable -Convoy. M. <i>de la Motte</i>, a Lieutenant-General -of the <i>French</i> Army endeavor'd to hinder -its Passage; he had also the Advantage of -the Ground. Nevertheless he was defeated near<!--087.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> -<i>Wynendale</i>. To this Convoy may be ascrib'd -the Conquest of <i>Lisle</i>, which was at length oblig'd -to surrender on the 28th of <i>October</i>, and -the Marshal <i>de Boufflers</i> retir'd into the Citadel; -yet as brave as the Garison was that march'd -into it with him, he could not hold it out long. -Thus the Allies gain'd some considerable Advantage -or other every day. Never did they -make a more glorious Campaign; for besides the -taking of <i>Lisle</i> and its Citadel, they had also the -Glory in this same Campaign of raising the Siege -which the Elector of <i>Bavaria</i> had laid to <i>Brussels</i>, -and of reducing <i>Ghent</i> and <i>Bruges</i>.</p> - -<p>I forgot to tell you, that during the Siege of -<i>Lisle</i>, we had like to have lost Prince <i>Eugene</i>. -This Prince receiv'd a Packet one day by the -Post, and having broke it open, he saw a greasy -Paper, which gave him a mistrust; but he -only threw it upon the Ground, and a Person -that gathered it up being taken ill, it induc'd -them to make an Experiment upon a Dog, which -when they had rubb'd it about his Nose, died -that Instant. Thus was God pleas'd to preserve -this Hero from the basest of Treasons.</p> - -<p>I wish'd I could have been at the taking of -<i>Lisle</i>, but was oblig'd to quit the Army some -time before, M. <i>Dankelman</i> my Tutor having receiv'd -the King's Orders to send me to <i>Berlin</i>, -where his Majesty design'd to give me a Place at -Court; and as he had Thoughts of marrying again, -he propos'd to prefer me to an Employment -under the new Queen.</p> - -<p>The King's Marriage was talk'd of at the Waters -of <i>Carelsbadt</i>. I have had the honor to acquaint -you, <i>Madame</i>, that the Physicians not -knowing what Remedy to prescribe, for curing -him of the Faintness, which was the Relic of his<!--088.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> -great illness in 1707, had at all adventures order'd -the Waters of <i>Carelsbadt</i>, and the King -was perfectly recover'd by them. The Recovery -of his Health reviv'd the Pleasures of the -Court. The voluptuous Courtier, who had not -yet forgot what the Presence of an amiable Queen -is capable of doing, began to form Vows, that -the King might make a Choice as good as -the first: nay, the matter was carried farther; -it was mention'd to his Majesty, who was -told withal, that nothing was more necessary, -than to think immediately of a second Marriage; -and that the Prince Royal having no Children, -there was Danger of his Majesty's leaving -no Issue. In short, every body voted so heartily -for a Marriage, that the King, who also was -desirous of it, declar'd he wou'd marry again. -The only difficulty was to know, who should be -the Princess that was to be advanc'd to the Throne; -and then arose several Parties, who had each -very different Views.</p> - -<p>The Great Chamberlain was for the Princess of -<i>Nassau-Friesland</i>, a Marriage with whom, he -imagin'd, would put an end to all the Disputes -about King <i>William</i>'s Succession. The King -approv'd of the Proposal, and sent the Baron <i>de -Schalifer</i> to negociate the Treaty. You would -not believe perhaps, <i>Madame</i>, that the very -Mother of this Princess caus'd it to miscarry, from -a Jealousy of her Daughter's Grandeur. Her -Pretext was, that she had before vainly flatter'd herself -with the Hopes of marrying her Daughter to -the Prince Royal; that she had been bubbled then; -and that it would be the same thing now. The Assurances -that the Baron gave her to the contrary, -and the Advantages he shew'd her would accrue -to her Family from this Match, were all to no<!--089.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -purpose; she remain'd inflexible; and told him in -plain Terms, that she could not bear to think of -seeing her Daughter so much above her. The -Baron having made some other Attempts, this -jealous Mother prevail'd on her Daughter to -refuse the greatest Offer she could ever hope for. -A great many of the Courtiers were not sorry to -see this Match broke off. They had been jealous -for a long time of the great Credit of the -Prince of <i>Anhalt</i>, who being Uncle to the Princess -in question, 'twas natural to presume, that -she would grow more powerful than before, besides -the being more united than ever to the -Great Chamberlain, to whom the Prince would -be oblig'd for this Marriage.</p> - -<p>Then the Princess of <i>Hesse</i> was propos'd, and the -Princess of <i>Culmbach</i>. The former had the Negative -put upon her the very Moment that she -was mention'd, and that by the King himself. -The latter was known to the King, who had seen -her at <i>Hall</i>, as he return'd from <i>Carelsbadt</i>. His -Majesty thought very well of her, and had even -seem'd inclinable to determine in her favor, when, -opposite Cabals were set at work, which quite -frustrated the Proposal.</p> - -<p>The Duchess of <i>Zeitz</i>, the King's Sister, who -married a Duke of <i>Meckelbourg</i> to her first Husband, -proposed the Princess of <i>Meckelbourg</i> to -the King. His Majesty, who had still perhaps -the Princess of <i>Culmbach</i> in his Thoughts, did not -seem at first to relish this Proposal; nevertheless -upon the Instances made to him by the Duchess -his Sister, he promised her to see the Princess -of <i>Meckelbourg</i> before he determin'd in favor -of any other Person. This he did accordingly, -some time after he return'd to <i>Berlin</i>, when he -went to <i>Schwerin</i>, the Capital City of <i>Meckelbourg</i>,<!--090.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> -on pretence of endeavoring to accommodate -the Differences between the Duke and the -Nobility. There it was that the King saw the -Princess; she pleas'd him, and besides he had -heard so much in her Praise, that at length he -determin'd to have her; and as soon as he return'd -to <i>Oranienbourg</i>, he declared his Marriage.</p> - -<p>This News did not create so much Joy at -our Court as I imagin'd it wou'd; and the Courtiers -began to reflect seriously, upon what they had -seem'd to wish for with Impatience. They call'd -to mind the Time of the late Queen. Moreover, -the Age and Health of the Prince and Princess -Royal gave them ground enough to hope, -that the <i>Brandenburg</i> Family would not want -Heirs. In fine, the Character of Mother-in-law, -ever hated, gave Apprehension that there wou'd -soon be a Division in the Royal Family. For -my own part, I verily believe, <i>Madame</i>, that -what most of all disgusted the Courtiers, in the -Choice which the King had now made, was, -that the Queen was a devout Lady, a Quality -not very likely to make that Air of Gallantry -prevail at Court, which captivates the Heart of -the Courtier.</p> - -<p>The King had no sooner declar'd his Intention -to marry again, but there was a Multitude of -Sollicitors to be of the Queen's Houshold. One -<i>Bassompierre</i> put himself upon the List, and he -desir'd the King wou'd make him the Queen's -Chamberlain. The King made him answer, -that he would put no Officers about the Queen, -except such as should be agreeable to her; but -that he would favor him so far, as to put him in -the number of those that shou'd be propos'd to -the Queen as soon as she arriv'd. <i>Bassompierre</i><!--091.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> -thought that by making previous Application to -the Queen, he should not fail of being admitted, -and therefore he set out Post to meet her. He -told her Majesty that the King had sent him to -be her Chamberlain. The Queen believ'd him, -admitted him in that quality, and also gave him -a Letter to carry to the King, with which he return'd -to <i>Berlin</i>. He told the King, that the -Queen had appointed him her Chamberlain. His -Majesty easily imagin'd that the Queen had been -surpriz'd; and being justly angry with <i>Bassompierre</i>, -forbad him the Court. This <i>Bassompierre</i> -had a Brother who came to <i>Berlin</i> the same time -as he did: These two Gentlemen said they were -of that honest Family of <i>Bassompierre</i>, of which -there are some still in <i>Lorrain</i>: And by that -Name they went, <i>Anno</i> 1707, in the Army in -<i>Flanders</i>. The eldest said he had been a Colonel -in <i>France</i>, and that his Brother was a Captain in -the same Regiment. They pretended that they -left their Country, the eldest for having fought a -Duel, and the youngest for being his Second. The -King had receiv'd them kindly, and given them -Pensions, with a Promise to prefer them to the -Army the first Opportunity that should offer. -These two Brothers were at Court in a very -agreeable Situation, and wou'd, no doubt, have long -enjoy'd it, when the eldest attempted to be the -Queen's Chamberlain; in which perhaps too he -would have succeeded, if his Eagerness for it -had not made him take that Step, by which he -incurr'd his Majesty's Indignation. He was very -much astonish'd at the Order which was signify'd -to him, not to be seen any more at Court; and -at length fearing he shou'd be found out to be -what he really was, he retir'd, and went with his -Brother to <i>Saxony</i>, where they were both admitted<!--092.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> -into the King of <i>Poland</i>'s Horse-Guards; -but they did not enjoy that Shelter long: for the -Electoress of <i>Hanover</i> having heard of their Intrigue -at <i>Berlin</i>, wrote to a great Lady in <i>France</i>, -and desir'd her to inform her who those <i>Bassompierres</i> -were. The Lady, who knew nothing at all -of 'em, naturally mistrusted that they were Fortune-Hunters; -but for better Information she -enquir'd of M. <i>d'Argenson</i>, Lieutenant of the -Police, who upon the Description given him of -those Gentlemen, discover'd they were a couple -of Sparks, whose Duel of Honor wou'd have -been rewarded with the Brand of the <i>Flower de Lis</i> -and the Galleys, if they could have been apprehended -in <i>France</i>. Upon this Discovery Messieurs -<i>de Bassompierre</i> were banish'd out of <i>Poland</i>, -and what became of them afterwards I cannot -tell.</p> - -<p>Mean time all the necessary Preparations were -making at <i>Berlin</i> for the Reception of the Queen, -who was preparing on her part for her public -Entry. The Duke of <i>Meckelbourg</i> married -the Princess his Sister by Proxy from the King. -Next day the new Queen set out from <i>Schwerin</i>, -in company with the Duchess her Mother, the -Duke her Brother, and the Duchess of <i>Meckelbourg</i> -her Sister-in law. This Train went with -her to the very Frontier of <i>Meckelbourg</i>, which -borders upon the Electorate of <i>Brandenburg</i>, and -there the Queen found M. <i>d'Erlach</i>, Marshal -of the Court, who receiv'd her in the King's -Name, and offer'd her his House. This Princess, -after having taken leave of her Family, -took Coach and arriv'd at <i>Oranienburg</i> the 24th -of <i>November</i>. The King went and met her about -half a League from that House. As soon -as she perceiv'd his Majesty, she alighted out of<!--093.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -her Coach and fell on her Knees. The King -took her up and embrac'd her, and after presenting -the whole Royal Family to her they went -to the Castle. The King conducted the Queen -to her Apartment, where she always eat alone, -to the very Day of the Celebration of the Marriage. -The 27th she made her Entry at <i>Berlin</i>, -where she was receiv'd with all possible Magnificence, -and next Day their Majesties were married -in the Church of the <i>Dome</i>. The 29th, the -King and Queen receiv'd the Compliments of all -the Deputies, Courts of Justice and Foreign Ministers; -and on the same day there was a great -Entertainment which their Majesties honor'd -with their Presence. I was not willing, <i>Madame</i>, -to tire you with a tedious Detail of all the Ceremonies: -I have already had the Honor to acquaint -you, that the King spar'd for nothing that -might contribute to the Magnificence of the -Feast, which lasted several days, and was more -sumptuous every day than other. What I thought -remarkable, was a Battle of wild Beasts, at which -their Majesties were present on the 17th of <i>December</i>, -when the Queen kill'd a Bear from her -Gallery, with a shot from a Hand-Gun.</p> - -<p>The Arrival of the new Queen created no -great Change at Court, and except the first Rank -which she had of the Ladies every thing continued -in the same state. The Princess-Royal -kept her Court at her own Lodgings twice a -Week, that is to say, on those Days when there -was no Circle at the Queen's; for upon the -Drawing-Room Days she went to her Majesty's -Apartment, as did most of the Princesses, and -they stay'd there to sup. Her Majesty likewise -granted the same Honor to several other Ladies,<!--094.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -to whom she gave an Invitation by a Gentleman -when they were in the Circle.</p> - -<p>'Twas at the time of the King's Marriage that I -lost my Father-in-law: I was very much concern'd -for his Death, especially on account of the Trouble -it gave my Mother, who could never get over it -as long as she liv'd. The very day that the -News of it was brought to me, the King declar'd -me a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. I -have had the Honor to tell you, <i>Madame</i>, that -I was taken out of the Army in hopes of being -plac'd near the Queen, but when I came to -Court I found all her Houshold settled, and my -Name not in the List. I spoke of this to the -Grand Marshal, who bid me not be vexed, for -that he would shortly get me a Post about the -King, and that was the Office of Gentleman of -the Bed-chamber, to which I was nominated -some time after, <i>i. e.</i> about the latter end of the -Year 1708.</p> - -<p>You know, <i>Madame</i>, and one can hardly forget -the prodigious cold Weather we had the -Winter following. It began on the Feast of -<i>Epiphany</i>, 1709, and was universal all over <i>Europe</i>. -The Corn and Vines suffer'd so much by -it that there was a scarcity which lasted long enough -to starve a number of poor People, who -cou'd not get Bread, it was so excessive dear. -Never was there a more melancholy Year; and -there was such a poor melancholy Court all the -while, that it seem'd as if the severe cold Weather -had chill'd our Spirits. But when the fine -Weather return'd they began to revive, and every -one prepar'd to set out for the Army. The -Prince Royal went to make the Campaign in -<i>Flanders</i> as a Voluntier, and M. <i>d'Arnheim</i> departed -to rejoin the Troops of which he had the<!--095.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -Command in <i>Piedmont</i>. This Campaign was -very glorious to the Allies, but 'twas a very -bloody one. The famous Battle of <i>Malplaquet</i> -was one of those Victories which procured us -Laurels cover'd with Funeral Scutcheons, and -two more such Victories would have ruin'd the -Infantry of the Allies. The Prince Royal was -Witness of the Bravery of our Troops, which -distinguish'd themselves in this Campaign, wherein -they had been great Sufferers. The Enemy -on their part besides the Battle lost also <i>Mons</i> -and <i>Tournay</i>.</p> - -<p>I could have wish'd to have made this Campaign, -but when I ask'd the King's Leave to go, -his Majesty refus'd me, saying, that he design'd -me for some other Business than that of Arms. -This Answer pleas'd me to the Life, and as I -was young and by consequence apt enough to -be vain, I was so simple as to believe my self -for a while in the highest Favor. But I was -soon convinc'd of my mistake. What serv'd to -open my Eyes was this. The Post of Gentleman -of the Bed-chamber, with which the King -had honor'd me, made it my duty to attend -the King's Coach on horseback as often as his -Majesty went abroad; but being one day so much -out of order that 'twas impossible for me to ride -a Horse, as ill luck would have it, the King happen'd -to go that very day from<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><i>Charlottenbourg</i> -to <i>Berlin</i>, and perceiv'd that I was not upon -Duty. This incens'd him so much against -me, that when I attended to receive his Hat and -Cane upon his Return, he said the harshest things -that cou'd be to me, the least of which was, that -if I ever fail'd in my Duty again, he would deprive -me of the Honor of serving him. Guess,<!--096.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> -<i>Madame</i>, how much I was mortify'd at such a -Reprimand given in presence of eight or ten -Persons that were in the King's Chamber. Indeed -I had much ado to brook it, and at first dash -I really had a Thought of resigning my Post. -I spoke of it to the Count <i>de Witgenstein</i>, who -pacify'd me a little by giving me to understand, -that if I did not abate of my Fire I had nothing -to do but to renounce all Advancement in the -Service of my King, a Service always preferable -to any Fortunes that can be made at the Court -of any Foreign Prince. He promis'd to set me -right in the King's Opinion, and he kept his -Word; for two or three Days afterwards as the -King return'd to <i>Charlottenbourg</i>, when I happen'd -to be all alone in his Chamber with the -Chamberlain in waiting, his Majesty did me the -Honor to ask me, <i>If I was still in a Pet?</i> I return'd -no other Answer but a profound Obeisance. -The King said to me a second time, <i>I ask you if -you are out of humor because I chid you t'other -day?</i> I made Answer with all the Respect possible, -<i>That indeed I was vex'd to my heart that -I had given his Majesty any Cause to be out of -Temper with me; that no body was more ambitious -than I was of serving him faithfully; and -that tho' I had the Misfortune lately to be wanting -in my Duty, it was owing to a very sad Indisposition.</i> -<i>But</i>, said the King, <i>you should have let -me know it then, and I should not have reprimanded -you. After all, I did so only to try you, for in -the main I was not so angry as I seem'd to be.</i> -<i>Jackel</i> the King's Jester, who was present at this -Conversation, took up the Discourse and said to -the King, <i>But, good Sir, the Indisposition he talks -of, is of his own making; for the true Cause is, -he has no Saddle-Horses, and the reason of this, is</i><!--097.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> -<i>because he has not wherewithal to feed them.</i> <i>Why -then</i>, said the King, <i>I will give him wherewithal: -The Great Chamberlain</i>, said he to me, <i>shall dispatch -you a Warrant for that purpose; go to him.</i> I -then advanc'd to kiss the King's Robe, but he -drew back, and as I was stooping he laid his -Hand upon my Head, and said to me, <i>You are -young, be good, and I will take care of you.</i> In -a few days after, I had my Warrant dispatch'd -to send for Forage to <i>Michlenhoff</i>, where the -like was distributed to other Courtiers who had -obtain'd the same Favor.</p> - -<p>At the same time the Duke of <i>Meckelbourg</i> -the Queen's Brother came to <i>Berlin</i>, where he -had a magnificent Reception, yet he was not -very well pleas'd with his Journey; for this -Prince expected, as he was a Sovereign, to have -Precedency of the Margraves the King's Brothers, -which was deny'd him. He eat in private -with the King, but the Margraves were -not present, and he stay'd at Court but three or -four days, during which he was lodg'd at the -Palace and serv'd by the King's Officers.</p> - -<p>As for our new Queen she became so devout -in a little time after her Marriage, that every body -was surpriz'd, and the Courtiers very much disgusted. -Nothing was talk'd of in her presence -but Religion, and in the Morning her Anti-chamber -was frequented by Ministers, by Dr. -<i>Francke</i> whom she had sent for on purpose from -<i>Hall</i>, and by <i>Borst</i> her Confessor. It look'd as -if one was in the Anti-chamber of some Governess -of a Convent, rather than in the Palace of -a great Queen. Under pretence of Prayers for -Deliverance from the Plague which infected some -of our Provinces, there was nothing to be heard -in her Apartments but Litanies. The King<!--098.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -did not like all this Cant; for tho' he had a great -deal of Religion, he did not love Bigotry. He -made the Queen sensible that her manner of living -was not suitable to one that sate upon a -Throne, and got her content to the Removal of -those Persons from about her who had exhorted -her to embrace the Party of the Pietists. <i>Francke</i> -was sent back to <i>Hall</i> to the great College which -the Queen had newly founded for Orphans, and -whereof that Doctor had the Direction. Then -there was only <i>Borst</i> her Majesty's Confessor left -at Court, and he was advis'd not to give himself -so much Trouble about the Queen's Salvation. -This Princess was so zealous for her Religion, -that she did not believe those who profess'd a -contrary one could be saved. I remember that -one day as she was talking about Religion to the -King, she told him that she was very much -grieved to find him a <i>Calvinist</i>, and by that -means out of the Road to Salvation. The King -who seem'd in an amaze at the Compliment, said -to her, <i>What, do you think then that I shall be -damn'd? And what will you say then when you -speak of me after Death</i>? For you could not -say <i>der SEELIGE Konig</i>, (an Expression us'd in -the <i>German</i> Tongue, speaking of a Person deceas'd, -and which signifies, the <i>King is sav'd</i>.) -The Queen was a little puzzled how to reply, -but after a few Moments Reflection she said, I -will say, <i>der liebe verstorbene Konig</i>, which signifies -the <i>Dear King deceas'd</i>. This Answer made the -King uneasy, who return'd soon after to his Apartment. -I was that day in Waiting, and by -consequence in his Majesty's Apartment with some -of the Court-Nobility, when the King told us -with a deal of Concern upon his Mind of the -Conversation he had with the Queen, which affected<!--099.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -him the more, because at that time he -thought very seriously of the Union of the <i>Protestant</i> -Churches.</p> - -<p>Mean time the Pestilence, which had discover'd -it self in some of our Provinces, frighten'd -us very much. The King upon this occasion -acted like a true Father of his People, by sending -Money and Provisions to those that were afflicted -with it, and by causing a Day of solemn Fasting -and Prayers to be celebrated in all the Churches -of his Dominions to beg of God that he wou'd -please to avert this Scourge from our Country. -Moreover he caused Lazarets or Pest-Houses to -be erected at the Gates of all the Towns where -those who came from any suspected Place were -to perform Quarantain. As the whole time was -now spent in Sermons and Prayers for removing -the Pestilence, the detail of which would not be -very pleasing, I think it will not be amiss here -to tell you how the Service was perform'd before -the King and Queen. I will begin by giving -you some Account of<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a><i>Berlin</i>, and of his -Majesty's<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>Palace.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Berlin</i><a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> wou'd not have been -what it is at this day, had it not been for the -<i>French</i> Protestants. They had been kindly receiv'd -by the Elector <i>Frederic-William</i>: And -the King, every whit as generous as his Father, -prolong'd and even augmented the Franchises -granted to the <i>French</i>, and in order to convince -those Exiles that he was dispos'd to be a Father<!--100.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> -to them, he had a mind that they should be no longer -distinguish'd from his natural-born Subjects; -but caus'd Churches to be built for them of which -he maintain'd the Ministers, gave them a very -fine College for the Education of their Children, -and also chose a Company of Musketeers out of -them in which none but <i>French</i> were admitted.</p> - -<p>These Refugees were so sensible of the King's -Goodness to them, that they had an Emulation -to shew their Gratitude to him by making Trade -to flourish. They were equally zealous for the -embellishing and aggrandizing of the City, and -caus'd a great many Houses to be built there -which were both neat and commodious. They -added to the City all that Quarter call'd the -<i>New Town</i>, which is certainly the most beautiful -part of <i>Berlin</i>. Of the Streets which run in a -strait Line, the principal is adorn'd with six -Rows of Lime-Trees that form as many Walks, -the middlemost of which is lin'd with a Balustrade -to keep off Coaches and Carriages. These -Walks terminate in a Wood, thro' which there's -an Avenue of a League, which leads to <i>Charlottenbourg</i>, -a Royal Palace.</p> - -<p>At the Entrance of the <i>New Town</i> there's the -Arsenal<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a>, a Structure which may pass for one of -the finest in <i>Europe</i>: 'Tis a Quadrangle with a -large Square in the middle. The four outward -Fronts are almost exactly alike. The principal -is divided into three Buildings, of which that in -the middle projects a little forwards. The -Grand Floor consists of Arches charged with -Rustics, which support Pilasters of the <i>Ionic</i> Order. -The part which projects from the middle<!--101.png--><span class="pagenum">95</span> -is adorn'd with four Columns, and has a large -Pediment at the end of it. The grand or principal -Gate is in the middle. On the two sides -there are four great fine Statues representing the -Cardinal Virtues on Pedestals. These seem to look -towards the King's Picture, which is represented -in a great Medal of Brass gilt in the coping of -the Gate. Over this Picture, there's his Majesty's -Cypher in the middle of a Cartridge -crown'd, supported by Fame and Victory. The -Cartridge is fill'd up with an Entablature upon -which there's a <i>Latin</i> Inscription in Letters of -Gold, to the Honor of the King. Finally, over -this Entablature there's a great Pediment in Basso-Relievo -perfectly beautiful, representing a <i>Mars</i> -which seems to rest upon a Trophy, and to look -upon a couple of Slaves chain'd at his Feet. -The whole is compleated by a Balustrade which -rests upon the Pedestals that support the Trophies. -This stately Edifice is encompass'd with -Spurs of Iron in the form of Cannon, upon -which there's the King's Cypher gilt; and these -Spurs serve for a Support to the Iron Chains -which are hung in Festoons from one to the other.</p> - -<p>The Inside of this Structure is as magnificent -as the Outside. Two Rows of Pillars support -the lowermost Arch-Roof and form three Walks, -of which the middlemost is the narrowest, but -the only one that serves for the Passage; those -on the sides being full of noble Brass-Guns. -The King had a Design to have a Cannon of a -hundred Pounder plac'd at each Corner; but -there is only one finish'd which is call'd <i>Asia</i>, a -terrible Machine fitter to adorn an Arsenal than -for any other use. The Ascent to it is by a Step, -because they were oblig'd to build the Carriage -in proportion to the piece that it bears. This<!--102.png--><span class="pagenum">96</span> -Cannon is adorn'd all over with Eagles and -Crowns; and the King's-Arms are represented -on it under a Royal Pavilion, as are also those of -the Margrave <i>Philip</i> the King's Brother, as Grand Master -of the Artillery. This is all that is remarkable -on the side of the <i>New Town</i>.</p> - -<p>The King's Palace is also very magnificent; -and the whole is so majestic, that it appears at -the first sight to be the Residence of some great -Monarch. Yet there's one fault in it, which is, -that Uniformity has not been nicely observ'd in -it, because it has been carry'd on by Fits and -Girds, and every Architect has followed his particular -Plan.</p> - -<p>This Palace consists of four large Buildings, -which forms in the middle a Court that is not so -broad as 'tis long. The first Thing in the main -Front is a great high Portico with two Gates -Arch-wise on the two sides. The Proportions -of the Columns and the Height of the Portico -were copy'd from <i>Constantine</i>'s Triumphal Arch -at <i>Rome</i>. On the two sides of the Portico there -are twelve great Transom Windows encompass'd -with Ornaments. The Fronts that are on the -side of the Court are much more magnificent -than the outer ones, but then they are more irregular. -The Inside of the Palace is not executed -much better. Two Grand Stair-Cases lead to -the Guard-Room, the one on the Right and the -other on the Left of the Entry. The Stair-Case -on the Left-hand is of a particular Contrivance, -being in form of a Glacis without any Step, so -that a Coach may go up to it. The Guard-Room -is long but narrow, and has no Light but -what comes from the Windows on the Cupola -over the Stair-Case. The Entry is in the middle. -There is a Turning on the Left to enter into the<!--103.png--><span class="pagenum">97</span> -King's Apartment, which shews at first sight -three Chambers in a Row. The third of these -Rooms separates the least Apartment from the -greatest, of which the former is on the Right and -the latter on the Left. I will only speak to you -of the last, which is the most magnificent. In -turning therefore to the Left one perceives a long -Suite of Apartments, which form a magnificent -Point of View. The Furniture is surprizingly -rich; nor is any thing to be seen, look which -way you will, but Gold, Silver, Marble, Brass, -Painting, Glass, China, <i>&c.</i> in a word, every -thing that can be wish'd for, that is rich and elegant. -At the end of this Suite of Apartments -there is a long Gallery, the Cieling of which, like -that of <i>Versailles</i>, represents the principal Actions -of the King, and the sides are adorn'd with Pictures -done by the most famous Hands, the -Frames of which are of Brass gilt.</p> - -<p>At the end of this Gallery there was formerly -a great Amber-Cabinet, with divers Compartiments -in Basso-Relievo, which perhaps had not -its Fellow in the World; but the King being desirous -to make the <i>Czar</i> a Present worthy of his -Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatcht -that cost eighty thousand Crowns.</p> - -<p>Were I to enter into the detail of the Beauties -and Magnificence one meets with at every step -in this Palace, I should never have done; I believe -it may be sufficient to say that the King, as -far as possible, imitated the Inside of the Palace -of <i>Versailles</i>. This great Prince took <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -for a Model, and after his Example was intent -on building magnificent Structures and establishing -different Manufactures, whereby the Poor -might earn their Living, and get for a reasonable -Price those Commodities which heretofore they<!--104.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> -used to import from Foreign Countries, at a very -great Expence. Thus, <i>Madame</i>, have I given -you an account of almost all the greatest Remarkables -at <i>Berlin</i>. I shall now let you know -after what manner their Majesties are every day -attended.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p> - -<p>I begin with the King's Levee. His Majesty -commonly rose between five and six o'clock in -the Morning, (I mean at the time that I have the -Honour to speak to you of;) tho' formerly he -rose at three or four o'clock. As soon as the -King awak'd, the Page of the Back-Stairs who had -watch'd with him went and gave notice of it to -the Valets de Chambre and the Yeomen of the -Wardrobe, who presently came in, undrew the -Bed-Curtains, and open'd the Window-Shutters, -after which they went out and declar'd that the -King was stirring. Then the Chamberlain in -waiting, the Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and -the Officers upon Guard came in and made a very -low Bow. The next that enter'd were the Physicians, -to whom his Majesty gave an account -how he had rested. Then the Pages of the Back-Stairs -brought a great Silver Table with Coffee -upon it, which was presented to the King by the -first Valet de Chambre in waiting upon a Gold -Salver, and the Page presented it about to all the -Persons of Quality that were at the Levee. Every -body was oblig'd to drink two Cups, or else -they run the risk of being reprimanded. After -drinking of the Coffee the Table was carry'd away, -and the King convers'd half an hour or -more with those that were present: Then he -veil'd his Bonnet and all the Company retir'd. -The Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the<!--105.png--><span class="pagenum">99</span> -Wardrobe stay'd to dress the King, which when -they had done, his Majesty retir'd into his Closet, -where was a Desk for Prayer, and there he commonly -stay'd an Hour, while they made his Bed. -After this he return'd into his Chamber, and then -the Prime Minister came in to give him an account -of his Dispatches, which lasted till ten -o'clock or thereabouts. After this the King went -to Council, where he stay'd a little above an Hour. -This Council consisted of the Prince Royal, the -Margrave <i>Philip</i> Brother to the King, and the -Ministers. When the Council broke up the -King went into his Closet, and there gave out -his Orders. Then two Kettle-Drummers plac'd -in opposite Balconies that look'd into the lesser -Court, gave notice by the Sound of their Kettle-Drums -to the Officers of the Kitchen and Buttery -to get everything ready for the King's Service. -As soon as the Cloth was laid, the Kettle-Drums -were sounded a second time. During this, the -King accompany'd by the Prince Royal and the -Margraves his Brothers, pass'd thro' the Guard-Room -into the Queen's Apartment, where were -all the Princesses. A few moments after, the -Kettle-Drums and twenty-four Trumpets divided -into two Bodies, gave notice for serving up Dinner. -At the same time, two of the Life-Guards -and six of the Guard of Hundred <i>Swissers</i> took -possession of the Room where the King was to -eat. The two Life-Guard Men posted themselves -behind the Arm-Chair of the King and -Queen, and the six <i>Swissers</i> encompass'd the Table -three on each side with their Halberds in their -hands. When Dinner was serv'd up, the Great -Chamberlain with his Staff in hand went and acquainted -the King of it, who immediately enter'd -the Hall, follow'd by the Queen, who was led by<!--106.png--><span class="pagenum">100</span> -the Prince Royal; as were the Princess Royal -and the Margravines by the Margraves. At -their entrance into the Hall, the King gave his -Hat and Cane, and the Queen her Gloves and -Fan, to the Chamberlains in waiting. Then two -Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber held out a great -Silver gilt Bason for them to wash in, and when -they had wash'd, the two Chamberlains gave them -the Napkins. The two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber -always offer'd the Bason in like manner -to the Princes and Princesses to wash in, but -they wou'd not accept it.</p> - -<p>When their Majesties had wash'd, the Grand -Marshal who stood about the middle of the Table -opposite to the King gave a Rap with his Staff; -at the same time making a profound Obeisance; -then a Page that stood by him did the like, and -after saying a short Grace their Majesties seated -themselves in their Arm-Chairs, and their Royal -Highnesses in other Chairs, with only Backs. -Then the Carver approaching the Table tasted -the Provision, and therewith serv'd their Majesties, -and the Princes according to their Rank. -When their Majesties call'd for Liquor the Chamberlain -gave the hint to a Page, and he did the -same to a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber upon -Duty, who then went to the Side-board and -fetch'd Wine and Water in two Bottles upon a -Salver of Gold. The Chamberlain tasted both, -and then presented both to their Majesties. The -King always drank the Queen's Health, and the -Queen in like manner drank the King's. This -done, their Majesties dismiss'd the Court by making -a Salute to the Grand Marshal. Then the -Court retir'd, and none stay'd but the Waiters. -Before their Majesties rose from Table the Prime -Minister as well as the Master of the Horse approach'd,<!--107.png--><span class="pagenum">101</span> -with the Grand Master of the Wardrobe -and the Captain of the Guards, to receive -the King's Orders, in case his Majesty was willing -to ride out. When the Dessart was ready to -be serv'd, notice was brought to the Grand Marshal -or to him that bore the Staff in his absence, -who then return'd to the King's Table. When -his Majesty rose from Table the Chamberlain -brought him Water to wash his Mouth, and the -Queen's Chamberlain and their Royal Highnesses -Gentlemen attended the Queen and Princesses -with the same. After this the King led the -Queen into her own Apartment, where he stay'd -a little time, then return'd to his own, and rested -himself for an hour in his Closet.</p> - -<p>When the King was awaked, the Chamberlain -and the Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber enter'd -his Majesty's Closet, where sometimes the Queen -paid him a Visit, and at other times the Prime -Minister came and talk'd with him about Business. -In the Summer-time the King went abroad -for the Air, or the Pleasure of Fishing or Hunting, -especially the Heron, in which he took great -delight. About six o'clock in the Evening his -Majesty went to the Queen's Apartment, and -stay'd there about an Hour, after which he return'd -to his own, to that call'd <i>la Tabagie</i> or the -Tobacco-Room, because there he smoak'd his -Pipe, and several of the Nobility had the Honour -of smoaking there with him. The King -never supp'd unless it was in extraordinary cases, -but amus'd himself with a Game at Chess. When -he had done playing he conversed very familiarly -with the Chamberlain, the Gentlemen of the -Bed-Chamber, and some privileg'd Courtiers; -and when he had a mind to put an end to the -Conversation, he gave his Orders to the Grand<!--108.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -Master of the Wardrobe what Clothes to equip -him with next day, and then every body retir'd, -and the Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of -the Wardrobe went and put his Majesty to bed. -This, <i>Madame</i>, was the manner how the Service -was perform'd at our Court. Never was there -any Interruption in the Hours prescrib'd for his -Majesty's Exercises, unless he labor'd under some -Ailment. I thought that this Detail, tho' perhaps -a little tedious, wou'd not be quite so unpleasant -as the Recital of all the Litanies and other -Prayers, in which the Queen was constant -for the remainder of the Year.</p> - -<p>In the beginning of the Year following, that -is to say the 19th of <i>January</i> 1710, the Count -<i>de Lottum</i> presented the King with eleven Pieces -of Cannon, and several Colors and Standards that -fell to his Majesty's share in the distribution that -was made of those that were taken from the -<i>French</i>, during the Campaign.</p> - -<p>At the same time we lost the Duke of <i>Courland</i> -for ever. This young Prince was the King's -Nephew by his Mother, who was his Majesty's -Sister by the same Father, but not by the same -Mother. He was but an Infant when he lost -his Father the Duke of <i>Courland</i>, whose death -was to him the greatest of all Misfortunes, because -of the Misunderstanding which the Guardianship -of this young Prince created between those who -aspir'd to it. The Duchess his Mother asserted -that she was the rightful Guardian of the Prince, -her Son. His Uncle also pretended 'twas his -Right. In short, the Nobility of <i>Courland</i> disputed -it with them both. During these Domestic -Troubles, the several Parties, not watchful of -their Neighbours Motions, quickly found they -had powerful Enemies to cope with. The <i>Saxons</i><!--109.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span> -being the nearest, were the most forward to take -possession of their Country. The <i>Muscovites</i> -were soon at their heels, and in concert with the -<i>Saxons</i> rush'd upon what they thought most convenient. -But they were both soon oblig'd to -abandon that Duchy to the King of <i>Sweden</i>, who -came at the head of his Troops, and without -much difficulty sent them going. But after all, -Fortune being weary of seconding the Arms of -the <i>Swedish</i> Monarch, he was oblig'd not long -after his Entrance into <i>Courland</i>, to yield the -said Duchy to the <i>Muscovites</i>, who remain'd the -sole Possessors of it.</p> - -<p>All these Troubles had oblig'd the Duchess, -with the Prince her Son, to retire. She came to -<i>Berlin</i> where she was present at the King's Coronation, -and afterwards, as I have already had -the Honor to tell you, she marry'd the Margrave -of <i>Brandenburg Bareith</i>. This Princess -followed the Margrave her Husband into his Dominions, -and took the Duke of <i>Courland</i> her -Son along with her. There did this young -Prince stay with the Margrave his Father-in-law, -till after the King of <i>Sweden</i>'s Defeat at <i>Pultowa</i> -by the <i>Muscovite</i> Army. When the latter were -become Masters of <i>Courland</i>, the Duke flatter'd -himself that he should be able to prevail on the -Czar to restore him to his Dominions: nor was -he deceiv'd in his Expectation; for the Czar was -very ready to consent to it, on condition nevertheless -that he should marry his Niece, the Daughter -of the late Czar, his Brother. The Match -was truly illustrious, for the Princess was both -the Daughter and Niece of a potent Monarch; -but her Education had been very different from -that of the young Prince, and there was all the -Reason in the World to think, that they would<!--110.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -not like one another long. The Duke for his -part could have wish'd to be restor'd to his Duchy -upon other Terms; but at length, thinking he -could not do better than to accept of those, and -to put himself again at the head of his Subjects, -who had for several Years wish'd for his -Presence; he set out for the Czar's Court, and -there married the Princess. This Marriage, -which was concluded with some Reluctance on -the part of the young Duke, seem'd to portend -him none but unhappy Days; and in short, he -was scarce married, but he fell dangerously sick, -and in a few days after died, which Illness they said -was owing to his having been forc'd to drink to -excess on his Wedding-Day. This occasion'd -a general Desolation throughout the Duchy of -<i>Courland</i>, the poor People having entertain'd some -Hopes that the Presence of their lawful Sovereign -would make them forget the Evils they had -suffer'd by several years continual Wars.</p> - -<p>Towards the Conclusion of this Year, the famous -Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>, Prime Minister and -Great Chamberlain was disgrac'd; which, tho' it -had been long wish'd for, was surprizing to all -Mankind, who thought the Credit of that Minister -too well establish'd, the chief Places of the -Kingdom being in the hands of his Creatures, -from whose Gratitude there was nothing that he -might not promise himself; besides, they did not -think any Person would be so daring, as to cast -the first Stone; the then recent Instance of the -Count <i>de Wesen</i> being a sufficient Warning to -deter any Persons from entring into so dangerous -a Combination. Nevertheless there were two -Persons at Court who were not terrify'd by the -Peril, to which an Enterprize of this nature expos'd -them. The Name of both these Courtiers<!--111.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -was <i>Kamcke</i>, and being Cousins into the bargain, -they were only distinguish'd by the Appellations -of <i>Great</i> and <i>Little</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>Great Kamcke</i> had been successively Page -to the King, Page of the Bed-chamber, afterwards -a declar'd Favorite, and at last Great Master of -the Wardrobe, which Post he held at the time -of the Prime Minister's Disgrace. The Favor -with which the King honor'd him, was what -made him esteem'd more than any thing else; -for setting that aside, he was not remarkable for -either the Virtues or the Vices which contribute -almost in the same measure to the forming of Great -Men. He was reckoned a Man of fine Parts, -because he was fortunate enough to gain, and to -preserve the King's Favor; and he had the Reputation -of being good-natur'd, because having -a place in which he might have done a great deal -of Mischief, he did none at all. 'Tis true too on -the other hand, that he did no body any Service; -the Lethargy of his Temperament not permitting -him to put himself upon those Motions, -which are equally necessary to serve a Friend, and -to ruin an Enemy.</p> - -<p>The <i>Little Kamcke</i>, his Cousin, was of a -Temper quite different. He was not only a -Person of a piercing sparkling Wit, but had all -the Politeness of the most elegant Courtier. Being -ambitious and vain, but always with Temper; -he was cut out for those delicate Undertakings -to which the Success alone gives a Sanction; and -what is seldom to be found in so young a Man, -he had all the Management and Dissimulation necessary -for Execution. The Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> -had always hated him; for he suspected him -to have had a hand in those Ballads which <i>M——</i>, -afterwards the King of <i>Poland</i>'s Minister, had<!--112.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -made upon the whole Court, and in which the -Count and Countess were very ill treated; but -<i>Little Kamcke</i>, who never despair'd of his Success, -still continued to make his court to the King, -without seeming to take the least Notice of the -Minister's Ill-will. His assiduous Attendance -was at length rewarded; the King begun by -granting him the Honor of playing with him -every Night at Chess; which was a Favor this -young Courtier so artfully improv'd, that in a -little time after, his Majesty made him a Minister -of State. The Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> was -mortify'd in two Respects by the Advancement -of <i>Little Kamcke</i>; for he did not expect such a -Favor to be convey'd by any Canal but himself; -and besides it was granted to a crafty Enemy, -whose rising Credit might well give him Umbrage. -<i>Kamcke</i> for his own part believing that -he was only obliged to his own Merit for his -Preferment, had even less regard for the Prime -Minister than before. They star'd upon one -another at first, without venturing to make an -Attack; but by degrees they came to high -Words; and at length <i>Kamcke</i> being puff'd up -with his Favor; and being moreover supported -by all good Men, he vow'd the Destruction of -the Prime Minister, and his Creature, the Grand -Marshal. He was so cunning as to engage his -Cousin <i>Kamcke</i> in the Scheme, because the latter -being Great Master of the Wardrobe, cou'd give -the Prime Minister the fatal Blow with more -Ease than any other Person; and he succeeded -happily; for he aggravated to his Majesty the -Complaints of the People, and the Murmurings -of the whole Court. The Queen too -being prejudic'd by the <i>Kamcke</i> spoke sharply against -the King, who at last consented to the removal<!--113.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -of a Minister, whom till then he had -thought he could not be without.</p> - -<p>This great Scene was open'd by the Disgrace -of the Count <i>de Witgenstein</i>, the Grand Marshal -of the Court, and the Prime Minister's Creature, -who was arrested in his House on the 27th of -<i>December</i> at 10 o'clock at Night, by a Lieutenant -of the Guards and ten Grenadiers. Next -day, about 9 in the Forenoon, M. <i>de Gersdorf</i>, -Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, accompanied -by <i>Stoffius</i>, Treasurer of the Order of the Black -Eagle, came from the King to demand his Ribban. -He presently restor'd it, assuring them that -he was wrongfully maltreated; but that nevertheless -he did not complain of the King, and -that they were only his Enemies who had impos'd -upon his Majesty's Goodness to ruin him. -Not long after an Officer of the Guards came in -and told him, that he had Orders to carry him -to <i>Spandau</i>. He made answer, that he was ready -to go wherever the King commanded him; -only he desir'd Leave to write to his Mother-in-law, -who was the Queen's Lady of Honor. The -Officer told him, that he was forbid to let him -speak or write to any Person whatsoever; and -then he took him with him into a Coach that was -attended by 12 Life-Guard Men.</p> - -<p>The Noise of his Confinement being presently -spread throughout the Town, a Multitude of People -gather'd in a trice before his House, every -one crying out against the Grand Marshal, calling -him the People's Blood-sucker, and the Author -of all their Taxes. When they saw him put into -a Coach to be carried to <i>Spandau</i><a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>, their Shouts, -were doubled; but the Grand Marshal, without<!--114.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> -being shock'd, let down the Glasses of his Coach, -and told the furious Rabble, that he had been a -faithful Servant to his King, and that he had -never done any thing in his Administration that -could be laid to his Charge; but the Clamours of -the People hinder'd him from being heard, and he -went out of Town, laden with Curses.</p> - -<p>The Hatred that was manifested against him, -came from a Source which always touches the -People in the most sensible part; he was suspected -to have had a hand in the Creation of several -Taxes; and to have been the Projector of the -Insurance-Office from Fire. The Establishment -of this Office was very well design'd; for it undertook -to indemnify private Persons for the -Loss they might have sustain'd by Fire; and for -this purpose, every one was tax'd in a certain Sum -of Money, that there might always be a Fund -sufficient to answer the Losses by Fires. Frauds -were soon committed in the Management of the -Moneys that seem'd to be appropriated for a very -good Use; and by degrees that Establishment, -which was erected for the Relief of the People -in their extreme Necessities, serv'd only to oppress -them.</p> - -<p>The Disgrace of the Grand Marshal was soon -followed by that of the Prime Minister. Two -days after the Confinement of the former, the -King ordered M. <i>d'Ilgen</i> one of his Ministers, and -principal Secretary of State, to demand the Seals -of his Prime Minister, and to order him in his -Name to have nothing more to do with the Affairs -of the Government. He receiv'd this -News with Courage, and said to the Secretary -of State, that he never had any other Will but -his Majesty's, and that therefore he was ready to -obey his Orders. The next day he received<!--115.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> -Orders to quit the Palace, and to retire to his -Estate at <i>Wolfersdorff</i>, a few Leagues from <i>Berlin</i>. -He immediately made ready to be gone; -but before he set out, he sent to desire the -King to give him leave to wait on him, to thank -him for all the Favors he had receiv'd at his Majesty's -hands; to which the King consented, and -the Prime Minister appear'd with an Air suitable -to the situation of his Affairs. He put every -Wile in practice that is possible to be of service -to a Minister who has had long experience of a -Court, and a perfect Knowledge of his Master's -Temper; he pray'd, he wept, but contrary to -his own Expectation and that of the whole Court, -the King continu'd stedfast, and dismiss'd him, -tho' with all the possible marks of Friendship -and Affection; for when he was going out of his -Closet the King call'd him back, and taking a -Ring of twenty thousand Crowns from his Fingers, -he gave it to him, and said that he desir'd -him to keep it as a mark of his Esteem. Thus -did the King to his regret dismiss a Person, -whom if he had pleas'd he might still have kept -in his Service.</p> - -<p>The Prime Minister, the moment he went from -the King, set out for <i>Wolfersdorff</i>, from whence he -wrote a very moving Letter to his Majesty to desire -him to accept of that Estate for a Present, -together with his Wife's Garden which is now -the Queen's, (they call it <i>Monbijou</i><a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>) and all his -Porcellane Ware. The King return'd him a -very obliging Answer, and accepted of the Presents -he offer'd him, on condition however to -pay him for them; and indeed not long after -the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i> receiv'd the Value of -them. Yet notwithstanding this mark of Esteem<!--116.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> -he was on the brink of being arrested; -and <i>T——</i> who was near the King's Person at -that critical Juncture, assur'd me afterwards that -'twas <i>Little Kamcke</i> that had diverted the King -from it. The Count's Enemies had so incens'd -his Majesty against him, that the Order for his -Arrest was just ready to be dispatch'd, when -<i>Little Kamcke</i> represented to the King, that all -things duly consider'd, the Prime Minister was -not so culpable as to deserve being arrested; that -Banishment was sufficient; that however, if his -Majesty was apprehensive, that the Count knowing -the Secrets of the State would discover them -to other Powers, the only way was to secure his -Fidelity to him by a handsome Pension, on condition -however that he should never lie out of -<i>Francfort on the Main</i>, where he would be near -his Majesty's Territories and out of a Capacity to -give him any Umbrage. The King approved of -this Advice, and sent to tell the Count that he -would continue a Pension of twenty-four thousand -Crowns to him for his Life, on condition -that he would promise not to stir out of <i>Francfort</i>. -This was a very advantageous Offer, to a -Man who trembled every moment for fear of -losing his Liberty, and therefore without much -deliberation what to do, he thought of nothing -but packing up and carrying off the Wealth he -had heap'd together. When the Count and -Countess came to Court they had not wherewithal -to subsist; but they went away with Millions, -and the Countess alone had as many Diamonds -as were worth half a Million of Crowns. She -was mortally uneasy for fear of being stripp'd of -her Treasure, till she saw herself quite out of the -King's Dominions, and then her Spirits began to -rise. Upon the Road they were overtaken by<!--117.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -an Express, who brought an Order to the Count -<i>de Wartemberg</i> to deliver up the Golden Key -to the Great Chamberlain, together with the -Commission of Hereditary Post-Master; which -he obey'd instantly with very great Submission, -and afterwards continued his Journey towards -<i>Francfort</i>.</p> - -<p>The King gave the Chamberlain's Key to the -<i>Great Kamcke</i>, Grand Master of his Wardrobe, -and the Office of Post-Master was executed in -Commission by <i>Little Kamcke</i>. As to the place -of Prime Minister, it was not fill'd up; and the -King, lest it should be thought that he intended -to be still govern'd as he had been all along, declar'd -he would have no more Prime Ministers. -Not long after the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>'s Departure, -the King sent for Count <i>Christoper de -Dobna</i>, and the Count <i>de B——</i>, to come to -<i>Berlin</i>. The former for some time made a Figure -very like to that of a First Minister, but had -not the Title. The Post of Grand Marshal was -supply'd by M. <i>de Printz</i>, with the Applause of -the whole Court. The Count <i>de Witgenstein</i> was -restor'd not long after to his Liberty, on paying -down a Fine to the King of fourscore thousand -Crowns. Thus, <i>Madame</i>, have you had the Catastrophe -of the two chief Favorites of our -Court.</p> - -<p>I had left <i>Berlin</i> for some Months when this -great Revolution happen'd, which I heard the -first News at <i>Hanover</i>. I happen'd to be with the -Electoress when she receiv'd the Letter from the -King, that inform'd her of the Change he had -made At his Court, and of his Intention to be -for the future his own Prime Minister. For my -part I was gone from <i>Berlin</i> with a design to -travel, because of some very harsh words which<!--118.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> -the King said to me one day when I had fail'd -to pay my Attendance as a Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber. The Assiduity with which I -made my Court to the Margrave <i>Philip</i> subjected -me to a very sharp Reprimand from the King. -What gave occasion to it was this, I endeavour'd -to be with the Margrave as often as possible, tho' -indeed I was not there so often as I wish'd; for -I don't think there was a Prince in the World to -whom a Man could make his Court with so much -Pleasure and Freedom. As the Margrave was -almost always at <i>Schwedt</i>, it happen'd one day -that when 'twas my turn to wait on the King, I -took it in my head to stay at the Margrave's -Court, so that a Man who happen'd to be then -going out of the Service was oblig'd to be continu'd -in it some time longer. The King asking -him the reason, the Gentleman made him Answer -that I was the cause of it, and that I had -not so much as taken care to speak to any body -to officiate for me. I arriv'd in two, or three -days, and enter'd into the Service the Week following. -The King who knew very well that my -Attachment to the Margrave his Brother was the -only cause of my Absence from my Post, ask'd -me as soon as I made my Appearance before him, -whether I serv'd his Brother or him, and why I -did not do my Duty better? I was so thunder-struck -at the manner with which the King said -these few words to me, that really I don't remember -in the least what I said for my Excuse; -but I don't forget, that whether he thought my -Plea good or bad, he made me no Answer. I -was so nettled at this Rebuke from the King in -the presence of several Persons, that I resolv'd to -be gone out of sight for a while, the better to -digest my Resentment. I therefore ask'd his<!--119.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> -Majesty's Leave to travel, which I easily obtain'd, -on condition however that I should not go to -<i>France</i>. For the King was then at War with -that Crown, which besides did not look upon -him in any other Light than as Elector.</p> - -<p>As soon as I had obtain'd a Permission to -travel, I prepar'd to set out, but after having -taken Leave of their Majesties, I went to pass -a few days more at the Court of the Margrave -<i>Philip</i>: And the Margravine engag'd me to go -to <i>Dessau</i> to pay my Devoirs there to the Princesses -her Sisters. I had the Honor to find them -at <span class="smcap">Oranjebaum</span>, a House built by the -late Princess of <i>Orange</i>, their Mother; and 'tis -a magnificent Palace, worthy of the Princess by -whose Order it was erected. I stay'd there -eight or ten Days, and then continu'd my Journey -towards the Duchy of <i>Hanover</i>, where I -wanted to go and see my Mother, before I engag'd -farther in the great Journey that I had in -my Thoughts.</p> - -<p>From <i>Oranjebaum</i> I went to<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a><span class="smcap">Hall</span> in <i>Saxony</i>, -which is a City that belongs to the King, -and is a part of the Duchy of <i>Magdebourg</i>. The -Courts of Justice and the Regency of the Duchy -were formerly held in this City, but now they -are kept in the City of <i>Magdebourg</i><a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>. And -<i>Hall</i> is only remarkable for its University which -was founded in 1695, and for its excellent Salt-Works. -From <i>Hall</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Halberstadt</span>, -the Capital of a Principality of the -same Name. This City was for eight hundred -Years subject to its Bishops till it was seculariz'd -and yielded by the Treaty of <i>Westphalia</i><!--120.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -in 1648, to the Electoral Family of <i>Brandenburg</i>. -The River here is very small, for which reason -the Trade of this Town is inconsiderable; but -as it is the Seat of the Regency of the Principality, -and of the Courts of justice, 'tis much frequented. -Its Cathedral Church, which is worth -seeing, belongs to a Chapter wherein the Catholics -and the Protestants are equally admitted, -and both have the Liberty of their Public Worship. -The Catholics have several Convents in -the Town, of which that of the Recollets is the -most beautiful, and their Church is very fine. -These Fryars say they owe their Foundation to -the ancient Counts of <i>Regenstein</i>, who were heretofore -Feudataries to the House of <i>Brunswic</i>, -and whose Lands belong now to the King, notwithstanding -the very fair Pretensions of the -Dukes of <i>Brunswic</i>, and especially of the Duke -of <i>Blankenbourg</i>, Father to the Empress, to -whose share those Pretensions devolv'd. In -1709 this Prince gave a Sum of Money for new -vamping the Tomb of their Founder, which -they have done, and moreover added a <i>Latin</i> -Inscription to it in Capital Letters of Gold. -When the King went to <i>Halberstadt</i> he honor'd -this Convent with his Presence, on which occasion -the Father-Guardian preach'd before him -and gave the Sacramental Benediction, because -his Majesty had a mind to see the Ceremonies -of the Catholic Church.</p> - -<p>From <i>Halberstadt</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Wolfembuttle</span><a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a>, -which City is the common Residence -of the Dukes of <i>Brunswic</i>. Tis built -only of Timber, and has no remarkable Structure -but the Palace which is very fine, and the -Library which is worthy of the Observation of<!--121.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> -the Learned and the Curious, not only for the -Beauty of the Room and the regular Disposition -of the Books, but for the Number of the Printed -Volumes and Manuscripts. As soon as I arriv'd -I sent to know if I might have the Honor -of waiting on the Duke, who was then at <i>Saltzdabl</i>, -a League from <i>Wolfembuttle</i>. From this -City to the Castle the Road is lin'd with a very -fine Row of Trees. His Highness having permitted -me to pay him my Respects, I waited on -him, and was receiv'd with extraordinary Kindness. -This Prince, who was then fourscore Years -of Age, had nevertheless all the Presence of Mind -and all the Vigour of a Man of thirty. I believe -it needless to observe to you that the Person -whom I have the Honor to mention to you -was the late Duke <i>Anthony-Ulric</i>. This Duke -besides a superior Understanding knew many -things, which Princes are glad to abandon to -Persons of a mean Condition. If you have read -the Romance of <i>Octavia</i>, and his Translation of -several of <i>Corneille</i>'s and <i>Racine</i>'s Tragedies, you -will readily own that no Person ever wrote in -our Language more politely. This Prince was -also perfect Master of the <i>Roman</i> History, which -he had made his particular Study. He had -moreover a wonderful Taste for every thing that -was Elegant, and especially for the Liberal Arts. -One may judge of the Skill he had in Architecture -by his Castle of <i>Saltzdabl</i>, which is a -Structure not inferior in Magnificence to any -that has been rais'd by Sovereign Princes. In -this Castle, besides immensely rich Furniture, -there is a numerous but choice Collection of Pictures -that are put up in a great Gallery, which is -one of the finest Rooms in all <i>Germany</i>. The<!--122.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> -Duke did me the Honor after I had din'd to -carry me to it.</p> - -<p>The Ducal Family of <i>Brunswic</i> was at that -time no more than the Duke <i>Anthony-Ulric</i>, and -his two Sons, of whom the present Duke Regent -was the eldest. Tho' this Prince has been three -times married he has had no Issue, so that the -only one of the Family that has had Children -is the Duke of <i>Blankenbourg</i>, who marry'd a -Princess of <i>Oetingen</i>, by whom he has had three -Daughters, the eldest of whom wears the Imperial -Crown, the second was marry'd to a Prince -of the <i>Czarian</i> Family, and the third to the -Prince of <i>Brunswic-Bevern</i> presumptive Heir -of the Dominions of <i>Wolfembuttle</i>.</p> - -<p>The Ducal Family of <i>Brunswic</i> is intirely -<i>Lutheran</i>; yet the late Duke <i>Anthony</i> died a -Catholic, to which Religion he was converted -a little before his Death. The Enemies of his -Reputation affected to give out, that Ambition -was the motive of his entring into the Pale of -the Church, and that the Bishopric of <i>Hildesheim</i> -or the Electorate of <i>Cologne</i>, which were -both vacant at that time by the Elector's being -put under the Ban of the Empire, was the View -of his Conversion: but 'tis easy to perceive that -this Reproach is nothing but meer Calumny, if -it be consider'd, that the Duke of <i>Brunswic</i> -consider'd only in that Quality had too high a -Rank in the Empire to be flatter'd with the Episcopal -or Electoral Dignity, especially at the -Age of fourscore, and when he could not hope -for Posterity to inherit either. 'Tis very certain -that the Conversion of this Prince was the Effect -of a long Examination which he had made -of the Religion that he embrac'd, he having entertain'd -Thoughts of it for several years. When<!--123.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -he consented that his Grand-Daughter should -be married to the Emperor, it was demanded of -that Princess, that she should abjure the Religion -in which she had been educated. There -was at that time an Assembly of the ablest Divines -in <i>Germany</i>, who agreed as the <i>French</i> -Ministers did when <i>Henry</i> IV. consulted them about -his Conversion, that Salvation was to be -had in the Catholic Religion. This Confession -of the Ministers was some encouragement to the -timorous Princess, who being but young and -very tender-conscienc'd, thought there was Danger -in taking such a Step. The Duke, in order -to reconcile her thoroughly to it, promis'd her -to turn Catholic himself; and <i>Imhoff</i> his Minister -did the same. As the latter was a Man of -good Sense, and moreover of great Probity, he -had acquir'd his Master's Confidence, and as Religion -had for some time past the principal Share -in their Conversation, <i>Imhoff</i> after having weigh'd -every thing well, could not deny, that the Catholic -was the only true Religion; and he made -his Abjuration of the Protestant, some time after -the Princess. The Duke was a good while longer -before he took this Step; for tho' he was a -real Catholic in his Heart, he was willing to prepare -his Subjects for this Alteration by gentle -means; but when he receiv'd a Letter from -his Grand-Daughter, he made no longer Delay. -This Princess arriving at <i>Barcelona</i>, and hearing -that the Duke had not yet perform'd the Promise -he made to change his Religion, she wrote -a long Letter to him, wherein she let him know -how uneasy she was, for fear that the Religion -which he had advis'd her to chuse was not the -true Religion, because he was so long in embracing -it himself. Then the Duke declar'd himself,<!--124.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -and convinc'd his Grand-Daughter, that -not content with having procur'd her one of the -principal Crowns in this World, he had also done -his Endeavor to secure her another that was more -glorious and more durable.</p> - -<p>After the Duke had embrac'd the Catholic -Religion, he caus'd a Church to be built at -<span class="smcap">Brunswic</span><a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a>, which is a City but two small -Leagues from <i>Wolfembuttle</i>, thro' a very strait -Road, lin'd on both sides with Trees. When I -had taken a good View of all that was worth -seeing at <i>Saltzdabl</i>, I came to this City, which -I found did not come up near to the Notion I -had of it; nevertheless 'tis the Capital of the -Duchy of <i>Brunswic</i>. They say 'twas built <i>Anno</i> -868, by <i>Bruno</i> the Son of <i>Alphonsus</i> Duke of -<i>Saxony</i>, who call'd it after his own Name. It -was afterwards very much enlarg'd by the Emperor -<i>Henry</i> the <i>Faulconer</i>. 'Twas formerly rank'd -among the chief <i>Hanse</i> Towns, and govern'd it -self after the manner of a Republic, pretending to -be independent of its Dukes, who always oppos'd -it's Liberty Sword in hand, and 'twas not -without great difficulty that they brought it in -Subjection to them. <i>Henry</i> Duke of <i>Brunswic</i>, -surnam'd the <i>Young</i>, besieg'd it three times, but -always in vain. At length in 1617, the City -was compell'd to perform Homage to Duke <i>Frederic-Ulric</i>, -the then Regent. Nevertheless it -preserv'd its Privileges, which still gave it an -Appearance of Freedom till 1671, when <i>Rodolph -Augustus</i>, Duke of <i>Brunswic-Wolfembuttle</i>, made -himself absolute Master of it. Duke <i>Anthony-Ulric</i> -once had a Design to fortify this Place, and -the Duke his Son seem'd at first to have the same<!--125.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> -Intention; but afterwards he chose rather to -have noble Structures erected in it, amongst which -there's a very great Palace, where ten Sovereigns -might lodge without incommoding one another. -This Prince caus'd it to be built for the Duchess -his Wife, in case she should survive him; and -no Cost was spar'd to render it one of the richest -and most magnificent Palaces that was ever seen, -to the intent that the Charms of so fine a Habitation -might contribute in some measure to make -the Duchess more cheerful in her melancholy -State of Widowhood; which indeed could not -but be the more so to the Princess, because by -losing her Husband, she must also lose her Sovereignty; -for they had no Children, and the -Duke was too old for them ever to expect any.</p> - -<p>This is the only Palace in <i>Brunswic</i> that is remarkable. -The Duke of <i>Blankenbourg</i>'s, 'tis -true, is very large, and has very fine Apartments, -but is old, and has nothing extraordinary; it -joins to the Church of St. <i>Alaise</i>, which is the -principal Church, and the Place where several of -the Dukes are buried. On the Square over-against -the Church, there's a Lion of Brass, on a -very high Pedestal, representing that which they -say was tam'd by the Duke <i>Henry</i> surnam'd the -<i>Lion</i>, to such a degree, that the terrible Animal -follow'd him wherever he went; and even after -the Duke's Death and Interment in the Church -of St. <i>Alaise</i>, the Lion went towards the Church -Door, try'd to break it open, stay'd there in -spite of all the Attempts to take him off, and -died on the very Spot, for Grief that he had lost -his Master.</p> - -<p>I afterwards went to <span class="smcap">Zell</span><a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a>, and from thence<!--126.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -to <span class="smcap">Hanover</span>. The first of these Towns is -small, and has nothing remarkable. It was formerly -the common Residence of the Dukes of -<i>Zell</i>, who had a very commodious Castle in it; -but since that Country devolv'd by Inheritance -to the House of <i>Hanover</i>, there's nothing remaining -here but the Courts of Justice and the -Regency.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hanover</span><a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> is the Capital of the Electorate, -and the Seat of the Electors. This Court was -always one of the politest in <i>Germany</i>, especially -during the Life of the late Princess <i>Sophia</i>, the -Electoress Dowager and Mother. This August -Princess, who was descended from the most illustrious -Blood in <i>Europe</i>, was the Daughter of -the unhappy <i>Frederic</i>, the Elector <i>Palatine</i>, and of -the Princess of <i>England</i>, Daughter of K. <i>James</i> I. -by whom the Right of Succession to the Crown -of <i>England</i> devolv'd to the House of <i>Hanover</i>. -This Princess, tho' she was full Fourscore when -I was at <i>Hanover</i>, labour'd under none of those -Infirmities, which one would think to be inseparable -from so great an Age: She was really a -Prodigy for Vivacity and Memory; she spoke -<i>French</i>, <i>English</i> and <i>Italian</i> as well as her Mother-Tongue, -and had moreover a wonderful -just way of Thinking, which she had taken the -pains to cultivate by great Reading. This Princess -had been the Mother of several Children, -of whom there were then but three Princes surviving, -<i>viz.</i> the eldest, who was then the Elector, -and afterwards King of <i>Great Britain</i>; the -second whose Name was Duke <i>Maximilian</i>; and<!--127.png--><span class="pagenum">121</span> -the third the Duke <i>Ernest Augustus</i>, afterwards -Bishop of <i>Osnabrug</i> and Duke of <i>York</i>.</p> - -<p>Of the Electoress's three Sons, none but the -Elector had any Children; and these are the Electoral -Prince, now King of <i>England</i>, and the -Princess Royal, now our Queen.</p> - -<p>The Electoral Prince's Family was more numerous. -He has had a Son and several Daughters -by the Princess of <i>Brandenburg-Anspach</i>. I -had the Honor of waiting on the Princes and -Princesses the very next day after my Arrival, -and was received very graciously, especially by -the Electoress Mother, who all the Time that I -staid at Court, honor'd me with her special -Protection.</p> - -<p>I spent all the <i>Carnival</i> time at this Court, -where 'twas open'd on the 2d day of <i>January</i> by -a <i>French</i> Comedy, after which there was Play and -a Drawing-Room at the Electoress's Apartment -till ten o'clock at Night. Next day there was -a Ridotto in imitation of that of <i>Venice</i>, that is -to say, a public Ball, to which every body was -admitted that had a Mask, but not with Arms. -This Ball was held at the Town-House, every -other day during the whole <i>Carnival</i>. In the -same Room where the Ridotto was perform'd, -they play'd at <i>Ombre</i> and <i>Picquet</i>, and in another -at <i>Basset</i>; there was a third Room in which the -Tables were cover'd with a cold Treat; and -next to this third Room there was a fourth, in -which were distributed Coffee, Chocolate, Liquors, -<i>&c.</i></p> - -<p>I had a very great Share in all the Diversions -of the <i>Carnival</i>, being then at an Age when nothing -is so much minded as Pleasures; especially -when a Person has Money enough to keep -him from the Uneasiness, which is the necessary<!--128.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -consequence of the want of that precious Metal. -Of this I was now furnish'd with a handsome -Stock, and therewith cut a very gay Figure; -but was soon oblig'd to lessen my Expences, because -nothing would serve me but I must try a -fatal Experiment, in which I was bit. I had a -mind to try Fortune at Gaming; and play'd at -first with pretty good Luck; but afterwards the -Chance turn'd, and I was soon in a very great -Quandary what to do with my Person, being neither -able to proceed in my Journey, nor return -from whence I came; and much less to stay at -<i>Hanover</i>, where I had always made some Figure. -I then did what young Fellows us'd to do in -such a Situation; that is to say, made several -Bargains, but none to my Advantage. At last -I was oblig'd to expose my Circumstances to my -Mother, who was still my Guardian. I had -much ado to get the Money of her that I wanted; -but I wrote such moving Letters to her, -that she was sensible at last that she was my Mother, -and after having made me wait a little -while, she was so good as to send me the necessary -Sums.</p> - -<p>This little Disorder in my Affairs happen'd at -a very unseasonable Time: for the Electoress -had been so kind as to get a Passport for me to -go to <i>Paris</i>, by means of the late Madame of -<i>France</i>; but as the same was only granted for -two Months, 'twas impossible for me to make -use of it, having been oblig'd to spend almost all -that time in contriving Expedients to retrieve my -Finances.</p> - -<p>The Money that my Mother was so kind as to -send me, put me again into a Condition of travelling. -The Emperor <i>Joseph</i>'s Death happening -at that time, I resolv'd to go and see the Election<!--129.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -of a new Emperor. This great Prince died -at <i>Vienna</i>, the 17th of <i>May</i>, at 32 years of Age and -nine Months. He left the Imperial Throne vacant, -but his other Crowns devolv'd by Hereditary -Right to his Brother. As soon as that Emperor -died, the Empress Mother assum'd the -Government of his Hereditary Kingdoms and -Dominions, in the Absence of the King her Son, -to whom she sent an Express to carry the News, -as she did also to each of the Electors. The -<i>Saxon</i> and <i>Palatine</i> Electors, as Vicars of the -Empire, took Care of the Government of it -during the Inter-regnum; and the Elector of -<i>Mentz</i>, as Great Chancellor of the Empire, -wrote circular Letters (which are call'd Letters of -<i>Intimation</i>) to invite the Electors to the Assembly -that was to be at <i>Francfort</i> for the ensuing -Election.</p> - -<p>As this Assembly was not to be till <i>August</i>, -I went in the mean while to <i>Holland</i>. The first -Town I pass'd thro' after I left <i>Hanover</i>, was -<span class="smcap">Minden</span>, which is a Town upon the <i>Weser</i>, -encompass'd with Walls, and defended by some -Half-Moons, which nevertheless don't hinder -one's seeing every thing that passes in the Square -from a Hill that commands the Town, and from -whence 'tis an easy matter to beat it to the ground. -'Twas formerly a Hanse Town, being a part of -<i>Westphalia</i>, and had always the Title of a Bishopric, -till the Treaty of <i>Munster</i>, when it was -seculariz'd, and given to the Family of <i>Brandenburg</i>, -who settled a Regency here. It always -retain'd two Chapters, one of Canons, and the -other of Canonesses, into which the Ladies must -make proof of their Nobility to be admitted. -The famous Count <i>Tilly</i>, General of the Imperial -Troops, when he was pursuing <i>Maurice</i> the<!--130.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> -Landgrave of <i>Hesse-Cassel</i>, attack'd and took this -Place in 1626, when the General, exasperated -with the Town, which tho' extremely weak, refused -to comply with the very advantagious Terms -that he offer'd it, took it by Storm, and put -near 3000 Men, Soldiers and Inhabitants, to the -Sword.</p> - -<p>As I proceeded, I passed thro' <span class="smcap">Hervorden</span>, -which is an ill-built Town, in the County of -<i>Ravensberg</i>. 'Tis an Imperial Town, and yet -the King maintains a Garison in it. There's a Chapter -of Ladies, the Abbess of which is a Native -Princess of the Empire; and indeed this is what -the Town is most remarkable for, it being otherwise -not very considerable any more than the -Towns of <span class="smcap">Lipstadt</span> and <span class="smcap">Ham</span>. These belong -both to the King, of which the first is fortify'd, -and Justice is therein administer'd, in the Name -of the King and the Count <i>de la Lippe</i>, who has -half of the Revenue. Every thing relating to -the Fortifications or the Garison, is the King's. -The Baron <i>de Heiden</i>, General of the Horse, was -Governor of it when I was there.</p> - -<p>After having left these two Places, there is -no considerable Town till we come to <span class="smcap">Wesel</span>, -which stands upon the <i>Rhine</i>, and is a part of -the Duchy of <i>Cleves</i>. 'Tis now one of the -strongest Places in <i>Europe</i>; for the King, who -was about fortifying it when I was there, ordered -that no Cost should be spar'd to carry the -Works to the utmost Perfection. The Person -he employ'd to direct them was M. <i>Bot</i> a <i>Frenchman</i>, -and Governor of the Place, one of the -ablest Engineers now living. When I had -rested a few days at <i>Wesel</i> I fell down the <i>Rhine</i> -to <i>Nimeguen</i>, and by the way saw <span class="smcap">Emmerick</span> -and <span class="smcap">Schenk</span>. <i>Emmerick</i> is a Hanse Town upon<!--131.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> -the <i>Rhine</i>, which was taken by the <i>French</i> in -1652, and restor'd two years after to the Elector -of <i>Brandenburg</i>. <i>Schenk</i>, which is the first place -in <i>Holland</i>, stands at the Point where the <i>Rhine</i> -divides it self into two Branches, one of which -is call'd <i>Vahal</i>, and the other retains the Name -of the <i>Rhine</i>. This Place was built in 1586, -by <i>Martin Schenk</i> a <i>Gueldrian</i>, from whom it -took the Name.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Nimeguen</span><a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> is built upon a Hill which rises -by degrees to the very Centre of the Place, and -is part of the Province of <i>Guelderland</i>. This -Town is famous for having been taken and re-taken -in the War the <i>Dutch</i> carry'd on with -<i>Spain</i> for preserving their Liberty. That Crown -was oblig'd at last to yield it to the <i>Dutch</i>, from -whom <i>Lewis</i> XIV. took it in 1672; but it was -restor'd to them soon after. 'Twas in this Place -that the Peace was concluded between <i>France</i> -and the Allies in 1678. At the beginning of -the War for the <i>Spanish</i> Succession, the Duke -of <i>Burgundy</i> endeavor'd to make himself Master -of it, but he had not the Fortune to succeed. -The <i>Dutch</i> have made it very strong, it being -their main Bulwark towards the Duchy of <i>Cleves</i>. -To go by Land from <i>Nimeguen</i> to <span class="smcap">Utrecht</span>, -I cross'd the <i>Vahal</i> over a Flying-Bridge. I -shall not speak of this City now; for I did not -stay there, but went strait to <span class="smcap">Leyden</span><a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>, a City -in the Province of <i>Holland</i>, famous for its University, -founded in 1575.</p> - -<p>This is without dispute one of the finest Cities -in all the United Provinces. 'Tis situate in -the ancient Channel of the <i>Rhine</i>. The Streets -which are broad and very long, are extremely<!--132.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -neat, and are for the most part divided by Canals, -that are of a great Conveniency to its -Trade, which consists chiefly in Woollen Cloth, -whereof the City of <i>Leyden</i> makes more than -any other Town in <i>Holland</i>. There's a Library -also in this City, which is a very good Collection -of the most curious printed Volumes, and -a great Number of very scarce old MSS. Here -is likewise a Physic-Garden worth seeing, and especially -a Hall for Anatomies, in which there -is all manner of Curiosities. This City sustain'd -a Siege by the <i>Spaniards</i> in 1574, when the -<i>Dutch</i> shook off their Tyrants Yoke. During -this the City was reduc'd to the last Extremity, -the Siege having continu'd from <i>Easter</i> to the 3d -of <i>October</i>, when the <i>Spaniards</i> were oblig'd to -retire. Tho' <i>Leyden</i> is a very pretty City, yet I -take it to be one of the dullest Places in all <i>Holland</i> -to live in; for go where one will, we meet -with such sickly Countenances as makes one melancholy -to see them: not but that the Town's-People -are as healthy here as elsewhere; only -the Habit they have got of appearing always in -their Night-Gowns, and of even walking the -Streets in them, makes them look more like Valetudinarians, -than People in Health.</p> - -<p>After a few days stay at <i>Leyden</i>, I went to the -<span class="smcap">Hague</span><a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a>, which I think may well be call'd the -principal Village of <i>Europe</i>, it having neither -Walls nor Ramparts; but bating that, 'tis one of -the pleasantest Places in all <i>Holland</i>; it being so -delightful that the States-General have chose it, -preferably to any other, for holding their Assemblies; -and here also reside the Ministers of the -Foreign Courts. There is not a Place in all<!--133.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> -<i>Holland</i> that yields such fine Walks, and the -People are polite and much more sociable than -in any other part of the Country. Most of the -People of Quality meet every Evening alternately -at one another's Houses: These Assemblies -would be much finer than they are in general, if -the Company was not so promiscuous; but the -Freedom of the Country, and the Wealth of the -Inhabitants, very often set the Burgher upon a -Level with the Man of Quality, and sometimes -too above him.</p> - -<p>The Houses at the <i>Hague</i> are very fine, yet -they are all without the Rules of Architecture, -without Ornament, and in a manner without -Regularity, excepting the Palaces of the Old -Court and of Prince <i>Maurice</i>, and the House of -M. <i>Obdam</i>. There's not a House in short that -has the air of a great Man's House; the inner -Rooms are commonly very mean, and not very -commodious; they have no Notion of Anti-Chambers; -the Domestics pass their Time in -the Kitchens or the Entries; and, except at the -Houses of Ambassadors, what we call a <i>Swiss</i> -or Porter, is no where to be seen. There's a -great Number of <i>Jews</i> at the <i>Hague</i>, who make -a fine Figure, especially the <i>Portuguese Jews</i>. -These Gentlemen have the Equipages of Ambassadors, -with magnificent Houses and Gardens; -and they often make Treats with the utmost -Delicacy and Splendor. They are admitted into -all Companies, and only differ from the Christians -of this Country by being possess'd of -much more Wealth, and living at a far greater -Expence. I knew one of 'em whose Name was -<i>Duliz</i>, that was very much esteem'd: He was -good-natur'd, generous, extremely charitable, and -reliev'd all indifferently that were Objects of<!--134.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> -Compassion, without giving himself the Trouble -of enquiring whether the Sharers of his Bounty -were <i>Jews</i> or <i>Christians</i>: And to my own knowledge -he contributed as freely for the Maintenance -of a Church, as if it had been his own Synagogue.</p> - -<p>When I had staid about a Month at the -<i>Hague</i>, I set out to see the chief Towns of <i>Holland</i>. -The two first that one comes to are <span class="smcap">Delft</span> -and <i>Rotterdam</i>. <i>Delft</i><a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> is a League from the -<i>Hague</i>. They say that this Town was built by -<i>Godfrey</i> the <i>Crooked</i> when he had conquer'd this -Country; and that <i>Albert</i> of <i>Bavaria</i> having -made himself master of it, demolish'd its Walls -and Castle. It was entirely burnt to the ground -by Accident in 1536, and afterwards re-built. -The like Misfortune happen'd to it again in 1654, -when the Powder Magazine took fire, and the -Town, tho' not totally consum'd, was nevertheless -very much damag'd. It was again entirely -re-built in the general Taste of all the Towns of -<i>Holland</i>, that is to say, with Canals. There are -two fine Churches at <i>Delft</i>, in the Chief of -which there is the Tomb of Prince <i>William</i> of -<i>Orange</i>, who was assassinated in this Town in -1584, by <i>Belthazar Gerard</i>, a Native of <i>Franche-Comte</i>; -and in the other Church there is the -Tomb of the famous <i>Dutch</i> Admiral <i>Martin -Trompe</i>, which is of Marble, with a very fine Inscription, -and beautiful Basso-Relievo's, which represent -the principal Actions of that great Man. -'Twas in this Town, that the Plenipotentiaries of -<i>France</i> resided during the Congress of <i>Ryswic</i>. -All Ambassadors are receiv'd here on the part of -the States, and 'tis here that they begin their<!--135.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -March for their public Entry at the <i>Hague</i>. The -Road which leads to it is lin'd with Elms, and -entirely pav'd with Brick. There is not a -Place in all <i>Holland</i> where so many Passage-Boats -are continually coming and going. They set out -every Half-hour for the <i>Hague</i>, and every Hour -for <i>Rotterdam</i>. These Boats are the favorite Carriers -of the Country; and they are the most convenient -Passage, not only for the Regularity of -their Departure and Arrival, but because the Fare -is settled. I forgot to tell you, that <i>Delft</i> is the -Place where they make the fine Earthen Ware.</p> - -<p>From <i>Delft</i> I went and lay at <span class="smcap">Rotterdam</span><a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a>. -This City, which stands upon the <i>Maese</i>, -is second to <i>Amsterdam</i> for Trade, notwithstanding -the Difficulty of entring the <i>Maese</i>, at the -Mouth of which River Ships are oblig'd to stay -for the Tide, and for a Pilot that knows the Coast. -They say that <i>Rotterdam</i> derives its Origin from -<i>Ruther</i> King of the <i>Franks</i>. This City is large and -well built; and by its several Canals has a convenient -Communication with all the Towns of -<i>Holland</i>. The only Monument at <i>Rotterdam</i> is -a Statue of Brass in the great Square, representing -the famous <i>Erasmus</i>, to whom this City gave -Birth.</p> - -<p>From <i>Rotterdam</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Dort</span>, or -<span class="smcap">Dordrecht</span>, which is a very ancient Town, -and the first in Rank in the Dominions of <i>Holland</i>. -It stands in an Island between the <i>Maese</i>, the -<i>Merwe</i>, the <i>Rhine</i>, and the <i>Ling</i>, having been -broke off from the main Land in 1421, by an -Inundation, which laid almost all its Territory -under Water, and drown'd about 100,000 Persons. -All these Rivers form a kind of Sea; so<!--136.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -that at a distance the Situation of this Town -looks very much like that of <i>Venice</i>. This Place -was anciently the Residence of the Counts of -<i>Holland</i>, one of whom, <i>viz.</i> <i>Albert</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>, -founded a Collegiate Church here in 1363. The -Protestants assembled that famous National Synod -here in 1618, which did not separate till the -year following, after having establish'd that Religion -which prevails at this time in the United -Provinces.</p> - -<p>When I had staid at <i>Dort</i> as long as was necessary -to see the Town and Parts adjacent, I return'd -to <i>Rotterdam</i>, from whence I went next -day in a Boat for <span class="smcap">Amsterdam</span><a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>. This is the -most famous City in all <i>Holland</i>, its Extent, vast -Trade and Riches being the Admiration of all -Foreigners; and what is more surprizing is, that -it owes its Aggrandizement to itself, and its great -Wealth to its Commerce. 'Tis said that this -City was not known before the Year 1204; and -that then it was no more than a little Castle -call'd <i>Amstel</i>, from the Name of the River on -which it was built. The then Lord of it, <i>Gysbrecht -van Amstel</i> brought Inhabitants to it, who -were for most part poor Cottagers, that carried -on a small Trade with their Neighbours by means -of their Fishery; and at last by the force of Industry -throve so well, that <i>Amstel</i> from a Village, -became in a few years, a very considerable Town, -which was always subject to its own Lords, till -a second <i>Gysbrecht</i> being concern'd in the Assassination -of <i>Florence</i> V. Count of <i>Holland</i>, was -oblig'd for some time to get out of the way, -which prov'd to the Detriment of <i>Amsterdam</i>; -but <i>Gysbrecht</i> returning at length began to<!--137.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> -build Bridges and Towers, as he did several -Houses at the same time in the neighbouring -Country; and then they began to call the Place -<i>Amsteldam</i>, by the Addition of the Word <i>Dam</i>, -i. e. a <i>Dyke</i>, to its former Name of <i>Amstel</i>. This -little Town was united afterwards to the County -of <i>Holland</i>. <i>William</i> IV. Sovereign of the Country, -gave it several Privileges in 1342. These -<i>Albert</i> of <i>Bavaria</i> confirm'd afterwards, by giving -the Inhabitants a Power also of enlarging -the Town, which by its Situation, and the Industry -of the Inhabitants to improve its Commerce, -soon became considerable; yet it continued -without any Walls, even so long as the -Year 1482. In the 16th Century this City increas'd -considerably in Power; and during the -Troubles which arose on account of Religion, -took great Care to preserve the Catholic Religion, -and their due Allegiance to its Princes. It -turn'd out the Ministers of the Reformed Religion, -and all that had embrac'd that Doctrine several -times. But at length finding its Trade -decay; and that the Succours brought to it by -the Duke of <i>Alva</i>, Governor of the <i>Netherlands</i>, -were scatter'd, 'twas oblig'd to surrender to the -Prince of <i>Orange</i> in 1587, on condition nevertheless -that the Catholics should not be molested. -This indeed was promis'd, but not duly -perform'd; for the Clergy and Friars were soon -after expell'd, and the Altars demolish'd; the -consequence of which was the putting an entire -stop to all the public Exercise of the Catholic -Religion. The War which the Inhabitants of -<i>Amsterdam</i> had upon their hands, and the Persecution -of the Catholics had hurt its Trade very -much, till the Civil Wars kindled in the neighbouring -Provinces drove several Merchants<!--138.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -from <i>Brussels</i>, <i>Antwerp</i>, <i>&c.</i> to <i>Amsterdam</i>, where -these new Citizens contributed so much to the -Revival of its Commerce, that they have render'd -it one of the finest and richest Cities in Being; -and 'tis commonly call'd, <i>The Warehouse of -the World</i>.</p> - -<p>If the Situation of <i>Amsterdam</i> be duly considered, -it may be said to be one of the Wonders of -the World. It stands so low, that it wou'd be -continually in danger of being drown'd, were -not the Water kept out by Dykes as high as the -Waves. The River <i>Amstel</i>, so gentle that one -can hardly perceive which way it runs, passes -thro' the whole City, and forms the great Canal -over which there are two Bridges. That which -is at the Mouth of the Sea, call'd the <i>Pont-neuf</i>, -is one of the finest of the kind, not only for its -Sluices, but for the noble View there is from -thence of the Harbor, where Ships are continually -going out or coming in from all parts of the -World. Besides the Great Canal, there are -others which deserve to be taken notice of, as, -<i>The Emperors</i> Canal, <i>The Lords</i> Canal; that of -the <i>Cingle</i>, and the <i>Princes</i> Canal: All these Canals -are broad and deep, and furnish'd with great -Kays. The Sides are fac'd with Free-stone or -Brick, and adorn'd with Lime-Trees and Elms. -Very fine Houses are built on most of these -Kays, and especially upon the Kay of <i>The -Lords</i> Canal; and new ones are building every -day, which are very beautiful; and tho' -they are small, and not in the Rules of Architecture, -have a certain Air of Neatness which is -to be found no where else. Almost all the -Houses have very fine Steps of shining black -Marble, and noble Window-Frames, with very -fine Panes, which are often of polish'd Glass.<!--139.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span></p> - -<p>The Streets of <i>Amsterdam</i> are generally pretty -narrow, yet very fine and neat; and on certain -Days of the Week great Care is taken to wash -them. I must tell you by the way, that there -is not a place where the People are so fond of -washing as they are at <i>Amsterdam</i>; for they scour -the inside of their Houses every Week without -fail, together with the Furniture of the Kitchen; -so that they are always in the Suds. 'Tis true, that -without this Care every thing would grow mouldy -and spoil, as Foreigners have very often experienc'd, -who, how loth soever to comply with -this sort of Slavery, which they thought only -the Fashion of the Country, were soon oblig'd -to submit to it: And I believe, that were it not -for this Necessity of always washing, the <i>Dutch</i> -wou'd not lose so much Time about it; for in -other respects I have not observ'd 'em so nice. -These People wear a Shirt for a Fortnight very -well under a nasty, greasy Woollen Waistcoat: -and their manner of eating is as slovenly; for -the Generality know no Forks but their Fingers, -wherewith they scoop up the Sallad swimming -in the Vinegar, which is commonly their -favorite Dish<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a>.</p> - -<p>Of all the Public Buildings at <i>Amsterdam</i>, the -Stadt-house is certainly the most magnificent. -'Tis a great Pile built of Free-stones very finely -set, and forms a long Square. The 7 Porticoes -which are in the main Front, and which the Architect -has reduc'd to the number of 7, to denote -the 7 United Provinces, are look'd upon as a -defect in Architecture; for they are so narrow, -that three Persons can scarce walk a-breast in -them: which indeed is contrary to the Rules of<!--140.png--><span class="pagenum">134</span> -Architecture, but yet no Fault in a Building, -which like the Stadt-house is frequently expos'd -to the Rage and Riots of a People as turbulent -as the <i>Amsterdamers</i>. These seven Porticoes lead -to two Gates at the Foot of the Grand Stair-Case. -I don't pretend, <i>Madame</i>, to give you all the -particular Beauties of this Structure, being not -acquainted enough with the Rules, or even the -Terms of Architecture, to presume to enter into -any Description of this nature; therefore I shall -confine my self to what most strikes the Eye.</p> - -<p>The Pediment of the principal Front was to -my mind well fancy'd. 'Tis adorn'd with a Relievo -of white Marble, in which a Woman is represented -supporting the Arms of the City. -There is also a <i>Neptune</i>, some Figures of Heroes, -Lions, Unicorns, and the whole is of admirable -Workmanship. This Pediment is crown'd with -three fine Statues of Brass, which denote Justice, -Power and Plenty. On the very Top of this -whole Building there's a Tower in form of a -Dome. Here is a very fine Clock with Chimes, -which are a pretty Amusement for such as are -fond of that sort of Music.</p> - -<p>The Inside of this House is every part of it -very magnificent. The Chamber where they -pass Sentence on Criminals is lin'd throughout -with Marble, and adorn'd with Basso-Relievo's, -representing all the Emblems and Attributes of -Justice. That which is most admir'd there is a -fine Marble Statue representing <i>Themis</i>. This -Room is rais'd very high, and a little too dark; -yet 'tis so contriv'd, that all the People in the -Square may see the Criminals try'd. The three -Porticoes at the Entrance answer to the three -Windows of this Hall, which Windows instead<!--141.png--><span class="pagenum">135</span> -of Glass, have noble Bars of Brass curiously -wrought.</p> - -<p>The Great Hall is another stately Room, to -which there's an Ascent by a large Stair-Case -with two Flights. All the Walls are lin'd with -Basso-Relievo's of Marble, intermix'd with fine -Paintings. There are two Galleries or Corridors -at the two ends of the Hall, which lead to Apartments -on the right and left. In these Chambers -are kept the several Offices relating to Affairs -of the City. The Jurisdiction or Province -of each Chamber is inscrib'd over the Door; -and the Affairs there treated, are represented in -magnificent Basso-Relievo's. In one of these -Rooms, such Persons as are not of the Reform'd -Religion are oblig'd to be married before the -<i>Echevin</i>, or else they are condemn'd in a Fine; -and according to the Laws, their Marriage is to -be reckon'd null and void.</p> - -<p>In the Town-House is kept the famous Bank, -which is the Repository of such a vast Treasure. -Prodigious Arches and huge double Bars of Iron -before the Windows, render it inaccessible. The -Vaults are admirable, being built upon Piles in -the middle of the Water, and yet so dry as if -they were cut out of a Rock. One part of these -Vaults serves for containing the immense Wealth, -the other for confining Criminals. I had the -Curiosity to go and see those Dungeons, which -are all very lightsome and kept very neat; and in -spite of the Proverb, they may be said to be very -fine Prisons.</p> - -<p>After I had been at the Town-House, I went -to visit the Square where the Merchants assemble -about the Affairs of their Trade from Noon till -half an Hour past one o'clock. This Square, -which is longer than 'tis broad, is surrounded<!--142.png--><span class="pagenum">136</span> -with a large open Gallery or Corridor, supported -by Free-stone Pillars, for shelter in case of Rain; -and is call'd the <i>Bourse</i> or <i>Exchange</i>. Here are -Merchants of all Nations, the diversity of whose -Habits and Languages is as pleasing as the Beauty -of the Place; and especially the Hurry those -People are in that are call'd <i>Brokers</i>, who are the -Men employ'd by the great Merchants to traffick -the Bills of Exchange, or to transact their other -Affairs. To see them scowering from one to the -other all about this Square, there's no body but -wou'd think they were mad.</p> - -<p>The <i>India</i>-House and Admiralty-Office are -also worth seeing. The first serves as a Warehouse -for laying up such Merchandize as comes -from the <i>Indies</i>. In the latter there is all the necessary -Rigging for fitting out a Fleet to Sea. -The <i>India</i> Company have their separate Arsenal, -which is in nothing inferior to that of the -States. In this City there are Hospitals also of -every Kind very well maintain'd, and Houses of -Correction for both Sexes. <i>Amsterdam</i> is the -Place of Refuge for Sects of all Denominations, -who have their several Chappels or Chambers -there, wherein they exercise their Religion, but -the <i>Calvinists</i> and <i>Lutherans</i> only are allow'd the -Liberty of Public Worship. However the <i>Jews</i> -have two fine Synagogues here; the one for the -<i>German</i>, and the other for the <i>Portuguese</i> Nation. -Of this Sect there are great Numbers, and they -live in a particular Quarter, which is not the most -inconsiderable of the City.</p> - -<p>But notwithstanding all this Magnificence of -Buildings, and the Concourse of so many Nations, -I was quite out of conceit with <i>Amsterdam</i>. -Every body sticks to Trade, and the Gratification -of their Avarice is their whole Study. The<!--143.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -Generality with their immense Wealth live like -Misers; and all their Happiness, their Pleasure -and their Pride consists in having a great deal of -Money: They think of nothing but how to -acquire Riches; and they look upon every -Man that lives genteelly as a Prodigal. As to -the <i>Dutch</i> Freedom, I don't believe there's a -Place where it bears greater Sway than at <i>Amsterdam</i>. -'Tis true, that this so much boasted -Liberty serves very often but to render the Citizens -insolent with Impunity; for there is not -a Scrub but thinks himself as good a Man as the -best in the Country: Foreigners have sometimes -much ado to bear it, they being often abus'd -without daring to complain; for it costs so much -to obtain Justice here, that People had rather -put up with an Insult, than seek a Remedy by -due Course of Law. The Attorneys and Solicitors -of this City outdo those of all other Countries -in flattering their Clients to their Ruin, and -most of this Gentry cut a great Figure, have -noble Houses and Gardens, and some too have -very spruce Equipages.</p> - -<p>From <i>Amsterdam</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Harlem</span><a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a>, which -is but three Leagues. Heretofore, while the Catholic -Religion subsisted in this Country, it was -a Bishopric, Suffragan of <i>Utrecht</i>. The Town -stands but a League from the Sea, or rather upon -its Shore, the Sea having overflow'd a considerable -part of the Country, which forms a -Lake, now call'd the <i>Harlem Meer</i>, or Sea of -<i>Harlem</i>. This Town communicates by its -Canals both with <i>Amsterdam</i> and <i>Leyden</i>. They -pretend it was founded by the <i>Normans</i> in the -ninth Century. Pope <i>Paul</i> IV. erected it into a<!--144.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -Bishopric in 1559, at the Request of <i>Philip</i> II. -King of <i>Spain</i>. In 1572 the Bishop was turn'd -out by the Protestants, not long after which the -Town was besieg'd and taken by <i>Frederic</i> of -<i>Toledo</i> Son to the Duke of <i>Alva</i>, who oblig'd the -Inhabitants to surrender at Discretion, and caus'd -them to be treated in the most barbarous manner -in the World. The <i>Dutch</i> retook it afterwards, -and have held it ever since. There are very fine -Walks in this City, and especially a Grove which -is deem'd a charming Place by the Citizens of -<i>Amsterdam</i>, who come hither in the Summer to -make their Parties of Pleasure.</p> - -<p>After having seen what was most remarkable -at <i>Harlem</i>, I return'd by the way of <i>Leyden</i> to -the <i>Hague</i>, where I had not been many days, -before the King arriv'd, having pass'd the same -day before <i>Rotterdam</i>, where he had been saluted -with a triple Discharge of the Cannon, as -he was also at <i>Delfshaven</i>, where he found his -Yatcht, follow'd by several others that had been -sent to him from the <i>Hague</i>. These attended -the King to <i>Delft</i>, where his Coaches staid for -him, with which he came to his Palace of the -<i>Old Court</i>.</p> - -<p>There he found a Guard of fourscore Men, -with a Captain and a Pair of Colors. His Majesty -caus'd his Arrival to be immediately notify'd to -the President of the Assembly of the States-General, -and next day, after Sermon time, he receiv'd -the Deputation from the said States, -consisting of nine Members, who when they -arriv'd at the King's Palace found the Guard -under Arms, Colors flying, and the Drum beating, -and were receiv'd at the bottom of the -Stairs by the Grand Marshal and several Gentlemen -of the Chamber, and introduc'd into the<!--145.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -King's Bed-chamber, who receiv'd them bare-headed -and standing before an Arm-Chair. As -the Audience was only to compliment his Majesty -upon his Arrival, it was very short; and the -States returning to the usual Place of their Assembly, -went afterwards and din'd with the King.</p> - -<p>Some days after this his Majesty set out for -<i>Honslaerdyk</i>, a Place two Leagues from the <i>Hague</i>, -which he enjoy'd by Inheritance from the late K. -<i>William</i> of <i>England</i>. Thither I follow'd the -King, who staid there till he had receiv'd Advice, -that the Prince of <i>Nassau</i>, Governor of -<i>Friseland</i>, was to come from the Army in <i>Flanders</i> -to the <i>Hague</i>, there to make an end of -the Differences betwixt him and his Majesty about -the Succession to the Family of <i>Orange</i>, -of which that Prince took the Title, by virtue of -the last Will and Testament of the late King of -<i>England</i>, the last Prince of the said Family. The -King had been expecting him for some days, -when a Courier arriv'd with the News, that the -Prince was drown'd in the Passage of the <i>Moerdyke</i>. -Having embark'd there with his Retinue -to pass the <i>Stryen-Sas</i>, he was not got above -thirty or forty Paces from Shore, when a furious -Gust of Wind arose, by which the Vessel -was overset and lost. As the Sea swell'd at the -same time, and the Prince knew not how to -swim, he could not get ashore. Colonel <i>Hilkes</i> -who accompanied him was drown'd with him, -and none but his Domestics escap'd. The unfortunate -Prince was seen to hang by the Mast -of the Vessel for some Moments, and there were -some hopes of relieving him, had it not been -for a Wave, which drove by a Blast of Wind -carried him off from the piece of Wood he clung -to, and cast him away. The Body of this Prince,<!--146.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> -who was very much regretted, was not found till -about a Week after, in the very same place where -the Vessel happen'd to be cast away. 'Twas carried -to <i>Dort</i> where 'twas embalm'd, and then remov'd -to <i>Lewarden</i>, there to be interr'd in the -Tomb of his Family.</p> - -<p>The King was the more afflicted at this sad -Accident, because the News was told him too -hastily, by a foolish Courier, who, for want of -knowing his Master's Temper, thought that the -News of the Prince of <i>Friseland</i>'s Death wou'd -not be disagreeable to him; but the King gave -public Demonstration how sorry he was for his -Loss, and sent a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber -to the last Princess-Dowager of <i>Nassau</i>, to assure -her how much he sympathiz'd in her loss.</p> - -<p>The Death of the Prince of <i>Friseland</i> interrupted -the whole Treaty of Accommodation. -The said Prince left a Daughter, and the Princess -his Wife pregnant, who wrote to the States -to desire them not to do any thing in prejudice -of the Infant of whom she hoped to be deliver'd; -and that as they were Executors Testamentary, -they would preserve the Bulk of his Inheritance -entire; and that otherwise she openly protested -against every thing that might be done. This -Demand did not hinder the States from granting -the King a provisional Portion; and it was agreed, -that his Majesty, as well as the Heirs of the Prince -of <i>Nassau</i>, now deceas'd, should be paid 150000 -<i>Dutch</i> Florins a year, out of the Estate of the -<i>Orange</i> Family: That the Palaces of Prince -<i>Frederic-Henry</i>, of which the King was already -in Possession, shou'd continue his; but that the -<i>Dieren</i> Palace shou'd be common both to the -King and the Prince's Heirs; and that the rest -should be referr'd to a definitive Accommodation,<!--147.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -which is the Thing that still remains to be done. -I had the Honor to pay my Court punctually -all the Time that his Majesty spent at the <i>Hague</i>; -and when he set out, I went with him to <i>Dieren</i>, -where I took leave of the King, little thinking -'twou'd be the last Time I should see him.</p> - -<p>I went thro' <span class="smcap">Dusseldorff</span><a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a>, the Capital of -the Duchy of <i>Berg</i>, which was then the Residence -of the Elector <i>Palatine</i>, who, it must be -noted, was the first of the <i>Palatine</i> Electors that -liv'd here; for the Electors commonly resided -heretofore at <i>Heidelberg</i> or <i>Manheim</i>. The Elector -<i>John-William</i> had preferred <i>Dusseldorff</i> to -all other Places, from an early liking that he -took to that Town, of which he was Master, -even in the Life-time of the Elector his Father; -who when he married his Son to the Emperor -<i>Leopold</i>'s Sister, yielded to him the Duchies of -<i>Juliers</i> and <i>Berg</i>, of which <i>Dusseldorff</i> is the Capital -City, and wou'd have been one of the finest -in <i>Germany</i>, if the Emperor had liv'd long enough -to put the great Projects which he had form'd in -execution. This Prince had already begun to -augment the City with one entire Quarter, the -Streets whereof were as strait as a Line; and I -saw the Plan of a new Palace that he intended -to build, which wou'd certainly have been one -of <i>Europe</i>'s Grand Structures. As to that now -at <i>Dusseldorff</i>, the only beautiful part of it is that -call'd the Gallery; tho' why it has that Name -I can't imagine, since nothing resembles a Gallery -less. It contains five Rooms, three of which -are much bigger than the others. One of these<!--148.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -Rooms is quite full of magnificent Paintings by the -famous <i>Rubens</i>. In another there's a great number -of Paintings by <i>Van der Werf</i>, a <i>Dutch</i> Painter who -died lately at the <i>Hague</i>. If a Man has ever so -little Taste or Skill in Painting, 'tis impossible for -him to be indifferent for such Pictures, which -may be said to be all Master-pieces. Such are -those representing the good old Man <i>Simeon</i> holding -the Savior of the World in his Arms; our -Lord teaching in the Temple; and the Pictures -of the Elector and Electoress, in two particular -Rooms of the first Story of this Gallery, are the -Models of the most magnificent Statues of <i>Italy</i>, -sent for by the Elector from all parts of that -Country at a vast Expence. The three others -are full of modern Statues of Marble and Brass, -which are for the most part done by the famous -<i>Gripilli</i> an <i>Italian</i>, and an excellent Artist, especially -for Busts that require a Likeness.</p> - -<p>In the Court-yard of the Palace there's an Equestrian -Statue of the Elector arm'd cap-a-pee, -with the Electoral Bonnet on his Head, and -mounted upon a very fine Horse of yellow Copper. -In the same Court there is likewise a very -fine Fountain, the Group of which is of Brass -very curiously wrought, but so incumber'd with -Works of different Kinds, that 'tis difficult to -distinguish them.</p> - -<p>Five Leagues from <i>Dusseldorff</i> there's a Hunting-Seat -call'd <i>Bensberg</i><a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>, which is built in a -Forest on a Hill, from whence there's a fine -Prospect of the City of <i>Cologne</i>, the <i>Rhine</i>, and -all the flat Country. To this Castle there's a -large Avenue, by a gradual Ascent, till one -comes to the Grate of the first Court, on each<!--149.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> -side whereof there's a large Guard-House, the -Front of which forms a Gallery supported by -Pillars of grayish Marble, which is dug in this -Country. The rest of this Seat has very much -the air of the Castle of <i>Versailles</i>, only 'tis not so -large or lofty. In the two Wings of this Building, -there are two Stair-Cases which lead to the Apartments. -'Tis plain that this Structure was -design'd entirely by an <i>Italian</i>; because, according -to the Fashion of that Country, the Apartments -consist of a great number of Rooms all upon -one Floor too, but without any Closets or Conveniencies. -The outside of this Structure is the -oddest thing in the World. It consists of numberless -Ornaments, which 'tis impossible to distinguish: -And I think it no Injustice to the -Castle of <i>Bensberg</i>, to say, 'tis a noble fine House -full of Imperfections.</p> - -<p>After having given you an Account of the Elector's -several Buildings, I fancy, <i>Madame</i>, -that some short Memoirs of his Family will not -be disagreeable to you. To be sure you are not -ignorant, that the Succession of the <i>Neubourg</i> -Family to the Dignity of Elector <i>Palatine</i>, is -owing only to the Extinction of the Protestant -<i>Palatine</i> Family, the last of which was the Elector -<i>Charles</i>, who left but one Sister, married -to <span class="smcap">Monsieur</span> <i>Philip</i> of <i>France</i>, Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, -Brother to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. <i>Philip-William</i> -Duke of <i>Neubourg</i>, the Father of him whom I -have had the Honor of mentioning to you, was -the first Elector of this Branch. This Prince, -who had a numerous Family, match'd them to -the chief Crowns of <i>Europe</i>, and he had no less -than four Princes and five Princesses.</p> - -<p>The eldest of the Princes was the Elector <i>John-William</i> -of <i>Neubourg</i>, who married to his first<!--150.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> -Wife an Archduchess of <i>Austria</i>, Sister to the -Emperor <i>Leopold</i>, by whom he had no Issue. -He married to his second Wife <i>Anne-Mary-Louisa</i> -of <i>Medicis</i>, Daughter to <i>Cosmo</i> III. Great -Duke of <i>Tuscany</i>; but having no more Issue by -this Match than by the former, he took the -Hereditary Prince of <i>Sultzbach</i> to his Court, -where he was brought up as the Heir of his Family, -in case that himself and the Princes his -Brothers died without Male Issue. This young -Prince was then look'd upon as the Electoral -Prince, and receiv'd all the Honors as such. The -Person who had the Care of his Education was -the Baron <i>de Seckingen</i>; and it may be said, -that he did his utmost to make a great Prince -of him.</p> - -<p>The second was <i>Charles-Lewis</i>, now the Elector.</p> - -<p>The third <i>Francis-Lewis de Neubourg</i>, Elector -of <i>Triers</i> and Grand Master of the <i>Teutonic</i> Order.</p> - -<p>The fourth <i>Alexander-Sigismond</i>, Bishop of -<i>Augsbourg</i>.</p> - -<p>The Princesses were all married. The eldest, -whose Name was <i>Eleonora-Magdalena-Theresa</i> -of <i>Neubourg</i>, married the Emperor <i>Leopold</i>, Father -to the present Emperor, and died <i>Jan. 19, -1719</i>, aged 74.</p> - -<p>The second was married to the King of <i>Portugal</i>.</p> - -<p>The third, nam'd <i>Mary-Anne</i> of <i>Neubourg</i>, -was married to <i>Charles</i> II. King of <i>Spain</i>.</p> - -<p>The fourth, <i>Dorothy</i> of <i>Neubourg</i> was married -to the Duke of <i>Parma</i>, by whom she had among -other Children Princess <i>Elizabeth Farnese</i>, the -second Wife of <i>Philip</i> V. King of <i>Spain</i>.<!--151.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span></p> - -<p>The fifth and last of these Princesses, <i>Hedwiga-Elizabeth</i> -of <i>Neubourg</i>, was married to <i>James-Lewis -Sobieski</i>, by whom she had <i>Clementina -Sobieski</i>, Wife to the Chevalier <i>de St. George</i>. The -Mother died at <i>Olaw</i> the 10th of <i>August</i> 1722, -aged 50.</p> - -<p>After having pass'd some time at the <i>Palatine</i> -Court, I set out about the middle of <i>August</i> for -<i>Francfort</i> on the <i>Main</i>, where I arriv'd a few -days before the opening of the Conferences for -the Election of an Emperor.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Francfort</span><a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> is one of the most considerable -Towns of all <i>Germany</i>, has the Title of an Imperial -City, and is a part of the Diocese of <i>Mentz</i>. -'Tis divided into two parts by the <i>Main</i>, over -which there is a fine Stone Bridge. The frequent -Fires which this City has suffer'd, and especially -that of 1719, have contributed not a little -to its Embellishment, all the Houses being re-built -in a better Taste than before; yet most of the -Buildings are still of Timber and fac'd with -Plaister that is color'd, few private Men having -been at the Expence of building with Stone. -<i>Francfort</i> may thank the <i>Jews</i> for most of those -Fires; for the <i>Jews</i> who are very numerous here, -live in a Quarter by themselves, which is shut -up every Night; and being so narrow, that they -are straiten'd for Room, they are oblig'd to lie -in Heaps as it were upon one another, in very -high Houses, which being moreover of Timber, -easily catch Fire. They have seen their -whole Quarter in Ashes twice successively, because -they refus'd the Assistance they might have -had to extinguish the Flames; for they never -wou'd open their Gates for fear of being robb'd,<!--152.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -unless when they saw that the People were -going to break them open by Force. Notwithstanding -all the Reasons for not suffering them -at <i>Francfort</i>, they have a better Toleration than -the <i>Calvinists</i>, and have fine Synagogues; whereas -the <i>Calvinists</i> do not enjoy the free Exercise -of their Religion, the Magistrates and most of -the Inhabitants being <i>Lutherans</i>.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Francfort</i> is one of the first that -embrac'd the Opinions of <i>Luther</i>, which presently -occasion'd a Revolt: For the Inhabitants -demanding the free Exercise of <i>Lutheranism</i>, and -the Clergy and Senate vigorously opposing it, -there was an Insurrection, in which the Inhabitants -having the Advantage, they depos'd the -Senate, and establish'd a sort of Magistracy compos'd -of twenty-four, taken from the Body of -the Populace. These Acts of Violence had such -fatal Consequences, that at last in 1530 the City -embrac'd the Confession of <i>Augsbourg</i>, enter'd -into the League of <i>Smalcald</i>, and had a share in -the other Calamities which afflicted the Empire. -'Twas besieg'd twice in 1552, by <i>Maurice</i> Elector -of <i>Saxony</i>, and by <i>Albert</i> Margrave of -<i>Brandenburg</i>, surnam'd the <i>Alcibiades</i> of <i>Germany</i>, -who made himself Master of it; but it -soon after recover'd its Liberty, and since that -time has increas'd very much. The Elections -and Coronations of the Emperors render it a very -considerable Place. These two Grand Ceremonies -are perform'd in the Church of St. <i>Bartholomew</i>, -which is a vile, little, dark Building, very improper, -in short, for Solemnities of that sort. -The Imperial Feast is kept on the very Day of -the Coronation, in the Great Hall of the Town-house, -which is indeed a very wide but irregular -Room. The Town-house is called <i>Romer</i>:<!--153.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -They say 'twas anciently the House of a private -Gentleman, who made a Present of it to the -City. If that be true, it may be said the Gentleman -liv'd at large.</p> - -<p>This City has considerable Fairs, which draw -a great Number of Merchants to it and People -of Quality. The River <i>Main</i> which falls into -the <i>Rhine</i> near <i>Mentz</i>, is a great Advantage to -its Commerce. This, <i>Madame</i>, is within a -Trifle all that can be said of <i>Francfort</i>. I am -now to have the Honor of giving you a particular -Account of the chief Circumstances that attended -the Election and Coronation of the Emperor.</p> - -<p>The Conferences for the Election were open'd -on the 25th of <i>August</i>, and held from nine -o'clock in the Morning till Noon. The Plenipotentiaries -of the absent Electors therein communicated -their full Powers, and referr'd them -to the Elector of <i>Mentz</i>, who afterwards made -a Speech upon what had given occasion to that -August Assembly. In this first Session it was resolv'd, -that every thing there treated of shou'd -be kept secret; and then they adjourn'd.</p> - -<p>The March of the Electors of <i>Mentz</i> and -<i>Triers</i> to and from the Town-house was very -grand. The first was <i>Lotharius-Francis de Schonborn</i>, -of the Family of the Counts of <i>Schonborn</i>; -and the second was <i>Charles-Joseph de Lorrain</i>, -who was of the <i>Lorrain</i> Family, and died -in 1715, on the 4th of <i>December</i>. These two -Princes rode each in a great Coach, cover'd with -black Cloth, attended by all their Houshold and -Guards in close Mourning.</p> - -<p>The Equipages of the Ambassadors of the absent -Electors were very spruce, especially the Equipages -of the Ambassadors of <i>Saxony</i>, who had -also the Honor to have with them their Master's<!--154.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span> -Son, who went by the Name of the Count of -<i>Lusatia</i>. Besides, the King of <i>Poland</i> had given -them his own Equipage, and permitted -them to cloath their Domestics in his Livery.</p> - -<p>The Ambassadors whom the King (of <i>Prussia</i>) -sent in quality of Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i>, appear'd -likewise with a Splendor worthy of the -Prince whom they represented. They were the -Count <i>de Dlona</i> and M. <i>Henning</i>; but the former -had the Honors of the Embassy. This Minister -appear'd with a Train of 40 Gentlemen of the -King's Bed-chamber; he had 5 Coaches drawn -by 6 Horses each, 8 Pages, 36 Footmen and 2 -<i>Swiss</i>. M. <i>Henning</i>, who was appointed to attend -to the Business, had not the Satisfaction to -see the Success of these Assemblies; for having -in the very first Session spoke with great Zeal -for the Interests of his Country, he heated himself -to such a degree, that he found himself out -of Order when he came home; and that very -Night he had a Fit of an Apoplexy of which -he died next day. The Count <i>de Metternich</i> -was appointed to supply his Place. No body -was fitter to serve the King in the Assembly at -<i>Francfort</i> than this Nobleman, who had in several -Embassies acquir'd a great Knowledge of -the Affairs of the Empire; and particularly in -the Embassy at <i>Ratisbon</i>, in which he was employ'd -a long time.</p> - -<p>As soon as the Conferences were open'd, the -Foreign Ministers, <i>viz.</i> the Pope's Nuncio, the -Envoys of <i>Savoy</i> and of the other Princes of <i>Italy</i>, -the Envoy Extraordinary of the States-General, -and those of the Princes of the Empire, notify'd -their Arrival to the Electoral College, and sent -their Credentials to the Chancery, which was<!--155.png--><span class="pagenum">149</span> -kept at the Palace of the Elector of <i>Mentz</i>, that -Prince being by Birth Chancellor of the Empire.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of these Conferences there -were some Difficulties started, relating to the Pretensions -of the Nuncio and Nephew of the then -Pope <i>Clement</i> XI. who pretended that the Electors -should pay him the first Visit; and that -when he return'd it to them, they were bound -to give him the Right Hand. The Electors -were very much startled at the Nuncio's Demand, -and publickly refus'd to subscribe to such Claims; -so that no Visit was made on either side, and -the Nuncio only saw the Electors in a Garden -where they happen'd to meet by Chance. The -Nuncio threaten'd he would protest against -the Ninth Electorate establish'd in favor of -the Family of <i>Brunswic-Hanover</i>, and against -the Royal Dignity of <i>Prussia</i>; but he was given -to understand, that neither of his Protestations -would avail any thing. And the Ambassadors -of <i>Prussia</i> sent him word in plain Terms, that -if he offered to protest against the Regal Dignity -of their Master, the King would not fail -to give Order to his Troops that were in <i>Italy</i>, -to enter into the Ecclesiastic State, and to live at -Discretion therein, as if it were an Enemy's -Country. The Nuncio frighted by those Menaces, -and thinking he already saw the <i>Prussian</i> -Troops in his Holiness's Territories, sent -his Secretary forthwith to the Ambassadors to -assure them that he wou'd not protest; that he -never had a Thought nor Order for it; that his -Holiness had all the Respect and Esteem for -the King their Master which so great a Prince -deserv'd; and that he would be glad to give -Proofs of it upon every Occasion.<!--156.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span></p> - -<p>The Electors of <i>Cologn</i> and <i>Bavaria</i> protested -likewise against the Assembly, in case they -were refused Admission to the Conferences for -the Election; but they were of no more avail -than those of the Nuncio. Those Princes sent -their Protests by the Post, in form of Letters, -directed to the Count <i>de Papenheim</i> Marshal of -the Empire, and seal'd with an unknown Seal. -The Situation those Electors stood in at that time, -did not permit them to cause their Protests to be -publish'd with the due Formalities, nevertheless -they were soon made public. The Respect -and Friendship People had for the illustrious -Family of <i>Bavaria</i>, made every body eager to -have Copies of 'em, but they signify'd nothing, -and the Conferences continu'd.</p> - -<p>On the 2d of <i>October</i> the Conferences being -ended for that Day, the Magistrates and Heads -of the Militia, went in a Body to the Town-house, -to take the Oath prescrib'd by the Golden Bull. -They there found the Electors, who were at that -time in <i>Francfort</i>, and the Ambassadors of the -absent Electors, all sitting in Chairs of State, -under a great Canopy of black Velvet. After the -Oath was read, the Magistrates and the Officers -of the Militia took it in presence of the Elector -of <i>Mentz</i>, as did also the Citizens and the Garison, -but the Ceremony was different; for it was -not taken in the Town-house, but without it, -in an open Gallery, rais'd in a great Square, and -hung with Cloth. There the Chancellors of the -two Spiritual Electors and the Magistrates receiv'd -the Oath of the Citizens, in presence of -the Electors and Ambassadors, who were plac'd -at the Windows of the Town-house. The -Burghers, who were to the Number of 14 Companies,<!--157.png--><span class="pagenum">151</span> -took the Oath first, and then the Soldiers -of the Garrison.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of <i>October</i> Proclamation was made -by Sound of Trumpet for all Foreigners, who -were not in the Retinue of the Electors, or the -Electoral Ambassadors, to retire out of the City -before the Sun was set, till the Electors had chose -an Emperor. The Nuncio thought at first, -that his Character and the Respect due to the -Holy Father would exempt him from the general -Rule; but being inform'd of the contrary, -he retir'd to <i>Aschaffenbourg</i>.</p> - -<p>On the 12th, about seven in the Morning all -the Bells were rung, upon which the Burghers -and the Soldiers of the Garrison assembled at the -Houses of their respective commanding Officers; -and then went and posted themselves in the -Streets leading from the Town-house to the -Church of St. <i>Bartholomew</i>. The Burghers had -the Post of Honor from the Soldiers. At nine -o'clock the Electors and Ambassadors went to -the Town-house, the Courts and Equipages of -all but the Ambassadors of <i>Bohemia</i> having laid -aside their Mourning.</p> - -<p>The Moment after the Electors arriv'd in the -usual Chamber of the Assembly they went into -other Rooms, where they caus'd themselves to -be dress'd in their Electoral Habits, which are -very majestic, being wide Gowns very much -plaited with very long Sleeves, the Linings and -Facings being of Ermin; and over all the Electors -wear a sort of Mantle of Ermin. The -Habits for the Spiritual and Temporal Electors -are much the same, only those of the former -are of Scarlet, and those of the latter of Crimson-Velvet. -Their Caps are of the Color of their -Habits, and like them turn'd up with Ermin.<!--158.png--><span class="pagenum">152</span></p> - -<p>As soon as the Electors were dress'd they return'd -to the Assembly-Room, and then went -with the Ambassadors of the other Electors from -the Town-House to the Square, where they found -Horses sumptuously caparison'd, which they -mounted, and thus rode in Cavalcade to St. <i>Bartholomew</i>'s -Church. The three Electors rode -first in one Row bare-headed. The four Ambassadors -of the absent Electors rode next, according -to the Rank of their Masters. Their -Electoral Highnesses and the Ambassadors were -receiv'd at the Door of the Church by the Bishop -of <i>Neustadt</i> at the Head of the Chapter, -who conducted them into the Choir, where they -plac'd themselves, according to their Rank, in the -Stalls of the Canons, which were lin'd with Velvet -and Gold-Lace. The Elector of <i>Triers</i> sate -by himself opposite to the Altar, where a Praying-Desk -and an Arm-Chair were set up for him, -which were lin'd also with Crimson-Velvet.</p> - -<p>When all the Company were seated, the Bishop -of <i>Neustadt</i> began the Mass. At the first Consecration, -the Ambassadors of the Protestant Electors -went into the Chappel of the Conclave -which joins to the Choir: After the Elevation -of the Host they return'd to their Places, where -they remain'd during the rest of the Office, and -then the Electors and Ambassadors all went up -to the Altar. The Elector of <i>Mentz</i> was in the -middle between the Elector of <i>Triers</i> on his -Right and the Elector-Palatine on his Left. The -Ambassadors were in the same Row, according -to their Rank, on the Right and Left of the Electors. -The Elector of <i>Mentz</i> took the Book -of the Gospels and laid his Right Hand upon it, -as did also the Electors that were present, and the -Ambassadors of those who were absent, and then<!--159.png--><span class="pagenum">153</span> -took the customary Oath to elect no Person for -Emperor but one that they should think in Conscience -to be most qualify'd. After having taken -the Oath they went into the Chapel of the Conclave, -where they were shut up near three Hours. -Then they return'd into the Church and plac'd -themselves in a Gallery erected over the Grate -that separates the Choir from the Nave, which -was lin'd with Scarlet Cloth and hung with -Tapestry, and had seven Arm-Chairs plac'd in it -of red Velvet, adorn'd with Lace and Fringe of -Gold. The Electors and Ambassadors being -seated, the Chancellor of <i>Mentz</i> read aloud the -Act which had been just drawn up in the Conclave, -whereby <span class="smcap">Charles</span> King of the <i>Romans</i>, -and of <i>Spain</i>, was proclaim'd Emperor. Then -the whole Church resounded with great Shouts -of <i>Long live the Emperor</i>! And at the same instant -the Cannon was fir'd from the Ramparts, -and the Burghers and the Garison made three -Discharges of their small Arms.</p> - -<p>After the Proclamation the Electors and the -Ambassadors descended from the Gallery to their -Places in the Choir, and after the singing of <i>Te -Deum</i> which was tun'd by the Bishop of <i>Neustadt</i>, -they return'd to the Town-House in the -same Order that they came. There the Electors -quitted their Robes of Ceremony, and each return'd -to their Palaces, where they stay'd till the -Evening; and the Ambassadors did the same. -At Night they all supp'd at the House of the -Count <i>de Windisgratcht</i>, the first Ambassador of -<i>Bohemia</i>, and by consequence the Ambassador of -the new Emperor, who gave a magnificent Feast, -which was accompany'd with a very fine Concert -of Music. This great Day's Work was concluded -by the Choice which the Electoral College made<!--160.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> -of Prince <i>Charles</i> of <i>Neubourg</i>, to carry to the -new Emperor the Act of his Proclamation.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the surprizing Concourse of -People from all Quarters to see this august Ceremony, -there was not the least Disorder in the -whole Solemnity, excepting a little Dispute that -happen'd between the Prince <i>de la Tour Taxis</i> -and the Count of <i>Nassau-Weilbourg</i>. The former, -tho' of a modern Family in comparison to the -Count, yet presuming upon his Title of Prince, -claim'd Precedency of the Count, but the latter -decided the Difference in an instant; for he took -the Prince by the Arm, and pushing him -behind him, said to him, <i>You are to know, Sir, -that such Princes as you are, walk behind such -Counts as I am</i>. The Prince very much stunn'd -at the Compliment, did not think proper to -push his Pretensions farther.</p> - -<p>Immediately after the Ceremony of the Election -was over, I set out for <i>Zell</i>, where I had the -Misfortune to find my self Motherless as well as -Fatherless. My Mother having died there during -my stay at <i>Francfort</i>, whose Death grieved -me very much, and the more because 'twas the -first Incident I had met with in all my Life to -give me a serious Concern: But now perhaps, -that I am more us'd to Disappointments, such -News would not make so much Impression upon -me as it did then.</p> - -<p>I stay'd some time at <i>Zell</i> to settle several Affairs -with my Brother relating to my Mother's -Succession, till I had a Letter acquainting me -that the Ceremony of the Emperor's Coronation -was fix'd for the 22d of <i>December</i>, and thereupon -I set out immediately again for <i>Francfort</i>.<!--161.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span></p> - -<p>I travell'd thro' <i>Hanover</i>, which I have already -had the Honor to mention to you, and -from <i>Hanover</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Cassel</span>, which Town -is the common Residence of the Landgrave of -<i>Hesse</i>, and divided into two Parts by the River -<i>Fulde</i>. The New Town is very well built with -pretty Houses, and the Streets are very even -and spacious. The Landgrave's Palace which is -old is encompass'd with Ramparts, part of which -on that side next to the Country forms a Terras -planted with Orange-Trees, which in Winter -are cover'd by a boarded House. The Name -of the present Landgrave is <i>Charles</i>, who was -born the 3d of <i>August</i> 1654, and has had seven -Children by <i>Mary-Amelia</i> of <i>Courland</i>.</p> - -<p>1. Prince <i>Frederic</i>, born the 28th of <i>August</i> -1676, who became King of <i>Sweden</i> by his Marriage -with <i>Eleonora</i> Princess of <i>Sweden</i>, who succeeded -<i>Charles</i> XII. He had to his first Wife -<i>Louisa-Dorothea-Sophia</i> only Daughter of the -King of <i>Prussia</i>, at which time he was Stadtholder -of <i>Cleves</i>, and had a Regiment of Foot -in his Majesty's Service.</p> - -<p>2. The Princess <i>Sophia-Charlotta</i> Duchess-Dowager -of <i>Mecklemburg-Swerin</i>, who lives still -in <i>Mecklemburg</i>, from whence she often goes to -the Court of her Father.</p> - -<p>3. Prince <i>William</i>, who is a Lieutenant-General -of the <i>Dutch</i> Forces, and Governor of <i>Maestricht</i>. -He marry'd <i>Wilhelmina</i> of <i>Saxe-Zeits</i>.</p> - -<p>4. The Princess <i>Mary-Louisa</i>, Dowager of -the Prince of <i>Nassau-Friesland</i> drown'd in his -Passage at the <i>Moerdyke</i>.</p> - -<p>5. The Prince <i>Maximilian</i>, marry'd to a Princess -of <i>Hesse-Darmstad</i>.</p> - -<p>6. The Prince <i>George</i>, a General Officer in the -Service of <i>Prussia</i>, Colonel of a Regiment of<!--162.png--><span class="pagenum">156</span> -Foot, and Knight of the Order of the Black -Eagle.</p> - -<p>7. <i>Wilhelmina-Charlotte</i>, who was a most accomplish'd -Princess, but died some time ago.</p> - -<p>These Princes and Princesses met very often -at the Court of the Landgrave their Father, and -then render'd it one of the most splendid in <i>Germany</i>, -not only by reason of their Magnificence, -but for their affable Deportment to all Mankind, -but especially to Foreigners. I was loth to go -from <i>Cassel</i>, but as the Term fix'd for the Emperor's -Coronation drew near, I could not stay -there any longer.</p> - -<p>And indeed, I arrived at <span class="smcap">Francfort</span> but a -few Hours before the Emperor. The Electors -and Ambassadors went out of Town and met -his Imperial Majesty, as did also the Magistrates -with the Burgo-Master, and complimented him -under a Tent erected there for that purpose. -When the Compliments were ended his Majesty -went again into his Coach, as did the Electors -and Ambassadors into theirs, and they enter'd the -City while the Cannon fir'd and the People -shouted, <i>Long live the Emperor Charles</i> VI. -His Imperial Majesty alighted at the Church of -St. <i>Bartholomew</i>. The Elector-Palatine who was -so indispos'd that he could not go out to meet -his Majesty, receiv'd him at the Door of the -Church, as did also the Bishop of <i>Neustadt</i> at -the Head of the Chapter; and his Majesty was -conducted to a Throne set up for him on the -Right-side of the Altar, by the Electors. The -Elector-Palatine walk'd before, and the two other -Electors supported the Emperor. When -he was seated on his Throne, the Bishop tun'd -the <i>Te Deum</i>, and gave the Benediction. The -Emperor was afterwards conducted with the<!--163.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> -same Ceremonies to his Palace, which was hung -with Mourning. The Electors and Ambassadors -having accompany'd his Imperial Majesty to his -Closet, retir'd to their respective Habitations. -The next and following Days the Emperor receiv'd -the Visits of the Electors, the Ambassadors, -and the Electoress Palatine, which he -return'd.</p> - -<p>When the 22d of <i>December</i>, the Day fix'd for -the Coronation, was arriv'd, all the Burghers and -the Garison were drawn up under Arms all the -way from the Imperial Palace to the Church. -The Procession was begun by the Footmen and -Pages belonging to the Ambassadors, to the Elector-Palatine -and to the Emperor, and they were -follow'd by the Courtiers of the Elector and of -the Emperor, and by Persons of Quality that -were in the Ambassadors Retinue. After them -there appear'd six Heralds at Arms, the first of -which carry'd a single Eagle, the second a double -Cross, the third a Lion, and the three others -Spread-Eagles, the whole after the manner of the -<i>Roman</i> Ensigns. After the Heralds, came the -Ambassadors, the Vicars of the Electors, and the -Elector-Palatine, bearing the <i>Imperialia</i> or Ornaments -of the Empire; and immediately after -them the Emperor appear'd, under a stately Canopy. -His Habit was like that of the Secular -Electors, that is to say, a Robe of Crimson-Velvet -turn'd up with Ermin: He had on his Head -a Crown enrich'd with Diamonds, which was -the Crown of his Family, and he rode a very -fine <i>Spanish</i> Horse, the Equipage of which was -truly magnificent. Behind the Emperor came -the principal Officers of his Houshold, and the -Captain of the Guards at the Head of his Company;<!--164.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> -and the Elector-Palatine's Life-Guards -closed the March.</p> - -<p>When the Emperor arrived at the Church, -the Electors of <i>Mentz</i> and <i>Triers</i> in their Pontificalibus -went and receiv'd him at the Door, -from whence they conducted him to his Seat in -the Choir over-against the High Altar. There -his Imperial Majesty heard the Mass, after which -he was conducted to the Town-House almost in -the same Order as was observ'd at his coming to -Church, with this Difference, that the Emperor -was deck'd with the Ornaments of the Empire, -which consist of the Crown, the Mantle, and -<i>Charlemain</i>'s Sword. His Majesty was now on -foot between the two Ecclesiastical Electors, -who accompany'd him, as did the Elector-Palatine, -and the Vicars and Ambassadors of the absent -Electors to the Great Hall of the Town-House, -where the Imperial Feast was prepar'd. -The Emperor plac'd himself at one of the Windows -looking into the great Square, on purpose -to be seen by the People; of whom there was -such a Multitude, that not only the Square but -the Windows and Roofs of the Houses were -cover'd with them.</p> - -<p>From this Window his Majesty saw the Officers -of the Empire perform their Functions. -The Count <i>de Papenheim</i> the Elector of <i>Saxony</i>'s -Vicar, as Grand Marshal of the Empire, was the -first that began the Ceremony. He was mounted -on a very fine Horse, which he rode full gallop -to a Heap of Oats in one Corner of the -Square, wherewith he fill'd a Measure of Silver, -after which he return'd to the Middle of the -Square, where he threw both the Oats and the -Measure among the Populace, and then he went -to the Banquetting-Room.<!--165.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span></p> - -<p>The Elector-Palatine appear'd next, encompass'd -with his Guards, and preceded by his -Courtiers. He went on horseback to a Kitchen -built for the purpose in the great Square, where -he found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit, of which -he cut off a Slice, and putting it into a Gold -Dish he carry'd it to the Emperor's Table.</p> - -<p>The Count <i>de Zinzendorf</i>, Vicar to the Elector -of <i>Hanover</i> as Treasurer of the Empire, came -next. He was on horseback attended by the -Emperor's Guards, and taking a compass round -the Square he scatter'd Medals of Gold and Silver -among the Populace, which he took out of -a couple of Bags of Cloth that were ty'd to his -Saddle-Bow. These Medals represented on one -side the Globe of the Earth encompass'd with -Clouds, and this <i>Latin</i> Inscription, <i>Constantiâ & -Fortitudine</i>. On the other side was this Legend, -<i>Carolus, Hispaniarum, Hung. & Bohem. Rex. -A. A. Electus in Regem Roman. coronat. Francof. -22 Decemb. 1711</i>. Over which there was -an Imperial Crown like to that of <i>Charlemain</i>.</p> - -<p>The Count <i>de Dhona</i> Ambassador from the -King as Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i>, perform'd the -Function of Great Chamberlain of the Empire -in the absence of the Prince of <i>Hohenzollern</i> the -Elector's Vicar, who was at that time indispos'd. -The Count preceded by all his Livery, and accompany'd -by some of the Emperor's Guards, -rode on horseback towards the middle of the -Square, where a Table was erected on which -there was a Basin and Ewer of Silver gilt full -of Water, with a Napkin that had been dipp'd -in it, all which he took and carry'd into the -Banquetting-Room, and gave to the Emperor -to wash.<!--166.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span></p> - -<p>Afterwards the Count <i>de Kinski</i>, Ambassador -of his Imperial Majesty as King of <i>Bohemia</i>, officiated -for the Person whom he represented, as -Great Cup-Bearer of the Empire: For this purpose -he took a Goblet of Gold and fetch'd Wine -at a Fountain erected in the middle of the Square -representing the Imperial Eagle; which done, -the Count went into the Banquetting-Room, and -gave it to the Emperor to drink.</p> - -<p>Thus did the Officers of the Empire acquit -themselves of their several Functions: After -this the Emperor plac'd himself alone at a Table -upon a rais'd Floor, cover'd with red Cloth; and -over it there was a Canopy of Gold Brocade. -When the Emperor was seated the Electors -plac'd themselves at Tables that were prepar'd -for them on both sides of the Hall, on Floors -that were a Step lower than the Emperor's. Over -each Table there was a Canopy of Crimson-Velvet -inrich'd with Gold, and they had each -an Arm-Chair of the same. On the Right-side -of each Table there was a magnificent Beaufet. -The three Electors sate alone at their several -Tables, and the Ambassadors of the absent Electors, -after having stood a little while behind the Chairs -plac'd for their respective Masters, went into another -Room. On the following Days the Electors -din'd with the Emperor, and his Majesty -went also and din'd with the Electors. At length, -after the Emperor had perform'd all the Ceremonies -that are observ'd at Coronations, he set -out from <i>Francfort</i> for his Hereditary Dominions, -where he was impatiently expected by -his Subjects.</p> - -<p>Just as I was ready to depart from <i>Francfort</i> -I receiv'd the melancholy News of the Death -of the King's Brother the Margrave <i>Philip</i>, to<!--167.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -whom I was very much attached, and was therefore -mightily afflicted for the Loss of him. -The King's Ambassadors, to avoid the Expence -of putting their Equipage in Mourning, -kept his Death secret, so that they did not notify -it to his Imperial Majesty till the Day before -he went.</p> - -<p>I set out from <i>Francfort</i> much about the same -time as the Emperor did, and pass'd through -<i>Cassel</i>, <i>Hanover</i>, and <i>Dusseldorff</i>. I lik'd <i>Francfort</i> -so well before, that it tempted me to return -to it; and besides, that was the Place to which -a Passport was to be directed that I had sent for -from <i>France</i>, in order to carry me to <i>Paris</i>. As -soon as I receiv'd it I traveled thro' <i>Minden</i>, -which I have already had the Honor to mention -to you; and from thence, after having pass'd -through <i>Bilefeld</i> a little Town in the County of -<i>Ravensberg</i>, I arriv'd at <span class="smcap">Munster</span>.</p> - -<p>This, which was formerly an Imperial City, is -now the See of a Bishop, Prince of the Empire, -and Lord of the Town and its Jurisdiction. It -stands in <i>Westphalia</i> in a large Plain, and on a -little River which renders it very strong. It was -the Birth-place of the famous <i>Muntzer</i>, the -Head of the Anabaptists, a Sect of Heretics, -who grew so powerful that they undertook to -make themselves Masters of the City, and to -chuse themselves a King; and about the End -of the sixteenth Century, they accordingly chose -for their Sovereign one <i>John of Leyden</i>, a Taylor, -infamous for the Cruelties and Outrages which -he committed. But Heaven deliver'd the City -from such a Scourge; for at length after some -Resistance it was reduc'd, and <i>John of Leyden</i> -was put to death by the Hangman. The City -revolted again afterwards; but at last the Bishop<!--168.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> -humbled it in 1661, and since that time it has -always been subject to the Bishops its Sovereigns. -'Twas at <i>Munster</i> that was held the famous Assembly -of <i>Westphalia</i>, which establish'd the Fortune -of many Sovereigns, and the Religion of -their Subjects. The Peace which was there -sign'd serves also as a Basis for all the Treaties -that are made at this time. The Treaty of -<i>Munster</i> imported in substance, "That <i>Maximilian</i> -Duke of <i>Bavaria</i> should remain in -Possession of the Electorate of the Counts Palatine, -which had been given him by the -Emperor <i>Ferdinand</i> II: That <i>Charles Lewis</i> -Count Palatine should be restor'd to his Principality, -and be created an eighth Elector for -himself and his Descendants. That the Protestants -should have their Churches and the -free Exercise of their Religion, on the Footing -as it was in 1624; and that they should -retain the Church-Revenues, of which they -had been possess'd ever since the first of <i>January</i>, -that Year: That <i>Sweden</i> should have -Hither-<i>Pomerania</i>, a Part of the other <i>Pomerania</i>, -the Island and Principality of <i>Rugen</i>, -the Town and Port of <i>Wismar</i>, Archbishopric -of <i>Bremen</i>, and the Bishopric of <i>Verden</i>, with -the Title of a Duchy: That the Elector of -<i>Brandenburg</i> should have the Bishoprics of -<i>Halberstadt</i>, <i>Minden</i> and <i>Camin</i>, with the -Farther-<i>Pomerania</i>: That <i>France</i> should have -the intire Sovereignty of <i>Metz</i>, <i>Toul</i>, and -<i>Verdun</i>, and the Dependencies thereof, that -of <i>Pignerol</i> and <i>Brisac</i>, the Landgraviate of -Upper and Lower <i>Alsace</i>, <i>&c.</i> That the -Confederates should restore the Towns they -had taken, and disband their Troops; and -that the seven Circles of the Empire should<!--169.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span> -furnish five Millions of Rixdollars for the -Pay of the <i>Swedish</i> Soldiers." Such were the -Conditions of this Peace, which was not very advantageous -to the Catholic Religion.</p> - -<p>The Bishop who had the See of <i>Munster</i> while -I was there, was of the Family of <i>Metternich</i>, -and at the same time Bishop of <i>Paderborn</i>. I -did not stay long in that City, but proceeded -thro' <i>Dusseldorff</i>, where I found the whole Court -return'd from <i>Francfort</i>.</p> - -<p>From thence I set out for <span class="smcap">Cologne</span><a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a>, where -M. <i>Happe</i> who was appointed by the King to -levy the Contributions which <i>Luxembourg</i> and -other neighbouring Countries were oblig'd to -pay, entertain'd me very civilly, gave me an Apartment -at his House, and made me exceeding -welcome.</p> - -<p>I stay'd some time in this City, which is a -very flourishing Town by reason of its convenient -Situation for the Trade of their Merchants, -who have great Vessels constantly going up and -down the <i>Rhine</i>, to <i>Francfort</i> and <i>Holland</i>. 'Tis -a pretty large City, but always very dirty and ill -pav'd, and the Houses are for most part very -old, and consequently dark and incommodious. -The City is governed by a Senate, which does -not depend on the Elector, whose Power is very -much limited, he having no Authority but in -Criminal Affairs; yet he is allow'd Sovereign -Command for three Days, after which if he stays -at <i>Cologne</i> he is no more regarded than a private -Gentleman. This is the reason that the Prince -commonly resides at <i>Bonn</i>, and that he only goes -to <i>Cologne</i> on the Eves of the Grand Festivals, -to officiate there. Nevertheless the City is oblig'd<!--170.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> -to pay Homage to the Elector, and to swear Fidelity -to him, on Condition that he preserve -them in the Enjoyment of their Privileges; -which is a Condition that the Elector can scarce -violate were he ever so much inclin'd to it, because -'tis the City that maintains the Garison, -and is Mistress of the Arsenal.</p> - -<p>The Catholic is the only Religion that is allow'd -to be exercised at <i>Cologne</i>. Nor are Protestants -admitted into the Senate, or any Employment -in the City, but go to preach at <i>Mulheim</i>, -a little Town in the Country of <i>Berg</i>, -which belongs to the Elector-Palatine.</p> - -<p>I had not the Honor of seeing the Elector, who -by reason of the Misfortunes he had suffer'd in -the late Wars, was oblig'd at that time to live in -<i>France</i>. His Name was <i>Joseph-Clement</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>. -He possess'd the Bishoprics of <i>Hildesheim</i> -and <i>Liege</i>, together with the Archbishopric -of <i>Cologne</i>. He died the 12th of <i>November</i> -1723, after having caus'd his Nephew the Duke -<i>Clement</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>, Bishop of <i>Munster</i> and <i>Paderborn</i> -to be chose Co-adjutor of <i>Cologne</i>.</p> - -<p>The Archbishops of <i>Cologne</i> are Great Chancellors -of the Empire in <i>Italy</i>, but don't officiate -as such; for most of the Princes of <i>Italy</i> pretend -to be independent of the Empire, or call -themselves perpetual Vicars thereof; and in this -Quality they perform what the Emperor might -do within the Extent of their Jurisdictions. -This however extends only to common Cases, -for in extraordinary ones they are oblig'd to have -recourse to the Imperial Court. Then 'tis the Elector -of <i>Mentz</i> alone who officiates in quality -of Chancellor of <i>Germany</i>; and 'tis he that has -the Custody of the Archives and Titles which -relate to <i>Italy</i>.<!--171.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span></p> - -<p>The Electors of <i>Cologne</i> for a long time contested -with those of <i>Mentz</i> the Right of consecrating -the Emperors, tho' the latter pretend -this Honor belongs to them, as Primates of <i>Germany</i>. -But the Differences between those Princes -have been regulated; and they have agreed -that either of them, in whose Diocese the Emperor -happens to be crown'd, should consecrate -him; and that if the Coronation should be perform'd -in neither of their Dioceses, then they -should take it by turns. Nevertheless after this -Accommodation the Elector of <i>Cologne</i> consecrated -the Emperor <i>Leopold</i> in 1658, at <i>Francfort</i> -a City in the Diocese of <i>Mentz</i>; but it was -done with the Consent of the Elector of <i>Mentz</i>, -and without making it a Precedent for the -future.</p> - -<p>I have observ'd, that at <i>Cologne</i> most of the -public Buildings are either Churches or Convents. -The Metropolitan Church would be one of the -most magnificent in all <i>Germany</i>, were it finish'd. -Among other stately Tombs here is that of the -<i>Three Kings</i> who came to worship the Savior of -the World, whose Bodies they say were remov'd -from <i>Constantinople</i> to <i>Milan</i>, and from thence -brought hither. All the People have a very -great Veneration for these Reliques.</p> - -<p>Except the Churches and the Monasteries one -sees no public Structures, nor any House fine -enough to raise a Stranger's Admiration; here -is still to be seen the House where Death put an -end to the Misfortunes of <i>Mary de Medicis</i>, -Queen of <i>France</i>, who came to <i>Cologne</i> for Refuge -from the Persecution of Cardinal <i>Richelieu</i>. -This Cardinal, tho' he was oblig'd to that Princess -for his prodigious Wealth, was not content -with having forc'd her to quit the Kingdom of<!--172.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> -<i>France</i>, but abridg'd her even of the Necessaries -of Life; insomuch that 'twas a hard matter for -her to find a Butcher that would undertake to -serve the Table of that unfortunate Princess with -Meat. She died the 3d of <i>July</i>, 1643.</p> - -<p>After I had amused my self with seeing what -was to be seen in the City of <i>Cologne</i>, I long'd so -much to see that famous City <i>Paris</i>, that I set -out thither very soon. I forgot to tell you that -the Out-works of <i>Cologne</i>, especially the Ramparts -are very agreeable. There are noble Rows -of Elms which serve for Walks, and terminate -in a Kay that runs along the <i>Rhine</i>, and would -be a very fine one, if it was not disfigur'd by a -Half-moon, which has been cut out to cover the -Gate of the <i>Rhine</i>, and to secure the Passage of -the Flying-Bridge.</p> - -<p>When I set out from <i>Cologne</i> I went down the -<i>Rhine</i> and the <i>Vahal</i>, as far as <i>Dort</i>, and from -thence (without once going ashore) to <span class="smcap">Antwerp</span>, -which City I take to be the most beautiful of all -the <i>Netherlands</i>. It makes a part of <i>Austrian -Brabant</i>, and is the Capital of the Marquisate of -the Holy Empire. 'Tis situate in a great Plain -on the Right-side of the <i>Schelde</i>, at a Place where -that River separates the Duchy of <i>Brabant</i> from -the County of <i>Flanders</i>. It contains a number -of Churches built in a very good Taste, and a -great many very noble public Edifices. The -Church of our Lady, which is the Cathedral, is a -Work that has nothing like it except it be in <i>Italy</i>. -'Tis above 500 Feet in length, 240 in -breadth, and 340 in height. It contains Sixty-six -Chapels, adorn'd with Marble Columns, all -different, and with fine Paintings. The Tower -which serves for the Steeple is very lofty and -perfectly beautiful.<!--173.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span></p> - -<p>The most magnificent of the Churches, next -to the Cathedral, was that of the <i>Jesuits</i>, which -was consum'd by Lightning the 18th of <i>July</i>, -1718. The Pavement was of Marble, in Compartiments. -There were two low Isles, one above -the other, which were supported by fifty-six -Marble Pillars. The four Arches were clos'd -with thirty-eight great Pictures in gilt Frames, -and the Walls in which there were forty Windows -were lin'd with Marble. The great Roof -was of very fine carv'd Work, charg'd with a -small Dome, very lightsome and very well made. -As to the High Altar it would require an able -Connoisseur to give such a Description of it as -the Beauty of the Workmanship requires: For -my own part all I can say of it is, that 'twas all -over Marble, Jasper, Porphyry, and Gold. The -Picture represented the Assumption of the Virgin -<i>Mary</i>, and was a complete Piece. Our Lady's -Chapel, which was a part of the same Church, -was as rich as the rest of the Building, the Sides -and the Roof of it being fac'd with Marble, and -adorn'd with six Statues of Alabaster. Besides -this Chapel there were fifty others, all of the utmost -Magnificence. The Great Gate of the -Church, and the <i>Jesuits</i> College adjoining to it, -were answerable to the Beauty of the Structure. -All this stately Building was entirely destroy'd; -and what is most to be pitied, the Pictures of -the famous <i>Rubens</i>, of which this Church was -full, were destroy'd with it; a Loss the more -considerable, because 'tis not to be repair'd; for -as to the rest, they are preparing to build a -Church as magnificent as the former.</p> - -<p>There are several other fine Edifices at <i>Antwerp</i>, -of which I don't undertake the Description. -I shall only mention a Word or two of<!--174.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -the Town-House and the Exchange. The former -stands in a great Square, encompass'd with -fine Houses. Tho' the Building is quite in the -<i>Gothic</i> Taste, yet 'tis a noble Monument of the -Wealth of those who founded it. The Exchange -is worth seeing, on account of the Galleries round -the Square, in which the Merchants assemble as -they do at <i>Amsterdam</i>, from 12 o'clock till half -an hour past 1.</p> - -<p>The Citadel or Castle of <i>Antwerp</i> was formerly -reckon'd one of the strongest and most regular -Citadels in <i>Europe</i>; but the Works which <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. caus'd to be made in the <i>Netherlands</i>, -and upon all the Frontiers of the Kingdom, have -very much sunk the Reputation of the ancient -Fortifications. 'Twas in the Square of this -Castle, which was built by Order of the Duke -of <i>Alva</i>, that he caus'd that famous Statue of -Brass to be erected, which would have been an -eternal Monument of his Pride and Cruelty, if -it had not been pull'd down and broke to pieces -by the Populace, as soon as the Duke quitted -the <i>Netherlands</i> by Order of his Master K. <i>Philip</i> -II. 'Tis said that while he commanded in this -Country, he caus'd above 18000 Persons to be -executed by the common Hangman.</p> - -<p>Next to the Citadel, I cannot help giving -you some Account of the Harbor, which is very -beautiful and commodious. Here is a very large -Square, where, by the Help of a certain Machine, -they easily unload all the Goods. Another good -Conveniency, and what contributes to render -this a very trading City, is, that besides the River -there are eight great Canals, by which Ships -may enter into the City. Yet notwithstanding -all these Conveniencies, the Trade of <i>Antwerp</i>, -tho' considerable, is not near so flourishing now,<!--175.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -as it was before the Civil Wars, and the new Opinions -in Affairs of Religion. 'Tis even astonishing -how this City could hold up its Head again -after the Calamities it suffer'd, even from -its own Sovereign, whose Troops in 1576, -burnt above 600 Houses in <i>Antwerp</i>; and while -the unfortunate Inhabitants were running, as it -were, into the midst of the Flames, to rescue -their best Effects, the <i>Spaniards</i> fell upon 'em, -and kill'd and drown'd near 10000. This terrible -Fire was the total Ruin of <i>Antwerp</i>; the Town-House -and several noble Palaces were reduc'd -to Ashes; and the immense Riches which they -contain'd were carry'd off by Plunderers, who -pillag'd for three Days, during which they committed -all manner of Outrages. Nevertheless, -this unhappy City, which had like to have been -buried for ever under its own Ashes, was rais'd -to Life again some time after by the Confederates, -who remain'd, as it were, its Sovereigns, till -1585, when the Prince of <i>Parma</i> took it from -them, after a Siege that lasted near twelve -Months, and was one of the most famous Sieges -that had ever been known before, as well upon -account of the few Troops the Duke of -<i>Parma</i> had to carry it on, which in all were but -1200 Men, as for that famous Dyke by which he -shut up the Harbor, and for the Bridge which -he laid over the <i>Scheld</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Antwerp</i> remain'd under the Dominion of the -House of <i>Austria</i> from that Time to the Death -of <i>Charles</i> II. King of <i>Spain</i>, when it was -oblig'd to receive a <i>French</i> Garison in the Name -of <i>Philip</i> V. whom the Elector of <i>Bavaria</i>, Governor -of the <i>Netherlands</i>, own'd for King of -<i>Spain</i>. But by the Battle of <i>Ramellies</i>, <i>Antwerp</i> -and a part of the <i>Netherlands</i> were reduc'd under<!--176.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -the Dominion of the Emperor. During the -War that was enter'd into for the <i>Spanish</i> Monarchy, -a Battle was fought in the Neighbourhood -of <i>Antwerp</i>, near the Village of <i>Ekeren</i>, for -which both Parties sung <i>Te Deum</i>.</p> - -<p>Having set out from <i>Antwerp</i> to pursue my -Journey to <i>Paris</i>, I pass'd thro' <span class="smcap">Mechlin</span><a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>, -which is a very fine City, and the See of an -Archbishop, whose Revenue is very considerable. -The Metropolitan Church is dedicated to St. <i>Rambaut</i>. -This City is the Seat of a Great Royal -Council, which is, as it were, the Parliament of -the Country, and was establish'd by <i>Charles</i> -Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> in 1473. <i>Mechlin</i> is famous -for the Lace made there, which is finer and better -than any that is made in the other Towns of -the <i>Netherlands</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Mechlin</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Brussels</span><a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a>, the Capital -of the Duchy of <i>Brabant</i>. This City stands -on the little River <i>Senna</i>, that falls into the -<i>Scheld</i> by the Canal of <i>Vilvorde</i>, and divides the -lower Town by several Canals that terminate in -the said Canal of <i>Vilvorde</i>, which is very convenient -for their Trade, whereof this City has -a considerable Share. There are several Manufactures -at <i>Brussels</i>, of which that of <i>Devos</i> for -Tapistry is worth seeing; that skilful Operator -having carried his Art to the utmost degree of -Perfection that the Curious can desire. The common -People of <i>Brussels</i> are more polite than in -any other City of the <i>Netherlands</i>; for most of -the Nobility of the Country come hither commonly -to pass the Winter; and there are few -Families of Note that have not a House here.<!--177.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span></p> - -<p>The Royal Palace is very large, and the Apartments -beautiful, tho' very old. This Palace -stands high above the City, being situate upon a -Hill, from whence there is a noble Prospect, -which is diversify'd by the Gardens, and the -Park that joins to the Palace, wherein there are -several very pleasant Walks, adorn'd with fine -Grottos and Fountains.</p> - -<p>The Town-house is another very fine Building. -It stands in a Square, encompass'd with -Grand Houses, built after <i>Brussels</i> was bombarded -by the <i>French</i>, under the Command of the -Marshal <i>de Villeroy</i>, when this Quarter of the -Town in particular suffer'd very great Damage; -but it is since become the more agreeable by the -magnificent Houses built where the old ones -stood.</p> - -<p>I left <i>Brussels</i> to go to Mons the Capital City -of <i>Hainault</i>, which stands upon a Hill, on the -Banks of the little River of <i>Trouil</i>, and is one of -the strongest Places in the Low-Countries. <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. besieg'd it in Person, and took it in 1691. -It was restor'd to <i>Spain</i> by the Peace of <i>Ryswic</i>, -but afterwards at the Death of <i>Charles</i> II. King of -<i>Spain</i>, it return'd as well as all the Low-Countries -under the Dominion of <i>France</i>. But at length after -the Battle of <i>Malplaquet</i>, it became subject to the -House of <i>Austria</i>. In this City there's a famous -Abbey of Nuns, which is a very honorable Retreat -for young Women of Quality, who are -Orphans, or don't care to be dependant on -their Parents. They wear the Habit of Nuns -in the Morning, to be present at the Office; but -in the Afternoon they dress like Gentlewomen; -and they make no Vow.<!--178.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span></p> - -<p>From <i>Mons</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Valenciennes</span><a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a>, -which City is a part of the Province of <i>Hainault</i>, -and the chief Town of <i>French Flanders</i>. -Its beautiful Fortifications display the same Magnificence -that was always observ'd in all the -Works erected in the Reign of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -That Monarch besieg'd <i>Valenciennes</i> in Person, -in the Year 1677; and after having taken it by -Storm, caus'd a strong Citadel to be erected in -it at the Expence of the Inhabitants. This City -had been besieg'd by the Marshals <i>Turenne</i> and -<i>La Ferte</i> in the Year 1656; but Don <i>John</i> of -<i>Austria</i>, the Governor of the <i>Netherlands</i>, accompanied -by the Prince of <i>Condé</i>, who at that -time, bore Arms against the King, made them -raise the Siege; and in this Expedition the Marshal -<i>de la Ferte</i> was taken Prisoner.</p> - -<p>The late Elector of <i>Cologne</i> liv'd at <i>Valenciennes</i> -when I was there, the Casualties of the War -having oblig'd him to quit his own Dominions. -I was introduc'd to that Prince by the Prince <i>de -Tingri</i>, when his Electoral Highness gave me a -favorable Reception, and told me that he knew -my Father; but I plainly perceiv'd by what he -said, that this Prince would have been as glad -to be in his City of <i>Bonn</i>, as in a Town of -<i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>I stay'd at <i>Valenciennes</i> three Days, after -which I set out for <span class="smcap">Cambray</span><a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a>. This City is -the Capital of the <i>Cambresis</i>, and one of the -strongest Places in <i>Europe</i>. They say its Original -is very ancient; for some Authors pretend, -that <i>Camber</i> King of the <i>Sicambri</i> was the Founder -of it. The Kings of <i>France</i> conquer'd it,<!--179.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -and were Masters of it a long while. After the -Death of <i>Charles</i> the <i>Bald</i>, it was for some time -a Bone of Contention between the Emperor, the -King of <i>France</i>, and the Earls of <i>Flanders</i>; -but the latter seiz'd it, and the Emperors afterwards -declar'd it a free City of the Empire. -<i>Francis</i> I. King of <i>France</i> granted it a Neutrality; -but the Emperor <i>Charles</i> V. made himself -Master of it; and afterwards during the Revolutions -of the <i>Netherlands</i>, it fell under the Dominion -of the Duke <i>d'Alençon</i>, Brother to <i>Henry</i> -III. who restor'd it to the <i>French</i> by a Treaty, -which he concluded with <i>John de Montluc</i>, whom -King <i>Henry</i> IV. afterwards made Prince of <i>Cambray</i>. -Not long after this, the <i>Spaniards</i> took -it by surprize, and kept it till 1677, when Lewis -XIV. took it, and it has remain'd ever since in -the Possession of <i>France</i>, which Crown has considerably -augmented its Fortifications.</p> - -<p><i>Cambray</i> has the Title of an Archbishopric, -which was erected in 1559, by Pope <i>Paul</i> II. at -the Request of <i>Philip</i> II. King of <i>Spain</i>. The -Suffragans granted to this Metropolitan were the -Bishoprics of <i>Arras</i>, <i>Tournay</i>, <i>St. Omer</i> and <i>Namur</i>, -which were anciently Suffragan Sees to the Church -of <i>Rheims</i>. The Archbishop takes the Title of -<i>Duke of</i> Cambray, <i>Count of the</i> Cambresis, <i>and -Prince of the Holy Empire</i>. He that was the Archbishop -while I was there, was the illustrious M. -<i>de Fenelon</i>, a Prelate as venerable for his Piety, as -for the Delicacy of his Pen. The present Archbishop -is the natural Son of the late Duke of <i>Orleans</i> -the Regent, and was formerly Bishop and Duke -of <i>Laon</i>. This Prelate fully answers the vast -Hopes that were conceiv'd, from his good Qualities -in his Non-age. His Predecessor in this<!--180.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> -Dignity was the famous Cardinal <i>Dubois</i>, the -Minister of <i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>I forgot to tell you, that the City of <i>Cambray</i> -is also of great Note for the famous League that -was concluded between the Pope, the Emperor -<i>Maximilian</i>, <i>Lewis</i> XII. King of <i>France</i>, and -<i>Ferdinand</i> King of <i>Arragon</i>, against the Republic -of <i>Venice</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Cambray</i> I went to <span class="smcap">St. Quintin</span>, which -City is the Capital of the <i>Vermandois</i>, and is of -Note for the famous Battle of <i>St. Quintin</i>, call'd -also the Battle of St. <i>Lawrence</i>, because 'twas -fought on the 10th of <i>August</i>, in 1557. After -the Truce was broke between <i>Henry</i> II. King of -<i>France</i>, and <i>Philip</i> II. King of <i>Spain</i>, <i>Philibert-Emanuel</i> -Duke of <i>Savoy</i>, who was Governor of -the <i>Netherlands</i>, besieg'd the City of <i>St. Quintin</i>, -which was destitute of Troops, and moreover in -a very bad Condition. The Admiral <i>Coligni</i> -got into it with some Forces, which gave Time -to the Constable <i>de Montmorency</i> to pass the -<i>Somme</i> with the <i>French</i> Army under his Command, -and throw some Succours into the Town. -This was executed indeed, but with so much Precipitation, -that the Men who entered it were scarce -five hundred in number. The Constable perceiving -the Approach of the <i>Spaniards</i>, and his -Troops being moreover incumber'd with their -Equipage, endeavored to make his Retreat; -but the Duke taking advantage of his Incumbrance, -surpriz'd him between the Villages of -<i>Essigny</i> and <i>Rizerolles</i>, and charg'd him home -before he had Time to put his Men into Order -of Battle; and the Constable and his Son were -taken Prisoners, with a great many Persons of -Distinction. The Number of the Slain was even -greater than that of the Prisoners; and among<!--181.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> -the former was <i>John</i> of <i>Bourbon</i>, Duke of <i>Anguien</i>, -a Prince of the Blood Royal, and above -600 Gentlemen. The <i>Spaniards</i> Loss did not -exceed 500 Men. <i>Philip</i> II. in acknowledgment -for this Victory, made that extraordinary -Vow, which he afterwards perform'd, to build -the Monastery of St. <i>Lawrence</i> at the <i>Escurial</i>; -upon which a certain Ambassador of <i>France</i>, -when he was shew'd that stately Edifice, said, -<i>That <span class="f">Philip</span> must needs be terribly afraid when he -made so considerable a Vow</i>. After the Battle, -<i>St. Quintin</i> surrender'd to the <i>Spaniards</i>, who -kept it till the Treaty of <i>Chateau-Cambresis</i>, in -1559.</p> - -<p>From <i>St. Quintin</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Compiegne</span>, a -City in the Diocese of <i>Soissons</i>, which is situate -on the West side of the <i>Oyse</i> and the <i>Aisne</i>. The -famous Maid of <i>Orleans</i> ow'd the Loss of her -Liberty to this City. For that illustrious Heroine -going to the Relief of <i>Compiegne</i>, which the -<i>English</i> had resolv'd to besiege, had the Misfortune -to fall into their hands, and was carried -Prisoner to <i>Roan</i>, where they burnt her for a -Witch. 'Twas at the Castle of <i>Compiegne</i> that -the Cardinal <i>de Richlieu</i> kept the Queen <i>Mary -de Medicis</i> a Prisoner, till that Princess found -Means to escape, and to retire to <i>Flanders</i>. I -have had the Honor already to tell you, that this -unfortunate Queen died at <i>Cologn</i>.</p> - -<p>This same Castle was also for some time the -Residence of the Elector of <i>Bavaria</i>, after he -was ejected out of his Dominions by the victorious -Arms of the Emperor. The Court his Electoral -Highness kept here was so splendid, that -it did not look like the Court of a Refugee Prince.</p> - -<p>Near <i>Compiegne</i> there's a very large Forest, -which renders the Neighbourhood of this City<!--182.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> -very pleasant. There are fine Roads cut out in -this Forest, which render it very convenient for -Hunting.</p> - -<p>The only considerable Place from <i>Compiegne</i> -to <i>Paris</i> is <span class="smcap">Senlis</span>; and that purely on account -of its being the See of a Bishop: for setting -aside its Situation, which is very agreeable, by -reason of the Neighbourhood of the beautiful -Forest of <i>Chantilly</i>, <i>Senlis</i> is a very trifling Place. -Near this City is the Abbey of our <i>Lady of -Victory</i>, which <i>Philip Augustus</i> caus'd to be built -as an Acknowledgment for the Victory he won -in Person at <i>Bouvines</i>, over the Emperor <i>Otho</i> -IV. and his Confederates, on <i>Sunday July</i> 27th, -1215; upon which very Day, his Son too won -another Battle over the <i>English</i> in <i>Anjou</i>. They -say that the two Couriers that were carrying the -News of each of the Victories, from the one Army -to the other, met at the very Place where now -stands the Church of this Abbey.</p> - -<p>Betwixt <i>Senlis</i> and <i>Paris</i> there stands the little -Town of St. <span class="smcap">Denys</span>, famous for the magnificent -Abbey which gives Name to it. In this Church -are the Tombs of the Kings and Princes of -<i>France</i>, whose Mausoleums are of rich Workmanship. -Here is a Treasure also which contains -a great Number of very curious Pieces. The -Abbey of St. <i>Denys</i> has also given its Name to -the great Plain in which it stands. 'Twas in -this Plain that the famous Battle was fought between -the Catholics and Hugonots, in the Reign -of <i>Charles</i> IX. when the Constable <i>Montmorency</i>, -who at the Age of 83, commanded the Catholics, -was wounded, but gain'd the Victory over -the Heretics.</p> - -<p>At my leaving <i>St. Denys</i>, I had at length -the pleasure of seeing what I had a long time<!--183.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -passionately wish'd for, I mean the famous City -of <span class="smcap">Paris</span><a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a>, where I arriv'd about the beginning -of the Year 1712. I make no scruple to call it the -chief City of the World, as it is the Capital of the -chief Kingdom in Christendom. The Extent of -its Circumference, the Beauty of its Buildings, the -Multitude of its Inhabitants, the continual Arrival -and the Residence of Foreigners there, the -Variety and Plenty of Commodities of all sorts, -render it the finest City in the World; and on -those Accounts 'tis justly reckon'd as the Ornament, -the Soul and the Strength of the <i>French</i> -Empire. I was not willing however to make any -stay here at first, because of my Impatience to see -the famous Castle of <span class="smcap">Versailles</span>, so much talk'd -of at all Foreign Courts.</p> - -<p>I had entertain'd so grand an Idea of this Palace, -and was so fully persuaded of its being all -over Gold and Azure, that at the first Sight the -Beauty of it did not strike me. The Entrance -to <i>Versailles</i>, as one comes from <i>Paris</i>, does not -set it off at all, tho' the Avenue that leads to it -is one of the most magnificent; but when one -comes up to the Castle, and turns about towards -this Grand Avenue, the two sumptuous Stables -on the sides of it form a Prospect, which gives a -sublime Idea of the Master of those stately Piles -of Building. The Front of the Castle, which -looks towards the Gardens is the finest; and on -that Side is the superb Gallery, which is the Admiration -of all Foreigners. What most surpriz'd -me at <i>Versailles</i> is the Inside of the Castle, which -if one examines it well, looks like several Castles -join'd together. The Royal Family, which was -still pretty numerous, was lodg'd there very -much at their Ease, each having their Guard-Chamber, -an Anti-Chamber, a Presence-Chamber,<!--184.png--><span class="pagenum">178</span> -a Bed-Chamber, and Great Closet and Wardrobes. -The chief Officers and Ladies attending -the Princesses were also commodiously lodg'd. -The greatest part of the Lords of the Court had -Lodgings too here, which were indeed pretty -much straiten'd for want of room, but very -convenient. In short, I was assur'd, that when -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. was at <i>Versailles</i>, about 20,000 Persons -lay every Night in the Body of this Castle, -and the Buildings in the Verge of it, the Apartments -and other Lodgings being so well laid out, -that all this great Multitude did not croud one -another.</p> - -<p>The finest Pieces in the Inside of the Castle -are the Gallery and the Saloons that join to it. -The Walls are lin'd with Marble. Every Place -shines with the Works of the greatest Masters in -Gold and Brass, and with noble Pier-Glasses. I -have heard say, that before the War for the <i>Spanish</i> -Succession, all the Tables, Chandeliers and -Stands, which are now of Marble and gilt Frames, -were of Massy Silver; but the King converted -them into Money to help defray the vast Expences -of the Wars he was then engaged in. The -Cieling of the Gallery represents in several Pictures -the principal Actions of <i>Lewis</i> the XIVth's -Life; and is also adorn'd with Cartridges and -Gildings, which are remarkable both for their -Richness and their Elegance.</p> - -<p>The Chapel is perfectly answerable to the Magnificence -of the Inside of the Castle. The Critics -indeed think 'tis too lofty for its Bigness; and -without pretending to much Skill in Architecture, -of which what I now say is perhaps a Proof, I -should readily subscribe to their Opinion. Indeed -a Man ought to be plac'd in the Pew from -whence the King hears Mass, to have a just View<!--185.png--><span class="pagenum">179</span> -of the fine Paintings with which the Cieling is -enrich'd; and than which there's nothing to be -seen that is finer or better fancy'd. The principal -Picture represents God the Father in all his -Glory, as fully as Human Weakness can conceive -it. This is a piece of Painting I am never -weary of admiring; and I found some new -Pleasure every time I look'd on it. The Cieling -is supported by noble Pillars of a white -Stone, as beautiful as Marble, which form a Gallery -that runs round the Chapel, of an equal height -all along with the King's Pew, and the Ballisters -are of yellow Copper and Marble. When one -looks down from the Pew, the Chapel seems too -low, and the Great Altar not high enough. -Opposite to the King's Pew, and exactly over -the High Altar, there's an Organ-Loft of a -very good Contrivance, where the King's Music -sits. 'Tis a very good Band; and those who -are nice Judges always admire the first Touch -they give to their Instruments, the Moment that -the King enters the Chapel to hear Mass.</p> - -<p>I own to you, <i>Madame</i>, that I thought it -one of the finest Sights in the World, to see -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. enter the Chapel in all his Grandeur, -attended by the Cardinals and the Lords -of his Court. The Life-Guards and the Hundred -<i>Swiss</i> took up the Gallery and the Bottom of the -Chapel, and the Drums beat, and the <i>Swiss</i> -Fifes play'd till his Majesty was seated. On -Communion or Sermon Days the King went -down into the Chapel, and then the Pavement, -which is of very fine Marble, was cover'd all -over with noble Tapestry. When the King -receiv'd the Sacrament, a Praying-Desk was set -for him over-against the High Altar, and -then the Hundred <i>Swissers</i> were rang'd in two<!--186.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -Rows, and the Courtiers encompass'd his Majesty. -During the Sermon the King's Chair of -State was plac'd over-against the Pulpit, and -the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family -and Blood were seated in Folding Chairs, on -both sides of the King in the same Line. But -the Princes and Princesses very seldom assisted at -the King's Mass; and when they did, they -kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade that the -King did, but quite off of his Carpet.</p> - -<p>The Gardens of <i>Versailles</i> may be rank'd among -the modern Wonders; and I don't believe -that the so much boasted Gardens of the -superb <i>Semiramis</i> were finer. For really, considering -the Statues, Vases and Water-works of -Marble and Brass, one wou'd think Pains had -been taken to ransac <i>Greece</i> and <i>Rome</i> it self, -both ancient and modern, for its most wonderful -Productions on purpose to bring them to this -charming Place. These Gardens were plann'd -by the famous <i>Le Nautre</i>. At the end of the -Great Walk which fronts the Castle there's a -very spacious Canal. It forms a Cross to a certain -Distance, one side of which leads to the <i>Menagerie</i>, -and the other to <i>Trianon</i>. The <i>Menagerie</i> -is a very little House with only a few -Rooms, from whence the King may see the -rarest Animals of all sorts, which are kept there. -As for <i>Trianon</i> and its Gardens, one would not -think at the first View that they were made by -Man. The Whole is perfectly inchanting, and -a Person ever so little captivated with the strange -Tales of the Fairies, wou'd not scruple to think -this magnificent Structure the Master-piece of -those ingenious Work-women. The whole Building, -to outward Appearance, seems very small; but -when one examines the Inside of it, the Apartments<!--187.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> -are both spacious and commodious. The -Outside of this Palace is partly hid by fine Groves; -what appears of it is fac'd with white Marble, -adorn'd with an Order of Pilasters of red Marble, -with Windows in form of Arches between -them. <i>Lewis</i> XIV. often retir'd to this charming -Solitude, to be shelter'd from the Importunities -of the Courtiers; and no body was admitted -to him but such Persons as his Majesty appointed.</p> - -<p>A little League from <i>Versailles</i> there's <i>Marly</i>, -another Royal Palace; and which of all the Palaces -has the most pleasant Gardens, tho' those -of <i>Versailles</i> are by much more sumptuous. The -Great Cascade, which is all of Marble of various -Colors, makes a stately Appearance. When one -is at the Top of this Cascade, and looks toward -the Palace, one sees all the Gardens, and a Plain -thro' which the River <i>Seine</i> winds itself, having -on one side the Castle of <i>St. Germain en -Laye</i>; and on the other the Castle <i>de Maisons</i>, -belonging to the President of that Name, which -forms an admirable Point of View. <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. who was fond of <i>Marly</i>, condescended to -divest himself there of part of his Grandeur, and -did a great many Ladies of Quality the Honor -to make them sit down with him at Table. Thus, -<i>Madame</i>, have I given you a slight Sketch of -the famous Palace of <i>Versailles</i>, and its Neighbourhood. -I did not think it so proper to give -you an exact Detail of the Beauties one discovers -at every Step in this magnificent Palace. -You have undoubtedly seen a good Description -of them already, in the Books printed upon that -Subject. I shall now add a Word or two of the -Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family.<!--188.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p> - -<p>I shall not presume to say any thing of the -August Head of this illustrious Family, since it -wou'd require a more delicate Pen than mine to -treat so sublime a Subject with suitable Dignity. -All that I shall do my self the Honor to Say to -you of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. is, that if a good Mien was to -be the Merit for the Crown of <i>France</i>, this Great -Prince might have put in his Claim for it upon -that account, as justly as on the account of his -Birth. He was already advanc'd in years in -1712, when I had the Honor to see him; and -yet he had a nobler Air than any Man in his -Kingdom.</p> - -<p>The Duke of <i>Burgundy</i>, who became Dauphin -of <i>France</i>, by the Death of his Father, <i>Lewis</i> -XIVth's Son, who was the year before carried -off in a very few days by the Small-Pox at his -Palace of <i>Meudon</i>, was the first Prince in the -Kingdom next to the King. His Great Qualities -prognosticated that if he liv'd, his Reign -wou'd be very happy: Being Devout, without -neglecting any of the Duties of a Prince, he -had a way of reconciling the Retirement of a -Cloyster to the Bustle of a Court; and tho' he had -the Great Affair of his Salvation always at heart, -yet he thought, and justly too, that his -Practice of Piety ought not to exclude his Application -to the Affairs of State. He married a -Princess, whose great Qualities wou'd have made -the <i>French</i> happy, if an untimely Death had -not snatch'd her away in the Flower of her Age. -Her Name was <i>Mary Adelaide</i> of <i>Savoy</i>. I can -assure you, <i>Madame</i>, that I never saw one that -had a more Noble and Majestic Presence than -this Princess. And several Ladies that had the -Honor of being with her in private assur'd me, -that none could be more sprightly and gay. Her<!--189.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -Youth made her fond of Pleasures; but yet she -never was forgetful of her Duties. She had an -extraordinary Respect and Regard for the King. -She went every Evening to Madame <i>de Maintenon</i>'s -Apartment when the King was there, and -after the Council was over, she put every thing -in practice that her gay Humor cou'd imagine -to divert him. The Princess had also a particular -Esteem for the Dauphin her Husband, and -as this Prince never fail'd of being at Mass, nor -at Vespers, or the Evening Prayers, the Dauphiness -always went with him, and very readily -made her Pleasures give place to her Duties.</p> - -<p>I had not been long at the Court of <i>France</i> -when this illustrious Couple died within a few -days of one another. The first who paid that -Tribute to Nature was the Dauphiness. This -Princess fell sick at <i>Versailles</i>, soon after which -the Purples discover'd themselves; and at length -her Distemper appearing desperate, she was admonish'd -to prepare for Death: but this was Advice -she could not find in her heart to comply -with, it being a hard matter to renounce a voluptuous -Life; especially when supported with -the Hopes of being e'er long possess'd of one of -the first Crowns in the World. This Princess -died, as it were, in the Arms of the Duchess of -<i>Orleans</i>, who by her Desire never left her during -all the time of her Illness.</p> - -<p>The King, who was very much afflicted for -her Death, set out immediately for <i>Marly</i>, whither -the Dauphin follow'd him. This Prince -knowing the Value of the Jewel he had lost, so -indulg'd his Grief that he sicken'd almost as soon -as he arriv'd at <i>Marly</i>, of the same Distemper -that had just depriv'd him of his Consort. He -received the Sentence of his Death with a Resolution<!--190.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> -truly Christian; and in the Height of his -Distemper was often heard to put up this Petition, -<i>My God! save the King and Government</i>. -The Night he died he had a very great Desire -to hear Mass; and whatever they could say to -convince him that the Rules of the Church did -not allow it to be celebrated at that Hour, yet -he wou'd not take a Denial; so that as soon as -the Midnight Bell rung, Mass was said in his -Chamber, at an Altar that was put up at his -Bed's feet. After the Elevation of the Host, -the Dauphin was very much compos'd, and continu'd -praying to God till his Strength failing -him every Minute more and more, he gave up -the Ghost. This happen'd on the 18th of <i>February</i> -1712, six Days after the Death of the Dauphiness.</p> - -<p>The King had need of all his Stock of Courage -to support so many Shocks one after another. -The Royal Family was in the utmost Consternation. -Those that were about the King -wou'd fain have persuaded him to retire elsewhere -a little while for Change of Air; but he -answered undauntedly, <i>That he was every where -in the Hands of God</i>; <i>and that therefore he -would continue where he was</i>. This great Prince -had soon after, another Trial of his Patience, by -the News he receiv'd of the Death of the Duke -of <i>Bretagne</i>, who upon the Decease of his Father -had been declar'd the Dauphin. This young -Prince died at <i>Versailles</i> the 8th of <i>March</i> 1712, -when he was but five Years old. There never -was a more sorrowful Scene than to see the Funeral -Pomp of this Year, which serv'd at the -same time for the Father, Mother and Son.</p> - -<p>The only one that remain'd of this August -Stock was the Duke of <i>Anjou</i> now <i>Lewis</i> XV.<!--191.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> -This Prince too, who was but a Child, was such a -poor Weakling all along, that no body thought -he would live; and he was at this time in such a -bad way, that the very Physicians despair'd of his -Recovery. Nevertheless he insensibly gathered -Strength, and now the <i>French</i> see their young -Monarch in a more vigorous State of Health -than they could have hoped for in his Childhood: -For this I believe they are oblig'd to the great -Care which was taken of this young Prince by -the Duchess of <i>Ventadour</i>, who was charg'd with -his Education, in which Post she acquitted herself -with all the Zeal that a Person could do, who -knew the Value of that precious Deposit which -was committed to her trust.</p> - -<p>The next to the Throne after this young Prince -was the Duke of <i>Berry</i>, Brother to the Duke of -<i>Burgundy</i>. He was of a fair Complexion, and -for his Age a little too corpulent. He spent his -time chiefly in Hunting, and when the Chace was -over he us'd to go to his Duchess's Apartments -to game; for this Princess, after the Death of -the Duchess of <i>Burgundy</i>, kept an Assembly.</p> - -<p>The last Prince of the Royal Family was the -Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, afterwards Regent of the -Kingdom; of whom I shall have occasion to -say more, when at the death of <i>Lewis le Grand</i> -he took on him the Government of the Kingdom -during the present Monarch's Minority.</p> - -<p>The first People at Court next to the Princes -of the Royal Family, were the Princes of the -Blood. The chief was the Duke of <i>Chartres</i>, -now Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, by the Death of his Father -who was the Regent of <i>France</i> during the -Minority of <i>Lewis</i> XV.</p> - -<p>The Duke of <i>Bourbon</i>, and the Counts <i>de -Charolois</i> and <i>Clermont</i> compos'd the <i>Condé</i> Branch.<!--192.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -The first of these Princes whom they call only -<i>The Duke</i>, was a tall portly Man, very free and -easy, but had the misfortune to lose one Eye -when he was a hunting by some small Shot that -scatter'd from the Duke of <i>Berry</i>'s Fowling-piece, -as he let fly at some Game.</p> - -<p>The other two Princes were well-shap'd and -very fair, but being as yet very young, they -were as well as the Duke of <i>Chartres</i> in the hands -of their Governors.</p> - -<p>The Prince of <i>Conti</i>, Son of him who was -formerly decked King of <i>Poland</i>, was the only -Prince of the second Branch of <i>Bourbon</i>.</p> - -<p>These, <i>Madame</i>, were the Princes that then -composed the Court of <i>France</i>. I shall now do -myself the Honor to give you some account of -the Princesses according to their Rank, distinguishing -them as I have done the Princes, by the -Titles of Princesses of the Royal Family, and -Princesses of the Blood.</p> - -<p>The first Princess of the Royal Family was the -Dauphiness, whom I have had the Honor to -mention to you.</p> - -<p>Next to the Dauphiness, the Duchess of <i>Berry</i> -was first in Rank. This Princess was the -Daughter of the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, afterwards the -Regent. She resembled her Father very much -for her Wit, and had she not been a little too -bulky she would have been one of the most amiable -Princesses of the whole Court. I shall -have occasion to let you into this Princess's Character -presently.</p> - -<p><i>Madame</i>, the second Wife of <i>Philip</i> of <i>Orleans</i>, -Brother to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. was the third Princess -at Court, during the Life of the Dauphiness. -Her Name was <i>Elizabeth-Charlotte</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>; -being the Daughter of the Elector <i>Charles-Lewis</i><!--193.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -by <i>Charlotte</i> of <i>Hesse</i>, and the last of the illustrious -Branch of the Palatine Family. The Court -I constantly pay'd to this Princess, to whom I -was moreover well recommended by the Electoress -of <i>Hanover</i> Mother to the King of <i>England</i>, enables -me to tell you some Particulars which will -give you a just Notion of her.</p> - -<p>This Princess was very affable, yet not very -forward to grant her Protection. She talk'd a -great deal, and talk'd well. She lov'd especially -to speak in her Mother-Tongue, which she had -not forgot tho' she had been fifty Years in <i>France</i>, -for which reason she was overjoy'd to see her -Countrymen, and to correspond with them by -Letters. She was very punctual in writing to -the Electoress of <i>Hanover</i>, and to several other -Personages in <i>Germany</i>; and the Letters she -commonly wrote were not little Billets, but took -up twenty or thirty Sheets of Paper. Of these -I had a sight of several that would have been -worth publishing, and have not seen any thing -better writ in the <i>German</i> Tongue. In short, -this Princess did nothing but write from Morning -till Night. Immediately after she rose, which -was always about ten o'clock, she sate down at -her Toilet. From thence she went into her -Closet, where after having spent some time in -Prayer, she took Pen and Ink and wrote till she -went to Mass. After this was ended, she wrote -again till Dinner-time, which did not last long, -and then she fell to writing again till ten o'clock -at Night. About nine o'clock when she received -Company in her Closet she was found sitting at -a great Table spread with Papers, and there was -an <i>Ombre</i> Table just by it, at which the Marshal -<i>de Cleremhault</i>'s Lady and the other Ladies of -the Princess's Houshold used to play. Every<!--194.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> -now and then the Princess cast an Eye upon the -Game, and would give her Advice and write at -the same time. At other times she convers'd -with those who paid their Court to her. I once -saw this Princess napping, and the Moment after -start out of her Sleep and write on. This, <i>Madame</i>, -was the common Life of the Princess -when she was at <i>Versailles</i>. Sometimes however -she went out a hunting with the King, dress'd like -an <i>Amazon</i>, and sometimes to the Opera. For -this Princess was very fond of Plays, so that after -the Death of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. when the Court came -to settle at <i>Paris</i> she often made the <i>French</i> and -<i>Italian</i> Comedians perform at the Theatre of the -Royal Palace.</p> - -<p>As to Rank, never did any Princess support it -better than this. As she was punctual to the last degree -in requiring the Honors due to her, so she return'd -to every one the Honors that belong'd to -them. I heard her once talk very sharply upon -this head to the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>; and indeed -none but she durst have talk'd to that Princess -in such a Stile. It happen'd in <i>Lewis</i> XVth's -Minority that the Duchess of <i>Berry</i> came to her -one Evening in a Scarf. After she had been -there about half an Hour she ask'd Madame <i>de -Mouchy</i> what o'clock it was; whereupon the -Princess ask'd the Duchess of <i>Berry</i> what she -said to Madame <i>de Mouchy</i>. The Duchess made -her Answer, that she was going to the <i>Tuilleries</i>, -and therefore she ask'd what time of Night -it was. <i>How! to the</i> Tuilleries, said Madame; -<i>What are you going to take an Airing by the Light -of Flambeaus?</i> For, indeed, it was just Night. -<i>No, Madame</i>, said the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, <i>I am -going to the King</i>. <i>To the King!</i> reply'd Madame; -<i>Pray excuse me for expressing my Surprize!</i><!--195.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> -<i>What, go to the King, <span class="f">Madame</span>, in that Dress! -I thought you knew your Duty to him better: I beseech -you</i>, Madame, <i>do no such thing. Render to -the King the Respect that you owe him, and then -you will have a Right to challenge what is your -due from every body else.</i></p> - -<p>The Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, who was not pleas'd at -this Reprimand, was going to reply, but Madame -interrupted her, and said, <i>No</i>, Madame, <i>nothing -can excuse you: Surely you may think fit to dress -your self as seldom as you go to the King, since I -that am your Grandmother dress my self every day. -Speak the Truth, and say 'tis meer Laziness that -hinders you from putting on your Clothes, which is -a Fault that becomes neither your Age nor your -Rank. A Princess ought to be dress'd like a Princess, -and a Chambermaid like a Chambermaid.</i> -The Duchess of <i>Berry</i> being not us'd to such -Lectures, was extremely mortify'd at being so -check'd, and upon this occasion she did what she -us'd to do when any thing was ever said that offended -her, and when Decency did not permit -her to make a haughty Reply; that is, she arose, -made a low Curt'sy, and went away. Madame -fell to writing again, but talk'd still of the same -Subject, and not without some Warmth. She -said, looking about to all the Company, <i>Was I -in the wrong, pray, to talk as I did to the Duchess -of</i> Berry? <i>What say you to it?</i> You will easily -suppose, Madame, that nobody open'd their Lips, -but while she was running on still in the same strain, -to the great Confusion of every Soul in her Closet, -the Princess of <i>Conti</i> came in, which gave a -Turn to the Conversation.</p> - -<p>After <i>Lewis</i> XIVth's Death, Madame follow'd -the Court to <i>Paris</i>, where she resided in -the Winter, but commonly spent the fine Season<!--196.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -at <i>St. Cloud</i>. From thence she came very often -to the King's Apartment, us'd to be at the -Theatre, and return in the Evening to <i>St. Cloud</i>. -She had then with her <i>Mademoiselle</i>, now the Abbess -of <i>Chelles</i>, and <i>Mademoiselle de Valois</i>, now -the Princess of <i>Modena</i>. The other Princesses, -her Grandaughters, liv'd at <i>Paris</i> with the -Duchess of <i>Orleans</i> their Mother. This Princess, -tho' the Mother of the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, -had not the Precedency of her, and when she -was at her Daughter's House she had only a -Folding-Chair allowed her, whereas the Duchess -sate in an Arm-Chair. The Duchess of <i>Orleans</i> -was the last of the Royal Family.</p> - -<p>The first of the Princesses of the Blood was -the Princess-Dowager of <i>Condé</i>, <i>Anne</i> of <i>Bavaria</i> -Countess-Palatine, Daughter of <i>Edward</i> -Prince-Palatine of the <i>Rhine</i>. She was call'd -only, Madame the Princess. She commonly resided -at <i>Paris</i>, where she liv'd a very exemplary Life -for her Piety and great Charity. She died the -23d of <i>February</i>, 1723, at seventy-five Years of -Age.</p> - -<p>This Princess was Mother to the Duke of -<i>Bourbon</i> (that died in 1710) whose Wife <i>Louisa-Francese</i> -of <i>Bourbon</i>, the legitimated Daughter of -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. was, I can assure you, Madame, one -of the most beautiful Princesses of the Court; -and tho' already the Mother of eight Children, -it was much more natural to take her for their -Sister. With so much Beauty, she had also -Charms still more preferable; and all these external -Qualities were supported by a majestic Air, -and a Deportment which gain'd this illustrious -Princess Respect at the same time that her affable -and obliging Behavior procured her Love. She -had moreover a lively sparkling Wit, always sure<!--197.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, -or whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos'd -the Ridicule of that Behavior, which notwithstanding -the good Taste of the Age had perhaps -made the Fortune of some fawning Courtier.</p> - -<p>The next in Rank to that Princess was the -first Dowager-Princess of <i>Conti</i>, the legitimated -Daughter of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. The Air, Shape and -Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise -in the World, that I believe, Madame, you are -not ignorant that she was reckon'd the tip-top -Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho' she was -pretty much advanc'd in Years, she had still that -Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of -the Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary -Piety of her Mother in her latter Years. After -the Death of <i>Lewis</i> XIVth's Son the Dauphin, -this Princess was very much retir'd, so that I -never saw her any where but at <i>Madame</i>'s Apartments; -and since the Death of the King she -scarce appears any where at all.</p> - -<p>The Princess of <i>Conti</i>, the second Dowager is -by Birth Princess of <i>Condé</i>. She is Mother of -the Prince of <i>Conti</i>, of <i>Mademoiselle de Conti</i>, -who died Duchess of <i>Bourbon</i>, and of <i>Mademoiselle -de la Roche-sur-Yon</i>. It may be said that -this Branch of <i>Bourbon</i> have had their share of -Sense and Virtue.</p> - -<p>The Duchess of <i>Maine</i> and the late Duchess -of <i>Vendôme</i> were Sisters of the second Dowager-Princess -of <i>Conti</i>, and the Daughters of <i>Henry -Julius</i> Prince of <i>Condé</i>, and of the Princess-Palatine, -whom I have already had the Honor to -mention to you.</p> - -<p>The Duchess of <i>Maine</i> is a Princess of real -Merit, and a great Wit. She degenerates in no -respect from the illustrious Blood of <i>Condé</i>. She<!--198.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -liv'd with more Splendor than any Princess of -<i>France</i>. She commonly resided at <i>Seaux</i>, a magnificent -Castle not far from <i>Paris</i>, and one of the -finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious -Apartments which are also richly furnish'd, -but for the extent of the Park in which there's -such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of -Marble and Brazen Statues, as presents the curious -Spectator always with something new. It -may be said, that in her time the Pleasures had -fix'd their Residence in this charming Place. -There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, -and People were glad to leave both the -Court and City, being sure of finding something -at <i>Seaux</i> better contriv'd than the common Representations -on the Stage; and indeed they were -never disappointed, the Duchess of <i>Maine</i> having -an exquisite Taste in such things; for she -lov'd the fine Sciences, and was a better Judge -than any body, of what they call Composures. -This illustrious Princess took a delight in bespeaking -Plays, and sometimes did not think it -beneath her to act a part in them her self. The -famous <i>Baron</i> and <i>Beauval</i> had often the Honor -of performing with her. Those who have frequented -the <i>French</i> Theatre know full well that -such a choice was a very evident Proof of that -Princess's Taste for good Declamation. After -the Comedy there was generally a Party for -Play, and then a magnificent Supper, after which -there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most -commonly there was a Ball, at which there was -always a vast Number of Masks; yet the whole -was so well ordered, that there was plenty of -Refreshments for every body.</p> - -<p>These, <i>Madame</i>, were the Princes and Princesses -who form'd the Court of <i>France</i> when I<!--199.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -came thither, and I thought 'twas proper to give -you a Character of them before I mention'd the -Conduct I observ'd at my Arrival there.</p> - -<p>I first got my self introduc'd to Madame, to -whom I was moreover recommended by the Electress -of <i>Hanover</i>, the King of <i>England</i>'s Mother. -This Princess, who always retain'd a particular -Regard for the <i>Germans</i>, receiv'd me with -even more kindness than she commonly shew'd -to those of that Nation. She did me the Honor -to introduce me to the King herself, one -Night after his Majesty had supp'd. This Prince -was in his Bed-Chamber, with all the Princes -and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King -remember'd my Name, and did me the Honor -to ask me, whether I was not the Son of one -<i>Pollnitz</i>, who had been at his Court from the Elector -of <i>Brandenbourg</i>? And upon my telling -him that I was his Grandson, he said to me, -<i>Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken -for his Son</i>. His Majesty then ask'd me if I intended -to make any stay in <i>France</i>. I answer'd, -that I was so overjoy'd to find myself at the -Feet of the greatest of Kings, that I would do -my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him as -long as possible. The King seem'd to like my -Answer, and turning towards Madame, he said -to her, speaking of me, <i>He talks French well</i>. -He afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, -and told me as he withdrew that he should take -a pleasure in doing me Service.</p> - -<p>Next day Madame introduc'd me to the Duke -of <i>Burgundy</i> the Dauphin, and to the Dauphiness, -which illustrious Couple died some time after, as -I have had the Honor to tell you. Madame -also caus'd me to be introduc'd to the Duke and -Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, but neither of 'em said one<!--200.png--><span class="pagenum">194</span> -word to me. I was very well receiv'd by the -Duke and Duchess of <i>Orleans</i>. It was not easy -to see this Prince without loving him; for his -Affability supported by a most sparkling Wit, -and the most elegant Accomplishments, endear'd -him to all that had the Honor of Access to him. -This Prince constantly paid his Attendance at -Court, and had the greatest Respect for Madame. -He never miss'd a Day of waiting upon this -Princess. He went to her Apartments every -Night at half an Hour past eight, and play'd at -Chess there till the King's Supper-time; but this -Prince only sate down at the Game, and as he -went in and out he always kiss'd her Hand.</p> - -<p>The Court of <i>France</i>, tho' very splendid by reason -of the number of Princes and Princesses of which it -consists, was nevertheless not so gay as I expected. -The Life at <i>Versailles</i> was the most uniform -in the World: The King's Hours were settled, -and he that had seen but one Day there had seen -a Year. The King rose at nine or ten o'clock. -The Princes and all the Courtiers attended his -Levee, and after he was dress'd he kneel'd down -to Prayers on a Cushion of Black Velvet, with his -Chaplains and the Bishops that were at his Levee, -kneeling also round him. When Prayers were -ended, the King went into his Closet, where -sometimes the Ministers came to speak to him about -Business, and in the mean while the Courtiers -walk'd in the great Gallery, thro' which the -King walk'd to hear Mass, and there all the -Courtiers waited to be seen by his Majesty as he -pass'd. I never saw a Nation more fond of paying -their Attendance at Court than the <i>French</i>; -for I have even seen many Courtiers, who thinking -the Prince had not observ'd them, stept -forwards into another Room, and then another,<!--201.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> -till by chance his Majesty happen'd to cast his -Eyes upon them.</p> - -<p>After Mass was over the King return'd to his -Closet; sometimes he held a Council and afterwards -din'd alone, at which time one might also -observe how the Courtiers strove to be seen by -him. The King eat with a good Appetite, nay -I thought he eat voraciously. His Dinner lasted -three Quarters of an Hour, and upon certain -Days there was Music. After Dinner, the King -went down by the Back-stairs, and took Coach -to go a hunting in the Park of <i>Versailles</i>, which -was full of small Game. He return'd about the -Dusk of the Evening, and went to Madame <i>de -Maintenon</i>'s Apartment, where there were only -a few of the old Courtiers, and generally speaking, -none but Ladies; as, Madame <i>de Caylus</i>, a -Cousin of Madame <i>de Maintenon</i>, and Madame -<i>de Dangeau</i>, who play'd at Cards with the King -when the Ministers were not there; for then, instead -of Gaming, Business was the Subject, and -there every thing was commonly settled. At -ten o'clock at Night, when word was brought -to the King that Supper was serv'd up, his Majesty -went to the Table, where the Princes and -Princesses always accompanied him. The Duchesses -were plac'd behind the Folding-Chairs of the -Princes, on both sides of the Table; and the -other Ladies of Quality stood on the Right hand -of the King's Arm-chair. His Majesty, after -making a Bow to the Princes and Princesses -and all the Ladies, sate down in his Chair, and -then the Princes and Princesses took their Seats, -as did also the Duchesses. The other Ladies of -Quality pass'd into a Salon just by, where they -were at liberty to sit down. The Supper lasted -no longer than the Dinner: The King talk'd<!--202.png--><span class="pagenum">196</span> -there but little, and sometimes he address'd himself -to <i>Madame</i>, or to the Duchess of <i>Orleans</i>; -but I never heard him speak to the Dukes of -<i>Berry</i> and <i>Orleans</i>, nor even to the Duchess of -<i>Berry</i>.</p> - -<p>After Supper was over, the King, preceded by -the Princes, went into his Bed-Chamber, where -he found such of the Ladies as were not Duchesses, -to whom he put off his Hat, and then sate down -by the Ballustrade that was before his Bed, where -he stay'd till the Princesses and Duchesses were -enter'd into the Room. I observ'd that the old -Court-Ladies made a profound Curt'sy to the -King's Bed when they enter'd his Chamber, -which the young Ladies did not; for being perhaps -more puff'd up with their Youth and their -Charms, they did not think themselves oblig'd -to pay so much Respect. When the Duchesses -who had attended at Supper enter'd to the King's -Bed-Chamber, the King made an Obeisance to -them, as he did to the other Ladies; and then -the King preceded by the Princes, and followed by -the Princesses who had supp'd with him, went -into his Closet, to which the Princes and Princesses -of the Blood also repair'd. His Majesty -convers'd with 'em for a while, during which -the Duchesses and the other Ladies withdrew. -At length the King dismiss'd the Princes and -Princesses, and went to Bed. Then the Courtiers -separated, and the Generality retir'd. Some -went to the Duke of <i>Berry</i>'s Couchée, and others -to the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>'s. Those who paid their -Court to this Prince were well receiv'd by him. -For my own part I went thither as often as I -could, not so much to pay my Court to <i>Madame</i>, -as from a natural liking I had to this -Prince.<!--203.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span></p> - -<p>Thus, Madame, did the King pass his Life. -The Pleasures of the Courtiers were at best but -dull, Gaming being almost their whole Amusement. -The Assembly was commonly held at -the House of the Prince <i>d'Armagnac</i> of <i>Lorrain</i>, -Master of the Horse, where there was Play in -the Afternoon. Foreigners were perfectly welcome -to this Prince, as they were also to the Cardinal -of <i>Roban</i>. The latter liv'd very magnificently, -and at the Houses of these two Noblemen -you were sure to see the Prime of the Nobility -of <i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>When the Court was at <span class="smcap">Fontainbleau</span><a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a>, -'twas much more gay than it was when at <i>Versailles</i>, -where it may be said, that it shone in its -full Lustre. Nevertheless tho' <i>Fontainbleau</i> is -not near so magnificent, it has the Air of a Castle, -which <i>Versailles</i> has not. Moreover, Art and Nature -seem to have acted in concert towards forming -the magnificent Buildings which several -Monarchs have caus'd to be erected at <i>Fontainbleau</i>: -Whereas at <i>Versailles</i> Nature seems to -have had nothing to do, every thing being the -Work of Art, and too much adorned. Perhaps -I may be the only one of this Opinion, but -I always thought that the Magnificence at <i>Versailles</i> -was too general.</p> - -<p>I was at <i>Fontainbleau</i> some time after the Conclusion -of the Suspension of Arms with the <i>English</i>. -The News of the Peace on the point of -being concluded, and the Victory at <i>Denain</i>, -seem'd to have restor'd to the Court such an Air -of Gayety as had not been known there for many -years. The Elector of <i>Bavaria</i> was there at -that time, and there was such Gaming at the -Duchess of <i>Berry</i>'s and the Duke of <i>Antin</i>'s, as<!--204.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span> -if they had no Sense at all of the public Calamities. -The Party was of twelve Cutters at <i>Lansquenet</i>, -who began with setting four Lewid'ors, -and at last stak'd Rouleaus of a hundred Lewid'ors -on a Card. I won seven hundred Lewid'ors -there one Night, in less than an Hour's -time, and the Duchess <i>de la Ferte</i> trick'd me -out of no less than a hundred, besides fourscore -that she borrow'd of me, and never paid me again. -Perhaps she thought 'twas the best way -to make herself amends for the Trouble she was -pleas'd to take upon her, of setting my Money -upon the Table, there being such a Croud of -Ladies round it that I could not get near it.</p> - -<p>While the Court was at <i>Fontainbleau</i>, who -should come thither but Mr. <i>St. John</i>, since made -Lord <i>Bolingbroke</i>, to settle the Plan of the Peace -that was afterwards concluded at <i>Utrecht</i>. He -could not have been better receiv'd than he was -there if he had been a Sovereign Prince, for the -King himself had an extraordinary Regard for -him. I was one day to see his Majesty dine, -when there was to be Music, but as soon as it -struck up the King stopt it, by calling out aloud, -<i>I am informed that M. <span class="f">de St. John</span> dines -with the Duke of <span class="f">Antin</span>. Let my Music wait -on him there, and let him know that I send it to -him, and that I wish it may give him Pleasure.</i> -You will easily imagine, Madame, that all the -Courtiers, in imitation of the Monarch, strove -who should be most complaisant to the <i>English</i> -Minister, who for his part justly merited the -Regard that was paid to him.</p> - -<p>The Court stay'd at <i>Fontainbleau</i> some time -after the Arrival of this Minister, and all the -while there was nothing but Merriment and a -continual Succession of Pleasures. The Hunting-Matches<!--205.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> -were of the utmost Magnificence. The -Ladies were there either on horseback or in -Chaises in the Retinue of the Duchess of <i>Berry</i> -and <i>Madame</i>. So many fine Women mounted on -horseback all richly dressed, the King in a Chaise -attended by the whole Court on horseback, and -the sumptuous Hunting-Equipages to be seen all -at once in the pleasant Forest of <i>Fontainbleau</i>, -form'd one of the finest Sights that could be. -On the Days when there was no Hunting, the -King took the Air in an open Calash round the -great Canal, accompany'd by Ladies whose -Habits were the finest and of the most beautiful -Fancy that could be imagin'd. When -the Court return'd from their Airing there was a -Comedy or else a Drawing-Room at the Duchess -of <i>Berry</i>'s, where they play'd at <i>Lansquenet</i>.</p> - -<p>At those times too when there was no Hunting -there were Assemblies at M. <i>le Grand</i>'s, and -several others of Quality. I observ'd that most -of the Nobility were more inclinable to be complaisant -at <i>Fontainbleau</i>, than at <i>Versailles</i>: If a -Man was ever so little known for a Person of -Quality, they freely furnish'd him with the -King's Horses for Hunting, which is scarce ever -practis'd but in <i>France</i> and <i>Lorrain</i>. Indeed I -have seen the same thing done at the Court of -<i>Bavaria</i>, but 'twas very seldom.</p> - -<p>After I had follow'd the Court for some time -to <i>Versailles</i> and <i>Fontainbleau</i>, I went back again -to the famous City of <span class="smcap">Paris</span>. I no sooner arriv'd -there but I had a considerable Fit of Sickness, -which brought me almost to the Brink of -the Grave. I committed myself to the care of -the famous <i>Dutch</i> Physician <i>Helvetius</i>. This -skilful Doctor set me upon my Legs in a very -little time; and when I was able to go abroad, he<!--206.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -advis'd me to take a Walk in the Garden of <i>Luxembourg</i>, -which they cry'd up for the best Air in -all <i>Paris</i>. I did not fail to pursue the Doctor's -Direction, and observ'd indeed, that the Air I -breath'd in that Garden was very good for me: -But in a little time it had like to have prov'd -most pernicious to me. For one Morning as I was -walking there, I saw two Ladies coming a good -way off, in a Deshabillé, who had both a grand -Air, and a most noble Carriage. They were -footing it on the very Terrass where I was -walking; so that I sat down on a Bench to see -them pass by. I confess to you, that I thought -their Persons as lovely as their Undress was genteel -and noble. As they sail'd by me, one of -'em happen'd to drop her Handkerchief, which -I that instant snatch'd up and presented to her. -She receiv'd it in a very polite manner, and I -pass'd her a Compliment, to which she made a -witty Reply. By degrees we entered into a Conversation, -which tho' it held only a Quarter of -an Hour, cost me very dear; for I fell in Love, -and more deeply in Love than I can express -to you. The Ladies asked my Name. You -will imagine I did not put them to the trouble -of asking it twice; the rather, because I hop'd -that in requital they would tell me their Names: -But notwithstanding all my Intreaty they wou'd -not satisfy me. She that I was most enamour'd -with at the first View, bid me in very good <i>High-Dutch</i> -not to give my self any Uneasiness to -know who they were; as she was going away, -she said that I should not fail to see them again -if I made any stay at <i>Paris</i>. I gave her my -Hand and led her to her Coach, which seem'd -to be well lin'd. I also saw a Couple of lusty -Lackeys who were well clad. All this put together,<!--207.png--><span class="pagenum">201</span> -confirm'd me in the Notion I had conceiv'd, -that they were Ladies of Quality; or, at -least, in good Keeping. I wou'd have given -all the World to be inform'd exactly who -and what they were; but 'twas absolutely impossible -for me to make any Discovery. The -Lackey that I had with me being a <i>German</i>, -and even more a Stranger here than my self, was -upon that account an improper Person, for the -Management which is necessary for such Discoveries. -I remain'd therefore mortally uneasy, and -it had like to have made me as light-headed as I -was in the Illness from which I was but newly -recover'd. I did not fail to go to <i>Luxembourg</i> -Gardens every day, and staid there from nine -o'clock in the Morning till Night, excepting -only the little time it took me to go home to -Dinner. All these Jaunts forwards and backwards -lasted about a Fortnight, at the end of -which I found my self just as forward as I was -the first Day. At last, when I had given over -all Thoughts of being so happy as to find this -Fair-one out, I was surpris'd to see her at a -Place where I never dreamt of finding her. -One day as I waited upon the Ladies <i>de V——</i> -and <i>D——</i> to the Play-house where <i>Cid</i> was to -be acted, and <i>Quinaut</i> the Elder began with -playing <i>Roderigo</i>; judge, <i>Madame</i>, how great -was my Surprize when I saw that the Heroine -of my Passion was also the Heroine of this -Play, in which she perform'd the Part of <i>Clymene</i>. -In all my Life I was never so confounded, -and began to question whether I ought to indulge -a Passion of that nature. I perceiv'd some -Reluctance in my Mind against attaching my -self to a Person whose Profession is rarely susceptible -of those nice Sentiments, which Persons<!--208.png--><span class="pagenum">202</span> -of Honor always demand in Love. But the -Course I took was really the same that a Boy -of nineteen years of Age wou'd have done; that -is to say, I acted the very contrary to what I -ought to have done. I foolishly indulg'd my I -Passion, so that I had scarce Patience to stay for -the Interval between the Play and the Entertainment, -before I went behind the Scenes, where -I found my Fair-one, with several Gentlemen -of my Acquaintance about her, whom I took -at first for so many Rivals; and as if it was not -Punishment enough to be in love, I must needs -be jealous too. I spoke to <i>D——</i>, (which was -the Name of this dissembling Creature) but I perceiv'd -that what I said put her into a Flutter; and -I observ'd that she was over and above complaisant -to a Gentleman of the Long Robe who -stood near her. I was not mistaken in my -Guess; 'twas <i>B——</i>, one of the Counsellors of -Parliament, who bore this Lady's Expences, and -at such a Rate too, as if he had been an Officer -of the Finances, rather than a Magistrate. I -was so vain as to think of supplanting this Lover, -or at least, if I could not quite non-suit him, I -flatter'd my self that I should put him to a Non-plus. -For this end I began to frequent the -Comedy, and soon had the Comfort to find -that my Love was not repaid with Ingratitude.</p> - -<p>The Difficulty was to find a convenient Opportunity -of seeing one another; but Love and -Fortune soon pav'd the way for our Interview. -Young <i>Q——</i>, the Sister of <i>D——</i>, who also -liv'd with her, happen'd to have the Small-Pox. -The Counsellor, who was extremely afraid of -the Consequence, immediately took <i>D——</i> from -those Lodgings, and gave her an Apartment in -the Hotel <i>d'Entragues</i>: But my comic Mistress<!--209.png--><span class="pagenum">203</span> -gave me notice of her new Quarters; and the -very same Day I hir'd a Chamber there too. -I took no body with me but one Domestic, -who was the Confident of my little Secrets; -and there, in spite of my troublesome <i>Argus</i>, it -was easy for me to see his Mistress, who would -have been glad to be mine, if I had been so -generous as he was, to give her 14000 Livres -a year. But I chose rather to go snacks with -him in the Favors which the Fair-one granted, -than to pay so dear for the Exclusion of a Rival. -The Counsellor, for his part, was not so indifferent, -and having a Mistrust, he left no Stone -unturn'd to find out the real Truth of the matter; -nor was it long e'er his Curiosity was satisfy'd. -Any other Person, not so deeply smitten -as he was, might have known what he had -to trust to for a Trifle of Expence; but this unbelieving -Gallant, who, perhaps, was also too -much conceited of his own Merit, and had too -great an Opinion of his Nymph's Virtue, to presume -to be jealous of her Honor upon slight -Appearances, try'd new Experiments. He gave -a Bribe to a Chambermaid, who made him see -enough with his own Eyes intirely to remove -those Suspicions which he had so fondly indulged. -In a word, he saw me with his dear Mistress; and -at a time too, when we should have least of all -thought of being seen together. What a Fury -the provok'd Lover was in, is easy to imagine, -Nevertheless he was so prudent as to dissemble -his Passion till I was retir'd to my own Chamber. -Then, like another <i>Roland</i>, he took a -Revenge for the Infidelity of his <i>Angelica</i> upon -every thing that happen'd in his way. He broke -and dash'd all to pieces; he tore off her Topknot, -and threaten'd no less than utter Destruction<!--210.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -to all about him. To all this Noise the -Damsel return'd no Answer but Tears, which -at length wrought so far upon this outragious -Lover, as to pacify him: being then more -calm, he larded his severe Reproaches with the -softest Expressions; and taking the advantage -of her Foible, offer'd her to increase her Pension, -if she wou'd but promise him inviolable Fidelity. -The Fair-one swore that nothing should, -hereafter, lead her astray from her Duty; and in -a Flood of Tears she consented to receive 2000 -Crowns Addition to her Pension, which made -it 20000 Livres a year. The Bargain was concluded -with great Joy on both sides; but yet -it was not strictly perform'd; for I continu'd my -Visits to the Damsel, till at length her Sister being -recover'd of her Distemper, Miss return'd to -her own House. The Difficulties that then occurr'd, -together with my own Fickleness, quite -cool'd my Passion, which it was the easier for me -to get rid of, because it was not in the least -founded in Esteem; and perhaps, had it not -been purely for the Pleasure of teazing that Limb -of the Law, I had withdrawn my Addresses -sooner.</p> - -<p>My Amour with the fair Comedian did not -sequester me from Company; and I will venture -to say, that I made a tolerable Figure in a -Country where every body that is not <i>French</i> -passes readily for a Barbarian. Several Gentlemen -who saw how graciously the King receiv'd -me at <i>Versailles</i>, were eager to pay me their -Respects; particularly the Duke <i>D——</i>, first -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, made me such -a Compliment as I cannot easily forget. I became -acquainted with this Nobleman at <i>Versailles</i>. -He accosted me with the utmost Civility<!--211.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -in the Great Gallery, the very Day after -I had been introduc'd to his Majesty, and told -me that I had good reason to be pleas'd with -the Reception which the King gave me; but -much more with what he said when I was -withdrawn; which was, <i>That of all the Foreigners -who had been introduc'd to him, no -body had saluted him with a better Grace and -a more easy Air than the Margrave of</i> Anspach -<i>and me</i>. The said Duke made a Proposal to -me for my entring into the Service of <i>France</i>; -and also promis'd me that I should be made a -Colonel, if I would turn <i>Roman Catholic</i>. I -thank'd him for his obliging Offers; but assur'd -him, that Interest should never make me alter -my Religion. I was also at that time full -of the Prejudices of the Protestants against the -Catholics; moreover, I was of an Age not -mature enough for serious Reflections: for I -thought of nothing in the world but my Pleasures; -and indeed, how could a Man of my -years help abandoning himself to them, when -all the Kingdom, <i>Paris</i> especially, breath'd an -Air of Gayety, which there was no withstanding? -<i>France</i> saw that Peace which she had long -wish'd for, on the point of being concluded; -her late Losses had been expung'd by the Victory -at <i>Denain</i>, and other Advantages which -the <i>French</i> Troops obtain'd, not only by the -raising of the Siege of <i>Landrecy</i>, which the -Allies had invested, but by the taking of <i>Marchiennes</i> -and <i>St. Amant</i>. The Allies began therefore -to think of a Peace, and the <i>English</i> were at -last willing to consent to it. I have already -had the Honor to acquaint you, that my Lord -<i>St. John</i> was come to the Court of <i>France</i> to -have a Conference upon the Articles of the<!--212.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -so much desir'd Peace; and that he was receiv'd -there as a Man who came with the -most important News that 'twas possible for -them to receive.</p> - -<p>As soon as that Minister was return'd to <i>London</i>, -the Congress was open'd at <i>Utrecht</i> for a Peace; -and <i>France</i> and <i>England</i> mutually sent their -Ambassadors to one another. The Duke <i>d'Aumont</i> -was appointed to go in that quality to -the Court of <i>England</i>; and before he departed, -the King gave him the Order of the Holy -Ghost. This Nobleman was perfectly welcome -to the Court-Party at <i>London</i>, which was -desirous of Peace; but was an Eye-sore to the -opposite Party, who hated to hear the mention -of it. The <i>French</i> Ambassador was insulted, -and treated with such Outrage, that his House -was set on fire, and the Loss thereby sustain'd -was very considerable; the said Duke having -borrow'd the richest Furniture of several Persons, -which was entirely burnt. The Duke of -<i>Orleans</i> thereby lost a noble Suit of Hangings, -and several very scarce Pictures.</p> - -<p>The Person who was sent to <i>France</i>, as Ambassador -from the Court of <i>England</i>, was the -Duke of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, whose Reception by the -King, the Court and the Kingdom was sufficient -Demonstration how well they lik'd the -Commission which he came to negotiate. This -Ambassador kept no very great Table at the -Court of <i>France</i>; nor was his Equipage very -gay. He was indeed a Nobleman of very great -Merit, but of a mean Presence; for he was -blind of one Eye, and exclusive of that Defect no -body would hardly have taken him for a Nobleman, -if he had not been adorn'd with the Order -of the Garter. He had his Duchess with<!--213.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -him, who was an <i>Italian</i> Lady by Birth, and -Sister to the famous <i>P——</i>, so well known in <i>England</i> -for his Extravagancies and his tragical Exit. -The Duke of <i>Shrewsbury</i> was betroth'd to her -in <i>Italy</i>, and married in <i>England</i>. This Duchess -appear'd at the Court of <i>France</i> with the most -Foreign Air in the World. The Duchess <i>d'Aumont</i> -was to have introduc'd her to the King -and the Princesses; but as she was at that time -indispos'd, she desir'd Madame <i>de Chatillon</i> to -perform the Office for her. The King receiv'd the -Ambassadress with great Marks of Distinction; -and she was afterwards introduc'd to <i>Madame</i>, -where she found a numerous Company that -came thither out of meer Curiosity; and there -it was that I had the Honor of seeing her. -She seem'd at first in such Confusion, as if -she had never liv'd in any Court, but by degrees -she took courage. She talk'd a great -deal, and talk'd well.</p> - -<p>The same Night the Duchess of <i>Shrewsbury</i> -was with the King at Supper, where she was -plac'd in the Rank of the Duchesses, exactly -behind the Duke of <i>Berry</i>. She talk'd a great -deal to this Prince, tho' she had only a Glimpse -of him once before at the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>'s -Apartment. All the Supper-time she did nothing -but twitch him by the Sleeve, to advise -him not to eat so much. Every body was very -much surpriz'd to see this Familiarity of her's; and -I observ'd that the Duke of <i>Berry</i> was not a little -confounded at it. I forgot to mention one Circumstance -wherein I thought the King was over and -above polite. As he came to the Table he pass'd -by the Duchess of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, without seeing -her; but just as he was going to sit down, M. <i>de -Livry</i> the Chief Steward acquainted him, that<!--214.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> -the Ambassadress of <i>England</i> was come to his -Supper. Upon this, the King return'd that instant -to the Place where she was, and said to her, -<i>That he had pass'd her without saluting her, because -he did not see her; and that, he thought -she was so fatigu'd with the Visits she had made -in the Day that she was retir'd</i>. The King also -desir'd her to go and repose her self; but she -made her Excuse and said, <i>That 'twas impossible -to have the Honor of paying Duty to so great a -King as his Majesty, and to complain of Fatigue</i>.</p> - -<p>The Duchess of <i>Shrewsbury</i> was much of the -same Temper as her Lord the Ambassador: She -did not care for expensive Living. I remember -that one day when I was at the Palace -of <i>Soissons</i>, where she lodg'd, the Duchess <i>de -----</i>, who was a very gay Lady, wou'd fain -have engag'd the Ambassadress to give a Ball: -for this purpose she signify'd what a general -Melancholy there was all over <i>France</i>, on account -of the Death of the Princes, and a War -of several years continuance; and said, every -body expected that the Duke of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, -who was come over to <i>France</i> to bring Peace, -would also be inclinable to procure the Return -of those Pleasures which so many Calamities had -banish'd. But it all avail'd nothing; for the -Ambassadress made answer to the Duchess, -that she should be very glad to see a general -Mirth at <i>Paris</i>; and that she thought the -Duke of <i>Shrewsbury</i> had brought the <i>French</i> -such important News, as wou'd have put an -end to all Sadness for the past Misfortunes, -without expecting him to procure other Pleasures. -'Twas to no purpose therefore to insist -any longer on a Ball from that Quarter.<!--215.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span></p> - -<p>You will undoubtedly be surpriz'd, Madame, -when you hear who was the Person that gave the -first Ball, instead of the Ambassador of <i>England</i>. -'Twas I that reviv'd <i>Paris</i> out of that fatal Lethargy, -into which it seem'd to be fallen. I gave -a Ball at <i>Carneaux</i>, or rather <i>Mesdames de la -M——</i> <i>D——</i> and <i>de V——</i> gave it for me. -These Ladies having in form desir'd me to give -a Ball, I immediately excus'd my self, on the consideration -that as I was a Stranger it did not become -me to set a Pattern for Entertainments, especially -for a Peace which could be of no farther -Advantage to me, than as it would indeed enable -me to live more to my Satisfaction, in a Country -where it had been long wish'd for. Moreover, -there were other Reasons much of the same nature -as those that govern'd the Duke of <i>Shrewsbury</i>, -which made me grudge the Expence of a -Ball that I foresaw would be very chargeable. -My Arguments had some weight with the Ladies; -but a Ball they were resolv'd to have, and -therefore they made a Proposal to me, that if I -would give them but ten Lewid'ors there should -be a Ball, and I should have nothing else to do -but to give out at the Opera and the Comedy, -that there would be a Ball such a day at <i>Carneaux</i>. -This I did not fail to do, and wherever I came -I found People very well inclin'd to be present -at the Assembly. The Ladies on their part hir'd -the great Hall of the <i>Carneaux</i>, which they -caus'd to be very finely illuminated, and having -provided a very good Concert of Music there, they -caus'd the Ball to be open'd by their Waiting-Women -and Valets de Chambre. I supp'd with -the Ladies that Evening, and ingenuously own'd -to them that I did not very well know what Effect -a Ball of that sort would have at <i>Paris</i>.<!--216.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -After a good deal of joke upon it we went -thither as soon as ever we had supp'd, and I confess -that in my Life I never saw more Maskers. -They crouded one another from the very Gate -of the Court into the Hall, where the People were -ready to faint for the very Heat, and did not -know whom to apply to for a drop of Water: -Every body rav'd against the Ball, and against -the Person that gave it. But by good luck they -did not know whom they were oblig'd to for -such an Entertainment. Mean time I had the -Precaution to provide some Refreshments for the -Ladies in my Company, and they were not ill -bestow'd. This Ball drew me in to give ten or -a dozen other Entertainments of the like kind, -and altogether as unprovided of Refreshments. -Yet notwithstanding the general Thirst complain'd -of for want of Liquor, and the Curses -that I heard them utter against the <i>Undertaker</i>, -there was always a vast Croud of Masqueraders.</p> - -<p>Thus, Madame, did I pass my time at <i>Paris</i>, -I kept the greatest and the gayest Company, and -I had pretty good Fortune at Play, which, together -with what was remitted to me from home, -put me in a Condition to live there like a Prince. -I made fresh Acquaintance every day, and they -gave me fresh Pleasures, till I receiv'd News -which troubled me very much, <i>viz.</i> the Death -of our King <i>Frederic</i> I. which happen'd on the -15th of <i>February</i> this Year, and was occasion'd -by one of the saddest Accidents that could have -fallen out. 'Twas the Queen herself who in one -of those Vertigo's, to which she had been for -some time past subject, frighten'd the King so -that he never recover'd it. It happen'd thus:</p> - -<p>The Queen had for a long while given herself -up to more than ordinary Devotion, and to a<!--217.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -rigid Life not very agreeable to her natural Temper. -But the Princess thought 'twas the best -Course she could take, to stop the Mouths of -those who had been so audacious as to give out -that before her Marriage she was not always the -Fondest of Retirement. The recluse and self-denying -Life she led after Marriage, made her -subject to Vapors, which ended in Frenzy, the -Fits whereof were terrible. The King was not -acquainted with her unhappy Disorder for a long -time, till at last the Queen being one day in a -more outragious Fit than ordinary, was so strong -as to get loose from the Ladies that had the Care -of her Person, and being but half dress'd, with -her Hair dishevel'd, she went thro' a private Gallery -to the King's Apartment. As she enter'd it -she broke a Glass-Door, by which she cut both -her Hands and Arms; and in this bloody pickle -rush'd in upon the King like a Fury, and abus'd -him with such Reproaches as would never have -enter'd into the head of the poor Princess, if she -had been well. The King, who was at the same -time somewhat indispos'd, was taking a Nap in -an easy Chair; but he started out of his Sleep, -and imagin'd himself in the hands of a Ghost, -every thing contributing to confirm him in that -Notion. For the Queen having her Hair flying -about her Temples, and no Clothes on but an -Under-Petticoat, and a quilted Waistcoat of <i>Marseilles</i> -Linnen, and her Arms and Face being -moreover of a Gore-Blood, the King fancy'd her -to be the <i>White Woman</i><a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a>, and did so much believe -that this Apparition was a certain Presage of his -approaching Dissolution, that it threw him the<!--218.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -same Instant into a Fever, which oblig'd him to -take to his Bed, and he never recover'd it. This -Prince lay ill for near six Weeks, during which -he had the Consolation to see how dear he was -to his Subjects; for one day as he thought himself -a little better, so that the Physicians began to -have hopes of his Recovery, he caus'd himself -to be carry'd towards a Window, from whence -he saw the whole Square full of People, who -were offering up Vows to Heaven for his Life. -This was so moving a Scene to him, that the generous -Prince could not refuse a Tribute of Tears -for the Tenderness of his People. But their -Prayers were not heard; and his Majesty died -at <i>Berlin</i> with a Constancy and Courage worthy -of him, after having given excellent Instructions -to his Son the Prince Royal.</p> - -<p>This young Prince was heartily griev'd for the -Death of the King his Father, and as soon as he -had receiv'd the first Homages of the Margraves -who were the late King's Brothers, and of the -whole Court, he shut himself up in his Apartment -where he abandon'd himself to that Lamentation -which he had reason to make for the -Loss he had sustain'd. The Person that notify'd -his Death to the Courtiers who crouded the Apartments, -was M. <i>de Printz</i>, the Grand Marshal. -They say, that when this Nobleman made -his appearance to proclaim the melancholy News, -it so seiz'd him that he could only say, <i>The King, -the King, the King!</i> his redoubled Sighs discovering -the rest that his Tongue had not power -to declare.</p> - -<p>The King's Funeral Obsequies were very -magnificent. In the Streets, from the Palace to -the place of Interment, several Regiments of -Soldiers were drawn up in a Line on each<!--219.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> -side. The new King accompany'd the Convoy, -and when the Corpse was deposited in the Royal -Vault he went out of the Church, and mounting -on horseback put himself at the Head of the -Troops which made three Discharges of small -Arms, and at the same time the Cannon were -fir'd from the Ramparts. Thus, Madame, were -the last Devoirs paid to <i>Frederic</i> our First King.</p> - -<p>As to the Queen, the Physicians were of Opinion -that her Native Air would be of service -to her, and therefore she was carry'd to her Mother's -Seat at <i>Grabau</i> in <i>Mecklemburg</i>, where she -still remains, but without any Hopes as yet of her -Recovery.</p> - -<p>After the Death of <i>Frederic</i> I. the King his -Son dismiss'd the whole Court, the three Companies -of Life-Guards were broke, and the Guard -of the hundred <i>Swiss</i> sent home to their own -Country: In short, every thing assum'd a new -Face. I saw, and was really mortify'd to see, -that there was nothing more for me to hope for in -my own Country. Nevertheless, tho' I thought -I should have broke my Heart the first Moment -that I receiv'd the melancholy News, my Sorrow -was of no long duration. I had not, indeed, a -very splendid Fortune to be my Comfort, but I -was so young that I presum'd to think I should -never come to want. Besides, my Birth was -some Relief to my Mind; and to tell you the -plain truth of the matter, as Things stood with -me at that time, I was quite in love with <i>Paris</i>, -which was reason good enough why I should -not devote myself long to Melancholy.</p> - -<p>Happening to be at the Fair of <i>St. Germain</i>, -I there contracted Love for another Mistress. I -had no reason to be asham'd of the choice I then -made, because I might have hop'd to have been<!--220.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> -possess'd of every thing that was capable of fixing -a Man of Gallantry. I abandon'd my self -intirely to this new Amour, and as I was naturally -fond of Expence, I laid out such a Sum that -all my Friends were startled at it. My Equipages, -Clothes, Liveries, <i>&c.</i> were all of the utmost -Magnificence, and the frequent Presents -that I made were very rich. But I was soon reduc'd -to a Necessity of making very serious Reflections -upon my past Conduct; tho' I had no -body to blame but myself; for as to Mademoiselle -<i>de S——</i> (which was the Name of the Angel I -ador'd) she would certainly have been well enough -pleas'd with a Lover less profuse, so that -with a little Oeconomy I might have made a gay -Figure at <i>Paris</i>: But my new Passion would not -suffer me to think so close of my Finances, -which were now so much disorder'd that I saw -no Remedy, except to return to my own Country: -But I was so uneasy to think of going away, -that I was very loth to fix on a day for my Departure. -Mean time my dear Mistress and her -Mother both press'd me with Tears in abundance -to undertake a Journey so necessary; the one -wishing it for my own sake, and the other for -the sake of her Daughter; for the good Mother -was as eager after Money, as the Daughter was -disinterested. At length the melancholy Day -being come, I set out from <i>Paris</i> without bidding -Farewel to any one Friend whatsoever except -<i>Madame</i>, and the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, because I -hop'd to be back again speedily. I left all my -Servants behind, except only one Domestic who -was privy to all my Affairs.</p> - -<p>The Day that I set out I arriv'd about five -o'clock in the Evening at <i>Roye</i> in <i>Picardy</i>, -where I was told I could not proceed farther<!--221.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> -for want of Post-Horses, the Duke of <i>Ossuna</i> -who was gone Ambassador of <i>Spain</i> to the Treaty -at <i>Utrecht</i>, having taken them all up. I resolv'd -therefore to go on with those that brought -me to <i>Roye</i>. I halted at very sad Quarters, at a -place betwixt <i>Roye</i> and <i>Peronne</i>. The first thing -I did was to go to Bed, and really need enough -I had of Rest; for my Head was so confus'd -with a thousand different Thoughts, that I felt -my Brains work almost as if I had been light-headed. -But when I was in Bed 'twas much -worse with me, I still indulg'd Melancholy. -One while I wanted to go back again to <i>Paris</i>, -whither my Love call'd me strongly. On the -other hand, I was sensible of the sad Necessity -of pursuing my Journey. In short, Swarms of -different Inclinations succeeded each other; but -at last, after a long debate with my self, I resolv'd -to return to <i>Paris</i>. The time when I made this -noble Resolution was about two o'clock in the -Morning. I got up that Moment, and call'd for -my Valet. As he lay in another part of the -House which was separate from my Apartment, -I thought 'twas better to go my self and awake -him, than to lose my time in calling for him. I -went out of my Chamber accordingly, but as ill -luck would have it, I had not observ'd, or rather -the confusion I was in made me forget that my -Chamber-Door open'd into a Gallery that run -round the House. This Gallery was so lately -built that they had not time to put Rails to it, -so that before I had gone two steps I had the finest -tumble that ever I made in my Life. I -fell from the Gallery into the Yard, and by good -luck upon a heap of Dung, otherwise I might -have been wounded, if not kill'd; so that all the -harm I had was the surprize to find my self<!--222.png--><span class="pagenum">216</span> -sinking in a Matrass as offensive as 'tis possible -to conceive. My greatest perplexity was then to -contrive how to get out of it, and to find the -way back to my Chamber: But the Night was -so dark, and I was so little acquainted with the -House where I lodg'd, that I despair'd of getting -out without Help; I began then to call out lustily -for my Valet. But the Rascal never heard me, -and indeed I was inform'd soon after, that he had -been drunk, so that his Liquor had plung'd him -into a profound Sleep. Seeing that I had to do -with one that was as deaf as a Post, I thought -fit to call out aloud for <i>Mary</i>, <i>Catherine</i>, <i>Joan</i>, -and other Names, hoping that there was some -Servant-Maid in the House, whom one at least -of these Names would fit: Nor was I deceiv'd, -for one of the Maids came to my Assistance, but -the Wench taking me for a Spirit ran away in an -instant, with a great Cry of <i>Jesu-Maria</i>. I was -then terribly mortify'd: At this rate I plainly -saw I should be forc'd to spend the rest of the -Night in the Dunghill, and to wait with patience -till the whole Family was risen. What made -me the more apprehensive of the Consequences -of this Disaster was, that tho' we were got into -the Summer Season, yet the Nights were cold, -and I had nothing over my Shirt but a Taffeta -Night-Gown. I began again therefore to call and -baul so loud, that at length some of the Family -ran out to see what was the matter; but like the -Servant-Maid they all took me for a Ghost come -to haunt the House, and were afraid to come -near me. At length, all this Noise awak'd my -Valet, who ran out in his Shirt. He imagin'd -at first that there had been a Design to murder -me, but when I bid him put the Horses in my -Chaise, he thought I was crazy; and indeed, I<!--223.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -was pretty far gone that way. I repeated my -Order to get my Chaise ready, that I might be -gone that instant. My Valet, who had scarce -recover'd from the Surprize he was in at my giving -such an Order, said, <i>Alas, Sir, be easy; 'tis but two -o'clock in the Morning yet, at five you shall be gone.</i> -I told him, that he was a Fool, and that go I -would. But he, like other Skipkennels who are -apt to be fancy if their Masters treat them with -any degree of Familiarity, refus'd point-blank -to obey me. He said that I had no Consideration, -that because I could not sleep my self I -hinder'd others from sleeping; that I roll'd along -the Day in an easy Chaise, whereas he rode generally -upon very sorry Horses; that in short he wanted -Rest, and that he would not set out till he had -two Hours more Sleep, and had a good Breakfast. -I was like to have been in a Passion, but -saw 'twas to no purpose, and therefore we split -the Difference; he compounded with me not to -go to Bed again, and I gave him leave to take -his Breakfast. When he thought fit to make an -end, I got into my Chaise, and order'd the -Postillion to strike into the Road for <i>Paris</i>. -Then my Valet imagin'd indeed that I was crack-brain'd; -he said I was wrong, and that we must -turn into the Road to the <i>Netherlands</i>. I order'd -him to hold his tongue, and go on. The -poor Boy being confirm'd more and more in his -Notion that I was Kite-headed, was wonderful -uneasy, and at every Stage came with a sorrowful -Countenance to the side of my Chaise to know -how I did, and if I wanted any thing. At -length I arriv'd at <i>Paris</i>, where all that knew of -my Departure were startled to see me return'd so -soon. I feign'd my self very much out of order, -and that I came back again for fear of a Fit of<!--224.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> -Sickness, in which case I chose to be at <i>Paris</i> -rather than any where else. But no body would -believe me, for they thought that some Love-Affair -at heart was the sole cause of my returning -in such a hurry. I stay'd three Days at <i>Paris</i>, -but did not go once to <i>Versailles</i> for fear of <i>Madame</i>, -who was a Princess that did not love such -Frolics, and I for my part did not love Reprimands, -and therefore I thought it best to keep out -of her way. Mean time the very same reason -that determined me the first time to take a Journey -to my own Country still subsisted, and at -last I quitted <i>Paris</i> in good earnest, tho' I was -resolv'd to be absent as little a while as possible.</p> - -<p>I went the common Road to <i>Brussels</i>, and -from thence through <i>Breda</i> and <i>Gorcum</i>, to <i>Utrecht</i>; -having a desire to see in what state the -Congress was, which was then held at that -place.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Breda</span>, which is a Place of Strength, situate -on the River of <i>Mercke</i>, is part of <i>Dutch Brabant</i>, -and one of the most considerable Towns -in the <i>Netherlands</i>. This City and its Territory -has the Title of a Barony, and has had several -Masters. The last Owners of it were the Princes -of <i>Nassau</i>, who acquired it in 1404, by <i>Eagelbert</i> -of <i>Nassau</i>'s Marriage with <i>Joan</i> the only -Daughter of the Lord of <i>Leck</i>, who was Sovereign -of <i>Breda</i>. <i>Henry de Nassau</i> founded the -Castle in this Town, and the Tomb of <i>René</i> is -still to be seen in the Collegiate Church of St. <i>Peter</i>, -which was founded about the Year 1303. -This City suffer'd very much towards the latter -end of the sixteenth Century, during the Wars -for Religion. 'Twas at first seiz'd by the Confederates, -who form'd the Republic of the United -Provinces. The Prince of <i>Parma</i> took it<!--225.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -from them the 18th of <i>June</i> 1581; but Prince -<i>Maurice</i> of <i>Orange</i> made himself Master of it in -1590, by means of a Boat laden with Turf, under -which he had caus'd about threescore Soldiers to -be conceal'd, who made themselves Masters of -the Castle, and thereby gave the Prince an Opportunity -to take the Town by Capitulation. -They tell a very remarkable Story of one of the -Soldiers that was hid in that Boat, <i>viz.</i> That -having a Necessity of coughing, he desir'd one of -his Comrades to kill him outright, for fear that his -impertinent Cough should discover the Stratagem. -This Soldier richly deserv'd to have his Name -transmitted to Posterity; for sure a <i>Roman</i> could -not have said a more gallant Thing, and an Instance -of inferior Courage to this would perhaps -have been rewarded with a Statue. Some Years -after the Reduction of <i>Breda</i>, the great <i>Spinola</i> -General of the <i>Spanish</i> Forces, besieg'd and took -it after a Siege, or rather Blockade of eleven -Months. 'Twas a fourth time besieg'd by <i>Frederic-Henry</i> -Prince of <i>Orange</i>, who took it after -a Siege of four Months, and then it came into -the hands of the <i>Dutch</i>, who have remain'd Masters -of it ever since, and have considerably augmented -its Fortifications; and as the Place is situate -in very Marshy Ground, they have erected -Sluices there, by means of which they can easily -lay all the neighbouring Country under Water. -For the rest, this is not one of the best built -Cities in the <i>Netherlands</i>, and were it not for its -Ramparts would be a very inconsiderable Place. -The King of <i>Prussia</i>, by virtue of his Pretensions -to the Succession of <i>William</i> III. King of <i>England</i>, -adds to his Titles that of <i>Baron of Breda</i>.<!--226.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span></p> - -<p>Having pass'd through <i>Gorcum</i>, which I -thought a Town of very little consequence, I -came to <span class="smcap">Utrecht</span><a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>, which is one of the most -noted Cities in the <i>Netherlands</i>, and gives Name -to one of the seven Provinces, whereof it is the -Capital. It was formerly a Bishop's See, and the -Bishops were Sovereigns of the Province, and -Princes of the Empire. The Dukes of <i>Brabant</i> -and <i>Cleves</i>, the Counts of <i>Holland</i> and <i>Guelderland</i>, -and other Sovereigns to the number of -twenty-eight, were Feudataries to its Bishop. -The Emperor <i>Charlemain</i>, that great Founder of -Bishoprics, annex'd so Many Prerogatives to this -with a View of engaging the Bishops to act with -Zeal for Conversion of the <i>Pagans</i> who possess'd -a Part of the Neighbouring Countries. <i>Philip</i> II. -erected this Bishopric into an Archbishopric in -favor of <i>Schenck</i> of <i>Tautenbourg</i>; but he did not -enjoy the new Dignity long, for at the same -time that this Country revolted from <i>Spain</i>, the -Protestant Religion was introduc'd into it, and -the Archbishop was expell'd. <i>Henry</i> of <i>Bavaria</i> -was the last Bishop who was Sovereign of this -Country, but his Subjects rebell'd against him and -turn'd him out. This Bishop implor'd the Protection -of <i>Charles</i> V. to whom with the Consent -of his Clergy and States he transferr'd the Temporal -Dominion of the Country in 1528, and -from thence he was translated to the Bishopric of -<i>Worms</i>. The famous Union of the seven Provinces, -to which the Establishment of the Republic -is owing, was concluded at <i>Utrecht</i> the -13th of <i>January</i>, 1579.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Utrecht</i> is famous also for the -Birth of Pope <i>Adrian</i> VI, in 1459. They say -this Pontiff was of mean Extraction, and was<!--227.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> -only oblig'd to his own Merit for his Advancement. -The Emperor <i>Maximilian</i> trusted him -with the Education of <i>Charles</i> his Grandson. -He was afterwards sent to <i>Spain</i> with the Title -of Ambassador to King <i>Ferdinand</i>, who gave him -the Bishopric of <i>Tortosa</i>. Upon that Monarch's -Death he shar'd the Regency of <i>Spain</i> with the -Cardinal <i>Ximenes</i>, and afterwards remained sole -Viceroy of that Kingdom. He was made a -Cardinal the first of <i>July 1517</i>, by Pope <i>Leo</i> X. -and chose Pope the ninth of <i>January 1522</i>.</p> - -<p>While I am thus making Digressions in speaking -of the City of <i>Utrecht</i>, you will also permit -me to tell you that this City gave birth to the -famous <i>Anna-Maria Schuurman</i>, that learned Lady -who spoke <i>Latin</i>, <i>Greek</i>, <i>Hebrew</i>, the <i>Syriac</i>, -<i>Chaldee</i>, <i>Italian</i>, <i>Spanish</i>, and <i>French</i> Languages -as fluently as the <i>Low Dutch</i>, which was her -Mother-Tongue. She also knew how to paint -in Miniature, and to engrave both with the Graving -Tool and the Diamond upon Copper and Glass. -Queen <i>Christina</i> of <i>Sweden</i> did her the same Honor, -as <i>Alexander</i> formerly did to <i>Diogenes</i>, for she -went to pay her a Visit, and was surpriz'd at the -Beauty of her Performances. This most ingenious -Artist of her Sex died in 1678, at 71 Years -of Age.</p> - -<p><i>Balderic</i> of <i>Cleves</i> the fifteenth Bishop of <i>Utrecht</i>, -caus'd this City to be encompass'd with -Walls; and <i>Charles</i> V. built its Castle, which -has at present nine Bastions, two Half-moons, and -a Hornwork. They say that the great Church -dedicated to St. <i>Martin</i>, was built in the Year -630 by King <i>Dagobert</i>; and after it was destroy'd, -together with all the other Buildings -in the City by the <i>Normans</i>, <i>Adelbolde</i> the 19th -Bishop caus'd it to be rebuilt and consecrated in<!--228.png--><span class="pagenum">222</span> -1024, in presence of the Emperor <i>Henry</i> II. and -twelve Bishops. It was ruin'd a second time, -but was magnificently rebuilt. There's a very -fine Tower at the Entrance 388 Foot high, from -whence fifteen or sixteen Towns may be seen -distinctly.</p> - -<p>There's a better Air at <i>Utrecht</i> than in the other -Towns of <i>Holland</i>, the Ground it stands on -being much higher, and by consequence not so -marshy. This Town, which is situate upon the -old Channel of the <i>Rhine</i>, is incompass'd with a -fine fruitful Plain, and has charming Walks in -the Neighbourhood, which are not inferior to -those at the <i>Hague</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>French</i> were at one time Masters of this -Place, but on the 13th of <i>November</i> 1673, it reverted -to its lawful Sovereigns. When I arriv'd -here I heard that the Peace was just sign'd by the -Plenipotentiaries of <i>France</i> and <i>Spain</i> on the one -part, and by the Ministers of <i>England</i>, <i>Portugal</i>, -<i>Prussia</i>, <i>Savoy</i> and <i>Holland</i>, on the other part. -The principal Conditions were, That <i>Philip</i> V. -should remain in possession of the Crown of -<i>Spain</i>, on condition nevertheless that he should -renounce the Succession to the Crown of <i>France</i>, -for himself and his Descendants: That <i>England</i> -should have <i>Gibraltar</i> in <i>Spain</i>, and <i>Port-Mahon</i> -in the <i>Mediterranean</i>: That <i>Dunkirk</i> should be -demolish'd: <i>France</i>, by the way, was very loth -to consent to the ruin of a Place which had already -cost her several Millions, and requir'd a -considerable Expence moreover to demolish. The -Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i> was recogniz'd King -of <i>Prussia</i>, both by <i>France</i> and <i>Spain</i>, and had -even the Title of <i>Majesty</i> given him, which -<i>France</i> never us'd to allow to the Kings of <i>Denmark</i> -and <i>Poland</i>. To the King of <i>Prussia</i> was<!--229.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span> -also yielded what he before possess'd in <i>Spanish -Guelderland</i>, as an Equivalent for the Principality -of <i>Orange</i>, which that Monarch yielded to -<i>France</i>. The Duke of <i>Savoy</i> was own'd King of -<i>Sicily</i>, and he obtain'd some Places in the <i>Milanese</i>. -The King of <i>Portugal</i> remain'd peaceable -Possessor of the Conquests which he had -made during the War. The <i>Dutch</i> got least of -all by the Peace, and perhaps they repented that -they did not accept of the Terms offer'd them -at <i>Gertruydenberg</i>.</p> - -<p>As soon as I arriv'd at <i>Utrecht</i>, I did not fail -to make a Visit to the Ambassadors of <i>Prussia</i>, -who were the Count <i>de Denhoff</i>, the Count <i>de -Metternich</i>, and the Marshal <i>de Biberstein</i>. They -receiv'd me with all the Civility possible, and presented -me to all the Foreign Ministers. I found -at this City the Countess Dowager of <i>Wartemberg</i>, -who was lately come hither. The Count -her Husband, who died at <i>Francfort</i>, desir'd -upon his Death-bed that his Corpse might be -carried to <i>Berlin</i>, which was perform'd with -a good deal of Pomp. They say, that the late -King, who was very fond of him, as I have -already had the Honor to mention to you, wou'd -needs see his Funeral Convoy; and as it pass'd -before the Windows of his Castle he could not -refrain shedding Tears. Perhaps he then repented -that he had disgrac'd that Minister on such -slight Pretences; and perhaps too, the melancholy -Spectacle put him in mind of that unavoidable -Coast, on which both the Majesty of -Kings, and the Magnificence of Courtiers, will -at last be run ashore.</p> - -<p>The Countess of <i>Wartemberg</i> was more undaunted. -She was far from indulging any mortifying -Reflection; but on the contrary, was<!--230.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> -glad to find her self in possession of a very great -Estate; and gladder still to think that she was -uncontroulable. She left <i>Francfort</i> where she -had resided ever since her Husband's Disgrace; -and thinking that too melancholy a Place to -spend her Life in, she made choice of the City -of <i>Utrecht</i>, as the most gay of any that she knew. -She soon had an Intrigue or two upon her -hands; and when I arriv'd, I heard that the -Chevalier <i>de B——</i> was her Bosom Friend. -This Gentleman was newly set out for <i>Versailles</i>, -with a Commission to carry the News of the -Peace. I was not much concerned whether I -made any Visit to the Countess; for I observ'd -that all of our Court who were then at <i>Utrecht</i>, -were shy of her to such a degree, that I did not -care to be the only one that shew'd any Regard -for her. But tho' I had resolv'd not to visit -her, I happen'd to fall in her Way. This -Lady had brought a <i>French</i> Gentlewoman with -her, whom I knew very well at <i>Berlin</i>; and as -she had Wit at will, I had a mind to renew -my Acquaintance with her, the rather because -I had a Curiosity to know a little of the Countess's -History. The first time I paid her a Visit she -made me an Offer to carry me to see the Countess -of <i>Wartemberg</i>; which I refus'd in such a -manner that she did not insist upon my going. -But she thought fit to tell the Countess that I -was lately come to <i>Utrecht</i>; that I had paid her -a Visit; and that she thought I perfectly resembled -the Chevalier <i>de B——</i>. There needed -no other Motive to set the Countess agog to -see me; and she desir'd her Gentlewoman to -bring me to her. But notwithstanding all her -Persuasion, I peremptorily refus'd it. At last, as -I was making a Visit one day to the Gentlewoman,<!--231.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> -who should bounce into the Room where -I was, but the Countess <i>de Wartemberg</i>. She -said, that tho' I scorn'd her so much as not to -make her a Visit, she had resolv'd to come and -see me. I was going to reply, but the Countess, -without giving me time to speak, told me, -that she thought me alter'd much for the better; -that no two drops of Water were more like than -I, and the Chevalier <i>de B——</i>; and that in -short we perfectly resembled each other even -in the Tone of our Voice: But by Madam <i>de -Wartemberg</i>'s leave, there never were two People -more unlike. The Knight Commander was -a handsome well-set Man, which you know, -Madame, is a Character I never had the Vanity -to affect; and I thought every part of the Countess's -Compliment so extraordinary, that in truth, -a Scholar just come from the College could not -have been more dash'd than I was. I made an -Answer, 'tis true, but to tell you frankly, I knew -not what I said. I gave her my Hand, and led -her to her own Apartment, where she still descanted -upon the mighty Resemblance betwixt -the Chevalier and me. In fine, I think I may -venture to say, without giving my self an Air as -if I was the Darling of the Fair Sex, and without -passing in your Opinion for a Coxcomb, that -'twas my own fault I was not taken, in Body and -Soul, for the Chevalier; but I was so fortunate -as to be disintangled by a Valet de Chambre, who -came to acquaint her of the Arrival of M. <i>Menager</i> -the third Plenipotentiary of <i>France</i> at the -Congress, to whom I had Obligations for bringing -me out of this Scrape. This kind of Visit -made me take proper Measures to prevent any -more such, for the little time I had to stay in -this City.<!--232.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span></p> - -<p>From <i>Utrecht</i> I went to <i>Wesel</i>, and from thence -thro' <i>Westphalia</i> to the Duchy of <span class="smcap">Magdebourg</span>. -The City of this Name was formerly an Archbishopric, -erected by the Emperor <i>Otho</i> the Great -in favor of the <i>Vandals</i> newly converted, but -by the Peace of <i>Westphalia</i> the whole Country -was seculariz'd with the Title of a Duchy, in favor -of the <i>Brandenburg</i> Family, in Exchange for -that part of <i>Pomerania</i> which was yielded to the -<i>Swedes</i>. There are few Towns in <i>Germany</i> that -have suffer'd so many Revolutions as <i>Magdebourg</i>. -This City was put under the Ban of the Empire -in 1553, by <i>Charles</i> V. for refusing Submission -to his Orders, for it was then in open -Rebellion, so that the Elector <i>Maurice</i> of <i>Saxony</i> -was sent to reduce it. The Siege lasted a whole -Year, the Elector not being very much in haste -to push on the Conquest. As this War was undertaken -purely for the Destruction of the Protestant -Religion, which this City had embraced; -the Elector, who was himself a Protestant, -thought by spinning out the Siege to regain the -good Opinion of those of his Religion, who were -uneasy to see him support the Interests of the -Emperor and the Catholics. The Elector however -made them easy, by promising the Protestants -of <i>Magdebourg</i>, that he would join them -in the War against the Emperor, immediately -after the Surrender of the Place. Matters were -transacted on both sides with very great sincerity. -The Place surrender'd, and the Elector -entered it not as a victorious Prince, but rather -as an Ally who brought Relief to it. He made -use of the Garison to reinforce his Army, and -then declar'd War against the Emperor, on pretence -that the Religion and Liberty of <i>Germany</i> -were in danger.<!--233.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span></p> - -<p>A Change of this nature was so extraordinary, -that the Emperor could not expect it: For this -Prince had himself promoted the Elector of <i>Saxony</i> -to the Dignity he possess'd, after having depriv'd -the unfortunate <i>Frederic</i> of his Dominions; and -for so considerable a Present he might very well -hope the Elector would have made him grateful -Returns. The Emperor therefore was so far from -thinking himself oblig'd to be on his Guard for -fear of Surprise, that he imagin'd himself in a -State of perfect Security, when the Elector of -<i>Saxony</i> had like to have surpriz'd him at <i>Inspruck</i> -the Capital of <i>Tirol</i>. The Emperor knew nothing -of the Plot, till he was on the point of -being made Prisoner; and 'twas with much ado -that he escap'd, for he was at that time ill of the -Gout, and oblig'd to leave both his Equipage -and Domestics behind him. He would upon -this occasion have given the Prince <i>John-Frederic</i> -his Liberty, but this Prince was loth to abandon -him in this Misfortune, and accompany'd -him into <i>Carinthia</i>, twenty-eight Leagues from -<i>Inspruck</i>, where the Emperor made his Retreat.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Magdebourg</i> was a very great Sufferer -in the War, which is commonly call'd, <i>The -War of thirty Years</i>, because during that Term -<i>Germany</i> was ravag'd on all sides. <i>Tilly</i> the Emperor's -General besieg'd it in 1631, when 'twas -taken by Storm, and all the Inhabitants put to -the Sword. A Fire also had a part in its Destruction, -and committed such Ravage that -<i>Magdebourg</i>, which was one of the finest Cities -in <i>Germany</i>, was intirely reduc'd to Ashes. The -Burghers indeed had no body but themselves to -blame for their Misfortune, for General <i>Tilly</i> -would not have treated them so severely if they<!--234.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> -had not refus'd an advantageous Capitulation, of -which he made them an Offer some days before -the Storm.</p> - -<p>But since this Town has been in the hands of -the <i>Brandenburg</i> Family, the Electors have taken -care to fortify it so well, that it would now be a -hard matter to take it. The late King caus'd a -Citadel to be built here, which is separated from -the City by the <i>Elbe</i>. The present King has -added considerable Works to it, which are remarkably -substantial and magnificent. His Majesty -has also caus'd a very fine Arsenal to be -built in the Great Square, which tho' not very -large, is stor'd with a considerable number of -Cannon and other Arms. On the Right hand -of this Square is the Great Church, formerly the -Cathedral, a <i>Gothic</i> Building, where meets the -Chapter which is still subsisting, tho' Protestant; -and according to ancient Custom, none are admitted -into it but Men of Quality.</p> - -<p>The Situation of <i>Magdebourg</i> is very fine, -having an Outlet on all sides to spacious Plains, -that are very fruitful in Corn. The <i>Elbe</i>, which, -as I have said, separates the Citadel from the -Town, renders its Commerce also very easy with -<i>Hamburg</i>, <i>Saxony</i> and <i>Bohemia</i>, for which reason -several Merchants are settled here who have -noble Houses. And since the King has transferr'd -the Regency of the Country hither from -<i>Hall</i>, the Town grows every day finer, so that -it may now be reckon'd one of the most beautiful -Towns in the two Circles of <i>Saxony</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Magdebourg</i> in my Way to <i>Berlin</i> I -pass'd thro' <span class="smcap">Brandenburg</span>, which is a City on -the River <i>Havel</i>, that was built by M. <i>Branden</i>, -a Prince of <i>Franconia</i>. 'Twas heretofore a Bishopric, -but now the whole Country is seculariz'd,<!--235.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> -and makes a part of the <i>Marquisate</i> of <i>Brandenburg</i>. -Here is a considerable Trade, and the -King keeps a Garison in it, consisting of a Battalion -of the tall Grenadiers. You have so often -seen the Regiment of which this Battalion is a -part, that 'tis needless to commend it to you farther -than to observe, that 'tis perhaps the finest -Regiment in <i>Europe</i>.</p> - -<p>I did not stay at <i>Brandenburg</i>, because I would -be the sooner at <span class="smcap">Berlin</span>. On the day that I arrived -there I was so tir'd with having walk'd all -Day and Night, that I kept my Bed till the Evening, -when I had the Honor to wait on the -Queen, the King having been gone a few days -before to <i>Potzdam</i>, Her Majesty kept her Chamber, -and had not been out of it since her last -Lying-in, when she was deliver'd of the Princess -<i>Charlotta-Albertina</i>, who died the Year following -on the 10th of <i>June</i>. I was so coldly receiv'd by her -Majesty, that I had no reason to hope for favor at -Court, or at least with her Majesty. But the Margravines -receiv'd me with all the Civility possible. -The Margravine-Dowager especially assur'd me -that she would continue that Protection with -which she had always honor'd me.</p> - -<p>As to the City of <i>Berlin</i>, it had not yet dry'd -up its Tears for the Loss it had lately sustain'd, -by the Death of <i>Frederic</i>. 'Tis true the King -his Son gave great hopes, but the thorough -Change he had made in his Court, caus'd the late -King to be lamented. The new Monarch thought -of nothing but keeping up a numerous Army, -and that he might do this without laying a Burden -upon his Subjects, he dismiss'd all his Court, -and the intire Houshold of the King his Father, -so that there was nobody at Court but the Ministers. -Most of the Persons of Quality who<!--236.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span> -lived heretofore at <i>Berlin</i>, were retir'd either to -their Estates or their Governments, which made -the City a most melancholy Place to stay in, and -all these Alterations convinc'd me that there was -nothing for me to expect in this Country. I -therefore resolv'd to settle all my Domestic Affairs -with the utmost speed, designing to return -forthwith to <i>Paris</i>. Before I went thither, I -made a Trip to <i>Zell</i>, in order to examine the -Accompts of a Person I had deputed as my Attorney -to receive the Deeds of my Mother's Estate. -But to my sorrow, my Mother had by -her Will devis'd the greatest part of her Estate -to the Children she had by her former Husband, -so that what I could lay claim to was far short -of what I promis'd my self.</p> - -<p>From <i>Zell</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Hambourg</span><a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a>, purely to -see that City. I had travel'd thither once before, -but was then so young that I was not in a Capacity -to take notice of any thing in this City -worthy of Remark. <i>Hambourg</i>, which is one of -the best Towns in <i>Germany</i>, is a part of Lower -<i>Saxony</i>, being situate upon the <i>Elbe</i> a few Leagues -from the Mouth of that River, which is a great -Conveniency to its Trade. Before it was erected -into a Republic 'twas a part of <i>Holstein</i>, on the -Territory of which it was built; and therefore -it had frequent Quarrels with the Dukes of <i>Holstein</i>, -and the Kings of <i>Denmark</i>, who are the -Sovereigns of <i>Holstein</i>. The latter, as well as -the <i>Swedes</i>, have attempted several times to make -themselves Masters of <i>Hambourg</i>, but have been -repuls'd as often as they came before it: For -this City is not easy to be reduc'd, because it has -noble Ramparts and very strong Out-works, and -it also takes care to be well provided with Artillery,<!--237.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> -and a good Garrison. Moreover, 'tis always -sure of the Protection of the Families of -<i>Brandenburg</i> and <i>Brunswic</i>, it being so advantagiously -situated, that 'tis the Interest of both, -that no Power whatsoever should take it.</p> - -<p><i>Hambourg</i> is also very considerable on account -of the Wealth of its Inhabitants, who are almost -all Merchants, and much of the Temper of the -<i>Dutch</i> Merchants, very greedy of Gain and -thrifty. Their greatest Delight is so have Gardens -at the City-Gates, pretty much in the Taste -of those of <i>Holland</i>. The Wives of the great -Merchants are as much confin'd at <i>Hambourg</i>, as -the Women of Quality are at <i>Venice</i>, but I observ'd -they were only pent up from Foreigners. -A Man may pass his time very well in this City, -where there are several Persons of Quality to see, -who make their Visitors perfectly welcome. The -Walks in and about this City are charming, and -especially that on the Ramparts is a noble one, -there being a double Row of Trees which forms -an agreeable Covert, and from whence there's a -Prospect finely diversify'd by noble Houses, Gardens, -Woods, Meadows, <i>&c.</i> in the midst of -which one sees the Rivers <i>Elbe</i> and <i>Alster</i>, which -both together yield a charming View. The River -of <i>Alster</i> comes into the Town and forms a -Basin very like a great Pond, which has a fine -Kay on the sides of it planted with several Rows -of Lime-Trees, between which there's a very fine -Walk.</p> - -<p>Near <i>Hambourg</i> lies the Town of <span class="smcap">Altena</span><a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a>. -The King of <i>Denmark</i> gave it this Name to banter -the Deputies of <i>Hambourg</i> who made Remonstrances -to him against his building this -Town too near to theirs, and in their Discourse<!--238.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> -to the King about the Town said several times, -<i>Sie ist al te na</i>, which in the Language of the -Country signifies, <i>it is too near</i>. The King taking -particular Notice of the Monosyllables <i>al te -na</i>, said to the Deputies that he could not excuse -himself from carrying on the Town which he -was building, and that all he could do to oblige -them was to order it to be call'd by the Name -of <i>Altena</i>, which they themselves had given it. -And indeed, a more significant Name could not -have been put upon this Town, for 'tis situate -just at the Gates of <i>Hambourg</i>, and is a part of -<i>Danish Holstein</i>. It was formerly a priviledg'd -Place for Bankrupts, and for all that had committed -any Crime in <i>Hambourg</i>. But the present -King of <i>Denmark</i>, rather than this Town -should continue any longer in the Enjoyment of -a Privilege which fill'd it with Knaves and Vagabonds, -delivers up Malefactors to the Magistrates -of <i>Hambourg</i> whenever they reclaim -them.</p> - -<p><i>Altena</i> is remarkable for the Multiplicity of -Religions which are there publickly exercis'd. -I believe, that excepting <i>Amsterdam</i>, there is not -a Town in <i>Europe</i> where there are so many Sects; -but few of 'em are allow'd a Church. The Neighbourhood -of this Town to <i>Hambourg</i>, and its Situation -moreover upon the <i>Elbe</i>, does great Prejudice -to that City. 'Tis now several years since -<i>Altena</i> was burnt by the <i>Swedes</i>, under the Command -of the Count <i>de Steinbock</i>; when they scarce -allow'd Time to the Inhabitants to make their -Escape; so that they had the Grief to be Eye-Witnesses -of the burning of their Houses and -Goods, and several Old Men, and a number of Infants -perish'd in the Flames. I found <i>Altena</i> in -that sorrowful State when I first went thither;<!--239.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span> -but upon a Review of it since, I see that 'tis rebuilt -in such a manner, that 'tis now a finer and -more flourishing Town than ever. After four -or five days Stay at <i>Hambourg</i> I set out, and never -did any body go off at a more proper Time; -for in a few days after it, the Plague discover'd -it self in the City; upon which it was shut up, -and its Communication forbid with any other -Place.</p> - -<p>I return'd thro' <i>Zell</i>, where I made no manner -of stay, to <span class="smcap">Aix-la-Chapelle</span><a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a>, an Imperial City, -on the Confines of the Duchies of <i>Juliers</i> and -<i>Limbourg</i>. 'Tis encompass'd with Mountains, -which form so pleasant a Vale, that <i>Charlemain</i> -chose rather to reside at <i>Aix-la-Chapelle</i>, than in -either of the many beautiful Cities which he conquer'd. -This Emperor caus'd a Collegiate -Church to be built here, in which his Tomb is -still to be seen; and the Memory of that Prince -is to this day held in great Veneration. On -the Festival of St. <i>Charles</i>, there's a solemn Procession -here, in which the Effigies of that Monarch -is carried with an Equipage which excites -Laughter rather than Devotion. The Preacher's -Pulpit in this same Collegiate Church is inrich'd -with Plates of Gold; and they say that the -Branch which hangs down before the High Altar -is of the same Metal. 'Tis in this Church -that many Emperors have been consecrated; -and several of the Imperial Ornaments are still -kept there. The Emperor is born Canon of the -Church of <i>Aix</i>, and takes the Oath as such on -the Day of his Coronation.</p> - -<p>Certain Reliques are preserv'd at <i>Aix-la-Chapelle</i>, -which are shew'd but once in seven years; and<!--240.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> -then they are expos'd to View from the top of a -Tower in the City, during which the People -gaze at them on their Knees, in the Squares and -Streets leading to the said Tower. This Ceremony -was perform'd when I was at <i>Aix</i> in 1713, -at which time there was a Concourse to it of -an incredible number of Pilgrims from <i>Hungary</i>, -<i>Tirol</i>, and all the Provinces of <i>Germany</i>. Persons -of superior Rank are allow'd the Liberty of -going up to the top of the Tower where those -Reliques are expos'd, and may look near to them, -but must by no means touch them. Of all that -I saw, I only remember a Smock, which they -affirm was the Virgin's: There were some spots -on it, which they said were the Stains of the Milk -with which she suckled the Savior of the World. -This Shift seem'd to be quite seamless, and made -of a sort of Stuff which I know not how to -describe to you, for it was neither of Linnen -nor Callico.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Aix</i> is very famous for its hot -Baths, and for the Waters that are taken there -twice a year, <i>viz.</i> in <i>Spring</i> and <i>Autumn</i>; at -which two Seasons there's a great Resort hither -of Foreigners. The Waters are hot, and of a -very unpleasant Taste, and they smell like a -rotten Egg; for which reason People are loth -to take them when they first come; but after -they are us'd to it, they go down very well. The -Baths especially are wonderfully good against the -Contraction of the Sinews and against Wounds. -Nor is there a Place where the Waters are us'd -with more Conveniency, there being plenty of -every thing that one wou'd wish for, and especially -good Company; for <i>Brabant</i>, <i>Liege</i>, -<i>France</i>, <i>Holland</i> and <i>Germany</i>, lie so near to it,<!--241.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span> -that there's always a great many People here, -and very good Diversion.</p> - -<p>I set out from <i>Aix</i> for <span class="smcap">Paris</span>, by the way -of <i>Maestricht</i> and <i>Louvain</i>; but as I travell'd -Post thro' these Towns, I shall reserve the Description -of them to you, till such time as I make -a longer stay in them. On my Arrival at <i>Paris</i> -I was deeper in Love than ever. I was receiv'd -by my dear Mistress with such Tokens of Love, -as gave me all the reason in the world to think, -that I was the happiest Man living: And in -reality I was so, because at that time I knew of -no other Happiness than to be in her good Graces; -yet my natural Levity made me soon think -otherwise. I saw the Marchioness <i>de P——</i>; -and I will frankly own to you, that all the Veneration -I had for <i>S——</i> abated. I thought -then there was nothing to compare with the -new Object of my Passion. <i>S——</i> quickly perceiv'd -my Inconstancy, and reproach'd me for -it; but they were Reproaches unmix'd with -Gall, and such as nothing but Love can inspire. -The consequence was, that my Passion for her -reviv'd; and upon this occasion I was made sensible, -that a Flame not well extinguish'd is always -apt to burst out again; and that there -needs no great Compulsion to renew the Passion -of Love. The Sentiments of the Man of Honor -being join'd to those of the Lover, I ask'd -my own Conscience what <i>S——</i> had ever done -to disgust me. And in fine, I gave Judgment -against my self, that I could not without Ingratitude -forsake so amiable a Mistress. I took -care, therefore, to absent my self by degrees -from the Marchioness <i>de P——</i>; and found it -no very hard matter to stifle a Passion, which, -to speak plainly, was but a sudden Flash.<!--242.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span></p> - -<p>While I staid at the Court of <i>France</i>, I saw -the Ceremony of the double Marriage of the -Duke of <i>Bourbon</i> and the Prince of <i>Conti</i>, who -married each other's Sister. The Duke married -<i>Mary-Anne</i> of <i>Bourbon-Conti</i>, Sister to the Prince -of <i>Conti</i>, who married <i>Louisa-Elizabeth</i> of <i>Bourbon-Condé</i>, -the Duke's Sister.</p> - -<p>These Marriages made no addition to the -Pleasures of the Court, and every thing remained -very quiet, till News came of the Advantages -which the Marshal <i>de Villars</i> had gain'd over -the Allies. This Campaign was both glorious -and advantageous to the Marshal; and every body -talk'd of the immense Sums of Money which he had -put into his Pocket. His Conduct was narrowly -pry'd into, and his Enemies charg'd that to -him as a Crime, for which, perhaps, they would -have commended any other General. They said -that he brought with him several Waggons laden -with Bandoliers for Safeguards; and that he got -so much Money by this means, that at his Return -he laid out 1,800,000 Livres in a Purchase. -Nay, they had the Assurance to speak of it to -the King, who said to the Marshal one day at -Dinner, <i>That he heard he had bought a fine -Estate. 'Tis true, Sir</i>, reply'd the Marshal, <i>I -have just purchas'd a very pretty Estate</i>; <i>and if -I have the Honor to command your Army next -year, I hope to buy a more considerable one and -make your Enemies pay for it</i>. This Answer quite -broke the Measures of those who had endeavour'd -to do the Marshal ill Offices. He knew -very well that he had Enemies, but it gave -him little Concern; for he was in high Favor, -and he deserv'd it. They say that when he -set out to make the Campaign in 1713, he said -to the King at taking leave of him, <i>I desire</i><!--243.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> -<i>your Majesty to remember, that while I am going -to fight your Enemies, I leave your Majesty in -the midst of mine.</i> He acquitted himself very -bravely; and at length, by the Reduction of -<i>Landau</i> and <i>Fribourg</i>, he procur'd that Peace, -by which the Electors of <i>Cologne</i> and <i>Bavaria</i> -were restor'd to their Dominions.</p> - -<p>After I had been some Months at <i>Paris</i> I receiv'd -Letters from <i>Berlin</i>, with Advice, that -the King had Thoughts of forming his Houshold; -and that I could not do better than to -go and offer him my Service. I was not long -in demurring upon what Course to take. I -had always been bred up in Sentiments which -convinc'd me, that to serve one's Sovereign -was preferable to any other Service; and besides, -I always found my self naturally attach'd -to the Family of our Kings. I therefore -resolv'd to leave <i>Paris</i> once more. You -know my Humor so well, <i>Madame</i>, that you -cannot think but it was with some Reluctance -that I form'd a Resolution of this nature; -and I will frankly own to you, that I was -heartily grieved to leave a Place where I had -my fill of Pleasures, which I knew I could -not have a Taste of elsewhere: but at length -I gave Attention only to my Duty; and tho' -the Tears which I saw shed for my sake melted -my Heart, yet they were not powerful enough -to make me alter my Design.</p> - -<p>From <i>Paris</i> to <i>Wesel</i>, I went the same Road -that I came; and from <i>Wesel</i> I proceeded to -<span class="smcap">Hanover</span>, where I fell sick. My Design was -to be <i>incog.</i> but the ill State of my Health -oblig'd me to have recourse to a Physician; nay, -I thought one while, that all the Remedies in -the World would do me no good; and that<!--244.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> -'twas high Time for me to prepare in good earnest -for my last long Journey. My Kinswoman -Mademoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i> was soon -inform'd of my Arrival; and as soon acquainted -the Electoress of it, who was so gracious -as to send to know how I did; and this -she repeated twice every day as long as I was -ill. This Princess always had a Kindness for -me, which I shall for ever acknowledge. I was -told, that during my Illness, <i>F——</i> thinking to -divert the Company at my Expence, said at -the Elector's Table, <i>That my Distemper was not -mortal; that I had caught it in <span class="f">France</span>; and -that there were Surgeons at <span class="f">Hanover</span> who had -Skill enough to set me to rights.</i> The Electoress -was very angry with him, and said, <i>Sir, your -Banter is absurd; if he had the Distemper that -you say, he would have staid in <span class="f">France</span> for the -Cure, since he is not ignorant, that the People of -this Country go thither for the same Purpose; and -he has too much Sense not to follow their Example</i>.</p> - -<p>As soon as I was able to get abroad, I did not -fail to wait on the Electoress with my most -humble Thanks. That Princess gave me a -much better Reception than I durst presume -to have expected. The Kindness which she -show'd to me, induc'd Mademoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i> -and Madame <i>de K——</i> to think, that I might -easily obtain Admission into her Service if I -would but ask her; and accordingly those Ladies -prevail'd on me to take that Step, tho' I -very much question'd my Success; and I found -by Experience that my Suspicion was but too -well grounded. I made my Application to the -Princess by Letter; in which, perhaps, I acted -indiscreetly, because I thereby gave her Leisure<!--245.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span> -to take the Opinion of other People. Accordingly -she did so; and to my misfortune applied -to Madame <i>de B——</i> who could not endure me; -because, as I heard afterwards, <i>Madame</i> of -<i>France</i> had acquainted the Electoress, that I told -her the Electoral Prince had a particular Respect -for her Ladyship. This was enough to -exasperate a Person against me, who made outward -Profession of the most rigid Virtue; and -when the Electoress consulted her about me, she -was transported to think what an infallible Opportunity -she had to be reveng'd. She artfully -insinuated to the Electoress, that she ought not to -admit me into her Service, and did not want -Reasons to back her Insinuations; the Desire -of Revenge being what always supplies specious -Arguments in abundance to hurt an Enemy. -The Electoress so well approv'd of those she -made use of to exclude me from her Service, -that she order'd M. <i>de P——</i> to tell me, <i>That -she was very much oblig'd to me for the Attachment -which I manifested for her Person; but that she -could not imagine, that after I had serv'd a King, -I should like to wait upon so old a Princess as -she was: That 'twould be more suitable for me to -be in the Service of her Son; and that she should -take a Pleasure to help me to it: But that as for -her self she must stay till she was Queen of <span class="f">England</span> -before she could admit me into her Service; because, -if that should happen, she should then be in a better -Capacity to make my Fortune</i>. You perceive, -<i>Madame</i>, this was a Refusal that I could not well -complain of, 'twas so season'd with everything to -take off the Bitterness of it. For my part, I -own to you that I felt none. As I had only taken -this Step in pure Complaisance to Mademoiselle -<i>de Pollnitz</i>, she was stung to the quick at this<!--246.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span> -Denial; not so much for my sake (I knew very -well what the matter was) but for her own; -whose Vanity was very much mortify'd by it; -for she thought her self in Favor, and saw 'twas -a Favor without any Credit: And her Resentment -proceeded so far, that she hinder'd me -from taking Leave of the Electoress, who in a -few days after set out for <i>Gohr</i> with the Prince -her Son. For my part I also set out from <i>Hanover</i> -for <span class="smcap">Berlin</span>.</p> - -<p>When I came thither I found the King's -Houshold Officers already nominated, yet this -did not hinder me from asking his Majesty for -Employment. The Person who spoke for me -was M. <i>de Printz</i> the Grand Marshal, who -brought me News of a Refusal of a very different -sort from what I found at <i>Hanover</i>. In the latter, -I had no reason to complain of the Electoress, -who with all the Politeness possible refus'd -me a Favor, which when all is said and done, I -should not have valued, if I had not ask'd for it. -But now I had a very cruel Repulse, by being -deny'd the only thing for which I had undertaken -the Journey to <i>Berlin</i>. The Behaviour of -the Court to me in this Instance concern'd me -not a little. I had never done any thing to seclude -me from an Establishment in my own -Country. My Ancestors had serv'd in it, and -bore such a distinguish'd Rank in it too, that I -might very well think some Notice would have -been taken of me. Moreover, I had the Honour -of being Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -late King, but now had the Mortification of seeing -Persons prefer'd before me who had never -been seen at Court, and such too for most part -as are of very obscure Birth. Finding therefore -I had no hopes of succeeding at Court, I saw that<!--247.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> -I must go seek my Fortune elsewhere, and I -thought of entring into the Service of the King -of <i>Poland</i>. There was not a fitter Man upon -earth to serve me with that Prince than his -Prime Minister the Count <i>de Flemming</i>, who -happen'd to be then at <i>Berlin</i> upon his Master's -Affairs. I got my Friends to speak to the Count, -and attended him constantly. That Minister -seem'd inclinable to serve me, and promis'd to -speak for me to the King his Master.</p> - -<p>He set out for <span class="smcap">Warsaw</span> the latter end of <i>November</i>, -and thither I follow'd him; upon which -he introduc'd me to the King, and to all the -Court-Nobility. I cou'd not have set out better -than I did at the Court of <i>Poland</i>. I was -patronis'd by the Man who mov'd in the highest -Sphere there, next to the King himself; and -for that Reason every body strove to shew me -Respect. The Count <i>de Flemming</i> seem'd to be -pleas'd at the Regard that was paid to me; -at least, I was so short-sighted as not to perceive -that it was to him a matter of very great -Indifference. I was excusable in not suspecting -him of double dealing with me; for hitherto I -had no other Reason but to applaud his Generosity, -and that Good-will which he had express'd -to do me Service. Endeavors were not -wanting to undeceive me, and I soon after saw -with my own Eyes, that the fair Promises he -made to me were nothing more nor less, than -what they call <i>Court-Holy-Water</i>.</p> - -<p>Not long after my Arrival at <i>Warsaw</i>, the -King of <i>Poland</i> set out for <i>Germany</i>. I thought -my self bound in Interest to wait for his Return, -in order to treat about my Affairs; and I spent -this time at <i>Warsaw</i> in the most agreeable manner -that could be. I was soon known by all<!--248.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span> -the <i>Polish</i> Nobility, who were as civil to me as -could be imagin'd. Every thing I beheld made -me fancy I was at <i>Paris</i>, there being every -where the same Politeness, and a certain easy -Deportment which the <i>French</i> think none are -Masters of but themselves. The <i>Polish</i> Ladies -are very amiable, witty, and have a good deal -of Sprightliness. With these Qualities, one -would naturally imagine they are not indifferent -to Pleasures; and I observ'd that they have a -delicate and very exquisite Taste for every -thing that passes under the Name of Diversions. -They are passionately fond of Music, and still -more of Plays. And at <i>Warsaw</i> they have as -much of both as they desire; for the King, who -is a Prince as gallant as he is magnificent, takes -care that every thing be done at Court, in a -manner worthy of a great Prince. He maintains -a Set of <i>French</i> Comedians there; and moreover, -frequently gives Balls and Concerts. These Diversions -are generally attended with noble Feasts -that the King makes for the Ladies of his -Court; at which times, that Prince is always -admir'd for his good Mien, and for that Gracefulness -which sets off all his Actions.</p> - -<p>The <i>Polish</i> Lords are not near so gay as the -Ladies; or, at least, they don't come up to -them for Elegance and Contrivance. Their -Domestics and Equipage are generally slovenly; -their Tables are indeed serv'd with Profusion, -but without Delicacy, which I take to be intirely -owing to the want of good Officers or -skilful Cooks; for in other respects, <i>Poland</i> is a -Country, where there is as good Cheer as any in -the World. Their Butcher's Meat is delicious, -and they have plenty of good Fish. Wine is -not the Produce of the Country, but the want<!--249.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span> -of it is not perceiv'd at the Tables of the <i>Polish</i> -Nobility, where the Wine of <i>Hungary</i>, tho' very -dear, is drank as common as Water. I observed -one thing at the Generality of their Tables, -that does not tally with the Grandeur which -they pretend to, <i>viz.</i> That the Master of the -House and his intimate Friends drink the best -Wine, while the other Guests that are invited, -are oblig'd to put up with the common sort. -Tis to be observ'd, that tho' <i>Poland</i> abounds -with all Necessaries for Life, yet 'tis a Country -very inconvenient for Travellers, especially -those who are not in a Capacity to carry every -thing along with them. I have not seen a Place -where there is so little Accommodation at the -Public-Houses, there being hardly a Chair in -them to sit down upon. Therefore the Travellers -of any Fashion take care to carry all Necessaries -with them. The Duke of <i>York</i>, Bishop -of <i>Osnabruck</i>, said a very pertinent thing upon -this occasion, <i>viz.</i> <i>That he did not know a Country -where Travellers were more at home than in <span class="f">Poland</span>, -because they were always making use of their -own Furniture</i>.</p> - -<p>I heard that the King was shortly to go for -<i>Dresden</i>, and therefore I set out thither immediately -with the Count <i>de Hoim</i>, a Minister of State -to his <i>Polish</i> Majesty. In my Way to <i>Dresden</i> -I saw no Place of Note but <i>Breslau</i> and <i>Leipsic</i>. -<span class="smcap">Breslau</span>, the Capital of <i>Silesia</i>, is a pretty large -and very beautiful City, which in the Winter-Season -is inhabited by a great Number of Nobility. -The Count <i>de Flemming</i> stopping there -a couple of days, I halted there too. I saw very -good Company here, especially at the Houses -of the Count <i>de Maltzam</i>, and the Princess of -<i>Teschen</i>, who was formerly the Princess <i>Lubomirski</i>.<!--250.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span> -This Lady made a grand Figure, gave -People a hearty Reception, and treated with -Magnificence. I could have wish'd to have staid -at <i>Breslau</i> a few days longer; but as the Count -<i>de Flemming</i>, by whose Patronage I hop'd still -to get some Establishment at Court, was going -to the King in <i>Saxony</i>, I went with him to the -Fair at <i>Leipsic</i>, where the King and Queen were -already arriv'd. As the King had been absent -a good while, the Princes of the Blood, and a -great number of Persons of Quality, came hither -to pay their Respects to him; and after the -Fair was ended, his Majesty return'd to <i>Dresden</i>, -where he had not been long arriv'd, but -he married the Count <i>de Saxony</i> (his natural Son -by the Countess of <i>Koningsmarck</i>) to Mademoiselle -<i>de Loven</i>, who was a young Gentlewoman -of a good Family, and one of the richest in <i>Silesia</i>. -The Ceremony of this Marriage was perform'd -in presence of the whole Court; and -for several days the King gave Feasts answerable -to his good Fancy and Magnificence. His Majesty -is very fond of this Count of <i>Saxony</i>, who -is one of the most amiable Gentlemen that I -have seen; and besides, he very much resembles -the King of <i>Poland</i>, which, to be sure, makes -that Monarch the more in love with him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dresden</span><a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> was then the Centre of the Pleasures -of <i>Germany</i>, and the Plays, <i>&c.</i> exhibited -here, made me almost think I was at <i>Paris</i>. I -will not trouble you with all the Particulars of -the several splendid Entertainments that were -made in the Carnival Time, there having been -enough written on that Subject already by other -Pens. I shall have the Honor, therefore, to say<!--251.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> -nothing more of it to you, than that every Spectator -was more charm'd with the King's affable -Behavior, than they were with the Beauty of the -Representations, and the Splendor of the Feasts.</p> - -<p>I should, no doubt, have had a better Relish -for all these Pleasures, if I could have lik'd the -Situation of my Affairs. I had all along conceiv'd -Hopes of entring into the Service of <i>Poland</i>, -and plac'd a very great Dependance on the Promises -made by the Count <i>de Flemming</i>; but when -I came to <i>Dresden</i>, I found the Face of Affairs -quite chang'd. I put him in remembrance of -his Promise; but he answer'd me in such a -droll manner, as convinc'd me that I ought not -to expect any great Matter from him. However, -that I might have nothing to reproach -my self with, I still continu'd to give him Marks -of a very great Attachment to his Person. Yet -I met with several Rebuffs, which did not discourage -me; and which I had the more Reason -to bear with Patience, because I knew that he -treated his most trusty Confidents in the -same manner. At last, not caring, perhaps, to -do any thing of himself, he sent me to M. <i>de -Lowendahl</i> the Grand Marshal, and the latter referr'd -me to M. <i>de Fitzthum</i> the King's Favorite. -I was charm'd with this Gentleman's Politeness -and good Manners; and I don't think -there ever was a Favorite more obliging, and -that took less upon him. Far from amusing me, -he convinc'd me of the Impossibility there was -of my obtaining any Place at Court, unless the -King thro' his special Grace should be inclin'd to -prefer me; which could not be done neither, -without disobliging several of the <i>Polish</i> Noblemen, -who likewise sollicited Places at Court, and -seem'd to have a sort of Right to them by virtue<!--252.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span> -of their Birth. I did not yet quite despair of -Success; and as this was a Favor that could only -be granted by means of the Count <i>de Flemming</i>, -I had recourse again to that Minister; but I was -never the nearer. To be sure I took a wrong -time to speak to him about my Business, when -perhaps he had other Affairs of greater Consequence -that might ingross his Thoughts. In a -word, he rebuff'd me to such a degree, as was -sufficient to make me quite renounce my Pretensions. -I took leave of the King and Queen, and -prepar'd to go for <i>Berlin</i>.</p> - -<p>But before I set out, an Adventure happen'd, -which, together with my Vexation that I had -not succeeded in my Designs, made me hate to -stay any longer at <i>Dresden</i>, as much as I was in -love with the Place when first I came to it. At -<i>Leipsic</i> Fair I had drawn a Bill of 300 Crowns, -payable to the Bearer. The Person for whom I -drew the Bill had given a Commission to a Merchant -at <i>Dresden</i> to receive that Sum. The -Bill did not come to the Merchant's Hands, -till the very Day of my Departure; and as the -Term was expir'd, he sent to my Quarters for -the Money. I was not at home that Minute; -and the Man hearing that I was to set out the -same Day, made use of a Custom introduc'd and -constantly observ'd in <i>Saxony</i>; which is, to arrest -the Person that fails to answer a Bill of Exchange -upon the Day appointed; so that just as -I was going into my Chaise I was made a Prisoner. -It happen'd to be about ten o'clock at -Night. By Misfortune I had lost a great deal -at Play this Carnival; and not having so much -Money by me, I had recourse to the Count <i>de -Flemming</i>; who lent it to me. This was the -only time that I can be sure that Nobleman did<!--253.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> -me any Service. I repaid him soon after my -Arrival at <i>Berlin</i>.</p> - -<p>Without making a long stay at <i>Berlin</i>, I went -and pass'd a few days at an Estate which I have, -two Leagues out of that City; but the Uneasiness -that haunted me every where, made me resolve -to return to <i>France</i>, having still in View the getting -some Establishment at <i>Berlin</i> or elsewhere. -While I was preparing every thing for my Journey, -I had the Misfortune to break my Left -Leg by a Fall from my Horse. This Accident, -after the various Disgraces and Disappointments -I had already suffer'd, Does it not, <i>Madame</i>, -give you the Idea of another <i>Orestes</i>, pursu'd by -Destiny from one Country to another? I could -expect nothing more after this, than to fall into -the Hands of some Quack of a Bone-setter, who, -after putting me to Torture, would, perhaps, -leave me a Cripple for all the rest of my Life. -To tell you the plain Truth, I had some Apprehension -of it; for a Man of my Kidney could -not but be afraid of every thing in such a Case. -However, whether it was owing to Hap-hazard, -or to the Skill of the Surgeon, after suffering very -great Torment, I was perfectly cur'd; and in -such a manner, that I never felt any thing of it -afterward. The ninth Day after my Fall I went -to <i>Berlin</i>. As my Indisposition was such, that -I could travel neither in a Chaise nor Coach, I -hir'd Porters to carry me; so that my Entry -was more than ordinary comic. This new Equipage -surpriz'd all that saw it, the Children especially, -who not being us'd to see such Carriages, -follow'd me from the Out-parts of the -City to my Lodgings; and as the Numbers -swell'd by the Way, the Train consisted of at -least 200 Followers, by that time I came home.<!--254.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span> -I was very sensible, at my Arrival, that I had -done wrong to be carried abroad so soon; for a -Fever took me, and not long after an Imposthume -gather'd, that bred the Distemper which -they call in <i>France</i> the <i>King's Evil</i>. A fresh -Reason this for my Complaint of the Severity of -my Destiny; for in reality I suffer'd such Pains -for above twenty Days, as are impossible for me -to express.</p> - -<p>As soon as I was in a Condition to go abroad, -I waited on the Queen, who had just receiv'd -Tydings, that the Elector of <i>Hanover</i>, her Father, -was then call'd over by the <i>English</i> to -succeed the deceas'd Queen <i>Anne</i>. No doubt, -<i>Madame</i>, you remember the Joy there was at -Court upon this News. The King made an -Offer to the new Monarch of any Assistance -that he might have occasion for, to support him -on the Throne. Some days after the Arrival -of this great News, I took leave of the Queen, -and set out for <span class="smcap">Hambourg</span>.</p> - -<p>I was very well receiv'd in this City by <i>L——</i>, -who was at that time Envoy from <i>Prussia</i> to -the Circle of Lower <i>Saxony</i>. I knew him at a -time when Fortune, as it were, frown'd upon -him; but now it might be said, that she had -loaded him with her Favors. He was glad to -see me, and that he had an Opportunity of -shewing me in what Grandure he liv'd. Since -he had married a Woman, who was, indeed, -very old, but very rich, he had been so wise as -to make an Acquaintance with such as were capable -of serving him; and whether 'twas owing -to Money, or to mere Favor, he was quickly -made a Minister of State; and in a little time -after receiv'd the Key as one of the King's Chamberlains. -I was very well pleas'd to see him in<!--255.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span> -so splendid a Situation; but could not help taking -pity on him for being yok'd to a Wife so -disagreeable. She was a Person, who with the -Obstinacy and Ill-nature of Old Age, had all the -Mettle of Youth, besides her being a perfect -Original both in her Apparel, and in the Furniture -of her House. Her Husband could never -prevail upon her to dress as became a Person -of her Rank, nor to alter any thing in her -Furniture, tho' ever so unpolite. I had the -Pleasure one day that I was invited thither to -Supper, of examining the Inside of the House -at my Leisure. The Apartment where we supp'd -was furnish'd in a very whimsical Manner. The -first Room was lin'd with black Leather gilt, -and round it were plac'd Chairs of green Taffety, -adorn'd with Furbelows of a Rose Color. The -second Chamber was hung with green Tapestry. -The Chairs were of black Velvet, lac'd with -Gold, and the Room was full of Crystal Sconces. -At one End of it there was an Alcove -hung with white Leather gilded, and in the -Middle of the Alcove there was a Bed of a very -extraordinary Fashion, which had no Curtains, -but had four Pillars to support the Tester, and -a Wooden Cornish at the top gilded; and the -Whole was cover'd with Mother of Pearl and -Tortoise-shell. The Bed had a Counterpane on -it of black Velvet and Gold-Lace. In the four -Corners of the Alcove were four Statues of white -Marble, each holding a Wax-Candle. There -were other Wax-Candles upon gilded Sconces, -and a very fine Branch. The Whole, I assure -you, look'd much more like a Room for lying -in State, than a Chamber for Entertainment. -We sat down, however, to Table; but this -amiable Lady refus'd to be of the Company, and<!--256.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span> -chose to stay behind a Door, which was in the -Alcove, from whence she resolv'd to be a Spectatress -of the Entertainment through the Chinks.</p> - -<p>We were all heartily at Supper, and in very little -pain for the Absence of our Landlady, when on a -sudden there came from the Alcove a very ugly Figure, -dress'd all in white. I was the first that perceiv'd -it; and really, if I had given ever so little -Credit to the haunting of Houses by Spirits, I -should have thought I then saw one. The -Whole perfectly resembled that Scene of the -Knight in the <i>Festin de Pierre</i>, excepting nevertheless -that we were not honor'd with the -least Obeisance. I heard swearing and scolding -at the Domestics, which made me suspect that -it might be the Mistress of the House. Nor was -I mistaken, we were obliged for this Apparition -to a Wax-Candle that drop'd upon a Velvet -Chair, which she perceiv'd from the Place -where she was conceal'd, and stay'd some time, -thinking that one or other of the Domestics -would have remedied this Evil; but at last seeing -that no body minded it, she resolv'd to come -out her self to the Relief of the Chair. This -Apparition was the Cause of a great Hurly-burly; -the Lackeys excus'd themselves, because they -were employ'd in waiting; and there were -long and warm Disputes on both sides, betwixt -the Mistress and the Servants, during which, -the Guests, who rose in Respect to the Lady, -were all the while standing. The Husband endeavor'd -to pacify his dear Spouse, and made -her sensible of the Situation in which she kept -us; upon which, without making the least Compliment, -she sate down at the Table, and I thought -the Rage of the Storm was over; but far from -it, she was no sooner seated than she began again -to rave with more Fury than before. A<!--257.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span> -Lackey, to whom, it seems, all this Bawling was -more distasteful than it was to us, thought fit -to tell her very bluntly, <i>That she made a great -Noise for nothing</i>. Then the Lady was quite -outragious, and went to give the Lackey a Blow -with all the Weight of her Arm; but the Droll -cunningly parry'd it, by receiving the Stroke -upon a Plate he had in his Hand; which, as he -manag'd it, serv'd him for a Shield. The Gentlewoman -gave herself such a terrible Blow, that -for one while she could not speak; and when -she came to her self, she made a worse Racket -than before. At length, the Lackey was turn'd -out of the Room; and at that very instant, -luckily for us, the Pain which the Lady felt for -the Blow, increas'd to such a degree, that she -was forc'd to retire. She was no sooner gone -but we all burst out in a Laugh. The Husband -himself was ready to split his Sides, and desir'd -the Company to be under no manner of Restraint, -but to talk as gayly of this Adventure -as we pleas'd. Indeed we were heartily merry -at the Expence of the Old Lady; but yet we -were the greatest Losers by it in the end; for -while we thought her a good way out of Hearing, -she thought fit to stay at the Door to listen -to what we said, which not being to her liking, -she took an immediate Revenge, for she deprived -us of the Dessert, and the poor Husband had -not Interest enough to get another.</p> - -<p>I was so gorg'd at this charming Repast, that -for fear of a second Invitation I set out next Day -for <span class="smcap">Hanover</span>, where I arriv'd the very Day -before the new King set out for <i>England</i>. The -Electoress, his Mother, to whom the Crown -first belong'd of Right, died suddenly, as she -was walking in <i>Herrenhausen</i> Garden, not long<!--258.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span> -before Queen <i>Anne</i> died. The Elector her Son -was recogniz'd King by the <i>English</i>, as the next -Protestant Heir; for if the Catholics could have -had any Right to the Crown, this Elector would -have been but the 23d or 24th in the direct -Line. The Nobleman who acquainted the Elector -of his Advancement to the Crown was -my Lord <i>Clarendon</i>, Envoy from the Queen of -<i>England</i> at the Court of <i>Hanover</i>. Perhaps it -was with some Regret that he executed this Commission, -being related to the <i>Stuart</i> Family; -and as it was generally thought, not very -much inclin'd to the Family which now governs -<i>England</i>. Be this as it will, he discharg'd the -Commission with a good Grace. My Lord receiv'd -the News that the <i>English</i> had proclaim'd -the Elector for their King, one Evening as he -had been at Supper with that Prince at a House -called <i>The Whim</i>, belonging to Madame <i>de K——</i>, -now my Lady <i>L——</i>. As his Lordship came -home he found a Courier just arriv'd with the -Privy Council's Orders to him, to recognize the -Elector for King of <i>England</i>. He immediately -got into his Coach, and went to <i>Herrenhausen</i>, -where he found the Elector a-bed. His Lordship -thinking 'twas worth while to awake the -Elector, for the sake of telling him the News -that so great a Diadem was fallen to him, enter'd -his Bed-Chamber, and kneeling on the -Floor, was the first that recogniz'd the Elector -for King. This Prince immediately summon'd -his Council. Many People were pleas'd to say, -that the Elector hesitated for a good while, whether -or no he should accept of the August Dignity -that was offer'd to him; but for my part, I -fancy, that the Voyage to <i>England</i> was more -the Subject of the Council's Deliberation, than<!--259.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span> -the Question, whether its Crown should be accepted.</p> - -<p>After the Council was over, the new King -was complimented upon his Accession to the -Throne; and that very Instant he gave Orders -to get every thing ready for his Departure, -which was fix'd for the 11th of <i>September</i>. The -Time between the Elector's assuming the Royal -Stile and his Departure, was spent in sending -and receiving Couriers to and from the principal -Courts of <i>Europe</i>. All the Nobility and -Gentry, Subjects to the new Monarch, flock'd -from all Parts to see him before he went away. -This Prince was so well belov'd, that his Subjects -were very sorry that he was going to leave them; -but for his part, tho' his People were not a little -dear to him, he preserv'd that Tranquillity of -Mind, and that Discretion, which govern'd all -his Actions; and he seem'd no more concerned -at parting with them, than he was elated with -his new Dignity: but it was otherwise with the -Prince his Son, who was so impress'd with the -Fortune added to his Family, that I heard him -say to an <i>English</i> Gentleman, the Day before he -went, <i>That he had not one Drop of Blood in his -Veins but what was <span class="f">English</span>, and at the Service -of his new Subjects</i>.</p> - -<p>On the 11th of <i>September</i>, early in the Morning, -the King and the Prince of <i>Wales</i> set out -from <i>Herrenhausen</i>, amidst the Acclamations of -the Court and the People, with which the Road -was lin'd. They wish'd his Majesty all manner -of Happiness, and accompanied him with their -good wishes a good distance from <i>Herrenhausen</i>, -before they took Leave of his Majesty. -The last Farewels were attended with so many -Tears, that the King could not help being a<!--260.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span> -little mov'd; and he assur'd them, <i>That it -should not be long before he would make a Tour to</i> -Hanover.</p> - -<p>The King's Retinue was not very numerous; -for he only took with him such Persons as were -absolutely necessary for his Service; and of these -too, he sent some back, when he went on board -the Yatcht that came for him to <i>Holland</i>, to -carry him over to <i>England</i>. The Princess of <i>Wales</i> -follow'd the King some time after, with the -Princesses her Daughters; but Prince <i>Frederic</i> -her Son remain'd at <i>Hanover</i> for his Education.</p> - -<p>When the King came to <i>London</i>, he found Subjects -as much attach'd to his Person, as those he had -left at <i>Hanover</i>; and not long after his Arrival -he was, according to Custom, crown'd at <i>Westminster</i>. -There was so great a Concourse of People -at the Ceremony, that it seem'd as if all -the Nation had flock'd thither to receive their -new Sovereign. I was told there was only -one Person, and that was a Woman, who refus'd -to own him for King; and that this happen'd -upon the very Day of the Coronation, -when a Champion, arm'd from Head to Foot, -entring into the Banquetting-Hall, and according -to Custom challenging any Person whatsoever, -who did not acknowledge the Elector of -<i>Hanover</i> as lawful King of <i>England</i>, that Lady -threw down her Glove, and with a very ill-tim'd -Effrontery made Answer aloud, <i>That -<span class="f">James</span> the Third was the only lawful Heir of the -Crown, and that the Elector of <span class="f">Hanover</span>was an -Usurper</i>.</p> - -<p>Not many days after the King of <i>England</i>'s -Departure, I set out from <i>Hanover</i> for <i>Aix-la-Chapelle</i>, -where I made use of the Baths, as my<!--261.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span> -Physicians had order'd me, to strengthen my -Leg. From <i>Aix</i> I proceeded in the <i>Paris</i> Road -to <span class="smcap">Mastricht</span><a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a>, which is a strong Place belonging -to <i>Dutch Brabant</i>, tho' situate in the -middle of the Country of <i>Liege</i>, on which it was -for a long time dependent. It was also subject to -the <i>Spaniards</i> till 1633, when it was taken by -the <i>Dutch</i>, who were acknowledg'd lawful Possessors -thereof by the Peace of <i>Munster</i>, and -were thereupon at great Expence to fortify it, so -that it was reckon'd one of the strongest Places in -<i>Europe</i>, when <i>Lewis</i> XIV. took it in 1673, in -13 Days time. The King himself then commanded -his Army; and he had with him <span class="smcap">Monsieur</span> -his Brother. Three Years after this, the -Allies besieg'd it also, but their Arms being not -so successful as those of <i>France</i>, they were forc'd -to abandon their Enterprize. At last, by the -Peace of <i>Nimeguen</i> it was restor'd to the <i>Dutch</i>, -who keep a strong Garrison in it.</p> - -<p><i>Mastricht</i> is very well built, in a flat Country, -surrounded with Hills. The <i>Maese</i> runs thro' -the City, over which there is a very high Stone -Bridge. They say that the late Count <i>d'Auverquerque</i>, -who died Velt-Marshal of the <i>Dutch</i>, -out of pure Gallantry, to convince a Lady how -much he lov'd her, leap'd his Horse off the -Bridge into the <i>Maese</i>. This young Lady so -much belov'd was Mademoiselle <i>de Feltbruck</i>. -As she was passing over the Bridge, Count -<i>d'Auverquerque</i>, who rode by the side of her -Coach, entertain'd her very much about his<!--262.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span> -Passion for her; but Miss so little heeded what -he said, that she scarce vouchsaf'd to lend him -an Ear. At length being fatigu'd with hearing -the same String always harp'd upon, she told -him, that Lovers were never sparing of their -Promises; but when any Testimonials were demanded -of their Love, they then discover'd -how little it was to be depended on. <i>For instance, -Sir</i>, said she, <i>I would venture a good -Wager now, that if I were to ask you to leap -from this Bridge into the River, you would not do -it</i>. The furious Lover made no other Answer -to this Defiance, but clapping Spurs to his Horse, -leap'd him off of the Bridge into the <i>Maese</i>. The -young Lady thought her generous Lover would -most certainly be drown'd; but luckily for him -he kept his Seat, and his Horse, which was as -mettlesome as the best, had Strength enough -after such a Leap, to swim with his Rider to an -Island, whither a Boat was sent to fetch him. -After such a Trial as this, the young Lady -might boast, either that she was lov'd to Distraction, -or that she had a distracted Lover.</p> - -<p>From <i>Mastricht</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Louvain</span><a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a>, which -is surnamed the <i>Wise</i>, probably by reason of its -University, which was founded in 1426, by -<i>John</i> IV. Duke of <i>Brabant</i>, and has been in its -time one of the most celebrated Universities in -<i>Europe</i>; but it has not that Reputation now. -And as to the City, 'tis much more famous for -its Antiquity, than upon any other account; for -they say it was founded by <i>Julius Cæsar</i>. 'Tis -indeed, at present, a very large City, but ill -built, the only remarkable Edifices that I -saw there, are the Collegiate Church dedicated -to St. <i>Peter</i>, and the Church of the Jesuits.<!--263.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span> -<i>Louvain</i> is not a Place of great Trade as yet, but -a very fine Causey which is made from thence -to <i>Brussels</i>, and another to <i>Tongres</i>, which is to -be carried on to <i>Liege</i>, will very much increase -its Commerce, especially with the <i>Austrian Netherlands</i>.</p> - -<p>I went from <i>Louvain</i> to <i>Brussels</i>, and from -thence to <span class="smcap">Ghent</span><a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>, which is the Capital of -<i>Spanish Flanders</i>, and one of the biggest Cities -in <i>Europe</i>. It stands four Leagues from the -Sea, is water'd with three Rivers, the <i>Scheld</i>, -the <i>Lys</i>, and the <i>Lise</i>, and adorn'd with fine -Squares and noble Buildings. The great Clock -is worth seeing; it weighs 11000 Pounds, and -is erected upon a Dragon, which Count <i>Baldwin</i> -brought from <i>Constantinople</i>. A Canal has been -dug from this City to the Sea, which is of very -great Service to its Trade.</p> - -<p>'Twas at <i>Ghent</i> that <i>Charles</i> V. was born, -who granted this City extraordinary Privileges; -yet the Inhabitants were so ungrateful as to rebel -against this Emperor, who resolv'd to punish -them for it; and that he might go the -nearer way to work with 'em, ventur'd upon -the Parole of <i>Francis</i> I. to pass thro' <i>France</i>, in -order to come at them. He chastis'd those Rebels -with such Severity, that they had no reason -to boast that this Emperor was their Countryman. -He caus'd twenty-five of their principal -Citizens to be executed by the common Hangman, -banish'd a greater number of them, confiscated -their Estates, and took away all their -Privileges. In fine, <i>Ghent</i> which was one of -the most considerable Cities in <i>Europe</i>, soon became -a Desert; and <i>Charles</i> V. to leave a Monument<!--264.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> -of his Wrath to Posterity, caus'd a Fortress -to be built, which is still the Citadel of this -Place, and is of great Consequence to the Emperor, -when he happens to be at War with <i>France</i>; -for when the <i>French</i> are Masters of <i>Ghent</i>, the -Navigation of the <i>Scheld</i> is interrupted; and in -case of a War, 'tis better to see them Masters of -<i>Brussels</i> than of <i>Ghent</i>: For I remember, that in -1708, while the Allies besieg'd <i>Lisle</i>, the <i>French</i> -being then Masters of <i>Ghent</i>, incommoded their -Army very much. This City is finely recover'd -since <i>Charles</i> the Vth's Time. The States of <i>Flanders</i> -have their Assemblies here, and the Emperor -commonly signifies his Will and Pleasure -to them, by the Governor-General of the <i>Netherlands</i> -residing at <i>Brussels</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Ghent</i> I went thro' <i>Courtray</i> and <i>Menin</i> -to <span class="smcap">Lisle</span><a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a>, which is the Capital of <i>French Flanders</i>, -and one of the best and most beautiful -Towns of that Government. It belong'd formerly -to the King of <i>Spain</i>, till 1667, when -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. took it in Person. The Garison -then consisting of but 6000 Men, was not strong -enough to check the Progress of the <i>French</i> -Arms, so that after nine Days open Trenches -the Place was taken. <i>Lisle</i> was left in the Possession -of <i>France</i> by the Treaty of <i>Aix-la-Chapelle</i>, -in 1668; but in 1708, the Allies after a -tedious and toilsome Siege, made themselves -Masters of it. At last, however, this City reverted -to <i>France</i> by the Treaty of <i>Utrecht</i>. The -Inhabitants were so overjoy'd at their not being -left in subjection to the <i>Dutch</i>, which they -were afraid of, that on the Day the Place was -evacuated, they made Bonfires in all parts of<!--265.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span> -the Town; and not without Cause, for after -they fell under the Dominion of the <i>Dutch</i>, their -Trade stood still, those new Guests chusing rather -to send for what they wanted from <i>Holland</i>, -than to make use of the Manufactures of this City. -But with the <i>French</i> the Case was otherwise, for -they bought their Necessaries in the City, and -liv'd with the Inhabitants on perfect good -Terms.</p> - -<p><i>Lewis</i> XIV. made <i>Lisle</i> one of the finest Places -in <i>Europe</i>. Its Streets are magnificent, and particularly -the Street <i>Royale</i>, built in the Reign -of that Monarch. 'Tis very strait, and adorn'd -on both sides with very fine Houses built alike. -In this City resides the Governor of <i>Flanders</i>. -The Marshal <i>de Boufflers</i> was succeeded in this -Government by the Duke his Son. When I -was here, the Prince <i>de Tingry</i>, Governor of -<i>Valenciennes</i>, officiated in this Government for -the said Duke, who was then under Age.</p> - -<p>I was so impatient to be at <i>Paris</i>, that I -made no stay in any Place upon the Road, till I -arriv'd there. I alighted at a Bagnio, and the -first Sally I made abroad was to pay my Devoirs -to Mademoiselle <i>de S——</i>. Absence had not -damp'd my Flame, and I was only glad to see -<i>Paris</i> again, in hopes of finding out her whom -I ador'd. But how was I surpriz'd when the -Mother of that lovely Damsel came to welcome -me with a Flood of Tears, and told me, that -I must think no more of her Daughter, for -that she died about a Month ago in the Province -of <i>Perigord</i>, whither she went to accompany a -Lady of her Acquaintance! I was so thunder-struck -at this News, that I was not able to -speak. I fainted away, was carried back to my -Lodgings, and was that Moment let blood;<!--266.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span> -but 'twas some time after it before I came to my -self, and then I did nothing but give my self up -to Sorrow. Mine was no longer an inward -Grief, but vented it self in such continual Exclamations -interrupted with Sighs, that every -one who saw me believ'd I was going the way -of all Flesh; or that, at least, I should be out -of my Senses: And truly they were not much -mistaken, for I was so in a great measure. In -this unhappy Situation did I remain five whole -Days, at the end of which the Mother of <i>S——</i> -came to make me a Visit; and at her entring -into my Room, she told me, that her Daughter -was not dead; and that she had just receiv'd a -Letter from her, by which she acquainted her, -that she should soon be at <i>Paris</i>. This sort of -Resurrection was as reviving News to me, as -the former was mortifying. I felt a surprizing -Revolution in my Spirits; and am of Opinion, -that if 'tis possible to die with an Excess of Joy -or of Grief, I had share enough of both those -Passions within a short Space of Time not to -survive them. But I was reserv'd by Fate for -other Adventures.</p> - -<p>In Fact, I was hardly recover'd from the several -Shocks which I had lately undergone, -but was forc'd to bear the Brunt of another. -The Occasion of this was, meeting at the House -of a Lady of my Acquaintance with a Friend of -<i>S——</i>, whose Name was Madame <i>de R——</i>; -and who had been married for some time, by the -Advice of her Parents, to a Man far advanc'd -in Years. The young Lady hated her Husband -more heartily than is common for Girls of sixteen -that marry to Men of above sixty. I had -seen her formerly, but she was then so young, -that I did not much mind her: And happy<!--267.png--><span class="pagenum">261</span> -wou'd it have been for me, if I had always view'd -her with the same Indifference! But when I came -to see her after her Marriage, her Beauty, her fine -Presence and her noble Deportment made a very -sensible Impression on me. I was pitch'd upon -to play at Cards with her and another Lady, -and all the time she did nothing but rally me upon -my Amour with <i>S——</i>, and hinted several -times to me, that the Lady was not deserving -of the Heart I had set upon her. As I could -not guess to what all this Discourse tended, when -the Game was over I went with the Lady to a -distant Window, and there begged her for God's -sake to explain her self. She stood out a long -while, on pretence that she should be oblig'd to -tell me what would only make me uneasy: But all -these Delays rendering me still the more impatient -to know what it could be, I press'd her to -such a degree that at last she consented to let -me into the Secret. <i>You won't take a Denial, I see</i>, -said she: <i>Well then, if you must know, you shall. -But you must thank your self for it, if I tell you -what will heartily vex you; for I know your Temper, -and to what a Degree you are smitten. You -think</i>, continu'd she, <i>that</i> S—— <i>is in the Country, -but you are mistaken; for she is at</i> Paris, -<i>and has never been out of it all the time. She is -as much in love with the Marquis</i> de V——, <i>as -he is with her. She keeps no Company now but -him. Two Months ago she remov'd from her House -in the Suburb of</i> St. Antoine, <i>where she then liv'd, -because she heard you was coming to Town. The -truth is, she did not care you should reproach her -to her Face; and being in Hopes that you might -forget her, she sent to let you know, that she was -dead; but hearing that you was so inconsolably melancholy, -it mov'd her to pity you, and she has now</i><!--268.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span> -<i>sent you word that she is still living. Indeed it -won't be long before you see her; but it will only -be to receive your Dismission, and to give you to -understand from her own Lips, that she prefers</i> -V——<i>'s Addresses to yours. I have heard all this from -one of my Waiting-Women, whose Sister is a Servant -to Madame</i> S——. <i>For as to my part, since -I am married to M.</i> R——, <i>'tis not convenient for -me to keep her Company. You will do well to -renounce her, and need not fear but you may find -better than her.</i> As she express'd these Words -her Eyes darted in my Face, and at the same -instant she blush'd. I was going to make her -an Answer, but she left me abruptly, and all the -rest of the Evening made it her Business to avoid -me, I thought, however, to have an Opportunity -of speaking to her when she was going -out; but she went away with another Lady, so -that 'twas impossible for me to say a Word to -her.</p> - -<p>I return'd home miserably disturb'd in my -Mind. Hatred, Love, Revenge, Contempt; -in short, all the Passions of a Lover, slighted on -the one hand, and flatter'd on the other, play'd -their part to rack my Brain. Guess, <i>Madame</i>, -in what a Condition I was, when I had such violent -Attacks to struggle with. In fine, Contempt -triumph'd over the Passion I had conceiv'd -for <i>S——</i>. The charming Eyes of Madame <i>de -R——</i> made me forget the false-hearted Creature -on whom I had doated. But in the sequel I was -quickly convinc'd that I was no sooner cur'd of -one foolish Amour, but I was plung'd into another -of the same Nature. The last Words of -<i>R——</i> seem'd to be very engaging; I explain'd -them in my own favor, and thought sincerely -that she had taken a Fancy to me. I flatter'd<!--269.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span> -my self again and again with these agreeable Notions, -and found an infinite Pleasure in making my -own Chain. Nevertheless you will soon see that I -was bubbled as much in this Amour as I was in -the former. Madame <i>de R——</i> was one of -the finest Women, and without dispute one of -the greatest Coquettes in <i>Paris</i>; being whimsical -withal, and more self-conceited than Women -of that Cast generally are; she did not understand -what it was to settle her Heart upon any -Man, and yet expected to be doated on herself. -I push'd head-long into this new Engagement, -and thought my self at one time the happiest -Man in the World. My Friends too were as -much deceiv'd as I was, and thought me for a -long while the only Favorite. I will tell ye hereafter -what became of this Amour, and shall for -the present break off the Detail of these ridiculous -Amusements, to tell you how it far'd with -me in the Affair which most demanded my Application.</p> - -<p>Soon after my Return to <i>Paris</i>, I went to -<i>Versailles</i>, where I had the Honor to pay my -Duty to the King and the Princes. <i>Madame</i> -receiv'd me so kindly that I thought my self -sure of her Protection, and therefore acquainted -her of my Intention to beg an Employment of -his Majesty, and desir'd her that she would be so -good as to recommend me. Madame promis'd me -that she would, and was true to her Word; for -she not only spoke her self but also made the -Duke of <i>Orleans</i> speak for me to M. <i>Voisin</i>, who -was at that time Chancellor and Secretary of -War. This Gentleman promis'd their Royal -Highnesses that he would think of a Place for -me; but when I waited upon him, with one of -Madame's Officers, who, by her Order introduc'd<!--270.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> -me, that Minister receiv'd me with a -Countenance as crabbed as ever I saw. His Head -was invelop'd in a monstrous large Peruke, that -hindered both his Sight and Hearing, which at -other times were natural enough to him. However, -in Respect to Madame he heard me, and -then said, that the King had already made one -considerable Reduction in his Troops, and was -going to make another; and that therefore he -did not see what Hopes I could have of being -employ'd. I was very much dissatisfied with -this Answer, which was so different from the -Promise he had made to Madame and the Duke -of <i>Orleans</i>. I made a Report to their Royal -Highnesses of what the Minister said to me; -upon which the Duke of <i>Orleans</i> told me, <i>This -signifies nothing, I will speak to him again, and I -hope you will find your Account in it</i>. He spoke -accordingly, but <i>Voisin</i> did nothing the more nor -the less for it. However, as I had a grateful -Heart for the Advances which Madame and the -Duke her Son had been so good as to make in -my favor, I continu'd to pay my Duty to them; -and they both gave me Demonstration that they -were not Insensible of my constant Attendance. -I was almost every Night at the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>'s -Couchée. His Court was then but small, -and excepting his Domestics I was sometimes -all alone with him. I was the more amaz'd at -the Carriage of the Courtiers to this Prince, because -'twas natural to think that the Government -of the Kingdom would soon fall into his hands. -The Duke of <i>Berry</i> was just dead. The King -was too old to expect he could live much longer, -and the Dauphin too young to take the Management -of Affairs upon him for a good while. -In short, every thing promis'd this Prince the<!--271.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span> -Regency of the Kingdom infallibly, yet scarce -any body regarded him as the rising Sun. The -Courtiers Respect for the King made them all -stick to his Majesty, and a Reign so glorious and -so long, seem'd to them as if it was never to -have End.</p> - -<p>I stay'd at <i>Paris</i> the rest of the year 1714, -and some Months of the year 1715. This Winter -there was one of the noblest Sights in <i>Paris</i> that -could be, <i>viz.</i> The Entry of the <i>Persian</i> Ambassador, -and especially the Audience he had of his -Majesty some days after it. But the Ambassador -did not contribute so much to the Lustre of this -Shew, as to give us any great Idea of the <i>Persian</i> -Magnificence; and indeed, in my whole Life I -never saw any thing so pitiful; for all his Equipage -being out of Order, his Domestics having -scarce Cloaths to their Backs, and almost all -of them ill-looking Fellows, formed a very melancholy -Scene. Besides, the Presents he brought -were really not worthy of the Prince that sent -them, or of him that received them. Before -this Ambassador made his Entry, he lodg'd at -<i>Charenton</i>, to which Place every body went to -stare at him as a Prodigy. The Torrent carried -me thither among the rest, and a numerous Company -there was of us. The Interpreter told us, -before we went in, that a Compliment must be -made to the Ambassador, and we drew Cuts to -determine who should be the Speaker. The -Lot fell upon me. I made but a very short -Speech to him, wherein after having congratulated -him upon his Arrival, I told him, that -I hop'd his Stay in <i>Europe</i>, and especially in -<i>France</i>, would not be disagreeable to him. He -thank'd me by his Interpreter, and bid him tell -me, that as he was come to see the greatest King<!--272.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span> -in the World, next to the Sophy his Master, -he should be always satisfy'd, happen what would -to him, when once he had appeared before his -Majesty. He made us sit down, and we ask'd -him several Questions concerning his Voyage, -the Court of <i>Persia</i>, and the Sophy; but he told -us, that he had never been at <i>Ispahan</i>, and never -seen the Sophy. During this Conversation -he gave us Coffee and Sweet-meats, and was -mighty civil to us.</p> - -<p>But upon all Occasions when his Character -was to be supported, he was not near so tractable; -for he then took upon him too much State, so -that when the Marshal <i>de Matignon</i>, who was to -come from the King to carry him to the Ambassadors -House, was to enter his Chamber, he -pretended that he was not obliged to stand up. -The Baron <i>de Breteuil</i>, the Introductor of the Ambassadors, -represented to him that he could do -no less than pay that Deference to M. <i>de Matignon</i> -who came from the King; but he might as -well have reason'd with a Post; and all that he -could get from him, was a Promise, that when -the Marshal entered his Chamber he wou'd that -Moment rise and go out all at once. There -was another Scene to manage when he came -down Stairs. They proposed to him to ride in -the King's Coach; but he said, he would do no -such thing; that it was a Cage; and that he -would make his Entry on horseback. The -Baron <i>de Breteuil</i>, therefore, in order to make -him get into the Coach, was under a Necessity -of talking smartly to him; and even to threaten -him, that he should make no Entry, nor have -any Audience, if he did not subject himself to -the Customs establish'd in <i>France</i>. At length -the Ambassador capitulated, they split the Difference,<!--273.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span> -and he consented to ride one half of the -way in the Coach, and the other on horseback. -I never saw such a Multitude of People -as I did at this Entry; the Concourse was really -astonishing; for from the first Bar in the Suburb -of <i>St. Antoine</i> to the Ambassadors House, there -were Scaffolds all along on both sides of the way, -full of People. The same Croud of Spectators -follow'd him for several days, so that when he -went abroad, either to the Bagnio, or to take -the Air, he could scarce go along, there were -such Throngs of People to gaze at him.</p> - -<p>The Audience which the King gave him was -a very magnificent Scene. <i>Lewis</i> XIV. appeared -at it in all the Majesty of a great King; and be -the Audiences of the <i>Great Mogul</i>, describ'd to -us by <i>Tavernier</i>, ever so brilliant, I can scarce -think they are to compare with the Ceremony -I am now speaking of, and whereof I was an -Eye-witness, which was performed in the Great -Gallery at <i>Versailles</i>. The King's Throne, which -was at one end, and rais'd very high, was of a -Gold Ground, with Flowers and the Arms of -<i>France</i> embroider'd on it. The King was dress'd -in a Suit of Coffee-color'd Velvet, adorn'd with -Jewels, to the Value of several Millions. The -young Dauphin was at his Majesty's Right Hand -in a Robe of Gold Brocade, adorn'd with Diamonds -and Pearls. The Duke of <i>Orleans</i> was -on his Left, dress'd in a Suit of blue Velvet, adorn'd -with a Gold <i>Spanish</i> Point, seeded with -very beautiful Diamonds and Pearls. The Princes -of the Blood, the legitimated Princes, the -Prince of <i>Dombes</i> and the Count <i>d'Eu</i>, both Sons -to the Duke of <i>Maine</i>, sat in the same Row, on -the Right and Left of the King, all observing the -Rank due to their Birth. All along the Gallery<!--274.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span> -on the Right-Side of the Throne, there were -several Rows of Steps, on which stood the Ladies -richly dress'd. The Duchess of <i>Berry</i> and Madame -were next to the Throne, and next to -them stood the Electoral Prince of <i>Saxony</i>, who -was then at the Court of <i>France</i> with the Title -of the Count of <i>Lusatia</i>. That Side of the -Gallery which fronts the Garden was taken up -by Noblemen richly apparell'd, and the Space -which serv'd for the Passage, from the Entrance -of the Gallery to the Throne, was cover'd with -a magnificent Tapestry, as were the rest of the -Apartments from the Stair-Case of Marble to -the Gallery. In the Courts below, the Regiments -of the <i>French</i> and <i>Swiss</i> Guards, newly -cloath'd, were rang'd in Order of Battle: And -the Life-Guards, the Musketeers, and all the -King's Houshold Troops were also drawn up -in the same Order. But the Splendor of the -Soldiery was very much lessen'd by a great -Quantity of Rain which pour'd down almost all -day long.</p> - -<p>The Ambassador with all his Attendance -pass'd thro' all those Troops to the Gallery; and -when he was advanc'd near to the Throne, he -there deliver'd his Credentials to M. <i>de Torcy</i>, -Minister and Secretary of State, by whom they -were given to the Interpreter, who read them. -He afterwards gave his Majesty the Presents that -the Sophy sent him, which were so inconsiderable, -that at first sight one could hardly imagine -they were sent from one of the most powerful -Monarchs of <i>Asia</i>. The Whole consisted of -Turquoise Stones, a Scymitar garnish'd with precious -Stones, a Box of Balm to which he ascribed -wonderful Virtues, and some other things -of no great Value. After the Audience was over,<!--275.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span> -the Ambassador was regal'd, and then reconducted -to the House of the Ambassadors, -where he was defray'd at the Expence of the -Court, all the time that he staid at <i>Paris</i>. He -was furnish'd at first with the King's Horses for -himself and his Retinue; but as his Stay was long, -and as besides he spoil'd all the King's Horses, -he was accommodated afterwards with Horses -that were hir'd.</p> - -<p>Some time after this Audience, the Ambassador -went to the Opera, where the Benches in -the Amphitheatre were taken away, to make it -more commodious to hold him and his Retinue. -Tho' there was an incredible number of People -of the first Quality, he seem'd to be under no -manner of Constraint, and smoak'd his Pipe -there a good while, with as much Freedom, as -if he had been in his Chamber. The Eagerness -of the People to run after him was soon abated; -they began in a short time after his Arrival, -to be indifferent whether they saw him or -not; and at length, they were so weary of him, -that every body wish'd publickly that he was -gone.</p> - -<p>I have had the Honor to acquaint you, that the -Electoral Prince of <i>Saxony</i> was at the <i>Persian</i>'s Audience. -This Prince had been for some time in -<i>France</i>; and tho' he was <i>incog.</i> by the Name or -Title of the Count of <i>Lusatia</i>, he had the Retinue -of a King's Son. The Count <i>de Coste</i>, who died -Bishop of <i>Warmia</i>, was his Governor, and the -Baron <i>de Hagen</i> his Sub-Governor. He had also -several Gentlemen with him, besides Pages, and -a number of Officers. His Equipage was magnificent, -and his Table as elegant as could be -desir'd. He was presented to the King by <i>Madame</i>,<!--276.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span> -who gave him out to be a <i>German</i> Gentleman -of a good Family.</p> - -<p>This Prince gave a sumptuous Ball at the -Hotel <i>de Soissons</i>, in the Apartment where <i>Dumont</i> -the Envoy of <i>Holstein</i> liv'd. There was -an amazing Croud of Masqueraders, and among -the rest your humble Servant, who had good -Diversion there with a Lady who trusted me -with a Secret, by mistake, for another Person. -As she is a Lady of some Distinction, you'll excuse -me from telling her Name. All that I -shall do my self the Honor to acquaint you of -at present is, that she was a Duchess who was -fond of <i>R——</i> to Distraction; but he had abandon'd -her for Mademoiselle <i>de S——</i>. The -Duchess saw him enter the Ball-Room with <i>V——</i>, -who was formerly a Confident of their Amours, -and an intimate Friend of <i>R——</i>. The Duchess, -as disguis'd as she was, was presently known by her -faithless Lover; so that when she went to lay hold -of him, he slily stole away with his Friend, and -secreted himself in the Croud. Being afraid of -Reproaches from the Duchess, he thought fit also -to change his Domino. <i>V——</i> likewise exchang'd -his for mine. <i>R——</i> shew'd me the -Place where he had seen the Duchess, and desir'd -me to pass by her, but not to speak to her, in -case that she offered to talk with me. I promis'd -every thing he ask'd, yet was resolv'd to have a -Parley with her, if I found a proper Opportunity, -which soon presented. You must know, -that I so much resembled M. <i>de V——</i> in Stature, -that the Duchess readily took me for him, and -beckoning me aside, at the Instant that she was -in high Wrath with <i>R——</i>, for refusing to speak -to her, she made a general Confession to me of -all her Intrigue. While she was going on thus,<!--277.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span> -without Reserve, to make a Variety of Confessions -to me, of which I thought she might repent -when she knew that she had been speaking -to the wrong Person; I interrupted her by saying, -<i>She was mistaken in her Man, and that I -was not</i> V——. She reply'd hastily, <i>What need all -these Grimaces? Hear me out to the End of my Tale. -This is not a Place to play the fool in. You know</i>, continu'd -she, <i>that I have granted the ungrateful Man -but every thing</i>. I broke in upon her again, and said -to her, <i>By my Troth</i>, Madame, <i>I did not know one -word of the Matter till now</i>. She jeer'd me for -pretending to be ignorant of what she had been -telling me, and continu'd her Discourse to me -with all the Plainness and True-heartedness that -is seldom found in Narratives of this nature. -After she had run on a good while, she said, -<i>Alas!</i> Sir, <i>What say you, Speak, now is your Time -to speak, and justify your Friend, if you can. I -really think</i>, replied I, <i>that <span class="f">R——</span> is a Scoundrel -to set so little a Value upon the Kindness you have -for him; and instead of justifying him, when I -see him, I shall certainly rattle him for it. I shall -tell him every Tittle that you have now done me the -Honor to divulge to me; and tho' I am not <span class="f">V——</span>, nor -very intimate with <span class="f">R——</span>, I am persuaded -that he will give Attention to what I shall say to -him. Ah, Sir!</i> replied the Duchess, <i>Why do ye -go to alter the natural Tone of your Voice? How -can you deny your self? What have I done to be -thus treated? Upon my Honor, Madam</i> I said, <i>I don't -impose on you; let your own Eyes be Witness</i>. At -the same Moment I pull'd off my Mask. The -Lady was so astonish'd that I can't express it. -She cou'd not speak; and I perceiv'd, by her -Confusion for having made such an open Confession -to me, that she did not know, whether she<!--278.png--><span class="pagenum">272</span> -had best say on, or retire? I really pitied her, -and did all I could to hearten her. I begg'd her -to be assur'd that I would keep every thing she -had said to me inviolably secret; and that I -was as sensible as she could be, of the Consequence -of revealing Things of that nature. The -good Lady began to pluck up her Spirits; and -after some farther Discourse she desir'd me to -hand her out, and to help her to find her Coach. -It was impossible to discover her Coach or mine -either in the Croud; and therefore she chose to -take a Hack. I went with her to her House, -where she desir'd me to go back to the Ball, and -tell the Ladies whom I had seen in her Company -that she was taken very ill. I obey'd her Orders -punctually, and did not fail next Day to -pay her a Visit, and this Visit pav'd the way for -others, which gave me an Opportunity to contract -a most intimate Acquaintance with her. -I had the Honor, in short, of being her most -esteemed Friend, and found her possess'd of a -thousand good Qualities, which render'd her the -best Companion in the World.</p> - -<p>The most comical part of this Adventure was, -to find <i>R——</i> quarrelling bitterly with the Duchess -for holding a long Parley with a Gentleman in -Masquerade at the Ball. He pretended to be -jealous, and wrote a thundering Letter to her -next day, wherein he told her, that he would -have nothing more to do with her. On the other -hand Madam <i>de R——</i>, with whom I went -to the Ball, and whom I was still passionately -fond of, took advantage of the Conference I -had with the Duchess, and also pretended Jealousy, -(for to be serious, I knew afterwards that -'twas only a Copy of her Countenance.) She expatiated -a good deal upon her Uneasiness at the<!--279.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span> -long Conversation that pass'd betwixt us. I -was silly enough to believe that she was sincere -in what she said, and more Fool still to be -transported with the Thought that I had made -her jealous. I did all in my power, however, -to remove her Suspicions; in a word, I said every -thing that a Lover can say, who loves sincerely, -and would convince that he does so. She -seem'd to be satisfy'd with my Protestations; -but yet instead of making a suitable Return to -the Respect I had for her, she continu'd to teaze -me all the rest of the Winter. Her Behavior -was so extremely coquetish, that it gave me a -deal of Vexation; and besides, I did not like to -see the Marquis <i>de V——</i> so often at her -House.</p> - -<p>I had been pester'd with this Marquis for a -long time. 'Twas he that took away <i>S——</i> from -me; and no sooner was I got into the Favor -of Madame <i>de R——</i>, but he found a way -to insinuate himself there too. I was so provok'd -to see him always at my Heels, that I -quarrel'd with him one day at <i>C——</i>, where -we happen'd to meet at the House of the President -<i>de N——</i>. We were actually at Daggers-drawing, -when M. <i>de C——</i> came and parted -us. <i>V——</i> assur'd me that he had no manner -of Pretence to Madame <i>de R——</i>, and actually -promis'd me, that if I did not like his Visits to -her, he would not renew them. And he was -as good as his Word, so that I was perfectly reconcil'd -to him; but I was not at all pleas'd -with Madam <i>de R——</i>. I saw plainly that I -was betray'd. I had fresh Cause to suspect her -every day, and yet I hugged the Chains wherewith -she had bound me; in which I sufficiently -confuted the vulgar Error of those who assert,<!--280.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> -that People never love heartily but once. I -ought, however, to reflect a little upon this last -Amour, which was extremely hurtful to me. -Madam <i>de R——</i> was so extravagant that a -Man could not be upon good Terms with her, -without being, at an excessive Expence. To -support my self I borrow'd Money every where, -till e'er long I knew not where to find Lenders. -On the other hand my Creditors began to make -me frequent Visits, till they were tir'd with my -continually putting them off from one time to -another, and then truly they resolv'd to proceed -against me by Law; and at length took -out a Writ to attach my Person. I was very -much stunn'd at the News, but because I had -put them in an ill Humor, I was willing to avoid -the Effects of it, by keeping my Chamber -for some days, till M. <i>de N——</i> had procur'd -me an Order to stay Prosecution. This Respite -put me upon ways and means to find Money, -all my Desire being to satisfy my Creditors. I -was aware how difficult it was to get a sufficient -Sum to pay them remitted from home; for all -my Estate was entail'd upon my Brother and -Mademoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i>; and she never intended -to give her Consent to the mortgaging of any -part of it. Yet having no other way to bring my -self out of Trouble, I got my Friends to intercede -with her; which they did so powerfully, -that at length they really prevail'd on her to -agree to the borrowing of some Money upon -the Estate, which was lent accordingly; and by -this Means I got happily out of this Scrape. -The Difficulties I had been plung'd in made me -wiser, and I lessen'd my Expences, which I perceiv'd, -indeed, was not the way to preserve the -Favor of Madam <i>de R——</i>. But what should I do?<!--281.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span> -To dip my self again over head and ears in -Debt, and to run the risque of having another -scurvy Action enter'd against me, was what I -could not resolve on. At this same time I obtain'd -a Pension of 2000 Livres; but as to an -Employment, none could I get of the Secretary -at War.</p> - -<p>This put me so much out of Temper, that -notwithstanding my Passion for Madam <i>de R——</i>, -and my being so much attach'd to <i>France</i>, I -determin'd to try once more for an Establishment -elsewhere. For this purpose I wrote to -the Prince of <i>H——</i>, a General Officer in the -Emperor's Service, and a Colonel of a Regiment -of Foot, who return'd me a very obliging Answer, -how glad he should be to admit me into -his Regiment; but that there was no Company -vacant in it, nor none like to be, unless I could -strike a Bargain with a certain old Captain who -had a Design to retire, and would gladly part -with his Company for 2000 Crowns. To -find such a round Sum as 2000 Crowns, in the -Situation which I was in then, and to find the -Philosopher's Stone, was as easy for me one as -the other. I resolv'd, however, to treat with -the Captain.</p> - -<p>I therefore set out for <i>Bruges</i>, where the -Prince of <i>H——</i> was in Garison with his Regiment. -I met with a Captain, but he was pretty -stiff, and would absolutely hear of no Terms -but the Money down, or old Plate for Security. -The Prince, who really wish'd me well, and -perfectly knew the State of my Affairs, wrote -to my Cousin to persuade her to consent to my -taking up some more Money upon the Estate. -I also indited the most moving Letter I could, to -melt her; but 'twas all to no purpose: The Answers<!--282.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span> -she return'd were very sarcastical. She set -me off to the Life, and she had the Art to persuade -the Prince who had wrote to her, that to -give me Leave to borrow more Money, was -to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. -For my own part I was in a manner convinc'd -that she had Reason on her side. I therefore -quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I -propos'd to buy, and set out for <i>Paris</i>.</p> - -<p>I was not sorry to leave <span class="smcap">Bruges</span><a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a>, it being -one of the saddest Places in the <i>Netherlands</i> for -a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet -'tis a very considerable City. 'Tis said to be -very ancient, and that it was encompass'd with -Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant -on the Bishopric of <i>Tournay</i>; but since -the Reign of <i>Philip</i> II. it has been erected into -a Bishop's See, which is now Suffragan to the -Archbishopric of <i>Mechlin</i>. Its Cathedral, which -is dedicated to St. <i>Donat</i>, is a very old and a -very fine Structure. The other Churches are also -of an elegant Model, especially the <i>Jesuits</i> -Church and our <i>Lady</i>'s. In the latter there's -the Tomb of <i>Charles</i> the <i>Bold</i> the last Duke of -<i>Burgundy</i> who was kill'd before <i>Nancy</i>, from -whence his Corpse was translated hither, by order -of <i>Mary</i> of <i>Austria</i>, his Grandaughter, the Widow -of a King of <i>Hungary</i> and Sister to the Emperor -<i>Charles</i> V. The Situation of <i>Bruges</i> is very -advantagious, it being but three Leagues from -the Sea; and for the Ease of its Trade there -are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels pass -to and fro as they do in <i>Holland</i>; with this Conveniency -moreover, that People dine there as elegantly -as in the best Tavern. Tho' all these<!--283.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span> -Canals have a Communication with the Sea, -yet their Waters are not fast, by reason of the -Sluices and other Machines, which they make -use of to prevent it. 'Tis natural to suppose, -that Fields in which so many Canals are cut, -must be fertile; yet the Trade of <i>Bruges</i> is very -much dwindled since the flourishing of that of -<i>Amsterdam</i>, which has engross'd it all to it self.</p> - -<p>I forgot to tell you, that 'twas at <i>Burges</i> the -Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by -<i>Philip</i> the <i>Good</i>, Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> on the -very Day that he consummated his Marriage -with <i>Isabel</i> the Daughter of <i>John</i> King of <i>Portugal</i>. -'Twas to this City also that <i>Charles</i> II. -King of <i>England</i> came for Refuge, when his -Subjects rebell'd against him; and so well was he -receiv'd here, that when he was in peaceable -Possession of his Throne he shew'd his Gratitude, -by permitting the Citizens to send fifty Vessels -every year to the Coasts of <i>England</i>, to catch -Herrings. So much, <i>Madame</i>, for <i>Bruges</i>.</p> - -<p>Just as I was setting out, I heard that the -Prince of <i>H——</i> was going for <span class="smcap">Newport</span><a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a>, -where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in -Garison; and thither I went with him. This, which -is a very ancient Town, was heretofore intirely -destroy'd by the <i>English</i>, and afterwards rebuilt -by <i>Philip</i> the <i>Bold</i>, Duke of <i>Burgundy</i>. -The Rebels of <i>Ghent</i> burnt it in 1383, because -it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held -out a very sharp Siege by the <i>French</i>, in which -the Women display'd a very great share of -Valour. During the Revolt of the <i>Netherlands</i> -it submitted to the Prince of <i>Parma</i>. In that -same War, the <i>Dutch</i> who were besieging it,<!--284.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span> -under Prince <i>Maurice</i> of <i>Orange</i>, gain'd a great -Victory over the <i>Spaniards</i>, at the Gates of the -Town; and yet they thought fit to raise the -Siege. They say, that with some Expence -<i>Newport</i> might be made one of the best Harbors -in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was -given to the Marquis <i>de Priè</i>, Commandant in -the <i>Netherlands</i>; but hitherto it has not been -approv'd of. Tho' 'tis a Town not very much -fortify'd, yet 'tis a strong Place considering the -Advantage it has of laying all the Country round -it under Water. 'Tis quite encompass'd with -Downs and Marshes, the former of which abound -with Rabbets. The Prince of <i>H——</i> gave -me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the -only Diversion that can be taken by Officers -who are condemn'd to be in Garison in such a -Hole as <i>Newport</i>. We staid there two Days, -after which the Prince and Princess of <i>H——</i> return'd -to <i>Bruges</i>. For my own part I accompanied -the Prince of <i>Holstein</i> to <span class="smcap">Ypres</span>, of -which he is Governor for the <i>Dutch</i>.</p> - -<p>This is one of the best Cities in <i>Europe</i>, and is -notable for having suffer'd several Sieges. The -Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the Reign -of <i>Philip</i> II. when they plundered the Churches -and Convents, and drove out the Fryars. The -Archduke <i>Leopold</i> retook it from those Furiosos, -and it remained in Possession of <i>Spain</i> till 1658, -when 'twas taken by the Marshal <i>de Turenne</i>; -but by the <i>Pyrenean</i> Treaty it reverted to its -lawful Sovereign. In 1678, <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -besieg'd it in Person and took it; and by -the Treaty of <i>Nimeguen</i>, which was concluded -the same year, 'twas yielded to him by <i>Spain</i>. -The <i>French</i> caus'd it to be considerably fortify'd; -after which they remain'd peaceable Possessors<!--285.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span> -of it till the Peace of <i>Utrecht</i>, when they -yielded it to the Allies, in exchange for <i>Lisle</i> -which had been taken from the <i>French</i>. <i>Ypres</i> -is now a Barrier for the <i>Dutch</i>, who keep a -good Garison in it. Nevertheless, Justice is administer'd, -and the Taxes raised here, in the Name -of the Emperor, as Sovereign of <i>Spanish Flanders</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Ypres</i> I went to <i>Lisle</i>, of which I have -already had the Honor to give you some Account; -and from <i>Lisle</i> in a very short time I -proceeded to <span class="smcap">Paris</span>. Who should I see there, -but the famous Countess of <i>Wartemberg</i>? The -Chevalier <i>de B——</i>, who being at <i>Utrecht</i> during -the Congress, had there sign'd a Contract to -marry her, returning to <i>France</i> as soon as the -Peace was concluded, the Countess follow'd him -and came to <i>Versailles</i>, where she had the Honor -of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures -of three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, -which she shew'd to the King, telling him at -the same time, <i>That after she had seen three Monarchs -at her Feet, she was now come from the -Heart of</i> Germany <i>to throw her self at the Feet -of his Majesty</i>. The King, who was surpriz'd at -the Compliment, star'd at her, but said not a -Word. Some days after this she appear'd at the -Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and -those so large, that she was call'd, <i>The Lady of -precious Stones</i>. All the young Fellows combin'd -to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother -of a Family thought those Diamonds would -look as well upon him as they did upon the Countess. -When they had pilfer'd some from her, -she was more cautious how she paraded with -'em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her -Care, the Chevalier <i>de B——</i> dextrously stripp'd -her of all she had in one day. He had been for<!--286.png--><span class="pagenum">280</span> -some time wishing that he could revoke the Marriage-Contract -which he had sign'd with the -Countess; his Family also press'd him to break -off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not -knowing what Course to take to recover the -Contract, which the Lady refus'd to restore, -he made use of this very singular Expedient. -One day when he was at <i>Versailles</i>, he set out -Post from thence to find out the Countess of -<i>Wartemberg</i>, and told her that the King had just -receiv'd an Express from <i>Berlin</i>, by which the -King of <i>Prussia</i> desir'd him to put her under -an Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other -Effects, as having been stole from the King his -Father. <i>I just had the News</i>, said the Chevalier -to her, <i>from M.</i> de T——, <i>who knowing the Respect -I have for you, was willing to give me an -Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you -from the Misfortune that threatens you</i>. The -Countess being thunder-struck at this News, -said to the Chevalier in a Fright, <i>O my God! -What shall we do? Your only way</i>, said he, <i>is to -give me Charge of all your Diamonds; your Interests -and mine are the same; I don't believe you -suspect me; I will carry them all to my Father's -House, where they will be safe: And as for your -Person, you may be very easy; for M.</i> de T—— -<i>has assur'd me, that 'tis your Effects they want, -and not your Person</i>. Madame <i>de Wartemberg</i> -believ'd every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming -the Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, -she deliver'd up all her Diamonds to him, with -every thing besides of most Value. <i>B——</i> having -all this Booty, took his Leave of her. The -Countess thought she had play'd a very cunning -Part in thus securing her Effects; but 'twas not -long before she was sensible that she had play'd<!--287.png--><span class="pagenum">281</span> -a foolish one. <i>B——</i> was not to be seen for four or -five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting -himself, wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could -not obtain so much as one Answer. At last, on -the fifth day, <i>B——</i> made his Appearance, and -gave the good Lady some Encouragement. He -told her that her Jewels were all safe; and that -she might have them whenever she pleas'd, upon -this trifling Condition only; namely, that she -would restore him the Contract he had sign'd to -marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz'd -at this Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, -That Princesses of the Empire were not -to be thus treated; that she was come to <i>Paris</i> -upon his Engagement to marry her; and that -she knew how to oblige him to it. <i>B——</i>, who -was resolv'd to break with her at any rate, -told her, that she was at her full Liberty to chuse -either of these two Proposals that he made to -her, <i>viz.</i> To go to Law, and thereby to be certain -of losing her Effects; or else, to recover -them, by restoring that Paper to him which he -demanded. He made her sensible, that by going -to Law, he might naturally hope to get the -better of her, not only from the Justice of his -Cause, but from the Interest of his Relations; -and that as to her Effects, since there was no -Witness that saw her deliver them into his -Hands, he should take a Course which she would -think pretty hard, <i>viz.</i> Deny that he had ever -receiv'd them, and in the mean time sell one -part of the Jewels to enable him to find Law -to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that -the Chevalier was resolv'd to be as good as his -Word, and that she had no Chance to get any -thing, determin'd to give up the Contract; -and <i>B——</i> thereupon brought back her Diamonds;<!--288.png--><span class="pagenum">282</span> -which was such an honest Action on his -part, that it engag'd Madam <i>de Wartemberg</i> to -make him a Present of a noble Ring, valu'd at -20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence -with <i>B——</i>.</p> - -<p>The Countess, to make her self easy for the -Loss of her Lover, resolv'd to look out for others; -but she was not happy in the Variety of -her Choice. <i>They were all</i>, said she, <i>insincere; -and for the most part knavishly inclin'd</i>. In short, -she renounc'd all manner of Society with <i>Frenchmen</i>; -she thought them too volatile and nimble -for her, and upon this Occasion she extol'd the -<i>Germans</i> for the honestest Souls in the World; -yet she soon found the contrary, to her Cost: -For having made an Acquaintance with a clever -handsome young <i>German</i>, they both promis'd each -other Marriage, as soon as they came to a Protestant -Country, and a Contract was actually sign'd between -them for that purpose; but the Spark thought -that after they had sign'd and seal'd, the Nuptial -Benediction was only an insignificant Ceremony -to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly -Goods; and that his Right ought to commence -from the very day that the Articles were -agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit -to march off with all the precious Stones of his -Spouse that was to be, and set out with them -from <i>Paris</i>, designing to elope to <i>Lorrain</i>. The -Countess, who was soon inform'd of his Departure, -was mortally uneasy at the Treachery of -her Lover, tho' the Danger she was in of losing -her Diamonds stuck most to her Heart. By -good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her -dear Thief went, and sent a Messenger after him, -who found him at <i>Meaux</i>, where he was so unwise -as to make a Halt for some days. He was<!--289.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span> -brought back to <i>Paris</i>, where the Countess, -who denied that she had ever made the least -Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing -to swinge him; but the Electoral Prince of -<i>Saxony</i>, by whom he was protected, put a stop -to all further Prosecution, and caus'd the Jewels -to be restor'd to Madam <i>de Wartemberg</i>, who -did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for -being of a Temper that did not permit her to be -idle, she had already contracted a clandestine -Marriage with <i>F——</i>. These various Intrigues -happening so soon one after another, were so -much talk'd of, that the Countess did not think -fit to stay any longer in <i>France</i>, but set out for -<i>Holland</i>, where she remains to this day<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a>.</p> - -<p>Towards the Close of the Year, <i>viz.</i> on the -1st of <i>September</i> 1715, <i>France</i> lost <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -He died a Death truly Christian, for which he -had been some time before preparing himself; -so that when Notice was given him, that he -must make ready to go out of this World, he -was not at all surpriz'd. He took his last Farewel -of his Family with a Courage worthy of -Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young -Dauphin, the Heir of his Crown; which he -accompanied with several important Advices and -Exhortations, especially not to go to War without -a just Cause, and not to be so fond of it as -he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning -the young Monarch should wear, adding, that -what he prescrib'd to him was the same that he -wore at the Death of the King his Father. This -Monarch express'd a vast Affection for the Princes -of his Family, and strongly recommended -his Successor to the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>. They say<!--290.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span> -that he stretch'd forth his Hand to the Marshal <i>de -Villeroy</i>, and said to him, <i>Adieu, my Friend, we -must part</i>. Madame <i>de Maintenon</i> staid with -the King all the Time of his Illness, because he -desir'd it, except one Day, when the King being -so ill that they thought he could not recover it, -she return'd to <i>St. Cyr</i>; but as soon as the Monarch -came to himself, and found Madame <i>de -Maintenon</i> gone, he sent for her, and begg'd her -not to forsake him. Accordingly she continu'd -with him till his Death, upon which she went -back to <i>St. Cyr</i>, where she liv'd mightily retir'd -till 1719, when she died.</p> - -<p>'Tis astonishing to think what a Change there -was at Court upon the Death of <i>Lewis</i> XIV. -The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last -Moment of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; -no, not even the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>: but -the very Moment that the King died, the Face of -every thing was alter'd; and all the Court was -made to the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, as the sole Dispenser -of Favors, who went, accompanied by all -the Princes and Courtiers, to the young Monarch, -and paid him the due Homage.</p> - -<p><i>Lewis</i> XIV. had appointed the Duke of <i>Orleans</i> -Regent of the Kingdom by his last Will; -but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen -for Associates in the Government, without -whom he could conclude nothing. He also depriv'd -him of the Guardianship of the young -King, and gave it to the Duke <i>de Maine</i>; in a -word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, -that this Prince had nothing but the Shadow -of the Regency. The Duke, however, artfully -procur'd that Honor to be paid to him, which -he claim'd as his due. He conducted the young -King to Parliament with a great Train. The<!--291.png--><span class="pagenum">285</span> -<i>French</i> and <i>Swiss</i> Guards being drawn up in a -Line in the Streets, to the very Gates of the -Palais or Parliament-House, the <i>Gens d'Arms</i>, Musketeers, -Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended -his Majesty to the Palais, where he was receiv'd -with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted -to the Court, which they call his <i>Bed</i> of -Justice. When every body had taken their -Seats, the Duke of <i>Orleans</i> broke silence and -said, <i>That tho' the Regency belonged to him by -Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could -produce the Codicil of the late King to them in -proof of it; which having caus'd to be read, together -with the Will, he shew'd the Inconveniencies -that might arise from the little Authority -which was given to him; and that his Rank and -Birth had always intitled him to hope for more</i>. -And having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, -<i>Whether they did not own him for the -Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom</i>. He -added, <i>That whatever Authority should be given -him, he should be glad to follow the Advice of the -Parliament; that he would share his Authority -with the Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if -there should happen to be a Failure of Justice in his -Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to -him to bear their Remonstrances</i>. He clos'd all -with saying, <i>That he should like well enough to -have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but -that he wish'd they might be at entire Liberty to -do good</i>. The Votes ran in his Favor; the -late King's Will was annull'd, the Duke of <i>Orleans</i> -declared Regent of the Kingdom, and -Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy -of his Majesty's Education was given to the -Duke of <i>Maine</i>. The Regent return'd his -Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same<!--292.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span> -time told them, <i>that he was for pursuing a Plan -of Government that was found among the Papers of -the Duke of <span class="f">Burgundy</span>, Father to the present King; -according to which Plan it appeared that the said -Prince had a Design to establish Councils for every -Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, -&c. and to be governed entirely by what the -Majority of the Voices therein should determine</i>.</p> - -<p>The Duke <i>du Maine</i> had no reason to be satisfy'd -with this Assembly; for besides being depriv'd -of the Guardianship of the King, he had -much ado to preserve the Prerogatives which -the late King had annex'd to the Quality of a -legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes -and Peers declared immediately against the Precedency -that had been granted to those Princes, -and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, -where they demanded that they might only -be considered as a Part of their Body; and -that they might be allow'd no other Rank than -what they deriv'd from their Peerages. Hereafter -we shall also find the Princes of the Blood -declaring against those Princes that had been legitimated.</p> - -<p>This Demand of the Dukes did not take -place at that time, no more than another which -they also made upon the same Day, <i>viz.</i> that the -first President, when he ask'd their Opinion in -Parliament, should veil the Bonnet to them, in -the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. -The Duke of <i>Orleans</i> desir'd them to permit the -Usages of Parliament to be observ'd on that Day, -and assured them that he would decide that Affair -very shortly. The President <i>de Novion</i>, afterwards -the first President, then spoke, and answered -the Regent, that his Royal Highness had -no Right to make a Decision in an Affair which<!--293.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span> -related directly to the Person of the King, -whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing -in his Majesty's Absence; and that consequently -nothing could be alter'd in the Usage -of Parliament, but by the King himself when he -came of Age.</p> - -<p>After the Court of Justice broke up, the King -return'd to <i>Vincennes</i>, where he resided after the -Death of the late King, till the Palace of the -<i>Thuilleries</i> was made fit for his Reception. The -Regent and the Princes accompanied the King, -and they afterwards went back to <i>Paris</i>, each -Man to his own House. They say that the -Duke of <i>Maine</i> was no sooner return'd home, -but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know -what had pass'd in the Bed of Justice, came that -very instant to ask him what News he brought; -and when he told her, that the Regent was the -sole Master of the King and Kingdom, she reproach'd -him bitterly.</p> - -<p>As soon as the <i>Louvre</i> was in a readiness the -King set out thither from <i>Vincennes</i>, where -Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and -Princesses of the Blood. The Palace of <i>Luxemburg</i> -was given to the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, who -made great Alterations in the Apartments. -This Princess had a mighty Ascendant over her -Father the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, and she made such a -use of it that there was not a day but she obtain'd -new Favors. As she was the first Princess in -the Kingdom, there being at that time no -Queen, she desir'd to have a Captain of the -Guards to attend her; a Privilege which none -had ever enjoy'd before but the Queens. The -Duke of <i>Orleans</i> could not deny her, and the -Person invested with this Character was the Marquis -<i>de la Rochefoucault</i>. Madame no sooner<!--294.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">288</a></span> -heard of this Augmentation of Officers in the -Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but she -presently appointed M. <i>de Harling</i> to be Captain -of her Guards, who was a <i>German</i> Gentleman -that had been her Page. The Duchess of -<i>Berry</i> wanted also to be stil'd <i>Madame</i> as well -as the Princess her Mother; yet to prevent -Confusion she signify'd, that when they made -mention of her they should not call her <i>Madame -la Duchesse de Berry</i>, but <i>Madame, Duchesse de -Berry</i>. Moreover, she pretended to the Right -of having Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded -before her when she went abroad in Ceremony, -tho' this was never observ'd to any body but -the Queen. In short, this Princess enter'd once -into <i>Paris</i> with all this Attendance, as she return'd -from <i>la Muette</i>. When she pass'd before -the Palace of the <i>Thuilleries</i>, the Officers of the -Guards were very much astonish'd to hear the -Trumpets, and represented that no body but -the King and Queen ought to march with such -Pomp; upon which Madame <i>de Berry</i> wav'd her -Privilege for the future, tho' with regard only -to <i>Paris</i>.</p> - -<p>Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, -who was so fond of Grandeur, must naturally -be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior -to Persons that had the Honor of approaching -her. Yet she was quite the Reverse. I -was acquainted with several Ladies that had the -Honor of some Familiarity with her; and they -all assur'd me, that she was the best-natur'd -Princess in the World. She never stood upon -Formalities in point of Ceremonial with the -Generality of the Ladies, but freely permitted -them to come and visit her in a Scarf. 'Tis -true indeed that she did not affect Dress herself,<!--295.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">289</a></span> -and consequently it would not have been -good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies -to appear in a formal Dress, which she was -scarce ever seen in her self. <i>Madame</i>, as I have -already had the Honor to tell you, was much -more precise. She was always in the Court-Dress, -and never suffer'd any but Ladies that were -advanc'd in years, or such as were not in Health, -to appear before her in any other.</p> - -<p>The Duke Regent, according to the Promise -he had made to the Parliament, when he held the -Bed of Justice, establish'd several Councils. There -was one which was call'd <i>The Council of the Regency</i>, -others for War, the Finances, the Marine, -and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of -the late King were dismiss'd, except the Chancellor -<i>Voisin</i>, who kept his Post. M. <i>Desmaretz</i> and -M. <i>de Pontchartrain</i>, one the Minister of the -Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both -destitute of Employment. M. <i>Desmaretz</i> was -put to some trouble in a Chamber which the -Regent establish'd at the <i>Grand Augustins</i>, for -calling to account those who had had the Management -of the public Money. 'Twas called -the <i>Chamber of Justice</i>; and the President <i>Portail</i>, -who is now the first President, was at the -Head of it. Great Advantages were expected -from this Establishment, which would, they said, -not only pay off the King's Debts, but also bring -considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless -it all came to nothing. There was a Fine -laid indeed, and 'twas a general one; but as most -of the Financiers had married their Daughters to -the Great Men of the Kingdom, they came off -for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: -Some were condemn'd to the Galleys, and others -to perpetual Imprisonment, after having been<!--296.png--><span class="pagenum">290</span> -set in the Pillory, where the People had the -Pleasure of insulting them; and that was all -they got by it. As for the King, he was not a -Penny the richer for it; and no body got more -by it than the Ladies who sollicited for the lowering -of the Fines, and ran away with almost all -the Profit. The Public, in general, was very -much perplex'd by it: Most People, afraid of -being fin'd, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, -became so scarce in but six Months time, -that it look'd as if <i>Lewis</i> XIV. had carried it all -out of the Kingdom with him to the other -World. They began to lament the Loss of -that Prince, and the Love of the Public for the -Regent vanish'd very fast, 'Twas not long before, -that every one thought they had reason -to curse the late King; and the <i>Frenchman</i>, who -is naturally fickle, imagin'd without knowing -why or wherefore, that the Death of <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy -Century. The Prince who was at the Head of -the Administration was loaded with Blessings, -tho' he had not yet done any thing to win their -Hearts; and in a very short time this same -Prince, who was so much ador'd, found himself -the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon -took care to be inform'd how the Public stood -affected to him. I happen'd to be one day at <i>Madame</i>'s, -when this Prince declared aloud, <i>Six -Months ago</i>, said he, <i>I was perfectly ador'd in</i> -Paris, <i>tho' I had done nothing to deserve it; and -I am now as much hated, but for what reason I -should be glad to know</i>. He knew perhaps, or -at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity -of Silver was the only Cause of it; and it -appeared by the Regent's Conduct, that the -King's Coffers were so far from being full, that<!--297.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">291</a></span> -Payments were made, not in Silver, but in Paper; -a Money always fluctuating, and with -which the <i>French</i> began to be tir'd. They had -so often seen Bills, with various Denominations; -and the Fare of the last sort call'd <i>Mint-Bills</i>, -in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that -it was almost impossible they should entertain a -better Opinion of those that were created at the -beginning of the Regency, by the Name of <i>Government-Bills</i>: -Yet these were admitted notwithstanding -the great Clamor against them; -and by and by we shall find that the <i>French</i>, -who are always doom'd to be bubbled, gave into -a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps -to view, but more ruinous in the Event, than -those which had appear'd before it.</p> - -<p>Another thing which put the People out of -conceit with the Government, was the Fluctuation -of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing -was fix'd; and what was done one day, -was cancell'd the next. The Regent, who was -really a good-natur'd and very affable Prince, -seem'd to put himself into the hands of too -many People: No body that had a Favor to ask -was turn'd away; it often happen'd that the -same Thing was promis'd to two Persons, and a -third obtain'd it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments -were promis'd, but the Promise seldom -kept: So far from it, that several Pensions -were suppress'd, and mine, which cost me so -much Pains in the Sollicitation, was of that number. -I made some Bustle to be put upon the -List again; yet all that I could obtain was a -Promise that my Pension should be renew'd -very soon: But the Performance is still to come.</p> - -<p>All this striking off of Pensions, together -with a considerable Reduction of the Army, reduc'd<!--298.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">292</a></span> -a great many People to Beggary. I saw -several Knights of St. <i>Lewis</i> at that very time, -waiting with Impatience for the Dusk of the Evening, -that they might go out, and beg Alms in -the public Places. This extreme Misery was attended, -as may be easily imagin'd, by Robberies -and Murders; so that all this while <i>Paris</i> had -a great Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension -that I should be a Sharer in the common -Desolation, engag'd me to pay my Court to -<i>Madame</i> with more Assiduity than ever, and I -earnestly intreated her to honor me with her -Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess -return'd me for Answer, <i>That she was resolv'd not -to meddle or make; that however I had no reason -to be uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her -speaking in my Behalf to the Prince her Son, since -he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that -for the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs -and Sollicitations, that I must have patience -for a while longer</i>. I made her Answer, <i>That I -was very willing to wait as long as her Royal -Highness pleas'd; but that I was sadly afraid I -was not in a Situation to stay long</i>. <i>Madame</i> reply'd -to me, <i>There is a Remedy for all Things: -Be you to-morrow at my Closet as soon as I have -din'd</i>. I was there punctually according to her -Orders, and found her all alone. As soon as she -saw me she said, <i>I am a poor Widow that can't do -great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige -you</i>. She then gave me the Key of her Bureau, -and bid me open it, and take a Bag out of -one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the -Tune of three thousand Livres. I receiv'd it -with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh -Token of her Royal Highness's Goodness attach'd -me to her more than ever.<!--299.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">293</a></span></p> - -<p>The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew'd -a Demand which they had already made -in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they -expected to be made to them by the first President -when he call'd for their Opinion: They -also claim'd several Prerogatives over the<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> Nobility, -and wanted to establish themselves as a -Middle State between the Princes of the Blood -and those call'd Gentlemen. The Regent made -them Answer, <i>That for his part he had never -acknowledg'd more than three Orders, the Clergy, -the Nobility, and the third Estate; and that -'twas their Business to choose which Class they -would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment -which was intirely unprecedented</i>. -The Dukes demanded moreover, to be excus'd -from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with -a private Gentleman; but the Duke <i>de la Feuillade</i> -refus'd to sign this Petition, because he said, -<i>He would not be expos'd to an Affront from any -Gentleman, and he restrain'd from resenting -it</i>.</p> - -<p>The Parliament did not vouchsafe to answer -the Memorial of the Dukes, and only confirm'd<!--300.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">294</a></span> -what the President <i>de Novion</i> had advanc'd, -that it was the King's sole Right to determine -Claims of that sort, and that therefore they must -wait till his Majesty was of Age. The Nobility -did not treat the Demand of the Dukes with the -same Indifference as the Parliament, and met to -consider how they should behave; but there -came an Order forbidding them to continue -their Assemblies. Yet for all this Prohibition -they drew up a Memorial between themselves, -which was presented to the King. This Conduct -of theirs so disgusted the Court, that several -of the Nobles who were known to have the -greatest Hand in the Memorial were taken up -and committed to the <i>Bastile</i>. The Dukes met -at the same time at the House of the Archbishop of -<i>Rheims</i>, who was afterwards the Cardinal <i>de -Mailly</i>. In fine, the Result of all these Motions -on both sides, was a Declaration issued by his -Majesty, requiring that every thing should remain -in the same State as in the late King's -Life-time, without prejudice to the Rights of either -Party. A zealous Parliamentarian, who, -'tis like, could not brook that Pretensions so frivolous -as that of the Dukes should remain unanswer'd, -publish'd a very long Tract to prove, -that several of the Dukes were not Gentlemen; -and that the Generality of the Members of Parliament -were indisputably of better Extraction -than those who were grac'd with the Title of -Dukes. I question if <i>Henry</i> IV. who very often -did the Nobility the Honor to call himself a -Gentleman, would have left the Claim of the -Dukes undetermin'd.</p> - -<p>At this very time the Princes of the Blood -presented a Petition to his Majesty against the Legitimated -Princes. The former were uneasy to<!--301.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">295</a></span> -see the latter in possession of Rank equal to theirs, -and pretending to an equal Share with them in -the Right of Succession to the Crown; and -therefore demanded that the Legitimated Princes, -<i>viz.</i> the Duke <i>du Maine</i> and the Count <i>de Toulouse</i>, -and their Descendants, should be declar'd -to have forfeited the Rank of Princes of the -Blood; and that the Act by which the late -King declared those Princes capable of succeeding -to the Crown, should be struck out of the Registers -of the Parliament.</p> - -<p>The Legitimated Princes presented a Memorial -to the King on their part, whereby they represented -to his Majesty, that the Demand of the -Princes of the Blood was contrary to his Authority; -that the Sovereigns had always the Liberty -of granting such Honors as they thought fit, -either to the Court or the Parliament; and that -moreover, the late King, when he declar'd them -Princes of the Blood, did it in the most authentic -Manner, the Declaration which gave them -that Dignity, being register'd in Parliament, in -the Presence, and even with the Advice of the -Princes of the Blood, and of the Dukes and -Peers.</p> - -<p>Several Writings were publish'd at that time -on both sides of the Question, to prove the Justice -of the Cause which each maintain'd. The Amount -of what the Legitimated Princes pleaded -was, That Kings were the absolute Dispensers -of Favors; and that the Kings who were <i>Lewis</i> -XIVth's Predecessors, formerly granted those -very Privileges, which they now aim'd to -deprive them of, without Opposition. They -quoted for Example the <i>Longueville</i> Family, -whose Descendants had always the Rank of -Princes of the Blood. They also instanc'd in<!--302.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">296</a></span> -several Bastards who had succeeded to the -Crown, in the first and second Race of the Kings -of <i>France</i>; and observ'd, that the Case would -have been the same in the third Race, if the -same Fact had happen'd.</p> - -<p>The Princes of the Blood gave an ample and -solid Reply to the Memorial of the Legitimated -Princes. They advanc'd, that the King as great -as his Authority was, could not grant Prerogatives -that were peculiar only to Birth-right; that a -Bastard was one without Father, without Mother, -without Kindred, <i>&c.</i> and by consequence -incapable of holding any Rank which Blood alone -can give; that moreover, the Claim of the -Legitimated Princes would deprive the Nation of -its Right of calling such Family to the Crown as -they thought fit, in case the Royal Family -should happen to be extinct.</p> - -<p>This Memorial was confuted by another, and -to the latter there was a Reply. In fine, both -sides grew so warm, that to put an end to -the Quarrel, the King was oblig'd to speak. -He declared solemnly, <i>That the Legitimated -Princes should enjoy the Rank of Princes of the -Blood during their Lives, but that they could -not succeed to the Crown</i>. This Declaration was -very well receiv'd, in appearance, by both -Parties; but perhaps too it was the Cause of -some Events, which in the Consequence gave -the Regent no little Uneasiness, whereof I shall -soon have occasion to make mention.</p> - -<p>During these Transactions in <i>France</i>, there -were Commotions of much greater Consequence in -<i>England</i>, where a Revolution was expected in -favor of the Chevalier <i>de St. George</i>, who having -spent some time at the Prince <i>de Vaudemont</i>'s -House at <i>Commercy</i> in <i>Lorrain</i>, was just set out<!--303.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">297</a></span> -for <i>Scotland</i>. He embark'd between <i>Ostend</i> and -<i>Dunkirk</i>, and had a happy Passage. As soon as -he arriv'd he found a considerable Party which -declar'd for him. Every thing seem'd at first -to favor him: A great many Persons came to -own him for King, and he was serv'd in that -Quality. But his Happiness was of no long Duration, -and he was oblig'd to retire with Precipitancy -from a Country where he was in danger -of being ill us'd.</p> - -<p>'Twas the Opinion of many People that this -Undertaking would have succeeded, if the Prince -had not discover'd so much Zeal for the Catholic -Religion; for 'twas only desired of him to -promise to preserve the Privileges of <i>Scotland</i> in -Religious Matters, but he would not hear of -it. Moreover, he rose one day from Table -without eating a Morsel, because a Clergyman -of the Church of <i>England</i> had said the Grace; -and upon this Occasion he protested, that he -would never eat a Bit of what a Heretic pretended -to give a Blessing to. This great Zeal for Religion, -a Zeal perhaps too flaming in Circumstances -where he might, without any Crime, -have smother'd it, was the reason that all the -Protestants in <i>Scotland</i>, many of whom had already -declared in his Favor, turn'd their backs -on him. I happen'd to be present when all this -was told to the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>. He made -Answer, <i>If all this be true, 'tis no wonder that -he has not succeeded; and I look upon him as an -undone Prince</i>. At the same time I observ'd -such an Air of Satisfaction in his and <i>Madame</i>'s -Countenances, as convinc'd me that they were -not ill pleas'd to see the Elector of <i>Hanover</i> establish'd -on the Throne of <i>England</i>.<!--304.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">298</a></span></p> - -<p>The Chevalier <i>de St. George</i> return'd to <i>France</i>, -and having pass'd thro' the whole Kingdom <i>incog.</i> -he went for Refuge to <i>Avignon</i>. The <i>English</i> -did all they could with the Regent to engage -him to arrest the Chevalier, and demanded -likewise that he would cashier all the <i>English</i> -and <i>Irish</i> Officers in the Service of <i>France</i>, that -were the Pretender's Adherents. The Regent -satisfy'd them but in part, for he only cashier'd -the Officers. The Chevalier <i>de St. George</i> -was hotly pursu'd, and 'tis even said that a -certain Lord was a good while in chace of him, -with a Design to have killed him; but the Chevalier -escap'd the Danger by the Haste that -he made to <i>Avignon</i>. When he quitted <i>Scotland</i> -he was oblig'd to leave several Lords that had -follow'd him in the Lurch, particularly the -Duke of <i>Lirie</i>, Son to the Marshal <i>de Berwic</i>, -Natural Son of <i>James</i> II. who had so much -Difficulty to get to <i>France</i> again, that 'twas even -reported for a long while that he had been taken -Prisoner and beheaded, as Lord <i>Derwentwater</i> -was at <i>London</i>.</p> - -<p>The <i>French</i> were sorry to see that Fortune -always cross'd the Chevalier <i>de St. George</i>, and -could not help pitying the Queen his Mother, -whose Sorrows were by this Disaster increas'd; -for she had, by the Miscarriage of this Expedition, -ruin'd several of her Friends, who had -made their utmost Efforts to support the Charges -of it.</p> - -<p>Tho' the <i>Orleans</i> Family was not very much -afflicted at the Misfortune of the Chevalier <i>de -St. George</i>, yet it did not hinder <i>Madame</i> from -going to <i>Chaillot</i> to condole with the Queen -upon her late Misfortunes. I was at the Royal -Palace when <i>Madame</i> return'd from the Visit;<!--305.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">299</a></span> -and she did me the Honor to tell me, <i>That she -had been almost crying her Eyes out</i>. I pretended -to be ignorant of the Cause of her Tears, and -took the Freedom to ask her, <i>What was the -matter? The poor Queen of <span class="f">England</span>!</i> said she, -<i>I pity her heartily. I have been weeping with -her</i>. I could not help letting <i>Madame</i> know -how much I was surpriz'd at this Grief of her's, -because I imagin'd she was more in the Interest -of the Family that govern'd <i>England</i>, than of a -Prince who was a Stranger to her; and one, -moreover, that was always out of Fortune's Favor. -<i>You are in the right</i>, said Madame, <i>all the -Relations of my late Aunt are dear to me, and I -with 'em well. But this poor Queen takes it as -much to heart as if it was but to-day that she -left the Crown. But what can she do? The only -way for her is to make her self easy. 'Tis not her -Doom to be happy; and since one of 'em must be -unfortunate, I had rather she was so than the -King of <span class="f">England</span>. But</i>, added she, <i>this must -not be told</i>. Madam <i>de D——</i> coming in -just after these Words, <i>Madame</i> told her, <i>That -she had been to see the Queen of <span class="f">England</span>, but -that she thought she had been with the Nymph <span class="f">Arethusa</span> all the while</i>. Madam <i>de D——</i> made -Answer to her, <i>That it was not surprizing to -see Tears shed by Persons so much afflicted as the -Queen was. What then</i>, said Madame, <i>are not -thirty Tears Misfortunes enough to inure her to -them</i>? Thus did this Princess wipe away the -Tears which lately fell from her in such a Torrent.</p> - -<p>The fine Season being come, <i>Madame</i> went -to <i>St. Cloud</i>, and took with her Mademoiselle <i>de -Chartres</i> now the Abbess of <i>Chelles</i>, and Mademoiselle -<i>de Valois</i> now Princess of <i>Modena</i>. -<i>Madame</i> spent all the Summer at <i>St. Cloud</i>, so that I<!--306.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">300</a></span> -made several Trips thither. I told her my Case, and -desir'd that she would please to intercede for me -with the Duke her Son. She always promis'd -me she would, but never did; and yet she said to -every body who talk'd of me to her, <i>That she -wish'd me well</i>; while, on the other hand, tho' -this Princess mortally hated <i>S——</i> a <i>Prussian</i> -Gentleman, she earnestly importun'd the Duke -her Son to serve him; and I was present one day -when she sollicited for him. After the Duke of -<i>Orleans</i> retir'd, she call'd me to her, and said, -<i>You heard how I espous'd the Interests of <span class="f">S——</span>, yet I -can assure you he does not deserve it</i>. Then <i>Madame</i> -told me strange Stories to the disadvantage of <i>S——</i>, upon -which I took the Freedom to defend his -Cause, and to assure her Royal Highness that -he had been misrepresented to her. <i>What!</i> said -Madame, <i>will you offer to deny that he had his -Hand cut off for counterfeiting the Sign-Manual -of the King of <span class="f">Denmark</span>?</i> As I knew the Adventure -of <i>S——</i> at the <i>Danish</i> Court, and that -his was not a Crime of such a nature; and as, -moreover, I knew that the Loss of his Right -Arm was owing to a Fall that he had receiv'd, I -represented to <i>Madame</i>, that I should have -thought the cutting off of his Hand Punishment -enough in all reason for the Crime of which -she suspected <i>S——</i>; but that nevertheless, his -Arm was cut off near the Shoulder. <i>Alas</i>! said -the Princess, <i>that's because it was cut a second -time. But, Madame</i>, I instantly reply'd, <i>How -could your Royal Highness favor a Man that was -capable of such a Fraud? I have my Reasons for -it</i>, said she. I did not venture to indulge my Curiosity -further. But in fine, this M. <i>de S——</i> who -was to the last degree abhorr'd, obtain'd what -he desir'd; whereas, for my part, as well as I<!--307.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">301</a></span> -was wish'd, I could not possibly obtain so much as -a positive Denial, which would at least have -serv'd to undeceive me, and to make me look -out for Preferment from another Quarter.</p> - -<p>While <i>Madame</i> was at <i>St. Cloud</i>, the Duchess -of <i>Berry</i> resided at <i>Meudon</i>, tho' sometimes she -came to <i>Paris</i>. I had the Honor of paying my -Compliments to this Princess very often. She -was good-natur'd and generous, and very free to -ask Favors of the Regent her Father, who seldom -deny'd her; so that whoever had her Protection, -was in a sure way to be advanc'd. The -Count <i>de R——</i>, a young Man of Quality, and -who was just enter'd as a Lieutenant in that -Princess's Guards, knew better than any body -how to gain his Mistress's Favor. I knew him -some time before this Preferment of his, when -he was a Lieutenant in the King's Regiment, -very much out at heels, and by consequence -not in a Condition to keep a certain Sett of Company; -at least, in the manner that he would -have desir'd: But by meer Chance he was quarter'd -upon the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, who wanted a -Man of a good Family to be Lieutenant of -her Guards; for till then those who officiated -in that Post were only Persons of a common -Extraction, for which reason few there -were that strove to get it. <i>R——</i> thought very -prudently, that in his present Circumstances he -was not oblig'd to mind such Scruples; and he -spoke to his Sister, who was a Lady of the Bed-Chamber -to the Duchess, of the Design he had -to offer his Service. He actually did so, and was -admitted. He perform'd the Duty of it a good -while, and the Princess took no more Notice of -him than she did of any of her other Officers. -What began to make him known was this. One<!--308.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">302</a></span> -day as the Princess was going out she observ'd -that <i>R——</i> was not on horseback by the side of -her Coach, as his Duty demanded of him; and -she complain'd of it to the Duke <i>de la Rochefoucault</i> -the Captain of her Guards. This Officer, -who was fond of <i>R——</i>, and was, moreover, -naturally inclin'd to do him Service, said to the -Princess that <i>R——</i> was not well; but setting -his Indisposition aside, as he had the Honor to -be a Gentleman, he thought it hard to ride like -a Stable-Boy by the side of her Coach, while -several Officers of the Houshold, who were not -equal to him, rode in the Coach that follow'd. -The Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, who was a kind Mistress, -immediately gave Orders, that the Lieutenant -of her Guards should ride in the Waiting-Coach. -<i>R——</i> return'd her Thanks, and was more assiduous -than ever in his Attendance on her. -Madame <i>de M——</i> spoke afterwards so -much in Commendation of <i>R——</i>, that the -Princess her self talk'd with him several times, -and was convinc'd that Madame <i>de M——</i> had -told her the Truth, and that <i>R——</i> deserv'd -her Favor. He was quickly Master of a splendid -Fortune, gay Furniture, Clothes and Equipage; -and she also preferr'd him to several Regiments, -which he always dispos'd of to his advantage. -To the Honor of <i>R——</i> be it said, -that his Prosperity did not make him a jot the -vainer; he was still as good-natur'd and civil as -ever, his old Friends always found him the -same, and very often he did them important -Services. He had afterwards a Quarrel with the -Regent, who caus'd him to be banish'd from -his Regiment; and during his Exile the Duchess -of <i>Berry</i> died at <i>la Muette</i>, the 20th of <i>July, -1719</i>, aged only 24.<!--309.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">303</a></span></p> - -<p>Mean time the King who had been at <i>Paris</i> -ever since his Return from <i>Vincennes</i>, was removed -out of the hands of the Women into those -of the Men, and the Person appointed for his -Governor was the Marshal <i>de Villeroy</i>. The -Choice of him was the more applauded, because -he was one of the old experienced Courtiers, and -a Man whose Zeal and Attachment to the King's -Person no body question'd. The Constitution of -this young Prince was so tender, that they could -not be too careful of it. The Marshal, as old -as he was, fully answer'd what was expected of -him: He gave extraordinary Application to the -discharge of his Duty, and was never out of -his Majesty's sight. This Nobleman's Post being -the most honorable that can be desir'd in -<i>France</i>, there quickly arose envious Persons, -who strove, tho' in vain, to depreciate him in -the Esteem of the Public. They confess'd that -he was a very proper Person to teach the young -Monarch to walk and make his Salute like a -King, to put his Hat on with a Grace, to accost -a Lady in the politest manner, and other things -of that nature; but that he was by no means -fit to inspire him with Ideas suitable to his Rank, -and that he could never make him think like a -King. But the consequence shew'd what the -Marshal was capable of, and the young Prince -quickly gave Proofs that he had learnt of the -Marshal not only to walk, but to think like a -King. I remember one Passage, which is a -very plain Indication of his being fully persuaded -that he was the sole Master in his Kingdom, -and that there was no Person above him. When -<i>Madame</i> came to the <i>Thuilleries</i>, she made but a -very short Visit at Court, because she went to -hear Mass; and she said to the King as she retired,<!--310.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">304</a></span> -<i>That she was going to wait on a greater -Lord than he</i>. The young Prince seem'd a little -surpriz'd at first, but after a Moment's Reflexion -he made her Answer, <i>Undoubtedly</i>, Madame, <i>you -are going to pray to God</i>. Another day the -<i>French</i> Comedians having play'd the Tragedy -of <i>Athalia</i> before his Majesty, 'tis said the Prince -could not bear with any Patience to see young -<i>Joas</i> seated on the Throne, for he had a Fancy -that he was a second King; nor would he so -much as applaud the Lad who so perfectly well -play'd the Part of <i>Joas</i>. These Passages are a -sufficient Demonstration, that he had been inspir'd -with Sentiments suitable to his Dignity; and -that in time, perhaps, he will not be inferior in -any respect to his August Great-Grandfather.</p> - -<p>As to my own Affairs, I had the Mortification -to find them still in the same Situation. -'Tis certain that no Sollicitation was -wanting on my part, nor Promises on the part -of the Regent; but after all, nothing was concluded, -and I was then not a whit forwarder -than when I arriv'd in <i>France</i>, tho' I had not -near so much Money. Mean time I was too -earnest for entring into the Service to be disheartened, -and shutting my Eyes against the Improbability -of Success, I renew'd my Sollicitation. -My Residence at <i>Paris</i> being extremely ruinous -to me, my particular Acquaintance could not -conceive how I was able to support my self. -Mademoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i> soon heard that I had -not yet obtain'd any thing in <i>France</i>, and that -nevertheless I was obstinately bent on staying -there: She could not bear the Thoughts of the -Expence, which she was sensible I was oblig'd -to be at; and as my Estate was entail'd upon -her, she imagin'd that the Money I spent in<!--311.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">305</a></span> -<i>France</i> was so much taken out of her Pocket. -She resolv'd therefore to make me quit <i>Paris</i>, -knowing very well that 'twas cheaper to live -elsewhere. For this end she desir'd the Princess -<i>de G——</i>, who corresponded by Letters with -<i>Madame</i>, to write to her Royal Highness, and -to intreat her to protect me no longer, because -I did not deserve her Favors. The Letter was -accordingly written and sent to <i>Madame</i>, who -told me the whole Contents of it. 'Twas so -well cook'd up, that my Cousin might boast of -having a good Secretary. But her Royal Highness -assur'd me, that this Letter should make no -Impression upon her, and that she would always -be my Friend. I most humbly thank'd the -Princess, withdrew in a terrible Pet with my -Cousin; and in the first transport of my Passion -I wrote her a Letter, in which I did not spare -her. As she was really a Woman of very good -Sense, she answer'd me in the same Style. I replied; -she did the same; and thus we carried -on a Literary Correspondence, in which there -were very pretty Sayings on both sides.</p> - -<p>To compleat my Happiness I was afflicted -with a Redundancy of Choler, which was follow'd -with the Jaundice, a Distemper that brought -me to the very Brink of the Grave. My Friends -did not forsake me; and among others I may -say, that I had more than ordinary Obligation -to the Abbé <i>d'Asfeldt</i>, who desir'd me to reflect -on my State; and as he knew that I was -not a Roman Catholic, and that the Prejudices -in which I had been bred up, gave me great -Prejudice to the contrary Party, he conjur'd me -to permit him to discourse me about Religion, -only one Hour in a Day; to which I consented -with pleasure. Every body knows with what<!--312.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">306</a></span> -an Energy he speaks, and with what a winning -Grace. He continued his Visits all the time of -my Sickness, which by degrees went quite off. -I was so affected with what he said to me, that -I promised him I would receive Instruction -when I was recover'd; and as soon as I got abroad, -I was as good as my Word. He brought -me acquainted with Father <i>Denis</i>, a barefooted -<i>Carmelite</i>, who in some Conferences with me -finish'd what the Abbé <i>d'Asfeldt</i> had begun; -so that in a little time after, I made public -Profession of my Faith to Father <i>Denis</i><a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a>, in -presence of an infinite number of Persons of -Quality. The Marquis <i>d'Asfeldt</i> and the Abbé -his Brother were my Witnesses, and sign'd my -Confession of Faith along with me. When the -Ceremony was ended, I was accosted on all sides -with Embraces from abundance of People, of -whom three parts in four were quite unknown -to me; yet their Zeal for Religion made them -fond of expressing how glad they were to see -me admitted into the Bosom of the Church. -I receiv'd the Communion the same Week, upon -the Festival of <i>All-Saints</i>: And at length I -waited on the Cardinal <i>de Noailles</i>, who made a -very fine Speech to me, exhorting me to continue -stedfast in the Religion that I had embrac'd.</p> - -<p>The News of my Conversion was soon spread in -<i>Germany</i>, and <i>Luther</i> and <i>Calvin</i> themselves could -not have exclaim'd against it more than my good -Cousin did. The same Princess who had formerly -recommended me so heartily to <i>Madame</i>, wrote<!--313.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">307</a></span> -to her again to tell her, <i>That she ought not to be surprised -at my changing my Religion, and that 'twas -nothing but a Ceremony which I had perform'd -two or three times before</i>. But tho' she gave it -this Turn, it made little or no Impression upon -<i>Madame</i>. And for my own part I did not give -much heed to what my Enemies said; and that -I might not be in the way of hearing it, I left -off going to the Royal Palace, where <i>Madame</i> -resided after she quitted <i>St. Cloud</i>.</p> - -<p>I spent the Winter of 1717 very disagreeably, -that is to say, I wanted Money; and without -that current Metal, a Man may live as well in -the remotest Desert as in <i>Paris</i>. I was quickly -oblig'd to by down my Equipage, and at last to -sell some of my Clothes to satisfy my clamorous -Debtors: Yet for all this I could not stave off an -Affront from one of them, who to be sure was more -hungry than the rest; for tho' he had promis'd -to give me a Month longer, he caus'd me to be -arrested in the little Market of the Suburb of -<i>St. Germain</i>, and all at once was I hurried to -the Abbey. This might have prov'd a very fatal -Misfortune to me, if I had not been assisted -that very day by M. <i>de N——</i> a Counsellor of -Parliament, to whom I sent word of it the -very Moment I was in Hold; upon which he -came immediately, and offer'd his Bond for the -Debt: But my Creditor would hear of no Terms -except the Money down, and refus'd to take his -Security. M. <i>de N——</i> was so exasperated at -this Denial, that he wrote a Line to the First -President desiring him to set me at liberty, -which I obtain'd accordingly upon the Spot, -without Money, or so much as giving the Creditor -any manner of Security. M. <i>de N——</i> -too, in order to oblige me to all Intents and Purposes,<!--314.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">308</a></span> -was so good as to get a Writ of Protection -for me, after which my Creditors could not -touch me: And indeed, considering the Situation -I was then in, that was the greatest piece -of Service that could be done for me.</p> - -<p>I was no sooner got out of this Scrape but I -fell into another, not altogether so vexatious indeed, -yet very perplexing. In my Visits to the -President <i>de P——</i>'s Lady, I became acquainted -at her House with a Widow, who tho' old, -ugly, covetous and silly, and to crown all, terribly -fond of Law, was so rich, that all those amiable -Qualities were over-look'd by a number -of pleasant Companions, who strove to make -Love to her, in hopes of contracting a Marriage -which seem'd so likely to make their Fortunes. -The Widow could not tell how to fix -her Choice; not that she was averse to Matrimony, -but the Conditions she requir'd were so -extraordinary, that the very mention of them -made her Gallants take their Leave of her. The -President <i>de P——</i>'s Wife, who knew the Lady -very well, and my Circumstances even better, -advis'd me to try my Luck; and for my Encouragement -she promis'd to serve me: and serve -me she did so effectually, that the Lady was not -displeas'd with the Pains which she perceiv'd I -took to make my self acceptable to her. She -offer'd me an Apartment in her House; in short, -she made me to understand that I need not despair -of any thing. I had some Reluctance to accept -of that Offer, altho' it was so advantagious; -and for this Reason chiefly, the Want of Money, -because I did not care to be at her House without -being better equip'd. By good Luck my -Landlady, who was one of those intriguing -Dames with which <i>Paris</i> swarms, help'd me out<!--315.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">309</a></span> -of this Difficulty. She discover'd all in an Instant -what was the matter, and in concert with -an <i>Italian</i> Valet de Chambre, who had liv'd -with me for some time, she help'd me without -any Difficulty to every thing that was necessary -for my Appearance with Splendor. I then hir'd -more Servants, bought very fine Liveries; in -short, all my Equipage was in a few days more -gay than ever. 'Tis true it was all upon Tick; -but our old Lady, as covetous as she was, would -not let me suffer upon that score. In the mean -time I had a very difficult Game to play; for I -was oblig'd to counterfeit being over head and -ears in Love with the most disagreeable Woman -upon the Face of the Earth; and at the -very time too when I was still courting Madame -<i>de R——</i>, who without dispute was as handsome a -Woman as any whatsoever. Nor was this all; for -the old Lady, to be like the fine Women forsooth, -affected to be jealous; and whenever I ventur'd -to leave her, which was but very seldom, she was -sure to set on a Spy to watch me. We generally -went abroad together. By eight o'clock in the -Morning we us'd to be at the Palais importuning -the Judges, or else provoking the Attorneys -and Sollicitors to scold like Madmen. When -we had done there, the good Lady return'd -home and sat down to her Toilet, and I us'd to -sit by her in an Arm-chair till I was quite tir'd. -At first indeed I had some Pleasure in being so -near a Spectator of the Art by which a very disagreeable -Face may be sometimes made tolerable. -My old Lady's was all artificial from the -Forehead to the Chin; and I question whether -a Picture takes up more Colours than she made -use of to dawb her Features with? Her Apparel -was rich, but as much dy'd and daub'd as all the<!--316.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">310</a></span> -rest. A Correspondence so tiresome as this was, -gave me a horrid Disgust; but yet when I reflected -what a Pass I had reduc'd my self to by -my Extravagance, I thought it was not my Interest -to break it off. I continu'd therefore to -play the Part of an amorous Suitor. And at -last, fearing that I should sink under the Fatigue, -I began to talk strenuously of Marriage; -but the good Lady still said it was yet too soon, -and that she was willing to have further Tryal -of me. She resolv'd at length to consent to it; but -'twas upon such extraordinary Terms, that really -I should have renounc'd any other Match upon -that score, if it had been twenty times more advantagious. -I resolv'd therefore to have no -more to say to the silly Woman, and to retire. -I thought of making another Tour to <i>Berlin</i> to -settle my Affairs, and to sell my Land if Mademoiselle -<i>de Pollnitz</i> would give her Consent; -but I put off my Departure for a little time in -hopes of seeing the Czar of <i>Muscovy</i>, who was -shortly expected at <i>Paris</i>.</p> - -<p>This Monarch, from no other Motive but Curiosity, -came from one of the Extremities of <i>Europe</i> -to see the Court of <i>France</i>. They would -have had him make a public Entry; but he desir'd -to be receiv'd without Ceremony. <i>Verton</i> -the King's Chief Steward met him on the Frontier, -and conducted him to <i>Amiens</i>, where the -Marquis <i>de Nesle</i> complimented him in the -Name of the King, and then went with him -half way to <i>Paris</i>. The Marshal <i>de Tesse</i>, who was -charged to accompany the Prince all the time -he was to stay in <i>France</i>, went also to meet him. -The Czar arriv'd at the <i>Louvre</i> by ten o'clock -at Night, and was conducted to the Queen Mother's -Apartment, which had been sumptuously<!--317.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">311</a></span> -furnish'd for his Reception. Some Moments -after his Arrival the Marshal <i>de Villeroy</i> came -from the King to make his Excuses that he was -not at the <i>Louvre</i> to receive him, by reason his -Majesty's tender Years and Constitution did not -permit him to sit up so late. They laid that the -Czar was not satisfy'd with this Excuse, nor with -the Regent for not coming to meet him. 'Tis -certain that he appeared to be very much out of -Temper all the Evening, would eat no Supper, -and took but one Glass of Beer: Nor would he -stay at the <i>Louvre</i>, saying, <i>That the Furniture -of his Apartment was too rich; and that his Attendants, -who were not the most cleanly, might -happen to spoil it</i>. 'Twas one o'clock in the Morning -when the Czar was pleas'd to shift his -Lodging, and the Marshal <i>de Tesse</i> would have -been sadly put to it, had he not caus'd the Palace -of <i>Lesdiguieres</i> to be furnish'd by way of -Precaution. The Czar thought this House also -too richly furnish'd, and notwithstanding all -they could say he would not lie in a magnificent -Bed which was put up in the Apartment that -was to be his, but caus'd a little Bed to be set -up for himself in the Wardrobe. Next day the -Regent came and paid him a Visit, when the -Prince <i>de Kourakin</i> the Czar's Ambassador to -<i>Holland</i> serv'd for their Interpreter. The Visit -lasted near an Hour, and there all the Ceremonial -was settled that was to be observ'd to -the <i>Russian</i> Monarch.</p> - -<p>After this the King went to see him first, being -accompanied from the Palace of the <i>Thuilleries</i>, -with the chief Lords and Officers of the Crown. -The Czar receiv'd his Majesty as he alighted -from the Coach, and took him in his Arms with -a Transport of Fondness; at which the young<!--318.png--><span class="pagenum">312</span> -Monarch seem'd a little surpriz'd. He said to -the Czar, <i>That he was very glad to see him safe -arrived at <span class="f">Paris</span>; that he wish'd him Pleasure as -long as he staid in his Dominions; that he should -have the same Respect paid to him as to himself, -and that he had given Orders for the Court-Service -always to give way to his</i>. Then the two Monarchs -went hand in hand into a Chamber where -two Chairs of State were plac'd. The Czar being -the Stranger sate on the Right Hand. The -Duke <i>du Maine</i> and the Marshal <i>de Villeroy</i> stood -behind the King's Chair of State, and answer'd -the Questions which the Czar ask'd his Majesty. -After a short Visit the King rose first, -and was accompanied to his Coach by the Czar, -who at taking Leave of his Majesty caught him -up again in his Arms, and hoisting him higher than -his Head, said, <i>He wish'd that his Grandeur and -Power might surpass that of the late King</i> Lewis -XIV. He help'd the King into his Coach, and -did not return till it mov'd off.</p> - -<p>Next day the Czar went to the <i>Thuilleries</i> -with the same Train as the King has when he -goes abroad, and rode in the King's Coach attended -by the chief Lords of his Court, who -sat over-against him, and at the Coach-Doors. -As soon as he enter'd the Court, the King went -to the Gate of the Castle, receiv'd him at his -landing, and then conducted him to his Apartment, -always giving the Czar the Right Hand. -I never saw more People at the <i>Thuilleries</i> than -there were on that day, insomuch that the two -Monarchs had scarce room to pass. The Czar -shew'd a prodigious Care of the King, kept him -up by one Hand, and wav'd the other to -keep off such as were apt to croud too near -him. After a Visit no longer than that which<!--319.png--><span class="pagenum">313</span> -the King made to the Prince, his Majesty reconducted -him to the Coach, and the Czar return'd -to his House with the same Train that -had accompanied him. When that Prince return'd -to his Apartment, he told the Marshal, -<i>That he was very much surpriz'd at the infinite -Croud of People in the way</i>. To which the -Marshal made Answer, <i>That the <span class="f">French</span> had so -great a Veneration for his Person, and so high an -Idea of his illustrious Qualities, that no wonder -they were so eager to see a Prince, who they knew -beforehand was deserving of their Admiration</i>. -The Czar seem'd very well pleas'd with this -Answer, yet he desir'd, <i>That for the future, -when he went abroad, the People might be oblig'd -to keep out of his way</i>. He paid a Visit -next day to the Regent and to <i>Madame</i>. The latter -talk'd to him for two Hours in <i>High-Dutch</i>, -and the Czar answer'd the Princess in -<i>Low-Dutch</i>. When he was withdrawn he said -to M. <i>de S——</i>, <i>That <span class="f">Madame</span> was extremely -inquisitive; that she wanted to knew every thing; -and that she had ask'd him too many Questions; but -that after all, he told her no more than what he -was willing she should know</i>.</p> - -<p>The Czar was very curious to see every thing -that was worth seeing in and about <i>Paris</i>. He -inform'd himself of every thing, and took care -to write every thing in his Pocket-book that he -thought remarkable. He rose at Day-break, and -rambled about from one Place to another till -Night. To prevent all manner of Incumbrance -he chose to make use of none but the Marshal <i>de -Tesse</i>'s Coaches, tho' that Nobleman would have -been well enough contented without such Preference, -because he kill'd several of his Horses; -and the poor Marshal himself must have sunk<!--320.png--><span class="pagenum">314</span> -under the Fatigue of the perpetual Motion that -he was oblig'd to, if the Czar had staid much -longer; but this Monarch lost no time, and examin'd -every thing with equal Nicety and Dispatch, -because he intended to be gone as soon -as he had satisfy'd his Curiosity.</p> - -<p>The Court spar'd nothing to pay this Prince -all due Honors. The Regent for this purpose -order'd a general Review of all the King's Houshold -Troops, and of the <i>French</i> and <i>Swiss</i> -Guards in the Walks of <i>Roule</i> and in the <i>Elysian -Fields</i>. The Czar repair'd thither on horseback, -and 'twas expected he would have staid out the -whole Review; but he only rode briskly in the -Front of the first Line, without casting his Eyes -on the Troops, and then clapping Spurs to his -Horse, without paying any Compliment to the -Regent, he return'd full Gallop to <i>Paris</i>. From -thence he went directly to <i>St. Ouen</i>, where the -Duke <i>de Tresmes</i>, First Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, -and Governor of <i>Paris</i>, gave him an -Entertainment, with which he seem'd better -pleas'd than with the Review. He was loth to -consent to the Admission of the Ladies into the -Orangery where the Table was spread, and only -spoke to Madame <i>de Bethune</i>, Daughter of the -Duke <i>de Tresmes</i>, for which Distinction she was -oblig'd to M. <i>de Bethune</i>, who having been a -good while in <i>Poland</i>, talk'd the <i>Polish</i> Language -very well, which procur'd him the Honor -of being able to converse with his Czarish -Majesty. The chief Noblemen, after the Example -of the Duke <i>de Tresmes</i>, made Entertainments -for the <i>Russian</i> Monarch. The Duke Regent -also prepar'd a Grand Feast for him at <i>St. Cloud</i>; -but just as the Czar was setting out from <i>Paris</i>, -he was seiz'd with a violent Fit of the Cholic,<!--321.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">315</a></span> -which hinder'd his going abroad; nor do I -know that he had a Sight of the Castle of <i>St. -Cloud</i> at all. He seem'd to be more delighted with -<i>Versailles</i> than any other Place, insomuch that he -caus'd a Plan of it to be taken, and said, <i>He would -have a Building something like to it erected in his -own Country</i>. With this View he engag'd Workmen -of all sorts, and promis'd them great Advantages -to encourage them to go to <i>Muscovy</i>. -A great number suffer'd themselves to be taken -in, and the Regent consented to let them go -out of the Kingdom; but we are assur'd that -the Promises made to them were not perform'd, -and the Generality thought themselves very happy -when they were return'd to <i>France</i>. This -Prince was not liberal; and what Presents he -made were only valuable as they came from so -great a Prince. I saw a poor Soldier of the Invalids -make him a Present of a Plan of that -Hospital, which had cost him ten Years Labor; -but tho' the Prince seem'd to think it a fine -Piece, yet the Soldier had a very small Reward. -The King of <i>France</i>, however, made him a -noble Present, and thereby convinc'd him how -different the Temper of the <i>French</i> was from -that of the <i>Muscovites</i>. The Czar, in short, return'd -towards his Dominions very well satisfy'd -with <i>France</i>, and went first to <i>Holland</i> -where the <i>Czarina</i> staid for him; and from -thence he proceeded by Land to <i>Petersbourg</i>.</p> - -<p>The Czar's Residence in <i>France</i> had brought -such a vast Number of Foreigners to <i>Paris</i>, -that the City being more populous than ever, new -Pleasures were thought of to divert them. A -private Gentleman made a Proposal to me, -which if I could have succeeded in, would have -been of very great Service to me at that Juncture;<!--322.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">316</a></span> -for it was to put a considerable Sum of Money -in my Pocket, if I could obtain a Patent for licensing -Balls and Plays in the <i>Elysian Fields</i>, -where the Projector wou'd have erected Booths -for that purpose. I spoke of this to the Regent, -who, according to his Custom, promis'd me the -Grant at the first Word; but M. <i>d'Argenson</i>, -who was then only Lieutenant of the Police, -made him soon alter his Mind; for he represented -to his Royal Highness, that such Balls would -infallibly be attended with great Disorders. The -Objection was specious, and like enough to be -true; but after all, such a Licence would not -have increas'd the Disorder very much, especially -at a Place where 'twas for a long time the Fashion -to take the Air in the Night, so that there -were often more Coaches in the Course or Ring -after Midnight, than in the Day-time. Besides, -a way might be found to avoid all the Disorders -that could possibly be foreseen. But M. <i>d'Argenson</i> -was a Man that neither lov'd Novelties, nor Opportunities -of obliging. I was the better pleas'd -with this Project, because if it had taken, I saw -that I should be in a Condition to stay some time -longer at <i>Paris</i>, and to live in a genteel manner. -But at last, when I saw it defeated, I thought of -nothing but returning to <i>Berlin</i>. While I was -putting every thing in order for my Journey, I -saw the Count <i>de Rothenbourg</i> at <i>Paris</i>, who was -come from <i>Berlin</i>, and to return thither shortly -with a Commission on some Affairs of <i>France</i>. -This Gentleman, who encourag'd me in my Design -to go thither, assur'd me that it would be -the easiest matter in the World for me to sell -my Lands; that the King had just erected Fiefs; -and that he gave every Man leave to dispose of -his Estate; nay more, he offer'd to carry me along<!--323.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">317</a></span> -with him, and to advance me what Money I wanted. -I thought all these to be very advantagious -Proposals; but they were Words without -Deeds. 'Tis true he lent me Money, that is to -say, Government-Bills; but taking an advantage -of the Necessity he found me in, oblig'd me to -conclude one of the most fatal Bargains I ever -made in my Life. I discounted my Bills, that is -to say, I lost considerably by them, and with -the residue of the Money I set out from <i>Paris</i> to -<i>Strasbourg</i>, where M. <i>de Rothenbourg</i> had appointed -to meet me: But for his part he went by -the way of <i>Burgundy</i>, where he had an Estate; -so that I staid for him near a Month, which -surely I should not have done if I had been in -Cash. When he came he told me, <i>That 'twas -impossible for him to carry me with him to <span class="f">Berlin</span>, -because he had no room in his Coach</i>. 'Tis true -that it was full, but there were some People in -it, whom it would have better become to have -got up behind. I was by this means under an -indispensable Necessity to stay at <i>Strasbourg</i>, till -I had a sufficient Remittance from <i>Berlin</i>, to -enable me to continue my Journey, without being -beholden to any body.</p> - -<p>I did not repent my Stay at <span class="smcap">Strasbourg</span>; -for tho' I had been at it before, yet I never was -there long enough to make any Observation -upon the Remarkables of the Place. <i>Strasbourg</i><a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> -is one of the best Cities in <i>Europe</i>. 'Tis the -Capital of <i>Alsace</i>, and was conquer'd by <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. in 1682, without any Expence but of -Menaces and Money. That Monarch fortify'd -it considerably, and caus'd a Citadel and Arsenal -to be built there, which are Monuments worthy<!--324.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">318</a></span> -of a Great King. The Cathedral Church has not -its equal for its Bulk and Grandeur. The Doors -are of Brass, and very well wrought. There's a -Pyramidal Spire 574 Foot high, which is a very -noble Piece of Work. The Great Clock is also -worth seeing. I was surpriz'd to see the great -number of Wheels and Machines that give Motion -to all the Constellations, and turn the -Needles, which upon Dials of several sorts -mark the Hours of the Day and Night, with the -Course of the Moon and the other Planets. In -the Vestry of this Church, which is very rich, -are most sumptuous Altar-Ornaments and Copes. -The Episcopal Palace which joins to the Church -is indeed a very commodious, but not a magnificent -Building, tho' it stands upon a considerable -Spot of Ground, whereon a fine Structure might -be erected; but there's no Appearance that such -a thing will be undertaken yet a while, because -the Cardinal <i>de Rohan</i> now Bishop of <i>Strasbourg</i>, -who would be the properest Person for it in the -whole World, resides but little at <i>Strasbourg</i>, and -justly prefers <i>Saverne</i> to it, where he has a most -stately Palace.</p> - -<p><i>Strasbourg</i> was formerly an Imperial City, the -Magistrates whereof were <i>Lutherans</i>, but now -the Catholics are the Masters, and have excluded -the <i>Lutherans</i> from all manner of Employment. -The King of <i>France</i> keeps a strong Garison -in it, and the Commandant here for the King -is the Marshal <i>de Bourg</i>. This Nobleman lives -more retir'd than is usual for People that are in -Power. The Officers go to him very often in -the Morning, when the Marshal makes them -sit down in a Circle, where I have seen such a -Silence observ'd, that if Foreigners were Witnesses -of it, they would not twit the <i>French</i><!--325.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">319</a></span> -with having too much <i>Clack</i>. This Levee -us'd to hold about half an Hour, after which -every one went to dinner where he pleas'd, the -Marshal only keeping a Table for Grand Festivals, -or when any Person of Distinction arriv'd -from the Court of <i>France</i>, which is very rare, -except when the Cardinal <i>de Rohan</i> is at <i>Strasbourg</i>. -When his Eminency is there, a great deal -of Company follows him, and he lives with an -Air of Grandeur suitable to his Birth and Dignity. -Add to this, that there is not any Nobleman, -perhaps, that is of a more courteous and -polite Deportment. When this Prelate is not at -<i>Strasbourg</i> the Place is very melancholy, especially -for such as don't run into the common Debaucheries -of Youth; for the latter indeed always -find wherewith to amuse themselves: and indeed -I have observ'd with my own Eyes that the -young Fellows of <i>Strasbourg</i> are very debauch'd, -and the Ladies very gentle.</p> - -<p>After I had staid a while at <i>Strasbourg</i>, I receiv'd -News at last from <i>Berlin</i>, together with -Money to proceed in my Journey. I made -haste thro' the Cities of <i>Heidelberg</i><a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a>, <i>Darmstad</i> -and <i>Francfort</i>, and stopt at <span class="smcap">Hanau</span>, where I -had the Honor of paying my Compliments to the -Count of that Name, who commonly resides -there. He married a Princess of <i>Brandenbourg-Anspach</i>, -Sister to the Princess of <i>Wales</i>, by -whom he has had but one Daughter, married -to the Hereditary Prince of <i>Hesse-Darmstad</i>, so -that the Family of <i>Hanau</i> is like to be extinct in -the Person of this Count. A part of his Territories, -<i>viz</i>. those which are Fiefs of the Empire, -will revert to the Landgrave of <i>Hesse-Cassel</i>,<!--326.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">320</a></span> -according to Conventions which this -Prince has made with the King of <i>Poland</i>, who -was Heir to a good Part of the County of <i>Hanau</i> -as Elector of <i>Saxony</i>; but the latter sold all -his Pretensions to the Landgrave.</p> - -<p>The City of <i>Hanau</i><a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> stands near the <i>Maine</i>, -and is distinguish'd into the Old and New Towns. -The new Town owes its Foundation to the -<i>Walloon</i> Protestants, who came to settle in this -County during the Religious Wars in the <i>Netherlands</i>. -The Streets of this Quarter, which is -the finest of the two, are broad, and as strait as a -Line, and the Architecture of the Houses on -both sides is almost the same. A very exact Police -is observ'd in it, as well for the Neatness of -the Streets, as for the Security of the Inhabitants. -This Count's Predecessors establish'd several Manufactures -at <i>Hanau</i>; and here is a considerable -Trade in Snuff and Woollen Stuffs. The <i>French</i> -Refugees have contributed not a little to render -this City much more considerable than it was before.</p> - -<p>The Castle or Palace of the Count is in the -Old Town; and he has another House at the -Gates of the Town call'd <i>Philip's-Ruhe</i><a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a>, the Apartments -of which are very fine and nobly furnish'd, -and the Gardens are of a grand Taste, -and a very advantagious Situation.</p> - -<p>From <i>Hanau</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Fulde</span>, an Abbat's -Town of the Empire, in which stands the famous -Abbey of <i>Fulde</i> of the Order of St. <i>Benedict</i>. -The Fryars are all Gentlemen by sixteen -Descents. The Abbat is elected by his Fryars, -and has the Title of <i>Primat of the Abbats, -Prince of the Empire, and Hereditary Chancellor</i><!--327.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">321</a></span> -<i>of the Empress</i>. The Person who is now -vested with that Dignity is of the Family of -<i>Butler</i>. He maintains a great Court and several -Regiments; so that he lives absolutely like a -Temporal Prince. I should have lik'd his Reception -of me very well, if he had not made me -drink so hard, that if I had staid there longer, my -next Journey might probably have been a vast -way beyond <i>Berlin</i>. 'Tis my Opinion, Things -duly consider'd, that there's no need of any extraordinary -Vocation to be a Fryar at <i>Fulde</i>; for -those Gentlemen enjoy every thing that a Man -would wish for in a genteel Life. The House -they dwell in is more like the Palace of a great -King than a Convent; and the Abbey-Church, -and another lately built without the Town, may -be reckon'd among the noblest Buildings in <i>Germany</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Fulde</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Eisenach</span><a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a>, thro' the -most detestable Roads that I ever travell'd. -<i>Eisenach</i> stands upon the River <i>Nese</i>, at the feet -of horrible Mountains. 'Tis the Seat of the -Duke of <i>Saxe-Eisenach</i> of the <i>Weimar</i>-Branch, -who being absent at that time, I had not the -Honor to see him.</p> - -<p>I proceeded from <i>Eisenach</i> to <span class="smcap">Gotha</span><a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a>, the -Residence of the Duke of <i>Saxe-Gotha</i>, who is -the most powerful Prince of <i>Saxony</i>, next to -the Elector. He is descended from the unfortunate -<i>John-Frederic</i> Elector of <i>Saxony</i>, who was -put under the Ban of the Empire, and depriv'd -of his Electorate by <i>Charles</i> V. The Town -is well built, and the Duke's Palace, which is separate -from it, is surrounded with Ramparts.<!--328.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">322</a></span></p> - -<p>From <i>Gotha</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Erfurt</span><a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a>, a City -which formerly was dependent on the Family of -<i>Saxony</i>, who by a solemn Treaty yielded it to -the Elector of <i>Mentz</i> in 1665; and it now belongs -to the present Elector of that Name. The -Inhabitants have made several Attempts to shake -off their Dependency upon that Elector, who on -his part has not been wanting in Measures to -make them easy; and has made considerable -Fortifications to the Castle, in which he maintains -a good Garison. The Town is large, and -contains fine Churches, of which the Cathedral -is remarkable for its Bulk: This Church had -formerly a most magnificent Steeple; but some -years ago the Spire was entirely consumed by -Lightning.</p> - -<p>From <i>Erfurt</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Leipsic</span><a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> one of -the most considerable Cities in the Electorate of -<i>Saxony</i>, and of special Note for its University -and its Fairs. The former, which was founded in -1408, by <i>Frederic</i> the <i>Warrior</i>, has always -supported it self with Reputation, notwithstanding -the Neighbourhood of the University of -<i>Hall</i>. The Situation of <i>Leipsic</i> is charming, and -which way soever one enters it, there are beautiful -Houses and Gardens kept in excellent Order. -The <i>Boses</i> and <i>Appel</i>, Merchants of <i>Leipsic</i> -have Gardens at the Gates of the Town, in -which they have laid out surprizing Sums of Money: -<i>Appel</i> especially has a Garden which a -Prince need not be asham'd of. Besides these -Gardens here are Walks, which are not the less -agreeable for being natural. Here is a remarkable -Wood, which is called in the Language of<!--329.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">323</a></span> -the Country <i>Rosendahl</i>, <i>i. e.</i> the <i>Vale of Roses</i>. -It consists of fourteen Walks, with a great -Meadow in the Middle. Each Walk has a -noble Point of View, and they are all agreeably -diversify'd. The Inside of <i>Leipsic</i> is perfectly -answerable to the Out-parts: The Streets are -very even, and the Houses large and well built. -The only fault I found with them is, that they -are too much charg'd with Sculpture, and not -duly proportion'd: They are all very lofty, and -for the Generality five or six Stories high. The -Rents of them are very dear, and at the time of -the Fairs there's such a Resort of Merchants hither -from all parts, that 'tis very difficult to get -a Lodging. When I came thither 'twas <i>Michaelmas</i> -Fair; at which time the King of <i>Poland</i> -was there. This Prince when he comes to <i>Leipsic</i> -does not lodge in the Castle, tho' it has -very commodious Apartments, but resides in -the House of <i>Appel</i>, the Merchant whom I just -now mention'd, who is Proprietor of one of -the finest Gardens thereabouts. That King -gives the Preference to his House, because 'tis -near the Place where the Fair is kept. So -much, <i>Madame</i>, for what is chiefly remarkable -at <i>Leipsic</i>.</p> - -<p>I made no long stay there, because I was impatient -to return to <span class="smcap">Berlin</span>. At my first Arrival -there I liv'd very retir'd. I foresaw the -little Satisfaction I had to expect at that Court, -which made me resolve not to be seen there. -Nevertheless I could not conceal my self long; -for the Favors with which the Margravine-Dowager -had always honor'd me, obliged me to -pay my Respects to that Princess, who receiv'd -me very kindly, and soon after spoke of me to -his Majesty in so favorable a Manner, that he<!--330.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">324</a></span> -was desirous to see me; and he sent M. <i>de Grumkau</i> -to bid me wait on him at <i>Charlottenbourg</i>, and -to send in my Name to him by <i>Ast</i>, one of his -Valets de Chambre. I could have been very -glad to have been excused from paying Obedience -to that Order; but it was too punctual, -his Majesty having actually appointed the Hour -that I was to appear before him. On the Day -fix'd I therefore went to <i>Charlottenbourg</i>, and -sent for <i>Ast</i>, who came and conducted me to -a Gallery, where he bade me wait a little time; -but I had not been there a Quarter of an Hour -when the King enter'd it, attended by <i>la Fourcade</i>, -Major-General and Commandant of <i>Berlin</i>. -His Majesty came up directly to me, and -ask'd me, with a good deal of Vivacity, <i>From -whence I came, and what was the Cause of my -Return to</i> Berlin? I made answer, <i>That I was -come last from</i> France, <i>and that my domestic Concerns -had brought me back to</i> Berlin. His Majesty, -who proceeded to enquire into my Affairs, -seem'd well enough pleas'd with the Answers -I had the Honor of making to him, and -turning towards <i>la Fourcade</i>, said to him, <i>That -he should never have known me, if he had not been -appriz'd who I was beforehand</i>: And then he -said to me, <i>That he should hereafter look on me -no other than as a</i> Frenchman. I made answer, -<i>That I should think my self very unfortunate if -his Majesty should look on me in that Light; and -that let me be at ever such a Distance from his -Person and his Dominions, I should always be -ambitious of calling my self his Subject; and that -I should constantly preserve the same Sentiments of -Respect and Loyalty to my King and Country, in -which I had been educated</i>. The King then -ask'd me, <i>Whether I had any Intention to sell</i><!--331.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">325</a></span> -<i>my Estate?</i> I confess'd to him, <i>That I had no -other Remedy left to enable me to satisfy my Creditors</i>; -and I actually entreated him to interpose -his Authority to procure the Consent of Mademoiselle -<i>de Pollnitz</i> to the Sale of it. The -King said to me, <i>That he would give his Orders -to M. <span class="f">de C——</span>, to engage her to hearken to -Reason</i>; and then he very graciously dismiss'd -me.</p> - -<p>I went back to <i>Berlin</i>, and did not fail to return -Thanks to the Margravine for the good -Offices she had done me with the King. The -Queen returning some few days after this from -<i>Charlottenbourg</i> to <i>Berlin</i>, I had the Honor to -pay my Respects to her, and was kindly receiv'd. -It was quickly blaz'd after what Manner I had -been receiv'd by their Majesties, which was -Reason enough to engage the Courtiers to shew -me that Complaisance, which otherwise I durst -not have expected. I took little notice, however, -of those Gentlemens Compliments, but -prepar'd my self for finishing the Grand Affair -for which I was come. I caus'd advantagious -Offers to be made to Mademoiselle <i>de Pollnitz</i>, -to gain her Consent. The King order'd a Letter -to be wrote and sent to her at <i>Hanover</i>, to -determine her in my Favor; assuring her at the -same time, <i>That he thought my Proposals very -reasonable; and that her Acceptance of them would -do him a Pleasure</i>. I also went my self to <i>Hanover</i>, -to try if I could persuade her: But neither -the Visits I made to her upon the Affair, -nor those so powerful Recommendations of it, -had any Effect; and she continu'd obstinate in -her Refusal.</p> - -<p>At my Return from <i>Hanover</i>, the King sent -me an Order to wait on him. I was introduc'd<!--332.png--><span class="pagenum">326</span> -by one of his Favorites into the Closet -where his Majesty us'd to smoak. The King -was then playing at a Game with Tables call'd -<i>Tick-tack</i>, the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i> Velt-Marshal, -and several other Generals and Officers being -present. The King rose up as soon as the Game -was ended, came to me and talk'd with me -for a while very graciously. And then sitting -down, he order'd all that were in Company to -take their Seats. Every one took his Place -without observing any Rank. The King smoaked, -as did most of the Gentlemen in the Closet; -but by good Luck no body offer'd me a Pipe, -which I was very glad of, because I could never -smoak in all my Life. The King talk'd to -me a great deal about my Affairs; and in particular -about the Sale of my Estate. 'Twas not -long before I perceiv'd that my Cousin had -brought the King over to her Interest; for as -soon as my Land came to be the Topic of Conversation, -he told me in very plain Terms, <i>That -it would be very wrong for me to part with it, -even tho' my Cousin were to give her Consent to it; -that instead of paying my Debts with the Purchase-Money, -I would be apt to squander it in my Pleasures; -that 'twas high time to think of some Employment -to enable me to pay my Debts, without -selling my Estate</i>. He added, <i>That if, nevertheless, -I persisted in my Resolution to sell it, he would -write again to Mademoiselle</i> de Pollnitz <i>to perswade -her to consent to it; and that this was the -utmost that he could do for me, as Affairs stood; -since it would be an Injustice to compel her to give -a Consent to any thing that she imagin'd would be -to her prejudice</i>. After a little farther Discourse -with me about my domestic Affairs, his Majesty -talk'd to me of the Report current at <i>Berlin</i>,<!--333.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">327</a></span> -<i>That I had chang'd my Religion</i>; and ask'd me, -<i>Whether 'twas really true, that I was turn'd</i> Papist. -I told him, <i>That I was of the Religion of -my Ancestors</i>. Here I will acknowledge to my -shame, that I had not Courage enough to make -public Declaration that I was a Catholic. Besides, -I hoped in so pressing a Dilemma to get -off by a double Entendre; which is a Rule adopted -by the Doctors themselves. The double -Entendre consisted in that, when I said I was -of the Religion of my Ancestors, I meant that -which was formerly profess'd by my Grandfather -and Great-Grandfather; and indeed all my Ancestors -were Catholics. My Grandfather himself -was a Catholic once, tho' he embrac'd the -new Religion, to swim with the Stream. The -King, who concluded from what I said, that I -was still a Protestant, did not press me farther -upon that Head;, but the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i> was -not so easily satisfy'd; for he gave the King to understand -that he believ'd the Reports of my having -chang'd my Religion, were but too true, -and he actually said to his Majesty <i>That the only -way to be sure of the Truth of what I had affirm'd, -would be to give me the Sacramental Test in the -Church of the</i> Dome. The King was also of that Opinion, -nevertheless it did not take effect. At -our leaving the King, the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i>, who, -'tis like, wanted to get a real Confession from -me, that I had chang'd my Religion, charg'd it -home upon my Conscience, and blam'd me very -much for not having own'd that I was a Catholic. -But as I could not be certain what was the -Drift of those Remonstrances, I was so far from -declaring my Mind to that Nobleman, that I -still continu'd in the Negative.<!--334.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">328</a></span></p> - -<p>The Audience which I had of the King gain'd -me his Good-will; and he one day spoke so honorably -of me in presence of the Courtiers, that -my Friends advis'd me to strike in with this Ray -of Favor, and petition him for some Employment. -I followed their Advice, and wrote accordingly -to the King, who was then at <i>Potzdam</i>.</p> - -<p>Two Days after I sent my Letter, I receiv'd -an Answer, sign'd with his Majesty's own Hand, -which was drawn up in these Terms;</p> - -<p><i>I received your Letter of the 9th of</i> January, -(1718) <i>and for Answer I assure you, that I grant -you the first Pension of Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber -that shall happen to be vacant</i>.</p> - -<div style="text-align: right; padding-right: 4em;">FREDERIC-WILLIAM.</div> - -<p>I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty's -kind Intentions towards me, that as soon as he -was return'd to <i>Berlin</i>, I did not fail to go and -thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, -<i>That the Trifle he had now granted me was not -worth Thanks</i>. I thought, <i>Madame</i>, that this -was a very hopeful Beginning for a Man not -us'd to see his Undertakings crown'd with Success. -The Courtiers strove who should be most -complaisant to me; and I receiv'd Compliments -from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that -I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge -me long with this Calm; and a Storm soon -arose, which drove me farther out of Port than -I was before. It was owing to the following -Accident.</p> - -<p>In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King -recall'd M. <i>de Kniphausen</i> his Envoy in <i>France</i>, -with a design to nominate another in his room.<!--335.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">329</a></span> -Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I -thought my self as well qualify'd for it as the best; -and to pave the way for it, I propos'd to save -the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting -myself with an Abatement of two hundred -Crowns <i>per</i> Month less than the usual Salary. -This Proposal was so well relish'd by M. <i>de -Grumkau</i> the Minister of State, that he protected -me, and undertook to recommend me to the -King. I also spoke of it my self to M. <i>d'Ilgen</i>, -the Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose Daughter -was married to the said M. <i>de Kniphausen</i>. I -gave this Minister to understand, that I should -never have had a Thought of asking for this -Place, if I had not been satisfy'd, that M. <i>de -Kniphausen</i> himself had desired to be recalled. M. -<i>d'Ilgen</i> received me with the utmost Civility, and -promis'd with an Oath to serve me upon this -Occasion; adding, that he could not express his -Happiness in having such an Opportunity to discover -the Respect and Veneration which he had -for my Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance -in a Courtier made me suspect the Sincerity -of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc'd -that my Jealousy was but too well founded. -When my Audience was over, this Minister -would needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos'd -it as much as I could, but when I saw it was to -no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended -me to the very Door of my Coach. I us'd -many words with him upon his own Threshold, -and begg'd him not to go a Step farther, especially -as it rain'd very hard, which you'll say -was Reason enough of it self to have engaged -him to retire: Yet it all signify'd nothing, he -would not abate an Ace of his Complaisance, but -stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till<!--336.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">330</a></span> -it mov'd off. This, however, was all the Service -he did me; for instead of serving me with the -King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted -the Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas'd -with me for desiring less Salary than his Son-in-law -had, who, when he was at <i>Paris</i>, was continually -writing to <i>Berlin</i>, that his Allowance -was not sufficient to maintain him.</p> - -<p>To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv'd -an anonymous Letter, assuring him that I was -a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, -there was added to the Letter an authentic Certificate -from Father <i>Denis</i>, before whom I had -made the Confession of my Faith. The King -express'd his Resentment against me, and complain'd -that I had impos'd upon him. Several -People alarm'd me with more Danger than there -was in reality; however, I was not frighten'd -at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the -general Talk was to hinder me from going to -Court, and did not think that the King was so angry -as they gave out, till at last I was appriz'd -that his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting -me under an Arrest. The Person who came to -bring me this Intelligence was <i>H——</i>, who was -very well with <i>M——</i> the King's Favorite; -and I gave the more Credit to it, because I did -not think that he could be so dishonorable as to -attempt to do me an ill Office. This <i>H——</i> -was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a -handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, -which the King gave him, for having executed -a Commission at <i>Stralsund</i> with the King of -<i>Sweden</i>, which few but himself would have accepted. -As his Pension was too pitiful to subsist -him, several Persons reliev'd him; and I -will venture to say, That tho' I was not in very<!--337.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">331</a></span> -easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some -Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with -Truth declare it, that he requited me with Ingratitude. -He came to me with an Aggravation -of that piece of Intelligence, which when -all was said and done, was not of such a Nature -as to drive me from the Court; but his manner -of divulging it, made me believe I was ruin'd -past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at <i>Berlin</i>. -He came one day into my Chamber with -a most dejected Air, and told me, <i>That he had -been just inform'd by M.</i> de M——, <i>that as soon -as the King was return'd, I should infallibly be -arrested</i>; and at the same time he put on such -an external Appearance of Concern to see me -oblig'd to fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. -I resolv'd therefore to be gone; but the Difficulty -was to raise Money, which I had no means -of doing but by making a great many disadvantagious -Contracts, whereby I was a very great -Sufferer in the Sequel.</p> - -<p>After I had made Money of every thing I set -out in the Night from <i>Berlin</i>, leaving word at -home that I was bound to <i>Hanover</i>; but as soon -as I was got out of Town I steer'd my Course -for <i>Leipsic</i>, where I staid a few days, and then -went to <span class="smcap">Mentz</span>, where I had a Cousin in the -Elector's Service, who entertain'd me as a good -Kinsman would do, and introduc'd me to his -Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. -I have already had the Honor to tell you -of the Prerogatives of the Elector of <i>Mentz</i> at the -Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for -me to speak to you of his Person. He was <i>Francis-Lotharius</i> -of <i>Schonborn</i>, of the Illustrious Family -of the Counts of <i>Schonborn</i>. Besides the Archbishopric -of <i>Mentz</i>, he had also the Bishopric of<!--338.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">332</a></span> -<i>Bamberg</i>. He had then two Coadjutors, the Elector -of <i>Triers</i> Count <i>Palatine</i> of the <i>Rhine</i> for -<i>Mentz</i>; and the Count <i>de Schonborn</i>, Vice-Chancellor -of the Empire, for <i>Bamberg</i>. He might -then be about seventy Years of Age. He was -a Prince of a noble Aspect, affable, ador'd by -both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very -hearty for every thing that might contribute to -the Tranquillity and Honor of the Empire. The -City of <i>Mentz</i> is obliged to him for the noble -Works with which he has caus'd it to be fortify'd; -for it may be said he has spar'd no Cost -to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing -to fear from Foreigners.</p> - -<p><i>Mentz</i><a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> stands upon a rising Ground along -the <i>Rhine</i>, in one of the finest Parts of <i>Germany</i>. -'Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric Suffragan -to <i>Triers</i>, but Pope <i>Zachary</i>, or as some say -<i>Gregory</i> III. erected it into an Archbishopric, and -granted him at the same time the Primacy of the -Churches of <i>Germany</i>. 'Tis said that the first -Bishop of <i>Mentz</i>, who was honor'd with the Dignity -of Elector, was nam'd <i>Willigise</i>, and that he -was the Son of a <i>Cartwright</i>, or, as others say, a -<i>Carman</i> of the Village of <i>Schoningen</i> in the -Country of <i>Brunswic</i>. He advanc'd himself -purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor -to the Emperors <i>Otho</i> III. and <i>Henry</i> II. -and finally to that of Archbishop of <i>Mentz</i>. But -in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued -in such an humble Frame of Mind that he -caus'd Wheels to be painted every where about -his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the -Meanness of his Extraction always in his Eyes: -And we are assur'd this is the Reason why the<!--339.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">333</a></span> -Electors of <i>Mentz</i> always bear in their Arms a -Wheel Argent in a Field Gules.</p> - -<p>The Chapter of <i>Mentz</i> consists of forty two -Canons, of whom the Dean and the twenty three -first are call'd <i>Capitulars</i>, and the other <i>Domicellaires</i>. -The former only are those that elect the -Archbishop, who from the Moment that he is -chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The -Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the -Emperor does the same in Temporals. The Elector -becomes at the same time Great Chancellor -of the Empire of <i>Germany</i>, which gives him the -Title of perpetual Dean of the Electors, and an -Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial -Chamber of <i>Wetzlar</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Mentz</i> has a very flourishing Trade, especially -in Wines. The best Vineyards for <i>Rhenish</i> -Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and -especially in the Neighbourhood of <i>Mentz</i>. And -that which also contributes very much to the -Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the Merchandize -that passes up and down the <i>Rhine</i>, -stops in its Harbor, to be put on board fresh -Bottoms.</p> - -<p>I did not stay long at <i>Mentz</i>, but set out for -<span class="smcap">Stutgard</span><a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a>, the Capital of the Duchy of -<i>Wirtemberg</i>. This City stands in a very fine -Country, and is divided into two parts by a -small River call'd the <i>Neckar</i>. The Houses at -<i>Stutgard</i> are generally ill built, yet as the Streets -are broad and lightsome, the Town is very gay. -The Ducal Palace is very old but very commodious, -by reason of the Extent and Number of -the Apartments. Here is a very fine Garden -with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel'd.<!--340.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">334</a></span> -The Trees are kept in full Mould, secur'd by -a Roof and a sliding Partition, which they take -care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves -that make it one continu'd Summer. The Duke -of <i>Wirtemberg</i> is seldom in this Palace, except at -the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, -she is there almost always, and has a separate -House from the Duke's, where she lives very -retir'd. I wish'd for an Opportunity to pay my -Respects to her, but was deprived of that Honor, -because I had not been introduc'd to the -Duke. This Prince's usual Residence is at <i>Ludwigsbourg</i> -a Pleasure-House which he caus'd to -be built some Leagues from <i>Stutgard</i>; but while -I was at <i>Wirtemberg</i> he was with the whole -Court at <i>Wildstadt</i>, whither I went to have the -Honor of paying my Duty to him. <i>Wildstadt</i> -is one of the vilest Places in <i>Germany</i>, yet 'tis -very much frequented by reason of its Baths of -Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign -Remedy for many Diseases, especially Sciaticas, -and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke -commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here -with his whole Court, which being very numerous -and splendid, <i>Wildstadt</i> is then a Place agreeable -enough. The Duke had with him -the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is married -to <i>Henrietta</i> of <i>Prussia</i>, the late Margrave <i>Philip</i>'s -Daughter. The Person of this Prince was -very amiable, and like the Duke his Father, his -Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially -to Foreigners, to whom they are both very -kind. While the Court was at <i>Wildstadt</i>, their -Amusement in the Morning was the use of the -Baths, where the Duke and the Prince his Son -gave Gentlemen the Liberty of bathing with -them; for it must be observ'd that each Bath<!--341.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">335</a></span> -will hold twenty Persons very commodiously. -When the Bathing was over, they took their -Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly -in the Apartment of the Duke, who went -from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary -Princess, who lodg'd with the Prince her -Husband in a House over-against the Duke's. -There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well -serv'd, where the Gentlemen eat with the Duke -and his Children, and none but Pages waited. -After Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus'd -others to ride some manag'd Horses, than which -I have no where seen any that were more beautiful -or better train'd than his were. In the Evening -there was another Assembly at the Princess's, -where there was play till Supper-time. I -was told that when the Court was at <i>Ludwigsbourg</i> -there was a greater Variety of Diversions, and -that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical -Entertainments, of which the Duke was very -fond, and actually kept a Company of <i>French</i> -Comedians in Pay, who perform'd very well. -In a word, this Prince may be said to have neglected -nothing that he thought suitable to his -Dignity, or that might render his Court more -splendid. And that every thing might look with -a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv'd, like -other Sovereigns, to establish an Order, of which -he himself is the Head. They call it the Order -of St. <i>Hubert</i>. 'Tis a broad red Ribband, to -which hangs a Cross enamell'd white. None -are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish'd -Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also -wears those of <i>Prussia</i> and <i>Denmark</i> alternatively. -The Hereditary Prince wears the <i>Prussian</i> Order -at large, and that of the Duke his Father at -his Button-Hole, just as they wear the Cross of<!--342.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">336</a></span> -St. <i>Lewis</i> in <i>France</i>, except nevertheless on the -Festival Days of St. <i>Hubert</i>, when he wears the -red Ribband at full length.</p> - -<p>Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied -the Duke to <i>Wildstadt</i>, those of most -Note were the Count <i>de Gravenitz</i> and <i>S——</i>, -which two Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of -Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal of the -Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order -of <i>Prussia</i>, the King having therewith honor'd -him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince -with the Princess of <i>Prussia</i>. This Minister, who -had the Duke of <i>Wirtemberg</i>'s intire Confidence, -had been nominated to accompany the Hereditary -Prince to <i>Berlin</i>. He certainly deserv'd -the Favor with which the Duke honor'd him; -and I have not known many Noblemen more -civil and obliging. But <i>S——</i> wanted a great -deal of being so affable; tho' his Origin was very -different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who -to be sure thought himself at the height of Felicity -when he was Secretary to the late M. <i>B——</i>, Minister -of State to the late King at <i>Berlin</i>. Nevertheless, -after the Death of his Master his Star -guided him to the Court of <i>Wirtemberg</i>, where -he has amass'd immense Riches, and is entered -into the greatest Employments. He wears the -Order of <i>Dannebrog</i>, the King of <i>Prussia</i> having -desir'd it for him of the King of <i>Denmark</i>, -upon the Recommendation of the Duke of <i>Wirtemberg</i>, -who being very willing to give his Minister -some Badge of Honor, and not caring at -the same time to debase his own Order of St. -<i>Hubert</i>, caus'd the Order of <i>Dannebrog</i> to be -demanded for him, which is given to all Persons -indifferently without regard to Quality.<!--343.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">337</a></span></p> - -<p>The Duke of <i>Wirtemberg</i>'s Court is altogether -<i>Lutheran</i>, as well as the rest of his Dominions. -Mean time he permitted the Princess, -who is a <i>Calvinist</i>, to have a particular Chapel -for her self and her Domestics. The Countess -<i>de Gravenitz</i>, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who -is a Catholic, was also allow'd a Chapel for the -Exercise of her Religion.</p> - -<p>I forgot to tell you what Title is assum'd by -the Dukes of <i>Wirtemberg</i>. They call themselves -<i>Banner-Bearers of the Empire</i>, which Title they -distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, -which is Azure with the Banner of the Empire, -Or charg'd with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac'd -Bend-wise. The Dukes of <i>Wirtemberg</i> have -another Dignity more solid than the former, <i>viz.</i> -to be joint Directors of the Circle of <i>Swabia</i>, with -the Bishop of <i>Constance</i>.</p> - -<p>The Duchy of <i>Wirtemberg</i> was formerly confiscated -to the use of <i>Ferdinand</i> I. Brother to the -Emperor <i>Charles</i> V. but 'twas afterwards restor'd -to the Princes of this Name, on condition of -their holding it dependent on the House of <i>Austria</i>. -This Feudal Subjection was annull'd in -1631, in the time of <i>Frederic</i> Duke of <i>Wirtemberg</i>, -on condition that upon the Failure of Issue -Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House -of <i>Austria</i>. In pursuance of these Treaties the -Princes of that Family bear the Title and Arms -of the Family of <i>Wirtemberg</i>.</p> - -<p>While I staid at this Court that Disorder -which I had been teaz'd with for several Years -became at last so serious an Affair, that instead -of proceeding to <i>Vienna</i>, to which I at first purpos'd -to go, I set out for <i>Strasbourg</i>, in hopes -of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the necessary -Operation upon me. Several offer'd to<!--344.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">338</a></span> -take me in hand, but the King's Lieutenant assur'd -me, that my best way wou'd be to employ -the Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. -I did so, but can't say I had much reason -to like him. He may, for aught I know, -be an able Surgeon, but sure I am that he is a -very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to -give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support -the Operation) which had like to have sent -me into the other World: But by good Luck I -perceiv'd his Ignorance before he had time to kill -me. I took no more of his Remedies; and -when I found my self well enough recover'd to -bear the Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv'd to go -to <i>Paris</i>, which I take to be the Nursery of the -most experienc'd Surgeons. I stop'd a few days -at <span class="smcap">Saverne</span>, where there was a very great Company -at the House of the Cardinal <i>de Rohan</i>, -to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; -and he receiv'd me with that Air of -Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this -Prince is distinguish'd.</p> - -<p>From <i>Saverne</i> I went to <i>Luneville</i>, and in all -the Way found no considerable Place but -<span class="smcap">Phaltzbourg</span>, which was formerly a Part of -<i>Lorrain</i>, and had the Title of a Principality. 'Tis -now a Place very regularly fortify'd, and serves -to guard the Road into <i>Lorrain</i>, which <i>France</i> -secur'd to her self by the Treaty of <i>Ryswic</i>.</p> - -<p>The Court of <i>Lorrain</i> commonly resides at -<span class="smcap">Luneville</span>, since the Beginning of the late -War, when the <i>French</i> put a Garison into <i>Nancy</i>, -of which they continu'd Masters till the Treaty -of <i>Baden</i>. This City, which heretofore was -inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke -of <i>Lorrain</i> has added a great many Buildings to -it, which are a great Ornament to it; and therefore<!--345.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">339</a></span> -the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, -preferably to any other Place. As to the Duchess, -she has a particular Reason for being so fond -of <i>Luneville</i>, it being the City assign'd her for -her Jointure.</p> - -<p>The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing -noble without, but the Inside is most magnificent. -The Entrance and Front very much resemble -those of <i>Versailles</i> towards <i>Paris</i>. As -to the Front towards the Garden I can say nothing -of it, because that side of the Palace was -not finish'd when I went thither. The Apartments -of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, -and richly furnish'd. The first Anti-chamber is a -very large Saloon of curious Structure. 'Tis -wainscotted and adorn'd with the Pictures of the -<i>Lorrain</i> Family. In one, the Duke's Father -is represented making a triumphant Entry in a -Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame -flying before it, Peace and Victory offering him -Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of -<i>Turks</i> in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. -The Whole together forms a magnificent Painting; -and I was told there are Tapestries in the -Duke's Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but -I did not see them.</p> - -<p>This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses -Apartments from the Chapel, which for the -Contrivance of it very much resembles that of -<i>Versailles</i>. It stands on the Right of the Entry -into the Saloon, and the Apartments are on the -Left. The Prince's Apartment looks over <i>Luneville</i>, -and over the Courts belonging to the -Kitchen, and the Princess's is situate on the Garden-side. -The Princess's is much larger than -the Duke's; and when I saw it, 'twas richly -furnish'd, adorn'd with noble Gilding, Glasses<!--346.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">340</a></span> -and Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part -of the Palace has since been intirely consum'd by -Fire, tho' I am assur'd the Whole is re-built as -well as before, and that the Apartments are every -whit as well furnish'd. So much for the Palace: -I will now give you a short Account of their -Royal Highnesses, and their August Family, as -it stood in 1718, when I had the Honor to -see it.</p> - -<p><i>Leopold</i> Duke of <i>Lorrain</i> and <i>Bar</i> was the -Head of the Family, and the Sovereign of the -Country. He married Mademoiselle of <i>France</i>, -<i>Elizabeth-Charlotte</i> of <i>Orleans</i>, Daughter of -<i>Philip</i> of <i>France</i>, Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, Brother of -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. By which Marriage they had three -Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, -who was stil'd Duke of <i>Bar</i>, died in 1723, at a -Time when he was in Expectation of great Fortune. -His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, -is actually bred up at <i>Vienna</i>, where -the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education.</p> - -<p>The Duke of <i>Lorrain</i>'s Houshold is considerable, -and every thing is establish'd there on a -good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are -magnificent, and so well furnish'd, that Foreigners -who accompany the Prince into the Field, -are equipp'd with Horses out of his Stables. -The Prince's Attendance is almost the same as -that of the Princes of <i>France</i>, and all his Houshold -on the same Footing. The Marquis <i>de -Craon</i> was then the Great Chamberlain and Prime -Minister. He was a very courteous Nobleman, -and treated all that had Business with him with -extraordinary Civility. He had great Credit at -Court, and the Prince was mighty bountiful to -him; insomuch that after having heap'd Wealth<!--347.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">341</a></span> -upon this Favorite, he had a mind to see him -promoted to the eminent Dignity of Prince, -which upon the Duke's Desire the Emperor -conferr'd upon him accordingly. Not long after, -one of the Prince of <i>Craon</i>'s Daughters was married -to a Prince of the <i>Lorrain</i> Family, <i>viz.</i> the -Prince <i>de Lixin</i>, formerly known by the Name -of the Chevalier <i>de Lorrain</i>, who is now the -Duke of <i>Lorrain</i>'s Steward of the Houshold. -His Father-in-law has given him his fine House -at <i>Craon</i>, not far from <i>Luneville</i>. Madame <i>de -Craon</i>, who is a Partner in her Husband's Fortune -and Credit, is Lady of Honor to the Duchess, -and very much esteem'd by the Duke. I -had the Honor to see this Prince spend the Afternoons -at her House, and the Courtiers, after -the Example of their Master, did justice to the -Lady's Merit.</p> - -<p>From <i>Luneville</i> I went to <span class="smcap">Nancy</span>, which is -the Capital City of <i>Lorrain</i>, and was formerly -the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. -It stands but a little distance from the River -<i>Meurte</i>, in the midst of a beautiful Plain; and -is divided into two Parts, <i>viz.</i> the Old and New -Towns. I had the Honor to tell you, that the -<i>French</i> made a Conquest of it in 1631. It had -good Reason to remember, that it was once under -a Foreign Dominion; for its Fortifications -were so demolish'd in 1668, that there was but -one Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and -in this Condition it was restor'd to its Sovereign -at the Peace of <i>Ryswic</i>. Not many years after, -when <i>Lewis</i> XIV. enter'd into the War for -maintaining his Grandson upon the <i>Spanish</i> -Throne, he oblig'd the Duke of <i>Lorrain</i> to receive -a Garison at <i>Nancy</i>. The Duke was so -disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho' the King<!--348.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">342</a></span> -had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his -Royal Highness all the due Honors and Respect, -he would not stay in a Town, of which he -might be said to be Sovereign, but not the Master; -and retir'd to <i>Luneville</i>, where he continu'd -ever after, tho' <i>Nancy</i> was evacuated at the Treaty -of <i>Baden</i>.</p> - -<p>A little way from <i>Nancy</i>, in the Road to -<i>Paris</i>, there's a Chapel and a Cross, said to -have been erected upon the very Spot where -<i>Charles</i> the last Duke of <i>Burgundy</i> was kill'd in -1476, when he was besieging the Town, then in -possession of <i>René</i> Duke of <i>Lorrain</i>. There's -a Copper-plate affix'd to the Cross upon the -High-way, on which may be read the Particulars.</p> - -<p>Between <i>Nancy</i> and <i>Toul</i>, which is in the -<i>Paris</i> Road, one passes thro' the forest of <i>Haye</i>, -wherein <i>Lewis</i> XIV. caus'd a Way to be cut, -which will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, -of the Magnificence of that Great Prince. Those -who are bound to <i>Toul</i> cross the <i>Moselle</i> in a Ferry-boat -about a League on this side that Town, -to which they arrive over a pretty large Plain. -The Learned give a very ancient Original to -the City of <span class="smcap">Toul</span>; for they pretend it was first -founded by <i>Tullus Hostilius</i> King of the <i>Romans</i>: -But you may believe as much of this as you -please. All that I can say of the Town, after -having view'd it well, is, that 'tis very ill built, -and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. -'Tis a Bishopric Suffragan of <i>Triers</i>, and one of -the three Bishoprics of <i>Lorrain</i> that were yielded -to <i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>From <i>Toul</i> I traveled to <span class="smcap">Bar-le-Duc</span>, the -Capital of the Duchy of <i>Bar</i>. This Duchy is -dependant on the Crown of <i>France</i>, tho' 'tis<!--349.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">343</a></span> -part of the Dominions of <i>Lorrain</i>, and is under -the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The Dukes of -<i>Lorrain</i> were formerly oblig'd, either in their -own Person, or by an Envoy, to perform Homage -to the King of <i>France</i>, upon the Death -either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation -was chang'd, or rather limited, during the -Regency of the Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, in a Journey -which the Duke and Duchess of <i>Lorrain</i> made -to <i>Paris</i> in 1718, when it was regulated, <i>That a -Duke of <span class="f">Bar</span> should be oblig'd to pay Homage but -once in his Life to a King of <span class="f">France</span>; but that he -should pay it in Person</i>. This Convention was register'd -in the Parliament of <i>Paris</i>. But this was -not the only Advantage which the Duke reap'd -from his Journey; for the Regent, at the Request -of his Sister, restor'd a great number of -Villages to him that ought to have been restor'd -to the Duke of <i>Lorrain</i> at the Peace of <i>Ryswic</i>, -and which the Ministry of <i>France</i> had thought fit -to keep.</p> - -<p>From <i>Bar-le-Duc</i> to <span class="smcap">Chalons</span>, 'tis a wild -desert Country, yet very fruitful in Corn. The -Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little; -which added to the length of the Post-Stages, -renders it a very disagreeable Journey. They -say 'twas in these Fields that the King <i>Meroveus, -Aëtius</i> General of the <i>Romans</i>, and <i>Theodoric</i> King -of the <i>Visigoths</i>, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, -with <i>Attila</i> King of the <i>Huns</i>, that they kill'd -two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is -a Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation -of <i>Chalons</i> is very advantageous. The River -<i>Marne</i> which runs into the <i>Seine</i> almost at -the Entrance of <i>Paris</i>, is a great Convenience for -the Merchants of that City. This City is in -<i>Champaigne</i>, and its Bishop has the Title of <i>Count</i><!--350.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">344</a></span> -<i>and Peer of</i> France. The ancient Counts of -<i>Champaigne</i> resided here, and the Palace they -liv'd in is still to be seen. The Parliament of -<i>Paris</i> was transferr'd hither in 1592; and there -that illustrious Assembly pass'd that famous Arrêt -against the Pope's Legate, and the League, which -under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive -<i>Henry</i> III's lawful Successor, <i>Henry</i> IV. of -the Crown of <i>France</i>.</p> - -<p>Several most illustrious Marriages have been -celebrated in the City of <i>Chalons</i>. 1. That of -<i>Philip</i> of <i>Orleans</i>, Brother to <i>Lewis</i> XIV. 2. -That of <i>Lewis</i> Dauphin of <i>France</i> Son of <i>Lewis</i> -XIV. with <i>Anne-Christina-Victoria</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>, -on the 7th of <i>March</i> 1680: And finally, the -Marriage of <i>Lewis</i> Duke of <i>Orleans</i>, Son of the -Duke Regent, to <i>Augusta-Maria-Johanna</i> of <i>Baden</i>, -on the 13th of <i>July</i> 1724.</p> - -<p>There's not one considerable Place all the way -from <i>Chalons</i> to <i>Paris</i>. I pass'd thro' <span class="smcap">Chateau-Thierry</span>, -which is a Duchy that was given to -M. <i>de Bouillon</i> in Exchange for the Principality of -<i>Sedan</i>; with this Clause nevertheless, that the -King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The -<i>Marne</i> runs at the Foot of this Town.</p> - -<p>Ten Leagues from hence there's the City of -<span class="smcap">Meaux</span>, which is the Capital of <i>Brie</i>, with the -Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church -nor Town did I see any thing remarkable. The -Suburbs are very fruitful, and the Neighbourhood -of <i>Paris</i> gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity -of putting off their Commodities to Advantage.</p> - -<p>'Tis but a few Hours Journey from <i>Meaux</i> -to <span class="smcap">Paris</span> in the direct Road. But I went some -Leagues out of the way to see M. <i>de N——</i>, at -his Seat at <i>C——</i>, near <i>Fontainbleau</i>, and after<!--351.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">345</a></span> -having spent some days there very pleasantly, we -travell'd together to <i>Paris</i>. When we had pass'd -the Time that was necessary to discharge the Obligations -of Friendship and Decency, I reflected -on what was the real Motive of my Journey; -which, as I have had the Honor to tell you, was -to put my self into the Hands of some able Surgeon. -The Man to whose Care I committed -my self was the famous <i>La Peronie</i>, who perform'd -the Operation upon me with the utmost -Skill, yet I suffer'd extreme Pain. During my -Illness, which was of some Continuance, my -Friends, who were my faithful Companions, -were so good as to inform me of every thing -that pass'd; and if it had been lawful to have -betray'd them, or if I had been in any Post under -the Government, I might perhaps have -made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, -which would have been to his advantage, and -enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first -breaking out, which indeed he extinguish'd afterwards, -tho' it was perhaps owing as much, -if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his -Prudence.</p> - -<p><i>Paris</i> was at that time in a Crisis, when it -dreaded a Minority as troublesome as that of -<i>Lewis</i> XIV. Every body was dissatisfy'd. There -was a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And -the Government-Bills were a fresh Subject of -Complaint; for tho' they were establish'd at the -Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to -keep up their Credit, yet there was a very great -Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was -overcharg'd with them, and as there is nothing -which sits so uneasy on People as their Loss, -every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. -At this same Juncture the Duke Regent was<!--352.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">346</a></span> -afflicted with sore Eyes, which indanger'd his -Sight. I was assur'd that the Chancellor said to -some People in Confidence, <i>That 'twas absolutely -necessary to think of proper Measures for transferring -the Regency to another Person, in case that -Prince should happen to be blind</i>: And they say -that 'twas for this Expression that he lost the -Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of -<i>January</i> 1718. When M. <i>de la Vrilliere</i> Secretary -of State went to him to demand them, -the Chancellor resign'd them immediately, saying, -<i>That he restor'd them to his Royal Highness -with more Pleasure than he took them</i>. At the -time that they were brought to the Regent the -Duke <i>de Noailles</i> was with him, who being -more than ordinary surpriz'd to see the Seals, -because he knew nothing of the Chancellor's Disgrace, -could not help asking the Regent, <i>What -he was going to do with the Seals?</i> To which that -Prince made Answer, <i>That he design'd them for -M. <span class="f">d'Argenson</span> Lieutenant of the Police</i>. The -Duke being dissatisfy'd with this Change, desir'd -the Regent's Leave to retire, which was -granted him with more Readiness than he desir'd.</p> - -<p>The Seals were given upon the same day to -M. <i>d'Argenson</i>. The Regent himself sign'd the -Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little -Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister -took the usual Oath to the King; and at -the same time the Duke Regent declar'd him -Chief of the Council of the Finances. The Disgrace -of the Chancellor made the Parliament uneasy, -and occasion'd fresh Murmuring among the -People; the rather because 'twas reported, that -his Royal Highness ow'd him a Grudge for his<!--353.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">347</a></span> -Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not -lik'd by the Parliament.</p> - -<p>While <i>Paris</i> was in such a Ferment, there was -some Commotion in <i>Bretagne</i>. The Payment -of the Free Gift being demanded of the States -then assembled, they made answer, <i>That they -could not grant it till they had first examin'd their -Funds. They intended</i>, they said, <i>to regulate -their Finances, which were very much disorder'd</i>. -This Delay was look'd upon as an open Rebellion, -and at the fourth Assembly they receiv'd Orders -to separate. This put them quite out of -Temper, and the Nobility deputed four of their -Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a -long Memorial, in which they demonstrated -how impossible it was for their Province to pay -the Free Gift at that instant. They complain'd -of the Invasion of the Privileges of a Province -which had only submitted to <i>France</i> upon condition -that they should be sacredly preserv'd. -They concluded with praying his Royal Highness -to grant them, at least, some time longer. -<i>We flatter our selves, Sir</i>, said they, in the close -of their Memorial, <i>that a Delay of a few days, -contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to -ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness -the worse Opinion of a Nobility which is so -much devoted to you, and to which you have declar'd -your Good-will</i>.</p> - -<p>The Regent made answer to the Deputies, -<i>That they must obey and pay, and that then they would -see what could be done</i>. This Answer did not satisfy -the uneasy <i>Bretons</i>, and the Parliament of -the Province sent their Deputies to <i>Paris</i>. When -they were admitted to the King's Audience, M. -<i>de Blossac</i>, who was their Spokesman, made -much the same Representation as the Deputies of<!--354.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">348</a></span> -the Nobility had done before. All the Answer -they had was a Declaration from the King, by the -Keeper of the Seals, who was present, <i>That -the Privileges of their Province should not be infring'd</i>. -The same Deputies presented a long -Petition to his Majesty, wherein they discover'd -not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal -for their Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility -of paying the Free Gift so soon. -These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual -as those of the States; and the Regent, who -was resolv'd to be obey'd, made use of his Authority, -by banishing the most mutinous of the -Gentry from the Province, and others of 'em -he caus'd to be summon'd to <i>Paris</i>, as well as -several of their Members of Parliament, in order -to give an Account of their Conduct.</p> - -<p>Such, <i>Madame</i>, was the State of Affairs when -I arriv'd at <i>Paris</i>. There was no Talk of any -thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem'd -to tend to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order -to obviate any Enterprize of that sort, -thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; -and for this end he caus'd them to be paid -punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and -to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous -Promotion of the Knights of St. <i>Lewis</i>. -There was a Creation of about four hundred in -a few days, so that go where one would, there -was nothing to be seen but the Crosses of St. -<i>Lewis</i>. It were to be wish'd that the Species -had been as common, but of this there was less -Probability than ever. The Regent had just -undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, -which seem'd to be a Thing of great Consequence -to private People. His Royal Highness caus'd -the Edict for this purpose to be register'd, and -foreseeing that the Parliament would not come<!--355.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">349</a></span> -into his Measures, he caus'd the same to be publish'd -by the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament -was stung to the quick by the Publication -of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its -being register'd, it ought to have been first communicated -to them. The Chambers met upon -this Occasion, and 'twas agreed that all the Sovereign -Courts mould be invited to join with -the Parliament in an Affair of such Importance.</p> - -<p><i>M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A.</i> when the Invitation -was sent to his Company, took the advantage -of it to make his court to the Regent, -and went and inquir'd at the Royal Palace how -he had best act. The Regent took this well at -his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate -Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the -Chamber of Accounts, and the Officers of the -Mint to take any notice of the Parliament's Invitation.</p> - -<p>Nevertheless the Parliament still continu'd its -Assemblies, and sent a Deputation to the Royal -Palace, confiding of the First President, the -President <i>d'Aligre</i>, and several Counsellors, to engage -the Regent to revoke the aforesaid Edict; -and they represented in a very long Discourse, -<i>That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial -to the</i> French <i>and profitable to Foreigners, -who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of Silver, -which intrinsically would not be worth twenty -five Livres; and that this would circulate an infinite -number of counterfeit Species in the Kingdom, -considering the immense Profit that Foreigners -would make by it</i>. They then complain'd of -the Edict's being register'd at the Court of the -Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it -ought, at least, to have been communicated. -The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies,<!--356.png--><span class="pagenum">350</span> -<i>That he did not think he ought to send the last -Edict to the Parliament, because the Court of the -Mint was establish'd a superior and competent -Court in Matters of that kind; that there had -been no Edict sent to Parliament concerning the -Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was -sent thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that -Company; that as to the Inconveniencies, he had -maturely weighed them, but that he could not excuse -himself from issuing the Edict, and that as -to the Suspension of the Edict, 'twas not to be -thought of, the Work being so far advanc'd, and -a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides -Debts that must necessarily be paid off.</i></p> - -<p>The Parliament not being satisfy'd with this -Answer, there was another Assembly, to the -Number of 165 Members, next day, <i>viz.</i> the -20th of <i>June</i>, from 8 o'clock in the Morning till -2 in the Afternoon, when they pass'd an Arrêt, -by which it was agreed to make most -humble Remonstrances to the King to obtain -Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of -the Mint, not register'd in Parliament, as prejudicial -to the King, to Trade, to the Government, -and to the Fortunes of private People; -that in consequence thereof all Persons should be -prohibited to receive the new-coin'd Species, and -to make Payments in any other Species than -those which had their Currency, by virtue of -the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys should likewise -be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments -or Reimbursements made with the new Species. -This Arrêt was set up in Writing within the Palais -or Parliament-House, and the Parliament -took care to have several written Copies of it dispers'd, -because of the Prohibition which their<!--357.png--><span class="pagenum">351</span> -own Printer was laid under, not to commit it -to the Press.</p> - -<p>The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial -this Arrêt was to his Authority, assembled -the Council, when they pass'd an Arrêt declaring -that of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon -the Regal Authority, and that his -Majesty revok'd and annull'd it, as well as all the -Resolutions taken in that Body. All Mankind -was alarm'd, and they fear'd, not without Reason, -what would be the Consequences of so violent -a Proceeding. The Parliament on their -part did not abate one jot of their State; and -when the King's Council laid upon the Table a -Letter de Cachet, with the Arrêt of the Council -of State, they agreed to send the Whole back -again without reading one Word of it; and that -the Arrêt pass'd the day before should be put in -execution according to its Form and Tenor. -Hereupon the Council of State pass'd another -Arrêt, by which the King claim'd to himself -and his Council the Cognizance of all the Differences -which might arise with regard to the -Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies -of <i>French</i> Guards to the Mint, and another -Detachment to the Bank: And after -having, by this means, made every thing secure, -he gave the Parliament leave to come and -make their Remonstrances to the King. The -Person who spoke in the Name of the rest was -M. <i>de Mesmes</i> the First President, at the Head of -seven Presidents <i>a Mortier</i>, thirty-two Counsellors, -and the King's Council. His Speech was -long and well study'd. He began with extolling -the Qualities observable in the young King. -Then he said, <i>That tho' the Parliament only -wish'd for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence</i><!--358.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">352</a></span> -<i>to admire them, they were under a Necessity -of acquainting him with the just Alarms of all the -Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict -for a general Recoinage of the Species, which -impoverish'd those that had any Fortunes left in</i> -France, <i>without being any Relief to the numerous -Poor</i>. This Speech was divided into two Parts. -The first related to the manner in which the -said Edict had been publish'd. The second enter'd -into the particular Inconveniencies with -which the various Clauses of the Edict would be -attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov'd by -those Reasons, as to order its Repeal. M. <i>de -Mesmes</i> supported those two Articles by a Speech -as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close -he said, that in the Arrêts which had been pass'd -by his Company, they had only followed the -Precedents that had been found in the Registers.</p> - -<p>The First President left his Speech in Writing, -that the King might be able to answer it; -and it was not long before the said Answer was -return'd. The Deputies of the Parliament being -sent for to the <i>Tuilleries</i>, on the 2d of <i>July</i> -1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to them in -his Majesty's Presence, <i>The King has caus'd the -Remonstrances of his Parliament to be examin'd -in Council, and his Majesty will always be dispos'd -to give them a favorable Hearing, when they -have not a Tendency to the splitting or the cramping -of his Authority.</i> He added, <i>That the Edict -in question had been maturely examin'd; and that -'twas the best Remedy for paying off the Debts of the -State; that the said Edict was not such a Burden -upon the Public; and that it was only so to those -who should make advantageous Contracts by obligatory -Deeds.</i> He concluded with saying, <i>That</i><!--359.png--><span class="pagenum">353</span> -<i>the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the -neglect of Submission</i>; and that he had given Orders -for registring the Letters Patent in pursuance of -the Arrêt of Council whereby his Majesty claims -the Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or -that may arise relating to the Edict. This Answer -being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners -were appointed to examine it; and at -the same time to search the Registers if there -was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that -sort, in order to conform to it. The Commissioners -having made their Report, the Company -came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke -Regent, <i>That nothing had been determin'd on that -Subject, because the Company desired that they -might first of all make new Remonstrances to the -King; and that they intreated his Royal Highness -to procure them an Audience</i>. The Regent -was nettled at the Parliament's Importunity, and -he made answer to the King's Council, who were -sent to him with the Message, <i>That he should -have thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy'd -with the Answer which the King had -before given; but that since he saw they were not, -he would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that -his Majesty expressed to Remonstrances, to give -them the Liberty of presenting them, but no otherwise -than in Writing</i>.</p> - -<p>The Parliament was not discouraged, but still -continu'd to demand an Audience, which was at -length granted for the 26th of <i>July</i>; when all -the People of Distinction in <i>Paris</i> flock'd to -Court to hear the Remonstrances. The first President -spoke for nearly three quarters of an Hour, tho' -his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation -of what he had said before. His Majesty -made answer, <i>My Keeper of the Seals will explain</i><!--360.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">354</a></span> -<i>my Intentions to you</i>. But the Keeper of the -Seals said no more than this, <i>The King has already -explained his Intentions to you, and he will -explain them to you farther hereafter</i>.</p> - -<p>The Parliament dissatisfy'd with this Answer, -which they thought too Laconic, as Affairs then -stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they -had good reason to look upon as the <i>Primum -Mobile</i> of the Confusion of Affairs; I mean <i>John -Law</i>, whose rapid Fortune furnish'd a large -Field of Discourse. They were very sensible -that a Director of the Bank could not easily acquire -so much Wealth, but a great many People -must be considerable Losers. The Parliament -therefore cited this Financier to appear before -them in Person, but he never went near them; -and when, in a few days after, they chang'd the -Summons to a Warrant for arresting him, the -Duke Regent protected him by an Arrêt of -Council. This Prince wisely judging of what -Importance it was to him to make the Parliament -easy, and to secure Respect to the Regal -Authority of which he was the Depositary, appointed -a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace -of the <i>Thuilleries</i> for the 26th of <i>August</i>. He order'd -the King's Houshold Troops to keep to -their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The -same day he sent circular Letters of Invitation to -all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of <i>France</i>, -to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors -and Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to -the Secretaries, and to some of the Counsellors -of State who were nominated by the Keeper of -the Seals. The Princes were also invited to this -Tribunal. The Parliament walk'd thither on -foot, about 11 o'clock in their red Robes. The -President <i>de Novion</i> was at the Head of their<!--361.png--><span class="pagenum">355</span> -Body, because the first President was at that time -very much afflicted with the Gout; however, -he went to the <i>Thuilleries</i> in a Coach.</p> - -<p>After the Council of the Regency broke up, the -King went from his little Apartment upon the -Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied -by the Duke Regent and the Princes of -the Blood. Four Presidents <i>au Mortier</i> and six -Counsellors came thither to receive him, and -conducted him to his Bed of Justice. The King -being seated on his Throne, and all the Company -having taken their Places, they began with -reading the Letters Patent establishing M. <i>d'Argenson</i> -Keeper of the Seals, which were order'd -to be register'd. After this an Arrêt of Council -was read, forbidding the Parliament to take Cognizance -of the Affairs of State. Upon the -reading of this Arrêt, the first President broke -Silence and said, <i>The Subject seem'd to him of so -great Importance, that with the due Respect and -Submission which the Company had for his -Majesty's Orders, he desired his Majesty's Permission -to withdraw, to take it into Consideration</i>. -As little Attention was paid to this -Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones. The -Regent drew near to the King and whisper'd -him; and the Keeper of the Seals, after approaching -his Majesty for a Minute, made answer -to the Company, <i>The King will be obey'd, -and obey'd too upon the Spot</i>.</p> - -<p>Then a Declaration was read, importing, that -the Dukes and Peers should have Seats in Parliament -immediately after the Princes of the -Blood. A second, which derogated from the -Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of <i>May</i> -1694, and restrain'd the Legitimated Princes to -the meer Honors and Prerogatives of their Peerages: -And a third, which re-established the Count<!--362.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">356</a></span> -<i>de Tholouse</i> in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives -for his own Person only.</p> - -<p>After the reading of these Declarations the -Duke spoke and represented to his Majesty, <i>That -the late King having seem'd desirous that the -Duke of</i> Maine <i>should have the Care of his Majesty's -Education, tho' the Place belong'd to him by -Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he -was at that time a Minor; but as this was not -the Case now, he desir'd that the Honor might be -conferr'd upon him</i>: which Demand was granted -to him, as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, -who demanded to have Precedence of the Presidents -<i>au Mortier</i> in Parliament.</p> - -<p>Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no -doubt be famous to the latest Posterity. The -Parliament was very much mortify'd at the Conduct -observ'd to them, and declared next day in -their Assembly, by an Arrêt which was register'd, -<i>That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to -have any Share in what pass'd the Day preceding -in the Bed of Justice; and that Posterity -might be inform'd of it, Commissioners were nominated, -to draw up a verbal Account of all the -Proceedings</i>. The Regent being inform'd of -what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments -of the Gray and Black Musketeers, commanded -by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at -Night, took up those that had been the most -zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs -<i>de Blamont</i>, President of the 4th of the Inquests, -<i>Feydeau</i> Counsellor of the same Court, and <i>St. -Martin</i> a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber. -They were clapp'd into three Coaches, each -guarded by eight Musketeers and an Officer, -and carried to Places which the Court had appointed;<!--363.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">357</a></span> -and at the same time the Papers of the -two former were seiz'd.</p> - -<p>As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of -this Arrest, they met and made a Deputation to -the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy -the Privilege they always had of trying those -of their own Body for any Crimes they may be -accus'd of. The Keeper of the Seals made them -answer, <i>The Affairs which bring this Deputation -to the King are Affairs of State, which demand -Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig'd to see due -Respect paid to his Authority. The future Behavior -of his Parliament will determine his Majesty's -Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them.</i> -The Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace -to make fresh Intercession with the Regent for the -Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness -returned much the same Answer to them as -they had the day before, whereupon the Parliament -shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing -Justice. Mean time the King's Council -were always in Motion at the <i>Louvre</i>, and at the -Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory -Answer; and on the 5th of <i>September</i> the -Marquis <i>d'Essiat</i>, Master of the Horse to the -Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the -part of his Royal Highness, to open the Courts -again, and to continue the Sessions, assuring them, -that an Answer should shortly be returned to -their late Instances.</p> - -<p>Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us'd -to the President and the Counsellors that had -been apprehended, put a great many People out -of Temper: These Exiles were consider'd as -Martyrs to the public Liberty, and every Man -made their Case his own. Several Parliaments -seem'd inclinable to support that of <i>Paris</i>. The<!--364.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">358</a></span> -Parliament of <i>Bretagne</i> discover'd more Zeal -than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the -Parliament of <i>Paris</i>, offering to join with them -in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also -wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, -which they addressed to M. <i>de la Vrilliere</i> Secretary -of State.</p> - -<p>At the same time a very important Event happened, -which took off the Attention of the -<i>French</i>, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, -and rais'd the Speculation of all <i>Europe</i>. -This was the <i>Spanish</i> Expedition to <i>Sicily</i>. To -let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I -must go farther back, and give you a general -Account of the State of Affairs of <i>Europe</i> in the -preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance -of his Alliances with the Republic of <i>Venice</i>, -from whom the <i>Turks</i> had taken a Part of -the <i>Morea</i>, was sollicited to declare War against -those Infidels. The Pope, on his part, dreading -that the <i>Turks</i> should land in <i>Italy</i>, caus'd Instances -to be made to his Imperial Majesty to -persuade him to the War. The Emperor could -not determine with himself for a good while to -break with the <i>Turks</i>, for fear lest <i>Spain</i> should -take an Advantage of such Rupture, and fall upon -his Provinces in <i>Italy</i>. The Pope encourag'd -the Emperor, by acquainting him, <i>That the -King of <span class="f">Spain</span> had given him his solemn Promise -that he would undertake nothing in <span class="f">Italy</span>.</i> He -also gave him to understand, <i>That instead of having -any reason to be afraid of <span class="f">Spain</span>, he might expect -all manner of Assistance from that Crown in -the present War; since it had engag'd to send him -a powerful Squadron; and that the better to enable -him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him leave -to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of <span class="f">Spain</span>.</i><!--365.png--><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">359</a></span> -These Representations made an Impression upon -the Emperor; but the Thing which absolutely -determin'd him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, -that he had concluded with <i>England</i>, by which -that Crown engaged to assist him with its Navy, -in case that his Dominions were invaded. -He therefore declared War against the <i>Turks</i>, -and sent a numerous Army against them, under -Command of Prince <i>Eugene</i> of <i>Savoy</i>. -The Campaign prov'd very glorious for this -Prince. He began it with a Victory near <i>Temeswaer</i>, -after which he laid Siege to that Place, -and in a very little time reduc'd it. Mean while -<i>Spain</i> prepar'd a Naval Armament, under Pretence -of sending Succours to the <i>Venetians</i>. But -how was all <i>Europe</i> surpriz'd, when it was -known that the Prime Minister of <i>Spain</i>, the -Cardinal <i>Alberoni</i>, heretofore Chaplain to the -Duke <i>de Vendôme</i>, afterwards Agent of <i>Parma</i> -at the Court of <i>Madrid</i>, and finally, by the -Queen's Favour, promoted to the Summit of -Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail'd on the -King of <i>Spain</i> to employ the Sums that were levied -upon the Estates of the Clergy, and appropriated -for the Support of the Honor of the Christian -Name, in the Conquest of <i>Sardinia</i>! The -Reduction of it was attended with no great Difficulty, -because the Island, in reliance upon the -Faith of Treaties, was at that time but indifferently -furnish'd with Troops. The Emperor -made his Complaints to the Pope, and to <i>France</i> -and <i>England</i> as Guaranties of the Neutrality of -<i>Italy</i>. These Powers did their utmost to engage -the King of <i>Spain</i> to desist from his Pretensions. -The Duke Regent order'd the Duke -of <i>St. Aignan</i>, Ambassador of <i>France</i> at the -<i>Spanish</i> Court, to represent to the King all the<!--366.png--><span class="pagenum">360</span> -Inconveniencies into which this War might -plunge him; but the <i>Spanish</i> Minister, who rely'd -upon the secret Correspondence he had in -<i>France</i>, refused all Proposals of an Accommodation, -tho' they were so very advantageous to -the King of <i>Spain</i>: For it was propos'd to him, -that the Emperor should recognize him the lawful -Possessor of <i>Spain</i> and the <i>Indies</i>; and moreover, -that he should consent to the securing of the -Successions of <i>Parma</i> and <i>Placentia</i> to the Queen -of <i>Spain</i>'s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious -than those that had been granted to him -by the Peace of <i>Utrecht</i>, and of which the King, -of <i>Spain</i> so earnestly desir'd to see the Confirmation -the Year that <i>Lewis</i> XIV. died.</p> - -<div class="center">The End of the Third Volume.<!--367.png--></div> - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> -<p><span class="pagenum">361</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="An_Alphabetical_INDEX" id="An_Alphabetical_INDEX"></a>An Alphabetical INDEX<br /> - -<span style="font-size: small">TO THE</span><br /> - -THIRD VOLUME.</h2> - -<dl class="index"> -<dt class="indexsubhdr">A.</dt> -<dt><i>Adrian</i> VI. (Pope) his Birth and Parentage <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>St. Aignan</i> (Duke de) <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Aix-la-Chapelle</i>, Relics and Town, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Alberoni</i> Cardinal, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Albert</i> of <i>Bavaria</i> Count of <i>Holland</i>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Albert</i> (Margrave) of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, his Marriage to the Princess of <i>Courland</i>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Albert</i>, Margrave of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, Grand Master of the <i>Teutonic</i> Order, his Marriage, and War with <i>Poland</i>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Alcibiades</i> of <i>Germany</i>, who so call'd, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Altena</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_231">231</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Alva</i>, Duke of, his Cruelty and Statue, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>. his Son, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Amsterdam</span>, <i>t.</i> its Foundation and Increase, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</dt> - <dd>Its Description, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>Remarks on its Inhabitants, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Anabaptists</i>, their Head, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Anhalt-Dessau</i> (<i>Leopold</i> Prince of) his Valor, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Arnheim</i>, (M. de) <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Antwerp</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_166">166</a>, <i>&c.</i><!--368.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Appel</i>, a Merchant, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Argenson</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Arm-Chair</i>, consequence of its Refusal, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Asbach</i>, Barons de, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Asfeldt</i> (Abbot of) <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Attila</i>, King of the <i>Huns</i>, his Defeat, <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Audenard</i> (Battle of) <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Augsbourg</i> Confession, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Aumont</i> (Duke of) his different Reception at <i>London</i> by the several Parties, and the burning of his House, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Auverquerque</i> (Veldt-Marshal de) <a href="#Page_255">255</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">B.</dt> -<dt><i>Baden</i> (<i>Lewis</i> Margrave of) <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Balderic</i> of <i>Cleves</i>, Bishop of <i>Utrecht</i>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ball</i>, extraordinary given by the Author, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Barcelona</i> Siege rais'd <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Barfous</i> (Count de) <a href="#Page_8">8</a>. His Banishment from the <i>Prussian</i> Court, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bargeman</i>'s Daughter, her notable Rise, 9 to <a href="#Page_12">12</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Bar-le-duc</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_342">342</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bartholdi, Prussian</i> Minister, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bassompierre</i> (Brothers) their History, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Bender</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Bensberg</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bergerie</i>, (M. de la) <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Berlin</span>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <i>&c.</i> <a href="#Page_229">229</a>. Distance from <i>Koningsberg</i>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Berry</i> (Duke of) his Character, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</dt> - <dd>Duchess, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Character and Favour with the Regent, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Kindness for the Count de <i>R</i>----, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Death, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Biberstein</i>, (Marshal de) <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Bilefeld</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bilinsky</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bills, French</i>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Blamont</i>, M. de, President, <a href="#Page_356">356</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Blankenbourg</i>, Duke of, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Blaspiel</i>, M. Minister, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bolingbroke</i> (<i>Henry St. John</i>, Lord) his Reception in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Borst</i>, the Queen of <i>Prussia</i>'s Confessor, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.<!--369.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Bose</i>, a Merchant, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bot</i>, the Architect, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Boufflers</i>, Marshal, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bourbon</i>, Duke of, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bourg</i>, Marshal de, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bouvines</i> Battle, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Brandenburg</i>, Princes of, Apparition presaging their Death, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Brandenbourg Bareith</i>, Margrave of, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Brandenburg</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_228">228</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Brantz</i>, General, our Author's Uncle, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Breda</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Breslau</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_243">243</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Breteuil</i>, Baron de, <a href="#Page_266">266</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Britany</i> (Duke of) his Death, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.</dt> - <dd>Discontent of that Province, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Bruges</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Brunswic</i> (Ducal Family of) <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</dt> - <dd>The City, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Brussells</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Bulau</i> Countess, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</dt> - <dd>M. de, Steward, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Burgundy</i> (<i>Charles</i> Duke of) kill'd, <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Burgundy</i> (Duke of, afterwards Dauphin) his Character and his Death, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</dt> - <dd>Death and Character of the Dauphiness, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Bydgost</i> Treaty, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">C.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Cambray</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_172">172</a>.</dt> - <dd>Its Archbishop, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>.</dd> - <dd>League, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Cassel</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</dt> - <dd>Landgrave's Family, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Chair</i> of State refus'd by the Prince of <i>Orange</i> to the Elector of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, and its Consequence, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Chalons</i> Family, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Chalons-sur-Marne</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Chamber</i> of Justice, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Chamillard</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Charles</i> II. King of <i>Spain</i>, his Death, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Charles</i> V. (Emperor) <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Charles</i> VI. (Emperor)</dt> - <dd>See <i>Election</i> and <i>Coronation</i>.</dd> -<dt><i>Charles</i> XII. King of <i>Sweden</i>, Origin and Progress of his War with <i>Poland</i>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, to <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</dt> - <dd>How he was betray'd by one of his Ministers, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.<!--370.png--></dd> -<dt><i>Charolois</i>, (Count de) <a href="#Page_186">186</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Chartres</i>, (Duke de) <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Chateau-Thierry</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</dt> -<dt>----<i>Cambresis</i> Treaty, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Clarendon</i>, Lord, <a href="#Page_252">252</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Clermont</i>, (Count de) <a href="#Page_186">186</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Colbe</i> (see <i>Wartemberg</i>.)</dt> -<dt><i>Coligny</i>, Admiral, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Cologne</i>, (<i>Joseph-Clement</i> Elector of) <a href="#Page_164">164</a>. <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_163">163</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> - <dd>Archbishops of, <a href="#Page_164">164</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Compiegne</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Condé</i> (Princess of) <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Conty</i> (Princess of) <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.</dt> - <dd>(Second Dowager) <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.</dd> - <dd>(Prince of) <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Coronation</i> of the Emperors, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Cough</i>, so dreaded by a Soldier, that he chose rather to be kill'd, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Courland</i> (Duke of) <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</dt> - <dd>Dispute about his Guardianship, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Marriage with the Czar's Niece, and his Death, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</dd> -<dt>----Duchess of, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Court</i> what most contributes to its Lustre, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Craon</i>, Marquiss de, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Culmbach</i>, Princess of, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Custrin</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Czar</i> of <i>Muscovy</i> in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, to <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">D.</dt> - -<dt><i>Danckleman</i> (Baron de) Prime Minister of <i>Frederic</i> I. King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>.</dt> - <dd>The Rise of his great Favor, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Disgrace, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>.</dd> - <dd>Facts relating to it, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Dankelman</i> M. our Author's Tutor, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Dannebrog</i> Order, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Dauphin</i> of <i>France</i>, his Death and Character, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Delft</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Denis</i> (Father) <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Denmark</i>, King, his Dispute with the Duke of <i>Holstein</i>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Desalleurs</i> M. Envoy of <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Devos</i>, Manufacture for Tapistry, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.<!--371.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Dohna</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</dt> -<dt>Don <i>John</i> of <i>Austria</i>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Dorerbeck</i> M. Cup-bearer of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Dort</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Dresden</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Dress</i>, a remarkable Conversation about it, between two great Duchesses in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, to <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Duliz</i>, a wealthy and generous <i>Jew</i>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Duplanti</i>, his Adventure after the Battle of <i>Audenarde</i>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Dusseldorff</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">E.</dt> - -<dt><i>Eagle-Black</i> (Order of) in <i>Prussia</i>, its Institution, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Eckeren</i> Battle, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Effiat</i>, Marquis de, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Eisenach</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Elbing</i> mortgaged and taken, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Election</i> of the Emperors, 147 to <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Eltz</i>, see <i>Mentz</i>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Emmeric</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>England</i> (<i>George</i> I. King of) his Behaviour at the News of his Proclamation, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_252">252</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Departure for <i>England</i>, <a href="#Page_253">253</a>.</dd> - <dd>A singular Circumstance of his Coronation, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Erasmus</i>, his Statue, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Erfurt</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Erlach</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ernest, Augustus</i>, Duke of <i>Hanover</i>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Eugene</i> (Prince of) a Plot to poison him, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Character of the Prince of <i>Anhalt</i>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</dd> - <dd>His glorious Campaign in <i>Hungary</i>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</dd> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">F.</dt> - -<dt><i>Feldtbruck</i> (Mademoiselle de) see <i>Auverquerque</i>.</dt> -<dt><i>Fenelon</i>, M. Archbishop of <i>Cambray</i>, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ferte</i> (Duchess de la) cheats our Author of some Money, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</dt> -<dt>----Marshal de, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Finck</i>, Count, Ambassador, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Fistula</i>, what call'd in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Fitzthum</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>.<!--372.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Flemming</i> (<i>James Henry</i> Count de) <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</dt> - <dd>How he amus'd the Author, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Florence</i> V. Count of <i>Holland</i>, assassinated, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Fontainbleau</i>, Palace and Court, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>France</i> (<i>Lewis</i> XIV. King of) his Character, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.</dt> - <dd>His remarkable Wish in favour of the Mercers of <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</dd> - <dd>How he liv'd in his latter days, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Death, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</dd> -<dt>----(<i>Lewis</i> XV. King of) <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Answer to Madame, when she said she was going to wait on a greater Lord than he, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Francfort</span> on the <i>Main</i>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Francke</i>, Dr. <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Frederic-Henry</i>, Prince of <i>Orange</i> his Will, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Frederic-William</i> (King of) see <i>Prussia</i>.</dt> -<dt><i>Frederic</i> Elector of <i>Saxony</i>, unfortunate, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Frederic-William</i> the Great, Elector of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, his War with <i>Charles-Gustavus</i> King of <i>Sweden</i>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Statue, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Frederic-William</i>, Elector of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, his Wives and Issue, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Frederic</i> Son to the Duke of <i>Alva</i>, as cruel as his Father, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Fuldi</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_320">320</a>.</dt> - <dd>Abbat, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</dd> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">G.</dt> - -<dt><i>George</i> I. (King) see <i>England</i>.</dt> -<dt><i>George</i> II. (King) his Valor in <i>Flanders</i>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Gersdorf</i>, M. de, Colonel, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Ghent</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_257">257</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Golden Fleece</i>, Order instituted, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Gotha</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Gravenitz</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Gripilli</i>, a famous <i>Italian</i> Statuary, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Grumkan</i>, M. <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Gueldres</i> taken, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Gustavus-Charles</i> King of <i>Sweden</i>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">H.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Hague</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Halberstadt</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Hall</span> in <i>Saxony</i>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.<!--373.png--></dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Ham</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Hambourg</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_230">230</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Hanau</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.</dt> - <dd>Some Particularities of the Count and his Court, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Hanover</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</dt> - <dd><i>George</i> (late) Elector, his Concern for the Death of the Queen of <i>Prussia</i> his Sister, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Harlem</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Harrach</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Haye</i> Forest, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Heiden</i>, Baron de, General, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Henning</i>, M. de, <i>Prussian</i> Minister, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Hervorden</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Hesse</i>, Princess of, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Hohenzollern</i>, Prince, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Holstein</i>, Prince and Princess, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Honslaerdyke</i> Palace, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</dt> -<dt>St. <i>Hubert</i>, Order of Knights, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">I.</dt> - -<dt><i>Jackel</i>, the King of <i>Prussia</i>'s Jester, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>James</i> II. how his Queen Dowager was condol'd by the <i>French</i> Court, on the Miscarriage of the Pretender's Expedition to <i>Scotland</i>, <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Jesuits</i> Church at <i>Antwerp</i> consum'd, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Jews</i> at the Hague, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</dt> - <dd>At <i>Francfort</i>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Illgen</i> (Baron de) <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Disservice to the Author, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Imhoff</i>, Minister to the D. of <i>Wolfembuttle</i>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Insurance-Office</i> from Fire erected at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>John</i> of <i>Leyden</i> the Taylor, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</dt> -<dt>St. <i>John</i>, an Equestrian Order, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Joseph</i>, Emperor of <i>Germany</i>, his Death, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Joseph-Clement</i>, Elector, see <i>Cologne</i>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Issouin</span>, <i>t.</i> our Author's Birth-place, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Justice</i>, Bed of, erected in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">K.</dt> - -<dt><i>Kamcke</i> (Brothers) their History, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</dt> - <dd>Authors of the Disgrace of the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> -<dt><i>Kings</i> of <i>Cologn</i>, Three, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Kinski</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.<!--374.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Knights</i> of St. <i>Lewis</i>, their Poverty, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>.</dt> - <dd>Their Numbers, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Kniphausen</i>, M. de, Ambassador, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Kolbe</i>, see <i>Wartemberg</i> (<i>John Casimir de Kolbe</i>).</dt> -<dt><i>Koningsmark</i>, Countess of, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Kraut</i>, M. Aid de Camp, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">L.</dt> - -<dt>L----, Envoy of <i>Prussia</i> at <i>Hambourg</i>, Character of his Lady, and an Account of an Entertainment that he gave the Author, 248 to <a href="#Page_251">251</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lady of Precious Stones</i>, who so call'd, and why, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</dt> - <dd>A Learned Lady, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Law, John</i>, Projector of the <i>Mississippi</i> Scheme, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>League</i> of <i>Cambray</i>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Leap</i>, a desperate one for a young Lady, <a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Leck</i>, Lord of ----, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Legitimated</i> Princes of <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Leopold</i>, Emperor, his Death, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Leipsic</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lewis</i> XIV. and XV. See <i>France</i>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Leyden</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Limbourg</i> Duchy mortgag'd, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lippe</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lion</i> tam'd by a Duke of <i>Brunswic</i>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Lipstadt</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lisle</i> Siege, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</dt> - <dd>Its Surrender, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</dd> - <dd>Description of the Town, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Longueville</i> Family, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lorrain</i> (Court of) <a href="#Page_338">338</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>, to <a href="#Page_341">341</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lottum</i> (Count de) <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Loven</i>, Mademoiselle de, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Louvain</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_256">256</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lubomirski</i>, Princess of, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lowendahl</i>, Marshal, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Luneville</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Lutherans</i> and Calvinists, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Luxembourg</i> Garden, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">M.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Magdeburg</span>, <i>t.</i> and Duchy, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Maine</i> (Duke and Duchess) <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Maintenon</i>, Madam, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Malplaquet</i> (Battle of) <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.<!--375.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Marlborough</i> (Duke of) his Journey to <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</dt> - <dd>Bribes a Minister of the King of <i>Sweden</i>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Marly</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_181">181</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Marne</i>, r. <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Marsin</i>, Marshal de, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Mastricht</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_255">255</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Match-maker</i>, Elector of <i>Brandenburg</i>, a great one, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Meaux</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Mechlin</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Mecklemburg</i> (Princess of) married to <i>Frederic</i> I. King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>.</dt> - <dd>Her extravagant Devotion, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Answer to the King upon it, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</dd> - <dd>Loses her Senses, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</dd> - <dd>She is sent back to <i>Mecklemburg</i> after the King's Death, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Medicis, Mary</i> de, Queen of <i>France</i>, her Distress, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>, <a href="#Page_166">166</a>, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Mentz</span>, t. and Elector, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Mesmes</i>, M. de, President of the Parliament of <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_352">352</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Metternich</i>, Count de, Ambassador of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Minden</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Mons</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_171">171</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Montluc, John</i> de, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Montmorency</i>, Constable, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Motte</i> (M. de la) see <i>Wynendale</i>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Munster</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</dt> - <dd>Treaty, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.</dd> - <dd>Bishop, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Muntzer</i>, Head of the <i>Anabaptists</i>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Muscovites</i>, Success over the <i>Swedes</i>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, to <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">N.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Nancy</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_341">341</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Nassau</i>, Princes of, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Nassau-Orange</i> (Princess of) refuses to give her Daughter to the King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.</dt> -<dt>---- (Prince of) drown'd in passing the <i>Moerdyke</i>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</dt> - <dd>Provisional Settlement made by the Sates General, between him and the King of <i>Prussia</i>, touching King <i>William</i>'s Succession, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Nassau-Weilbourg</i> (Count de) <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Nautre</i> (le) Gardener, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Nemours</i>, Madame de, Princess of <i>Neufchâtel</i>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Neufchâtel</i> adjudged to the King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Newport</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_277">277</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Nimeguen</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Novion</i> de, President, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.<!--376.png--></dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">O.</dt> - -<dt><i>Orange, Maurice</i>, Prince of, his Daughter, our Author's Grandmother, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</dt> - <dd><i>Frederic-Henry</i>, Prince of, his Will, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</dd> - <dd>Parliament of <i>Orange</i>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</dd> - <dd><i>William</i>, Prince of, his Tomb, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Orange</span>, <i>t.</i> seiz'd by <i>Lewis</i> XIV. <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Oranjebaum</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Orleans</i> (Duke of) Regent of <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</dt> - <dd>Beginning of his Regency, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>History of it, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> -<dt><i>Orleans</i> (Madame de) <i>Elizabeth-Charlotte</i> of <i>Bavaria</i>, her Character, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>, <a href="#Page_187">187</a>.</dt> - <dd>Her Censure of the Duchess of <i>Berry</i>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</dd> - <dd>What she said to the Author on the Misfortunes of the Queen of <i>England</i>, who was Dowager to <i>James</i> II. <a href="#Page_299">299</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Promise of Protection to the Author, and her Non-performance, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Orleans</i>, Maid of, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Osnabrug</i> (Duke of <i>York</i>) Bishop of, his pertinent Remark on <i>Poland</i>, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ossuna</i>, Duke of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">P.</dt> - -<dt><i>Palatine</i> (<i>Charles Philip</i> of <i>Neubourg</i>, Elector) <a href="#Page_143">143</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Palatine</i> (Family) <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Papenheim</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Paris</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_177">177</a>, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> - <dd>How the Author liv'd there, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <i>&c.</i> <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Parliament</i> of <i>Paris</i>, its Broils with the Regent, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Peers</i> of <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Persian</i> Ambassador at <i>Paris</i>, Particulars relating to him, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> - <dd>His Entry at <i>Paris</i> <a href="#Page_265">265</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Audience of the King, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.</dd> - <dd>How he smoak'd his Pipe at the Opera, <a href="#Page_269">269</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Phaltzbourg</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Philip</i> II. of <i>Spain</i>, his remarkable Vow, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Philip</i>, V. see <i>Spain</i></dt> -<dt><i>Philip</i>, Margrave of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, his Temper, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</dt> - <dd>Character of his Lady, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Death, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Pinneberg</i>, Conferences there, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Poland</i> (Intrigues in the Election of its King) <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, to <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</dt> - <dd>Its Crown pawn'd to the King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Poland, Augustus</i> II. King of, see <i>Charles</i> XII. K. of <i>Sweden</i>.</dt> -<dt><i>Poles</i> (their Character); <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>.<!--377.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Pollnitz</i>, Mademoiselle de, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Pollnitz</i> (<i>Charles-Lewis</i>, Baron de) our Author.</dt> - <dd>His Extraction, Education, and the History of his Family, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>Has an Electoress for his God-mother, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</dd> - <dd>His honourable Intercession with the King of <i>Prussia</i> for his Father-in-law, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Entrance by that King into the Princes Academy, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Service in <i>Flanders</i> as a Voluntier, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</dd> - <dd>Adventure that he tells after the Battle of <i>Audenarde</i>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</dd> - <dd>Another at the Siege of <i>Lisle</i>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Return to <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Advancement to the Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</dd> - <dd>His mistaken Conceit, that he was in great Favor, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</dd> - <dd>The King's Reprimand of him and Reconcilement, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Departure from <i>Berlin</i>, in order to travel abroad upon some harsh Words said to him by the King, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</dd> - <dd>How he lost all his Money by Play at <i>Hanover</i>, and prevail'd on his Mother for more, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Loss of his Mother, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Introduction to and Reception by the King of <i>France</i> and the Princes, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.</dd> - <dd>His dangerous Illness at <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Acquaintance he made with an Actress in <i>Luxemburg</i> Garden, and the Consequences of that Amour, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</dd> - <dd>Tempted to turn Catholic, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</dd> - <dd>What <i>Lewis</i> XIV. said of him, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</dd> - <dd>He gives an extraordinary Ball, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</dd> - <dd>He falls in Love with Mademoiselle <i>de S</i>----, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.</dd> - <dd>Consequences of it, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</dd> - <dd>His unlucky Tumble into a Heap of Dung, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</dd> - <dd>Oblig'd by his extravagant Charges to go home, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</dd> - <dd>His sudden Return to <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Amour with the Countess of <i>Wartemberg</i>, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Journey to and Reception at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</dd> - <dd>His return back again to <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</dd> - <dd>He falls in Love with Madame <i>de P</i>----, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</dd> - <dd>He renews his Courtship to Madame <i>de S</i>----, 235-236.</dd> - <dd>His Return again to <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>.</dd> - <dd>Remarks on his Distemper, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Reception at the Court of <i>Hanover</i>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>.</dd> - <dd>And at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.</dd> - <dd>How he was amus'd by the Count <i>de Flemming</i>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.</dd> - <dd>His ill Success at the Court of <i>Poland</i>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Arrest at <i>Dresden</i>, and how he obtain'd his Liberty, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>.</dd> - <dd>How he broke his Leg, and was troubled with a Fistula, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>.</dd> - <dd>His merry Description of a House and Family at <i>Hambourg</i>, and of an Entertainment he had there, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Return once more to <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>.<!--378.png--></dd> - <dd>How he fell in love with Madam <i>de R</i>----, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>, to <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Consequences of it, <a href="#Page_262">262</a>, 270 to <a href="#Page_275">275</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>He sollicits Employment in <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>An Adventure that happen'd to him at a Ball, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Quarrel with the Marquis <i>de V</i>----, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Extravagance, his Arrest, and how he got out of the Scrape, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Pension of 2000 Livres, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Disputes with his Cousin, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Loss of his Pension and Sollicitation to regain it, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Present from <i>Madame</i>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>.</dd> - <dd>Who made him large Promises, but did nothing for him, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</dd> - <dd>His melancholy Situation, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</dd> - <dd>His embracing the Popish Religion, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Arrest for Debt, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Intrigue with an Old Woman, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.</dd> - <dd>His unsuccessful Proposal of a Scheme to the Regent, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Departure from <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Return to <i>Berlin</i>, and Reception by the King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>, to <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Reversion of the next Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber's Pension that fell, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Occasion of his Disgrace, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.</dd> - <dd>His precipitate Retreat from <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</dd> - <dd>Oblig'd by his Fistula to go to <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>, <a href="#Page_338">338</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Operation there perform'd on him, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Potzdam</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Pretender</i>'s Miscarriage in his Expedition to <i>Scotland</i>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>.</dt> - <dd>A flagrant Instance of his Bigotry, <a href="#Page_297">297</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Return to <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Princes</i> of the Blood, in <i>France</i>, Contention betwixt them, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Princess</i> (Madame la) <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Printz</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Prussia</i> (<i>Frederic</i> I. King of) his Coronation, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, to <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Entry to Konigsberg, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Reception by the Magistrates of <i>Dantzic</i> when he came on their Territories, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Entry at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Pretensions to the Succession of <i>William</i> III. King of <i>England</i>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Measures for justifying them, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Reception at the <i>Hague</i>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Protection to the Refugees from <i>Orange</i>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Sovereignty of <i>Neufchâtel</i> recogniz'd, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>Negociations for his 2d Marriage, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Choice of the Princess of <i>Mecklemburg</i>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</dd> - <dd>The new Queen's Arrival, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.</dd> - <dd>Their Marriage <a href="#Page_86">86</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Care of his Subjects that were afflicted with the Plague, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Domestic Attendance, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <i>&c</i>.<!--379.png--></dd> - <dd>His Tour to the <i>Hague</i>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Magnanimity with which he receiv'd the News of the Prince of <i>Orange</i>'s Death, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</dd> - <dd>He sickens of a Fright and dies, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Prussia</i> (<i>Frederic-William</i> King of) his Diversion when he was Prince Royal, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Marriage to the Elector of <i>Hanover</i>'s Daughter, and her Character, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</dd> - <dd>What <i>Lewis</i> XIV. said when he saw her Wedding-Apparel, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Entry at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Delivery of a Prince, his Baptism as Prince of <i>Orange</i>, and his Death, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Accession to the Crown, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>.</dd> - <dd>The Alteration he made at his Court, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Prussia</i> (Queen of) the first Wife of <i>Frederic</i> I. and Sister to the late Elector of <i>Hanover</i>, her Death, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</dt> - <dd>Honors done to her Corpse, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Character, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Prussia</i> (Queen of) second Wife to <i>Frederic</i> I. See <i>Mecklemburg</i>, Princess of.</dt> -<dt><i>Prussia</i>, (Court of) <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, to <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Prussia</i>, Duchy, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Prussia</i>, particular Reason of its being erected into a Kingdom, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.</dt> - <dd>And Negociations for that purpose, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <i>&c.</i> <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</dd> - <dd>Owing to a Blunder, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Puisieux</i>, M. de, Ambassador of <i>France</i>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Pultowa</i>, Battle of, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">Q.</dt> - -<dt><i>Quedlimbourg</i> Abbey, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">St. Quintin</span>, <i>t</i>. <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</dt> - <dd>Battle, <i>ibid</i>.</dd> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">R.</dt> - -<dt><i>Radziowski</i>, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ramellies</i> Battle, its Consequences, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Refugees, French</i>, their Reception at <i>Berlin</i>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</dt> - <dd>Their Gratitude, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Regenstein</i>, Counts of, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>;</dt> -<dt><i>Reitwitz</i>, M. de, <i>Polish</i> Envoy, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Religions</i>, a Multiplicity of 'em, where, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Rhinberg</i> taken, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Richlieu</i>, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Rohan</i>, Cardinal de, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.<!--380.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Rothenbourg</i> (Count de) amuses the Author, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Rotterdam</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Ryswic</i> Treaty, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">S.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">St. Denys</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</dt> -<dt>----<span class="smcap">Quintin</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_174">174</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Saltzdahl</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Saverne</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Saxony</i>, <i>Frederic-Augustus</i>, Elector of, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</dt> - <dd>Electoral Prince of, <a href="#Page_269">269</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Saxony</i> (<i>Maurice</i> Count of) his Character and Marriage, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> - <dd>The Electorate ruin'd, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Schalifer</i>, Baron de, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Schenk</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Schmettau</i>, M. de, the Minister, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Schonborn</i>, Count <i>Lotharius-Francis</i> de, Elector of <i>Mentz</i>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Schuurman</i> (<i>Ann Mary</i>) <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Seaux</i> Castle, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Seckingen</i>, Baron de, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Senlis</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Shift</i>, (seamless) said to be the Virgin <i>Mary</i>'s, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Shrewsbury</i> (Duke of) sent to <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</dt> - <dd>Characters of the Duke and Duchess, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</dd> - <dd>The King's Complaisance to her, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Sigismund</i> I. King of <i>Poland</i>, his War with the Margrave of <i>Brandenbourg</i>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Simmeren</i>, Princess de, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Snuff</i>, the Queen of <i>Prussia</i> reprimanded by the King for taking it, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Sobieski</i> (<i>John</i> King of <i>Poland</i>) his Death, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Son <i>James</i>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</dd> - <dd><i>Sobieski</i>, Princess, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Sophia</i>, Princess of <i>Hanover</i>, her Character, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</dt> - <dd>Death, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Spanheim</i>, M. <i>Prussian</i> Ambassador, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Spanish</i> Succession, Quarrel about it, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <i>&c.</i> <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Stanhope</i>, Mr. <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Stanislaus</i> (King) proclaim'd, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>.</dt> - <dd>Crown'd <a href="#Page_65">65</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Steinbock</i>, Count de, 232</dt> -<dt><i>Stoffius</i> (M. de) Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Strasbourg</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Stutgard</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.<!--381.png--></dt> -<dt><i>Sultzbach</i> (Hereditary Prince of) <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Sweden</i> (see <i>Charles</i> XII. King of) the present King's Marriage, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Synod</i> of <i>Dort</i>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">T.</dt> - -<dt><i>Tapistry</i> Manufacture, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Teschen</i> (Princess of) <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tesse</i>, Marshal de, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tilly</i>, Count, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tobianski</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Tonningen</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Torcy</i>, M. de, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Toul</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_342">342</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tour</i>, M. <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tour Taxis</i>, Prince of, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Treaty</i> of <i>Munster</i>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Trianon</i> Palace, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Tromp, Martin</i>, the <i>Dutch</i> Admiral, his Tomb, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Troops, Prussian</i>, characteris'd, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Turenne</i>, Marshal, <a href="#Page_172">172</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Turin</i> Siege rais'd, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">U.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Valenciennes</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_172">172</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Vendosme</i>, Duke of <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Versailles</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_177">177</a>, <i>&c.</i> to <a href="#Page_197">197</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Vienna</i> Siege, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Villars</i> (Marshal de) <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Villeroy</i>, Marshal de, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Vilvorde</i> Canal, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Voisin</i>, M. de, Chancellor, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Vrilliere</i>, M. de, Secretary, <a href="#Page_358">358</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Utrecht</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_220">220</a>. Treaty, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">W.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Warsaw</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> -<dt><i>Wartemberg</i> (<i>John Casimir de Colbe</i>) Count de, Prime Minister to <i>Frederic</i> I. King of <i>Prussia</i>; his History, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</dt> - <dd>Cabal against him, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Revenge, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Disgrace, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Death at <i>Francfort</i>, and how he was lamented by the King of <i>Prussia</i>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Wartemberg</i> (Countess de) her mean Extraction, great Fortune, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <i>&c.</i></dt> - <dd>Some Particulars relating to her Conduct <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Retirement to <i>Utrecht</i>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>, <i>&c.</i><!--382.png--></dd> - <dd>Consequence of her Intrigue with the Chevalier <i>de B</i>----, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</dd> - <dd>Her Behaviour at <i>Paris</i>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>Departure for <i>Holland</i>, <i>ib.</i></dd> -<dt><i>Wartensleben</i> (Marshal de) <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Web</i> (General) see <i>Wynendale</i>.</dt> -<dt><i>Werf, Vander</i>, a <i>Dutch</i> Painter, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Wesel</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Wesen</i> (Count de) his Marriage to our Author's Mother, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Preferment, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Engagement in a Cabal against the Count <i>de Wartemberg</i>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</dd> - <dd>How it prov'd his Ruin, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <i>&c.</i></dd> - <dd>His Death, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Westphalia</i> Treaty, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Wildstat</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_334">334</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>William</i> III, King of <i>England</i>, by whom prevail'd on to call the illustrious House of <i>Hanover</i> to the Succession, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</dt> - <dd>Dispute about the Succession to his own Estate as Prince of <i>Orange</i>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</dd> - <dd>His Will, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Winter</i>, very cold, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Wirtemberg</i>, (Duke of) his Family and Court, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>, <i>&c.</i> <a href="#Page_337">337</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Witgenstein</i> (Count de) his Promotion and Disgrace, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</dt> - <dd>His Release, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</dd> -<dt><span class="smcap">Wolfembuttle</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</dt> - <dd>Character of the Duke <i>Anthony-Ulric</i>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</dd> -<dt><i>Wolfersdorff</i>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Woman</i>, in white, an Apparition, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Wynendale</i>, M. <i>de la Motte</i>'s Defeat there by General <i>Web</i>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">X.</dt> - -<dt><i>Ximenes</i>, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">Y.</dt> - -<dt><span class="smcap">Ypres</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_278">278</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</dt> - -<dt class="indexsubhdr">Z.</dt> - -<dt><i>Zeits</i>, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Zell, Dorothy</i>, Duchess-Dowager of, to whom remarried, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</dt> -<dt><span class="smcap">Zell</span>, <i>t.</i> <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</dt> -<dt><i>Zinzendorf</i>, Count de, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</dt> -</dl> - - - - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> -<h2><a name="FOOTNOTES" id="FOOTNOTES"></a>FOOTNOTES:</h2> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See -Vol. I. of the Letters, <i>pag.</i> 16. a remarkable Passage -relating to this Fact, together with this Minister's -Character and Death.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> See Vol. I. of the Memoirs, <i>p.</i> 29. some Particulars -concerning this Order, which are not here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 34. for the Description of this Town, -which is the common Garrison of the first Battalion of the -tall Grenadiers, so much talk'd of in <i>Europe</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> See the Account of this House Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 49.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> See for the present State of this Place, Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 347, -361.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> See the Vol. above mention'd, <i>p.</i> 362.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> See the compleat Description of this Monument, and -of its Erection, Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 196, where there are curious Observations -upon this City and its Inhabitants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 3. <i>&c.</i> where this capital City of the Electorate -of <i>Brandenburg</i> is describ'd with wonderful Exactness -and Regularity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> See also with regard to this Palace, Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> See also the same Vol. <i>p.</i> 31. for the Nature of the -Pleasures of the City and Court.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 18. where there is a more particular Description -of this Edifice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 33, <i>&c.</i> the Temper of the present King, -and his Way of Living.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 82, 85, 377, 380.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 48, 80.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 75.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 69, 75.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> See the Description and State of this Town, Vol. I. <i>p.</i> -61,68. where you will find a pleasant Remark upon the <i>French</i> -that swarm'd there in the Time of the last Duchess, who -was a <i>French</i> Lady of the <i>Olbreuse</i> Family.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 63, 68, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 365, 370.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 396.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 398.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 400, 425.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 426.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 317, 371.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> They who are well acquainted with <i>Holland</i> know that -the Author could only draw this Character for the very -Dregs of the People.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 394.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 358. where there's a curious Inventory -of the Statues and Paintings of the greatest Masters that are -all up and down the Castle of <i>Dusseldorff</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 357.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 340.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 332, 336.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 317.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 298, 317.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 296.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 291, 296.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 189, to 290.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 184, 188.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> That is a Spectre dress'd in white, which they say appears -in the Palace of the Princes of <i>Brandenburg</i>, a little before -the Death of any one of the Family.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 367, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 51, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 57, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 327.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 87, 157, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 319, 329. The dangerous Adventure -of the Marshal <i>d'Auverquerque</i>, for Mademoiselle <i>de Feltbruck</i>, -is related there with Circumstances that are different -from the Account given of it by the Author, in this and the -following Page.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 319.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 310, 317.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 296, 315.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 312.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 313.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 409, 410.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> That our Reader may the better understand this, it must -be observ'd that the Custom of <i>France</i> and that of <i>England</i> -are, in this respect, very different: For tho' in <i>England</i> -a Baron is as much a Peer as a Duke, yet in <i>France</i> -none but the Dukes, and not all of them, are honor'd with -the Dignity of Peers: But these modern Peers are very different -from the ancient Peers of <i>France</i>, who were six Spiritual -and six Temporal, <i>viz.</i> three Dukes and three Earls -or Counts of each State. The former are still in Being, -namely, the Duke Archbishop of <i>Rheims</i>, the Duke and Bishop -of <i>Laon</i>, the Duke and Bishop of <i>Langres</i>, the Count -Bishop of <i>Beauvais</i>, the Count Bishop of <i>Chalons</i>, and the -Count Bishop of <i>Noyon</i>; but the Temporal, who were Sovereign -Princes, have been extinct a long time.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> The Confession of Faith, as he deliver'd it some time -after to the Cardinal —— at <i>Rome</i>, is inserted at the end of -Vol. IV. by way of <i>Appendix</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 305, <i>&c.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 360.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 360.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 361.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 183.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 178.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 178.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 83.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> See Vol. II. <i>p.</i> 353.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> See Vol. I. <i>p.</i> 279.</p></div> - -<div class="center">FINIS.</div> - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> - -<div class="c3"><a name="Changes" id="Changes"></a>Transcriber's Amendments</div> - -<p>Transcriber's Note: Blank pages have been deleted. On pages that remain, -some unnecessary page numbers may have been deleted when they fall in the -middle of lists. Footnotes have been moved to the end of the work. We have -rendered consistent on a per-word-pair basis the hyphenation or spacing of -such pairs when repeated in the same grammatical context. The publisher's -inadvertent omissions of important punctuation have been corrected.</p> - -<p>The following list indicates any additional changes. The page number -represents that of the original publication and applies in this etext -except for footnotes since they have been moved.</p> - -<pre> -Page Change - - 13 who, together with his Desendants[Descendents] shou'd perform - 35 could not have aquitted[acquitted] itself better. - 78 twenty-six Battallions[Battalions] and seventy-six Squadrons - 97 Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatch[Yatcht] -105 Lethargy of his Temperament not permiting[permitting] -125 but he had not the Fortune to succeeed[succeed]. -162 humbled it in in[del 2nd in] 1661, and since -180 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the -182 Honor of being with her in private assurr'd[assur'd] me, -196 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the -197 [41] See Vol. II. [_p._] 184, 188. -220 to one of the seven Provinces, wherof[whereof] it is -228 had not refus'd an advantagious[advantageous] Capitulation, -240 proceeded so far, that she hindred[hinder'd] me -247 having still in View the getting some Establimment[Establishment] -272 therefore she chose to to[del 2nd to] take a Hack -281 a folish[foolish] one. <i>B——</i> was not to be seen -288 The Duchess of of[del 2nd of] <i>Berry</i> wanted also to be stil'd -304 for entring into the Service to be disheartned[disheartened], -313 and the Czar answer'd the Princeis[Princess] in -339 and richly furnish'd. The first Antichamber[Anti-chamber] is a -342 ever after, tho' <i>Nancy</i> was evacuted[evacuated] -356 Share in what pass'd the Day preceeding[preceding] -Index: Has an Electoress for his God-mother, {?}[2]. -Index: <i>Brunswik[Brunswic]</i> (Ducal Family of) 116. -Index: <span class="smcap">Brussells[Brussels]</span>, <i>t.</i> 170. -Index: <i>Danckelman[Dankelman]</i> M. our Author's Tutor, 81. -Index: His Entry to Koningsberg[Konigsberg], 38. -</pre> - -<div style="padding-top: 1em;"><a href="#Start">Start of text.</a></div> - -<hr class="ChapterTopRule" /> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pöllnitz - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS *** - -***** This file should be named 38507-h.htm or 38507-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/5/0/38507/ - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume III - Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from - Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, - England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not - Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but - the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several - Courts. - -Author: Karl Ludwig von Pollnitz - -Release Date: January 6, 2012 [EBook #38507] -[Last updated: March 12, 2016] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - - - - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's Note: The original publication has been replicated -faithfully except as shown in the Transcriber's Amendments at the end of -the text. This etext presumes a mono-spaced font on the user's device, -such as Courier. Words in italics are indicated like _this_. But the -publisher also wanted to emphasize names in sentences already italicized, -so he printed them in the regular font which is indicated here with: _The -pirates then went to +Hispaniola+._ Footnotes are located near the end of -the work. - -There is an index. - - * * * * * - - - - - THE MEMOIRS - OF - _CHARLES-LEWIS_, - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - BEING The OBSERVATIONS He made in his - late TRAVELS from _Prussia_ thro' - _POLAND_, _GERMANY_, _ITALY_, - _FRANCE_, _SPAIN_, _FLANDERS_, - _HOLLAND_, _ENGLAND_, - _&c._ - - Discovering not only the PRESENT STATE of the Chief - CITIES and TOWNS; - - BUT - - The CHARACTERS of the PRINCIPAL PERSONS at the Several - COURTS. - - VOL. III. - - _LONDON_: - - - Printed for DANIEL BROWNE, at the _Black Swan_, - without _Temple-Bar_; and JOHN BRINDLEY, at the - _King's-Arms_, in _New Bond-street_. M.DCC.XXXVIII. - - - - - THE - - PREFACE, - - By the TRANSLATOR. - - -_The +Baron de Pollnitz's+ Account of his +Travels+, and of the -Observations he made wherever he came, both of +Persons+ and +Things+, has -had such a Run in Foreign Parts, that the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, who -first printed it in three Volumes in +12^{mo}+, soon after published a -second Edition of it in +four+ Volumes, and has now printed a third -Edition in +five+ Volumes._ - -_The three first Volumes, which are those that are translated in our first -and second, he calls +Letters+; and to the fourth and fifth he has given -the Title of +Memoirs+, which is +that+ we have chose for our Translation -of the Whole._ - -_It happens that these two New Volumes were written by our Author before -the first and second that were translated and publish'd last Year; but -why they were not also printed before the others, is thus accounted for by -M. +Changuion+ the Bookseller at +Amsterdam+, in his Preface to the -Original of these Memoirs_, viz. - -_'The Author, when at +Paris+, sold the Copy to a Person, who sold it -again to a Bookseller in +Holland+; and the latter was actually going to -print it when he heard that I was just ready to publish the +Letters+ of -the Baron +de Pollnitz+, (the same that are the Subject of our two first -Volumes). The Title-Pages of the one and the other had such a Resemblance, -that the Bookseller in +Holland+, who purchas'd the Copy, of which these -two additional Volumes are a Translation imagin'd it to be the same with -the other, and laid the +MS.+ by. But not long after this, he took it into -his head to review it, and by comparing it with the former Volumes, he -found this a quite different Treatise. He saw, that it not only contain'd -a History of the Author's +Life+ and +Family+, but an Account of several -Courts and Courtiers of +Europe+, very circumstantial, and altogether new; -and that here was a Relation of several Travels of our Author, that to -+Spain+ in particular, of which there's not a Word in the former Volumes; -in short, that this Copy of his was the Account of the Baron's +first -Travels+, antecedent to those already publish'd.'_ - -_Upon his communicating this Discovery to M. +Changuion+, the latter -bargain'd with him for it, and has just published it in +Holland+, as a -Sequel to the former Volumes, tho' if he had had the +MS.+ sooner, he -would undoubtedly have given it the Preference._ - -_At the End of the last Volume there is a Translation of a remarkable -Piece from the +Italian+ Original, which is the +Confession of Faith+ made -by the Baron +de Pollnitz+, and his Motives for changing his Religion._ - -_The said Bookseller thinks, that the Author (tho' he has since abjur'd -the +Romish+ for the +Protestant+ Religion, as may be seen in our Preface -to the first Volume) will not be angry with him for publishing that Piece, -because it has such a tendency to confute the malicious Insinuations which -he complains of in his +Memoirs+, and proves, that if he did not then -embrace the +True Religion+, he took the Pains however to examine it._ - -_On the other hand, the Publication of this ample +Confession+ will -demonstrate to all Catholics, that whatsoever Arguments they employ -against Christians of the +Protestant Communions+, the latter are not -afraid to let them see the Light._ - -_To conclude; tho' some Places are here and there mention'd in these -Volumes, which are also to be found in the Two First, and with that -Conformity indeed betwixt them, which the +Truth+ unavoidably demanded; -yet 'tis proper to observe, that the Descriptions are sometimes more -copious, the Reflections almost every where different; and that in both -there is an agreeable Variety and Vivacity which we flatter our selves -will not fail to recommend +These+ to the same good Acceptance from the -Public, with which it has favor'd the +former+ Volumes._ - - - - - MEMOIRS - - OF THE - - Baron de POLLNITZ. - - VOL. III. - - To Madame de ---- - - -The Family I am descended from was originally of _Thuringia_. My -Grandfather, after having turn'd Protestant, came and settled in the -Electorate of _Brandenburg_, where he was kindly receiv'd, and advanc'd to -the chief Employments by the Elector _Frederic-William_, who made him -Master of the Horse, Minister of State, Chamberlain, Major-General, -Colonel of his Guards, and Commandant at _Berlin_. His Brother who came -along with him had also a share of his Favor; for he was made Colonel of a -Regiment of Horse, Lieutenant-General, and Governor of _Lipstadt_. They -both married, but the only one that left Male Issue was my Grandfather, -who by _Eleonora_ of _Nassau_, Daughter to Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, -had two Sons, and two Daughters. This however prov'd a very unsuitable -Match; for my Grandmother was imperious, frugal, and jealous, whereas her -Husband was extravagant, and an Admirer of the Fair Sex: which Tempers so -opposite to each other created a Misunderstanding between them, that -amounted almost to a staunch Hatred. Yet my Grandfather, some time before -he died, settled all his Estate upon her, repented of the Vexation he had -given her, and he thought this Generosity of his would have made her easy, -but it only render'd her the more impatient to be a Widow, insomuch that -she had not the Complaisance to conceal it from him; and the very last -Words he liv'd to hear her pronounce, were neither comforting nor -Christian. - -Soon after the Death of my Grandfather my Uncle died, who was my Father's -own Brother. The only Issue he left was a Daughter, who was chief Maid of -Honour to the Queen _Sophia Charlotte_, whose Bounties to her render'd her -a Person of no small Note in _Germany_. - -My Father married the Daughter of Baron _D----_ by whom he had my Brother -in 1690. I was born thirteen Months after him, _viz._ the 25th of -_February_ 1692, at _Issouin_, a Village in the Electorate of _Cologn_, -where my Father then lay with his Regiment in Winter-Quarters. The -Electoress was my God-mother, and I was christen'd _Charles-Lewis_. Before -I was full two years of Age I had the misfortune to lose my Father, who -died at _Maestricht_, and left my Mother a Widow with three Children, and -a very little Estate to maintain us. My Grandmother, who, as I had said -before, had all my Grandfather's Estate, was so extremely penurious, that -she had not the heart to part with any of it to my Mother, whose Situation -would have been very melancholy had it not been for the Generosity of the -King (at that time only Elector). This Prince sent for her back to -_Berlin_, and gave her a Pension; and in a little time after, my Relations -help'd her to another Husband, _viz. M. de M----_ Secretary of State for -Foreign Affairs, who tho' he died at the end of ten Months left her so -warm a Widow, that me might very well pass for one of the best Fortunes at -Court; and then she threw up her Pension, rather than keep it to the -prejudice of other Persons that stood more in need of it, which she -thought was an Abuse of the Elector's Bounty. - -My Mother's Fondness for me would not suffer her to part with me, so that -I was brought up under her Wing, and at a Court which was at that time the -most splendid in _Germany_. - - * * * * * - -_Frederic-William_, when he died, left five Princes, _viz._ the Elector, -whom he had by _Louisa-Henrietta_ of _Nassau_ Princess of _Orange_; and -the Margraves _Charles_, _Philip_, _Albert_, and _Christian_, by _Dorothy_ -Princess of _Holstein_, Dowager of the Duke of _Zell_. These Princes, at -an Age more proper for Pleasure than Business, studied how to be most -agreeable. Being frank and generous they adorn'd the Court, even more by -their personal Qualities than by their Magnificence; and the Elector -himself contributed to the splendor of it, by giving frequent Feasts, tho' -he was reproach'd with being too much addicted to them, too scrupulous in -the Ceremonies he requir'd to be observ'd at them, and more expensive in -them than elegant. Nevertheless, this is what strikes Foreigners more than -any thing; and 'tis Entertainments of this kind that give a Court its -fullest Lustre. The true Ornament of ours was the Electoress, Daughter of -_Ernest Augustus_, Elector of _Hanover_, and Sister to _George_ I. King of -_England_. Our Elector, after burying his first Wife the Princess of -_Hesse_, marry'd his second on the 28th of _September_ 1684, when he was -only the Electoral Prince. The latter Princess, from what Lineage soever -Heaven had sent her, had Qualities that would have procur'd her respect: -Her Beauty was regular, and tho' she was but little in stature, her Air -was majestic. She spoke all the Languages of _Europe_ that are in present -use, with ease, and was so good as to converse with all Foreigners in -their own Tongue. She understood History, Natural Philosophy, and -Divinity; but with Knowledge so extensive, she was extremely careful to -avoid the reputation of being Learned. As fond as she was of Reading, she -was not an enemy to Pleasures. She lov'd Music, Dancing, and Plays; and by -her command, Comedies were often represented, in which sometimes she did -not disdain to be an Actress. Her regard for all who excell'd in any Art -drew them to her Court, in which Politeness bore sway, as much as in any -other Court of _Europe_. Of all things in the world she had nothing near -so much at heart as the Education of her Son the Electoral Prince, whom -she lov'd tenderly, and omitted nothing to inspire him with all the Ideas -that might hereafter render him as exalted in Sentiments as he was to be -in Power: And the young Prince on his part seem'd to make a suitable -return for the Princess's care of him. - -While the Court was thus addicted to Pleasures and Feastings, they gave -themselves little or no trouble about the Affairs of Government; so that -_Dankelman_ the Prime Minister bore the weight of all. He had then the -Elector's intire Confidence, and so absolute an ascendant over his mind, -that he was suppos'd to be perfectly secure against the disgraces to which -Favorites are commonly expos'd. The Favor he stood in, was owing to the -most important Service that 'tis possible for a Subject to render to his -Sovereign: For one day when this Prince (as yet only the Prince Electoral) -was drinking Coffee with his Mother-in-law the Electoress, he was taken so -ill on a sudden that he was oblig'd to retire to his Apartment, where he -was seiz'd with Convulsions which threaten'd his Life. It happen'd that -_Dankelman_ then the Secretary of his Dispatches was the only Person at -hand, to relieve him: He open'd a Box in which there were certain -Antidotes, and having given him several Doses, for want of a Surgeon and a -Lancet he open'd a Vein with a Penknife; and his management was attended -with such good success, that the Prince, after having had a hearty Vomit, -found himself quite out of danger. - -An Event of this nature could not but make a great Noise: The Vulgar -especially, who are fond of nothing so much as what is extraordinary, -thought that the Prince's Indisposition did not proceed from a natural -Cause, but imagin'd that the Electoress's tenderness for the Margraves her -Sons was reason good enough to suspect that she wanted to get rid of the -Prince her Son-in-law, which was to be sure the shortest way to let them -into the Succession. The Electoral Prince's retreat to the Court of the -Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_ seemed to give a Sanction also to a Suspicion -of that sort. But be this as it will, the Prince stay'd there several -years, during which he married the Landgrave's Sister, by whom he had -only one Daughter, who marry'd in 1700, to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse_, now King of _Sweden_. - -_Dankelman_ was artful enough to make his advantage of this happy Incident -of having sav'd his Master's Life: He stuck closer to him than ever; and -that grateful Prince, as soon he came to the Electoral Dignity, made him -his prime Minister, and confer'd all the marks of Friendship on him, that -'tis possible for any Subject to aspire to; insomuch that _Dankelman_ -giving the Elector to understand one day, that he fear'd his Favour would -be of no long duration, this Prince was so good-natur'd, or so weak, as to -fortify him as far as was in the power of the most solemn Oaths[1]. -_Dankelman_ was so credulous as to trust to those Protestations; and -forgetting that the most solid Friendship of Princes cannot be proof -against their Inconstancy or Caprice, he thought himself above the reach -of Fate, and behav'd like a Man that had nothing to fear. But the little -care he took to gain People's Love, and the ever-odious Titles of Minister -and Favourite, made him soon hated by the whole Court. The Elector himself -began by degrees to be out of conceit with him; for their Tempers were -incompatible; the Minister being Covetous, and the Prince a Man of Pomp -and Expence; and he was so perpetually teaz'd with the Remonstrances of -_Dankelman_, that he hated him in his heart long before he durst make it -appear. The Minister too much elated with his Favour, and not so careful -to please his Master as to censure his Actions, thought himself able to -preserve the same ascendant over him, or at least, did not think the -Elector would ever offer to ruin him; which Confidence of his hinder'd him -from parrying the Thrusts that were made at him in secret; so that he was -arrested at midnight in his own House, and carry'd to _Spandaw_ in one of -the Elector's Coaches, under a Guard of twenty Men. - -His being so suddenly disgrac'd was matter of surprize to every body, but -of concern to few. 'Twas observ'd that on the very day wherein _Dankelman_ -was arrested, the Elector spoke to him so kindly in presence of the whole -Court, that those of the nicest penetration little thought his Fall to be -so near. Indeed, every body had long before endeavour'd, or wish'd for an -opportunity to trip up his heels; and the natural Inconstancy of the -Elector to his Favorites, and this Minister's want of complaisance to the -Elector, made it very probable that he would quickly be tumbled from that -Summit of Favor, on which he thought himself so sure of keeping his Hold; -there wanted only a more specious pretext to remove a Man from Court, who -had all along seem'd to aim at nothing but the welfare of the Government; -and such a one naturally presented itself in the affair of the Duchy of -_Limbourg_. - -This Duchy had been mortgag'd by _Spain_, as Security for considerable -Sums which were owing by that Crown to the Elector, who in consequence put -his Troops to quarter there for the Winter. The _Dutch_, to whom _Spain_ -was a Debtor in like manner, would gladly also have had that Duchy made -over to them, as Security for their Debt; which not being to be done -without the evacuation of our Troops, the matter was propos'd to -_Dankelman_, who, whether he was surpriz'd, or brib'd, gave his consent -to it. This was imputed to him as a Crime of State the more heinous, -because _Spain_ being at that time ready to conclude a Peace with -_France_, in pursuance of the Treaty of _Ryswic_, was very indifferent as -to complying with the Demands of the Elector. To this the Minister fell a -Sacrifice, but by good luck for him he had remitted several Sums to -Foreign Countries, so that his disgrace was the lighter; which moreover -had this singularity in it, that neither of his three Brothers nor any of -his Creatures had a share in it, but were all continued in their -Employments; and all the alteration that happen'd, was, that the Count _de -Barfous_, then a Veldt-Marshal, performed for some time the Functions of -the Prime Minister. - -In the mean time another Idol of Fortune rose upon the ruin of -_Dankelman_. This was _John Casimir de Kolbe_, a Gentleman originally of -the Palatinate: His first appearance at Court was in the time of -_Frederic-William_ the Great, in the retinue of the Princess-Palatine _de -Simmeren_, Sister of the first Electoress, who having desir'd the Elector -to give _Kolbe_ some Employment; he made him a Privy-Counsellor, but gave -him liberty to attend the Princess as much as ever, who was so good to him -that she was reproach'd with caring for no body else. He went with her -into the Palatinate, where that Princess died soon after, and then _Kolbe_ -return'd to Court, where he was a meer Stranger, without Relations, -Acquaintance or Protection; and 'twas a long time before any the least -notice was taken of him. But after the death of _Frederic-William_, he -made his Court to _Frederic_ his Son who succeeded him, and to _Dankelman_ -his Minister. Being always humble, and a Flatterer into the bargain, he -quickly gain'd their Friendship by his Assiduity, and by his study'd -Affectation not to meddle or make in any Affairs. _Dankelman_, as crafty a -Man as he was, did not perceive the Snare, but contributed most of all to -his Favor, thinking all the while that he was promoting a Creature from -whom he had nothing to fear. But _Kolbe_ no sooner perceiv'd the Elector's -Coldness to his Minister than he resolv'd to make his Advantage of it. He -did not alter his Measures immediately, but seeming to have as little -Concern in Affairs as ever, his only Aim was to feed and propagate the ill -Humors which the Elector was often in with his Favorite. This Prince was -inconstant, suspicious and choleric; and when those three Passions were -stirr'd up and managed, he was to be persuaded to any thing. _Kolbe_ who -for a long time had made his Temper his only Study, plainly perceiv'd his -Foible, artfully wrought upon it, and in the sequel made it subservient to -the Accomplishment of his Designs. He soon attain'd to the highest Degree -of Favor; the Elector made him his Great Chamberlain and First Minister; -all the Court was oblig'd to truckle to him; and as it always happens in -the Changes of Government, the Minister in Disgrace was regretted. Indeed -_Kolbe_ did not want for personal Qualities enough to make him belov'd; -but the worst on't was, they were eclips'd by an astonishing Fondness for -his Wife, to whom he was so blindly complaisant, that all the good People -at Court despis'd and hated him. - -This Lady has play'd so extraordinary a Part in the World, that I can't -avoid giving you some Account of her Origin and Character. Her Father, -one _Rickers_, was a Bargeman at _Emmerick_, a Town in the Duchy of -_Cleves_, where for better Subsistance he kept a sort of Tavern. He had -two Daughters, who pass'd for fine Women, that brought a good deal of -Company to his House, and in a Journey which the Elector made to _Cleves, -Bidekan_ his Valet de Chambre fell in love with the eldest, the Lady I am -speaking of, marry'd her and took her with him to _Berlin_, where she fell -so passionately in love with _Kolbe_, that after having been his Mistress -in her Husband's Life-time, he was hardly cold in his Grave but she became -his Wife. The Wedding was kept at the House of one _Commesser_, another of -the Elector's Valets de Chambre, where that Prince was present, with seven -or eight Persons in his Company; and from that very Juncture he began to -shew such great Marks of Complaisance to the Lady, that several People -thought she ow'd them to something more than to the Friendship he had for -his Favorite. Nevertheless I am very well persuaded they were mistaken; -and I remember, that when I was Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -Elector, he said to me in one of his ill Humors with his Favorite and his -Wife (and in these sort of Pets he was not capable of dissembling) _I know -the Notion that prevails of my being under certain Tyes to +Kolbe's+ Lady, -but there is nothing in it_; _and the Wrong is greater to me than to her_. -For really was it not enough for a Woman of such mean Extraction, Parts -and Beauty too, to be the Wife of a Minister, but she must also be -ambitious to be the Mistress of a Sovereign? Yet it must be confess'd, -that whether it was meer Humor, or a weak Attachment to the Favorite, the -Elector heap'd Wealth and Honors upon this Lady, insomuch that nothing -would serve him but she must be admitted to the Electoress's Circle, who -at that time indeed obstinately refus'd it; for who is there would not -have been disgusted to have seen the Daughter of _Rickers_ the Bargeman -mixing with Ladies of Quality that had a Right to be in the Circle? -However, some time after, the Electoress was oblig'd to wave all the Pleas -of Decorum, for the sake of the Need she stood in of the Great -Chamberlain; and his Wife had the Honor of the Circle. - -The same Year that _Kolbe_ was declared Prime Minister, the Emperor made -him a Count of the Empire. He then chang'd his Name for that of Count _de -Wartemberg_, which was the Name of a ruinous Castle that he had in the -_Palatinate_. His Lady, when she became a Countess, had a mind that her -Children by her first Marriage should be promoted to the Dignity of -Barons; and they were accordingly call'd Barons of _Asbach_. But these new -Titles of the Count and Barons compleatly turn'd the Head of Madame _de -Wartemberg_, and she was every day guilty of Extravagancies which were -disgusting and ridiculous. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of our Court in my early years. It began to -shew its Superiority over almost all the Courts of _Germany_, by the -Influence it had upon the Affairs of _Europe_: But that which added new -Lustre to it, was the erecting the Duchy of _Prussia_ into a Kingdom. The -first Hint of this was given by _France_ to _Frederic-William_; but that -Elector, whether it was owing to some Obstacles that he foresaw, or to the -little Advantage he thought to reap from it, was not willing to put the -Project in execution. His Son too perhaps would have miscarried in it, had -it not been for the Situation of Affairs in _Europe_, on account of the -_Spanish_ Succession. _Kolbe_, whom I shall hereafter call the Count of -_Wartemberg_, had all the Honour of this Event, because it happen'd in -his Ministry. I had some Particulars, _Madame_, from his own Mouth, which -I think important enough to have a place in these Memoirs. The Affair is -moreover so weighty of it self that I shall trace it from its very -beginning. - -Great Events commonly have their Source in Trifles. This was owing to -nothing more than the Refusal of the Prince of _Orange_, who was King of -_England_, to give an Arm-Chair to the Elector in a Conference betwixt -those two Princes at the _Hague_ in 1695. The Elector cou'd not bear that -the Prince of _Orange_, who had always been his Inferior, shou'd carry it -to him in such a lofty manner, after Fortune had rais'd him to the Throne -of _England_; and from that time he resolved to be a King too. - -_Dankelman_ the then Prime Minister, who cou'd not foresee the Situation -that _Europe_ was in some Years after, would fain have diverted the -Elector from a Project which he thought a perfect Chimæra; he put him in -mind of the Difficulties _Frederic-William_ met with in it, and of the -Reasons he had to refuse the Offers which _France_ made to him on that -head; he shew'd him that the same Reasons were still subsisting, and -reinforc'd by yet greater Difficulties; and that it was Madness to attempt -a Thing, the Success whereof was neither certain nor advantageous, his -Rank being so near a-kin to Royalty, that he would be never the better for -the Title. But the Elector had the refusal of the Arm-chair too much at -heart to hearken to any Reasons that could be brought against his Design, -and sent _Dankelman_, his Minister's Brother, to _Vienna_, to impart to -the Emperor the Scheme which he had form'd to erect _Prussia_ into a -Kingdom. - -_Prussia_, which is a Province detach'd from _Poland_, formerly belong'd -to the _Lithuanians_, from whom it was conquer'd by the _Teutonic_ Order. -_Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, the Grand Master of the said Order, -who had marry'd _Dorothy_, Daughter of _Frederic_ I. King of _Denmark_, -took it from those Knights in 1511, and made himself Master of it. This -engag'd him in a War with _Sigismond_ I. King of _Poland_, his Uncle by -the Mother's side, who had Pretensions upon the said Province; which War -continu'd five Years, till it was concluded by a Treaty, whereby it was -stipulated, That the Eastern _Prussia_ shou'd remain hereditary with the -Title of a Duchy to _Albert_, who, together with his Descendants shou'd -perform Allegiance and Homage for it to the King and Republic of _Poland_, -to which it was to revert on the failure of Issue Male in the Family of -_Albert_. - -The Emperor _Charles_ V. oppos'd this Transaction, by pretending that -_Prussia_ was a Fief of the Empire; and that therefore _Sigismond_ had no -Right to dispose of it. The Imperial Decree which was pass'd upon this -Occasion, had however no Effect, by reason of the Wars which the Emperor -was at that time engag'd in, and _Albert_ remain'd in peaceable Possession -of _Prussia_. He was succeeded by his only Son _Albert-Frederic_, who -receiv'd the Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and -his Cousin-Germans in 1569. This Prince dying without Issue, _John -Sigismond_ Elector of _Brandenburg_ succeeded him, and again receiv'd the -Investiture of it from the King of _Poland_, for himself and his three -Brothers. Since that time the Duchy of _Prussia_ has always been -in the _Brandenburg_ Family from Father to Son; but the Elector -_Frederic-William_ the Great, having made War upon _Charles-Gustavus_ King -of _Sweden_, in favour of the Crown and Republic of _Poland_, the -Sovereignty of _Prussia_ was, in Acknowledgment thereof, yielded to him, -for himself and all his Male Descendants, by the Treaty of _Bydgost_ in -1659. - -By virtue of this Treaty, the Elector claim'd that _Prussia_ depended on -no other Power; and that he held it immediately by Divine Right; and upon -this Plea he thought himself authoriz'd to be declar'd King. But before he -took this Step, it was necessary to secure the Consent of a Part, at -least, of the Princes of the Empire. As the Emperor's Consent was not only -the most important, but the most difficult to obtain, the whole stress of -the Negociation lay almost at the Court of _Vienna_. - -When _Dankelman_ arriv'd there, he did not find the Court in a Temper to -grant it. The august Title of a King conferr'd upon an Elector, was at -first thought to be prejudicial to the Imperial Authority, and it was -look'd upon as exposing of that Dignity, to acquiesce in the Elector's -Demand before they had at least felt the Pulses of the Generality of the -Princes of _Europe_, and especially those of the Empire. 'Twas but -reasonable to imagine the Pope would oppose it strenuously upon the score -of the Protestant Religion, which by the Elector's Advancement might -gather fresh Strength. All Kings in general were interested not to suffer -an Instance which had a seeming Tendency to authorize every Prince to take -the same Step, on the single Pretence of being possess'd of a Bit of Land, -and holding it of no Power but God. But the Persons from whom the -greatest Objections were expected, were the Electors; and indeed they had -reason to fear, 1. That when the Elector of _Brandenburg_ came to be a -King, he wou'd no longer look upon them as his Equals, but wou'd claim -certain Distinctions from them in the Empire and in the Dyets. 2. That he -would withdraw the Dominions of his Electorate from the Obedience of the -Empire, and from the Laws to which all the other Electors were subject. -This Article was of the utmost consequence to them, especially with regard -to the Contingent they are oblig'd to furnish towards Wars which concern -the Empire, and which are the more burthensome, the fewer Heads they fall -upon. - -These being then the Notions of the Court of _Vienna_, _Dankelman_ had no -great Hopes of succeeding in his Negociation. Nevertheless the Court -always took care to keep fair with the Elector, whom they look'd upon as -an Ally that was well worth preserving; and perhaps they flatter'd -themselves they should get more by Promises and Expectations than by -granting him his Demand. - -The Death of _John Sobieski_ King of _Poland_, which happen'd on the 17th -of _June_ 1696, was another Inducement to the Emperor to pursue the same -Politics. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ by having _Prussia_ in his -Neighbourhood, might be of great Weight in the Election of a new King of -_Poland_; and the Emperor who had a Design to advance the Margrave _Lewis_ -of _Baden_ to the Throne, pretended to enter into the Views of the -Elector, that this Prince might afterwards fall in with his at the Dyet of -Election. For this end the Emperor's Ministers gave _Dankelman_ to -understand, that the first thing to be done was to clear the Difficulties -which the several Powers of _Europe_ might raise against the Elector's -Project; and that the Congress of _Ryswic_, at which all the Ministers -were to be present, was the most favourable Opportunity. - -Hereupon _Dankelman_ was recall'd from the Court of _Vienna_, and sent to -_Ryswic_ as Plenipotentiary from the Elector, jointly with M. _de -Schmettau_. The Elector for his part set out for _Konigsberg_, the Capital -of _Prussia_, that he might be nearer at hand to favor the Election of the -Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_. Mean time he was strenuously sollicited in -favor of _Alexander_ and _Constantine_ Princes of _Poland_, who for that -reason came themselves to _Berlin_; but the Elector was far from breaking -the secret Engagements which he had made with the Emperor: Therefore he -answer'd the Solicitations of those two Princes in a very ambiguous -manner, by engaging himself to nothing, and only telling them that he was -going into _Prussia_ that he might be the better inform'd of every thing -that pass'd at the Dyet of Election. - -The Necessity which the Elector stood in of _Poland_ to succeed in his -Views, laid him under an indispensible Obligation to concern himself in -that Election. He fully expected that the Right which the said Republic -claim'd to _Prussia_ wou'd induce it to oppose his Designs with Vigor; and -besides, under the Pretext of interesting himself in the Election of a -King, he might form a Party that hereafter would be capable to serve him; -therefore, as soon as he arriv'd at _Konigsberg_, he dispatch'd a -Messenger to the Cardinal _Radziowsky_ Primate of _Poland_, to acquaint -him of his Arrival, and sent M. _Dorerbeck_ Great Cup-bearer of _Prussia_ -as his Ambassador to the Dyet of Election, with Orders to support the -Interests of the Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_, but in the mean time to do -nothing that might disoblige the _Poles_. - -The Margrave _Lewis_ of _Baden_ was soon out of the Question; for the two -strongest Parties oblig'd him to retire, as well as the other Competitors -for the Crown. These two Parties were the one for _Frederic-Augustus_ -Elector of _Saxony_, and the other for the Prince of _Conti_. The Cardinal -Primate favor'd the latter, and _France_ seem'd to have his Election very -much at heart; yet _Frederic-Augustus_'s Party carried it, and he was -proclaim'd King. - -The Cardinal Primate was still obstinate for the Prince of _Conti_, and -actually sent one of his near Relations to the Elector to sollicit him in -his Favor; but the Elector, who thought the Elector of _Saxony_'s Party -the most substantial and the most powerful, did not scruple to own him for -King, and return'd for Answer to the Cardinal, That he advis'd him, as the -Chief Pastor of _Poland_, to maintain Peace in his Flock, and to submit to -the Elector of _Saxony_. Nevertheless the Primate stood out stiffly, and -form'd a Party in _Poland_, considerable enough to give the new King -Uneasiness. The Elector still persevering in his Views to make himself -necessary to _Poland_, return'd next year to _Konigsberg_, in hopes of -appeasing the Disturbances rais'd there by the two different Parties. -_Kolbe_, who was not yet Count of _Wartemberg_, but only Great -Chamberlain, made a Journey to _Warsaw_ for this purpose, on the part of -the Elector, and complimented the King on his Accession to the Crown. The -King in his Turn sent the Count _de Bilinsky_ Great Chamberlain of the -Crown to the Elector, to compliment him on his Arrival at _Konigsberg_, -and there to negociate an Interview betwixt them. The Elector wish'd for -it too heartily to refuse it, and _Fredericshoss_, one of his -Pleasure-houses, was chose for the place of Meeting. There every thing -pass'd, as is common upon those Occasions; a great deal of Business was -talk'd of, and referred to the Ministers for Conclusion. The two Princes -made each other magnificent Presents, and exchang'd all the Tokens of the -sincerest Friendship. This Union seem'd still increasing by the Sale which -the King of _Poland_ made this year to the Elector of the Fee for -protecting the Abbey-Town of _Quedlimbourg_, which no Elector of _Saxony_ -would ever part with before, whatsoever Instances were made to them by the -Family of _Brandenburg_. The Elector had less Reason than any of his -Predecessors to hope for Success in this Affair. _Poland_, besides the -Pleas of Interest, had others of Resentment; and this Prince's Conduct in -the affair of _Elbing_ bid fair to set the King and the Elector at -variance. The Dispute was about a Demand of 400,000 Crowns which the -Elector made upon _Poland_, for the Expences of the War, which his Father, -_Frederic-William_ the Great, had carry'd on in favor of the Republic -against _Charles_ XI. King of _Sweden_. The King of _Poland_ in the -Interview at _Fredericshoff_ had promis'd to persuade the Republic to pay -that Sum. The Elector whose Patience was worn out in Expectation of the -Performance, notwithstanding the many Reasons he had to keep fair with -_Poland_, caused the City of _Elbing_, which had been mortgag'd to him for -that Sum, to be invested. And M. _de Brantz_, my Uncle, who was -Lieutenant-General, was sent upon this Expedition, at the Head of a Body -of 12000 Men. - -The _Poles_ no sooner heard of it but they made a very great Clamor, and -the King complain'd loudly of the Elector's Proceeding, who being, _said -he_, his Cousin, his Friend, and Ally, ought to have had more Regard for -him. 'Twas at least after this manner that he express'd himself in the -Circular Letters, which he wrote to assemble the Nobility of _Poland_. But -the Elector went on still his own way, and the City of _Elbing_ was taken -before the _Poles_ had so much as a Thought of defending it. As soon as -the King of _Poland_ was told of it, he ordered the Elector's Resident to -depart the City of _Thorn_ in 24 Hours, and the Kingdom without Delay. M. -_de Reitwitz_, Envoy of _Poland_ to the Elector, fearing the same -Treatment, was absent from Court for a Fortnight; but return'd then, -causing his Appearance to be notify'd to the Ministers, not as Envoy from -the King of _Poland_, but as Envoy from the Elector of _Saxony_. By this -piece of Management 'tis plain that the King of _Poland_ did not take the -Affair of _Elbing_ so much to heart as he seem'd to do; and some time -after the Matter was accommodated; the Elector consenting to lose one -fourth of the Debt, and the _Poles_ promising to pay the rest at the -Expiration of three Months, and depositing their King's Crown for -Security. The Elector on his part restor'd _Elbing_ on condition -nevertheless, that he should have it again at the three Month's end, if -the 300,000 Crowns were not then paid. This Affair has ever since remain'd -_in statu quo_: The _Poles_ are still Debtors for that Sum, and the -Elector contents himself with detaining the Crown, which is still at -_Berlin_, in the Gallery over the great Stables, where 'tis kept in a -Case, seal'd with the Seal of the Kingdom of _Poland_. - -Mean time the Peace of _Ryswic_ was just sign'd, and sooner than expected, -by reason _France_ receded from several Pretensions; which every body -knows she was induc'd to do from the View she had at that time to the -_Spanish_ Succession, and to that end it was absolutely necessary for her -to make a Peace with that Power and to disarm the Allies. Consequently -Messieurs _Dankelman_ and _Schmettau_ had no time to push the Negociation -of the Affair of _Prussia_ any farther; nevertheless they acted with the -_Dutch_ to some purpose. - -The Elector had sent _Bartholdi_ to _Vienna_ in the place of _Dankelman_, -and M. _Blaspiel_ to _Dusseldorff_ to the Elector _Palatine_, whom he -thought proper to treat with extraordinary Regard, as well upon his own -Account, as with relation to the Empress his Sister who had a very great -Ascendant over the Emperor. - -_Bartholdi_ when he arriv'd at _Vienna_ found the Court in the very same -Disposition as it was in the time of _Dankelman_. There was a great shew -of Good-will, but no Advance made; for the Emperor's Ministers were never -at a loss for a Reason to defer coming to the Point. The Republic of -_Poland_ furnish'd very cogent ones too, by the Protestations it made -against every Step taken towards erecting _Prussia_ into a Kingdom, on -pretence that it formerly belong'd to the Republic, and that the _Poles_ -only suffer'd it to fall to the House of _Brandenburg_, on condition of -its reverting to them on the Failure of Issue Male in that Family. The -Emperor said he could not help having Regard to those Protestations, the -Alliance which he had been in for a long time with the Republic being -become much firmer since the raising the Siege of _Vienna_, when _John -Sobiesky_ at the Head of the _Poles_ so effectually reliev'd it. -_Bartholdi_ being dishearten'd with all these Delays, began to despair of -the Success of the Negociation. He flatter'd himself for a while that the -languishing State of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, which presag'd his -approaching Death, and the cruel War between the Houses of _Austria_ and -_Bourbon_, on account of the _Spanish_ Succession, would promote the -Success of his Master's Designs; and that the State Policy which at that -Juncture oblig'd the Emperor to strengthen himself with Allies, would make -him chuse to retain in his Party a Prince so powerful and so necessary to -his Interests as the Elector. But _Bartholdi_ was deceiv'd; and whether -the Court of _Vienna_ flatter'd itself that the Elector wou'd never -venture to take the part of _France_, or whether they thought it more -nearly concern'd them to humor the Powers that oppos'd the Elector's -Views, they had always some fresh Pretence or other to trump up. - -_Bartholdi_ cou'd not avoid giving an Account to the Elector his Master of -what he thought of these continual Delays, and he told him there was no -manner of Reason to hope that the Emperor would recognize him for King -before he was sure of the Consent of the Pope, and of all the Princes of -the Empire; that it was easy to see this was only a civil Excuse that the -Emperor made use of for his Refusal, rather than to make him his Enemy; -and that the Case was really so desperate, that he knew of but one -Stratagem to make use of before he retir'd; and that was that he shou'd -write with his own Hand to the Prince of ----, who, said _Bartholdi_, was -the only Person in the World to induce the Emperor to be more favorable. -His Dispatch was written in a Cypher, and the Secretary who decypher'd it, -thought he met with the Name of the Emperor's Confessor, instead of that -of the Prince of ----. The Elector approv'd of his Minister's Hint, and -wrote immediately to the Confessor, who happen'd to be a Jesuit. This -Reverend Father was overjoy'd to find himself courted by one of the -greatest Protestant Princes, and promising himself that he should reap -considerable Advantages for his Society, from the Success of a Negociation -which the Elector had so much at heart, and in which two of his most able -Ministers had already miscarried, he made no scruple to undertake it. - -As soon as he began to meddle with it, it assum'd a new Face; the Court of -_Rome_ made but a faint Opposition to it: That of _Vienna_ being alarmed -at the News they received from the Count _de Harrach_ their Ambassador at -_Madrid_, of the bad State of the King of _Spain_'s Health, and of the -_Spaniards_ Byass for the Duke of _Anjou_, became more tractable; and the -very Reasons that _Bartholdi_ urg'd in vain, began to be relish'd when -they were represented by the Confessor. This Jesuit convinc'd the Emperor, -that as he was resolv'd to dispute the Succession to the Crown of _Spain_ -with _France_, such an Ally as the Elector would give great Weight to -either of the two Parties that he fell in with. The Confessor's Arguments -were applauded by some, and faintly rejected by others; so that the -Father, by craftily taking advantage of the Good-Will of the latter, and -of the Lethargy of the former, brought the Affair of _Prussia_ in less -than two Month's Time to the Point of a happy Conclusion. - -While such effectual Endeavors were us'd for the Elector at the Court of -_Vienna_, his Interest was as successfully manag'd with the King of -_England_. The Electoress, together with her Mother the Electoress of -_Hanover_, went to pay him a Visit at _Aix la Chapelle_; and in that -Interview, these two Princesses prevail'd on King _William_ of _England_ -to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ for King of _Prussia_, and to -call the House of _Hanover_ to the Succession of the Crown of _England_. - -One particular Circumstance in this Journey that prov'd of such Service to -the Elector's Designs, and which many People look'd upon as a politic -Action, is, that it would not have been undertaken, had it not been for -the extreme Fondness of Madame _de Wartemberg_ to be admitted in the -Electoress's Circle. This Princess upon the Intelligence she receiv'd that -her Mother the Electoress of _Hanover_ was going to _Aix la Chapelle_, was -very desirous to go with her, but she cou'd not hope to obtain the -Elector's Consent to it, nor to have Money enough with her to bear her -Expences, if the Count _de Wartemberg_ oppos'd it; and therefore she -charg'd Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin to speak to him about it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ promis'd not only to obtain the Elector's Consent, -but also to give the Electoress an Order at large to take up any Sums of -Money that she should want, provided that Princess would on her part only -acknowledge the Favor, by granting his Wife the Honor of Admittance to her -Circle. The Electoress had this Journey so much at heart, because she knew -it wou'd give her the Pleasure of seeing a Mother whom she tenderly -lov'd, as well as a Freedom, for some time at least, from the Constraint -she was oblig'd to live in at _Berlin_, that she consented to the Count's -Demand. Madame _de Wartemberg_ was admitted to the Circle, and all the -Mortification the Electoress gave her, was always to talk to her in -_French_, which being a Language she did not understand, plainly shew'd -the Obscurity of the Countess's Birth; for at that Time all Persons of any -Rank or Figure convers'd in that Language commonly at our Court. The -Electoress's Condescension upon this Occasion is the only thing for which -she was to blame; for 'twas a Precedent which gave others Authority to -desire the same Favor; and to this may be said to be owing the unequal -Matches which several of the Nobility made afterwards. - -The Count _de Wartemberg_, in order to obtain the Elector's Consent, gave -him to understand that the Princess his Consort cou'd do more than any -body to prevail with the King of _England_ to recognize him for King. This -was touching him in the most sensible part; and therefore he made no -Scruple to let the Electoress go, who went and met her Mother at _Aix la -Chapelle_, and from thence they set out afterwards for _Brussels_. There -they stay'd a few days, in order to disguise the Motives of their Journey, -and from thence they went to _Loo_, where the King of _England_ was. They -each obtain'd of the Prince what they went to ask him; the House of -_Hanover_ was soon after call'd to the Succession of the Crown of -_England_, and the King gave his Promise, that as soon as the Emperor had -own'd the Elector King of _Prussia_, he wou'd be one of the first to -follow his Example. - -As soon as the News reach'd _Vienna_ that the King of _England_ had -promis'd to recognize the Elector of _Brandenburg_ King of _Prussia_, the -remaining Difficulties were soon got over; the Protestations of the -Republic of _Poland_ were superseded, and the Emperor declar'd at length -that he own'd _Prussia_ for a Kingdom, and the Elector of _Brandenburg_ -for King; on condition however, - -1. That the Elector should never withdraw from the Empire the Provinces of -his Dominions thereon depending. - -2. That in the Emperor's Presence he should require no other Distinctions -than those which he actually enjoy'd now. - -3. That his Imperial Majesty when he wrote to him should only give him the -Title of your _Royal Dilection_. - -4. That nevertheless his Ministers at _Vienna_ should be treated on a Par -with those of Crown'd Heads. - -5. That the Elector should maintain six thousand Men in _Italy_ at his own -expence, in case the Emperor should be oblig'd to go to War for the -_Spanish_ Succession. - -6. That those Troops should remain there as long as the War continu'd. - -Thus, Madame, after tedious delays the Court of _Vienna_ consented at last -to the Success of this great Event, which after all ow'd its cause to the -refusal of an Arm-chair, and its issue to the mistake of a Secretary. -Nevertheless it did not fail to cost the Elector six Millions, of which -the Jesuits of _Vienna_ had 200,000 Crowns to their share. - -This agreeable News was scarce arriv'd at _Berlin_ when they heard of the -Death of the King of _Spain_, which happen'd the 1st of _November_, 1700. -His Death was notify'd to the Elector by M. _Desalleurs_, Envoy of -_France_ to our Court, as was also the Will whereby the Duke of _Anjou_ -was call'd to the Succession of all the late King's Dominions. The Elector -had entered into such Engagements with the Emperor, that he could not own -him; for which reason the King of _France_ recall'd M. _Desalleurs_, and -likewise refus'd to acknowledge the Elector for King, who in his turn -recall'd M. _Spanheim_, and sent him to _England_ with the Title of -Ambassador. - -The Elector was so urgent to be crown'd, that he hasten'd to _Konigsberg_, -the capital City of _Prussia_, without staying for the fine Season of the -Year; having fix'd on the 17th of _December_ for his Departure thither -with the whole Court. My Mother would also have been one of the Company, -but she was too far gone with Child. She was now marry'd to her third -Husband, who was the Count _de Wesen_; and the Nuptials were perform'd at -_Konigsberg_ in 1698, when the Elector was there about the Election of the -King of _Poland_. This was a Match, in the making of which, neither Love -nor Interest had the least share: M. _de Wesen_, tho' come of a very good -Family in the Duchy of _Zell_, was Heir but to a very small Estate, and -that he was obliged to divide with a great many Brothers; and my Mother -before he marry'd her had never so much as spoke to him, nor had she seen -him but while he was in the Office of Chief Steward. The Elector himself -made the Match at the solicitation of Madame _de Wartemberg_ who had a -very great kindness for M. _Wesen_ formerly, and perhaps had so still, and -by helping him to a rich Widow, she was willing to make him a recompence -for the Respect he had paid to her. There was no necessity of using -powerful Arguments with the Elector, to engage him to bring this Match -about. It was his Foible to make Matches, and were they good or bad, -provided he saw the Weddings, 'twas all alike to him. Consequently, as -soon as Madame _de Wartemberg_ had proposed this Marriage to him, he -promis'd to mention it himself to my Mother; nay, more than that, he came -to her House and made the Proposal. My Mother desir'd to be excus'd, -saying to his Highness, that she had been already married twice, that she -had two Sons by her first Husband, and that she did not care to hazard -their Interests and her own Peace by engaging herself in Matrimony a third -time. The Elector made her answer, that he would have it so, and that her -Children, so far from Losers, should be Gainers by it, because he would -take care of them. He added that he would allow her twenty-four Hours time -to consider of it, and then he left her, forbidding her to stir to the -Door, and promising to come and see her again next day, in order to have -her Answer. He then went into my Grandmother's Chamber, and said so many -fine things to her, in favor of the Son-in-Law he had in his eye for her, -that she was for it by all means. - -My Mother continued very wavering till next day, when the Elector return'd -as he had promis'd: And as 'tis not an easy matter to resist the Orders of -one's Sovereign, my Mother, tho' still against a new Engagement in her -heart, seemed however to consent to the Marriage, which in a few days -after was celebrated, and honour'd with the presence of the Elector, who -had the goodness to assure my Brother and me that it should not be the -worse for us. Mean time all my Relations exclaim'd against my Mother, and -when she return'd to _Berlin_ not a Soul of them went to see her. My -Grandmother by my Father's side was loudest in her Complaint; for her -great Age and the Honour she had of attending the late Electoress, Mother -to the Elector, made her take the freedom to tell that Prince her mind. -She was in a passion with him even to a degree of Childishness, telling -him that it griev'd her to the heart that she was not strong enough to -twist the neck of the Man that he had given to her Daughter-in-Law for a -Husband. The Elector to pacify her, promis'd her that he would be such a -friend to M. _de Wesen_, that this Marriage instead of being a prejudice -should be an advantage to us. And as soon as he had left her, he declared -him Marshal of his Court. - -This Office obliging my Father-in-law to follow the Prince in his Travels, -he left my Mother at _Berlin_, and carry'd me with him to _Konigsberg_, to -shew me the Ceremony of the Elector's Coronation. - -His Court was so numerous that upon the Road from _Berlin_ to -_Konigsberg_, which is reckon'd fourscore _German_ Miles, there were no -less than thirty thousand Hackney-Horses, besides those belonging to the -Stables of the King and Princes. The King, who was excessively fond of -Ceremony, omitted nothing that could be an addition to the splendor of his -Coronation. This Ceremony cost him immense Sums of Money, and convinc'd -Foreigners who came thither from a curiosity to see it, that our Court was -inferior to few others for Magnificence. - -Tho' one would think the preparations for such a solemn Festival must take -up a tedious deal of time, yet the King's Impatience hurry'd them so fast -that every thing was ready by the eighteenth of _January_, about a -Fortnight after the Arrival of the Court. The Proclamation for erecting -_Prussia_ into a Kingdom was made two Days before the King's Coronation, -with the sound of the Cannon, and all the Bells of the City, by four -Heralds at Arms in Mantles of blue Velvet with the Royal Arms thereon -embroider'd, and riding upon Horses richly accouter'd, the Housings being -of Silver-Brocade, sprinkled with Eagles and Coronets of Gold. They went -with a very numerous Train to the chief Quarters of the City, and there -made Proclamation in these terms: - -_Whereas it has pleased the Divine Providence to erect this Sovereign -Duchy of +Prussia+ into a Kingdom, and to set up for our King the most -High and most Potent Prince +Frederic I.+ our gracious Sovereign; we have -thought fit to give notice thereof to the People of this Kingdom, that -they may say as we do, "Long live +Frederic+, our most Merciful and most -Gracious King! Long live +Sophia-Charlotte+, our most Gracious Queen."_ - -The King to render the Ceremony of his Coronation still more august, -instituted the Day before[2] the Order of the _Black Eagle_, the Badges of -which are an Orange Ribband with a Cross hanging to it enamell'd with -Blue, in form of the Cross of _Malta_: In a Star of Silver which is -embroider'd upon the Coat, there is a black Eagle which gripes in one Claw -a Crown, and in the other a Scepter; and round the 'Scutcheon are these -words, _SUUM CUIQUE_, (i. e. to every one his own.) The principal -Statutes of this Order are, 1. That the Number of the Knights shall not -exceed thirty, exclusive of the Princes of the Royal Family, and Sovereign -Princes. 2. That the Knights shall prove their Nobility by sixteen -Descents. 3. That they shall promise to be just, chaste, and to protect -and support Widows and Orphans, according to their motto, _Suum cuique_. - -Tho' it was contrary to custom, to install the Knights before the -Coronation, the King was not so scrupulous as to conform to it, foreseeing -that the Ceremony of his Coronation receiv'd a new Lustre from this -Foundation. Nevertheless the Knights and Officers of the Order had then no -other Badges but the Ribband and Star embroider'd on their Clothes; and -'twas not till two Years after that the King gave to the new Knights, for -days of Ceremony, a Dress consisting of a Vest of Cloth of Gold, with -another over it of Sky-blue Velvet, reaching down to the Mid-leg, with a -Lining of Straw-color, and ty'd under the Cravat with yellow Ribbands, the -Tassels of which hang down to the Knees. Their Sash is of Straw-color'd -Velvet, embroider'd with Gold. Their Mantle is also of Straw-color'd -Velvet, lin'd with Gold-Mohair, and over it is a Collar of Gold enamell'd -with blue, forming these two Letters _F. R._ to signify _Fredericus Rex_: -This is call'd the Grand Collar of the Order. The Knights wear black -Velvet Caps on their Heads, with white Plumes of Feathers. The King's -Habit differs not from that of the Knights; but the Habits of the Grand -Master of the Ceremonies, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, differ in that -they only wear over their common Clothes full Gowns of Straw-color'd -Velvet, with an Orange-color'd Lining, and upon them the Cross of the -Order, fasten'd only by an Orange-color'd Ribband that hangs to their -Neck. - -The King at the first Promotion, or rather on the day that he instituted -the Order, created the full number of Knights, prescribed by the Statutes. -He also gave the Ribband of the Order to the Electoral Prince his Son, and -to his two Brothers the Margraves _Christian_ and _Albert_. The Margrave -_Philip_ staying behind at _Berlin_ to govern in the King's Absence, the -Ribband was sent to him by a Gentleman of the Bed-chamber. - -On the Coronation-day, about nine in the Morning the King was dressed by -the great Chamberlain, attended by all the Officers of the Bed-chamber. -His Coat was Scarlet embroider'd with Gold, and brilliant Diamonds were -his Buttons. Over that, he had a Royal Mantle of Crimson-Velvet, lin'd and -turn'd up with Ermin, which was fasten'd to his Breast by a Clasp of three -Diamonds. As soon as the King was dressed he went into a Hall in his -Apartment, where a Throne had been erected, on each side of which, there -lay on two Tables of Silver the Royal Ornaments that were to serve the -King and Queen. The King being seated on his Throne, ordered they should -be brought to him, and they were accordingly presented to him on the Knee. -Having the Crown in his Hand, he put it himself on his Head, and then -taking the Sceptre in his right Hand and the Royal Globe in his left, in -that posture he receiv'd the first Homages of the Prince Royal and of the -Margraves, who bent one Knee before him. After this the King arose and -went to the Queen's Apartment, preceded by the Knights of the Order, the -two Margraves, the Prince Royal, and the Noblemen that carried the Regalia -design'd for the Queen. - -Her Majesty was dress'd in a Purple Gown, and a Royal Mantle like the -King's. She was dress'd in her own Nut-brown Hair without any Powder, -which in conjunction with the Lustre of the Diamonds gave her an Air still -more noble and majestic. As soon as she perceiv'd the King, who met her at -the entrance of his Chamber, she fell on her knees, in which situation the -King embrac'd her, and with his own Hands set the Crown upon her Head. She -took the Scepter and Globe from the hands of the Lords who carried them, -and the King raising her up she follow'd him into his Apartment, where she -also receiv'd the Homage of the Prince Royal and the Margraves, in the -same manner as they had perform'd them to the King. - -Their Majesties went afterwards to Church with all the Pomp and -Magnificence, (I dare to say it) of the ancient Kings of _Asia_. The King -walk'd under a Canopy of Silver-Brocade embroider'd with Gold borne by ten -_Prussian_ Lords of the first Quality, and at some distance came the Queen -under another Canopy like to that of the King. The Grand Chamberlain held -up the Train of the King's Mantle, and the Queen's was born by the Duchess -of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, the one Lady of -Honour to the Queen, and the other having the first Reversion of that -Office. The Duke of _Holstein_ officiated as Great Master of her Houshold; -and the Princess of _Holstein_ walk'd at the head of the Court-Ladies. -Their Majesties were receiv'd by the two Bishops that were to perform the -Ceremony of the Coronation, who were dress'd in purple Velvet, after the -_English_ mode, and had for their Assistants six Ministers, three of them -_Calvinists_ and three _Lutherans_. They conducted the King and Queen to -their Thrones which had been erected on the two sides of the Altar, the -King's on the Right, and the Queen's on the Left. Tho' there is no Altar -in the _Calvinist_ Churches, the King had one, and had actually made a -present of a magnificent Crucifix to be plac'd upon it, in order to shew -how much he wish'd the Union of the two Protestant Churches. - -The Prince Royal seated himself a little behind the King towards the Right -on a Folding-chair, with his Governor the Count _de Dobna_ behind him: The -Margraves also sate in two Folding-chairs on both sides of the Queen. The -Duke and Duchess of _Holstein_, and the Ladies _Stingland_ and _Bulau_, -sate upon Stools immediately behind the Queen. The Princess of _Holstein_ -was also placed upon a Stool, but a little farther off. On both sides of -the Altar two Galleries were erected, the one for the Duchess of -_Courland_ the King's Sister, the young Duke her Son, and the three -Princesses her Daughters-in-Law, the other for the Ambassadors and Foreign -Ministers. - -When the King was to receive the sacred Unction, he went and kneel'd at -the foot of the Altar, gave the Globe and Sceptre to the Lords who had -before carried them, took off his Crown with his own hands, which he -plac'd on a Cushion like to that on which he kneel'd, and then receiv'd -three Unctions, one on the Forehead, and the two others on his Wrists. The -Great Chamberlain dried up the Oil with Cotton and Linnen, which one of -the Ministers presented to him on a Plate of Gold. After this the King -took his Crown again which no other hand had touch'd, and plac'd it -himself on his head; and having also taken the Sceptre and Globe again, he -went and replac'd himself on his Throne. The same Ceremonies were -observ'd at the Anointing of the Queen, with this difference only, that -she all the while kept the Crown on her Head, and that Madame _Stingland_, -her Lady of Honour, dried up the Oil. - -This done, the two Bishops with the six Ministers pay'd the first Homage -to both the King and Queen. The Bishop at Consecration said to the King, -_May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ FREDERIC KING OF PRUSSIA! _May the -Lord, the God of our King say the same! May he continue his Presence with -him as he has done hitherto, to the end that his Royal Throne may -aggrandize his Power from day to day._ - -The same Bishop said to the Queen, _May Blessing and Prosperity attend_ -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA QUEEN OF PRUSSIA! _May the Lord our God preserve her for -a Token of his Blessing to her People, and may she from this time forward -see Prosperity and Salvation spread ever her Royal Family, and over her -Children, in the Peace of_ Israel! - -While the Music as it were repeated these same words, the Prince Royal and -the Margraves went and paid their Homage also to the King and Queen, -kneeling on the last Step of their Throne and kissing their Hands. The -Homage of the other Nobility only consisted in their making a profound -Obeysance without stirring out of their places. - -The Bishop who had perform'd the Consecration, turning about to the -People, said with a loud Voice, _Fear God and honour your King and your -Queen, for their Power cometh from the Lord who hath created Heaven and -Earth. May the same Lord vouchsafe to be their Guide and Guardian! May he -cover them with his Shadow, that the Heat of the Sun and the Rays of the -Moon, may never hurt their Sight! May the Lord keep them from all Evil? -save their Souls, and go in and out before them with Blessing, till Time -Shall be no more._ After some other Prayers, the King renew'd the Edicts -against Duels, and swore to observe them upon the Holy Gospels. And -therewith ended this long Ceremony. - -The King had all the reason in the World to be pleased with it, by reason -of the exactness with which every one perform'd his Function, which was a -thing hardly to have been expected in a Ceremony that was quite new to the -Performers; but they so well knew his delicacy in every matter of -Ceremony, and the Emulation they had to please him in this Taste was such, -that the most consummate Experience could not have acquitted itself -better. - -The Queen herself was the only Person that got a reprimand, and that was -by her taking some Snuff. Her Throne being over-against the King's, she -watch'd a long time for an opportunity, and when she thought his Majesty -did not observe her she stole out her Snuff-Box. The King happening to -turn his Eyes towards her the very same moment, she would fain have -conceal'd it, but his Majesty's Countenance was so fix'd on her that she -was convinc'd he perceiv'd it; and indeed this Prince who was upon this -occasion not to be trifled with, immediately order'd one of his Gentlemen -who was behind him to go and ask the Queen in his Name, _Whether she -remember'd the Place where she was, and the Rank she held there_. - -The King and Queen going out of the Church caus'd Gold and Silver Medals -to the value of ten thousand Crowns to be scatter'd among the People, -which had on one side their Effigies with these words, _FREDERICUS ET -SOPHIA-CHARLOTTA, REX ET REGINA_; and on the reverse a Crown with these -words, _PRIMA MEÆ GENTIS_. - -The Ceremonies at the Royal Feast which follow'd, were not much short of -those at the Coronation. It was kept in the great Hall of the Palace, to -which the King and Queen repair'd almost with the same Train, and in the -same order as they had observ'd going to Church. - -When they were seated at Table, their Majesties return'd their Sceptres -and Globes into the hands of the Lords who had the Honour of carrying them -before. These Lords then plac'd themselves at each side of the Table, and -remain'd there during the whole Feast. The Prince Royal, the two Margraves -and the Duchess of _Courland_ the King's Sister, were the only Persons -that had the honour of dining with their Majesties. Of all the Ceremonies -that were observ'd there, the two following are what I have no where seen -but in _Germany_. As soon as the King and Queen had taken their Seats at -Table, the two Grand Marshals went out of the Hall into the Courtyard of -the Palace, and from thence rode on horseback to the great Stables -attended by Kettle-drums, Trumpets, and a great many Officers of the -King's Kitchen. There they found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit and stuff'd -with all sorts of Wild-fowl, of which they cut off a piece and carry'd it -in a Gold Dish to their Majesties Table. - -After this, the Great Cup-Bearer went with the like Train to the same -Stables, where there were two Fountains of Wine running from the Beaks of -two Eagles. Of this he fill'd a gold Goblet, and went and presented it to -the King. His Majesty having taken it and return'd it to him, he presented -it afterwards to the Queen, who return'd it to him in like manner; and -then he carry'd it to the great Beaufet, which was set up at the other end -of the Room over-against the King's Table. As often as the King or Queen -drank, nine Cannon were fired; six when the Prince Royal drank, and three -whenever the Margraves and the Duchess of _Courland_ drank. - -This Repast held a very long time, yet none of the Courtiers sate down to -Table till their Majesties were retir'd to their Apartments. About nine -o'clock at Night all the Bells in the City were rung, and the Noise of the -Cannon added to that of the Kettle-drums and Trumpets, serv'd as a signal -for the Bonfires that were lighted in all the Cross-streets. The Burghers -illuminated the Fronts of their Houses. Some of the most substantial had -also erected Triumphal Arches before their Houses, with Emblems and -Devices; others let Wine run for the Populace, and in short there was no -Burgher but strove to signalize their Joy some way or other. - -Their Majesties being desirous to honour the public Rejoicings with their -presence, went into the Streets about ten o'clock in a magnificent Coach, -accompanied by all their Courtiers on horseback. When they came before the -Town-House they were harangu'd by the chief Burgo-Master, who presented -them with a Collation in Panniers of Silver, after which they pass'd by -the House of the Duke of _Holstein_ Governour of _Konigsberg_. The Front -of the House represented the Temple of Glory; the Duke's Gentlemen -represented the Priests of the Temple, and threw Amber and Incense into -the Coals which were upon the Altar; the Duke's Children, who were eight -in number, were dressed like Shepherds and Shepherdesses, and as the King -and Queen pass'd by, the eldest presented them with a Basket of Flowers, -and pronounc'd some Verses to them in the _German_ Language, expressing -the Vows which all the People made for the duration of their Prosperity. -Their Majesties, after stopping some time before this House, return'd to -the Palace. - -Throughout all the King's Dominions there were the like Demonstrations of -Joy, and the Coronation-day was celebrated every where like a Sunday. The -King and Queen spent the whole Carnival at _Konigsberg_, where they -receiv'd the Count _de Tobianski_ the Great Cup-bearer of _Poland_, who -came as Ambassador from the King his Master, to congratulate their -Majesties on their Coronation. It must be observed in the mean time, that -the Republic of _Poland_ never recogniz'd the King of _Prussia_'s Royalty, -tho' two of its Kings, _viz._ the Elector of _Saxony_, and King -_Stanislaus_ four years after recogniz'd him by their Ambassadors. - -The departure of the Court for _Berlin_ was fix'd for the eighth of -_March_. As the King had not yet made his entry at _Konigsberg_, the -Citizens entreated him to permit them to accompany him as far as the -limits of their Territory, which was granted them. Then several triumphal -Arches were erected, all the Streets were hung with Tapestry, and the King -set out from _Konigsberg_ attended by all the City Companies. His Majesty -rode on horseback, supported by two Equerries on foot. His Clothes were of -Crimson-Velvet lin'd with Ermin and embroider'd with Gold, and the Buttons -were of Diamonds. He had on his Hat a Loop and a Hat-band of Diamonds. -His Horse was most richly accouter'd: The Bit, Stirrups, and all the -Ornaments of the Bridle, were of massy Gold; the Housing of -Crimson-Velvet, all cover'd with Gold Embroidery and Diamonds. The Queen's -Coach was also of extraordinary Magnificence. Her Majesty sate in it -accompanied only by the Duchess of _Courland_, who sate over-against her. - -In short, they went out of _Konigsberg_ with all the Pomp and Apparatus -that us'd to attend Public Entrys. When their Majesties were got a quarter -of a League out of the Town, they alighted and went into their -Travelling-Coaches, and there they received the last Compliments which -were paid by the Echevins bare-headed and kneeling. Then the King and -Queen return'd into the City through another Gate, and staid in their -Palace till next day that they set out for _Berlin_. - -The Court was oblig'd to go by the way of _Dantzic_, because of the sudden -Thaw of the _Weissel_, which render'd it impassable. The Magistrates of -_Dantzic_ immediately sent out Deputies to their Majesties, to intreat -them to permit their City to make a public Entry for them; but the King -thank'd them, and was not willing they should be at any expence. -Nevertheless at the Entrance of the Territory of _Dantzic_ two -Burgo-Masters, four Counsellors, and the Syndic of the Town, at the head -of the Youth on horseback, went and paid their Majesties a Compliment. He -that spoke was the chief Burgo-Master, who pray'd their Majesties to -suffer the City to defray their Expences, while they stay'd in their -Territory. The King and Queen alighted at a House erected on purpose for -their Reception, which was of Wood, and represented the Temple of Glory. -There their Majesties found a magnificent Collation and a very fine -Concert of Music. In other Rooms several Tables were set up for the -Gentlemen of his Retinue. The King and Queen having spent the Night there, -pass'd thro' _Dantzic_ next day, and went over the _Weissel_, which at -that part of it was still frozen. Yet as there was cause to apprehend that -it was not froze hard enough to be pass'd with safety, the Magistrates, to -prevent any Accident, had cover'd the Ice with Straw, Beams and Planks; -and twenty-four young Men and as many Lasses, dressed like Sailors in -Jackets of Velvet and Sattin, assisted the King and Queen in their -passage; during which, the Girls presented them with Fish, Fruit, -Sweet-Meats and Flowers, and the young Sailors play'd to them on several -Instruments of Music. When their Majesties had passed the River, they -dismiss'd the Deputies of the City, and made them each a Present of a Gold -Chain and Medal, on which were their Effigies. On the seventeenth of -_March_ the King arriv'd at _Potzdam_[3], and the Queen at _Lutzelbourg_. -The King who had a Design to make a solemn Entry at _Berlin_, stay'd at -_Potzdam_ till the sixth of _May_, to give time for making the necessary -Preparations to receive him, and for the finishing one of the Fronts of -his Palace, which he wish'd might be compleated by that day. - -Towards the latter end of _April_ the King set out from _Potzdam_ for -_Schonhausen_, where the Queen met him some days after, and there their -Majesties prepared to make their Entry into Berlin. - -This Ceremony was perform'd with all the Pomp and Magnificence possible. -The City had caus'd seven Triumphal Arches to be erected; the Description -of one of those Arches may suffice to give an Idea of the Taste of our -Court for Entertainments of this kind. This Arch, which was at the Bars -entring the Suburb, seem'd to have been built by Gardeners. It was one -entire Green-house with Pillars and Pilasters, adorn'd with Flowers. -_Pomona_ and _Flora_ were seen to support the Pictures of the King and -Queen. The _Spring_, attended by the _Zephyrs_, presented them with Fruits -and Flowers, and a Row of Orange-Trees and Laurels in gilded Boxes lin'd -the Way from that Arch to St. _George_'s Gate, which has ever since that -Day been call'd the Royal Gate, because their Majesties enter'd thro' it -into the Town. - -Next day after their Entry the Deputies of the Provinces presented the -King with Free Gifts on his joyful Arrival, and the Margrave _Philip_ -Grand Master of the Artillery, caus'd a Fire-work to be play'd off, which -represented the King's Return to _Berlin_, by that of _Jason_, after the -Conquest of the Golden Fleece. - -After some other Festivals of this nature, occasion'd by the public Joy, -the Court separated, when the King set out for _Oranjebourg_[4], and the -Queen to _Lutzelbourg_. The Prince Royal staid at _Berlin_ to finish his -Exercises. Care had been taken to form a numerous Court for him, of all -young Gentlemen of his own Age, of whom this young Prince had form'd two -Companies, of which himself commanded the first, and the Duke of -_Courland_ the second. I was of this second Company, and we went -sometimes to perform our Military Exercises at _Lutzelbourg_ before the -Queen, who lov'd to see the Prince her Son display the first Fruits of his -Military Genius. We also acted some Comedies before her; for the Princess -aim'd to inspire the Prince her Son with a delicate Taste, even in -Pleasures. - -'Twas at this time that a Storm arose at Court against the Count _de -Wartemberg_ Great Chamberlain, and lately declar'd Prime Minister, which -threaten'd his Ruin; but it spent itself upon those only who had rais'd -it. The principal Authors of the Cabal were the Count _de Lottum_, M. -----, and the Grand Marshal, who had been for a long time the Great -Chamberlain's sworn Enemy. The Count _de Wesen_, my Father-in-law, was -pitch'd upon by these Gentlemen to raise the first Prejudices in the -King's Mind against this Minister. I have had the Honor to acquaint you, -_Madame_, that the Countess _de Wartemberg_ always wish'd well to M. _de -Wesen_ of which the advantagious Match she had procur'd for him was a very -convincing Proof. One would have thought therefore after such great -Service, that he ought in Gratitude to have devoted himself entirely to -the Fortune of the Count her Husband. But my Father-in-law puff'd up by -the Choice which the Count's Enemies had made of him, forgot his Duty and -his Interest, and accepted a Commission for the undertaking of which he -had in truth all the necessary Temerity, but not that Judgment nor that -Favor, which was absolutely requisite for conducting so ticklish an -Affair. - -The King had a real Love for M. _de Wartemberg_, yet he sometimes made him -feel his ill Humors. The Prince seem'd one day to be so angry with him, -and spoke of him to my Father-in-law with so much Resentment, that the -latter thought he had now a fair Opportunity to ruin the Count. He said to -the King, that the whole Court was surpriz'd at his extraordinary Kindness -to a Minister who every day abus'd his Name in the Oppression of the -People, and in the Commission of a thousand Acts of Injustice against his -faithful Servants; that his Rapines were excessive; and that his Wife's -Extravagance was so great, that he could shew by the Accounts of the -Comptrollers of the Kitchen, that the Great Chamberlain's Table cost more -than his Majesty's. _I know very well_, added M. _de Wesen, that if the -Prime Minister should hear of what I have now had the Honor to say to your -Majesty, I am undone; but if I held my peace, I thought I should be -wanting in my Duty; and what I have asserted I am ready to prove._ - -The King heard what he said very attentively, and my Father-in-law was so -vain as to think he had made Impression enough upon him to strike M. _de -Wartemberg_ quite out of his Favor; but this shallow Statesman, my -Father-in-law, did not consider that a Prince who complains of his -Favorite is not always dispos'd to receive the ill Impressions that others -are ready to give of him. Whether the King therefore thought after this -manner, or whether he was shock'd at the Ingratitude of M. _de Wesen_, who -ow'd his Fortune to M. _de Wartemberg_, he told the Minister the -Conversation that had pass'd, but assur'd him that he did not give Credit -to the Report; and that if he pleas'd he would take a Revenge on the Man -that had made it. - -The crafty Minister affected at that time an Air of Moderation, which cost -him the less Pains because he was an excellent Comedian. He said to the -King that he thought himself sufficiently reveng'd, by the little Heed his -Majesty gave to the scandalous Tales which his Enemies gave out against -him, and he desir'd his Majesty to pardon those who had offer'd to abuse -his Goodness, for the sake of oppressing him. Thus did he for a while -conceal the keenest Resentment under the Mask of the most forgiving -Temper; being resolv'd in his Heart to ruin those who had employ'd M. _de -Wesen_, tho' they were protected by the Queen, but especially to make -their Tool feel all the Weight of his Vengeance. - -A Journey which the King took to _Goltz_, one of his Hunting-Seats, near -the Fortress of _Custrin_, gave him a good Opportunity for it. Being alone -with the King in the same Coach, he put him so much out of conceit with M. -_de Wesen_, that when he arriv'd at _Goltz_, all that came to wait on him, -as he alighted out of the Coach, perceiv'd he was in an ill Humor. -Contrary to his usual custom, he spoke to no body, only he order'd my -Father-in-law to give his Attendance. When he had sat down, he scarce -touch'd the Bread, but he found fault with it, and complained of it to M. -_de Wesen_, as the Person who had the Direction of what came to his Table. -M. _de Wesen_ said to the King, That 'twas true the Bread was not as it -us'd to be, because the Carriage of the Pantry broke down by the way, and -the Baker came too late to Town to provide more. The King not well pleas'd -with this Answer, said, he was weary of being ill serv'd, and that he -expected every one shou'd do their Duty. At the same time he threw his -Napkin on the Ground. M. _de Wesen_ fetch'd another, and offer'd it to the -King, but he would not take it, and order'd him to be gone that Moment out -of his Presence. Two Hours after, M. _de Wesen_ was arrested by an Exempt -of the Life-Guards, who conducted him in his Coach under a Guard to -_Custrin_, the Capital of the New Marquisate, situate upon the _Oder_. -There my Father-in-law was kept as a State-Criminal, and the Minister sent -Orders to the Aulic Counsellor to go to my Mother's House, and clap a Seal -upon her Husband's Effects. She was at that time in the Country, and my -Brother happen'd to be at Church with our Governor, so that I was alone in -the House when those Gentlemen came to execute their Order. After they had -shew'd it to me, they ask'd me which was my Father-in-law's Apartment, -that they might not be oblig'd to put the Seal upon every thing. I made no -scruple to shew it to them, and as they withdrew they left me a Writing -which was an Order to my Mother not to come to Court, nor to sollicite her -Husband's Liberty. I sent immediately For my Governor, that he might go -with this disagreeable News to my Mother, whose Surprize was as great as -her Sorrow; for as she had an entire Love for her Husband, so she knew -nothing of his Intrigues against the Minister, to whom she thought he was -all along devoted. As the King's Order tied up her Hands, and hinder'd her -from coming to Court, I was charg'd to do what I could there, to obtain my -Father-in-law's Liberty. - -One day as the Queen made an Entertainment at _Lutzelbourg_ for the King, -I presented a Petition to him, in my Mother's Name, intreating him to -remove the Seal from her Effects, and the Guard from her House; and that -his Majesty would be pleas'd to appoint Commissioners to try her Husband; -to the end, that if guilty, he might be punish'd, or if innocent, that he -might be set at liberty. My Youth, and the Tears which I shed at the -Delivery of this Petition, melted the King's Heart, who told me, That he -would do what my Mother desir'd, for her sake only; that he sympathiz'd in -her Affliction; but that her Husband had so justly provok'd him, that he -could not avoid making him sensible of his Indignation: That withal, he -was very glad to see me so good-natur'd, as to sollicite in favor of a Man -who he knew had not dealt well either by my Brother or me, notwithstanding -the Injunction he laid upon him, when he match'd him to my Mother. I made -him answer, that I had no reason to complain of my Father-in-law; and that -tho' I had, my Mother's extreme Concern of Mind for what had happen'd, -wou'd be a sufficient Motive for me to sollicite his Liberty. _I commend -you_ said the King, _for these Principles. Go and tell your Mother that -she shall be made easy, and be assur'd that I will take care of you_. -Those were the very Expressions of the King, who, when I stoop'd to -embrace his Knees, encourag'd me also by clapping his Hand upon my -Shoulder. As soon as he was gone, the Queen sent for me into her Closet, -to give her an Account of this Conversation. I found her resting on a -Couch, attended by none but Madamoiselle _de Pollnitz_ my Cousin, who sat -on the Ground at her Feet. When the Queen had enquir'd after my Mother's -Health, she order'd me to assure her of her Esteem and Friendship; and -when I had repeated to her what the King had said to me, she made Answer, -That she was very glad the King was so well inclin'd to me. _Cultivate his -good Disposition_, said she, _make it your Study to merit his Favor. As -for me, I will do every thing in my power to preserve you in it; and you -may always be sure of my Protection._ - -So gracious a Reception both from the King and Queen gave me great Hopes; -and I return'd to _Berlin_, not doubting but the Promises he had made to -me wou'd soon be perform'd; yet 'twas not without tedious Sollicitations -from my Mother's Friends that she obtain'd her Husband's Liberty, after -seven Months Confinement, besides paying a Fine for him of ten thousand -Crowns. The Revenge which the Minister took upon those who had made my -Father-in-law their Agent, was not so much talk'd of; for he contented -himself with banishing them to their respective Estates or Governments, -and disposing of their Offices among his most obsequious Creatures. One of -these was the Count _de Witgenstein_, upon whom he confer'd the Office of -the Grand Marshal. He was a Person of a good Family, but neither he nor -his Ancestors had ever done any Service to the State; and all his Merit -was an entire Devotion to the Prime Minister, to whom he was more a Slave -than a Friend. As long as the Count _de Wartemberg_ continu'd in Favor, he -kept his ground at Court; but the Fall of that Minister was attended with -his. The Disgrace of my Father-in-law did not fail likewise to create a -great deal of Trouble in my Family. My Mother follow'd him to his Estate -in the Duchy of _Zell_, and I was sent with my Brother under the Conduct -of a Governor to _Lunebourg_, there to finish my Studies. - -All _Europe_ was at this time in motion, and had taken part in the Quarrel -between the Houses of _Austria_ and _Bourbon_, on account of the -Succession to the Monarchy of _Spain_. _Philip_ of _Anjou_ was already in -possession of it, by virtue of _Charles_ II's last Will and Testament; -and in pursuance of the Right he had to it by his Grandmother _Mary -Theresa_ of _Austria_. The Emperor founded his Claim upon the Renunciation -made by that Princess when she was married to _Lewis_ XIV. The greatest -part of _Europe_, which the exorbitant Power of _France_ had begun to -alarm, sided with the Emperor, who quitted his Rights in favor of the -Archduke his Son. Besides the common Interest which it seem'd to be of all -_Europe_ to hinder two such Monarchies as _France_ and _Spain_ from being -govern'd by one Prince, several Potentates had their particular Reasons, -for laying hold of this opportunity, to make war with _France_. - -The Court of _England_ was alarm'd at the Proceeding of _Lewis_ XIV. who -had just recogniz'd the Son of _James_ II. lately deceas'd at _St. -Germains_, for King of _England_, by the Name of _James_ III. in prejudice -of King _William_, who had been recogniz'd by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The _Dutch_ govern'd themselves by the Views of King _William_, who was -all along their Stadtholder: And they could not forget the War in 1672, -the Wounds of which were still bleeding. - -The King of _Prussia_, besides his Interest in common with the other -Electors, to hinder _France_ from becoming too powerful, for fear lest -hereafter the said Court should saddle them with whom it pleas'd for an -Emperor, had Engagements subsisting with the Court of _Vienna_ and the -King of _England_. And in consequence of those Engagements he furnish'd -the Emperor with 6000 Men, and gave Orders for a Levy in his Dominions of -20,000 Men, which King _William_ had demanded of him, and which were -during the whole War in the Pay of the United Provinces. - -_France_ had no Allies but the Electors of _Bavaria_ and _Cologn_, who -suffer'd themselves to be prevail'd on by the Promises of _France_; the -chief of which was, That she would not make an end of the War till she had -caus'd the Elector of _Bavaria_ to be declar'd King of _Swabia._ - -The Duke of _Savoy_ was proof against the Advantages offered him by -_France_: And notwithstanding the Marriage of his two Daughters to the -Duke of _Burgundy_ and the Duke of _Anjou_, King of _Spain_, he was the -most zealous Ally against those two Crowns. He foresaw too very plainly, -that as long as those two Powers were united, such was the Situation of -his Dominions, that they wou'd hem him in between them; and therefore when -the Duchess his Mother, who was a thorow _French_ Woman, ask'd him, What -would become of his Daughters, if he dethron'd the King of _Spain_, and -ruin'd _France_, he reply'd to her, _And if I do not, what will become of -my Son?_ - -These, _Madame_, were in general the various Motions that affected -_Europe_ when King _William_ of _England_ died: Nor did this Accident -occasion any Alteration; for the Princess _Anne Stuart_, who succeeded him -by the Name of Queen _Anne_, pursued the same Views as her Predecessor, -and the War of the Allies against _France_ was carried on with the same -Vigor. - -By the Death of the King of _England_, who was the last Prince of the -_Orange_ Branch, our King was Heir to all his personal Estate; yet his -Right was contested by the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, who, tho' not so -nearly related as the King, had the Advantage of Kindred by the Male -Line, and had a Will of King _William_ in his Favor, which intitled him to -his Succession. As the States-General of the United Provinces were the -Executors of this Will, the King immediately communicated his Pretensions -to them, as he did also to Queen _Anne_, by M. _de Spanheim_ his -Ambassador at _London_. He founded his Right upon a Will of -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, King _William_'s Grandfather, who had -a Son and three Daughters, the eldest of whom married to the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ the King's Father; the second to the Prince _de Simmeren_, a -younger Prince of the present reigning _Palatine_ Family, who dying -without Issue, left his Right of Succession to the Electorate, to the -Branch of _Neuburg_; and the third was married to the Prince of -_Anhalt-Dessau_. - -The Will of _Frederic-Henry_ call'd the Male Descendants to his -Succession; and on Failure of them the three Princesses his Daughters; by -virtue of which, the King who descended from the eldest, claimed to be the -lawful Heir, notwithstanding the Testament of King _William_, who could -not dispose of an Estate which was intail'd. The King, for the better -Manifestation of his Rights, set out for the _Hague_, accompanied by the -Margrave _Albert_, his Brother, who left him at _Wesel_ in order to join -the Army at _Keiserswaert_[5]. - -At _Wesel_[6] the King receiv'd Messieurs _de Lintelo_, _Slingenlandt_, -and _Tour_, Deputies from the States-General, to whom he paid the same -Honors as to Sovereigns, and receiv'd them standing, with only an -Arm-Chair behind him. They gave him an Account of the last Will and -Testament of King _William_, which they had caus'd to be open'd in the -Presence of M. _Schmettau_ his Ambassador, Mr. _Stanhope_ the Envoy -Extraordinary of _England_, the Envoys of the Princesses of _Anhalt_ and -_Nassau-Friesland_, the Envoy of the Prince of _Nassau-Siegen_, the -Commissioners of the States appointed for that purpose, and the -Counsellors of the Domains of the late King _William_. They added that -they had found in this Will, that the Prince of _Nassau_, hereditary -Governor of _Friesland_, was call'd to the Succession as universal Heir, -and they exhorted the King to own him as such. But notwithstanding all -this, he enter'd his solemn Protest against the Will, and then set out for -the _Hague_. - -The King at his arrival alighted at the Palace of the Old Court, which was -part of the Inheritance of the King of _England_, and of which he had -already taken Possession, as well as of _Honslaerdyke_, another Palace of -the late King of _England_. The _Dutch_ wou'd fain have secur'd the -Succession to the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_, but they could not easily -do this, without embroiling themselves with the King. Therefore they chose -to temporize, and came to no Conclusion while the King staid in _Holland_, -during which they endeavor'd to amuse him by procuring him all the -Pleasures that their Country afforded; but the Grand Affair of the -Succession to the King of _England_ engross'd all his Thoughts, and he -went away very much dissatisfy'd with the Conduct of the States-General at -this Juncture. - -As soon as he return'd to _Berlin_, he sent for my Brother and me from -_Lunenburg_, for fear lest my Mother, who was a _Lutheran_, should -persuade us to embrace that Religion. Next year he establish'd an -Academy, into which he gave Orders for our Entrance. The View of this -Establishment was to educate the young Nobility of the Court, in a manner -suitable to their Extraction. The King had the Nomination of those that -were to be admitted into this Academy, and Care had been taken to furnish -it with the best Masters in all the Arts and Sciences. The Expence of the -Students there were very moderate, the King having taken upon him to pay -the Extraordinaries. This illustrious School, which was then call'd, _The -Academy of Princes_, has lost very much of its former Splendor. - -I found the Court of _Berlin_ in the same State as when I left it. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was still in the highest Favor; and the Count _de -Barfous_, the only Man who had presum'd for some time to make head against -the Minister, had at length been oblig'd to retire to his Estate; but what -made his Banishment from Court the more tolerable to him, was a Pension -which the King allow'd him of 20,000 Crowns. His Post of Velt-Marshal was -given to M. _de Wartensleben_, Lieutenant-General of the Emperor's Troops, -and General of those of the Duke of _Saxe Gotha_. This was also a Creature -of the Prime Minister; yet he had Honor and Honesty enough to oppose him -on Occasions, where he thought the Welfare of the State was concern'd. The -Count _de Lottum_, who had been involv'd in the Disgrace of my -Father-in-law, and whose Office of Grand Marshal had been conferr'd on the -Count _de Witgenstein_, retain'd a certain Air of Favor in his Disgrace, -as did also the Count _de Barfous_. The King had given him the Government -of _Wesel_, to which he retir'd; and as he could not avoid doing justice -to his Merit and Fidelity, he gave him the Command of the Troops design'd -for the _Netherlands_. He was charg'd with the Blockade of _Rhinberg_, a -Place in the Electorate of _Cologn_, which the _French_ then possess'd, -under color of being that Elector's auxiliary Forces. The Town surrendring -in a little time, he undertook the Blockade of _Guelders_, which made a -part of the _Spanish Netherlands_, and was yielded to us by the Peace of -_Utrecht_. The taking of these two important Places in the midst of -Winter, and the Behaviour of the Count _de Lottum_, who notwithstanding -the Severity of the Season, and the Treatment he had received from Court, -took all the Care possible for the Preservation of the King's Troops, made -him so much extoll'd at Court, as was mortifying to the Prime Minister. - -_France_ endeavor'd to repair the Loss of these two Places by seizing the -Principality of _Orange_, which we were not near enough to defend, and he -put the Prince of _Conti_ in immediate Possession of it, who had some -claim to it through the _Chalons_ Family, of which he call'd himself Heir. -But he soon after yielded the said Principality and his Pretensions, to -_Lewis_ XIV. who likewise caus'd an Edict to be publish'd there, by which -it was put to the choice of all the Inhabitants to turn Catholics, or to -sell their Effects and retire out of the Kingdom within the space of three -Months. The Generality of those who were not willing to change their -Religion, retir'd to our Court, and among others, the Members of the -Parliament. The King reliev'd them as far as he could, and caus'd -Collections to be made in all the Churches of his Dominions, the Money of -which was distributed to those who had the most pressing Occasion for it. - -Soon after the Loss of _Orange_, the Margrave _Albert_ married the -Princess of _Courland_. That Prince in 1696, had succeeded the late -Margrave _Charles_, his Father, in the Grand Mastership[7] of the Order of -St. _John_. This Order is the same as that of _Maltha_, and is only -separated from it since _Luther_. The Commanderies, subject to the Elector -of _Brandenburg_, which became Protestant, put themselves under the -Elector's Protection, and chose a Grand Master, or rather the Elector -chose one for them. The Choice has always fallen upon a younger Prince of -the Family, who is not engag'd by it to any Vow, more than the Knights, -who are only obliged to prove their Nobility, to which the Sovereign very -often objects. - -The Princess of _Courland_ was the eldest of the three Daughters that the -Duke of _Courland_ had by his first Lady. He married to his second Wife -the King's Sister, and some time after he died. The Duchess his Widow, who -had been oblig'd to abandon _Courland_, which the _Swedes_, the _Poles_ -and the _Muscovites_ equally harass'd, came to _Konigsberg_, to be present -at the Coronation of the King her Brother, who gave her that Protection -she expected. Here it was, that the Year before she had married the -Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_, the King's Cousin; and when she went -with her Husband into his Dominions, she left the eldest of her -Daughters-in-law with the Queen, in hopes of her marrying the Margrave -_Albert_: And the Queen, who was fond of this Princess, ordered it so, -that she obtain'd the King's Consent to the Marriage, which was celebrated -some time after at _Lutzelbourg_. - -Much about this time we had a new Ceremony in our Climates. This[8] was -the Erection of a Statue which the King caus'd to be set up in honor of -his Father _Frederic-William_ the Great. 'Tis perfectly like that of -_Lewis_ XIV. in the Square of _Vendome_ at _Paris_. The Pedestal and Base -are of white Marble. This Statue was set up _July_ 12, 1703; and the King -in order to do the more Honor to the Elector his Father, caus'd the -Ceremony to be perform'd with a magnificent Apparatus, in presence of the -whole Court, and all the Benches of Justice. - -The following Year 1704 was happy to the Allies, by their Victories at -_Donawert_ and _Hochstet_. The Troops that the King had sent into -_Franconia_ and _Bavaria_, to the Emperor and the City of _Nuremberg_[9], -which call'd for Help against the _Bavarians_, contributed not a little to -the obtaining of those Victories. The King received the News of it by an -Express that was dispatch'd to him from the Prince of _Anhalt_, under -whose Command those Succours acted. This Express was follow'd some Days -after by a second, charg'd with a Letter from Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_, -who therein gave a sublime Encomium on the Valor of the _Prussian_ Troops. -_I have been an Eye-witness, +said he in his Letter+, particularly with -regard to the Infantry of the Right Wing, that all the Officers as well as -the common Soldiers fought with the most intrepid Courage, and for several -Hours check'd the Efforts of the Enemy, who at length not being able to -resist their Bravery, and the continual Fire which they made, were put -into such a Confusion, that they were oblig'd to fly with Precipitation, -and to abandon the Field of Battle to us._ The Prince attributes this -vigorous Action of the _Prussian_ Soldiers to the most exemplary Courage -and Valor of the Prince of _Anhalt_ their Commander. _'Tis but Justice_, -continu'd Prince Eugene, _to give the Prince of +Anhalt+ the Praise he has -so well deserved. He hazarded his Person upon all Occasions, and not -intimidated by the Danger to which he expos'd it, I always saw him at the -Head of his Troops, leading them on to Battle, and encouraging them by his -own Example; so that it may be said to his Honor, that he contributed the -greatest Share to that Victory._ This was a Panegyric the more pleasing to -the Subject of it, because it proceeded from the Mouth of a Prince, who -was too great a Master of Courage to be mistaken. - -After the Campaign was over, my Lord _Marlborough_ came to _Berlin_, where -he receiv'd all the Marks of Esteem from the King, which he could possibly -have desired. Every Point that he negociated for the Operations of the -Campaign was granted him, and he went away from Court highly satisfied. As -soon as he was gone the Prince Royal set out for _Hanover_, from whence he -went to _Holland_; and he intended to pass over to _England_, but an Event -which happen'd to the Grief of him and the whole Court, oblig'd him to -return to _Berlin_. - -This was the unexpected Death of the Queen, on the 1st of _February_ 1705, -after a few days Illness. This Princess us'd for some time past to go to -_Hanover_, to make a Visit to the Electoress her Mother, of whom, as I -have already had the Honor to acquaint you, she was extremely fond. The -Day that she was to set out for this Journey she found herself -indispos'd, but did not discover it, for fear lest the King should not -permit her to go. Her Illness continu'd during the whole Journey, and When -she came to _Hanover_, what with the fatigue of receiving Visits from the -Ladies of the Court, and her dancing at a Ball the same day, she grew much -worse. She came from the Ball with a Soreness in her Throat, which prov'd -so violent that the Physicians and Surgeons soon despair'd of curing her. -The Queen, tho' in the Flower of her Age, was not at all terrify'd when -she saw Death approaching her. She wrote a very tender Letter to the King, -in which she thanked him for the Love he had always manifested to her, and -recommended her Domestics to him. Her Brother the Duke _Ernest Augustus_ -was so deeply concern'd to see her in such a condition, that she did what -she could to comfort him: _There is nothing so natural_, said she to him, -_as Death; 'tis unavoidable, and tho' I am young enough to hope to live a -few Years longer, yet I am not loth to die_. - -M. _de la Bergerie_ the Minister of the _French_ Church, who assisted her -in her last Moments, was so surpriz'd at her courage and calmness, that he -was more attentive to hear her than to exhort her. _I have_, said she, -_for twenty Years seriously study'd my Religion, and have read the Books -that treat of it with too much application to be in any doubt as to my -Principles. You cannot mention any thing to me but what I have read, and -what you can say to me will certainly add nothing to my Opinion._ Then -turning towards my Cousin, who was on the other side of her Bed, _Alas!_ -said she, _what a deal of needless Ceremony is now going to be us'd about -this Body of mine_! At the same time almost, she stretch'd out her Hand -to Duke _Ernest_ her Brother, and said to him, _Dear Brother, I am -choak'd_; and that Moment she expir'd. - -A Courier was immediately dispatch'd to the Prince Royal, who was at the -_Hague_, and M. _de Bulau_ the Steward of the Queen's Houshold carried the -News to the King, who was so surpriz'd at it, that he fainted away several -times. When he came to himself he shew'd marks of the sincerest -Affliction, and seem'd fully sensible what a loss he had sustain'd. Indeed -this Princess truly deserv'd his Lamentation, as well as the Sorrow of the -whole State; and I for my part with my whole Family lost a solid and -sincere Protectress. - -The King's Grief was such, that it had no Interval, but in his application -to pay those Honours to the Queen, that were due to her Rank. He was -willing to signalize it by the magnificence of a Funeral Pomp, and for -this purpose he himself issued the necessary Orders. The Elector of -_Hanover_ (afterwards King of _England_) omitted nothing on his part to -shew his Sorrow for the loss of so dear a Sister. Her Body was laid for -several days upon a sumptuous Bed of State; her Ladies and the Officers of -her Houshold who had waited on her to _Hanover_ encompass'd it, and the -Elector's Guards and Officers stay'd with the Queen's Corpse, and pay'd -the same Attendance as if she had been living. When every thing was ready -to carry the Corpse to _Berlin_, the Elector caus'd it to be convey'd by -all his Guards even to the Frontiers of the Duchy of _Zell_, where it was -receiv'd by M. _de Bulau_ the Grand Marshal of the Court, who conducted it -to the Territories of _Brandenburg_; and there it was receiv'd by the -Count _de Witgenstein_, who accompany'd it as far as _Berlin_, where I -remember it arriv'd about ten o'clock at Night in a terrible Shower of -Rain. The King accompany'd by the Prince Royal and the Margraves in long -Mourning-Cloaks and by the Ladies of the Court in deep Mourning-Veils, -receiv'd the Queen's Corpse at its being taken out of the Funeral-Chariot, -and accompany'd it into the Old Chapel where a magnificent Cataphalque was -erected for depositing it. - -It represented a Temple of an Oval Form, whose Roof was supported by -Pillars of the _Corinthian_ Order, between each of which were plac'd -Statues that represented the Queen's Vertues. In the middle of the -Cataphalque just in the Upright there was a Glory, in which there was the -Queen's Cypher form'd by Stars. All the Statues, that were silver'd, added -to the Lustres, Branches and Chandeliers, made a noble Contrast with the -Black that cover'd the Walls and the Roof. There the Queen's Corpse was -repos'd till every thing was ready for her Interment. I will not here -enter into the detail of that Ceremony, which was one of the most -magnificent. What I observ'd extraordinary in it was, that 'twas the -King's pleasure that the Parliament of _Orange_, of which the greatest -part were Refugees at Court, should appear there in their Scarlet Robes. - -The Queen's Death occasion'd no alteration in Affairs; for she meddled -with the Government very little, and left all the care of it to the King -and his Ministers: But in matters of Pleasure she was not so unconcern'd; -and she understood them so well, that she was soon miss'd. The Courtiers -sustain'd a Lose that was irreparable; for this Princess, who knew every -body, was perfectly acquainted with every one's Birth and Merit, and took -a delight to distinguish them. Being lofty, but at the same time polite, -she knew better than any body in the World what it was to keep a Court; -and being virtuous without meanness, she could tell (which is no easy -matter) how to prescribe just Bounds to that Air of Gallantry, which alone -is capable of rendering a Court agreeable, and preserving Politeness in -it. - -The only Princess capable of supplying her place was the Margravine -_Philippa_, who then held the first Rank at Court. She was the Daughter of -the Prince of _Anhalt-Dessau_, and of the Princess of _Orange_. She was -good-natur'd and merry, and fond of Pleasures, but understood the delicacy -of them. She might sometimes have made us forget the loss of the Queen, if -the austere and perhaps jealous Humor of her Husband the Margrave _Philip_ -had not inclin'd that Prince to prefer his Residence at his House at -_Schwedt_ to the Court. - -Soon after the Queen, died the Emperor _Leopold_; which was an Event that -affected us not so much as the other, but concern'd the rest of _Europe_ -more. It was presently imagin'd that the Views to the Succession of -_Spain_ would have suffer'd some alteration by this Prince's Death; for -the Emperor _Joseph_ who succeeded his Father having no Son, the Archduke -his Brother who disputed the Crown of _Spain_ with the Duke of _Anjou_ was -his only Heir, and might one day or other by his Death become Master of -the Empire, and of the Dominions of the House of _Austria_. Therefore they -who dreaded to see the two Crowns united upon one Head, had as much and -more reason to fear the Archduke's making himself Master of _Spain_; the -Duke of _Anjou_ who was already in possession of that Crown, being at -that time very remote from that of _France_, by reason of the great number -of Princes that had a prior Right to his. Nevertheless the Powers of -_Europe_ were not mov'd by these Reflections, and the War was continu'd on -the side of the Allies with considerable Success. - -The King of _Sweden_ might, if he had pleased, have stopp'd the progress -of it, and immortaliz'd his Name by rendring himself the Arbiter of a -Quarrel, which divided _Europe_; for the Prosperity of his Arms had -render'd him the Terror of all the Powers in the North. He had in the Year -1704 depriv'd the Elector of _Saxony_ of the Crown of _Poland_, by causing -King _Stanislaus Leszinski_ the Palatine of _Posen_, to be proclaim'd King -of _Poland_; and he was already in the middle of _Saxony_ where he -committed universal Ravage, and when he might have turn'd the Balance -which way he pleas'd, the wrong Advice of his Favorite, corrupted by my -Lord _Marlborough_, was the cause of the Misfortunes into which that -Prince was afterwards precipitated. - -Our Court has had a sufficient share in these different Events; but -perhaps, _Madame_, 'tis so little known at your's as to deserve your -Curiosity: but I will only tell you of what I think most important. - -The _Swedes_ and _Poles_ had scarce laid down their Arms when the -Differences between the King of _Denmark_ and the Duke of _Holstein_ gave -them a fresh occasion to take them up again. In the Conferences that were -begun at _Pinneberg_ in 1696, there were hopes that those Princes would -soon be reconcil'd; but they only patch'd up a Peace which could not last -long, because of the Umbrage the King of _Denmark_ took at the Duke of -_Holstein_'s strict Alliance with _Sweden_; and they quarrel'd again about -the limits of their Dominions. The _Danes_ were the Aggressors, and they -demanded a reinforcement of four thousand Men of the King of _Poland_. -This Prince, who naturally took part with those that declar'd against -_Sweden_, was pleas'd well enough with the _Danes_ Demand, and as there -was an absolute necessity of passing those Troops over the Lands of the -King, (at that time Elector) he sent the Count _de Flemming_, now his -Prime Minister, to our Court, in order to sollicite their passage. Of a -great many Arguments that were alledg'd against it, the most specious -were, 'That the Mediators being still actually employ'd in procuring a -just and equitable Accommodation, it was the duty of a Mediator to hinder -the Rupture, rather than contribute to it by favoring this passage: That -the Court of _Prussia_ was Guarantee for the King of _Sweden_ and the Duke -of _Holstein_, that neither of those two Princes should begin the War -against the King of _Denmark_; and that consequently as War was not -declar'd against that Prince, his _Danish_ Majesty had no need of Foreign -Assistance; and that finally by giving passage to those Troops the Duke of -_Holstein_ would have just reason to accuse the Mediation of Partiality.' -Nevertheless, after all these fine reasons, the four thousand Men had -their Passage, either from surprise or the connivance of the Court. The -King of _Poland_ on his part, in order to make a considerable Diversion in -favor of the King of _Denmark_, brought Troops from _Livonia_ and besieg'd -_Riga_, which then belong'd to the _Swedes_. This Conduct of the King of -_Poland_, was, Madame, as the fatal Signal and the _Primum Mobile_ of that -tragical War, which tho' so glorious for the King of _Sweden_ in the -beginning, ended in the ruin not only of his Kingdom, but also of _Poland_ -and _Saxony_. And the greatest Gainer by it was the _Czar_. - -The _Danes_ while they waited for the Succours they had demanded from -_Poland_, besieg'd the Fortress of _Tonningen_ in the Duchy of _Sleswic_. -The King of _Sweden_ and the Duke of _Holstein_, before they oppos'd this -Enterprize, preferr'd their Complaints to the Dyet of the Empire, and then -prepar'd for driving the _Danes_ out of the Country. The Elector of -_Hanover_ and the Duke of _Zell_ join'd those two Princes, and the latter -marching to the Relief of _Tonningen_ had the Honor of obliging the -Besiegers to abandon it, upon the report only of his Approach. This Prince -therefore having nothing to do towards _Tonningen_, went with his Troops -and rejoin'd the Elector of _Hanover_. They met the four thousand Men whom -the King of _Poland_ was sending to the Assistance of the _Danes_, but -only took their Baggage and Arms, and then left them at liberty to return -home. - -The King of _Sweden_, on his part, push'd on the War against the _Poles_. -That great Prince whom extraordinary Undertakings never startled, having -already ravag'd a part of _Poland_, design'd a bold stroke, which was no -less than dethroning the lawful King of that Country, and setting up -another in his room. He had cast his eyes upon _James_ of _Poland_, Son of -King _John Sobieski_; but the King of _Poland_ parry'd this blow, by -causing the Prince _James_ and his Brother Prince _Constantine_, to be -carried away from an Estate of theirs near _Breslau_ to _Saxony_, where -they were strictly guarded like Prisoners at the Castle of _Leipsic_. The -Confinement of these Princes did indeed hinder either of them from being -elected King; but the King of _Sweden_ still persisted in his design of -dethroning the King of _Poland_, on purpose to be reveng'd of that Prince -for being so rash as to be the first that declar'd War against him. He -caused the Election to fall upon _Stanislaus Leczinski_ the Palatine of -_Posen_. The Bishop of _Posen_ officiated as Cardinal Primate in this -Ceremony, and proclaim'd the new King. The King of _Sweden_ wrote to all -the Princes with whom he was at peace, to acquaint them of this new -Election, and to exhort them to recognize it. The Letter he wrote to our -King had no Influence over him; for he made answer, that he had recogniz'd -one King of _Poland_ already, and that as long as he liv'd he would -acknowledge no other. He wrote at the same time to the King of _Poland_, -to demand the Liberty of the two Princes. The Emperor, to whom the eldest -had the Honour of being Brother-in-law, seconded the King's Demand; but -the Solicitations of both had no consequence, and the Princes were not -releas'd till a long time after. - -The following Year the King undertook to procure a Peace between the Kings -of _Sweden_ and _Poland_; but as the view of such Reconciliation was to -re-establish the Prince of _Saxony_ upon the Throne of _Poland_, the King -of _Sweden_ would hearken to no Proposal of Peace, unless the dethron'd -King would solemnly renounce the Crown. Mean time his _Swedish_ Majesty, -in order to mollify his Refusal of the King's Mediation, sent an -Ambassador-Extraordinary to him to recognize him as King of _Prussia_. -This Ambassador was the first that ever made a public Entry at _Berlin_, -and 'twas one of the most splendid that cou'd be, tho' all the Equipages -were in Mourning by reason of the Death of the Queen. - -Thus did this crafty King, by amusing those he had a mind to keep fair -with, always push at his own ends. He continu'd to ravage _Poland_, and -drove the King from thence into his Electorate of _Saxony_. There the -_Swedish_ Soldiers took up their Winter-Quarters, and committed such -Outrages as one would not have expected from a Nation so fruitful in -Heroes. The _Swedish_ Prince signaliz'd his Entrance into _Saxony_ by a -glorious Action, which was procuring the Liberty of the two _Polish_ -Princes, who had for two Years been detain'd Prisoners with very great -Severity and as little Reason. He afterwards march'd through all _Saxony_ -with the haughtiness of a Conqueror who comes to prescribe Laws to those -whom he has reduc'd to his Obedience. As for King _Stanislaus_ whom he had -caus'd to be crown'd King of _Poland_ at _Warsaw_, he led him about, with -him as it were in Triumph. As this new King advanc'd towards the -Territories of the Electorate of _Brandenburg_, to meet the Queen his Wife -who was coming from _Stetin_, our Court caus'd all the Honours to be paid -to him that were due to the Royal Dignity, without recognizing him all the -while for King. This Complaisance of our Court won the King of _Sweden_'s -Heart. Mean time the Neighbourhood of this great Monarch, who, where-ever -he march'd, carried Fire and Sword with him, gave vast uneasiness, and the -Joy was as great when he manifested a Design to turn his Arms against the -_Muscovites_, which he was put upon to do by the _English_. They had for -some time past suspected him to be supported under-hand by _France_, and -they thought the best way to embroil him with that Crown was to engage him -in a War with the _Czar_. The Person commission'd to negociate this Affair -was my Lord _Marlborough_, who went to the King of _Sweden_, and soon put -his Negociation in a hopeful way to succeed. He found about the King a -Minister so sordid, that he was not proof against an Offer of three -hundred thousand Crowns, to betray his Master into a War which could not -but be fatal to him; whereas, if he had pleas'd, he might have acquir'd -immortal Glory in the midst of _Saxony_, by rendring himself the Umpire of -two of the most potent Families in _Europe_, then contending for the Crown -of _Spain_. This Minister knowing his Master's ambitious Temper, propos'd -no less to him than dethroning the _Czar_. The young Monarch full of Zeal -and Courage did not imagine how impossible it was to dethrone a Prince who -was retir'd behind Provinces quite deserted, and where the Snow lay so -deep that 'twas difficult to distinguish whether they walk'd upon Land or -Rivers. He march'd out of the Electorate of _Saxony_ at the Head of his -Troops about the end of the Year 1707. Never had People juster Reasons for -giving public Marks of their Joy, than the _Saxons_ had to see the -_Swedish_ Monarch turn his Back to them. His Troops had committed -excessive Outrages in the Electorate; all the flat Country of _Saxony_ was -intirely ruin'd, and, except some great Towns such as _Leipsic_, where -they generously enough spent part of the Money they had extorted from the -poor _Saxon_ Peasant, there was not a Hamlet but was laid waste to such a -degree, that there were no hopes of its being restor'd to its original -Condition one while. - -Yet if the Misfortunes of an Enemy can in any measure compensate the -Losses he has occasion'd, the _Saxons_ had all the reason in the World to -be pleas'd in the Sequel. The _Swedish_ Troops gave way every where to the -_Muscovites_, who flush'd with former Victories, beat them to nothing. - -The greatest Loss the King of _Sweden_ sustain'd was near _Pultowa_. This -Prince, who was more ambitious than prudent, being got too far into -_Muscovy_, did not perceive his error till it was too late to retrieve it. -The _Czar_ had the Precaution, as he retir'd a little before into his own -Dominions, to burn above forty Leagues of Country thro' which the King of -_Sweden_ was to pass to him; so that this Prince soon found himself in a -very sad situation, not being able to stay in a place where there was no -manner of Provision, and forc'd to engage with an Army well intrench'd and -far superior to his own. But there was no avoiding it, and a Battle was -fought the 8th of _July_ 1709, when the _Swedes_ were all either cut in -pieces or taken Prisoners by the _Muscovites_. The King who was oblig'd by -a Wound in his Heel to be carry'd in a Litter had like to have been -kill'd, for one Cannon-Ball kill'd one of his Horses, and a second -demolish'd his Litter. The whole Army was in pain for the King's Life; but -the Officers who were near his Person snatch'd him out of danger, and -advis'd him to provide for his safety. This Prince was very loth to comply -with such a resolution, but finding himself oblig'd to yield to Force, -retir'd to _Bender_, a little Town at the entrance of _Moldavia_, which -belongs to the _Turkish_ Empire. The King of _Sweden_ was no sooner safe, -but the Remains of his Army with their Generals at their head submitted -to the Conqueror. This, Madame, was the Success of the Battle of -_Pultowa_; a Battle glorious to the _Muscovites_, but so fatal to the King -of _Sweden_ that he could never recover it: For after this Defeat this -young Hero was always expos'd to the most cruel Reverses of that very -Fortune, which in his early Years seem'd to delight in heaping Favors on -him. - -Mean time the two Families in competition for the Crown of _Spain_ had not -yet sheath'd their Swords. The King of _Sweden_ was even yet in the -Electorate of _Saxony_ when the _French_ lost the famous Battle of -_Ramellies_, which procur'd the Allies the greatest part of the _Spanish -Netherlands_. The Troops in _Italy_ also distinguish'd themselves, and -particularly the _Prussians_, who had so great a share in the raising of -the Siege of _Turin_, that the Duke of _Savoy_ wrote a Letter to the King, -in which he extolled the Valor of the _Prussian_ Generals and Soldiers. -"Yesterday, _said he_, the Enemy's Army was intirely put to the rout in -their own Lines before this place (_Turin_), in which your Majesty's -Troops had the greatest share, and I can never enough commend their -Bravery, nor the notable Valour of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who led them -on, _&c._" This Letter was dated the 8th of _September_, 1706. - -The Prince of _Anhalt_ too sent an Express with the same News to the King, -and gave a great Character of the Troops under his Command. "As your -Majesty's Troops, _said he, in his Letter_, were the first that enter'd -the Enemy's Trenches, so they have suffer'd very much, and especially the -Grenadiers. I may say that your Majesty's Forces have behav'd so well, -that they are intitled to universal Praise and Admiration, _&c_." Then he -enter'd into the Detail of the Losses sustain'd by the _French_, which -were indeed very considerable. 'Twas upon this occasion that the Marshal -_de Marsin_ was wounded and taken Prisoner, and besides forty-five Pieces -of heavy Cannon and one hundred and forty lesser that were taken from -them, they lost a great Convoy of two thousand Mules and one thousand -Horses, which was guarded by the Regiment of Dragoons of _Chatillon_. - -The raising of this Siege, and the Reputation the _Prussian_ Troops -thereby acquired was very acceptable News to the King, and while the Court -was rejoicing for this, there arriv'd other Advices which gave them no -less pleasure; and that was the raising of the Siege of _Barcelona_. This -City had been besieg'd for some time by the Marshal _de Tesse_; but King -_Charles_ who defended it made so stout a Resistance and such destructive -Sallies upon the _French_ Army, that the latter was oblig'd to retire. The -King was inform'd of it by an Express from King _Charles_. - -So many Successes one after another rais'd the hopes of the Allies -prodigiously. The Terror the _French_ Arms had for a long time impress'd -upon their Minds soon wore off, and nothing was heard every where but -shouts of Joy, to see so haughty a Nation at last humbled. Our Court was -more rejoic'd than any other at this great News, and every one envy'd the -Fortune of the _Prussian_ Soldiers, when they saw that the Duke of _Savoy_ -and the Prince of _Anhalt_ themselves, gave them the highest Encomia. - -At this happy Juncture was celebrated the Marriage of the Prince Royal, -which had been concluded at _Hanover_, a Journey the King made thither -with the Prince his Son. This young Prince had for a long time such a -veneration for the Princess the Elector's Daughter, as 'twas possible for -the most accomplish'd Merit to inspire him with, and of all the Princesses -in the World she was like to be the most acceptable to her Subjects; she -represented to us the Idea of the late Queen, and as she was her Niece and -design'd to succeed to her Dominions, she seem'd also to have inherited -all the great Qualities that made the former ador'd at our Court. The -Electoral Prince of _Hanover_ married her at _Hanover_ by Proxy, in -presence of the Count _de Finck_ the King's Ambassador. The Princess set -out from thence some days after with a Train becoming her present and her -future Dignity. The Elector her Father had given her the most magnificent -Suits of Apparel and Jewels that could be got for Money, and they were -purchas'd at _Paris_ by a Man sent on purpose. The Duchess of _Orleans_ -was desirous to chuse and give Directions for the Clothes, and she -afterwards shewed them to _Lewis_ XIV. who thought them so rich that he -said it were to be wish'd for the sake of the Mercers of _Paris_, that -there were more Princesses that could afford to make such Purchases. - -'Twas _Novemb. 27, 1706_, that this Princess made her public Entry at -_Berlin_. The King met her about half a League out of Town. As soon as her -Royal Highness perceiv'd the King's Coach she alighted, as the King did -also from his and went to meet her. After having embraced the Princess he -presented the Prince Royal to her, together with his Brothers and the two -Princesses. Then the King took Coach again, where the Princess plac'd -herself on the King's left hand; and the two Margraves sate over-against -them; the Prince-Royal and the King's three Brothers being mounted on -Horseback. The Entry was one of the most magnificent that was ever seen. -All the Troops then at _Berlin_ were under Arms, as well as all the -City-Militia, and drawn up in a Line from the Out-parts of the Town quite -to the Palace. The next day after the Princess's Arrival, there was a -sumptuous Feast, at which the Prince Royal and the Princess had -Arm-Chairs, but for that day only; for the next day their Royal Hignesses -sate in upright Chairs at the two ends of the Table. - -Our Court was then as splendid as in the time of the late Queen. There was -a continual Round of Pleasures, and every day was remarkable for Feasts, -Balls, Comedies, _&c._ These Rejoicings had lasted a good while, when all -on a sudden we had a most terrible Alarm. The King fell dangerously ill, -and his Physicians began to despair of his Recovery. But God, who always -considers the Wants of his People, did us the favor to restore him to us -for a while longer. Upon his Recovery he receiv'd the Compliments of the -whole Court, and the Congratulations of the Princes his Allies, who -acknowledg'd as well as his Subjects how necessary his Preservation was to -the Common Cause. - -Not long after the King's Recovery, I saw the young Count _de Metternich_ -arrive at _Berlin_, who came to bring the King Advice, That the _Swissers_ -had at length recogniz'd his Majesty for Sovereign Prince of _Neufchatel_, -preferably to the other Princes his Competitors. The Count _de -Metternich_, who was the King's Ambassador in _Swisserland_, had the good -Fortune to carry this Point, notwithstanding the Menaces of _France_, who -asserted the Interests of several of her Subjects, at the Head of whom was -the Prince of _Conti_. Madame _de Nemours_, the Sovereign of _Neufchatel_, -was no sooner dead, but each of the Claimants put in their Plea of Right -to this Sovereignty. As soon as the News of her Death was confirm'd, the -King sent Orders to M. _de Metternich_, his Ambassador-Extraordinary and -his Plenipotentiary in _Swisserland_, to repair to _Neufchatel_ and take -care of his Interests. He went thither accordingly on the 30th of _June_, -and caus'd a Memorial to be distributed at his Arrival, containing the -King's Right to the said Principality. The _French_ Competitors on their -part distributed another, to establish their own Rights, and invalidate -the Pretensions of the King. There happen'd to be Disputes between the -Prince of _Conti_ and the _Prussian_ Ambassador about Precedency. M. _de -Puisieux_ the Ambassador of _France_, as it was his Duty to do, maintain'd -the Interests of the Prince of _Conti_, and presented to the Council of -_Neufchatel_ a Memorial so haughty and menacing, as if it had come from -victorious _France_ in the Time when she was flush'd with Conquests. He -said in this Memorial, "That the King his Master cannot look with -Indifference upon the Conduct at _Neufchatel_, in presuming to be so -disrespectful to the Princes of his Family; that it wou'd be the wisest -way for the Gentlemen of the Council speedily to take Measures to prevent -this Pretension of the _Prussian_ Minister from being carried any further, -a Pretension, _said he_, which has no Foundation, but in Malice or -Ignorance; because even tho' the new Title, which the Elector of -_Brandenburg_ has assum'd for some years, were universally recogniz'd, yet -this very Pretension of his Ambassador's would be always chimerical." Here -M. _de Puisieux_ gave them Warning, "That if they did not soon alter their -Conduct, the King of _France_ wou'd take Measures very opposite to the -pacific and kind Sentiments which he had entertain'd since the Affair of -_Neufchatel_ was first in agitation." Such, _Madame_, was the Strain in -which the _French_ Minister talk'd. This Memorial was follow'd by several -others, which went to the very bottom of the Affair; and M. _de Puisieux_, -in order to engage the Council of _Neufchatel_ to favour the _French_ -Claimants, still continued to talk in such a high Stile, as prejudiced -every body against the Side that he espous'd. You may judge of this -Ambassador's manner of Negociation, by the last Memorial which he -presented towards the close of _October_ 1707. After having establish'd -the Right of the _French_ Competitors with continual Invectives, he -concluded thus; _If it happens contrary to my Expectation, that your -Answer is not conformable to what I demand,--I have fresh Orders from his -Majesty to assure you, that nothing will be capable to hinder the Effects -of his Indignation, or to screen you from that just Vengeance which he -proposes to take._ Then, as if he affected to speak in a softer Strain, he -said to them with an Air of Protection, "That he hop'd while he staid at -_Neufchatel_, to find favourable Inclinations for the entire Performance -of what he wish'd for." _'Tis the only thing you can do (+these are the -last Words of his Memorial+) to merit the Continuance of his Majesty's -Good-will. I wish for my own part, that you wou'd furnish me with -Opportunities to help maintain you in it._ But all these Menaces of the -_French_ Ambassador came to nothing, and only procur'd him sharp Answers -from the Ambassadors of _Prussia_, _England_, and _Holland_; for things -went on in the same Course in the Council of _Neufchatel_, and the whole -Affair was determined to the Satisfaction of the King, who was proclaim'd -Sovereign thereof on the 3d of _November_ 1707. - -As soon as the King had been recogniz'd in that Sovereignty, the Count _de -Metternich_ sent his Son to his Majesty with the Sentence of the three -Estates, declaring the King lawful Heir of the said Principality, by -_Louisa_ of _Nassau_ his Mother, the eldest Daughter of Prince -_Frederic-Henry_, Son of _William_ of _Nassau_ call'd the _Belgic_, to -whom there had been a Transfer of the Rights of the House of _Chalons_, to -which the Sovereignty and Domaine of _Neufchatel_ originally belong'd. - -The News of the Acquisition of this Sovereignty cou'd not but be very -acceptable to the King, who gave the young Count a most favorable -Reception, made him noble Presents, and amongst others, gave him the Key -of Chamberlain. - -Not many days after, _viz. Nov_. 23, 1707, the Court had a fresh Subject -of Joy, by the Princess Royal's safe Delivery of a Prince, whom the King -immediately declared Prince of _Orange_, and made him at the same time a -Knight of the Grand Order. His Majesty after this dispatch'd Couriers to -his Ambassadors at the Courts of the Princes his Allies to acquaint them -of the Birth of his Grandson. M. _de Spanheim_ the Ambassador in _England_ -received Orders to desire the Queen to be God-mother to the young -Prince;, and M. _de Schmettau_ Ambassador in _Holland_, and M. _de -Metternich_ Ambassador in _Swisserland_, were charged to invite the States -with whom they resided to be God-fathers. Besides these Powers, the King -and the Elector of _Hanover_ were God-fathers, and the Electoress of -_Hanover_ was God-mother. The Baptism was performed with great -Magnificence on the 3d of _December_ in the Church of the _Dome_. The Joy -at Court for the Birth of this Prince was of no long Duration; for in a -few Months after, he died: but the Sorrow for the Loss of him was -alleviated, by the Hopes that the Prince Royal had Youth and Health enough -to give us soon more Heirs. The Incident that was most alarming, was the -weakly Condition of the King, who recover'd but slowly from his Grand -Ailment; so that his Physicians advis'd him to make use of the Waters -of_Carlsbadt_ in _Bohemia_; and at the beginning of the fine Season, his -Majesty went thither accordingly. - -The King's Departure being resolv'd on, I begg'd his Majesty's leave, to -make the Campaign in _Flanders_ in quality of a Voluntier. I set out from -_Berlin_ with the _Gens d'Arms_, in which my Brother was a Cornet, and we -join'd the Army near _Louvain_. The Count _de Lottum_ receiv'd me as a -Voluntier; and I had the Pleasure to be near him all the Campaign. Not -many days after I had reached the Army, the Electoral Prince of _Hanover_, -(now _George_ II. King of _England_) arrived in the Camp of my Lord -_Marlborough_, and did that General the Honor to serve with him as a -Voluntier. The young Prince distinguish'd himself very much in this -Campaign, and gave the _English_ sufficient Proof that he was worthy -hereafter of wearing their Crown. 'Twas in this Campaign that the famous -Battel of _Audenarde_ was fought, in which the _French_ were again obliged -to yield to the Efforts of the Allies. It must be said however, in their -favor, that they were forc'd to fight without Artillery; for they had but -four Pieces of Cannon, the rest of their Ordnance and Baggage not being -yet arriv'd. The Action was very hot on both sides; they fought for -several Hours with exceeding Obstinacy, and always with a considerable -Loss on the part of the Enemy; whose Infantry was not only put to the -rout, but a great many Squadrons of the _French_ King's Houshold Troops; -which advanc'd to support the Foot; were cut in pieces; whereupon the -Confusion was so great, and the fire so furious in several places at once, -that 'twas almost impossible to distinguish the Allies from the Enemy; -therefore Orders were given to fire no more till next Morning, but to let -the Enemy escape, rather than run the risque of putting our own Army in -confusion. - -The Night being come, the _French_ scarce made any more Resistance but -retir'd by the way that goes from _Audenarde_ to _Ghent_, thro' the -Village of _Heusden_. This very Evening as I was standing with some -Officers of the Guards, at a small distance from the _Prussian_ Guards, I -perceiv'd a Trooper riding full speed towards us, who, when he arriv'd -said, _Gentlemen, the Duke_ de Vendosme _orders you to retire towards_ -Ghent. I cannot express to you how much he was surpriz'd when we told him -for Answer, That he was a Prisoner. _Kill me_, said he, _upon the spot, I -don't desire to out-live what has happened to me_. We comforted him as -well as we cou'd, and carried him to the Count _de Lottum_'s Quarters, to -whom he made himself known for M. _Duplanti_, Aid de Camp to the Duke _de -Vendosme_. What led him into the mistake was the Habit of the _Prussian_ -Guards, which is not very different from that of the _French_. - -The Battle of _Audenarde_ was the more glorious for the Allies, because it -was a Victory gain'd over the Duke of _Burgundy_ who commanded the Army of -_France_, and had with him the Duke of _Berry_ his Brother, and the -Chevalier _de St. George_; but they say this Battle was quite against the -Opinion of the Duke _de Vendosme_, whose Advice was not hearken'd to, and -the Cabals which the Duke of _Burgundy_ gave into, hinder'd the Designs of -that famous General from being follow'd, and were the Cause of the Loss of -the Battle. - -Next day about ten o'clock at Night the Count _de Lottum_ was detach'd -from the Grand Army with forty Squadrons and thirty Battalions, and -without any Resistance took possession, of the Lines towards _Ypres_, -which were immediately demolish'd. The 19th of that Month was celebrated -by the Army as a Day of Thanksgiving for the Victory they had gain'd; upon -which all the Cannon were fir'd, and there was a triple Salvo of all the -small Arms. - -On the 26th, my Lord _Marlborough_, who only waited for a Convoy of the -heavy Artillery to begin the Siege of _Lisle_, sent a Detachment to -_Brussels_, where there was a considerable Train, which came partly from -_Sas van Ghent_ and _Maestricht_. This March was cover'd by 22,000 Men of -Prince _Eugene_'s Army, which he himself commanded in Person. This great -Convoy arriving safe before _Lisle_, the Town was invested the 13th of -_August_. As it was one of the most considerable Sieges that had been -undertaken for a long time; and as 'twas natural to expect a vigorous -Resistance, on the part of the Marshal _de Boufflers_ who commanded in the -Place, there came Voluntiers from all Quarters to the Camp of the -Besiegers. Two great Princes, both able Generals, thought fit to be -present at this Siege, _viz._ the King of _Poland_ and the Landgrave of -_Hesse-Cassel_, who were at the opening of the Trenches, which was on the -22d at Night. - -Some Days after, the Enemy approach'd so near to us, that it was believed -they had an Inclination to engage. Our Generals were therefore at the head -of the Army as soon as the Day broke. Prince _Eugene_ join'd my Lord -_Marlborough_ with twenty-six Battalions and seventy-six Squadrons of his -Army which form'd the Siege; and the Army being drawn up in three Lines, -of which the two foremost consisted of the Cavalry; they remain'd in this -Posture till about ten o' clock in the Forenoon, when 'twas visible that -the Enemy had no mind to come to a Battle, and that they only meant to -disturb us; for which Reason the Generals caus'd Entrenchments to be cast -up, which were finish'd next Day, and the Detachment which Prince _Eugene_ -brought, was sent back again, excepting some Squadrons that staid. - -There was then so little Apprehension of an Attack, that most of the -Generals quitted the Grand Army to assist in the storming of the -Counterscarp, which happen'd on the 5th of _September_ at Night. Our Men -earned it, tho' with very great Loss on our side, and made Lodgments on -it. When this Attack was over, we set out to return to the Grand Army; -but to our misfortune the Guide that had conducted us, was run away; and -as it was not then more than one or two o'clock in the Morning, we were in -a very great Perplexity, and fell exactly into the Road that led to the -Centre of the Enemy's Camp. I was on horseback, perhaps a hundred Yards -from the Count _de Lottum_ who was in his Coach, when all on a sudden I -heard some body call out, _Who goes there?_ I confess to you, _Madame_ -that I was somewhat surpriz'd, but I comforted my self with the Thought, -that it was perhaps a Centinel of some _Walloon_ Regiment of the _Spanish_ -Troops, so that I answer'd, _Officers_. We were got in the midst of Hedges -and Trees, which hinder'd me of the Benefit of a little Moonlight, by -which I might perhaps have discover'd with whom we had to do; and -therefore I still went on: but I was no sooner out of the Thicket, than I -found my self near enough to a Body of Horse, to discern that 'twas -impossible it shou'd belong to us, because it was too near the Place, and -because it fronted us. I presently saw our Danger; I turn'd back as gently -as I cou'd possibly to the Count _de Lottum_, and told him what I had -observ'd. M. _de K----_ his first Adjutant call'd me a Simpleton. _Kraut_ -the second Adjutant treated me in much the same Stile; and in short I had -like to have been dismissed for a Fool; only the Count _de Lottum_ thought -it was Wisdom to run no hazard, and therefore he order'd his Coachman to -turn about, and the Officer of the Ordnance was detach'd to see whether I -was mistaken. The Truth of the Fact being by him confirm'd, the Adjutants -were almost frighten'd out of their Wits, made a thousand Apologies, and -promis'd to make me any sort of amends, if we were but so fortunate as to -escape the Danger which threaten'd us. At last we were delivered out of -it, I don't well know how; for had the Enemy advanc'd ever so little, we -were sure of being left dead on the Spot. - -Thus, _Madame_, have I given you what pass'd most remarkable since the -Storm of the Counterscarp. On the 11th, some Motion was made on the part -of the Enemy, who even advanc'd almost up to our Trenches; but we were in -a Posture to receive them. Their Army lay all Night under Arms, and next -Morning at Daybreak drew up in Order of Battle, but contrary to our -Expectation nothing came of it; for the Princes of _France_, the Chevalier -_de St. George_, the Duke _de Vendosme_, and several General Officers -contented themselves with taking a View of our Camp; but as they advanc'd -somewhat too near to our Intrenchments, we were oblig'd to be a little -rude to such great Princes, and to let fly some Cannon-Ball among them, -whereupon they thought fit to retire. - -My Lord Duke heard the same Day, that M. _de Chamillard_, Secretary at -War, was arriv'd from _Versailles_ in the Army of _France_, to be present -at a Council which was to be held there. It was therein resolv'd, That we -should not be attack'd, and that their only Business should be to cut off -our Convoys from _Brussels_. To execute this Project they posted -themselves behind the _Scheld_, from whence they indeed did very much -incommode us. We had no Passage left now but from _Ostend_, by which -General _Webb_ brought us a considerable Convoy. M. _de la Motte_, a -Lieutenant-General of the _French_ Army endeavor'd to hinder its Passage; -he had also the Advantage of the Ground. Nevertheless he was defeated near -_Wynendale_. To this Convoy may be ascrib'd the Conquest of _Lisle_, -which was at length oblig'd to surrender on the 28th of _October_, and the -Marshal _de Boufflers_ retir'd into the Citadel; yet as brave as the -Garison was that march'd into it with him, he could not hold it out long. -Thus the Allies gain'd some considerable Advantage or other every day. -Never did they make a more glorious Campaign; for besides the taking of -_Lisle_ and its Citadel, they had also the Glory in this same Campaign of -raising the Siege which the Elector of _Bavaria_ had laid to _Brussels_, -and of reducing _Ghent_ and _Bruges_. - -I forgot to tell you, that during the Siege of _Lisle_, we had like to -have lost Prince _Eugene_. This Prince receiv'd a Packet one day by the -Post, and having broke it open, he saw a greasy Paper, which gave him a -mistrust; but he only threw it upon the Ground, and a Person that gathered -it up being taken ill, it induc'd them to make an Experiment upon a Dog, -which when they had rubb'd it about his Nose, died that Instant. Thus was -God pleas'd to preserve this Hero from the basest of Treasons. - -I wish'd I could have been at the taking of _Lisle_, but was oblig'd to -quit the Army some time before, M. _Dankelman_ my Tutor having receiv'd -the King's Orders to send me to _Berlin_, where his Majesty design'd to -give me a Place at Court; and as he had Thoughts of marrying again, he -propos'd to prefer me to an Employment under the new Queen. - -The King's Marriage was talk'd of at the Waters of _Carelsbadt_. I have -had the honor to acquaint you, _Madame_, that the Physicians not knowing -what Remedy to prescribe, for curing him of the Faintness, which was the -Relic of his great illness in 1707, had at all adventures order'd the -Waters of _Carelsbadt_, and the King was perfectly recover'd by them. The -Recovery of his Health reviv'd the Pleasures of the Court. The voluptuous -Courtier, who had not yet forgot what the Presence of an amiable Queen is -capable of doing, began to form Vows, that the King might make a Choice as -good as the first: nay, the matter was carried farther; it was mention'd -to his Majesty, who was told withal, that nothing was more necessary, than -to think immediately of a second Marriage; and that the Prince Royal -having no Children, there was Danger of his Majesty's leaving no Issue. In -short, every body voted so heartily for a Marriage, that the King, who -also was desirous of it, declar'd he wou'd marry again. The only -difficulty was to know, who should be the Princess that was to be advanc'd -to the Throne; and then arose several Parties, who had each very different -Views. - -The Great Chamberlain was for the Princess of _Nassau-Friesland_, a -Marriage with whom, he imagin'd, would put an end to all the Disputes -about King _William_'s Succession. The King approv'd of the Proposal, and -sent the Baron _de Schalifer_ to negociate the Treaty. You would not -believe perhaps, _Madame_, that the very Mother of this Princess caus'd it -to miscarry, from a Jealousy of her Daughter's Grandeur. Her Pretext was, -that she had before vainly flatter'd herself with the Hopes of marrying -her Daughter to the Prince Royal; that she had been bubbled then; and that -it would be the same thing now. The Assurances that the Baron gave her to -the contrary, and the Advantages he shew'd her would accrue to her Family -from this Match, were all to no purpose; she remain'd inflexible; and -told him in plain Terms, that she could not bear to think of seeing her -Daughter so much above her. The Baron having made some other Attempts, -this jealous Mother prevail'd on her Daughter to refuse the greatest Offer -she could ever hope for. A great many of the Courtiers were not sorry to -see this Match broke off. They had been jealous for a long time of the -great Credit of the Prince of _Anhalt_, who being Uncle to the Princess in -question, 'twas natural to presume, that she would grow more powerful than -before, besides the being more united than ever to the Great Chamberlain, -to whom the Prince would be oblig'd for this Marriage. - -Then the Princess of _Hesse_ was propos'd, and the Princess of _Culmbach_. -The former had the Negative put upon her the very Moment that she was -mention'd, and that by the King himself. The latter was known to the King, -who had seen her at _Hall_, as he return'd from _Carelsbadt_. His Majesty -thought very well of her, and had even seem'd inclinable to determine in -her favor, when, opposite Cabals were set at work, which quite frustrated -the Proposal. - -The Duchess of _Zeitz_, the King's Sister, who married a Duke of -_Meckelbourg_ to her first Husband, proposed the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ -to the King. His Majesty, who had still perhaps the Princess of _Culmbach_ -in his Thoughts, did not seem at first to relish this Proposal; -nevertheless upon the Instances made to him by the Duchess his Sister, he -promised her to see the Princess of _Meckelbourg_ before he determin'd in -favor of any other Person. This he did accordingly, some time after he -return'd to _Berlin_, when he went to _Schwerin_, the Capital City of -_Meckelbourg_, on pretence of endeavoring to accommodate the Differences -between the Duke and the Nobility. There it was that the King saw the -Princess; she pleas'd him, and besides he had heard so much in her Praise, -that at length he determin'd to have her; and as soon as he return'd to -_Oranienbourg_, he declared his Marriage. - -This News did not create so much Joy at our Court as I imagin'd it wou'd; -and the Courtiers began to reflect seriously, upon what they had seem'd to -wish for with Impatience. They call'd to mind the Time of the late Queen. -Moreover, the Age and Health of the Prince and Princess Royal gave them -ground enough to hope, that the _Brandenburg_ Family would not want Heirs. -In fine, the Character of Mother-in-law, ever hated, gave Apprehension -that there wou'd soon be a Division in the Royal Family. For my own part, -I verily believe, _Madame_, that what most of all disgusted the Courtiers, -in the Choice which the King had now made, was, that the Queen was a -devout Lady, a Quality not very likely to make that Air of Gallantry -prevail at Court, which captivates the Heart of the Courtier. - -The King had no sooner declar'd his Intention to marry again, but there -was a Multitude of Sollicitors to be of the Queen's Houshold. One -_Bassompierre_ put himself upon the List, and he desir'd the King wou'd -make him the Queen's Chamberlain. The King made him answer, that he would -put no Officers about the Queen, except such as should be agreeable to -her; but that he would favor him so far, as to put him in the number of -those that shou'd be propos'd to the Queen as soon as she arriv'd. -_Bassompierre_ thought that by making previous Application to the Queen, -he should not fail of being admitted, and therefore he set out Post to -meet her. He told her Majesty that the King had sent him to be her -Chamberlain. The Queen believ'd him, admitted him in that quality, and -also gave him a Letter to carry to the King, with which he return'd to -_Berlin_. He told the King, that the Queen had appointed him her -Chamberlain. His Majesty easily imagin'd that the Queen had been -surpriz'd; and being justly angry with _Bassompierre_, forbad him the -Court. This _Bassompierre_ had a Brother who came to _Berlin_ the same -time as he did: These two Gentlemen said they were of that honest Family -of _Bassompierre_, of which there are some still in _Lorrain_: And by that -Name they went, _Anno_ 1707, in the Army in _Flanders_. The eldest said he -had been a Colonel in _France_, and that his Brother was a Captain in the -same Regiment. They pretended that they left their Country, the eldest for -having fought a Duel, and the youngest for being his Second. The King had -receiv'd them kindly, and given them Pensions, with a Promise to prefer -them to the Army the first Opportunity that should offer. These two -Brothers were at Court in a very agreeable Situation, and wou'd, no doubt, -have long enjoy'd it, when the eldest attempted to be the Queen's -Chamberlain; in which perhaps too he would have succeeded, if his -Eagerness for it had not made him take that Step, by which he incurr'd his -Majesty's Indignation. He was very much astonish'd at the Order which was -signify'd to him, not to be seen any more at Court; and at length fearing -he shou'd be found out to be what he really was, he retir'd, and went with -his Brother to _Saxony_, where they were both admitted into the King of -_Poland_'s Horse-Guards; but they did not enjoy that Shelter long: for the -Electoress of _Hanover_ having heard of their Intrigue at _Berlin_, wrote -to a great Lady in _France_, and desir'd her to inform her who those -_Bassompierres_ were. The Lady, who knew nothing at all of 'em, naturally -mistrusted that they were Fortune-Hunters; but for better Information she -enquir'd of M. _d'Argenson_, Lieutenant of the Police, who upon the -Description given him of those Gentlemen, discover'd they were a couple of -Sparks, whose Duel of Honor wou'd have been rewarded with the Brand of the -_Flower de Lis_ and the Galleys, if they could have been apprehended in -_France_. Upon this Discovery Messieurs _de Bassompierre_ were banish'd -out of _Poland_, and what became of them afterwards I cannot tell. - -Mean time all the necessary Preparations were making at _Berlin_ for the -Reception of the Queen, who was preparing on her part for her public -Entry. The Duke of _Meckelbourg_ married the Princess his Sister by Proxy -from the King. Next day the new Queen set out from _Schwerin_, in company -with the Duchess her Mother, the Duke her Brother, and the Duchess of -_Meckelbourg_ her Sister-in law. This Train went with her to the very -Frontier of _Meckelbourg_, which borders upon the Electorate of -_Brandenburg_, and there the Queen found M. _d'Erlach_, Marshal of the -Court, who receiv'd her in the King's Name, and offer'd her his House. -This Princess, after having taken leave of her Family, took Coach and -arriv'd at _Oranienburg_ the 24th of _November_. The King went and met her -about half a League from that House. As soon as she perceiv'd his Majesty, -she alighted out of her Coach and fell on her Knees. The King took her up -and embrac'd her, and after presenting the whole Royal Family to her they -went to the Castle. The King conducted the Queen to her Apartment, where -she always eat alone, to the very Day of the Celebration of the Marriage. -The 27th she made her Entry at _Berlin_, where she was receiv'd with all -possible Magnificence, and next Day their Majesties were married in the -Church of the _Dome_. The 29th, the King and Queen receiv'd the -Compliments of all the Deputies, Courts of Justice and Foreign Ministers; -and on the same day there was a great Entertainment which their Majesties -honor'd with their Presence. I was not willing, _Madame_, to tire you with -a tedious Detail of all the Ceremonies: I have already had the Honor to -acquaint you, that the King spar'd for nothing that might contribute to -the Magnificence of the Feast, which lasted several days, and was more -sumptuous every day than other. What I thought remarkable, was a Battle of -wild Beasts, at which their Majesties were present on the 17th of -_December_, when the Queen kill'd a Bear from her Gallery, with a shot -from a Hand-Gun. - -The Arrival of the new Queen created no great Change at Court, and except -the first Rank which she had of the Ladies every thing continued in the -same state. The Princess-Royal kept her Court at her own Lodgings twice a -Week, that is to say, on those Days when there was no Circle at the -Queen's; for upon the Drawing-Room Days she went to her Majesty's -Apartment, as did most of the Princesses, and they stay'd there to sup. -Her Majesty likewise granted the same Honor to several other Ladies, to -whom she gave an Invitation by a Gentleman when they were in the Circle. - -'Twas at the time of the King's Marriage that I lost my Father-in-law: I -was very much concern'd for his Death, especially on account of the -Trouble it gave my Mother, who could never get over it as long as she -liv'd. The very day that the News of it was brought to me, the King -declar'd me a Gentleman of his Bed-chamber. I have had the Honor to tell -you, _Madame_, that I was taken out of the Army in hopes of being plac'd -near the Queen, but when I came to Court I found all her Houshold settled, -and my Name not in the List. I spoke of this to the Grand Marshal, who bid -me not be vexed, for that he would shortly get me a Post about the King, -and that was the Office of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, to which I was -nominated some time after, _i. e._ about the latter end of the Year 1708. - -You know, _Madame_, and one can hardly forget the prodigious cold Weather -we had the Winter following. It began on the Feast of _Epiphany_, 1709, -and was universal all over _Europe_. The Corn and Vines suffer'd so much -by it that there was a scarcity which lasted long enough to starve a -number of poor People, who cou'd not get Bread, it was so excessive dear. -Never was there a more melancholy Year; and there was such a poor -melancholy Court all the while, that it seem'd as if the severe cold -Weather had chill'd our Spirits. But when the fine Weather return'd they -began to revive, and every one prepar'd to set out for the Army. The -Prince Royal went to make the Campaign in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, and -M. _d'Arnheim_ departed to rejoin the Troops of which he had the Command -in _Piedmont_. This Campaign was very glorious to the Allies, but 'twas a -very bloody one. The famous Battle of _Malplaquet_ was one of those -Victories which procured us Laurels cover'd with Funeral Scutcheons, and -two more such Victories would have ruin'd the Infantry of the Allies. The -Prince Royal was Witness of the Bravery of our Troops, which distinguish'd -themselves in this Campaign, wherein they had been great Sufferers. The -Enemy on their part besides the Battle lost also _Mons_ and _Tournay_. - -I could have wish'd to have made this Campaign, but when I ask'd the -King's Leave to go, his Majesty refus'd me, saying, that he design'd me -for some other Business than that of Arms. This Answer pleas'd me to the -Life, and as I was young and by consequence apt enough to be vain, I was -so simple as to believe my self for a while in the highest Favor. But I -was soon convinc'd of my mistake. What serv'd to open my Eyes was this. -The Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, with which the King had honor'd -me, made it my duty to attend the King's Coach on horseback as often as -his Majesty went abroad; but being one day so much out of order that 'twas -impossible for me to ride a Horse, as ill luck would have it, the King -happen'd to go that very day from[10]_Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, and -perceiv'd that I was not upon Duty. This incens'd him so much against me, -that when I attended to receive his Hat and Cane upon his Return, he said -the harshest things that cou'd be to me, the least of which was, that if I -ever fail'd in my Duty again, he would deprive me of the Honor of serving -him. Guess, _Madame_, how much I was mortify'd at such a Reprimand given -in presence of eight or ten Persons that were in the King's Chamber. -Indeed I had much ado to brook it, and at first dash I really had a -Thought of resigning my Post. I spoke of it to the Count _de Witgenstein_, -who pacify'd me a little by giving me to understand, that if I did not -abate of my Fire I had nothing to do but to renounce all Advancement in -the Service of my King, a Service always preferable to any Fortunes that -can be made at the Court of any Foreign Prince. He promis'd to set me -right in the King's Opinion, and he kept his Word; for two or three Days -afterwards as the King return'd to _Charlottenbourg_, when I happen'd to -be all alone in his Chamber with the Chamberlain in waiting, his Majesty -did me the Honor to ask me, _If I was still in a Pet?_ I return'd no other -Answer but a profound Obeisance. The King said to me a second time, _I ask -you if you are out of humor because I chid you t'other day?_ I made Answer -with all the Respect possible, _That indeed I was vex'd to my heart that I -had given his Majesty any Cause to be out of Temper with me; that no body -was more ambitious than I was of serving him faithfully; and that tho' I -had the Misfortune lately to be wanting in my Duty, it was owing to a very -sad Indisposition. But_, said the King, _you should have let me know it -then, and I should not have reprimanded you. After all, I did so only to -try you, for in the main I was not so angry as I seem'd to be._ _Jackel_ -the King's Jester, who was present at this Conversation, took up the -Discourse and said to the King, _But, good Sir, the Indisposition he talks -of, is of his own making; for the true Cause is, he has no Saddle-Horses, -and the reason of this, is because he has not wherewithal to feed them._ -_Why then_, said the King, _I will give him wherewithal: The Great -Chamberlain_, said he to me, _shall dispatch you a Warrant for that -purpose; go to him._ I then advanc'd to kiss the King's Robe, but he drew -back, and as I was stooping he laid his Hand upon my Head, and said to me, -_You are young, be good, and I will take care of you._ In a few days -after, I had my Warrant dispatch'd to send for Forage to _Michlenhoff_, -where the like was distributed to other Courtiers who had obtain'd the -same Favor. - -At the same time the Duke of _Meckelbourg_ the Queen's Brother came to -_Berlin_, where he had a magnificent Reception, yet he was not very well -pleas'd with his Journey; for this Prince expected, as he was a Sovereign, -to have Precedency of the Margraves the King's Brothers, which was deny'd -him. He eat in private with the King, but the Margraves were not present, -and he stay'd at Court but three or four days, during which he was lodg'd -at the Palace and serv'd by the King's Officers. - -As for our new Queen she became so devout in a little time after her -Marriage, that every body was surpriz'd, and the Courtiers very much -disgusted. Nothing was talk'd of in her presence but Religion, and in the -Morning her Anti-chamber was frequented by Ministers, by Dr. _Francke_ -whom she had sent for on purpose from _Hall_, and by _Borst_ her -Confessor. It look'd as if one was in the Anti-chamber of some Governess -of a Convent, rather than in the Palace of a great Queen. Under pretence -of Prayers for Deliverance from the Plague which infected some of our -Provinces, there was nothing to be heard in her Apartments but Litanies. -The King did not like all this Cant; for tho' he had a great deal of -Religion, he did not love Bigotry. He made the Queen sensible that her -manner of living was not suitable to one that sate upon a Throne, and got -her content to the Removal of those Persons from about her who had -exhorted her to embrace the Party of the Pietists. _Francke_ was sent back -to _Hall_ to the great College which the Queen had newly founded for -Orphans, and whereof that Doctor had the Direction. Then there was only -_Borst_ her Majesty's Confessor left at Court, and he was advis'd not to -give himself so much Trouble about the Queen's Salvation. This Princess -was so zealous for her Religion, that she did not believe those who -profess'd a contrary one could be saved. I remember that one day as she -was talking about Religion to the King, she told him that she was very -much grieved to find him a _Calvinist_, and by that means out of the Road -to Salvation. The King who seem'd in an amaze at the Compliment, said to -her, _What, do you think then that I shall be damn'd? And what will you -say then when you speak of me after Death_? For you could not say _der -SEELIGE Konig_, (an Expression us'd in the _German_ Tongue, speaking of a -Person deceas'd, and which signifies, the _King is sav'd_.) The Queen was -a little puzzled how to reply, but after a few Moments Reflection she -said, I will say, _der liebe verstorbene Konig_, which signifies the _Dear -King deceas'd_. This Answer made the King uneasy, who return'd soon after -to his Apartment. I was that day in Waiting, and by consequence in his -Majesty's Apartment with some of the Court-Nobility, when the King told us -with a deal of Concern upon his Mind of the Conversation he had with the -Queen, which affected him the more, because at that time he thought very -seriously of the Union of the _Protestant_ Churches. - -Mean time the Pestilence, which had discover'd it self in some of our -Provinces, frighten'd us very much. The King upon this occasion acted like -a true Father of his People, by sending Money and Provisions to those that -were afflicted with it, and by causing a Day of solemn Fasting and Prayers -to be celebrated in all the Churches of his Dominions to beg of God that -he wou'd please to avert this Scourge from our Country. Moreover he caused -Lazarets or Pest-Houses to be erected at the Gates of all the Towns where -those who came from any suspected Place were to perform Quarantain. As the -whole time was now spent in Sermons and Prayers for removing the -Pestilence, the detail of which would not be very pleasing, I think it -will not be amiss here to tell you how the Service was perform'd before -the King and Queen. I will begin by giving you some Account -of[11]_Berlin_, and of his Majesty's[12]Palace. - -The City of _Berlin_[13] wou'd not have been what it is at this day, had -it not been for the _French_ Protestants. They had been kindly receiv'd by -the Elector _Frederic-William_: And the King, every whit as generous as -his Father, prolong'd and even augmented the Franchises granted to the -_French_, and in order to convince those Exiles that he was dispos'd to be -a Father to them, he had a mind that they should be no longer -distinguish'd from his natural-born Subjects; but caus'd Churches to be -built for them of which he maintain'd the Ministers, gave them a very fine -College for the Education of their Children, and also chose a Company of -Musketeers out of them in which none but _French_ were admitted. - -These Refugees were so sensible of the King's Goodness to them, that they -had an Emulation to shew their Gratitude to him by making Trade to -flourish. They were equally zealous for the embellishing and aggrandizing -of the City, and caus'd a great many Houses to be built there which were -both neat and commodious. They added to the City all that Quarter call'd -the _New Town_, which is certainly the most beautiful part of _Berlin_. Of -the Streets which run in a strait Line, the principal is adorn'd with six -Rows of Lime-Trees that form as many Walks, the middlemost of which is -lin'd with a Balustrade to keep off Coaches and Carriages. These Walks -terminate in a Wood, thro' which there's an Avenue of a League, which -leads to _Charlottenbourg_, a Royal Palace. - -At the Entrance of the _New Town_ there's the Arsenal[14], a Structure -which may pass for one of the finest in _Europe_: 'Tis a Quadrangle with a -large Square in the middle. The four outward Fronts are almost exactly -alike. The principal is divided into three Buildings, of which that in the -middle projects a little forwards. The Grand Floor consists of Arches -charged with Rustics, which support Pilasters of the _Ionic_ Order. The -part which projects from the middle is adorn'd with four Columns, and has -a large Pediment at the end of it. The grand or principal Gate is in the -middle. On the two sides there are four great fine Statues representing -the Cardinal Virtues on Pedestals. These seem to look towards the King's -Picture, which is represented in a great Medal of Brass gilt in the coping -of the Gate. Over this Picture, there's his Majesty's Cypher in the middle -of a Cartridge crown'd, supported by Fame and Victory. The Cartridge is -fill'd up with an Entablature upon which there's a _Latin_ Inscription in -Letters of Gold, to the Honor of the King. Finally, over this Entablature -there's a great Pediment in Basso-Relievo perfectly beautiful, -representing a _Mars_ which seems to rest upon a Trophy, and to look upon -a couple of Slaves chain'd at his Feet. The whole is compleated by a -Balustrade which rests upon the Pedestals that support the Trophies. This -stately Edifice is encompass'd with Spurs of Iron in the form of Cannon, -upon which there's the King's Cypher gilt; and these Spurs serve for a -Support to the Iron Chains which are hung in Festoons from one to the -other. - -The Inside of this Structure is as magnificent as the Outside. Two Rows of -Pillars support the lowermost Arch-Roof and form three Walks, of which the -middlemost is the narrowest, but the only one that serves for the Passage; -those on the sides being full of noble Brass-Guns. The King had a Design -to have a Cannon of a hundred Pounder plac'd at each Corner; but there is -only one finish'd which is call'd _Asia_, a terrible Machine fitter to -adorn an Arsenal than for any other use. The Ascent to it is by a Step, -because they were oblig'd to build the Carriage in proportion to the piece -that it bears. This Cannon is adorn'd all over with Eagles and Crowns; -and the King's-Arms are represented on it under a Royal Pavilion, as are -also those of the Margrave _Philip_ the King's Brother, as Grand Master of -the Artillery. This is all that is remarkable on the side of the _New -Town_. - -The King's Palace is also very magnificent; and the whole is so majestic, -that it appears at the first sight to be the Residence of some great -Monarch. Yet there's one fault in it, which is, that Uniformity has not -been nicely observ'd in it, because it has been carry'd on by Fits and -Girds, and every Architect has followed his particular Plan. - -This Palace consists of four large Buildings, which forms in the middle a -Court that is not so broad as 'tis long. The first Thing in the main Front -is a great high Portico with two Gates Arch-wise on the two sides. The -Proportions of the Columns and the Height of the Portico were copy'd from -_Constantine_'s Triumphal Arch at _Rome_. On the two sides of the Portico -there are twelve great Transom Windows encompass'd with Ornaments. The -Fronts that are on the side of the Court are much more magnificent than -the outer ones, but then they are more irregular. The Inside of the Palace -is not executed much better. Two Grand Stair-Cases lead to the Guard-Room, -the one on the Right and the other on the Left of the Entry. The -Stair-Case on the Left-hand is of a particular Contrivance, being in form -of a Glacis without any Step, so that a Coach may go up to it. The -Guard-Room is long but narrow, and has no Light but what comes from the -Windows on the Cupola over the Stair-Case. The Entry is in the middle. -There is a Turning on the Left to enter into the King's Apartment, which -shews at first sight three Chambers in a Row. The third of these Rooms -separates the least Apartment from the greatest, of which the former is on -the Right and the latter on the Left. I will only speak to you of the -last, which is the most magnificent. In turning therefore to the Left one -perceives a long Suite of Apartments, which form a magnificent Point of -View. The Furniture is surprizingly rich; nor is any thing to be seen, -look which way you will, but Gold, Silver, Marble, Brass, Painting, Glass, -China, _&c._ in a word, every thing that can be wish'd for, that is rich -and elegant. At the end of this Suite of Apartments there is a long -Gallery, the Cieling of which, like that of _Versailles_, represents the -principal Actions of the King, and the sides are adorn'd with Pictures -done by the most famous Hands, the Frames of which are of Brass gilt. - -At the end of this Gallery there was formerly a great Amber-Cabinet, with -divers Compartiments in Basso-Relievo, which perhaps had not its Fellow in -the World; but the King being desirous to make the _Czar_ a Present worthy -of his Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatcht that cost eighty -thousand Crowns. - -Were I to enter into the detail of the Beauties and Magnificence one meets -with at every step in this Palace, I should never have done; I believe it -may be sufficient to say that the King, as far as possible, imitated the -Inside of the Palace of _Versailles_. This great Prince took _Lewis_ XIV. -for a Model, and after his Example was intent on building magnificent -Structures and establishing different Manufactures, whereby the Poor might -earn their Living, and get for a reasonable Price those Commodities which -heretofore they used to import from Foreign Countries, at a very great -Expence. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you an account of almost all the -greatest Remarkables at _Berlin_. I shall now let you know after what -manner their Majesties are every day attended.[15] - -I begin with the King's Levee. His Majesty commonly rose between five and -six o'clock in the Morning, (I mean at the time that I have the Honour to -speak to you of;) tho' formerly he rose at three or four o'clock. As soon -as the King awak'd, the Page of the Back-Stairs who had watch'd with him -went and gave notice of it to the Valets de Chambre and the Yeomen of the -Wardrobe, who presently came in, undrew the Bed-Curtains, and open'd the -Window-Shutters, after which they went out and declar'd that the King was -stirring. Then the Chamberlain in waiting, the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber, and the Officers upon Guard came in and made a very low Bow. -The next that enter'd were the Physicians, to whom his Majesty gave an -account how he had rested. Then the Pages of the Back-Stairs brought a -great Silver Table with Coffee upon it, which was presented to the King by -the first Valet de Chambre in waiting upon a Gold Salver, and the Page -presented it about to all the Persons of Quality that were at the Levee. -Every body was oblig'd to drink two Cups, or else they run the risk of -being reprimanded. After drinking of the Coffee the Table was carry'd -away, and the King convers'd half an hour or more with those that were -present: Then he veil'd his Bonnet and all the Company retir'd. The Valets -de Chambre and the Grooms of the Wardrobe stay'd to dress the King, which -when they had done, his Majesty retir'd into his Closet, where was a Desk -for Prayer, and there he commonly stay'd an Hour, while they made his Bed. -After this he return'd into his Chamber, and then the Prime Minister came -in to give him an account of his Dispatches, which lasted till ten o'clock -or thereabouts. After this the King went to Council, where he stay'd a -little above an Hour. This Council consisted of the Prince Royal, the -Margrave _Philip_ Brother to the King, and the Ministers. When the Council -broke up the King went into his Closet, and there gave out his Orders. -Then two Kettle-Drummers plac'd in opposite Balconies that look'd into the -lesser Court, gave notice by the Sound of their Kettle-Drums to the -Officers of the Kitchen and Buttery to get everything ready for the King's -Service. As soon as the Cloth was laid, the Kettle-Drums were sounded a -second time. During this, the King accompany'd by the Prince Royal and the -Margraves his Brothers, pass'd thro' the Guard-Room into the Queen's -Apartment, where were all the Princesses. A few moments after, the -Kettle-Drums and twenty-four Trumpets divided into two Bodies, gave notice -for serving up Dinner. At the same time, two of the Life-Guards and six of -the Guard of Hundred _Swissers_ took possession of the Room where the King -was to eat. The two Life-Guard Men posted themselves behind the Arm-Chair -of the King and Queen, and the six _Swissers_ encompass'd the Table three -on each side with their Halberds in their hands. When Dinner was serv'd -up, the Great Chamberlain with his Staff in hand went and acquainted the -King of it, who immediately enter'd the Hall, follow'd by the Queen, who -was led by the Prince Royal; as were the Princess Royal and the -Margravines by the Margraves. At their entrance into the Hall, the King -gave his Hat and Cane, and the Queen her Gloves and Fan, to the -Chamberlains in waiting. Then two Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber held out a -great Silver gilt Bason for them to wash in, and when they had wash'd, the -two Chamberlains gave them the Napkins. The two Gentlemen of the -Bed-Chamber always offer'd the Bason in like manner to the Princes and -Princesses to wash in, but they wou'd not accept it. - -When their Majesties had wash'd, the Grand Marshal who stood about the -middle of the Table opposite to the King gave a Rap with his Staff; at the -same time making a profound Obeisance; then a Page that stood by him did -the like, and after saying a short Grace their Majesties seated themselves -in their Arm-Chairs, and their Royal Highnesses in other Chairs, with only -Backs. Then the Carver approaching the Table tasted the Provision, and -therewith serv'd their Majesties, and the Princes according to their Rank. -When their Majesties call'd for Liquor the Chamberlain gave the hint to a -Page, and he did the same to a Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber upon Duty, who -then went to the Side-board and fetch'd Wine and Water in two Bottles upon -a Salver of Gold. The Chamberlain tasted both, and then presented both to -their Majesties. The King always drank the Queen's Health, and the Queen -in like manner drank the King's. This done, their Majesties dismiss'd the -Court by making a Salute to the Grand Marshal. Then the Court retir'd, and -none stay'd but the Waiters. Before their Majesties rose from Table the -Prime Minister as well as the Master of the Horse approach'd, with the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe and the Captain of the Guards, to receive the -King's Orders, in case his Majesty was willing to ride out. When the -Dessart was ready to be serv'd, notice was brought to the Grand Marshal or -to him that bore the Staff in his absence, who then return'd to the King's -Table. When his Majesty rose from Table the Chamberlain brought him Water -to wash his Mouth, and the Queen's Chamberlain and their Royal Highnesses -Gentlemen attended the Queen and Princesses with the same. After this the -King led the Queen into her own Apartment, where he stay'd a little time, -then return'd to his own, and rested himself for an hour in his Closet. - -When the King was awaked, the Chamberlain and the Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber enter'd his Majesty's Closet, where sometimes the Queen paid -him a Visit, and at other times the Prime Minister came and talk'd with -him about Business. In the Summer-time the King went abroad for the Air, -or the Pleasure of Fishing or Hunting, especially the Heron, in which he -took great delight. About six o'clock in the Evening his Majesty went to -the Queen's Apartment, and stay'd there about an Hour, after which he -return'd to his own, to that call'd _la Tabagie_ or the Tobacco-Room, -because there he smoak'd his Pipe, and several of the Nobility had the -Honour of smoaking there with him. The King never supp'd unless it was in -extraordinary cases, but amus'd himself with a Game at Chess. When he had -done playing he conversed very familiarly with the Chamberlain, the -Gentlemen of the Bed-Chamber, and some privileg'd Courtiers; and when he -had a mind to put an end to the Conversation, he gave his Orders to the -Grand Master of the Wardrobe what Clothes to equip him with next day, and -then every body retir'd, and the Valets de Chambre and the Grooms of the -Wardrobe went and put his Majesty to bed. This, _Madame_, was the manner -how the Service was perform'd at our Court. Never was there any -Interruption in the Hours prescrib'd for his Majesty's Exercises, unless -he labor'd under some Ailment. I thought that this Detail, tho' perhaps a -little tedious, wou'd not be quite so unpleasant as the Recital of all the -Litanies and other Prayers, in which the Queen was constant for the -remainder of the Year. - -In the beginning of the Year following, that is to say the 19th of -_January_ 1710, the Count _de Lottum_ presented the King with eleven -Pieces of Cannon, and several Colors and Standards that fell to his -Majesty's share in the distribution that was made of those that were taken -from the _French_, during the Campaign. - -At the same time we lost the Duke of _Courland_ for ever. This young -Prince was the King's Nephew by his Mother, who was his Majesty's Sister -by the same Father, but not by the same Mother. He was but an Infant when -he lost his Father the Duke of _Courland_, whose death was to him the -greatest of all Misfortunes, because of the Misunderstanding which the -Guardianship of this young Prince created between those who aspir'd to it. -The Duchess his Mother asserted that she was the rightful Guardian of the -Prince, her Son. His Uncle also pretended 'twas his Right. In short, the -Nobility of _Courland_ disputed it with them both. During these Domestic -Troubles, the several Parties, not watchful of their Neighbours Motions, -quickly found they had powerful Enemies to cope with. The _Saxons_ being -the nearest, were the most forward to take possession of their Country. -The _Muscovites_ were soon at their heels, and in concert with the -_Saxons_ rush'd upon what they thought most convenient. But they were both -soon oblig'd to abandon that Duchy to the King of _Sweden_, who came at -the head of his Troops, and without much difficulty sent them going. But -after all, Fortune being weary of seconding the Arms of the _Swedish_ -Monarch, he was oblig'd not long after his Entrance into _Courland_, to -yield the said Duchy to the _Muscovites_, who remain'd the sole Possessors -of it. - -All these Troubles had oblig'd the Duchess, with the Prince her Son, to -retire. She came to _Berlin_ where she was present at the King's -Coronation, and afterwards, as I have already had the Honor to tell you, -she marry'd the Margrave of _Brandenburg Bareith_. This Princess followed -the Margrave her Husband into his Dominions, and took the Duke of -_Courland_ her Son along with her. There did this young Prince stay with -the Margrave his Father-in-law, till after the King of _Sweden_'s Defeat -at _Pultowa_ by the _Muscovite_ Army. When the latter were become Masters -of _Courland_, the Duke flatter'd himself that he should be able to -prevail on the Czar to restore him to his Dominions: nor was he deceiv'd -in his Expectation; for the Czar was very ready to consent to it, on -condition nevertheless that he should marry his Niece, the Daughter of the -late Czar, his Brother. The Match was truly illustrious, for the Princess -was both the Daughter and Niece of a potent Monarch; but her Education had -been very different from that of the young Prince, and there was all the -Reason in the World to think, that they would not like one another long. -The Duke for his part could have wish'd to be restor'd to his Duchy upon -other Terms; but at length, thinking he could not do better than to accept -of those, and to put himself again at the head of his Subjects, who had -for several Years wish'd for his Presence; he set out for the Czar's -Court, and there married the Princess. This Marriage, which was concluded -with some Reluctance on the part of the young Duke, seem'd to portend him -none but unhappy Days; and in short, he was scarce married, but he fell -dangerously sick, and in a few days after died, which Illness they said -was owing to his having been forc'd to drink to excess on his Wedding-Day. -This occasion'd a general Desolation throughout the Duchy of _Courland_, -the poor People having entertain'd some Hopes that the Presence of their -lawful Sovereign would make them forget the Evils they had suffer'd by -several years continual Wars. - -Towards the Conclusion of this Year, the famous Count _de Wartemberg_, -Prime Minister and Great Chamberlain was disgrac'd; which, tho' it had -been long wish'd for, was surprizing to all Mankind, who thought the -Credit of that Minister too well establish'd, the chief Places of the -Kingdom being in the hands of his Creatures, from whose Gratitude there -was nothing that he might not promise himself; besides, they did not think -any Person would be so daring, as to cast the first Stone; the then recent -Instance of the Count _de Wesen_ being a sufficient Warning to deter any -Persons from entring into so dangerous a Combination. Nevertheless there -were two Persons at Court who were not terrify'd by the Peril, to which an -Enterprize of this nature expos'd them. The Name of both these Courtiers -was _Kamcke_, and being Cousins into the bargain, they were only -distinguish'd by the Appellations of _Great_ and _Little_. - -The _Great Kamcke_ had been successively Page to the King, Page of the -Bed-chamber, afterwards a declar'd Favorite, and at last Great Master of -the Wardrobe, which Post he held at the time of the Prime Minister's -Disgrace. The Favor with which the King honor'd him, was what made him -esteem'd more than any thing else; for setting that aside, he was not -remarkable for either the Virtues or the Vices which contribute almost in -the same measure to the forming of Great Men. He was reckoned a Man of -fine Parts, because he was fortunate enough to gain, and to preserve the -King's Favor; and he had the Reputation of being good-natur'd, because -having a place in which he might have done a great deal of Mischief, he -did none at all. 'Tis true too on the other hand, that he did no body any -Service; the Lethargy of his Temperament not permitting him to put himself -upon those Motions, which are equally necessary to serve a Friend, and to -ruin an Enemy. - -The _Little Kamcke_, his Cousin, was of a Temper quite different. He was -not only a Person of a piercing sparkling Wit, but had all the Politeness -of the most elegant Courtier. Being ambitious and vain, but always with -Temper; he was cut out for those delicate Undertakings to which the -Success alone gives a Sanction; and what is seldom to be found in so young -a Man, he had all the Management and Dissimulation necessary for -Execution. The Count _de Wartemberg_ had always hated him; for he -suspected him to have had a hand in those Ballads which _M----_, -afterwards the King of _Poland_'s Minister, had made upon the whole -Court, and in which the Count and Countess were very ill treated; but -_Little Kamcke_, who never despair'd of his Success, still continued to -make his court to the King, without seeming to take the least Notice of -the Minister's Ill-will. His assiduous Attendance was at length rewarded; -the King begun by granting him the Honor of playing with him every Night -at Chess; which was a Favor this young Courtier so artfully improv'd, that -in a little time after, his Majesty made him a Minister of State. The -Count _de Wartemberg_ was mortify'd in two Respects by the Advancement of -_Little Kamcke_; for he did not expect such a Favor to be convey'd by any -Canal but himself; and besides it was granted to a crafty Enemy, whose -rising Credit might well give him Umbrage. _Kamcke_ for his own part -believing that he was only obliged to his own Merit for his Preferment, -had even less regard for the Prime Minister than before. They star'd upon -one another at first, without venturing to make an Attack; but by degrees -they came to high Words; and at length _Kamcke_ being puff'd up with his -Favor; and being moreover supported by all good Men, he vow'd the -Destruction of the Prime Minister, and his Creature, the Grand Marshal. He -was so cunning as to engage his Cousin _Kamcke_ in the Scheme, because the -latter being Great Master of the Wardrobe, cou'd give the Prime Minister -the fatal Blow with more Ease than any other Person; and he succeeded -happily; for he aggravated to his Majesty the Complaints of the People, -and the Murmurings of the whole Court. The Queen too being prejudic'd by -the _Kamcke_ spoke sharply against the King, who at last consented to the -removal of a Minister, whom till then he had thought he could not be -without. - -This great Scene was open'd by the Disgrace of the Count _de Witgenstein_, -the Grand Marshal of the Court, and the Prime Minister's Creature, who was -arrested in his House on the 27th of _December_ at 10 o'clock at Night, by -a Lieutenant of the Guards and ten Grenadiers. Next day, about 9 in the -Forenoon, M. _de Gersdorf_, Colonel of the Regiment of Guards, accompanied -by _Stoffius_, Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, came from the -King to demand his Ribban. He presently restor'd it, assuring them that he -was wrongfully maltreated; but that nevertheless he did not complain of -the King, and that they were only his Enemies who had impos'd upon his -Majesty's Goodness to ruin him. Not long after an Officer of the Guards -came in and told him, that he had Orders to carry him to _Spandau_. He -made answer, that he was ready to go wherever the King commanded him; only -he desir'd Leave to write to his Mother-in-law, who was the Queen's Lady -of Honor. The Officer told him, that he was forbid to let him speak or -write to any Person whatsoever; and then he took him with him into a Coach -that was attended by 12 Life-Guard Men. - -The Noise of his Confinement being presently spread throughout the Town, a -Multitude of People gather'd in a trice before his House, every one crying -out against the Grand Marshal, calling him the People's Blood-sucker, and -the Author of all their Taxes. When they saw him put into a Coach to be -carried to _Spandau_[16], their Shouts, were doubled; but the Grand -Marshal, without being shock'd, let down the Glasses of his Coach, and -told the furious Rabble, that he had been a faithful Servant to his King, -and that he had never done any thing in his Administration that could be -laid to his Charge; but the Clamours of the People hinder'd him from being -heard, and he went out of Town, laden with Curses. - -The Hatred that was manifested against him, came from a Source which -always touches the People in the most sensible part; he was suspected to -have had a hand in the Creation of several Taxes; and to have been the -Projector of the Insurance-Office from Fire. The Establishment of this -Office was very well design'd; for it undertook to indemnify private -Persons for the Loss they might have sustain'd by Fire; and for this -purpose, every one was tax'd in a certain Sum of Money, that there might -always be a Fund sufficient to answer the Losses by Fires. Frauds were -soon committed in the Management of the Moneys that seem'd to be -appropriated for a very good Use; and by degrees that Establishment, which -was erected for the Relief of the People in their extreme Necessities, -serv'd only to oppress them. - -The Disgrace of the Grand Marshal was soon followed by that of the Prime -Minister. Two days after the Confinement of the former, the King ordered -M. _d'Ilgen_ one of his Ministers, and principal Secretary of State, to -demand the Seals of his Prime Minister, and to order him in his Name to -have nothing more to do with the Affairs of the Government. He receiv'd -this News with Courage, and said to the Secretary of State, that he never -had any other Will but his Majesty's, and that therefore he was ready to -obey his Orders. The next day he received Orders to quit the Palace, and -to retire to his Estate at _Wolfersdorff_, a few Leagues from _Berlin_. He -immediately made ready to be gone; but before he set out, he sent to -desire the King to give him leave to wait on him, to thank him for all the -Favors he had receiv'd at his Majesty's hands; to which the King -consented, and the Prime Minister appear'd with an Air suitable to the -situation of his Affairs. He put every Wile in practice that is possible -to be of service to a Minister who has had long experience of a Court, and -a perfect Knowledge of his Master's Temper; he pray'd, he wept, but -contrary to his own Expectation and that of the whole Court, the King -continu'd stedfast, and dismiss'd him, tho' with all the possible marks of -Friendship and Affection; for when he was going out of his Closet the King -call'd him back, and taking a Ring of twenty thousand Crowns from his -Fingers, he gave it to him, and said that he desir'd him to keep it as a -mark of his Esteem. Thus did the King to his regret dismiss a Person, whom -if he had pleas'd he might still have kept in his Service. - -The Prime Minister, the moment he went from the King, set out for -_Wolfersdorff_, from whence he wrote a very moving Letter to his Majesty -to desire him to accept of that Estate for a Present, together with his -Wife's Garden which is now the Queen's, (they call it _Monbijou_[17]) and -all his Porcellane Ware. The King return'd him a very obliging Answer, and -accepted of the Presents he offer'd him, on condition however to pay him -for them; and indeed not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_ receiv'd the -Value of them. Yet notwithstanding this mark of Esteem he was on the -brink of being arrested; and _T----_ who was near the King's Person at -that critical Juncture, assur'd me afterwards that 'twas _Little Kamcke_ -that had diverted the King from it. The Count's Enemies had so incens'd -his Majesty against him, that the Order for his Arrest was just ready to -be dispatch'd, when _Little Kamcke_ represented to the King, that all -things duly consider'd, the Prime Minister was not so culpable as to -deserve being arrested; that Banishment was sufficient; that however, if -his Majesty was apprehensive, that the Count knowing the Secrets of the -State would discover them to other Powers, the only way was to secure his -Fidelity to him by a handsome Pension, on condition however that he should -never lie out of _Francfort on the Main_, where he would be near his -Majesty's Territories and out of a Capacity to give him any Umbrage. The -King approved of this Advice, and sent to tell the Count that he would -continue a Pension of twenty-four thousand Crowns to him for his Life, on -condition that he would promise not to stir out of _Francfort_. This was a -very advantageous Offer, to a Man who trembled every moment for fear of -losing his Liberty, and therefore without much deliberation what to do, he -thought of nothing but packing up and carrying off the Wealth he had -heap'd together. When the Count and Countess came to Court they had not -wherewithal to subsist; but they went away with Millions, and the Countess -alone had as many Diamonds as were worth half a Million of Crowns. She was -mortally uneasy for fear of being stripp'd of her Treasure, till she saw -herself quite out of the King's Dominions, and then her Spirits began to -rise. Upon the Road they were overtaken by an Express, who brought an -Order to the Count _de Wartemberg_ to deliver up the Golden Key to the -Great Chamberlain, together with the Commission of Hereditary Post-Master; -which he obey'd instantly with very great Submission, and afterwards -continued his Journey towards _Francfort_. - -The King gave the Chamberlain's Key to the _Great Kamcke_, Grand Master of -his Wardrobe, and the Office of Post-Master was executed in Commission by -_Little Kamcke_. As to the place of Prime Minister, it was not fill'd up; -and the King, lest it should be thought that he intended to be still -govern'd as he had been all along, declar'd he would have no more Prime -Ministers. Not long after the Count _de Wartemberg_'s Departure, the King -sent for Count _Christoper de Dobna_, and the Count _de B----_, to come to -_Berlin_. The former for some time made a Figure very like to that of a -First Minister, but had not the Title. The Post of Grand Marshal was -supply'd by M. _de Printz_, with the Applause of the whole Court. The -Count _de Witgenstein_ was restor'd not long after to his Liberty, on -paying down a Fine to the King of fourscore thousand Crowns. Thus, -_Madame_, have you had the Catastrophe of the two chief Favorites of our -Court. - -I had left _Berlin_ for some Months when this great Revolution happen'd, -which I heard the first News at _Hanover_. I happen'd to be with the -Electoress when she receiv'd the Letter from the King, that inform'd her -of the Change he had made At his Court, and of his Intention to be for the -future his own Prime Minister. For my part I was gone from _Berlin_ with a -design to travel, because of some very harsh words which the King said to -me one day when I had fail'd to pay my Attendance as a Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber. The Assiduity with which I made my Court to the Margrave -_Philip_ subjected me to a very sharp Reprimand from the King. What gave -occasion to it was this, I endeavour'd to be with the Margrave as often as -possible, tho' indeed I was not there so often as I wish'd; for I don't -think there was a Prince in the World to whom a Man could make his Court -with so much Pleasure and Freedom. As the Margrave was almost always at -_Schwedt_, it happen'd one day that when 'twas my turn to wait on the -King, I took it in my head to stay at the Margrave's Court, so that a Man -who happen'd to be then going out of the Service was oblig'd to be -continu'd in it some time longer. The King asking him the reason, the -Gentleman made him Answer that I was the cause of it, and that I had not -so much as taken care to speak to any body to officiate for me. I arriv'd -in two, or three days, and enter'd into the Service the Week following. -The King who knew very well that my Attachment to the Margrave his Brother -was the only cause of my Absence from my Post, ask'd me as soon as I made -my Appearance before him, whether I serv'd his Brother or him, and why I -did not do my Duty better? I was so thunder-struck at the manner with -which the King said these few words to me, that really I don't remember in -the least what I said for my Excuse; but I don't forget, that whether he -thought my Plea good or bad, he made me no Answer. I was so nettled at -this Rebuke from the King in the presence of several Persons, that I -resolv'd to be gone out of sight for a while, the better to digest my -Resentment. I therefore ask'd his Majesty's Leave to travel, which I -easily obtain'd, on condition however that I should not go to _France_. -For the King was then at War with that Crown, which besides did not look -upon him in any other Light than as Elector. - -As soon as I had obtain'd a Permission to travel, I prepar'd to set out, -but after having taken Leave of their Majesties, I went to pass a few days -more at the Court of the Margrave _Philip_: And the Margravine engag'd me -to go to _Dessau_ to pay my Devoirs there to the Princesses her Sisters. I -had the Honor to find them at ORANJEBAUM, a House built by the late -Princess of _Orange_, their Mother; and 'tis a magnificent Palace, worthy -of the Princess by whose Order it was erected. I stay'd there eight or ten -Days, and then continu'd my Journey towards the Duchy of _Hanover_, where -I wanted to go and see my Mother, before I engag'd farther in the great -Journey that I had in my Thoughts. - -From _Oranjebaum_ I went to[18]HALL in _Saxony_, which is a City that -belongs to the King, and is a part of the Duchy of _Magdebourg_. The -Courts of Justice and the Regency of the Duchy were formerly held in this -City, but now they are kept in the City of _Magdebourg_[19]. And _Hall_ is -only remarkable for its University which was founded in 1695, and for its -excellent Salt-Works. From _Hall_ I went to HALBERSTADT, the Capital of a -Principality of the same Name. This City was for eight hundred Years -subject to its Bishops till it was seculariz'd and yielded by the Treaty -of _Westphalia_ in 1648, to the Electoral Family of _Brandenburg_. The -River here is very small, for which reason the Trade of this Town is -inconsiderable; but as it is the Seat of the Regency of the Principality, -and of the Courts of justice, 'tis much frequented. Its Cathedral Church, -which is worth seeing, belongs to a Chapter wherein the Catholics and the -Protestants are equally admitted, and both have the Liberty of their -Public Worship. The Catholics have several Convents in the Town, of which -that of the Recollets is the most beautiful, and their Church is very -fine. These Fryars say they owe their Foundation to the ancient Counts of -_Regenstein_, who were heretofore Feudataries to the House of _Brunswic_, -and whose Lands belong now to the King, notwithstanding the very fair -Pretensions of the Dukes of _Brunswic_, and especially of the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, Father to the Empress, to whose share those Pretensions -devolv'd. In 1709 this Prince gave a Sum of Money for new vamping the Tomb -of their Founder, which they have done, and moreover added a _Latin_ -Inscription to it in Capital Letters of Gold. When the King went to -_Halberstadt_ he honor'd this Convent with his Presence, on which occasion -the Father-Guardian preach'd before him and gave the Sacramental -Benediction, because his Majesty had a mind to see the Ceremonies of the -Catholic Church. - -From _Halberstadt_ I went to WOLFEMBUTTLE[20], which City is the common -Residence of the Dukes of _Brunswic_. Tis built only of Timber, and has no -remarkable Structure but the Palace which is very fine, and the Library -which is worthy of the Observation of the Learned and the Curious, not -only for the Beauty of the Room and the regular Disposition of the Books, -but for the Number of the Printed Volumes and Manuscripts. As soon as I -arriv'd I sent to know if I might have the Honor of waiting on the Duke, -who was then at _Saltzdabl_, a League from _Wolfembuttle_. From this City -to the Castle the Road is lin'd with a very fine Row of Trees. His -Highness having permitted me to pay him my Respects, I waited on him, and -was receiv'd with extraordinary Kindness. This Prince, who was then -fourscore Years of Age, had nevertheless all the Presence of Mind and all -the Vigour of a Man of thirty. I believe it needless to observe to you -that the Person whom I have the Honor to mention to you was the late Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_. This Duke besides a superior Understanding knew many -things, which Princes are glad to abandon to Persons of a mean Condition. -If you have read the Romance of _Octavia_, and his Translation of several -of _Corneille_'s and _Racine_'s Tragedies, you will readily own that no -Person ever wrote in our Language more politely. This Prince was also -perfect Master of the _Roman_ History, which he had made his particular -Study. He had moreover a wonderful Taste for every thing that was Elegant, -and especially for the Liberal Arts. One may judge of the Skill he had in -Architecture by his Castle of _Saltzdabl_, which is a Structure not -inferior in Magnificence to any that has been rais'd by Sovereign Princes. -In this Castle, besides immensely rich Furniture, there is a numerous but -choice Collection of Pictures that are put up in a great Gallery, which is -one of the finest Rooms in all _Germany_. The Duke did me the Honor after -I had din'd to carry me to it. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ was at that time no more than the Duke -_Anthony-Ulric_, and his two Sons, of whom the present Duke Regent was the -eldest. Tho' this Prince has been three times married he has had no Issue, -so that the only one of the Family that has had Children is the Duke of -_Blankenbourg_, who marry'd a Princess of _Oetingen_, by whom he has had -three Daughters, the eldest of whom wears the Imperial Crown, the second -was marry'd to a Prince of the _Czarian_ Family, and the third to the -Prince of _Brunswic-Bevern_ presumptive Heir of the Dominions of -_Wolfembuttle_. - -The Ducal Family of _Brunswic_ is intirely _Lutheran_; yet the late Duke -_Anthony_ died a Catholic, to which Religion he was converted a little -before his Death. The Enemies of his Reputation affected to give out, that -Ambition was the motive of his entring into the Pale of the Church, and -that the Bishopric of _Hildesheim_ or the Electorate of _Cologne_, which -were both vacant at that time by the Elector's being put under the Ban of -the Empire, was the View of his Conversion: but 'tis easy to perceive that -this Reproach is nothing but meer Calumny, if it be consider'd, that the -Duke of _Brunswic_ consider'd only in that Quality had too high a Rank in -the Empire to be flatter'd with the Episcopal or Electoral Dignity, -especially at the Age of fourscore, and when he could not hope for -Posterity to inherit either. 'Tis very certain that the Conversion of this -Prince was the Effect of a long Examination which he had made of the -Religion that he embrac'd, he having entertain'd Thoughts of it for -several years. When he consented that his Grand-Daughter should be -married to the Emperor, it was demanded of that Princess, that she should -abjure the Religion in which she had been educated. There was at that time -an Assembly of the ablest Divines in _Germany_, who agreed as the _French_ -Ministers did when _Henry_ IV. consulted them about his Conversion, that -Salvation was to be had in the Catholic Religion. This Confession of the -Ministers was some encouragement to the timorous Princess, who being but -young and very tender-conscienc'd, thought there was Danger in taking such -a Step. The Duke, in order to reconcile her thoroughly to it, promis'd her -to turn Catholic himself; and _Imhoff_ his Minister did the same. As the -latter was a Man of good Sense, and moreover of great Probity, he had -acquir'd his Master's Confidence, and as Religion had for some time past -the principal Share in their Conversation, _Imhoff_ after having weigh'd -every thing well, could not deny, that the Catholic was the only true -Religion; and he made his Abjuration of the Protestant, some time after -the Princess. The Duke was a good while longer before he took this Step; -for tho' he was a real Catholic in his Heart, he was willing to prepare -his Subjects for this Alteration by gentle means; but when he receiv'd a -Letter from his Grand-Daughter, he made no longer Delay. This Princess -arriving at _Barcelona_, and hearing that the Duke had not yet perform'd -the Promise he made to change his Religion, she wrote a long Letter to -him, wherein she let him know how uneasy she was, for fear that the -Religion which he had advis'd her to chuse was not the true Religion, -because he was so long in embracing it himself. Then the Duke declar'd -himself, and convinc'd his Grand-Daughter, that not content with having -procur'd her one of the principal Crowns in this World, he had also done -his Endeavor to secure her another that was more glorious and more -durable. - -After the Duke had embrac'd the Catholic Religion, he caus'd a Church to -be built at BRUNSWIC[21], which is a City but two small Leagues from -_Wolfembuttle_, thro' a very strait Road, lin'd on both sides with Trees. -When I had taken a good View of all that was worth seeing at _Saltzdabl_, -I came to this City, which I found did not come up near to the Notion I -had of it; nevertheless 'tis the Capital of the Duchy of _Brunswic_. They -say 'twas built _Anno_ 868, by _Bruno_ the Son of _Alphonsus_ Duke of -_Saxony_, who call'd it after his own Name. It was afterwards very much -enlarg'd by the Emperor _Henry_ the _Faulconer_. 'Twas formerly rank'd -among the chief _Hanse_ Towns, and govern'd it self after the manner of a -Republic, pretending to be independent of its Dukes, who always oppos'd -it's Liberty Sword in hand, and 'twas not without great difficulty that -they brought it in Subjection to them. _Henry_ Duke of _Brunswic_, -surnam'd the _Young_, besieg'd it three times, but always in vain. At -length in 1617, the City was compell'd to perform Homage to Duke -_Frederic-Ulric_, the then Regent. Nevertheless it preserv'd its -Privileges, which still gave it an Appearance of Freedom till 1671, when -_Rodolph Augustus_, Duke of _Brunswic-Wolfembuttle_, made himself absolute -Master of it. Duke _Anthony-Ulric_ once had a Design to fortify this -Place, and the Duke his Son seem'd at first to have the same Intention; -but afterwards he chose rather to have noble Structures erected in it, -amongst which there's a very great Palace, where ten Sovereigns might -lodge without incommoding one another. This Prince caus'd it to be built -for the Duchess his Wife, in case she should survive him; and no Cost was -spar'd to render it one of the richest and most magnificent Palaces that -was ever seen, to the intent that the Charms of so fine a Habitation might -contribute in some measure to make the Duchess more cheerful in her -melancholy State of Widowhood; which indeed could not but be the more so -to the Princess, because by losing her Husband, she must also lose her -Sovereignty; for they had no Children, and the Duke was too old for them -ever to expect any. - -This is the only Palace in _Brunswic_ that is remarkable. The Duke of -_Blankenbourg_'s, 'tis true, is very large, and has very fine Apartments, -but is old, and has nothing extraordinary; it joins to the Church of St. -_Alaise_, which is the principal Church, and the Place where several of -the Dukes are buried. On the Square over-against the Church, there's a -Lion of Brass, on a very high Pedestal, representing that which they say -was tam'd by the Duke _Henry_ surnam'd the _Lion_, to such a degree, that -the terrible Animal follow'd him wherever he went; and even after the -Duke's Death and Interment in the Church of St. _Alaise_, the Lion went -towards the Church Door, try'd to break it open, stay'd there in spite of -all the Attempts to take him off, and died on the very Spot, for Grief -that he had lost his Master. - -I afterwards went to ZELL[22], and from thence to HANOVER. The first of -these Towns is small, and has nothing remarkable. It was formerly the -common Residence of the Dukes of _Zell_, who had a very commodious Castle -in it; but since that Country devolv'd by Inheritance to the House of -_Hanover_, there's nothing remaining here but the Courts of Justice and -the Regency. - -HANOVER[23] is the Capital of the Electorate, and the Seat of the -Electors. This Court was always one of the politest in _Germany_, -especially during the Life of the late Princess _Sophia_, the Electoress -Dowager and Mother. This August Princess, who was descended from the most -illustrious Blood in _Europe_, was the Daughter of the unhappy _Frederic_, -the Elector _Palatine_, and of the Princess of _England_, Daughter of K. -_James_ I. by whom the Right of Succession to the Crown of _England_ -devolv'd to the House of _Hanover_. This Princess, tho' she was full -Fourscore when I was at _Hanover_, labour'd under none of those -Infirmities, which one would think to be inseparable from so great an Age: -She was really a Prodigy for Vivacity and Memory; she spoke _French_, -_English_ and _Italian_ as well as her Mother-Tongue, and had moreover a -wonderful just way of Thinking, which she had taken the pains to cultivate -by great Reading. This Princess had been the Mother of several Children, -of whom there were then but three Princes surviving, _viz._ the eldest, -who was then the Elector, and afterwards King of _Great Britain_; the -second whose Name was Duke _Maximilian_; and the third the Duke _Ernest -Augustus_, afterwards Bishop of _Osnabrug_ and Duke of _York_. - -Of the Electoress's three Sons, none but the Elector had any Children; and -these are the Electoral Prince, now King of _England_, and the Princess -Royal, now our Queen. - -The Electoral Prince's Family was more numerous. He has had a Son and -several Daughters by the Princess of _Brandenburg-Anspach_. I had the -Honor of waiting on the Princes and Princesses the very next day after my -Arrival, and was received very graciously, especially by the Electoress -Mother, who all the Time that I staid at Court, honor'd me with her -special Protection. - -I spent all the _Carnival_ time at this Court, where 'twas open'd on the -2d day of _January_ by a _French_ Comedy, after which there was Play and a -Drawing-Room at the Electoress's Apartment till ten o'clock at Night. Next -day there was a Ridotto in imitation of that of _Venice_, that is to say, -a public Ball, to which every body was admitted that had a Mask, but not -with Arms. This Ball was held at the Town-House, every other day during -the whole _Carnival_. In the same Room where the Ridotto was perform'd, -they play'd at _Ombre_ and _Picquet_, and in another at _Basset_; there -was a third Room in which the Tables were cover'd with a cold Treat; and -next to this third Room there was a fourth, in which were distributed -Coffee, Chocolate, Liquors, _&c._ - -I had a very great Share in all the Diversions of the _Carnival_, being -then at an Age when nothing is so much minded as Pleasures; especially -when a Person has Money enough to keep him from the Uneasiness, which is -the necessary consequence of the want of that precious Metal. Of this I -was now furnish'd with a handsome Stock, and therewith cut a very gay -Figure; but was soon oblig'd to lessen my Expences, because nothing would -serve me but I must try a fatal Experiment, in which I was bit. I had a -mind to try Fortune at Gaming; and play'd at first with pretty good Luck; -but afterwards the Chance turn'd, and I was soon in a very great Quandary -what to do with my Person, being neither able to proceed in my Journey, -nor return from whence I came; and much less to stay at _Hanover_, where I -had always made some Figure. I then did what young Fellows us'd to do in -such a Situation; that is to say, made several Bargains, but none to my -Advantage. At last I was oblig'd to expose my Circumstances to my Mother, -who was still my Guardian. I had much ado to get the Money of her that I -wanted; but I wrote such moving Letters to her, that she was sensible at -last that she was my Mother, and after having made me wait a little while, -she was so good as to send me the necessary Sums. - -This little Disorder in my Affairs happen'd at a very unseasonable Time: -for the Electoress had been so kind as to get a Passport for me to go to -_Paris_, by means of the late Madame of _France_; but as the same was only -granted for two Months, 'twas impossible for me to make use of it, having -been oblig'd to spend almost all that time in contriving Expedients to -retrieve my Finances. - -The Money that my Mother was so kind as to send me, put me again into a -Condition of travelling. The Emperor _Joseph_'s Death happening at that -time, I resolv'd to go and see the Election of a new Emperor. This great -Prince died at _Vienna_, the 17th of _May_, at 32 years of Age and nine -Months. He left the Imperial Throne vacant, but his other Crowns devolv'd -by Hereditary Right to his Brother. As soon as that Emperor died, the -Empress Mother assum'd the Government of his Hereditary Kingdoms and -Dominions, in the Absence of the King her Son, to whom she sent an Express -to carry the News, as she did also to each of the Electors. The _Saxon_ -and _Palatine_ Electors, as Vicars of the Empire, took Care of the -Government of it during the Inter-regnum; and the Elector of _Mentz_, as -Great Chancellor of the Empire, wrote circular Letters (which are call'd -Letters of _Intimation_) to invite the Electors to the Assembly that was -to be at _Francfort_ for the ensuing Election. - -As this Assembly was not to be till _August_, I went in the mean while to -_Holland_. The first Town I pass'd thro' after I left _Hanover_, was -MINDEN, which is a Town upon the _Weser_, encompass'd with Walls, and -defended by some Half-Moons, which nevertheless don't hinder one's seeing -every thing that passes in the Square from a Hill that commands the Town, -and from whence 'tis an easy matter to beat it to the ground. 'Twas -formerly a Hanse Town, being a part of _Westphalia_, and had always the -Title of a Bishopric, till the Treaty of _Munster_, when it was -seculariz'd, and given to the Family of _Brandenburg_, who settled a -Regency here. It always retain'd two Chapters, one of Canons, and the -other of Canonesses, into which the Ladies must make proof of their -Nobility to be admitted. The famous Count _Tilly_, General of the Imperial -Troops, when he was pursuing _Maurice_ the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -attack'd and took this Place in 1626, when the General, exasperated with -the Town, which tho' extremely weak, refused to comply with the very -advantagious Terms that he offer'd it, took it by Storm, and put near 3000 -Men, Soldiers and Inhabitants, to the Sword. - -As I proceeded, I passed thro' HERVORDEN, which is an ill-built Town, in -the County of _Ravensberg_. 'Tis an Imperial Town, and yet the King -maintains a Garison in it. There's a Chapter of Ladies, the Abbess of -which is a Native Princess of the Empire; and indeed this is what the Town -is most remarkable for, it being otherwise not very considerable any more -than the Towns of LIPSTADT and HAM. These belong both to the King, of -which the first is fortify'd, and Justice is therein administer'd, in the -Name of the King and the Count _de la Lippe_, who has half of the Revenue. -Every thing relating to the Fortifications or the Garison, is the King's. -The Baron _de Heiden_, General of the Horse, was Governor of it when I was -there. - -After having left these two Places, there is no considerable Town till we -come to WESEL, which stands upon the _Rhine_, and is a part of the Duchy -of _Cleves_. 'Tis now one of the strongest Places in _Europe_; for the -King, who was about fortifying it when I was there, ordered that no Cost -should be spar'd to carry the Works to the utmost Perfection. The Person -he employ'd to direct them was M. _Bot_ a _Frenchman_, and Governor of the -Place, one of the ablest Engineers now living. When I had rested a few -days at _Wesel_ I fell down the _Rhine_ to _Nimeguen_, and by the way saw -EMMERICK and SCHENK. _Emmerick_ is a Hanse Town upon the _Rhine_, which -was taken by the _French_ in 1652, and restor'd two years after to the -Elector of _Brandenburg_. _Schenk_, which is the first place in _Holland_, -stands at the Point where the _Rhine_ divides it self into two Branches, -one of which is call'd _Vahal_, and the other retains the Name of the -_Rhine_. This Place was built in 1586, by _Martin Schenk_ a _Gueldrian_, -from whom it took the Name. - -NIMEGUEN[24] is built upon a Hill which rises by degrees to the very -Centre of the Place, and is part of the Province of _Guelderland_. This -Town is famous for having been taken and re-taken in the War the _Dutch_ -carry'd on with _Spain_ for preserving their Liberty. That Crown was -oblig'd at last to yield it to the _Dutch_, from whom _Lewis_ XIV. took it -in 1672; but it was restor'd to them soon after. 'Twas in this Place that -the Peace was concluded between _France_ and the Allies in 1678. At the -beginning of the War for the _Spanish_ Succession, the Duke of _Burgundy_ -endeavor'd to make himself Master of it, but he had not the Fortune to -succeed. The _Dutch_ have made it very strong, it being their main Bulwark -towards the Duchy of _Cleves_. To go by Land from _Nimeguen_ to UTRECHT, I -cross'd the _Vahal_ over a Flying-Bridge. I shall not speak of this City -now; for I did not stay there, but went strait to LEYDEN[25], a City in -the Province of _Holland_, famous for its University, founded in 1575. - -This is without dispute one of the finest Cities in all the United -Provinces. 'Tis situate in the ancient Channel of the _Rhine_. The Streets -which are broad and very long, are extremely neat, and are for the most -part divided by Canals, that are of a great Conveniency to its Trade, -which consists chiefly in Woollen Cloth, whereof the City of _Leyden_ -makes more than any other Town in _Holland_. There's a Library also in -this City, which is a very good Collection of the most curious printed -Volumes, and a great Number of very scarce old MSS. Here is likewise a -Physic-Garden worth seeing, and especially a Hall for Anatomies, in which -there is all manner of Curiosities. This City sustain'd a Siege by the -_Spaniards_ in 1574, when the _Dutch_ shook off their Tyrants Yoke. During -this the City was reduc'd to the last Extremity, the Siege having -continu'd from _Easter_ to the 3d of _October_, when the _Spaniards_ were -oblig'd to retire. Tho' _Leyden_ is a very pretty City, yet I take it to -be one of the dullest Places in all _Holland_ to live in; for go where one -will, we meet with such sickly Countenances as makes one melancholy to see -them: not but that the Town's-People are as healthy here as elsewhere; -only the Habit they have got of appearing always in their Night-Gowns, and -of even walking the Streets in them, makes them look more like -Valetudinarians, than People in Health. - -After a few days stay at _Leyden_, I went to the HAGUE[26], which I think -may well be call'd the principal Village of _Europe_, it having neither -Walls nor Ramparts; but bating that, 'tis one of the pleasantest Places in -all _Holland_; it being so delightful that the States-General have chose -it, preferably to any other, for holding their Assemblies; and here also -reside the Ministers of the Foreign Courts. There is not a Place in all -_Holland_ that yields such fine Walks, and the People are polite and much -more sociable than in any other part of the Country. Most of the People of -Quality meet every Evening alternately at one another's Houses: These -Assemblies would be much finer than they are in general, if the Company -was not so promiscuous; but the Freedom of the Country, and the Wealth of -the Inhabitants, very often set the Burgher upon a Level with the Man of -Quality, and sometimes too above him. - -The Houses at the _Hague_ are very fine, yet they are all without the -Rules of Architecture, without Ornament, and in a manner without -Regularity, excepting the Palaces of the Old Court and of Prince -_Maurice_, and the House of M. _Obdam_. There's not a House in short that -has the air of a great Man's House; the inner Rooms are commonly very -mean, and not very commodious; they have no Notion of Anti-Chambers; the -Domestics pass their Time in the Kitchens or the Entries; and, except at -the Houses of Ambassadors, what we call a _Swiss_ or Porter, is no where -to be seen. There's a great Number of _Jews_ at the _Hague_, who make a -fine Figure, especially the _Portuguese Jews_. These Gentlemen have the -Equipages of Ambassadors, with magnificent Houses and Gardens; and they -often make Treats with the utmost Delicacy and Splendor. They are admitted -into all Companies, and only differ from the Christians of this Country by -being possess'd of much more Wealth, and living at a far greater Expence. -I knew one of 'em whose Name was _Duliz_, that was very much esteem'd: He -was good-natur'd, generous, extremely charitable, and reliev'd all -indifferently that were Objects of Compassion, without giving himself the -Trouble of enquiring whether the Sharers of his Bounty were _Jews_ or -_Christians_: And to my own knowledge he contributed as freely for the -Maintenance of a Church, as if it had been his own Synagogue. - -When I had staid about a Month at the _Hague_, I set out to see the chief -Towns of _Holland_. The two first that one comes to are DELFT and -_Rotterdam_. _Delft_[27] is a League from the _Hague_. They say that this -Town was built by _Godfrey_ the _Crooked_ when he had conquer'd this -Country; and that _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ having made himself master of it, -demolish'd its Walls and Castle. It was entirely burnt to the ground by -Accident in 1536, and afterwards re-built. The like Misfortune happen'd to -it again in 1654, when the Powder Magazine took fire, and the Town, tho' -not totally consum'd, was nevertheless very much damag'd. It was again -entirely re-built in the general Taste of all the Towns of _Holland_, that -is to say, with Canals. There are two fine Churches at _Delft_, in the -Chief of which there is the Tomb of Prince _William_ of _Orange_, who was -assassinated in this Town in 1584, by _Belthazar Gerard_, a Native of -_Franche-Comte_; and in the other Church there is the Tomb of the famous -_Dutch_ Admiral _Martin Trompe_, which is of Marble, with a very fine -Inscription, and beautiful Basso-Relievo's, which represent the principal -Actions of that great Man. 'Twas in this Town, that the Plenipotentiaries -of _France_ resided during the Congress of _Ryswic_. All Ambassadors are -receiv'd here on the part of the States, and 'tis here that they begin -their March for their public Entry at the _Hague_. The Road which leads -to it is lin'd with Elms, and entirely pav'd with Brick. There is not a -Place in all _Holland_ where so many Passage-Boats are continually coming -and going. They set out every Half-hour for the _Hague_, and every Hour -for _Rotterdam_. These Boats are the favorite Carriers of the Country; and -they are the most convenient Passage, not only for the Regularity of their -Departure and Arrival, but because the Fare is settled. I forgot to tell -you, that _Delft_ is the Place where they make the fine Earthen Ware. - -From _Delft_ I went and lay at ROTTERDAM[28]. This City, which stands upon -the _Maese_, is second to _Amsterdam_ for Trade, notwithstanding the -Difficulty of entring the _Maese_, at the Mouth of which River Ships are -oblig'd to stay for the Tide, and for a Pilot that knows the Coast. They -say that _Rotterdam_ derives its Origin from _Ruther_ King of the -_Franks_. This City is large and well built; and by its several Canals has -a convenient Communication with all the Towns of _Holland_. The only -Monument at _Rotterdam_ is a Statue of Brass in the great Square, -representing the famous _Erasmus_, to whom this City gave Birth. - -From _Rotterdam_ I went to DORT, or DORDRECHT, which is a very ancient -Town, and the first in Rank in the Dominions of _Holland_. It stands in an -Island between the _Maese_, the _Merwe_, the _Rhine_, and the _Ling_, -having been broke off from the main Land in 1421, by an Inundation, which -laid almost all its Territory under Water, and drown'd about 100,000 -Persons. All these Rivers form a kind of Sea; so that at a distance the -Situation of this Town looks very much like that of _Venice_. This Place -was anciently the Residence of the Counts of _Holland_, one of whom, -_viz._ _Albert_ of _Bavaria_, founded a Collegiate Church here in 1363. -The Protestants assembled that famous National Synod here in 1618, which -did not separate till the year following, after having establish'd that -Religion which prevails at this time in the United Provinces. - -When I had staid at _Dort_ as long as was necessary to see the Town and -Parts adjacent, I return'd to _Rotterdam_, from whence I went next day in -a Boat for AMSTERDAM[29]. This is the most famous City in all _Holland_, -its Extent, vast Trade and Riches being the Admiration of all Foreigners; -and what is more surprizing is, that it owes its Aggrandizement to itself, -and its great Wealth to its Commerce. 'Tis said that this City was not -known before the Year 1204; and that then it was no more than a little -Castle call'd _Amstel_, from the Name of the River on which it was built. -The then Lord of it, _Gysbrecht van Amstel_ brought Inhabitants to it, who -were for most part poor Cottagers, that carried on a small Trade with -their Neighbours by means of their Fishery; and at last by the force of -Industry throve so well, that _Amstel_ from a Village, became in a few -years, a very considerable Town, which was always subject to its own -Lords, till a second _Gysbrecht_ being concern'd in the Assassination of -_Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, was oblig'd for some time to get out of -the way, which prov'd to the Detriment of _Amsterdam_; but _Gysbrecht_ -returning at length began to build Bridges and Towers, as he did several -Houses at the same time in the neighbouring Country; and then they began -to call the Place _Amsteldam_, by the Addition of the Word _Dam_, i. e. a -_Dyke_, to its former Name of _Amstel_. This little Town was united -afterwards to the County of _Holland_. _William_ IV. Sovereign of the -Country, gave it several Privileges in 1342. These _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ -confirm'd afterwards, by giving the Inhabitants a Power also of enlarging -the Town, which by its Situation, and the Industry of the Inhabitants to -improve its Commerce, soon became considerable; yet it continued without -any Walls, even so long as the Year 1482. In the 16th Century this City -increas'd considerably in Power; and during the Troubles which arose on -account of Religion, took great Care to preserve the Catholic Religion, -and their due Allegiance to its Princes. It turn'd out the Ministers of -the Reformed Religion, and all that had embrac'd that Doctrine several -times. But at length finding its Trade decay; and that the Succours -brought to it by the Duke of _Alva_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, were -scatter'd, 'twas oblig'd to surrender to the Prince of _Orange_ in 1587, -on condition nevertheless that the Catholics should not be molested. This -indeed was promis'd, but not duly perform'd; for the Clergy and Friars -were soon after expell'd, and the Altars demolish'd; the consequence of -which was the putting an entire stop to all the public Exercise of the -Catholic Religion. The War which the Inhabitants of _Amsterdam_ had upon -their hands, and the Persecution of the Catholics had hurt its Trade very -much, till the Civil Wars kindled in the neighbouring Provinces drove -several Merchants from _Brussels_, _Antwerp_, _&c._ to _Amsterdam_, where -these new Citizens contributed so much to the Revival of its Commerce, -that they have render'd it one of the finest and richest Cities in Being; -and 'tis commonly call'd, _The Warehouse of the World_. - -If the Situation of _Amsterdam_ be duly considered, it may be said to be -one of the Wonders of the World. It stands so low, that it wou'd be -continually in danger of being drown'd, were not the Water kept out by -Dykes as high as the Waves. The River _Amstel_, so gentle that one can -hardly perceive which way it runs, passes thro' the whole City, and forms -the great Canal over which there are two Bridges. That which is at the -Mouth of the Sea, call'd the _Pont-neuf_, is one of the finest of the -kind, not only for its Sluices, but for the noble View there is from -thence of the Harbor, where Ships are continually going out or coming in -from all parts of the World. Besides the Great Canal, there are others -which deserve to be taken notice of, as, _The Emperors_ Canal, _The Lords_ -Canal; that of the _Cingle_, and the _Princes_ Canal: All these Canals are -broad and deep, and furnish'd with great Kays. The Sides are fac'd with -Free-stone or Brick, and adorn'd with Lime-Trees and Elms. Very fine -Houses are built on most of these Kays, and especially upon the Kay of -_The Lords_ Canal; and new ones are building every day, which are very -beautiful; and tho' they are small, and not in the Rules of Architecture, -have a certain Air of Neatness which is to be found no where else. Almost -all the Houses have very fine Steps of shining black Marble, and noble -Window-Frames, with very fine Panes, which are often of polish'd Glass. - -The Streets of _Amsterdam_ are generally pretty narrow, yet very fine and -neat; and on certain Days of the Week great Care is taken to wash them. I -must tell you by the way, that there is not a place where the People are -so fond of washing as they are at _Amsterdam_; for they scour the inside -of their Houses every Week without fail, together with the Furniture of -the Kitchen; so that they are always in the Suds. 'Tis true, that without -this Care every thing would grow mouldy and spoil, as Foreigners have very -often experienc'd, who, how loth soever to comply with this sort of -Slavery, which they thought only the Fashion of the Country, were soon -oblig'd to submit to it: And I believe, that were it not for this -Necessity of always washing, the _Dutch_ wou'd not lose so much Time about -it; for in other respects I have not observ'd 'em so nice. These People -wear a Shirt for a Fortnight very well under a nasty, greasy Woollen -Waistcoat: and their manner of eating is as slovenly; for the Generality -know no Forks but their Fingers, wherewith they scoop up the Sallad -swimming in the Vinegar, which is commonly their favorite Dish[30]. - -Of all the Public Buildings at _Amsterdam_, the Stadt-house is certainly -the most magnificent. 'Tis a great Pile built of Free-stones very finely -set, and forms a long Square. The 7 Porticoes which are in the main Front, -and which the Architect has reduc'd to the number of 7, to denote the 7 -United Provinces, are look'd upon as a defect in Architecture; for they -are so narrow, that three Persons can scarce walk a-breast in them: which -indeed is contrary to the Rules of Architecture, but yet no Fault in a -Building, which like the Stadt-house is frequently expos'd to the Rage and -Riots of a People as turbulent as the _Amsterdamers_. These seven -Porticoes lead to two Gates at the Foot of the Grand Stair-Case. I don't -pretend, _Madame_, to give you all the particular Beauties of this -Structure, being not acquainted enough with the Rules, or even the Terms -of Architecture, to presume to enter into any Description of this nature; -therefore I shall confine my self to what most strikes the Eye. - -The Pediment of the principal Front was to my mind well fancy'd. 'Tis -adorn'd with a Relievo of white Marble, in which a Woman is represented -supporting the Arms of the City. There is also a _Neptune_, some Figures -of Heroes, Lions, Unicorns, and the whole is of admirable Workmanship. -This Pediment is crown'd with three fine Statues of Brass, which denote -Justice, Power and Plenty. On the very Top of this whole Building there's -a Tower in form of a Dome. Here is a very fine Clock with Chimes, which -are a pretty Amusement for such as are fond of that sort of Music. - -The Inside of this House is every part of it very magnificent. The Chamber -where they pass Sentence on Criminals is lin'd throughout with Marble, and -adorn'd with Basso-Relievo's, representing all the Emblems and Attributes -of Justice. That which is most admir'd there is a fine Marble Statue -representing _Themis_. This Room is rais'd very high, and a little too -dark; yet 'tis so contriv'd, that all the People in the Square may see the -Criminals try'd. The three Porticoes at the Entrance answer to the three -Windows of this Hall, which Windows instead of Glass, have noble Bars of -Brass curiously wrought. - -The Great Hall is another stately Room, to which there's an Ascent by a -large Stair-Case with two Flights. All the Walls are lin'd with -Basso-Relievo's of Marble, intermix'd with fine Paintings. There are two -Galleries or Corridors at the two ends of the Hall, which lead to -Apartments on the right and left. In these Chambers are kept the several -Offices relating to Affairs of the City. The Jurisdiction or Province of -each Chamber is inscrib'd over the Door; and the Affairs there treated, -are represented in magnificent Basso-Relievo's. In one of these Rooms, -such Persons as are not of the Reform'd Religion are oblig'd to be married -before the _Echevin_, or else they are condemn'd in a Fine; and according -to the Laws, their Marriage is to be reckon'd null and void. - -In the Town-House is kept the famous Bank, which is the Repository of such -a vast Treasure. Prodigious Arches and huge double Bars of Iron before the -Windows, render it inaccessible. The Vaults are admirable, being built -upon Piles in the middle of the Water, and yet so dry as if they were cut -out of a Rock. One part of these Vaults serves for containing the immense -Wealth, the other for confining Criminals. I had the Curiosity to go and -see those Dungeons, which are all very lightsome and kept very neat; and -in spite of the Proverb, they may be said to be very fine Prisons. - -After I had been at the Town-House, I went to visit the Square where the -Merchants assemble about the Affairs of their Trade from Noon till half an -Hour past one o'clock. This Square, which is longer than 'tis broad, is -surrounded with a large open Gallery or Corridor, supported by Free-stone -Pillars, for shelter in case of Rain; and is call'd the _Bourse_ or -_Exchange_. Here are Merchants of all Nations, the diversity of whose -Habits and Languages is as pleasing as the Beauty of the Place; and -especially the Hurry those People are in that are call'd _Brokers_, who -are the Men employ'd by the great Merchants to traffick the Bills of -Exchange, or to transact their other Affairs. To see them scowering from -one to the other all about this Square, there's no body but wou'd think -they were mad. - -The _India_-House and Admiralty-Office are also worth seeing. The first -serves as a Warehouse for laying up such Merchandize as comes from the -_Indies_. In the latter there is all the necessary Rigging for fitting out -a Fleet to Sea. The _India_ Company have their separate Arsenal, which is -in nothing inferior to that of the States. In this City there are -Hospitals also of every Kind very well maintain'd, and Houses of -Correction for both Sexes. _Amsterdam_ is the Place of Refuge for Sects of -all Denominations, who have their several Chappels or Chambers there, -wherein they exercise their Religion, but the _Calvinists_ and _Lutherans_ -only are allow'd the Liberty of Public Worship. However the _Jews_ have -two fine Synagogues here; the one for the _German_, and the other for the -_Portuguese_ Nation. Of this Sect there are great Numbers, and they live -in a particular Quarter, which is not the most inconsiderable of the City. - -But notwithstanding all this Magnificence of Buildings, and the Concourse -of so many Nations, I was quite out of conceit with _Amsterdam_. Every -body sticks to Trade, and the Gratification of their Avarice is their -whole Study. The Generality with their immense Wealth live like Misers; -and all their Happiness, their Pleasure and their Pride consists in having -a great deal of Money: They think of nothing but how to acquire Riches; -and they look upon every Man that lives genteelly as a Prodigal. As to the -_Dutch_ Freedom, I don't believe there's a Place where it bears greater -Sway than at _Amsterdam_. 'Tis true, that this so much boasted Liberty -serves very often but to render the Citizens insolent with Impunity; for -there is not a Scrub but thinks himself as good a Man as the best in the -Country: Foreigners have sometimes much ado to bear it, they being often -abus'd without daring to complain; for it costs so much to obtain Justice -here, that People had rather put up with an Insult, than seek a Remedy by -due Course of Law. The Attorneys and Solicitors of this City outdo those -of all other Countries in flattering their Clients to their Ruin, and most -of this Gentry cut a great Figure, have noble Houses and Gardens, and some -too have very spruce Equipages. - -From _Amsterdam_ I went to HARLEM[31], which is but three Leagues. -Heretofore, while the Catholic Religion subsisted in this Country, it was -a Bishopric, Suffragan of _Utrecht_. The Town stands but a League from the -Sea, or rather upon its Shore, the Sea having overflow'd a considerable -part of the Country, which forms a Lake, now call'd the _Harlem Meer_, or -Sea of _Harlem_. This Town communicates by its Canals both with -_Amsterdam_ and _Leyden_. They pretend it was founded by the _Normans_ in -the ninth Century. Pope _Paul_ IV. erected it into a Bishopric in 1559, -at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. In 1572 the Bishop was -turn'd out by the Protestants, not long after which the Town was besieg'd -and taken by _Frederic_ of _Toledo_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, who oblig'd -the Inhabitants to surrender at Discretion, and caus'd them to be treated -in the most barbarous manner in the World. The _Dutch_ retook it -afterwards, and have held it ever since. There are very fine Walks in this -City, and especially a Grove which is deem'd a charming Place by the -Citizens of _Amsterdam_, who come hither in the Summer to make their -Parties of Pleasure. - -After having seen what was most remarkable at _Harlem_, I return'd by the -way of _Leyden_ to the _Hague_, where I had not been many days, before the -King arriv'd, having pass'd the same day before _Rotterdam_, where he had -been saluted with a triple Discharge of the Cannon, as he was also at -_Delfshaven_, where he found his Yatcht, follow'd by several others that -had been sent to him from the _Hague_. These attended the King to _Delft_, -where his Coaches staid for him, with which he came to his Palace of the -_Old Court_. - -There he found a Guard of fourscore Men, with a Captain and a Pair of -Colors. His Majesty caus'd his Arrival to be immediately notify'd to the -President of the Assembly of the States-General, and next day, after -Sermon time, he receiv'd the Deputation from the said States, consisting -of nine Members, who when they arriv'd at the King's Palace found the -Guard under Arms, Colors flying, and the Drum beating, and were receiv'd -at the bottom of the Stairs by the Grand Marshal and several Gentlemen of -the Chamber, and introduc'd into the King's Bed-chamber, who receiv'd -them bare-headed and standing before an Arm-Chair. As the Audience was -only to compliment his Majesty upon his Arrival, it was very short; and -the States returning to the usual Place of their Assembly, went afterwards -and din'd with the King. - -Some days after this his Majesty set out for _Honslaerdyk_, a Place two -Leagues from the _Hague_, which he enjoy'd by Inheritance from the late K. -_William_ of _England_. Thither I follow'd the King, who staid there till -he had receiv'd Advice, that the Prince of _Nassau_, Governor of -_Friseland_, was to come from the Army in _Flanders_ to the _Hague_, there -to make an end of the Differences betwixt him and his Majesty about the -Succession to the Family of _Orange_, of which that Prince took the Title, -by virtue of the last Will and Testament of the late King of _England_, -the last Prince of the said Family. The King had been expecting him for -some days, when a Courier arriv'd with the News, that the Prince was -drown'd in the Passage of the _Moerdyke_. Having embark'd there with his -Retinue to pass the _Stryen-Sas_, he was not got above thirty or forty -Paces from Shore, when a furious Gust of Wind arose, by which the Vessel -was overset and lost. As the Sea swell'd at the same time, and the Prince -knew not how to swim, he could not get ashore. Colonel _Hilkes_ who -accompanied him was drown'd with him, and none but his Domestics escap'd. -The unfortunate Prince was seen to hang by the Mast of the Vessel for some -Moments, and there were some hopes of relieving him, had it not been for a -Wave, which drove by a Blast of Wind carried him off from the piece of -Wood he clung to, and cast him away. The Body of this Prince, who was -very much regretted, was not found till about a Week after, in the very -same place where the Vessel happen'd to be cast away. 'Twas carried to -_Dort_ where 'twas embalm'd, and then remov'd to _Lewarden_, there to be -interr'd in the Tomb of his Family. - -The King was the more afflicted at this sad Accident, because the News was -told him too hastily, by a foolish Courier, who, for want of knowing his -Master's Temper, thought that the News of the Prince of _Friseland_'s -Death wou'd not be disagreeable to him; but the King gave public -Demonstration how sorry he was for his Loss, and sent a Gentleman of the -Bed-chamber to the last Princess-Dowager of _Nassau_, to assure her how -much he sympathiz'd in her loss. - -The Death of the Prince of _Friseland_ interrupted the whole Treaty of -Accommodation. The said Prince left a Daughter, and the Princess his Wife -pregnant, who wrote to the States to desire them not to do any thing in -prejudice of the Infant of whom she hoped to be deliver'd; and that as -they were Executors Testamentary, they would preserve the Bulk of his -Inheritance entire; and that otherwise she openly protested against every -thing that might be done. This Demand did not hinder the States from -granting the King a provisional Portion; and it was agreed, that his -Majesty, as well as the Heirs of the Prince of _Nassau_, now deceas'd, -should be paid 150000 _Dutch_ Florins a year, out of the Estate of the -_Orange_ Family: That the Palaces of Prince _Frederic-Henry_, of which the -King was already in Possession, shou'd continue his; but that the _Dieren_ -Palace shou'd be common both to the King and the Prince's Heirs; and that -the rest should be referr'd to a definitive Accommodation, which is the -Thing that still remains to be done. I had the Honor to pay my Court -punctually all the Time that his Majesty spent at the _Hague_; and when he -set out, I went with him to _Dieren_, where I took leave of the King, -little thinking 'twou'd be the last Time I should see him. - -I went thro' DUSSELDORFF[32], the Capital of the Duchy of _Berg_, which -was then the Residence of the Elector _Palatine_, who, it must be noted, -was the first of the _Palatine_ Electors that liv'd here; for the Electors -commonly resided heretofore at _Heidelberg_ or _Manheim_. The Elector -_John-William_ had preferred _Dusseldorff_ to all other Places, from an -early liking that he took to that Town, of which he was Master, even in -the Life-time of the Elector his Father; who when he married his Son to -the Emperor _Leopold_'s Sister, yielded to him the Duchies of _Juliers_ -and _Berg_, of which _Dusseldorff_ is the Capital City, and wou'd have -been one of the finest in _Germany_, if the Emperor had liv'd long enough -to put the great Projects which he had form'd in execution. This Prince -had already begun to augment the City with one entire Quarter, the Streets -whereof were as strait as a Line; and I saw the Plan of a new Palace that -he intended to build, which wou'd certainly have been one of _Europe_'s -Grand Structures. As to that now at _Dusseldorff_, the only beautiful part -of it is that call'd the Gallery; tho' why it has that Name I can't -imagine, since nothing resembles a Gallery less. It contains five Rooms, -three of which are much bigger than the others. One of these Rooms is -quite full of magnificent Paintings by the famous _Rubens_. In another -there's a great number of Paintings by _Van der Werf_, a _Dutch_ Painter -who died lately at the _Hague_. If a Man has ever so little Taste or Skill -in Painting, 'tis impossible for him to be indifferent for such Pictures, -which may be said to be all Master-pieces. Such are those representing the -good old Man _Simeon_ holding the Savior of the World in his Arms; our -Lord teaching in the Temple; and the Pictures of the Elector and -Electoress, in two particular Rooms of the first Story of this Gallery, -are the Models of the most magnificent Statues of _Italy_, sent for by the -Elector from all parts of that Country at a vast Expence. The three others -are full of modern Statues of Marble and Brass, which are for the most -part done by the famous _Gripilli_ an _Italian_, and an excellent Artist, -especially for Busts that require a Likeness. - -In the Court-yard of the Palace there's an Equestrian Statue of the -Elector arm'd cap-a-pee, with the Electoral Bonnet on his Head, and -mounted upon a very fine Horse of yellow Copper. In the same Court there -is likewise a very fine Fountain, the Group of which is of Brass very -curiously wrought, but so incumber'd with Works of different Kinds, that -'tis difficult to distinguish them. - -Five Leagues from _Dusseldorff_ there's a Hunting-Seat call'd -_Bensberg_[33], which is built in a Forest on a Hill, from whence there's -a fine Prospect of the City of _Cologne_, the _Rhine_, and all the flat -Country. To this Castle there's a large Avenue, by a gradual Ascent, till -one comes to the Grate of the first Court, on each side whereof there's a -large Guard-House, the Front of which forms a Gallery supported by Pillars -of grayish Marble, which is dug in this Country. The rest of this Seat has -very much the air of the Castle of _Versailles_, only 'tis not so large or -lofty. In the two Wings of this Building, there are two Stair-Cases which -lead to the Apartments. 'Tis plain that this Structure was design'd -entirely by an _Italian_; because, according to the Fashion of that -Country, the Apartments consist of a great number of Rooms all upon one -Floor too, but without any Closets or Conveniencies. The outside of this -Structure is the oddest thing in the World. It consists of numberless -Ornaments, which 'tis impossible to distinguish: And I think it no -Injustice to the Castle of _Bensberg_, to say, 'tis a noble fine House -full of Imperfections. - -After having given you an Account of the Elector's several Buildings, I -fancy, _Madame_, that some short Memoirs of his Family will not be -disagreeable to you. To be sure you are not ignorant, that the Succession -of the _Neubourg_ Family to the Dignity of Elector _Palatine_, is owing -only to the Extinction of the Protestant _Palatine_ Family, the last of -which was the Elector _Charles_, who left but one Sister, married to -MONSIEUR _Philip_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. -_Philip-William_ Duke of _Neubourg_, the Father of him whom I have had the -Honor of mentioning to you, was the first Elector of this Branch. This -Prince, who had a numerous Family, match'd them to the chief Crowns of -_Europe_, and he had no less than four Princes and five Princesses. - -The eldest of the Princes was the Elector _John-William_ of _Neubourg_, -who married to his first Wife an Archduchess of _Austria_, Sister to the -Emperor _Leopold_, by whom he had no Issue. He married to his second Wife -_Anne-Mary-Louisa_ of _Medicis_, Daughter to _Cosmo_ III. Great Duke of -_Tuscany_; but having no more Issue by this Match than by the former, he -took the Hereditary Prince of _Sultzbach_ to his Court, where he was -brought up as the Heir of his Family, in case that himself and the Princes -his Brothers died without Male Issue. This young Prince was then look'd -upon as the Electoral Prince, and receiv'd all the Honors as such. The -Person who had the Care of his Education was the Baron _de Seckingen_; and -it may be said, that he did his utmost to make a great Prince of him. - -The second was _Charles-Lewis_, now the Elector. - -The third _Francis-Lewis de Neubourg_, Elector of _Triers_ and Grand -Master of the _Teutonic_ Order. - -The fourth _Alexander-Sigismond_, Bishop of _Augsbourg_. - -The Princesses were all married. The eldest, whose Name was -_Eleonora-Magdalena-Theresa_ of _Neubourg_, married the Emperor _Leopold_, -Father to the present Emperor, and died _Jan. 19, 1719_, aged 74. - -The second was married to the King of _Portugal_. - -The third, nam'd _Mary-Anne_ of _Neubourg_, was married to _Charles_ II. -King of _Spain_. - -The fourth, _Dorothy_ of _Neubourg_ was married to the Duke of _Parma_, by -whom she had among other Children Princess _Elizabeth Farnese_, the second -Wife of _Philip_ V. King of _Spain_. - -The fifth and last of these Princesses, _Hedwiga-Elizabeth_ of _Neubourg_, -was married to _James-Lewis Sobieski_, by whom she had _Clementina -Sobieski_, Wife to the Chevalier _de St. George_. The Mother died at -_Olaw_ the 10th of _August_ 1722, aged 50. - -After having pass'd some time at the _Palatine_ Court, I set out about the -middle of _August_ for _Francfort_ on the _Main_, where I arriv'd a few -days before the opening of the Conferences for the Election of an Emperor. - -FRANCFORT[34] is one of the most considerable Towns of all _Germany_, has -the Title of an Imperial City, and is a part of the Diocese of _Mentz_. -'Tis divided into two parts by the _Main_, over which there is a fine -Stone Bridge. The frequent Fires which this City has suffer'd, and -especially that of 1719, have contributed not a little to its -Embellishment, all the Houses being re-built in a better Taste than -before; yet most of the Buildings are still of Timber and fac'd with -Plaister that is color'd, few private Men having been at the Expence of -building with Stone. _Francfort_ may thank the _Jews_ for most of those -Fires; for the _Jews_ who are very numerous here, live in a Quarter by -themselves, which is shut up every Night; and being so narrow, that they -are straiten'd for Room, they are oblig'd to lie in Heaps as it were upon -one another, in very high Houses, which being moreover of Timber, easily -catch Fire. They have seen their whole Quarter in Ashes twice -successively, because they refus'd the Assistance they might have had to -extinguish the Flames; for they never wou'd open their Gates for fear of -being robb'd, unless when they saw that the People were going to break -them open by Force. Notwithstanding all the Reasons for not suffering them -at _Francfort_, they have a better Toleration than the _Calvinists_, and -have fine Synagogues; whereas the _Calvinists_ do not enjoy the free -Exercise of their Religion, the Magistrates and most of the Inhabitants -being _Lutherans_. - -The City of _Francfort_ is one of the first that embrac'd the Opinions of -_Luther_, which presently occasion'd a Revolt: For the Inhabitants -demanding the free Exercise of _Lutheranism_, and the Clergy and Senate -vigorously opposing it, there was an Insurrection, in which the -Inhabitants having the Advantage, they depos'd the Senate, and establish'd -a sort of Magistracy compos'd of twenty-four, taken from the Body of the -Populace. These Acts of Violence had such fatal Consequences, that at last -in 1530 the City embrac'd the Confession of _Augsbourg_, enter'd into the -League of _Smalcald_, and had a share in the other Calamities which -afflicted the Empire. 'Twas besieg'd twice in 1552, by _Maurice_ Elector -of _Saxony_, and by _Albert_ Margrave of _Brandenburg_, surnam'd the -_Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who made himself Master of it; but it soon -after recover'd its Liberty, and since that time has increas'd very much. -The Elections and Coronations of the Emperors render it a very -considerable Place. These two Grand Ceremonies are perform'd in the Church -of St. _Bartholomew_, which is a vile, little, dark Building, very -improper, in short, for Solemnities of that sort. The Imperial Feast is -kept on the very Day of the Coronation, in the Great Hall of the -Town-house, which is indeed a very wide but irregular Room. The Town-house -is called _Romer_: They say 'twas anciently the House of a private -Gentleman, who made a Present of it to the City. If that be true, it may -be said the Gentleman liv'd at large. - -This City has considerable Fairs, which draw a great Number of Merchants -to it and People of Quality. The River _Main_ which falls into the _Rhine_ -near _Mentz_, is a great Advantage to its Commerce. This, _Madame_, is -within a Trifle all that can be said of _Francfort_. I am now to have the -Honor of giving you a particular Account of the chief Circumstances that -attended the Election and Coronation of the Emperor. - -The Conferences for the Election were open'd on the 25th of _August_, and -held from nine o'clock in the Morning till Noon. The Plenipotentiaries of -the absent Electors therein communicated their full Powers, and referr'd -them to the Elector of _Mentz_, who afterwards made a Speech upon what had -given occasion to that August Assembly. In this first Session it was -resolv'd, that every thing there treated of shou'd be kept secret; and -then they adjourn'd. - -The March of the Electors of _Mentz_ and _Triers_ to and from the -Town-house was very grand. The first was _Lotharius-Francis de Schonborn_, -of the Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_; and the second was -_Charles-Joseph de Lorrain_, who was of the _Lorrain_ Family, and died in -1715, on the 4th of _December_. These two Princes rode each in a great -Coach, cover'd with black Cloth, attended by all their Houshold and Guards -in close Mourning. - -The Equipages of the Ambassadors of the absent Electors were very spruce, -especially the Equipages of the Ambassadors of _Saxony_, who had also the -Honor to have with them their Master's Son, who went by the Name of the -Count of _Lusatia_. Besides, the King of _Poland_ had given them his own -Equipage, and permitted them to cloath their Domestics in his Livery. - -The Ambassadors whom the King (of _Prussia_) sent in quality of Elector of -_Brandenburg_, appear'd likewise with a Splendor worthy of the Prince whom -they represented. They were the Count _de Dlona_ and M. _Henning_; but the -former had the Honors of the Embassy. This Minister appear'd with a Train -of 40 Gentlemen of the King's Bed-chamber; he had 5 Coaches drawn by 6 -Horses each, 8 Pages, 36 Footmen and 2 _Swiss_. M. _Henning_, who was -appointed to attend to the Business, had not the Satisfaction to see the -Success of these Assemblies; for having in the very first Session spoke -with great Zeal for the Interests of his Country, he heated himself to -such a degree, that he found himself out of Order when he came home; and -that very Night he had a Fit of an Apoplexy of which he died next day. The -Count _de Metternich_ was appointed to supply his Place. No body was -fitter to serve the King in the Assembly at _Francfort_ than this -Nobleman, who had in several Embassies acquir'd a great Knowledge of the -Affairs of the Empire; and particularly in the Embassy at _Ratisbon_, in -which he was employ'd a long time. - -As soon as the Conferences were open'd, the Foreign Ministers, _viz._ the -Pope's Nuncio, the Envoys of _Savoy_ and of the other Princes of _Italy_, -the Envoy Extraordinary of the States-General, and those of the Princes of -the Empire, notify'd their Arrival to the Electoral College, and sent -their Credentials to the Chancery, which was kept at the Palace of the -Elector of _Mentz_, that Prince being by Birth Chancellor of the Empire. - -At the beginning of these Conferences there were some Difficulties -started, relating to the Pretensions of the Nuncio and Nephew of the then -Pope _Clement_ XI. who pretended that the Electors should pay him the -first Visit; and that when he return'd it to them, they were bound to give -him the Right Hand. The Electors were very much startled at the Nuncio's -Demand, and publickly refus'd to subscribe to such Claims; so that no -Visit was made on either side, and the Nuncio only saw the Electors in a -Garden where they happen'd to meet by Chance. The Nuncio threaten'd he -would protest against the Ninth Electorate establish'd in favor of the -Family of _Brunswic-Hanover_, and against the Royal Dignity of _Prussia_; -but he was given to understand, that neither of his Protestations would -avail any thing. And the Ambassadors of _Prussia_ sent him word in plain -Terms, that if he offered to protest against the Regal Dignity of their -Master, the King would not fail to give Order to his Troops that were in -_Italy_, to enter into the Ecclesiastic State, and to live at Discretion -therein, as if it were an Enemy's Country. The Nuncio frighted by those -Menaces, and thinking he already saw the _Prussian_ Troops in his -Holiness's Territories, sent his Secretary forthwith to the Ambassadors to -assure them that he wou'd not protest; that he never had a Thought nor -Order for it; that his Holiness had all the Respect and Esteem for the -King their Master which so great a Prince deserv'd; and that he would be -glad to give Proofs of it upon every Occasion. - -The Electors of _Cologn_ and _Bavaria_ protested likewise against the -Assembly, in case they were refused Admission to the Conferences for the -Election; but they were of no more avail than those of the Nuncio. Those -Princes sent their Protests by the Post, in form of Letters, directed to -the Count _de Papenheim_ Marshal of the Empire, and seal'd with an unknown -Seal. The Situation those Electors stood in at that time, did not permit -them to cause their Protests to be publish'd with the due Formalities, -nevertheless they were soon made public. The Respect and Friendship People -had for the illustrious Family of _Bavaria_, made every body eager to have -Copies of 'em, but they signify'd nothing, and the Conferences continu'd. - -On the 2d of _October_ the Conferences being ended for that Day, the -Magistrates and Heads of the Militia, went in a Body to the Town-house, to -take the Oath prescrib'd by the Golden Bull. They there found the -Electors, who were at that time in _Francfort_, and the Ambassadors of the -absent Electors, all sitting in Chairs of State, under a great Canopy of -black Velvet. After the Oath was read, the Magistrates and the Officers of -the Militia took it in presence of the Elector of _Mentz_, as did also the -Citizens and the Garison, but the Ceremony was different; for it was not -taken in the Town-house, but without it, in an open Gallery, rais'd in a -great Square, and hung with Cloth. There the Chancellors of the two -Spiritual Electors and the Magistrates receiv'd the Oath of the Citizens, -in presence of the Electors and Ambassadors, who were plac'd at the -Windows of the Town-house. The Burghers, who were to the Number of 14 -Companies, took the Oath first, and then the Soldiers of the Garrison. - -On the 10th of _October_ Proclamation was made by Sound of Trumpet for all -Foreigners, who were not in the Retinue of the Electors, or the Electoral -Ambassadors, to retire out of the City before the Sun was set, till the -Electors had chose an Emperor. The Nuncio thought at first, that his -Character and the Respect due to the Holy Father would exempt him from the -general Rule; but being inform'd of the contrary, he retir'd to -_Aschaffenbourg_. - -On the 12th, about seven in the Morning all the Bells were rung, upon -which the Burghers and the Soldiers of the Garrison assembled at the -Houses of their respective commanding Officers; and then went and posted -themselves in the Streets leading from the Town-house to the Church of St. -_Bartholomew_. The Burghers had the Post of Honor from the Soldiers. At -nine o'clock the Electors and Ambassadors went to the Town-house, the -Courts and Equipages of all but the Ambassadors of _Bohemia_ having laid -aside their Mourning. - -The Moment after the Electors arriv'd in the usual Chamber of the Assembly -they went into other Rooms, where they caus'd themselves to be dress'd in -their Electoral Habits, which are very majestic, being wide Gowns very -much plaited with very long Sleeves, the Linings and Facings being of -Ermin; and over all the Electors wear a sort of Mantle of Ermin. The -Habits for the Spiritual and Temporal Electors are much the same, only -those of the former are of Scarlet, and those of the latter of -Crimson-Velvet. Their Caps are of the Color of their Habits, and like them -turn'd up with Ermin. - -As soon as the Electors were dress'd they return'd to the Assembly-Room, -and then went with the Ambassadors of the other Electors from the -Town-House to the Square, where they found Horses sumptuously caparison'd, -which they mounted, and thus rode in Cavalcade to St. _Bartholomew_'s -Church. The three Electors rode first in one Row bare-headed. The four -Ambassadors of the absent Electors rode next, according to the Rank of -their Masters. Their Electoral Highnesses and the Ambassadors were -receiv'd at the Door of the Church by the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the Head -of the Chapter, who conducted them into the Choir, where they plac'd -themselves, according to their Rank, in the Stalls of the Canons, which -were lin'd with Velvet and Gold-Lace. The Elector of _Triers_ sate by -himself opposite to the Altar, where a Praying-Desk and an Arm-Chair were -set up for him, which were lin'd also with Crimson-Velvet. - -When all the Company were seated, the Bishop of _Neustadt_ began the Mass. -At the first Consecration, the Ambassadors of the Protestant Electors went -into the Chappel of the Conclave which joins to the Choir: After the -Elevation of the Host they return'd to their Places, where they remain'd -during the rest of the Office, and then the Electors and Ambassadors all -went up to the Altar. The Elector of _Mentz_ was in the middle between the -Elector of _Triers_ on his Right and the Elector-Palatine on his Left. The -Ambassadors were in the same Row, according to their Rank, on the Right -and Left of the Electors. The Elector of _Mentz_ took the Book of the -Gospels and laid his Right Hand upon it, as did also the Electors that -were present, and the Ambassadors of those who were absent, and then took -the customary Oath to elect no Person for Emperor but one that they should -think in Conscience to be most qualify'd. After having taken the Oath they -went into the Chapel of the Conclave, where they were shut up near three -Hours. Then they return'd into the Church and plac'd themselves in a -Gallery erected over the Grate that separates the Choir from the Nave, -which was lin'd with Scarlet Cloth and hung with Tapestry, and had seven -Arm-Chairs plac'd in it of red Velvet, adorn'd with Lace and Fringe of -Gold. The Electors and Ambassadors being seated, the Chancellor of _Mentz_ -read aloud the Act which had been just drawn up in the Conclave, whereby -CHARLES King of the _Romans_, and of _Spain_, was proclaim'd Emperor. Then -the whole Church resounded with great Shouts of _Long live the Emperor_! -And at the same instant the Cannon was fir'd from the Ramparts, and the -Burghers and the Garison made three Discharges of their small Arms. - -After the Proclamation the Electors and the Ambassadors descended from the -Gallery to their Places in the Choir, and after the singing of _Te Deum_ -which was tun'd by the Bishop of _Neustadt_, they return'd to the -Town-House in the same Order that they came. There the Electors quitted -their Robes of Ceremony, and each return'd to their Palaces, where they -stay'd till the Evening; and the Ambassadors did the same. At Night they -all supp'd at the House of the Count _de Windisgratcht_, the first -Ambassador of _Bohemia_, and by consequence the Ambassador of the new -Emperor, who gave a magnificent Feast, which was accompany'd with a very -fine Concert of Music. This great Day's Work was concluded by the Choice -which the Electoral College made of Prince _Charles_ of _Neubourg_, to -carry to the new Emperor the Act of his Proclamation. - -Notwithstanding the surprizing Concourse of People from all Quarters to -see this august Ceremony, there was not the least Disorder in the whole -Solemnity, excepting a little Dispute that happen'd between the Prince _de -la Tour Taxis_ and the Count of _Nassau-Weilbourg_. The former, tho' of a -modern Family in comparison to the Count, yet presuming upon his Title of -Prince, claim'd Precedency of the Count, but the latter decided the -Difference in an instant; for he took the Prince by the Arm, and pushing -him behind him, said to him, _You are to know, Sir, that such Princes as -you are, walk behind such Counts as I am_. The Prince very much stunn'd at -the Compliment, did not think proper to push his Pretensions farther. - -Immediately after the Ceremony of the Election was over, I set out for -_Zell_, where I had the Misfortune to find my self Motherless as well as -Fatherless. My Mother having died there during my stay at _Francfort_, -whose Death grieved me very much, and the more because 'twas the first -Incident I had met with in all my Life to give me a serious Concern: But -now perhaps, that I am more us'd to Disappointments, such News would not -make so much Impression upon me as it did then. - -I stay'd some time at _Zell_ to settle several Affairs with my Brother -relating to my Mother's Succession, till I had a Letter acquainting me -that the Ceremony of the Emperor's Coronation was fix'd for the 22d of -_December_, and thereupon I set out immediately again for _Francfort_. - -I travell'd thro' _Hanover_, which I have already had the Honor to mention -to you, and from _Hanover_ I went to CASSEL, which Town is the common -Residence of the Landgrave of _Hesse_, and divided into two Parts by the -River _Fulde_. The New Town is very well built with pretty Houses, and the -Streets are very even and spacious. The Landgrave's Palace which is old is -encompass'd with Ramparts, part of which on that side next to the Country -forms a Terras planted with Orange-Trees, which in Winter are cover'd by a -boarded House. The Name of the present Landgrave is _Charles_, who was -born the 3d of _August_ 1654, and has had seven Children by _Mary-Amelia_ -of _Courland_. - -1. Prince _Frederic_, born the 28th of _August_ 1676, who became King of -_Sweden_ by his Marriage with _Eleonora_ Princess of _Sweden_, who -succeeded _Charles_ XII. He had to his first Wife _Louisa-Dorothea-Sophia_ -only Daughter of the King of _Prussia_, at which time he was Stadtholder -of _Cleves_, and had a Regiment of Foot in his Majesty's Service. - -2. The Princess _Sophia-Charlotta_ Duchess-Dowager of -_Mecklemburg-Swerin_, who lives still in _Mecklemburg_, from whence she -often goes to the Court of her Father. - -3. Prince _William_, who is a Lieutenant-General of the _Dutch_ Forces, -and Governor of _Maestricht_. He marry'd _Wilhelmina_ of _Saxe-Zeits_. - -4. The Princess _Mary-Louisa_, Dowager of the Prince of _Nassau-Friesland_ -drown'd in his Passage at the _Moerdyke_. - -5. The Prince _Maximilian_, marry'd to a Princess of _Hesse-Darmstad_. - -6. The Prince _George_, a General Officer in the Service of _Prussia_, -Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, and Knight of the Order of the Black -Eagle. - -7. _Wilhelmina-Charlotte_, who was a most accomplish'd Princess, but died -some time ago. - -These Princes and Princesses met very often at the Court of the Landgrave -their Father, and then render'd it one of the most splendid in _Germany_, -not only by reason of their Magnificence, but for their affable Deportment -to all Mankind, but especially to Foreigners. I was loth to go from -_Cassel_, but as the Term fix'd for the Emperor's Coronation drew near, I -could not stay there any longer. - -And indeed, I arrived at FRANCFORT but a few Hours before the Emperor. The -Electors and Ambassadors went out of Town and met his Imperial Majesty, as -did also the Magistrates with the Burgo-Master, and complimented him under -a Tent erected there for that purpose. When the Compliments were ended his -Majesty went again into his Coach, as did the Electors and Ambassadors -into theirs, and they enter'd the City while the Cannon fir'd and the -People shouted, _Long live the Emperor Charles_ VI. His Imperial Majesty -alighted at the Church of St. _Bartholomew_. The Elector-Palatine who was -so indispos'd that he could not go out to meet his Majesty, receiv'd him -at the Door of the Church, as did also the Bishop of _Neustadt_ at the -Head of the Chapter; and his Majesty was conducted to a Throne set up for -him on the Right-side of the Altar, by the Electors. The Elector-Palatine -walk'd before, and the two other Electors supported the Emperor. When he -was seated on his Throne, the Bishop tun'd the _Te Deum_, and gave the -Benediction. The Emperor was afterwards conducted with the same -Ceremonies to his Palace, which was hung with Mourning. The Electors and -Ambassadors having accompany'd his Imperial Majesty to his Closet, retir'd -to their respective Habitations. The next and following Days the Emperor -receiv'd the Visits of the Electors, the Ambassadors, and the Electoress -Palatine, which he return'd. - -When the 22d of _December_, the Day fix'd for the Coronation, was arriv'd, -all the Burghers and the Garison were drawn up under Arms all the way from -the Imperial Palace to the Church. The Procession was begun by the Footmen -and Pages belonging to the Ambassadors, to the Elector-Palatine and to the -Emperor, and they were follow'd by the Courtiers of the Elector and of the -Emperor, and by Persons of Quality that were in the Ambassadors Retinue. -After them there appear'd six Heralds at Arms, the first of which carry'd -a single Eagle, the second a double Cross, the third a Lion, and the three -others Spread-Eagles, the whole after the manner of the _Roman_ Ensigns. -After the Heralds, came the Ambassadors, the Vicars of the Electors, and -the Elector-Palatine, bearing the _Imperialia_ or Ornaments of the Empire; -and immediately after them the Emperor appear'd, under a stately Canopy. -His Habit was like that of the Secular Electors, that is to say, a Robe of -Crimson-Velvet turn'd up with Ermin: He had on his Head a Crown enrich'd -with Diamonds, which was the Crown of his Family, and he rode a very fine -_Spanish_ Horse, the Equipage of which was truly magnificent. Behind the -Emperor came the principal Officers of his Houshold, and the Captain of -the Guards at the Head of his Company; and the Elector-Palatine's -Life-Guards closed the March. - -When the Emperor arrived at the Church, the Electors of _Mentz_ and -_Triers_ in their Pontificalibus went and receiv'd him at the Door, from -whence they conducted him to his Seat in the Choir over-against the High -Altar. There his Imperial Majesty heard the Mass, after which he was -conducted to the Town-House almost in the same Order as was observ'd at -his coming to Church, with this Difference, that the Emperor was deck'd -with the Ornaments of the Empire, which consist of the Crown, the Mantle, -and _Charlemain_'s Sword. His Majesty was now on foot between the two -Ecclesiastical Electors, who accompany'd him, as did the Elector-Palatine, -and the Vicars and Ambassadors of the absent Electors to the Great Hall of -the Town-House, where the Imperial Feast was prepar'd. The Emperor plac'd -himself at one of the Windows looking into the great Square, on purpose to -be seen by the People; of whom there was such a Multitude, that not only -the Square but the Windows and Roofs of the Houses were cover'd with them. - -From this Window his Majesty saw the Officers of the Empire perform their -Functions. The Count _de Papenheim_ the Elector of _Saxony_'s Vicar, as -Grand Marshal of the Empire, was the first that began the Ceremony. He was -mounted on a very fine Horse, which he rode full gallop to a Heap of Oats -in one Corner of the Square, wherewith he fill'd a Measure of Silver, -after which he return'd to the Middle of the Square, where he threw both -the Oats and the Measure among the Populace, and then he went to the -Banquetting-Room. - -The Elector-Palatine appear'd next, encompass'd with his Guards, and -preceded by his Courtiers. He went on horseback to a Kitchen built for the -purpose in the great Square, where he found a whole Ox roasting on a Spit, -of which he cut off a Slice, and putting it into a Gold Dish he carry'd it -to the Emperor's Table. - -The Count _de Zinzendorf_, Vicar to the Elector of _Hanover_ as Treasurer -of the Empire, came next. He was on horseback attended by the Emperor's -Guards, and taking a compass round the Square he scatter'd Medals of Gold -and Silver among the Populace, which he took out of a couple of Bags of -Cloth that were ty'd to his Saddle-Bow. These Medals represented on one -side the Globe of the Earth encompass'd with Clouds, and this _Latin_ -Inscription, _Constantia & Fortitudine_. On the other side was this -Legend, _Carolus, Hispaniarum, Hung. & Bohem. Rex. A. A. Electus in Regem -Roman. coronat. Francof. 22 Decemb. 1711_. Over which there was an -Imperial Crown like to that of _Charlemain_. - -The Count _de Dhona_ Ambassador from the King as Elector of _Brandenburg_, -perform'd the Function of Great Chamberlain of the Empire in the absence -of the Prince of _Hohenzollern_ the Elector's Vicar, who was at that time -indispos'd. The Count preceded by all his Livery, and accompany'd by some -of the Emperor's Guards, rode on horseback towards the middle of the -Square, where a Table was erected on which there was a Basin and Ewer of -Silver gilt full of Water, with a Napkin that had been dipp'd in it, all -which he took and carry'd into the Banquetting-Room, and gave to the -Emperor to wash. - -Afterwards the Count _de Kinski_, Ambassador of his Imperial Majesty as -King of _Bohemia_, officiated for the Person whom he represented, as Great -Cup-Bearer of the Empire: For this purpose he took a Goblet of Gold and -fetch'd Wine at a Fountain erected in the middle of the Square -representing the Imperial Eagle; which done, the Count went into the -Banquetting-Room, and gave it to the Emperor to drink. - -Thus did the Officers of the Empire acquit themselves of their several -Functions: After this the Emperor plac'd himself alone at a Table upon a -rais'd Floor, cover'd with red Cloth; and over it there was a Canopy of -Gold Brocade. When the Emperor was seated the Electors plac'd themselves -at Tables that were prepar'd for them on both sides of the Hall, on Floors -that were a Step lower than the Emperor's. Over each Table there was a -Canopy of Crimson-Velvet inrich'd with Gold, and they had each an -Arm-Chair of the same. On the Right-side of each Table there was a -magnificent Beaufet. The three Electors sate alone at their several -Tables, and the Ambassadors of the absent Electors, after having stood a -little while behind the Chairs plac'd for their respective Masters, went -into another Room. On the following Days the Electors din'd with the -Emperor, and his Majesty went also and din'd with the Electors. At length, -after the Emperor had perform'd all the Ceremonies that are observ'd at -Coronations, he set out from _Francfort_ for his Hereditary Dominions, -where he was impatiently expected by his Subjects. - -Just as I was ready to depart from _Francfort_ I receiv'd the melancholy -News of the Death of the King's Brother the Margrave _Philip_, to whom I -was very much attached, and was therefore mightily afflicted for the Loss -of him. The King's Ambassadors, to avoid the Expence of putting their -Equipage in Mourning, kept his Death secret, so that they did not notify -it to his Imperial Majesty till the Day before he went. - -I set out from _Francfort_ much about the same time as the Emperor did, -and pass'd through _Cassel_, _Hanover_, and _Dusseldorff_. I lik'd -_Francfort_ so well before, that it tempted me to return to it; and -besides, that was the Place to which a Passport was to be directed that I -had sent for from _France_, in order to carry me to _Paris_. As soon as I -receiv'd it I traveled thro' _Minden_, which I have already had the Honor -to mention to you; and from thence, after having pass'd through _Bilefeld_ -a little Town in the County of _Ravensberg_, I arriv'd at MUNSTER. - -This, which was formerly an Imperial City, is now the See of a Bishop, -Prince of the Empire, and Lord of the Town and its Jurisdiction. It stands -in _Westphalia_ in a large Plain, and on a little River which renders it -very strong. It was the Birth-place of the famous _Muntzer_, the Head of -the Anabaptists, a Sect of Heretics, who grew so powerful that they -undertook to make themselves Masters of the City, and to chuse themselves -a King; and about the End of the sixteenth Century, they accordingly chose -for their Sovereign one _John of Leyden_, a Taylor, infamous for the -Cruelties and Outrages which he committed. But Heaven deliver'd the City -from such a Scourge; for at length after some Resistance it was reduc'd, -and _John of Leyden_ was put to death by the Hangman. The City revolted -again afterwards; but at last the Bishop humbled it in 1661, and since -that time it has always been subject to the Bishops its Sovereigns. 'Twas -at _Munster_ that was held the famous Assembly of _Westphalia_, which -establish'd the Fortune of many Sovereigns, and the Religion of their -Subjects. The Peace which was there sign'd serves also as a Basis for all -the Treaties that are made at this time. The Treaty of _Munster_ imported -in substance, "That _Maximilian_ Duke of _Bavaria_ should remain in -Possession of the Electorate of the Counts Palatine, which had been given -him by the Emperor _Ferdinand_ II: That _Charles Lewis_ Count Palatine -should be restor'd to his Principality, and be created an eighth Elector -for himself and his Descendants. That the Protestants should have their -Churches and the free Exercise of their Religion, on the Footing as it was -in 1624; and that they should retain the Church-Revenues, of which they -had been possess'd ever since the first of _January_, that Year: That -_Sweden_ should have Hither-_Pomerania_, a Part of the other _Pomerania_, -the Island and Principality of _Rugen_, the Town and Port of _Wismar_, -Archbishopric of _Bremen_, and the Bishopric of _Verden_, with the Title -of a Duchy: That the Elector of _Brandenburg_ should have the Bishoprics -of _Halberstadt_, _Minden_ and _Camin_, with the Farther-_Pomerania_: That -_France_ should have the intire Sovereignty of _Metz_, _Toul_, and -_Verdun_, and the Dependencies thereof, that of _Pignerol_ and _Brisac_, -the Landgraviate of Upper and Lower _Alsace_, _&c._ That the Confederates -should restore the Towns they had taken, and disband their Troops; and -that the seven Circles of the Empire should furnish five Millions of -Rixdollars for the Pay of the _Swedish_ Soldiers." Such were the -Conditions of this Peace, which was not very advantageous to the Catholic -Religion. - -The Bishop who had the See of _Munster_ while I was there, was of the -Family of _Metternich_, and at the same time Bishop of _Paderborn_. I did -not stay long in that City, but proceeded thro' _Dusseldorff_, where I -found the whole Court return'd from _Francfort_. - -From thence I set out for COLOGNE[35], where M. _Happe_ who was appointed -by the King to levy the Contributions which _Luxembourg_ and other -neighbouring Countries were oblig'd to pay, entertain'd me very civilly, -gave me an Apartment at his House, and made me exceeding welcome. - -I stay'd some time in this City, which is a very flourishing Town by -reason of its convenient Situation for the Trade of their Merchants, who -have great Vessels constantly going up and down the _Rhine_, to -_Francfort_ and _Holland_. 'Tis a pretty large City, but always very dirty -and ill pav'd, and the Houses are for most part very old, and consequently -dark and incommodious. The City is governed by a Senate, which does not -depend on the Elector, whose Power is very much limited, he having no -Authority but in Criminal Affairs; yet he is allow'd Sovereign Command for -three Days, after which if he stays at _Cologne_ he is no more regarded -than a private Gentleman. This is the reason that the Prince commonly -resides at _Bonn_, and that he only goes to _Cologne_ on the Eves of the -Grand Festivals, to officiate there. Nevertheless the City is oblig'd to -pay Homage to the Elector, and to swear Fidelity to him, on Condition that -he preserve them in the Enjoyment of their Privileges; which is a -Condition that the Elector can scarce violate were he ever so much -inclin'd to it, because 'tis the City that maintains the Garison, and is -Mistress of the Arsenal. - -The Catholic is the only Religion that is allow'd to be exercised at -_Cologne_. Nor are Protestants admitted into the Senate, or any Employment -in the City, but go to preach at _Mulheim_, a little Town in the Country -of _Berg_, which belongs to the Elector-Palatine. - -I had not the Honor of seeing the Elector, who by reason of the -Misfortunes he had suffer'd in the late Wars, was oblig'd at that time to -live in _France_. His Name was _Joseph-Clement_ of _Bavaria_. He possess'd -the Bishoprics of _Hildesheim_ and _Liege_, together with the -Archbishopric of _Cologne_. He died the 12th of _November_ 1723, after -having caus'd his Nephew the Duke _Clement_ of _Bavaria_, Bishop of -_Munster_ and _Paderborn_ to be chose Co-adjutor of _Cologne_. - -The Archbishops of _Cologne_ are Great Chancellors of the Empire in -_Italy_, but don't officiate as such; for most of the Princes of _Italy_ -pretend to be independent of the Empire, or call themselves perpetual -Vicars thereof; and in this Quality they perform what the Emperor might do -within the Extent of their Jurisdictions. This however extends only to -common Cases, for in extraordinary ones they are oblig'd to have recourse -to the Imperial Court. Then 'tis the Elector of _Mentz_ alone who -officiates in quality of Chancellor of _Germany_; and 'tis he that has the -Custody of the Archives and Titles which relate to _Italy_. - -The Electors of _Cologne_ for a long time contested with those of _Mentz_ -the Right of consecrating the Emperors, tho' the latter pretend this Honor -belongs to them, as Primates of _Germany_. But the Differences between -those Princes have been regulated; and they have agreed that either of -them, in whose Diocese the Emperor happens to be crown'd, should -consecrate him; and that if the Coronation should be perform'd in neither -of their Dioceses, then they should take it by turns. Nevertheless after -this Accommodation the Elector of _Cologne_ consecrated the Emperor -_Leopold_ in 1658, at _Francfort_ a City in the Diocese of _Mentz_; but it -was done with the Consent of the Elector of _Mentz_, and without making it -a Precedent for the future. - -I have observ'd, that at _Cologne_ most of the public Buildings are either -Churches or Convents. The Metropolitan Church would be one of the most -magnificent in all _Germany_, were it finish'd. Among other stately Tombs -here is that of the _Three Kings_ who came to worship the Savior of the -World, whose Bodies they say were remov'd from _Constantinople_ to -_Milan_, and from thence brought hither. All the People have a very great -Veneration for these Reliques. - -Except the Churches and the Monasteries one sees no public Structures, nor -any House fine enough to raise a Stranger's Admiration; here is still to -be seen the House where Death put an end to the Misfortunes of _Mary de -Medicis_, Queen of _France_, who came to _Cologne_ for Refuge from the -Persecution of Cardinal _Richelieu_. This Cardinal, tho' he was oblig'd to -that Princess for his prodigious Wealth, was not content with having -forc'd her to quit the Kingdom of _France_, but abridg'd her even of the -Necessaries of Life; insomuch that 'twas a hard matter for her to find a -Butcher that would undertake to serve the Table of that unfortunate -Princess with Meat. She died the 3d of _July_, 1643. - -After I had amused my self with seeing what was to be seen in the City of -_Cologne_, I long'd so much to see that famous City _Paris_, that I set -out thither very soon. I forgot to tell you that the Out-works of -_Cologne_, especially the Ramparts are very agreeable. There are noble -Rows of Elms which serve for Walks, and terminate in a Kay that runs along -the _Rhine_, and would be a very fine one, if it was not disfigur'd by a -Half-moon, which has been cut out to cover the Gate of the _Rhine_, and to -secure the Passage of the Flying-Bridge. - -When I set out from _Cologne_ I went down the _Rhine_ and the _Vahal_, as -far as _Dort_, and from thence (without once going ashore) to ANTWERP, -which City I take to be the most beautiful of all the _Netherlands_. It -makes a part of _Austrian Brabant_, and is the Capital of the Marquisate -of the Holy Empire. 'Tis situate in a great Plain on the Right-side of the -_Schelde_, at a Place where that River separates the Duchy of _Brabant_ -from the County of _Flanders_. It contains a number of Churches built in a -very good Taste, and a great many very noble public Edifices. The Church -of our Lady, which is the Cathedral, is a Work that has nothing like it -except it be in _Italy_. 'Tis above 500 Feet in length, 240 in breadth, -and 340 in height. It contains Sixty-six Chapels, adorn'd with Marble -Columns, all different, and with fine Paintings. The Tower which serves -for the Steeple is very lofty and perfectly beautiful. - -The most magnificent of the Churches, next to the Cathedral, was that of -the _Jesuits_, which was consum'd by Lightning the 18th of _July_, 1718. -The Pavement was of Marble, in Compartiments. There were two low Isles, -one above the other, which were supported by fifty-six Marble Pillars. The -four Arches were clos'd with thirty-eight great Pictures in gilt Frames, -and the Walls in which there were forty Windows were lin'd with Marble. -The great Roof was of very fine carv'd Work, charg'd with a small Dome, -very lightsome and very well made. As to the High Altar it would require -an able Connoisseur to give such a Description of it as the Beauty of the -Workmanship requires: For my own part all I can say of it is, that 'twas -all over Marble, Jasper, Porphyry, and Gold. The Picture represented the -Assumption of the Virgin _Mary_, and was a complete Piece. Our Lady's -Chapel, which was a part of the same Church, was as rich as the rest of -the Building, the Sides and the Roof of it being fac'd with Marble, and -adorn'd with six Statues of Alabaster. Besides this Chapel there were -fifty others, all of the utmost Magnificence. The Great Gate of the -Church, and the _Jesuits_ College adjoining to it, were answerable to the -Beauty of the Structure. All this stately Building was entirely destroy'd; -and what is most to be pitied, the Pictures of the famous _Rubens_, of -which this Church was full, were destroy'd with it; a Loss the more -considerable, because 'tis not to be repair'd; for as to the rest, they -are preparing to build a Church as magnificent as the former. - -There are several other fine Edifices at _Antwerp_, of which I don't -undertake the Description. I shall only mention a Word or two of the -Town-House and the Exchange. The former stands in a great Square, -encompass'd with fine Houses. Tho' the Building is quite in the _Gothic_ -Taste, yet 'tis a noble Monument of the Wealth of those who founded it. -The Exchange is worth seeing, on account of the Galleries round the -Square, in which the Merchants assemble as they do at _Amsterdam_, from 12 -o'clock till half an hour past 1. - -The Citadel or Castle of _Antwerp_ was formerly reckon'd one of the -strongest and most regular Citadels in _Europe_; but the Works which -_Lewis_ XIV. caus'd to be made in the _Netherlands_, and upon all the -Frontiers of the Kingdom, have very much sunk the Reputation of the -ancient Fortifications. 'Twas in the Square of this Castle, which was -built by Order of the Duke of _Alva_, that he caus'd that famous Statue of -Brass to be erected, which would have been an eternal Monument of his -Pride and Cruelty, if it had not been pull'd down and broke to pieces by -the Populace, as soon as the Duke quitted the _Netherlands_ by Order of -his Master K. _Philip_ II. 'Tis said that while he commanded in this -Country, he caus'd above 18000 Persons to be executed by the common -Hangman. - -Next to the Citadel, I cannot help giving you some Account of the Harbor, -which is very beautiful and commodious. Here is a very large Square, -where, by the Help of a certain Machine, they easily unload all the Goods. -Another good Conveniency, and what contributes to render this a very -trading City, is, that besides the River there are eight great Canals, by -which Ships may enter into the City. Yet notwithstanding all these -Conveniencies, the Trade of _Antwerp_, tho' considerable, is not near so -flourishing now, as it was before the Civil Wars, and the new Opinions in -Affairs of Religion. 'Tis even astonishing how this City could hold up its -Head again after the Calamities it suffer'd, even from its own Sovereign, -whose Troops in 1576, burnt above 600 Houses in _Antwerp_; and while the -unfortunate Inhabitants were running, as it were, into the midst of the -Flames, to rescue their best Effects, the _Spaniards_ fell upon 'em, and -kill'd and drown'd near 10000. This terrible Fire was the total Ruin of -_Antwerp_; the Town-House and several noble Palaces were reduc'd to Ashes; -and the immense Riches which they contain'd were carry'd off by -Plunderers, who pillag'd for three Days, during which they committed all -manner of Outrages. Nevertheless, this unhappy City, which had like to -have been buried for ever under its own Ashes, was rais'd to Life again -some time after by the Confederates, who remain'd, as it were, its -Sovereigns, till 1585, when the Prince of _Parma_ took it from them, after -a Siege that lasted near twelve Months, and was one of the most famous -Sieges that had ever been known before, as well upon account of the few -Troops the Duke of _Parma_ had to carry it on, which in all were but 1200 -Men, as for that famous Dyke by which he shut up the Harbor, and for the -Bridge which he laid over the _Scheld_. - -_Antwerp_ remain'd under the Dominion of the House of _Austria_ from that -Time to the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, when it was oblig'd to -receive a _French_ Garison in the Name of _Philip_ V. whom the Elector of -_Bavaria_, Governor of the _Netherlands_, own'd for King of _Spain_. But -by the Battle of _Ramellies_, _Antwerp_ and a part of the _Netherlands_ -were reduc'd under the Dominion of the Emperor. During the War that was -enter'd into for the _Spanish_ Monarchy, a Battle was fought in the -Neighbourhood of _Antwerp_, near the Village of _Ekeren_, for which both -Parties sung _Te Deum_. - -Having set out from _Antwerp_ to pursue my Journey to _Paris_, I pass'd -thro' MECHLIN[36], which is a very fine City, and the See of an -Archbishop, whose Revenue is very considerable. The Metropolitan Church is -dedicated to St. _Rambaut_. This City is the Seat of a Great Royal -Council, which is, as it were, the Parliament of the Country, and was -establish'd by _Charles_ Duke of _Burgundy_ in 1473. _Mechlin_ is famous -for the Lace made there, which is finer and better than any that is made -in the other Towns of the _Netherlands_. - -From _Mechlin_ I went to BRUSSELS[37], the Capital of the Duchy of -_Brabant_. This City stands on the little River _Senna_, that falls into -the _Scheld_ by the Canal of _Vilvorde_, and divides the lower Town by -several Canals that terminate in the said Canal of _Vilvorde_, which is -very convenient for their Trade, whereof this City has a considerable -Share. There are several Manufactures at _Brussels_, of which that of -_Devos_ for Tapistry is worth seeing; that skilful Operator having carried -his Art to the utmost degree of Perfection that the Curious can desire. -The common People of _Brussels_ are more polite than in any other City of -the _Netherlands_; for most of the Nobility of the Country come hither -commonly to pass the Winter; and there are few Families of Note that have -not a House here. - -The Royal Palace is very large, and the Apartments beautiful, tho' very -old. This Palace stands high above the City, being situate upon a Hill, -from whence there is a noble Prospect, which is diversify'd by the -Gardens, and the Park that joins to the Palace, wherein there are several -very pleasant Walks, adorn'd with fine Grottos and Fountains. - -The Town-house is another very fine Building. It stands in a Square, -encompass'd with Grand Houses, built after _Brussels_ was bombarded by the -_French_, under the Command of the Marshal _de Villeroy_, when this -Quarter of the Town in particular suffer'd very great Damage; but it is -since become the more agreeable by the magnificent Houses built where the -old ones stood. - -I left _Brussels_ to go to Mons the Capital City of _Hainault_, which -stands upon a Hill, on the Banks of the little River of _Trouil_, and is -one of the strongest Places in the Low-Countries. _Lewis_ XIV. besieg'd it -in Person, and took it in 1691. It was restor'd to _Spain_ by the Peace of -_Ryswic_, but afterwards at the Death of _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, it -return'd as well as all the Low-Countries under the Dominion of _France_. -But at length after the Battle of _Malplaquet_, it became subject to the -House of _Austria_. In this City there's a famous Abbey of Nuns, which is -a very honorable Retreat for young Women of Quality, who are Orphans, or -don't care to be dependant on their Parents. They wear the Habit of Nuns -in the Morning, to be present at the Office; but in the Afternoon they -dress like Gentlewomen; and they make no Vow. - -From _Mons_ I went to VALENCIENNES[38], which City is a part of the -Province of _Hainault_, and the chief Town of _French Flanders_. Its -beautiful Fortifications display the same Magnificence that was always -observ'd in all the Works erected in the Reign of _Lewis_ XIV. That -Monarch besieg'd _Valenciennes_ in Person, in the Year 1677; and after -having taken it by Storm, caus'd a strong Citadel to be erected in it at -the Expence of the Inhabitants. This City had been besieg'd by the -Marshals _Turenne_ and _La Ferte_ in the Year 1656; but Don _John_ of -_Austria_, the Governor of the _Netherlands_, accompanied by the Prince of -_Conde_, who at that time, bore Arms against the King, made them raise the -Siege; and in this Expedition the Marshal _de la Ferte_ was taken -Prisoner. - -The late Elector of _Cologne_ liv'd at _Valenciennes_ when I was there, -the Casualties of the War having oblig'd him to quit his own Dominions. I -was introduc'd to that Prince by the Prince _de Tingri_, when his -Electoral Highness gave me a favorable Reception, and told me that he knew -my Father; but I plainly perceiv'd by what he said, that this Prince would -have been as glad to be in his City of _Bonn_, as in a Town of _France_. - -I stay'd at _Valenciennes_ three Days, after which I set out for -CAMBRAY[39]. This City is the Capital of the _Cambresis_, and one of the -strongest Places in _Europe_. They say its Original is very ancient; for -some Authors pretend, that _Camber_ King of the _Sicambri_ was the Founder -of it. The Kings of _France_ conquer'd it, and were Masters of it a long -while. After the Death of _Charles_ the _Bald_, it was for some time a -Bone of Contention between the Emperor, the King of _France_, and the -Earls of _Flanders_; but the latter seiz'd it, and the Emperors afterwards -declar'd it a free City of the Empire. _Francis_ I. King of _France_ -granted it a Neutrality; but the Emperor _Charles_ V. made himself Master -of it; and afterwards during the Revolutions of the _Netherlands_, it fell -under the Dominion of the Duke _d'Alencon_, Brother to _Henry_ III. who -restor'd it to the _French_ by a Treaty, which he concluded with _John de -Montluc_, whom King _Henry_ IV. afterwards made Prince of _Cambray_. Not -long after this, the _Spaniards_ took it by surprize, and kept it till -1677, when Lewis XIV. took it, and it has remain'd ever since in the -Possession of _France_, which Crown has considerably augmented its -Fortifications. - -_Cambray_ has the Title of an Archbishopric, which was erected in 1559, by -Pope _Paul_ II. at the Request of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_. The -Suffragans granted to this Metropolitan were the Bishoprics of _Arras_, -_Tournay_, _St. Omer_ and _Namur_, which were anciently Suffragan Sees to -the Church of _Rheims_. The Archbishop takes the Title of _Duke of_ -Cambray, _Count of the_ Cambresis, _and Prince of the Holy Empire_. He -that was the Archbishop while I was there, was the illustrious M. _de -Fenelon_, a Prelate as venerable for his Piety, as for the Delicacy of his -Pen. The present Archbishop is the natural Son of the late Duke of -_Orleans_ the Regent, and was formerly Bishop and Duke of _Laon_. This -Prelate fully answers the vast Hopes that were conceiv'd, from his good -Qualities in his Non-age. His Predecessor in this Dignity was the famous -Cardinal _Dubois_, the Minister of _France_. - -I forgot to tell you, that the City of _Cambray_ is also of great Note for -the famous League that was concluded between the Pope, the Emperor -_Maximilian_, _Lewis_ XII. King of _France_, and _Ferdinand_ King of -_Arragon_, against the Republic of _Venice_. - -From _Cambray_ I went to ST. QUINTIN, which City is the Capital of the -_Vermandois_, and is of Note for the famous Battle of _St. Quintin_, -call'd also the Battle of St. _Lawrence_, because 'twas fought on the 10th -of _August_, in 1557. After the Truce was broke between _Henry_ II. King -of _France_, and _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, _Philibert-Emanuel_ Duke of -_Savoy_, who was Governor of the _Netherlands_, besieg'd the City of _St. -Quintin_, which was destitute of Troops, and moreover in a very bad -Condition. The Admiral _Coligni_ got into it with some Forces, which gave -Time to the Constable _de Montmorency_ to pass the _Somme_ with the -_French_ Army under his Command, and throw some Succours into the Town. -This was executed indeed, but with so much Precipitation, that the Men who -entered it were scarce five hundred in number. The Constable perceiving -the Approach of the _Spaniards_, and his Troops being moreover incumber'd -with their Equipage, endeavored to make his Retreat; but the Duke taking -advantage of his Incumbrance, surpriz'd him between the Villages of -_Essigny_ and _Rizerolles_, and charg'd him home before he had Time to put -his Men into Order of Battle; and the Constable and his Son were taken -Prisoners, with a great many Persons of Distinction. The Number of the -Slain was even greater than that of the Prisoners; and among the former -was _John_ of _Bourbon_, Duke of _Anguien_, a Prince of the Blood Royal, -and above 600 Gentlemen. The _Spaniards_ Loss did not exceed 500 Men. -_Philip_ II. in acknowledgment for this Victory, made that extraordinary -Vow, which he afterwards perform'd, to build the Monastery of St. -_Lawrence_ at the _Escurial_; upon which a certain Ambassador of _France_, -when he was shew'd that stately Edifice, said, _That +Philip+ must needs -be terribly afraid when he made so considerable a Vow_. After the Battle, -_St. Quintin_ surrender'd to the _Spaniards_, who kept it till the Treaty -of _Chateau-Cambresis_, in 1559. - -From _St. Quintin_ I went to COMPIEGNE, a City in the Diocese of -_Soissons_, which is situate on the West side of the _Oyse_ and the -_Aisne_. The famous Maid of _Orleans_ ow'd the Loss of her Liberty to this -City. For that illustrious Heroine going to the Relief of _Compiegne_, -which the _English_ had resolv'd to besiege, had the Misfortune to fall -into their hands, and was carried Prisoner to _Roan_, where they burnt her -for a Witch. 'Twas at the Castle of _Compiegne_ that the Cardinal _de -Richlieu_ kept the Queen _Mary de Medicis_ a Prisoner, till that Princess -found Means to escape, and to retire to _Flanders_. I have had the Honor -already to tell you, that this unfortunate Queen died at _Cologn_. - -This same Castle was also for some time the Residence of the Elector of -_Bavaria_, after he was ejected out of his Dominions by the victorious -Arms of the Emperor. The Court his Electoral Highness kept here was so -splendid, that it did not look like the Court of a Refugee Prince. - -Near _Compiegne_ there's a very large Forest, which renders the -Neighbourhood of this City very pleasant. There are fine Roads cut out in -this Forest, which render it very convenient for Hunting. - -The only considerable Place from _Compiegne_ to _Paris_ is SENLIS; and -that purely on account of its being the See of a Bishop: for setting aside -its Situation, which is very agreeable, by reason of the Neighbourhood of -the beautiful Forest of _Chantilly_, _Senlis_ is a very trifling Place. -Near this City is the Abbey of our _Lady of Victory_, which _Philip -Augustus_ caus'd to be built as an Acknowledgment for the Victory he won -in Person at _Bouvines_, over the Emperor _Otho_ IV. and his Confederates, -on _Sunday July_ 27th, 1215; upon which very Day, his Son too won another -Battle over the _English_ in _Anjou_. They say that the two Couriers that -were carrying the News of each of the Victories, from the one Army to the -other, met at the very Place where now stands the Church of this Abbey. - -Betwixt _Senlis_ and _Paris_ there stands the little Town of St. DENYS, -famous for the magnificent Abbey which gives Name to it. In this Church -are the Tombs of the Kings and Princes of _France_, whose Mausoleums are -of rich Workmanship. Here is a Treasure also which contains a great Number -of very curious Pieces. The Abbey of St. _Denys_ has also given its Name -to the great Plain in which it stands. 'Twas in this Plain that the famous -Battle was fought between the Catholics and Hugonots, in the Reign of -_Charles_ IX. when the Constable _Montmorency_, who at the Age of 83, -commanded the Catholics, was wounded, but gain'd the Victory over the -Heretics. - -At my leaving _St. Denys_, I had at length the pleasure of seeing what I -had a long time passionately wish'd for, I mean the famous City of -PARIS[40], where I arriv'd about the beginning of the Year 1712. I make no -scruple to call it the chief City of the World, as it is the Capital of -the chief Kingdom in Christendom. The Extent of its Circumference, the -Beauty of its Buildings, the Multitude of its Inhabitants, the continual -Arrival and the Residence of Foreigners there, the Variety and Plenty of -Commodities of all sorts, render it the finest City in the World; and on -those Accounts 'tis justly reckon'd as the Ornament, the Soul and the -Strength of the _French_ Empire. I was not willing however to make any -stay here at first, because of my Impatience to see the famous Castle of -VERSAILLES, so much talk'd of at all Foreign Courts. - -I had entertain'd so grand an Idea of this Palace, and was so fully -persuaded of its being all over Gold and Azure, that at the first Sight -the Beauty of it did not strike me. The Entrance to _Versailles_, as one -comes from _Paris_, does not set it off at all, tho' the Avenue that leads -to it is one of the most magnificent; but when one comes up to the Castle, -and turns about towards this Grand Avenue, the two sumptuous Stables on -the sides of it form a Prospect, which gives a sublime Idea of the Master -of those stately Piles of Building. The Front of the Castle, which looks -towards the Gardens is the finest; and on that Side is the superb Gallery, -which is the Admiration of all Foreigners. What most surpriz'd me at -_Versailles_ is the Inside of the Castle, which if one examines it well, -looks like several Castles join'd together. The Royal Family, which was -still pretty numerous, was lodg'd there very much at their Ease, each -having their Guard-Chamber, an Anti-Chamber, a Presence-Chamber, a -Bed-Chamber, and Great Closet and Wardrobes. The chief Officers and Ladies -attending the Princesses were also commodiously lodg'd. The greatest part -of the Lords of the Court had Lodgings too here, which were indeed pretty -much straiten'd for want of room, but very convenient. In short, I was -assur'd, that when _Lewis_ XIV. was at _Versailles_, about 20,000 Persons -lay every Night in the Body of this Castle, and the Buildings in the Verge -of it, the Apartments and other Lodgings being so well laid out, that all -this great Multitude did not croud one another. - -The finest Pieces in the Inside of the Castle are the Gallery and the -Saloons that join to it. The Walls are lin'd with Marble. Every Place -shines with the Works of the greatest Masters in Gold and Brass, and with -noble Pier-Glasses. I have heard say, that before the War for the -_Spanish_ Succession, all the Tables, Chandeliers and Stands, which are -now of Marble and gilt Frames, were of Massy Silver; but the King -converted them into Money to help defray the vast Expences of the Wars he -was then engaged in. The Cieling of the Gallery represents in several -Pictures the principal Actions of _Lewis_ the XIVth's Life; and is also -adorn'd with Cartridges and Gildings, which are remarkable both for their -Richness and their Elegance. - -The Chapel is perfectly answerable to the Magnificence of the Inside of -the Castle. The Critics indeed think 'tis too lofty for its Bigness; and -without pretending to much Skill in Architecture, of which what I now say -is perhaps a Proof, I should readily subscribe to their Opinion. Indeed a -Man ought to be plac'd in the Pew from whence the King hears Mass, to have -a just View of the fine Paintings with which the Cieling is enrich'd; and -than which there's nothing to be seen that is finer or better fancy'd. The -principal Picture represents God the Father in all his Glory, as fully as -Human Weakness can conceive it. This is a piece of Painting I am never -weary of admiring; and I found some new Pleasure every time I look'd on -it. The Cieling is supported by noble Pillars of a white Stone, as -beautiful as Marble, which form a Gallery that runs round the Chapel, of -an equal height all along with the King's Pew, and the Ballisters are of -yellow Copper and Marble. When one looks down from the Pew, the Chapel -seems too low, and the Great Altar not high enough. Opposite to the King's -Pew, and exactly over the High Altar, there's an Organ-Loft of a very good -Contrivance, where the King's Music sits. 'Tis a very good Band; and those -who are nice Judges always admire the first Touch they give to their -Instruments, the Moment that the King enters the Chapel to hear Mass. - -I own to you, _Madame_, that I thought it one of the finest Sights in the -World, to see _Lewis_ XIV. enter the Chapel in all his Grandeur, attended -by the Cardinals and the Lords of his Court. The Life-Guards and the -Hundred _Swiss_ took up the Gallery and the Bottom of the Chapel, and the -Drums beat, and the _Swiss_ Fifes play'd till his Majesty was seated. On -Communion or Sermon Days the King went down into the Chapel, and then the -Pavement, which is of very fine Marble, was cover'd all over with noble -Tapestry. When the King receiv'd the Sacrament, a Praying-Desk was set for -him over-against the High Altar, and then the Hundred _Swissers_ were -rang'd in two Rows, and the Courtiers encompass'd his Majesty. During the -Sermon the King's Chair of State was plac'd over-against the Pulpit, and -the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family and Blood were seated in -Folding Chairs, on both sides of the King in the same Line. But the -Princes and Princesses very seldom assisted at the King's Mass; and when -they did, they kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade that the King did, -but quite off of his Carpet. - -The Gardens of _Versailles_ may be rank'd among the modern Wonders; and I -don't believe that the so much boasted Gardens of the superb _Semiramis_ -were finer. For really, considering the Statues, Vases and Water-works of -Marble and Brass, one wou'd think Pains had been taken to ransac _Greece_ -and _Rome_ it self, both ancient and modern, for its most wonderful -Productions on purpose to bring them to this charming Place. These Gardens -were plann'd by the famous _Le Nautre_. At the end of the Great Walk which -fronts the Castle there's a very spacious Canal. It forms a Cross to a -certain Distance, one side of which leads to the _Menagerie_, and the -other to _Trianon_. The _Menagerie_ is a very little House with only a few -Rooms, from whence the King may see the rarest Animals of all sorts, which -are kept there. As for _Trianon_ and its Gardens, one would not think at -the first View that they were made by Man. The Whole is perfectly -inchanting, and a Person ever so little captivated with the strange Tales -of the Fairies, wou'd not scruple to think this magnificent Structure the -Master-piece of those ingenious Work-women. The whole Building, to outward -Appearance, seems very small; but when one examines the Inside of it, the -Apartments are both spacious and commodious. The Outside of this Palace -is partly hid by fine Groves; what appears of it is fac'd with white -Marble, adorn'd with an Order of Pilasters of red Marble, with Windows in -form of Arches between them. _Lewis_ XIV. often retir'd to this charming -Solitude, to be shelter'd from the Importunities of the Courtiers; and no -body was admitted to him but such Persons as his Majesty appointed. - -A little League from _Versailles_ there's _Marly_, another Royal Palace; -and which of all the Palaces has the most pleasant Gardens, tho' those of -_Versailles_ are by much more sumptuous. The Great Cascade, which is all -of Marble of various Colors, makes a stately Appearance. When one is at -the Top of this Cascade, and looks toward the Palace, one sees all the -Gardens, and a Plain thro' which the River _Seine_ winds itself, having on -one side the Castle of _St. Germain en Laye_; and on the other the Castle -_de Maisons_, belonging to the President of that Name, which forms an -admirable Point of View. _Lewis_ XIV. who was fond of _Marly_, -condescended to divest himself there of part of his Grandeur, and did a -great many Ladies of Quality the Honor to make them sit down with him at -Table. Thus, _Madame_, have I given you a slight Sketch of the famous -Palace of _Versailles_, and its Neighbourhood. I did not think it so -proper to give you an exact Detail of the Beauties one discovers at every -Step in this magnificent Palace. You have undoubtedly seen a good -Description of them already, in the Books printed upon that Subject. I -shall now add a Word or two of the Princes and Princesses of the Royal -Family. - -I shall not presume to say any thing of the August Head of this -illustrious Family, since it wou'd require a more delicate Pen than mine -to treat so sublime a Subject with suitable Dignity. All that I shall do -my self the Honor to Say to you of _Lewis_ XIV. is, that if a good Mien -was to be the Merit for the Crown of _France_, this Great Prince might -have put in his Claim for it upon that account, as justly as on the -account of his Birth. He was already advanc'd in years in 1712, when I had -the Honor to see him; and yet he had a nobler Air than any Man in his -Kingdom. - -The Duke of _Burgundy_, who became Dauphin of _France_, by the Death of -his Father, _Lewis_ XIVth's Son, who was the year before carried off in a -very few days by the Small-Pox at his Palace of _Meudon_, was the first -Prince in the Kingdom next to the King. His Great Qualities prognosticated -that if he liv'd, his Reign wou'd be very happy: Being Devout, without -neglecting any of the Duties of a Prince, he had a way of reconciling the -Retirement of a Cloyster to the Bustle of a Court; and tho' he had the -Great Affair of his Salvation always at heart, yet he thought, and justly -too, that his Practice of Piety ought not to exclude his Application to -the Affairs of State. He married a Princess, whose great Qualities wou'd -have made the _French_ happy, if an untimely Death had not snatch'd her -away in the Flower of her Age. Her Name was _Mary Adelaide_ of _Savoy_. I -can assure you, _Madame_, that I never saw one that had a more Noble and -Majestic Presence than this Princess. And several Ladies that had the -Honor of being with her in private assur'd me, that none could be more -sprightly and gay. Her Youth made her fond of Pleasures; but yet she -never was forgetful of her Duties. She had an extraordinary Respect and -Regard for the King. She went every Evening to Madame _de Maintenon_'s -Apartment when the King was there, and after the Council was over, she put -every thing in practice that her gay Humor cou'd imagine to divert him. -The Princess had also a particular Esteem for the Dauphin her Husband, and -as this Prince never fail'd of being at Mass, nor at Vespers, or the -Evening Prayers, the Dauphiness always went with him, and very readily -made her Pleasures give place to her Duties. - -I had not been long at the Court of _France_ when this illustrious Couple -died within a few days of one another. The first who paid that Tribute to -Nature was the Dauphiness. This Princess fell sick at _Versailles_, soon -after which the Purples discover'd themselves; and at length her Distemper -appearing desperate, she was admonish'd to prepare for Death: but this was -Advice she could not find in her heart to comply with, it being a hard -matter to renounce a voluptuous Life; especially when supported with the -Hopes of being e'er long possess'd of one of the first Crowns in the -World. This Princess died, as it were, in the Arms of the Duchess of -_Orleans_, who by her Desire never left her during all the time of her -Illness. - -The King, who was very much afflicted for her Death, set out immediately -for _Marly_, whither the Dauphin follow'd him. This Prince knowing the -Value of the Jewel he had lost, so indulg'd his Grief that he sicken'd -almost as soon as he arriv'd at _Marly_, of the same Distemper that had -just depriv'd him of his Consort. He received the Sentence of his Death -with a Resolution truly Christian; and in the Height of his Distemper was -often heard to put up this Petition, _My God! save the King and -Government_. The Night he died he had a very great Desire to hear Mass; -and whatever they could say to convince him that the Rules of the Church -did not allow it to be celebrated at that Hour, yet he wou'd not take a -Denial; so that as soon as the Midnight Bell rung, Mass was said in his -Chamber, at an Altar that was put up at his Bed's feet. After the -Elevation of the Host, the Dauphin was very much compos'd, and continu'd -praying to God till his Strength failing him every Minute more and more, -he gave up the Ghost. This happen'd on the 18th of _February_ 1712, six -Days after the Death of the Dauphiness. - -The King had need of all his Stock of Courage to support so many Shocks -one after another. The Royal Family was in the utmost Consternation. Those -that were about the King wou'd fain have persuaded him to retire elsewhere -a little while for Change of Air; but he answered undauntedly, _That he -was every where in the Hands of God_; _and that therefore he would -continue where he was_. This great Prince had soon after, another Trial of -his Patience, by the News he receiv'd of the Death of the Duke of -_Bretagne_, who upon the Decease of his Father had been declar'd the -Dauphin. This young Prince died at _Versailles_ the 8th of _March_ 1712, -when he was but five Years old. There never was a more sorrowful Scene -than to see the Funeral Pomp of this Year, which serv'd at the same time -for the Father, Mother and Son. - -The only one that remain'd of this August Stock was the Duke of _Anjou_ -now _Lewis_ XV. This Prince too, who was but a Child, was such a poor -Weakling all along, that no body thought he would live; and he was at this -time in such a bad way, that the very Physicians despair'd of his -Recovery. Nevertheless he insensibly gathered Strength, and now the -_French_ see their young Monarch in a more vigorous State of Health than -they could have hoped for in his Childhood: For this I believe they are -oblig'd to the great Care which was taken of this young Prince by the -Duchess of _Ventadour_, who was charg'd with his Education, in which Post -she acquitted herself with all the Zeal that a Person could do, who knew -the Value of that precious Deposit which was committed to her trust. - -The next to the Throne after this young Prince was the Duke of _Berry_, -Brother to the Duke of _Burgundy_. He was of a fair Complexion, and for -his Age a little too corpulent. He spent his time chiefly in Hunting, and -when the Chace was over he us'd to go to his Duchess's Apartments to game; -for this Princess, after the Death of the Duchess of _Burgundy_, kept an -Assembly. - -The last Prince of the Royal Family was the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards -Regent of the Kingdom; of whom I shall have occasion to say more, when at -the death of _Lewis le Grand_ he took on him the Government of the Kingdom -during the present Monarch's Minority. - -The first People at Court next to the Princes of the Royal Family, were -the Princes of the Blood. The chief was the Duke of _Chartres_, now Duke -of _Orleans_, by the Death of his Father who was the Regent of _France_ -during the Minority of _Lewis_ XV. - -The Duke of _Bourbon_, and the Counts _de Charolois_ and _Clermont_ -compos'd the _Conde_ Branch. The first of these Princes whom they call -only _The Duke_, was a tall portly Man, very free and easy, but had the -misfortune to lose one Eye when he was a hunting by some small Shot that -scatter'd from the Duke of _Berry_'s Fowling-piece, as he let fly at some -Game. - -The other two Princes were well-shap'd and very fair, but being as yet -very young, they were as well as the Duke of _Chartres_ in the hands of -their Governors. - -The Prince of _Conti_, Son of him who was formerly decked King of -_Poland_, was the only Prince of the second Branch of _Bourbon_. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes that then composed the Court of -_France_. I shall now do myself the Honor to give you some account of the -Princesses according to their Rank, distinguishing them as I have done the -Princes, by the Titles of Princesses of the Royal Family, and Princesses -of the Blood. - -The first Princess of the Royal Family was the Dauphiness, whom I have had -the Honor to mention to you. - -Next to the Dauphiness, the Duchess of _Berry_ was first in Rank. This -Princess was the Daughter of the Duke of _Orleans_, afterwards the Regent. -She resembled her Father very much for her Wit, and had she not been a -little too bulky she would have been one of the most amiable Princesses of -the whole Court. I shall have occasion to let you into this Princess's -Character presently. - -_Madame_, the second Wife of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ -XIV. was the third Princess at Court, during the Life of the Dauphiness. -Her Name was _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_; being the Daughter of the -Elector _Charles-Lewis_ by _Charlotte_ of _Hesse_, and the last of the -illustrious Branch of the Palatine Family. The Court I constantly pay'd to -this Princess, to whom I was moreover well recommended by the Electoress -of _Hanover_ Mother to the King of _England_, enables me to tell you some -Particulars which will give you a just Notion of her. - -This Princess was very affable, yet not very forward to grant her -Protection. She talk'd a great deal, and talk'd well. She lov'd especially -to speak in her Mother-Tongue, which she had not forgot tho' she had been -fifty Years in _France_, for which reason she was overjoy'd to see her -Countrymen, and to correspond with them by Letters. She was very punctual -in writing to the Electoress of _Hanover_, and to several other Personages -in _Germany_; and the Letters she commonly wrote were not little Billets, -but took up twenty or thirty Sheets of Paper. Of these I had a sight of -several that would have been worth publishing, and have not seen any thing -better writ in the _German_ Tongue. In short, this Princess did nothing -but write from Morning till Night. Immediately after she rose, which was -always about ten o'clock, she sate down at her Toilet. From thence she -went into her Closet, where after having spent some time in Prayer, she -took Pen and Ink and wrote till she went to Mass. After this was ended, -she wrote again till Dinner-time, which did not last long, and then she -fell to writing again till ten o'clock at Night. About nine o'clock when -she received Company in her Closet she was found sitting at a great Table -spread with Papers, and there was an _Ombre_ Table just by it, at which -the Marshal _de Cleremhault_'s Lady and the other Ladies of the Princess's -Houshold used to play. Every now and then the Princess cast an Eye upon -the Game, and would give her Advice and write at the same time. At other -times she convers'd with those who paid their Court to her. I once saw -this Princess napping, and the Moment after start out of her Sleep and -write on. This, _Madame_, was the common Life of the Princess when she was -at _Versailles_. Sometimes however she went out a hunting with the King, -dress'd like an _Amazon_, and sometimes to the Opera. For this Princess -was very fond of Plays, so that after the Death of _Lewis_ XIV. when the -Court came to settle at _Paris_ she often made the _French_ and _Italian_ -Comedians perform at the Theatre of the Royal Palace. - -As to Rank, never did any Princess support it better than this. As she was -punctual to the last degree in requiring the Honors due to her, so she -return'd to every one the Honors that belong'd to them. I heard her once -talk very sharply upon this head to the Duchess of _Berry_; and indeed -none but she durst have talk'd to that Princess in such a Stile. It -happen'd in _Lewis_ XVth's Minority that the Duchess of _Berry_ came to -her one Evening in a Scarf. After she had been there about half an Hour -she ask'd Madame _de Mouchy_ what o'clock it was; whereupon the Princess -ask'd the Duchess of _Berry_ what she said to Madame _de Mouchy_. The -Duchess made her Answer, that she was going to the _Tuilleries_, and -therefore she ask'd what time of Night it was. _How! to the_ Tuilleries, -said Madame; _What are you going to take an Airing by the Light of -Flambeaus?_ For, indeed, it was just Night. _No, Madame_, said the Duchess -of _Berry_, _I am going to the King_. _To the King!_ reply'd Madame; _Pray -excuse me for expressing my Surprize!_ _What, go to the King, +Madame+, -in that Dress! I thought you knew your Duty to him better: I beseech you_, -Madame, _do no such thing. Render to the King the Respect that you owe -him, and then you will have a Right to challenge what is your due from -every body else._ - -The Duchess of _Berry_, who was not pleas'd at this Reprimand, was going -to reply, but Madame interrupted her, and said, _No_, Madame, _nothing can -excuse you: Surely you may think fit to dress your self as seldom as you -go to the King, since I that am your Grandmother dress my self every day. -Speak the Truth, and say 'tis meer Laziness that hinders you from putting -on your Clothes, which is a Fault that becomes neither your Age nor your -Rank. A Princess ought to be dress'd like a Princess, and a Chambermaid -like a Chambermaid._ The Duchess of _Berry_ being not us'd to such -Lectures, was extremely mortify'd at being so check'd, and upon this -occasion she did what she us'd to do when any thing was ever said that -offended her, and when Decency did not permit her to make a haughty Reply; -that is, she arose, made a low Curt'sy, and went away. Madame fell to -writing again, but talk'd still of the same Subject, and not without some -Warmth. She said, looking about to all the Company, _Was I in the wrong, -pray, to talk as I did to the Duchess of_ Berry? _What say you to it?_ You -will easily suppose, Madame, that nobody open'd their Lips, but while she -was running on still in the same strain, to the great Confusion of every -Soul in her Closet, the Princess of _Conti_ came in, which gave a Turn to -the Conversation. - -After _Lewis_ XIVth's Death, Madame follow'd the Court to _Paris_, where -she resided in the Winter, but commonly spent the fine Season at _St. -Cloud_. From thence she came very often to the King's Apartment, us'd to -be at the Theatre, and return in the Evening to _St. Cloud_. She had then -with her _Mademoiselle_, now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and _Mademoiselle de -Valois_, now the Princess of _Modena_. The other Princesses, her -Grandaughters, liv'd at _Paris_ with the Duchess of _Orleans_ their -Mother. This Princess, tho' the Mother of the Duchess of _Berry_, had not -the Precedency of her, and when she was at her Daughter's House she had -only a Folding-Chair allowed her, whereas the Duchess sate in an -Arm-Chair. The Duchess of _Orleans_ was the last of the Royal Family. - -The first of the Princesses of the Blood was the Princess-Dowager of -_Conde_, _Anne_ of _Bavaria_ Countess-Palatine, Daughter of _Edward_ -Prince-Palatine of the _Rhine_. She was call'd only, Madame the Princess. -She commonly resided at _Paris_, where she liv'd a very exemplary Life for -her Piety and great Charity. She died the 23d of _February_, 1723, at -seventy-five Years of Age. - -This Princess was Mother to the Duke of _Bourbon_ (that died in 1710) -whose Wife _Louisa-Francese_ of _Bourbon_, the legitimated Daughter of -_Lewis_ XIV. was, I can assure you, Madame, one of the most beautiful -Princesses of the Court; and tho' already the Mother of eight Children, it -was much more natural to take her for their Sister. With so much Beauty, -she had also Charms still more preferable; and all these external -Qualities were supported by a majestic Air, and a Deportment which gain'd -this illustrious Princess Respect at the same time that her affable and -obliging Behavior procured her Love. She had moreover a lively sparkling -Wit, always sure to divert, whether in giving Merit its due Praise, or -whether by her delicate Raillery, she expos'd the Ridicule of that -Behavior, which notwithstanding the good Taste of the Age had perhaps made -the Fortune of some fawning Courtier. - -The next in Rank to that Princess was the first Dowager-Princess of -_Conti_, the legitimated Daughter of _Lewis_ XIV. The Air, Shape and -Beauty of this Princess, have made such a noise in the World, that I -believe, Madame, you are not ignorant that she was reckon'd the tip-top -Beauty of the Kingdom; and really tho' she was pretty much advanc'd in -Years, she had still that Air of Majesty and Modesty which partakes of the -Grandeur of her Father, and of the exemplary Piety of her Mother in her -latter Years. After the Death of _Lewis_ XIVth's Son the Dauphin, this -Princess was very much retir'd, so that I never saw her any where but at -_Madame_'s Apartments; and since the Death of the King she scarce appears -any where at all. - -The Princess of _Conti_, the second Dowager is by Birth Princess of -_Conde_. She is Mother of the Prince of _Conti_, of _Mademoiselle de -Conti_, who died Duchess of _Bourbon_, and of _Mademoiselle de la -Roche-sur-Yon_. It may be said that this Branch of _Bourbon_ have had -their share of Sense and Virtue. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ and the late Duchess of _Vendome_ were Sisters of -the second Dowager-Princess of _Conti_, and the Daughters of _Henry -Julius_ Prince of _Conde_, and of the Princess-Palatine, whom I have -already had the Honor to mention to you. - -The Duchess of _Maine_ is a Princess of real Merit, and a great Wit. She -degenerates in no respect from the illustrious Blood of _Conde_. She -liv'd with more Splendor than any Princess of _France_. She commonly -resided at _Seaux_, a magnificent Castle not far from _Paris_, and one of -the finest that I have seen, not only for its commodious Apartments which -are also richly furnish'd, but for the extent of the Park in which there's -such an agreeable Variety of Groves, and of Marble and Brazen Statues, as -presents the curious Spectator always with something new. It may be said, -that in her time the Pleasures had fix'd their Residence in this charming -Place. There was a Resort from all parts to this Princess, and People were -glad to leave both the Court and City, being sure of finding something at -_Seaux_ better contriv'd than the common Representations on the Stage; and -indeed they were never disappointed, the Duchess of _Maine_ having an -exquisite Taste in such things; for she lov'd the fine Sciences, and was a -better Judge than any body, of what they call Composures. This illustrious -Princess took a delight in bespeaking Plays, and sometimes did not think -it beneath her to act a part in them her self. The famous _Baron_ and -_Beauval_ had often the Honor of performing with her. Those who have -frequented the _French_ Theatre know full well that such a choice was a -very evident Proof of that Princess's Taste for good Declamation. After -the Comedy there was generally a Party for Play, and then a magnificent -Supper, after which there was sometimes a Fire-Work, but most commonly -there was a Ball, at which there was always a vast Number of Masks; yet -the whole was so well ordered, that there was plenty of Refreshments for -every body. - -These, _Madame_, were the Princes and Princesses who form'd the Court of -_France_ when I came thither, and I thought 'twas proper to give you a -Character of them before I mention'd the Conduct I observ'd at my Arrival -there. - -I first got my self introduc'd to Madame, to whom I was moreover -recommended by the Electress of _Hanover_, the King of _England_'s Mother. -This Princess, who always retain'd a particular Regard for the _Germans_, -receiv'd me with even more kindness than she commonly shew'd to those of -that Nation. She did me the Honor to introduce me to the King herself, one -Night after his Majesty had supp'd. This Prince was in his Bed-Chamber, -with all the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family. The King -remember'd my Name, and did me the Honor to ask me, whether I was not the -Son of one _Pollnitz_, who had been at his Court from the Elector of -_Brandenbourg_? And upon my telling him that I was his Grandson, he said -to me, _Indeed, you seem to me to be too young to be taken for his Son_. -His Majesty then ask'd me if I intended to make any stay in _France_. I -answer'd, that I was so overjoy'd to find myself at the Feet of the -greatest of Kings, that I would do my self the Honor to pay my Duty to him -as long as possible. The King seem'd to like my Answer, and turning -towards Madame, he said to her, speaking of me, _He talks French well_. He -afterwards did me the Honor of a Salute, and told me as he withdrew that -he should take a pleasure in doing me Service. - -Next day Madame introduc'd me to the Duke of _Burgundy_ the Dauphin, and -to the Dauphiness, which illustrious Couple died some time after, as I -have had the Honor to tell you. Madame also caus'd me to be introduc'd to -the Duke and Duchess of _Berry_, but neither of 'em said one word to me. -I was very well receiv'd by the Duke and Duchess of _Orleans_. It was not -easy to see this Prince without loving him; for his Affability supported -by a most sparkling Wit, and the most elegant Accomplishments, endear'd -him to all that had the Honor of Access to him. This Prince constantly -paid his Attendance at Court, and had the greatest Respect for Madame. He -never miss'd a Day of waiting upon this Princess. He went to her -Apartments every Night at half an Hour past eight, and play'd at Chess -there till the King's Supper-time; but this Prince only sate down at the -Game, and as he went in and out he always kiss'd her Hand. - -The Court of _France_, tho' very splendid by reason of the number of -Princes and Princesses of which it consists, was nevertheless not so gay -as I expected. The Life at _Versailles_ was the most uniform in the World: -The King's Hours were settled, and he that had seen but one Day there had -seen a Year. The King rose at nine or ten o'clock. The Princes and all the -Courtiers attended his Levee, and after he was dress'd he kneel'd down to -Prayers on a Cushion of Black Velvet, with his Chaplains and the Bishops -that were at his Levee, kneeling also round him. When Prayers were ended, -the King went into his Closet, where sometimes the Ministers came to speak -to him about Business, and in the mean while the Courtiers walk'd in the -great Gallery, thro' which the King walk'd to hear Mass, and there all the -Courtiers waited to be seen by his Majesty as he pass'd. I never saw a -Nation more fond of paying their Attendance at Court than the _French_; -for I have even seen many Courtiers, who thinking the Prince had not -observ'd them, stept forwards into another Room, and then another, till -by chance his Majesty happen'd to cast his Eyes upon them. - -After Mass was over the King return'd to his Closet; sometimes he held a -Council and afterwards din'd alone, at which time one might also observe -how the Courtiers strove to be seen by him. The King eat with a good -Appetite, nay I thought he eat voraciously. His Dinner lasted three -Quarters of an Hour, and upon certain Days there was Music. After Dinner, -the King went down by the Back-stairs, and took Coach to go a hunting in -the Park of _Versailles_, which was full of small Game. He return'd about -the Dusk of the Evening, and went to Madame _de Maintenon_'s Apartment, -where there were only a few of the old Courtiers, and generally speaking, -none but Ladies; as, Madame _de Caylus_, a Cousin of Madame _de -Maintenon_, and Madame _de Dangeau_, who play'd at Cards with the King -when the Ministers were not there; for then, instead of Gaming, Business -was the Subject, and there every thing was commonly settled. At ten -o'clock at Night, when word was brought to the King that Supper was serv'd -up, his Majesty went to the Table, where the Princes and Princesses always -accompanied him. The Duchesses were plac'd behind the Folding-Chairs of -the Princes, on both sides of the Table; and the other Ladies of Quality -stood on the Right hand of the King's Arm-chair. His Majesty, after making -a Bow to the Princes and Princesses and all the Ladies, sate down in his -Chair, and then the Princes and Princesses took their Seats, as did also -the Duchesses. The other Ladies of Quality pass'd into a Salon just by, -where they were at liberty to sit down. The Supper lasted no longer than -the Dinner: The King talk'd there but little, and sometimes he address'd -himself to _Madame_, or to the Duchess of _Orleans_; but I never heard him -speak to the Dukes of _Berry_ and _Orleans_, nor even to the Duchess of -_Berry_. - -After Supper was over, the King, preceded by the Princes, went into his -Bed-Chamber, where he found such of the Ladies as were not Duchesses, to -whom he put off his Hat, and then sate down by the Ballustrade that was -before his Bed, where he stay'd till the Princesses and Duchesses were -enter'd into the Room. I observ'd that the old Court-Ladies made a -profound Curt'sy to the King's Bed when they enter'd his Chamber, which -the young Ladies did not; for being perhaps more puff'd up with their -Youth and their Charms, they did not think themselves oblig'd to pay so -much Respect. When the Duchesses who had attended at Supper enter'd to the -King's Bed-Chamber, the King made an Obeisance to them, as he did to the -other Ladies; and then the King preceded by the Princes, and followed by -the Princesses who had supp'd with him, went into his Closet, to which the -Princes and Princesses of the Blood also repair'd. His Majesty convers'd -with 'em for a while, during which the Duchesses and the other Ladies -withdrew. At length the King dismiss'd the Princes and Princesses, and -went to Bed. Then the Courtiers separated, and the Generality retir'd. -Some went to the Duke of _Berry_'s Couchee, and others to the Duke of -_Orleans_'s. Those who paid their Court to this Prince were well receiv'd -by him. For my own part I went thither as often as I could, not so much to -pay my Court to _Madame_, as from a natural liking I had to this Prince. - -Thus, Madame, did the King pass his Life. The Pleasures of the Courtiers -were at best but dull, Gaming being almost their whole Amusement. The -Assembly was commonly held at the House of the Prince _d'Armagnac_ of -_Lorrain_, Master of the Horse, where there was Play in the Afternoon. -Foreigners were perfectly welcome to this Prince, as they were also to the -Cardinal of _Roban_. The latter liv'd very magnificently, and at the -Houses of these two Noblemen you were sure to see the Prime of the -Nobility of _France_. - -When the Court was at FONTAINBLEAU[41], 'twas much more gay than it was -when at _Versailles_, where it may be said, that it shone in its full -Lustre. Nevertheless tho' _Fontainbleau_ is not near so magnificent, it -has the Air of a Castle, which _Versailles_ has not. Moreover, Art and -Nature seem to have acted in concert towards forming the magnificent -Buildings which several Monarchs have caus'd to be erected at -_Fontainbleau_: Whereas at _Versailles_ Nature seems to have had nothing -to do, every thing being the Work of Art, and too much adorned. Perhaps I -may be the only one of this Opinion, but I always thought that the -Magnificence at _Versailles_ was too general. - -I was at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Conclusion of the Suspension -of Arms with the _English_. The News of the Peace on the point of being -concluded, and the Victory at _Denain_, seem'd to have restor'd to the -Court such an Air of Gayety as had not been known there for many years. -The Elector of _Bavaria_ was there at that time, and there was such Gaming -at the Duchess of _Berry_'s and the Duke of _Antin_'s, as if they had no -Sense at all of the public Calamities. The Party was of twelve Cutters at -_Lansquenet_, who began with setting four Lewid'ors, and at last stak'd -Rouleaus of a hundred Lewid'ors on a Card. I won seven hundred Lewid'ors -there one Night, in less than an Hour's time, and the Duchess _de la -Ferte_ trick'd me out of no less than a hundred, besides fourscore that -she borrow'd of me, and never paid me again. Perhaps she thought 'twas the -best way to make herself amends for the Trouble she was pleas'd to take -upon her, of setting my Money upon the Table, there being such a Croud of -Ladies round it that I could not get near it. - -While the Court was at _Fontainbleau_, who should come thither but Mr. -_St. John_, since made Lord _Bolingbroke_, to settle the Plan of the Peace -that was afterwards concluded at _Utrecht_. He could not have been better -receiv'd than he was there if he had been a Sovereign Prince, for the King -himself had an extraordinary Regard for him. I was one day to see his -Majesty dine, when there was to be Music, but as soon as it struck up the -King stopt it, by calling out aloud, _I am informed that M. +de St. John+ -dines with the Duke of +Antin+. Let my Music wait on him there, and let -him know that I send it to him, and that I wish it may give him Pleasure._ -You will easily imagine, Madame, that all the Courtiers, in imitation of -the Monarch, strove who should be most complaisant to the _English_ -Minister, who for his part justly merited the Regard that was paid to him. - -The Court stay'd at _Fontainbleau_ some time after the Arrival of this -Minister, and all the while there was nothing but Merriment and a -continual Succession of Pleasures. The Hunting-Matches were of the utmost -Magnificence. The Ladies were there either on horseback or in Chaises in -the Retinue of the Duchess of _Berry_ and _Madame_. So many fine Women -mounted on horseback all richly dressed, the King in a Chaise attended by -the whole Court on horseback, and the sumptuous Hunting-Equipages to be -seen all at once in the pleasant Forest of _Fontainbleau_, form'd one of -the finest Sights that could be. On the Days when there was no Hunting, -the King took the Air in an open Calash round the great Canal, accompany'd -by Ladies whose Habits were the finest and of the most beautiful Fancy -that could be imagin'd. When the Court return'd from their Airing there -was a Comedy or else a Drawing-Room at the Duchess of _Berry_'s, where -they play'd at _Lansquenet_. - -At those times too when there was no Hunting there were Assemblies at M. -_le Grand_'s, and several others of Quality. I observ'd that most of the -Nobility were more inclinable to be complaisant at _Fontainbleau_, than at -_Versailles_: If a Man was ever so little known for a Person of Quality, -they freely furnish'd him with the King's Horses for Hunting, which is -scarce ever practis'd but in _France_ and _Lorrain_. Indeed I have seen -the same thing done at the Court of _Bavaria_, but 'twas very seldom. - -After I had follow'd the Court for some time to _Versailles_ and -_Fontainbleau_, I went back again to the famous City of PARIS. I no sooner -arriv'd there but I had a considerable Fit of Sickness, which brought me -almost to the Brink of the Grave. I committed myself to the care of the -famous _Dutch_ Physician _Helvetius_. This skilful Doctor set me upon my -Legs in a very little time; and when I was able to go abroad, he advis'd -me to take a Walk in the Garden of _Luxembourg_, which they cry'd up for -the best Air in all _Paris_. I did not fail to pursue the Doctor's -Direction, and observ'd indeed, that the Air I breath'd in that Garden was -very good for me: But in a little time it had like to have prov'd most -pernicious to me. For one Morning as I was walking there, I saw two Ladies -coming a good way off, in a Deshabille, who had both a grand Air, and a -most noble Carriage. They were footing it on the very Terrass where I was -walking; so that I sat down on a Bench to see them pass by. I confess to -you, that I thought their Persons as lovely as their Undress was genteel -and noble. As they sail'd by me, one of 'em happen'd to drop her -Handkerchief, which I that instant snatch'd up and presented to her. She -receiv'd it in a very polite manner, and I pass'd her a Compliment, to -which she made a witty Reply. By degrees we entered into a Conversation, -which tho' it held only a Quarter of an Hour, cost me very dear; for I -fell in Love, and more deeply in Love than I can express to you. The -Ladies asked my Name. You will imagine I did not put them to the trouble -of asking it twice; the rather, because I hop'd that in requital they -would tell me their Names: But notwithstanding all my Intreaty they wou'd -not satisfy me. She that I was most enamour'd with at the first View, bid -me in very good _High-Dutch_ not to give my self any Uneasiness to know -who they were; as she was going away, she said that I should not fail to -see them again if I made any stay at _Paris_. I gave her my Hand and led -her to her Coach, which seem'd to be well lin'd. I also saw a Couple of -lusty Lackeys who were well clad. All this put together, confirm'd me in -the Notion I had conceiv'd, that they were Ladies of Quality; or, at -least, in good Keeping. I wou'd have given all the World to be inform'd -exactly who and what they were; but 'twas absolutely impossible for me to -make any Discovery. The Lackey that I had with me being a _German_, and -even more a Stranger here than my self, was upon that account an improper -Person, for the Management which is necessary for such Discoveries. I -remain'd therefore mortally uneasy, and it had like to have made me as -light-headed as I was in the Illness from which I was but newly recover'd. -I did not fail to go to _Luxembourg_ Gardens every day, and staid there -from nine o'clock in the Morning till Night, excepting only the little -time it took me to go home to Dinner. All these Jaunts forwards and -backwards lasted about a Fortnight, at the end of which I found my self -just as forward as I was the first Day. At last, when I had given over all -Thoughts of being so happy as to find this Fair-one out, I was surpris'd -to see her at a Place where I never dreamt of finding her. One day as I -waited upon the Ladies _de V----_ and _D----_ to the Play-house where -_Cid_ was to be acted, and _Quinaut_ the Elder began with playing -_Roderigo_; judge, _Madame_, how great was my Surprize when I saw that the -Heroine of my Passion was also the Heroine of this Play, in which she -perform'd the Part of _Clymene_. In all my Life I was never so confounded, -and began to question whether I ought to indulge a Passion of that nature. -I perceiv'd some Reluctance in my Mind against attaching my self to a -Person whose Profession is rarely susceptible of those nice Sentiments, -which Persons of Honor always demand in Love. But the Course I took was -really the same that a Boy of nineteen years of Age wou'd have done; that -is to say, I acted the very contrary to what I ought to have done. I -foolishly indulg'd my I Passion, so that I had scarce Patience to stay for -the Interval between the Play and the Entertainment, before I went behind -the Scenes, where I found my Fair-one, with several Gentlemen of my -Acquaintance about her, whom I took at first for so many Rivals; and as if -it was not Punishment enough to be in love, I must needs be jealous too. I -spoke to _D----_, (which was the Name of this dissembling Creature) but I -perceiv'd that what I said put her into a Flutter; and I observ'd that she -was over and above complaisant to a Gentleman of the Long Robe who stood -near her. I was not mistaken in my Guess; 'twas _B----_, one of the -Counsellors of Parliament, who bore this Lady's Expences, and at such a -Rate too, as if he had been an Officer of the Finances, rather than a -Magistrate. I was so vain as to think of supplanting this Lover, or at -least, if I could not quite non-suit him, I flatter'd my self that I -should put him to a Non-plus. For this end I began to frequent the Comedy, -and soon had the Comfort to find that my Love was not repaid with -Ingratitude. - -The Difficulty was to find a convenient Opportunity of seeing one another; -but Love and Fortune soon pav'd the way for our Interview. Young _Q----_, -the Sister of _D----_, who also liv'd with her, happen'd to have the -Small-Pox. The Counsellor, who was extremely afraid of the Consequence, -immediately took _D----_ from those Lodgings, and gave her an Apartment in -the Hotel _d'Entragues_: But my comic Mistress gave me notice of her new -Quarters; and the very same Day I hir'd a Chamber there too. I took no -body with me but one Domestic, who was the Confident of my little Secrets; -and there, in spite of my troublesome _Argus_, it was easy for me to see -his Mistress, who would have been glad to be mine, if I had been so -generous as he was, to give her 14000 Livres a year. But I chose rather to -go snacks with him in the Favors which the Fair-one granted, than to pay -so dear for the Exclusion of a Rival. The Counsellor, for his part, was -not so indifferent, and having a Mistrust, he left no Stone unturn'd to -find out the real Truth of the matter; nor was it long e'er his Curiosity -was satisfy'd. Any other Person, not so deeply smitten as he was, might -have known what he had to trust to for a Trifle of Expence; but this -unbelieving Gallant, who, perhaps, was also too much conceited of his own -Merit, and had too great an Opinion of his Nymph's Virtue, to presume to -be jealous of her Honor upon slight Appearances, try'd new Experiments. He -gave a Bribe to a Chambermaid, who made him see enough with his own Eyes -intirely to remove those Suspicions which he had so fondly indulged. In a -word, he saw me with his dear Mistress; and at a time too, when we should -have least of all thought of being seen together. What a Fury the provok'd -Lover was in, is easy to imagine, Nevertheless he was so prudent as to -dissemble his Passion till I was retir'd to my own Chamber. Then, like -another _Roland_, he took a Revenge for the Infidelity of his _Angelica_ -upon every thing that happen'd in his way. He broke and dash'd all to -pieces; he tore off her Topknot, and threaten'd no less than utter -Destruction to all about him. To all this Noise the Damsel return'd no -Answer but Tears, which at length wrought so far upon this outragious -Lover, as to pacify him: being then more calm, he larded his severe -Reproaches with the softest Expressions; and taking the advantage of her -Foible, offer'd her to increase her Pension, if she wou'd but promise him -inviolable Fidelity. The Fair-one swore that nothing should, hereafter, -lead her astray from her Duty; and in a Flood of Tears she consented to -receive 2000 Crowns Addition to her Pension, which made it 20000 Livres a -year. The Bargain was concluded with great Joy on both sides; but yet it -was not strictly perform'd; for I continu'd my Visits to the Damsel, till -at length her Sister being recover'd of her Distemper, Miss return'd to -her own House. The Difficulties that then occurr'd, together with my own -Fickleness, quite cool'd my Passion, which it was the easier for me to get -rid of, because it was not in the least founded in Esteem; and perhaps, -had it not been purely for the Pleasure of teazing that Limb of the Law, I -had withdrawn my Addresses sooner. - -My Amour with the fair Comedian did not sequester me from Company; and I -will venture to say, that I made a tolerable Figure in a Country where -every body that is not _French_ passes readily for a Barbarian. Several -Gentlemen who saw how graciously the King receiv'd me at _Versailles_, -were eager to pay me their Respects; particularly the Duke _D----_, first -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, made me such a Compliment as I cannot easily -forget. I became acquainted with this Nobleman at _Versailles_. He -accosted me with the utmost Civility in the Great Gallery, the very Day -after I had been introduc'd to his Majesty, and told me that I had good -reason to be pleas'd with the Reception which the King gave me; but much -more with what he said when I was withdrawn; which was, _That of all the -Foreigners who had been introduc'd to him, no body had saluted him with a -better Grace and a more easy Air than the Margrave of_ Anspach _and me_. -The said Duke made a Proposal to me for my entring into the Service of -_France_; and also promis'd me that I should be made a Colonel, if I would -turn _Roman Catholic_. I thank'd him for his obliging Offers; but assur'd -him, that Interest should never make me alter my Religion. I was also at -that time full of the Prejudices of the Protestants against the Catholics; -moreover, I was of an Age not mature enough for serious Reflections: for I -thought of nothing in the world but my Pleasures; and indeed, how could a -Man of my years help abandoning himself to them, when all the Kingdom, -_Paris_ especially, breath'd an Air of Gayety, which there was no -withstanding? _France_ saw that Peace which she had long wish'd for, on -the point of being concluded; her late Losses had been expung'd by the -Victory at _Denain_, and other Advantages which the _French_ Troops -obtain'd, not only by the raising of the Siege of _Landrecy_, which the -Allies had invested, but by the taking of _Marchiennes_ and _St. Amant_. -The Allies began therefore to think of a Peace, and the _English_ were at -last willing to consent to it. I have already had the Honor to acquaint -you, that my Lord _St. John_ was come to the Court of _France_ to have a -Conference upon the Articles of the so much desir'd Peace; and that he -was receiv'd there as a Man who came with the most important News that -'twas possible for them to receive. - -As soon as that Minister was return'd to _London_, the Congress was open'd -at _Utrecht_ for a Peace; and _France_ and _England_ mutually sent their -Ambassadors to one another. The Duke _d'Aumont_ was appointed to go in -that quality to the Court of _England_; and before he departed, the King -gave him the Order of the Holy Ghost. This Nobleman was perfectly welcome -to the Court-Party at _London_, which was desirous of Peace; but was an -Eye-sore to the opposite Party, who hated to hear the mention of it. The -_French_ Ambassador was insulted, and treated with such Outrage, that his -House was set on fire, and the Loss thereby sustain'd was very -considerable; the said Duke having borrow'd the richest Furniture of -several Persons, which was entirely burnt. The Duke of _Orleans_ thereby -lost a noble Suit of Hangings, and several very scarce Pictures. - -The Person who was sent to _France_, as Ambassador from the Court of -_England_, was the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, whose Reception by the King, the -Court and the Kingdom was sufficient Demonstration how well they lik'd the -Commission which he came to negotiate. This Ambassador kept no very great -Table at the Court of _France_; nor was his Equipage very gay. He was -indeed a Nobleman of very great Merit, but of a mean Presence; for he was -blind of one Eye, and exclusive of that Defect no body would hardly have -taken him for a Nobleman, if he had not been adorn'd with the Order of the -Garter. He had his Duchess with him, who was an _Italian_ Lady by Birth, -and Sister to the famous _P----_, so well known in _England_ for his -Extravagancies and his tragical Exit. The Duke of _Shrewsbury_ was -betroth'd to her in _Italy_, and married in _England_. This Duchess -appear'd at the Court of _France_ with the most Foreign Air in the World. -The Duchess _d'Aumont_ was to have introduc'd her to the King and the -Princesses; but as she was at that time indispos'd, she desir'd Madame _de -Chatillon_ to perform the Office for her. The King receiv'd the -Ambassadress with great Marks of Distinction; and she was afterwards -introduc'd to _Madame_, where she found a numerous Company that came -thither out of meer Curiosity; and there it was that I had the Honor of -seeing her. She seem'd at first in such Confusion, as if she had never -liv'd in any Court, but by degrees she took courage. She talk'd a great -deal, and talk'd well. - -The same Night the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was with the King at Supper, -where she was plac'd in the Rank of the Duchesses, exactly behind the Duke -of _Berry_. She talk'd a great deal to this Prince, tho' she had only a -Glimpse of him once before at the Duchess of _Berry_'s Apartment. All the -Supper-time she did nothing but twitch him by the Sleeve, to advise him -not to eat so much. Every body was very much surpriz'd to see this -Familiarity of her's; and I observ'd that the Duke of _Berry_ was not a -little confounded at it. I forgot to mention one Circumstance wherein I -thought the King was over and above polite. As he came to the Table he -pass'd by the Duchess of _Shrewsbury_, without seeing her; but just as he -was going to sit down, M. _de Livry_ the Chief Steward acquainted him, -that the Ambassadress of _England_ was come to his Supper. Upon this, the -King return'd that instant to the Place where she was, and said to her, -_That he had pass'd her without saluting her, because he did not see her; -and that, he thought she was so fatigu'd with the Visits she had made in -the Day that she was retir'd_. The King also desir'd her to go and repose -her self; but she made her Excuse and said, _That 'twas impossible to have -the Honor of paying Duty to so great a King as his Majesty, and to -complain of Fatigue_. - -The Duchess of _Shrewsbury_ was much of the same Temper as her Lord the -Ambassador: She did not care for expensive Living. I remember that one day -when I was at the Palace of _Soissons_, where she lodg'd, the Duchess _de -----_, who was a very gay Lady, wou'd fain have engag'd the Ambassadress -to give a Ball: for this purpose she signify'd what a general Melancholy -there was all over _France_, on account of the Death of the Princes, and a -War of several years continuance; and said, every body expected that the -Duke of _Shrewsbury_, who was come over to _France_ to bring Peace, would -also be inclinable to procure the Return of those Pleasures which so many -Calamities had banish'd. But it all avail'd nothing; for the Ambassadress -made answer to the Duchess, that she should be very glad to see a general -Mirth at _Paris_; and that she thought the Duke of _Shrewsbury_ had -brought the _French_ such important News, as wou'd have put an end to all -Sadness for the past Misfortunes, without expecting him to procure other -Pleasures. 'Twas to no purpose therefore to insist any longer on a Ball -from that Quarter. - -You will undoubtedly be surpriz'd, Madame, when you hear who was the -Person that gave the first Ball, instead of the Ambassador of _England_. -'Twas I that reviv'd _Paris_ out of that fatal Lethargy, into which it -seem'd to be fallen. I gave a Ball at _Carneaux_, or rather _Mesdames de -la M----_ _D----_ and _de V----_ gave it for me. These Ladies having in -form desir'd me to give a Ball, I immediately excus'd my self, on the -consideration that as I was a Stranger it did not become me to set a -Pattern for Entertainments, especially for a Peace which could be of no -farther Advantage to me, than as it would indeed enable me to live more to -my Satisfaction, in a Country where it had been long wish'd for. Moreover, -there were other Reasons much of the same nature as those that govern'd -the Duke of _Shrewsbury_, which made me grudge the Expence of a Ball that -I foresaw would be very chargeable. My Arguments had some weight with the -Ladies; but a Ball they were resolv'd to have, and therefore they made a -Proposal to me, that if I would give them but ten Lewid'ors there should -be a Ball, and I should have nothing else to do but to give out at the -Opera and the Comedy, that there would be a Ball such a day at _Carneaux_. -This I did not fail to do, and wherever I came I found People very well -inclin'd to be present at the Assembly. The Ladies on their part hir'd the -great Hall of the _Carneaux_, which they caus'd to be very finely -illuminated, and having provided a very good Concert of Music there, they -caus'd the Ball to be open'd by their Waiting-Women and Valets de Chambre. -I supp'd with the Ladies that Evening, and ingenuously own'd to them that -I did not very well know what Effect a Ball of that sort would have at -_Paris_. After a good deal of joke upon it we went thither as soon as -ever we had supp'd, and I confess that in my Life I never saw more -Maskers. They crouded one another from the very Gate of the Court into the -Hall, where the People were ready to faint for the very Heat, and did not -know whom to apply to for a drop of Water: Every body rav'd against the -Ball, and against the Person that gave it. But by good luck they did not -know whom they were oblig'd to for such an Entertainment. Mean time I had -the Precaution to provide some Refreshments for the Ladies in my Company, -and they were not ill bestow'd. This Ball drew me in to give ten or a -dozen other Entertainments of the like kind, and altogether as unprovided -of Refreshments. Yet notwithstanding the general Thirst complain'd of for -want of Liquor, and the Curses that I heard them utter against the -_Undertaker_, there was always a vast Croud of Masqueraders. - -Thus, Madame, did I pass my time at _Paris_, I kept the greatest and the -gayest Company, and I had pretty good Fortune at Play, which, together -with what was remitted to me from home, put me in a Condition to live -there like a Prince. I made fresh Acquaintance every day, and they gave me -fresh Pleasures, till I receiv'd News which troubled me very much, _viz._ -the Death of our King _Frederic_ I. which happen'd on the 15th of -_February_ this Year, and was occasion'd by one of the saddest Accidents -that could have fallen out. 'Twas the Queen herself who in one of those -Vertigo's, to which she had been for some time past subject, frighten'd -the King so that he never recover'd it. It happen'd thus: - -The Queen had for a long while given herself up to more than ordinary -Devotion, and to a rigid Life not very agreeable to her natural Temper. -But the Princess thought 'twas the best Course she could take, to stop the -Mouths of those who had been so audacious as to give out that before her -Marriage she was not always the Fondest of Retirement. The recluse and -self-denying Life she led after Marriage, made her subject to Vapors, -which ended in Frenzy, the Fits whereof were terrible. The King was not -acquainted with her unhappy Disorder for a long time, till at last the -Queen being one day in a more outragious Fit than ordinary, was so strong -as to get loose from the Ladies that had the Care of her Person, and being -but half dress'd, with her Hair dishevel'd, she went thro' a private -Gallery to the King's Apartment. As she enter'd it she broke a Glass-Door, -by which she cut both her Hands and Arms; and in this bloody pickle rush'd -in upon the King like a Fury, and abus'd him with such Reproaches as would -never have enter'd into the head of the poor Princess, if she had been -well. The King, who was at the same time somewhat indispos'd, was taking a -Nap in an easy Chair; but he started out of his Sleep, and imagin'd -himself in the hands of a Ghost, every thing contributing to confirm him -in that Notion. For the Queen having her Hair flying about her Temples, -and no Clothes on but an Under-Petticoat, and a quilted Waistcoat of -_Marseilles_ Linnen, and her Arms and Face being moreover of a Gore-Blood, -the King fancy'd her to be the _White Woman_[42], and did so much believe -that this Apparition was a certain Presage of his approaching Dissolution, -that it threw him the same Instant into a Fever, which oblig'd him to -take to his Bed, and he never recover'd it. This Prince lay ill for near -six Weeks, during which he had the Consolation to see how dear he was to -his Subjects; for one day as he thought himself a little better, so that -the Physicians began to have hopes of his Recovery, he caus'd himself to -be carry'd towards a Window, from whence he saw the whole Square full of -People, who were offering up Vows to Heaven for his Life. This was so -moving a Scene to him, that the generous Prince could not refuse a Tribute -of Tears for the Tenderness of his People. But their Prayers were not -heard; and his Majesty died at _Berlin_ with a Constancy and Courage -worthy of him, after having given excellent Instructions to his Son the -Prince Royal. - -This young Prince was heartily griev'd for the Death of the King his -Father, and as soon as he had receiv'd the first Homages of the Margraves -who were the late King's Brothers, and of the whole Court, he shut himself -up in his Apartment where he abandon'd himself to that Lamentation which -he had reason to make for the Loss he had sustain'd. The Person that -notify'd his Death to the Courtiers who crouded the Apartments, was M. _de -Printz_, the Grand Marshal. They say, that when this Nobleman made his -appearance to proclaim the melancholy News, it so seiz'd him that he could -only say, _The King, the King, the King!_ his redoubled Sighs discovering -the rest that his Tongue had not power to declare. - -The King's Funeral Obsequies were very magnificent. In the Streets, from -the Palace to the place of Interment, several Regiments of Soldiers were -drawn up in a Line on each side. The new King accompany'd the Convoy, and -when the Corpse was deposited in the Royal Vault he went out of the -Church, and mounting on horseback put himself at the Head of the Troops -which made three Discharges of small Arms, and at the same time the Cannon -were fir'd from the Ramparts. Thus, Madame, were the last Devoirs paid to -_Frederic_ our First King. - -As to the Queen, the Physicians were of Opinion that her Native Air would -be of service to her, and therefore she was carry'd to her Mother's Seat -at _Grabau_ in _Mecklemburg_, where she still remains, but without any -Hopes as yet of her Recovery. - -After the Death of _Frederic_ I. the King his Son dismiss'd the whole -Court, the three Companies of Life-Guards were broke, and the Guard of the -hundred _Swiss_ sent home to their own Country: In short, every thing -assum'd a new Face. I saw, and was really mortify'd to see, that there was -nothing more for me to hope for in my own Country. Nevertheless, tho' I -thought I should have broke my Heart the first Moment that I receiv'd the -melancholy News, my Sorrow was of no long duration. I had not, indeed, a -very splendid Fortune to be my Comfort, but I was so young that I presum'd -to think I should never come to want. Besides, my Birth was some Relief to -my Mind; and to tell you the plain truth of the matter, as Things stood -with me at that time, I was quite in love with _Paris_, which was reason -good enough why I should not devote myself long to Melancholy. - -Happening to be at the Fair of _St. Germain_, I there contracted Love for -another Mistress. I had no reason to be asham'd of the choice I then made, -because I might have hop'd to have been possess'd of every thing that was -capable of fixing a Man of Gallantry. I abandon'd my self intirely to this -new Amour, and as I was naturally fond of Expence, I laid out such a Sum -that all my Friends were startled at it. My Equipages, Clothes, Liveries, -_&c._ were all of the utmost Magnificence, and the frequent Presents that -I made were very rich. But I was soon reduc'd to a Necessity of making -very serious Reflections upon my past Conduct; tho' I had no body to blame -but myself; for as to Mademoiselle _de S----_ (which was the Name of the -Angel I ador'd) she would certainly have been well enough pleas'd with a -Lover less profuse, so that with a little Oeconomy I might have made a gay -Figure at _Paris_: But my new Passion would not suffer me to think so -close of my Finances, which were now so much disorder'd that I saw no -Remedy, except to return to my own Country: But I was so uneasy to think -of going away, that I was very loth to fix on a day for my Departure. Mean -time my dear Mistress and her Mother both press'd me with Tears in -abundance to undertake a Journey so necessary; the one wishing it for my -own sake, and the other for the sake of her Daughter; for the good Mother -was as eager after Money, as the Daughter was disinterested. At length the -melancholy Day being come, I set out from _Paris_ without bidding Farewel -to any one Friend whatsoever except _Madame_, and the Duke of _Orleans_, -because I hop'd to be back again speedily. I left all my Servants behind, -except only one Domestic who was privy to all my Affairs. - -The Day that I set out I arriv'd about five o'clock in the Evening at -_Roye_ in _Picardy_, where I was told I could not proceed farther for -want of Post-Horses, the Duke of _Ossuna_ who was gone Ambassador of -_Spain_ to the Treaty at _Utrecht_, having taken them all up. I resolv'd -therefore to go on with those that brought me to _Roye_. I halted at very -sad Quarters, at a place betwixt _Roye_ and _Peronne_. The first thing I -did was to go to Bed, and really need enough I had of Rest; for my Head -was so confus'd with a thousand different Thoughts, that I felt my Brains -work almost as if I had been light-headed. But when I was in Bed 'twas -much worse with me, I still indulg'd Melancholy. One while I wanted to go -back again to _Paris_, whither my Love call'd me strongly. On the other -hand, I was sensible of the sad Necessity of pursuing my Journey. In -short, Swarms of different Inclinations succeeded each other; but at last, -after a long debate with my self, I resolv'd to return to _Paris_. The -time when I made this noble Resolution was about two o'clock in the -Morning. I got up that Moment, and call'd for my Valet. As he lay in -another part of the House which was separate from my Apartment, I thought -'twas better to go my self and awake him, than to lose my time in calling -for him. I went out of my Chamber accordingly, but as ill luck would have -it, I had not observ'd, or rather the confusion I was in made me forget -that my Chamber-Door open'd into a Gallery that run round the House. This -Gallery was so lately built that they had not time to put Rails to it, so -that before I had gone two steps I had the finest tumble that ever I made -in my Life. I fell from the Gallery into the Yard, and by good luck upon a -heap of Dung, otherwise I might have been wounded, if not kill'd; so that -all the harm I had was the surprize to find my self sinking in a Matrass -as offensive as 'tis possible to conceive. My greatest perplexity was then -to contrive how to get out of it, and to find the way back to my Chamber: -But the Night was so dark, and I was so little acquainted with the House -where I lodg'd, that I despair'd of getting out without Help; I began then -to call out lustily for my Valet. But the Rascal never heard me, and -indeed I was inform'd soon after, that he had been drunk, so that his -Liquor had plung'd him into a profound Sleep. Seeing that I had to do with -one that was as deaf as a Post, I thought fit to call out aloud for -_Mary_, _Catherine_, _Joan_, and other Names, hoping that there was some -Servant-Maid in the House, whom one at least of these Names would fit: Nor -was I deceiv'd, for one of the Maids came to my Assistance, but the Wench -taking me for a Spirit ran away in an instant, with a great Cry of -_Jesu-Maria_. I was then terribly mortify'd: At this rate I plainly saw I -should be forc'd to spend the rest of the Night in the Dunghill, and to -wait with patience till the whole Family was risen. What made me the more -apprehensive of the Consequences of this Disaster was, that tho' we were -got into the Summer Season, yet the Nights were cold, and I had nothing -over my Shirt but a Taffeta Night-Gown. I began again therefore to call -and baul so loud, that at length some of the Family ran out to see what -was the matter; but like the Servant-Maid they all took me for a Ghost -come to haunt the House, and were afraid to come near me. At length, all -this Noise awak'd my Valet, who ran out in his Shirt. He imagin'd at first -that there had been a Design to murder me, but when I bid him put the -Horses in my Chaise, he thought I was crazy; and indeed, I was pretty far -gone that way. I repeated my Order to get my Chaise ready, that I might be -gone that instant. My Valet, who had scarce recover'd from the Surprize he -was in at my giving such an Order, said, _Alas, Sir, be easy; 'tis but two -o'clock in the Morning yet, at five you shall be gone._ I told him, that -he was a Fool, and that go I would. But he, like other Skipkennels who are -apt to be fancy if their Masters treat them with any degree of -Familiarity, refus'd point-blank to obey me. He said that I had no -Consideration, that because I could not sleep my self I hinder'd others -from sleeping; that I roll'd along the Day in an easy Chaise, whereas he -rode generally upon very sorry Horses; that in short he wanted Rest, and -that he would not set out till he had two Hours more Sleep, and had a good -Breakfast. I was like to have been in a Passion, but saw 'twas to no -purpose, and therefore we split the Difference; he compounded with me not -to go to Bed again, and I gave him leave to take his Breakfast. When he -thought fit to make an end, I got into my Chaise, and order'd the -Postillion to strike into the Road for _Paris_. Then my Valet imagin'd -indeed that I was crack-brain'd; he said I was wrong, and that we must -turn into the Road to the _Netherlands_. I order'd him to hold his tongue, -and go on. The poor Boy being confirm'd more and more in his Notion that I -was Kite-headed, was wonderful uneasy, and at every Stage came with a -sorrowful Countenance to the side of my Chaise to know how I did, and if I -wanted any thing. At length I arriv'd at _Paris_, where all that knew of -my Departure were startled to see me return'd so soon. I feign'd my self -very much out of order, and that I came back again for fear of a Fit of -Sickness, in which case I chose to be at _Paris_ rather than any where -else. But no body would believe me, for they thought that some Love-Affair -at heart was the sole cause of my returning in such a hurry. I stay'd -three Days at _Paris_, but did not go once to _Versailles_ for fear of -_Madame_, who was a Princess that did not love such Frolics, and I for my -part did not love Reprimands, and therefore I thought it best to keep out -of her way. Mean time the very same reason that determined me the first -time to take a Journey to my own Country still subsisted, and at last I -quitted _Paris_ in good earnest, tho' I was resolv'd to be absent as -little a while as possible. - -I went the common Road to _Brussels_, and from thence through _Breda_ and -_Gorcum_, to _Utrecht_; having a desire to see in what state the Congress -was, which was then held at that place. - -BREDA, which is a Place of Strength, situate on the River of _Mercke_, is -part of _Dutch Brabant_, and one of the most considerable Towns in the -_Netherlands_. This City and its Territory has the Title of a Barony, and -has had several Masters. The last Owners of it were the Princes of -_Nassau_, who acquired it in 1404, by _Eagelbert_ of _Nassau_'s Marriage -with _Joan_ the only Daughter of the Lord of _Leck_, who was Sovereign of -_Breda_. _Henry de Nassau_ founded the Castle in this Town, and the Tomb -of _Rene_ is still to be seen in the Collegiate Church of St. _Peter_, -which was founded about the Year 1303. This City suffer'd very much -towards the latter end of the sixteenth Century, during the Wars for -Religion. 'Twas at first seiz'd by the Confederates, who form'd the -Republic of the United Provinces. The Prince of _Parma_ took it from them -the 18th of _June_ 1581; but Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_ made himself -Master of it in 1590, by means of a Boat laden with Turf, under which he -had caus'd about threescore Soldiers to be conceal'd, who made themselves -Masters of the Castle, and thereby gave the Prince an Opportunity to take -the Town by Capitulation. They tell a very remarkable Story of one of the -Soldiers that was hid in that Boat, _viz._ That having a Necessity of -coughing, he desir'd one of his Comrades to kill him outright, for fear -that his impertinent Cough should discover the Stratagem. This Soldier -richly deserv'd to have his Name transmitted to Posterity; for sure a -_Roman_ could not have said a more gallant Thing, and an Instance of -inferior Courage to this would perhaps have been rewarded with a Statue. -Some Years after the Reduction of _Breda_, the great _Spinola_ General of -the _Spanish_ Forces, besieg'd and took it after a Siege, or rather -Blockade of eleven Months. 'Twas a fourth time besieg'd by -_Frederic-Henry_ Prince of _Orange_, who took it after a Siege of four -Months, and then it came into the hands of the _Dutch_, who have remain'd -Masters of it ever since, and have considerably augmented its -Fortifications; and as the Place is situate in very Marshy Ground, they -have erected Sluices there, by means of which they can easily lay all the -neighbouring Country under Water. For the rest, this is not one of the -best built Cities in the _Netherlands_, and were it not for its Ramparts -would be a very inconsiderable Place. The King of _Prussia_, by virtue of -his Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of _England_, -adds to his Titles that of _Baron of Breda_. - -Having pass'd through _Gorcum_, which I thought a Town of very little -consequence, I came to UTRECHT[43], which is one of the most noted Cities -in the _Netherlands_, and gives Name to one of the seven Provinces, -whereof it is the Capital. It was formerly a Bishop's See, and the Bishops -were Sovereigns of the Province, and Princes of the Empire. The Dukes of -_Brabant_ and _Cleves_, the Counts of _Holland_ and _Guelderland_, and -other Sovereigns to the number of twenty-eight, were Feudataries to its -Bishop. The Emperor _Charlemain_, that great Founder of Bishoprics, -annex'd so Many Prerogatives to this with a View of engaging the Bishops -to act with Zeal for Conversion of the _Pagans_ who possess'd a Part of -the Neighbouring Countries. _Philip_ II. erected this Bishopric into an -Archbishopric in favor of _Schenck_ of _Tautenbourg_; but he did not enjoy -the new Dignity long, for at the same time that this Country revolted from -_Spain_, the Protestant Religion was introduc'd into it, and the -Archbishop was expell'd. _Henry_ of _Bavaria_ was the last Bishop who was -Sovereign of this Country, but his Subjects rebell'd against him and -turn'd him out. This Bishop implor'd the Protection of _Charles_ V. to -whom with the Consent of his Clergy and States he transferr'd the Temporal -Dominion of the Country in 1528, and from thence he was translated to the -Bishopric of _Worms_. The famous Union of the seven Provinces, to which -the Establishment of the Republic is owing, was concluded at _Utrecht_ the -13th of _January_, 1579. - -The City of _Utrecht_ is famous also for the Birth of Pope _Adrian_ VI, in -1459. They say this Pontiff was of mean Extraction, and was only oblig'd -to his own Merit for his Advancement. The Emperor _Maximilian_ trusted him -with the Education of _Charles_ his Grandson. He was afterwards sent to -_Spain_ with the Title of Ambassador to King _Ferdinand_, who gave him the -Bishopric of _Tortosa_. Upon that Monarch's Death he shar'd the Regency of -_Spain_ with the Cardinal _Ximenes_, and afterwards remained sole Viceroy -of that Kingdom. He was made a Cardinal the first of _July 1517_, by Pope -_Leo_ X. and chose Pope the ninth of _January 1522_. - -While I am thus making Digressions in speaking of the City of _Utrecht_, -you will also permit me to tell you that this City gave birth to the -famous _Anna-Maria Schuurman_, that learned Lady who spoke _Latin_, -_Greek_, _Hebrew_, the _Syriac_, _Chaldee_, _Italian_, _Spanish_, and -_French_ Languages as fluently as the _Low Dutch_, which was her -Mother-Tongue. She also knew how to paint in Miniature, and to engrave -both with the Graving Tool and the Diamond upon Copper and Glass. Queen -_Christina_ of _Sweden_ did her the same Honor, as _Alexander_ formerly -did to _Diogenes_, for she went to pay her a Visit, and was surpriz'd at -the Beauty of her Performances. This most ingenious Artist of her Sex died -in 1678, at 71 Years of Age. - -_Balderic_ of _Cleves_ the fifteenth Bishop of _Utrecht_, caus'd this City -to be encompass'd with Walls; and _Charles_ V. built its Castle, which has -at present nine Bastions, two Half-moons, and a Hornwork. They say that -the great Church dedicated to St. _Martin_, was built in the Year 630 by -King _Dagobert_; and after it was destroy'd, together with all the other -Buildings in the City by the _Normans_, _Adelbolde_ the 19th Bishop caus'd -it to be rebuilt and consecrated in 1024, in presence of the Emperor -_Henry_ II. and twelve Bishops. It was ruin'd a second time, but was -magnificently rebuilt. There's a very fine Tower at the Entrance 388 Foot -high, from whence fifteen or sixteen Towns may be seen distinctly. - -There's a better Air at _Utrecht_ than in the other Towns of _Holland_, -the Ground it stands on being much higher, and by consequence not so -marshy. This Town, which is situate upon the old Channel of the _Rhine_, -is incompass'd with a fine fruitful Plain, and has charming Walks in the -Neighbourhood, which are not inferior to those at the _Hague_. - -The _French_ were at one time Masters of this Place, but on the 13th of -_November_ 1673, it reverted to its lawful Sovereigns. When I arriv'd here -I heard that the Peace was just sign'd by the Plenipotentiaries of -_France_ and _Spain_ on the one part, and by the Ministers of _England_, -_Portugal_, _Prussia_, _Savoy_ and _Holland_, on the other part. The -principal Conditions were, That _Philip_ V. should remain in possession of -the Crown of _Spain_, on condition nevertheless that he should renounce -the Succession to the Crown of _France_, for himself and his Descendants: -That _England_ should have _Gibraltar_ in _Spain_, and _Port-Mahon_ in the -_Mediterranean_: That _Dunkirk_ should be demolish'd: _France_, by the -way, was very loth to consent to the ruin of a Place which had already -cost her several Millions, and requir'd a considerable Expence moreover to -demolish. The Elector of _Brandenburg_ was recogniz'd King of _Prussia_, -both by _France_ and _Spain_, and had even the Title of _Majesty_ given -him, which _France_ never us'd to allow to the Kings of _Denmark_ and -_Poland_. To the King of _Prussia_ was also yielded what he before -possess'd in _Spanish Guelderland_, as an Equivalent for the Principality -of _Orange_, which that Monarch yielded to _France_. The Duke of _Savoy_ -was own'd King of _Sicily_, and he obtain'd some Places in the _Milanese_. -The King of _Portugal_ remain'd peaceable Possessor of the Conquests which -he had made during the War. The _Dutch_ got least of all by the Peace, and -perhaps they repented that they did not accept of the Terms offer'd them -at _Gertruydenberg_. - -As soon as I arriv'd at _Utrecht_, I did not fail to make a Visit to the -Ambassadors of _Prussia_, who were the Count _de Denhoff_, the Count _de -Metternich_, and the Marshal _de Biberstein_. They receiv'd me with all -the Civility possible, and presented me to all the Foreign Ministers. I -found at this City the Countess Dowager of _Wartemberg_, who was lately -come hither. The Count her Husband, who died at _Francfort_, desir'd upon -his Death-bed that his Corpse might be carried to _Berlin_, which was -perform'd with a good deal of Pomp. They say, that the late King, who was -very fond of him, as I have already had the Honor to mention to you, wou'd -needs see his Funeral Convoy; and as it pass'd before the Windows of his -Castle he could not refrain shedding Tears. Perhaps he then repented that -he had disgrac'd that Minister on such slight Pretences; and perhaps too, -the melancholy Spectacle put him in mind of that unavoidable Coast, on -which both the Majesty of Kings, and the Magnificence of Courtiers, will -at last be run ashore. - -The Countess of _Wartemberg_ was more undaunted. She was far from -indulging any mortifying Reflection; but on the contrary, was glad to -find her self in possession of a very great Estate; and gladder still to -think that she was uncontroulable. She left _Francfort_ where she had -resided ever since her Husband's Disgrace; and thinking that too -melancholy a Place to spend her Life in, she made choice of the City of -_Utrecht_, as the most gay of any that she knew. She soon had an Intrigue -or two upon her hands; and when I arriv'd, I heard that the Chevalier _de -B----_ was her Bosom Friend. This Gentleman was newly set out for -_Versailles_, with a Commission to carry the News of the Peace. I was not -much concerned whether I made any Visit to the Countess; for I observ'd -that all of our Court who were then at _Utrecht_, were shy of her to such -a degree, that I did not care to be the only one that shew'd any Regard -for her. But tho' I had resolv'd not to visit her, I happen'd to fall in -her Way. This Lady had brought a _French_ Gentlewoman with her, whom I -knew very well at _Berlin_; and as she had Wit at will, I had a mind to -renew my Acquaintance with her, the rather because I had a Curiosity to -know a little of the Countess's History. The first time I paid her a Visit -she made me an Offer to carry me to see the Countess of _Wartemberg_; -which I refus'd in such a manner that she did not insist upon my going. -But she thought fit to tell the Countess that I was lately come to -_Utrecht_; that I had paid her a Visit; and that she thought I perfectly -resembled the Chevalier _de B----_. There needed no other Motive to set -the Countess agog to see me; and she desir'd her Gentlewoman to bring me -to her. But notwithstanding all her Persuasion, I peremptorily refus'd it. -At last, as I was making a Visit one day to the Gentlewoman, who should -bounce into the Room where I was, but the Countess _de Wartemberg_. She -said, that tho' I scorn'd her so much as not to make her a Visit, she had -resolv'd to come and see me. I was going to reply, but the Countess, -without giving me time to speak, told me, that she thought me alter'd much -for the better; that no two drops of Water were more like than I, and the -Chevalier _de B----_; and that in short we perfectly resembled each other -even in the Tone of our Voice: But by Madam _de Wartemberg_'s leave, there -never were two People more unlike. The Knight Commander was a handsome -well-set Man, which you know, Madame, is a Character I never had the -Vanity to affect; and I thought every part of the Countess's Compliment so -extraordinary, that in truth, a Scholar just come from the College could -not have been more dash'd than I was. I made an Answer, 'tis true, but to -tell you frankly, I knew not what I said. I gave her my Hand, and led her -to her own Apartment, where she still descanted upon the mighty -Resemblance betwixt the Chevalier and me. In fine, I think I may venture -to say, without giving my self an Air as if I was the Darling of the Fair -Sex, and without passing in your Opinion for a Coxcomb, that 'twas my own -fault I was not taken, in Body and Soul, for the Chevalier; but I was so -fortunate as to be disintangled by a Valet de Chambre, who came to -acquaint her of the Arrival of M. _Menager_ the third Plenipotentiary of -_France_ at the Congress, to whom I had Obligations for bringing me out of -this Scrape. This kind of Visit made me take proper Measures to prevent -any more such, for the little time I had to stay in this City. - -From _Utrecht_ I went to _Wesel_, and from thence thro' _Westphalia_ to -the Duchy of MAGDEBOURG. The City of this Name was formerly an -Archbishopric, erected by the Emperor _Otho_ the Great in favor of the -_Vandals_ newly converted, but by the Peace of _Westphalia_ the whole -Country was seculariz'd with the Title of a Duchy, in favor of the -_Brandenburg_ Family, in Exchange for that part of _Pomerania_ which was -yielded to the _Swedes_. There are few Towns in _Germany_ that have -suffer'd so many Revolutions as _Magdebourg_. This City was put under the -Ban of the Empire in 1553, by _Charles_ V. for refusing Submission to his -Orders, for it was then in open Rebellion, so that the Elector _Maurice_ -of _Saxony_ was sent to reduce it. The Siege lasted a whole Year, the -Elector not being very much in haste to push on the Conquest. As this War -was undertaken purely for the Destruction of the Protestant Religion, -which this City had embraced; the Elector, who was himself a Protestant, -thought by spinning out the Siege to regain the good Opinion of those of -his Religion, who were uneasy to see him support the Interests of the -Emperor and the Catholics. The Elector however made them easy, by -promising the Protestants of _Magdebourg_, that he would join them in the -War against the Emperor, immediately after the Surrender of the Place. -Matters were transacted on both sides with very great sincerity. The Place -surrender'd, and the Elector entered it not as a victorious Prince, but -rather as an Ally who brought Relief to it. He made use of the Garison to -reinforce his Army, and then declar'd War against the Emperor, on pretence -that the Religion and Liberty of _Germany_ were in danger. - -A Change of this nature was so extraordinary, that the Emperor could not -expect it: For this Prince had himself promoted the Elector of _Saxony_ to -the Dignity he possess'd, after having depriv'd the unfortunate _Frederic_ -of his Dominions; and for so considerable a Present he might very well -hope the Elector would have made him grateful Returns. The Emperor -therefore was so far from thinking himself oblig'd to be on his Guard for -fear of Surprise, that he imagin'd himself in a State of perfect Security, -when the Elector of _Saxony_ had like to have surpriz'd him at _Inspruck_ -the Capital of _Tirol_. The Emperor knew nothing of the Plot, till he was -on the point of being made Prisoner; and 'twas with much ado that he -escap'd, for he was at that time ill of the Gout, and oblig'd to leave -both his Equipage and Domestics behind him. He would upon this occasion -have given the Prince _John-Frederic_ his Liberty, but this Prince was -loth to abandon him in this Misfortune, and accompany'd him into -_Carinthia_, twenty-eight Leagues from _Inspruck_, where the Emperor made -his Retreat. - -The City of _Magdebourg_ was a very great Sufferer in the War, which is -commonly call'd, _The War of thirty Years_, because during that Term -_Germany_ was ravag'd on all sides. _Tilly_ the Emperor's General besieg'd -it in 1631, when 'twas taken by Storm, and all the Inhabitants put to the -Sword. A Fire also had a part in its Destruction, and committed such -Ravage that _Magdebourg_, which was one of the finest Cities in _Germany_, -was intirely reduc'd to Ashes. The Burghers indeed had no body but -themselves to blame for their Misfortune, for General _Tilly_ would not -have treated them so severely if they had not refus'd an advantageous -Capitulation, of which he made them an Offer some days before the Storm. - -But since this Town has been in the hands of the _Brandenburg_ Family, the -Electors have taken care to fortify it so well, that it would now be a -hard matter to take it. The late King caus'd a Citadel to be built here, -which is separated from the City by the _Elbe_. The present King has added -considerable Works to it, which are remarkably substantial and -magnificent. His Majesty has also caus'd a very fine Arsenal to be built -in the Great Square, which tho' not very large, is stor'd with a -considerable number of Cannon and other Arms. On the Right hand of this -Square is the Great Church, formerly the Cathedral, a _Gothic_ Building, -where meets the Chapter which is still subsisting, tho' Protestant; and -according to ancient Custom, none are admitted into it but Men of Quality. - -The Situation of _Magdebourg_ is very fine, having an Outlet on all sides -to spacious Plains, that are very fruitful in Corn. The _Elbe_, which, as -I have said, separates the Citadel from the Town, renders its Commerce -also very easy with _Hamburg_, _Saxony_ and _Bohemia_, for which reason -several Merchants are settled here who have noble Houses. And since the -King has transferr'd the Regency of the Country hither from _Hall_, the -Town grows every day finer, so that it may now be reckon'd one of the most -beautiful Towns in the two Circles of _Saxony_. - -From _Magdebourg_ in my Way to _Berlin_ I pass'd thro' BRANDENBURG, which -is a City on the River _Havel_, that was built by M. _Branden_, a Prince -of _Franconia_. 'Twas heretofore a Bishopric, but now the whole Country is -seculariz'd, and makes a part of the _Marquisate_ of _Brandenburg_. Here -is a considerable Trade, and the King keeps a Garison in it, consisting of -a Battalion of the tall Grenadiers. You have so often seen the Regiment of -which this Battalion is a part, that 'tis needless to commend it to you -farther than to observe, that 'tis perhaps the finest Regiment in -_Europe_. - -I did not stay at _Brandenburg_, because I would be the sooner at BERLIN. -On the day that I arrived there I was so tir'd with having walk'd all Day -and Night, that I kept my Bed till the Evening, when I had the Honor to -wait on the Queen, the King having been gone a few days before to -_Potzdam_, Her Majesty kept her Chamber, and had not been out of it since -her last Lying-in, when she was deliver'd of the Princess -_Charlotta-Albertina_, who died the Year following on the 10th of _June_. -I was so coldly receiv'd by her Majesty, that I had no reason to hope for -favor at Court, or at least with her Majesty. But the Margravines receiv'd -me with all the Civility possible. The Margravine-Dowager especially -assur'd me that she would continue that Protection with which she had -always honor'd me. - -As to the City of _Berlin_, it had not yet dry'd up its Tears for the Loss -it had lately sustain'd, by the Death of _Frederic_. 'Tis true the King -his Son gave great hopes, but the thorough Change he had made in his -Court, caus'd the late King to be lamented. The new Monarch thought of -nothing but keeping up a numerous Army, and that he might do this without -laying a Burden upon his Subjects, he dismiss'd all his Court, and the -intire Houshold of the King his Father, so that there was nobody at Court -but the Ministers. Most of the Persons of Quality who lived heretofore at -_Berlin_, were retir'd either to their Estates or their Governments, which -made the City a most melancholy Place to stay in, and all these -Alterations convinc'd me that there was nothing for me to expect in this -Country. I therefore resolv'd to settle all my Domestic Affairs with the -utmost speed, designing to return forthwith to _Paris_. Before I went -thither, I made a Trip to _Zell_, in order to examine the Accompts of a -Person I had deputed as my Attorney to receive the Deeds of my Mother's -Estate. But to my sorrow, my Mother had by her Will devis'd the greatest -part of her Estate to the Children she had by her former Husband, so that -what I could lay claim to was far short of what I promis'd my self. - -From _Zell_ I went to HAMBOURG[44], purely to see that City. I had -travel'd thither once before, but was then so young that I was not in a -Capacity to take notice of any thing in this City worthy of Remark. -_Hambourg_, which is one of the best Towns in _Germany_, is a part of -Lower _Saxony_, being situate upon the _Elbe_ a few Leagues from the Mouth -of that River, which is a great Conveniency to its Trade. Before it was -erected into a Republic 'twas a part of _Holstein_, on the Territory of -which it was built; and therefore it had frequent Quarrels with the Dukes -of _Holstein_, and the Kings of _Denmark_, who are the Sovereigns of -_Holstein_. The latter, as well as the _Swedes_, have attempted several -times to make themselves Masters of _Hambourg_, but have been repuls'd as -often as they came before it: For this City is not easy to be reduc'd, -because it has noble Ramparts and very strong Out-works, and it also takes -care to be well provided with Artillery, and a good Garrison. Moreover, -'tis always sure of the Protection of the Families of _Brandenburg_ and -_Brunswic_, it being so advantagiously situated, that 'tis the Interest of -both, that no Power whatsoever should take it. - -_Hambourg_ is also very considerable on account of the Wealth of its -Inhabitants, who are almost all Merchants, and much of the Temper of the -_Dutch_ Merchants, very greedy of Gain and thrifty. Their greatest Delight -is so have Gardens at the City-Gates, pretty much in the Taste of those of -_Holland_. The Wives of the great Merchants are as much confin'd at -_Hambourg_, as the Women of Quality are at _Venice_, but I observ'd they -were only pent up from Foreigners. A Man may pass his time very well in -this City, where there are several Persons of Quality to see, who make -their Visitors perfectly welcome. The Walks in and about this City are -charming, and especially that on the Ramparts is a noble one, there being -a double Row of Trees which forms an agreeable Covert, and from whence -there's a Prospect finely diversify'd by noble Houses, Gardens, Woods, -Meadows, _&c._ in the midst of which one sees the Rivers _Elbe_ and -_Alster_, which both together yield a charming View. The River of _Alster_ -comes into the Town and forms a Basin very like a great Pond, which has a -fine Kay on the sides of it planted with several Rows of Lime-Trees, -between which there's a very fine Walk. - -Near _Hambourg_ lies the Town of ALTENA[45]. The King of _Denmark_ gave it -this Name to banter the Deputies of _Hambourg_ who made Remonstrances to -him against his building this Town too near to theirs, and in their -Discourse to the King about the Town said several times, _Sie ist al te -na_, which in the Language of the Country signifies, _it is too near_. The -King taking particular Notice of the Monosyllables _al te na_, said to the -Deputies that he could not excuse himself from carrying on the Town which -he was building, and that all he could do to oblige them was to order it -to be call'd by the Name of _Altena_, which they themselves had given it. -And indeed, a more significant Name could not have been put upon this -Town, for 'tis situate just at the Gates of _Hambourg_, and is a part of -_Danish Holstein_. It was formerly a priviledg'd Place for Bankrupts, and -for all that had committed any Crime in _Hambourg_. But the present King -of _Denmark_, rather than this Town should continue any longer in the -Enjoyment of a Privilege which fill'd it with Knaves and Vagabonds, -delivers up Malefactors to the Magistrates of _Hambourg_ whenever they -reclaim them. - -_Altena_ is remarkable for the Multiplicity of Religions which are there -publickly exercis'd. I believe, that excepting _Amsterdam_, there is not a -Town in _Europe_ where there are so many Sects; but few of 'em are allow'd -a Church. The Neighbourhood of this Town to _Hambourg_, and its Situation -moreover upon the _Elbe_, does great Prejudice to that City. 'Tis now -several years since _Altena_ was burnt by the _Swedes_, under the Command -of the Count _de Steinbock_; when they scarce allow'd Time to the -Inhabitants to make their Escape; so that they had the Grief to be -Eye-Witnesses of the burning of their Houses and Goods, and several Old -Men, and a number of Infants perish'd in the Flames. I found _Altena_ in -that sorrowful State when I first went thither; but upon a Review of it -since, I see that 'tis rebuilt in such a manner, that 'tis now a finer and -more flourishing Town than ever. After four or five days Stay at -_Hambourg_ I set out, and never did any body go off at a more proper Time; -for in a few days after it, the Plague discover'd it self in the City; -upon which it was shut up, and its Communication forbid with any other -Place. - -I return'd thro' _Zell_, where I made no manner of stay, to -AIX-LA-CHAPELLE[46], an Imperial City, on the Confines of the Duchies of -_Juliers_ and _Limbourg_. 'Tis encompass'd with Mountains, which form so -pleasant a Vale, that _Charlemain_ chose rather to reside at -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, than in either of the many beautiful Cities which he -conquer'd. This Emperor caus'd a Collegiate Church to be built here, in -which his Tomb is still to be seen; and the Memory of that Prince is to -this day held in great Veneration. On the Festival of St. _Charles_, -there's a solemn Procession here, in which the Effigies of that Monarch is -carried with an Equipage which excites Laughter rather than Devotion. The -Preacher's Pulpit in this same Collegiate Church is inrich'd with Plates -of Gold; and they say that the Branch which hangs down before the High -Altar is of the same Metal. 'Tis in this Church that many Emperors have -been consecrated; and several of the Imperial Ornaments are still kept -there. The Emperor is born Canon of the Church of _Aix_, and takes the -Oath as such on the Day of his Coronation. - -Certain Reliques are preserv'd at _Aix-la-Chapelle_, which are shew'd but -once in seven years; and then they are expos'd to View from the top of a -Tower in the City, during which the People gaze at them on their Knees, in -the Squares and Streets leading to the said Tower. This Ceremony was -perform'd when I was at _Aix_ in 1713, at which time there was a Concourse -to it of an incredible number of Pilgrims from _Hungary_, _Tirol_, and all -the Provinces of _Germany_. Persons of superior Rank are allow'd the -Liberty of going up to the top of the Tower where those Reliques are -expos'd, and may look near to them, but must by no means touch them. Of -all that I saw, I only remember a Smock, which they affirm was the -Virgin's: There were some spots on it, which they said were the Stains of -the Milk with which she suckled the Savior of the World. This Shift seem'd -to be quite seamless, and made of a sort of Stuff which I know not how to -describe to you, for it was neither of Linnen nor Callico. - -The City of _Aix_ is very famous for its hot Baths, and for the Waters -that are taken there twice a year, _viz._ in _Spring_ and _Autumn_; at -which two Seasons there's a great Resort hither of Foreigners. The Waters -are hot, and of a very unpleasant Taste, and they smell like a rotten Egg; -for which reason People are loth to take them when they first come; but -after they are us'd to it, they go down very well. The Baths especially -are wonderfully good against the Contraction of the Sinews and against -Wounds. Nor is there a Place where the Waters are us'd with more -Conveniency, there being plenty of every thing that one wou'd wish for, -and especially good Company; for _Brabant_, _Liege_, _France_, _Holland_ -and _Germany_, lie so near to it, that there's always a great many People -here, and very good Diversion. - -I set out from _Aix_ for PARIS, by the way of _Maestricht_ and _Louvain_; -but as I travell'd Post thro' these Towns, I shall reserve the Description -of them to you, till such time as I make a longer stay in them. On my -Arrival at _Paris_ I was deeper in Love than ever. I was receiv'd by my -dear Mistress with such Tokens of Love, as gave me all the reason in the -world to think, that I was the happiest Man living: And in reality I was -so, because at that time I knew of no other Happiness than to be in her -good Graces; yet my natural Levity made me soon think otherwise. I saw the -Marchioness _de P----_; and I will frankly own to you, that all the -Veneration I had for _S----_ abated. I thought then there was nothing to -compare with the new Object of my Passion. _S----_ quickly perceiv'd my -Inconstancy, and reproach'd me for it; but they were Reproaches unmix'd -with Gall, and such as nothing but Love can inspire. The consequence was, -that my Passion for her reviv'd; and upon this occasion I was made -sensible, that a Flame not well extinguish'd is always apt to burst out -again; and that there needs no great Compulsion to renew the Passion of -Love. The Sentiments of the Man of Honor being join'd to those of the -Lover, I ask'd my own Conscience what _S----_ had ever done to disgust me. -And in fine, I gave Judgment against my self, that I could not without -Ingratitude forsake so amiable a Mistress. I took care, therefore, to -absent my self by degrees from the Marchioness _de P----_; and found it no -very hard matter to stifle a Passion, which, to speak plainly, was but a -sudden Flash. - -While I staid at the Court of _France_, I saw the Ceremony of the double -Marriage of the Duke of _Bourbon_ and the Prince of _Conti_, who married -each other's Sister. The Duke married _Mary-Anne_ of _Bourbon-Conti_, -Sister to the Prince of _Conti_, who married _Louisa-Elizabeth_ of -_Bourbon-Conde_, the Duke's Sister. - -These Marriages made no addition to the Pleasures of the Court, and every -thing remained very quiet, till News came of the Advantages which the -Marshal _de Villars_ had gain'd over the Allies. This Campaign was both -glorious and advantageous to the Marshal; and every body talk'd of the -immense Sums of Money which he had put into his Pocket. His Conduct was -narrowly pry'd into, and his Enemies charg'd that to him as a Crime, for -which, perhaps, they would have commended any other General. They said -that he brought with him several Waggons laden with Bandoliers for -Safeguards; and that he got so much Money by this means, that at his -Return he laid out 1,800,000 Livres in a Purchase. Nay, they had the -Assurance to speak of it to the King, who said to the Marshal one day at -Dinner, _That he heard he had bought a fine Estate. 'Tis true, Sir_, -reply'd the Marshal, _I have just purchas'd a very pretty Estate_; _and if -I have the Honor to command your Army next year, I hope to buy a more -considerable one and make your Enemies pay for it_. This Answer quite -broke the Measures of those who had endeavour'd to do the Marshal ill -Offices. He knew very well that he had Enemies, but it gave him little -Concern; for he was in high Favor, and he deserv'd it. They say that when -he set out to make the Campaign in 1713, he said to the King at taking -leave of him, _I desire your Majesty to remember, that while I am going -to fight your Enemies, I leave your Majesty in the midst of mine._ He -acquitted himself very bravely; and at length, by the Reduction of -_Landau_ and _Fribourg_, he procur'd that Peace, by which the Electors of -_Cologne_ and _Bavaria_ were restor'd to their Dominions. - -After I had been some Months at _Paris_ I receiv'd Letters from _Berlin_, -with Advice, that the King had Thoughts of forming his Houshold; and that -I could not do better than to go and offer him my Service. I was not long -in demurring upon what Course to take. I had always been bred up in -Sentiments which convinc'd me, that to serve one's Sovereign was -preferable to any other Service; and besides, I always found my self -naturally attach'd to the Family of our Kings. I therefore resolv'd to -leave _Paris_ once more. You know my Humor so well, _Madame_, that you -cannot think but it was with some Reluctance that I form'd a Resolution of -this nature; and I will frankly own to you, that I was heartily grieved to -leave a Place where I had my fill of Pleasures, which I knew I could not -have a Taste of elsewhere: but at length I gave Attention only to my Duty; -and tho' the Tears which I saw shed for my sake melted my Heart, yet they -were not powerful enough to make me alter my Design. - -From _Paris_ to _Wesel_, I went the same Road that I came; and from -_Wesel_ I proceeded to HANOVER, where I fell sick. My Design was to be -_incog._ but the ill State of my Health oblig'd me to have recourse to a -Physician; nay, I thought one while, that all the Remedies in the World -would do me no good; and that 'twas high Time for me to prepare in good -earnest for my last long Journey. My Kinswoman Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ -was soon inform'd of my Arrival; and as soon acquainted the Electoress of -it, who was so gracious as to send to know how I did; and this she -repeated twice every day as long as I was ill. This Princess always had a -Kindness for me, which I shall for ever acknowledge. I was told, that -during my Illness, _F----_ thinking to divert the Company at my Expence, -said at the Elector's Table, _That my Distemper was not mortal; that I had -caught it in +France+; and that there were Surgeons at +Hanover+ who had -Skill enough to set me to rights._ The Electoress was very angry with him, -and said, _Sir, your Banter is absurd; if he had the Distemper that you -say, he would have staid in +France+ for the Cure, since he is not -ignorant, that the People of this Country go thither for the same Purpose; -and he has too much Sense not to follow their Example_. - -As soon as I was able to get abroad, I did not fail to wait on the -Electoress with my most humble Thanks. That Princess gave me a much better -Reception than I durst presume to have expected. The Kindness which she -show'd to me, induc'd Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ and Madame _de K----_ to -think, that I might easily obtain Admission into her Service if I would -but ask her; and accordingly those Ladies prevail'd on me to take that -Step, tho' I very much question'd my Success; and I found by Experience -that my Suspicion was but too well grounded. I made my Application to the -Princess by Letter; in which, perhaps, I acted indiscreetly, because I -thereby gave her Leisure to take the Opinion of other People. Accordingly -she did so; and to my misfortune applied to Madame _de B----_ who could -not endure me; because, as I heard afterwards, _Madame_ of _France_ had -acquainted the Electoress, that I told her the Electoral Prince had a -particular Respect for her Ladyship. This was enough to exasperate a -Person against me, who made outward Profession of the most rigid Virtue; -and when the Electoress consulted her about me, she was transported to -think what an infallible Opportunity she had to be reveng'd. She artfully -insinuated to the Electoress, that she ought not to admit me into her -Service, and did not want Reasons to back her Insinuations; the Desire of -Revenge being what always supplies specious Arguments in abundance to hurt -an Enemy. The Electoress so well approv'd of those she made use of to -exclude me from her Service, that she order'd M. _de P----_ to tell me, -_That she was very much oblig'd to me for the Attachment which I -manifested for her Person; but that she could not imagine, that after I -had serv'd a King, I should like to wait upon so old a Princess as she -was: That 'twould be more suitable for me to be in the Service of her Son; -and that she should take a Pleasure to help me to it: But that as for her -self she must stay till she was Queen of +England+ before she could admit -me into her Service; because, if that should happen, she should then be in -a better Capacity to make my Fortune_. You perceive, _Madame_, this was a -Refusal that I could not well complain of, 'twas so season'd with -everything to take off the Bitterness of it. For my part, I own to you -that I felt none. As I had only taken this Step in pure Complaisance to -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, she was stung to the quick at this Denial; -not so much for my sake (I knew very well what the matter was) but for her -own; whose Vanity was very much mortify'd by it; for she thought her self -in Favor, and saw 'twas a Favor without any Credit: And her Resentment -proceeded so far, that she hinder'd me from taking Leave of the -Electoress, who in a few days after set out for _Gohr_ with the Prince her -Son. For my part I also set out from _Hanover_ for BERLIN. - -When I came thither I found the King's Houshold Officers already -nominated, yet this did not hinder me from asking his Majesty for -Employment. The Person who spoke for me was M. _de Printz_ the Grand -Marshal, who brought me News of a Refusal of a very different sort from -what I found at _Hanover_. In the latter, I had no reason to complain of -the Electoress, who with all the Politeness possible refus'd me a Favor, -which when all is said and done, I should not have valued, if I had not -ask'd for it. But now I had a very cruel Repulse, by being deny'd the only -thing for which I had undertaken the Journey to _Berlin_. The Behaviour of -the Court to me in this Instance concern'd me not a little. I had never -done any thing to seclude me from an Establishment in my own Country. My -Ancestors had serv'd in it, and bore such a distinguish'd Rank in it too, -that I might very well think some Notice would have been taken of me. -Moreover, I had the Honour of being Gentleman of the Bed-chamber to the -late King, but now had the Mortification of seeing Persons prefer'd before -me who had never been seen at Court, and such too for most part as are of -very obscure Birth. Finding therefore I had no hopes of succeeding at -Court, I saw that I must go seek my Fortune elsewhere, and I thought of -entring into the Service of the King of _Poland_. There was not a fitter -Man upon earth to serve me with that Prince than his Prime Minister the -Count _de Flemming_, who happen'd to be then at _Berlin_ upon his Master's -Affairs. I got my Friends to speak to the Count, and attended him -constantly. That Minister seem'd inclinable to serve me, and promis'd to -speak for me to the King his Master. - -He set out for WARSAW the latter end of _November_, and thither I follow'd -him; upon which he introduc'd me to the King, and to all the -Court-Nobility. I cou'd not have set out better than I did at the Court of -_Poland_. I was patronis'd by the Man who mov'd in the highest Sphere -there, next to the King himself; and for that Reason every body strove to -shew me Respect. The Count _de Flemming_ seem'd to be pleas'd at the -Regard that was paid to me; at least, I was so short-sighted as not to -perceive that it was to him a matter of very great Indifference. I was -excusable in not suspecting him of double dealing with me; for hitherto I -had no other Reason but to applaud his Generosity, and that Good-will -which he had express'd to do me Service. Endeavors were not wanting to -undeceive me, and I soon after saw with my own Eyes, that the fair -Promises he made to me were nothing more nor less, than what they call -_Court-Holy-Water_. - -Not long after my Arrival at _Warsaw_, the King of _Poland_ set out for -_Germany_. I thought my self bound in Interest to wait for his Return, in -order to treat about my Affairs; and I spent this time at _Warsaw_ in the -most agreeable manner that could be. I was soon known by all the _Polish_ -Nobility, who were as civil to me as could be imagin'd. Every thing I -beheld made me fancy I was at _Paris_, there being every where the same -Politeness, and a certain easy Deportment which the _French_ think none -are Masters of but themselves. The _Polish_ Ladies are very amiable, -witty, and have a good deal of Sprightliness. With these Qualities, one -would naturally imagine they are not indifferent to Pleasures; and I -observ'd that they have a delicate and very exquisite Taste for every -thing that passes under the Name of Diversions. They are passionately fond -of Music, and still more of Plays. And at _Warsaw_ they have as much of -both as they desire; for the King, who is a Prince as gallant as he is -magnificent, takes care that every thing be done at Court, in a manner -worthy of a great Prince. He maintains a Set of _French_ Comedians there; -and moreover, frequently gives Balls and Concerts. These Diversions are -generally attended with noble Feasts that the King makes for the Ladies of -his Court; at which times, that Prince is always admir'd for his good -Mien, and for that Gracefulness which sets off all his Actions. - -The _Polish_ Lords are not near so gay as the Ladies; or, at least, they -don't come up to them for Elegance and Contrivance. Their Domestics and -Equipage are generally slovenly; their Tables are indeed serv'd with -Profusion, but without Delicacy, which I take to be intirely owing to the -want of good Officers or skilful Cooks; for in other respects, _Poland_ is -a Country, where there is as good Cheer as any in the World. Their -Butcher's Meat is delicious, and they have plenty of good Fish. Wine is -not the Produce of the Country, but the want of it is not perceiv'd at -the Tables of the _Polish_ Nobility, where the Wine of _Hungary_, tho' -very dear, is drank as common as Water. I observed one thing at the -Generality of their Tables, that does not tally with the Grandeur which -they pretend to, _viz._ That the Master of the House and his intimate -Friends drink the best Wine, while the other Guests that are invited, are -oblig'd to put up with the common sort. Tis to be observ'd, that tho' -_Poland_ abounds with all Necessaries for Life, yet 'tis a Country very -inconvenient for Travellers, especially those who are not in a Capacity to -carry every thing along with them. I have not seen a Place where there is -so little Accommodation at the Public-Houses, there being hardly a Chair -in them to sit down upon. Therefore the Travellers of any Fashion take -care to carry all Necessaries with them. The Duke of _York_, Bishop of -_Osnabruck_, said a very pertinent thing upon this occasion, _viz._ _That -he did not know a Country where Travellers were more at home than in -+Poland+, because they were always making use of their own Furniture_. - -I heard that the King was shortly to go for _Dresden_, and therefore I set -out thither immediately with the Count _de Hoim_, a Minister of State to -his _Polish_ Majesty. In my Way to _Dresden_ I saw no Place of Note but -_Breslau_ and _Leipsic_. BRESLAU, the Capital of _Silesia_, is a pretty -large and very beautiful City, which in the Winter-Season is inhabited by -a great Number of Nobility. The Count _de Flemming_ stopping there a -couple of days, I halted there too. I saw very good Company here, -especially at the Houses of the Count _de Maltzam_, and the Princess of -_Teschen_, who was formerly the Princess _Lubomirski_. This Lady made a -grand Figure, gave People a hearty Reception, and treated with -Magnificence. I could have wish'd to have staid at _Breslau_ a few days -longer; but as the Count _de Flemming_, by whose Patronage I hop'd still -to get some Establishment at Court, was going to the King in _Saxony_, I -went with him to the Fair at _Leipsic_, where the King and Queen were -already arriv'd. As the King had been absent a good while, the Princes of -the Blood, and a great number of Persons of Quality, came hither to pay -their Respects to him; and after the Fair was ended, his Majesty return'd -to _Dresden_, where he had not been long arriv'd, but he married the Count -_de Saxony_ (his natural Son by the Countess of _Koningsmarck_) to -Mademoiselle _de Loven_, who was a young Gentlewoman of a good Family, and -one of the richest in _Silesia_. The Ceremony of this Marriage was -perform'd in presence of the whole Court; and for several days the King -gave Feasts answerable to his good Fancy and Magnificence. His Majesty is -very fond of this Count of _Saxony_, who is one of the most amiable -Gentlemen that I have seen; and besides, he very much resembles the King -of _Poland_, which, to be sure, makes that Monarch the more in love with -him. - -DRESDEN[47] was then the Centre of the Pleasures of _Germany_, and the -Plays, _&c._ exhibited here, made me almost think I was at _Paris_. I will -not trouble you with all the Particulars of the several splendid -Entertainments that were made in the Carnival Time, there having been -enough written on that Subject already by other Pens. I shall have the -Honor, therefore, to say nothing more of it to you, than that every -Spectator was more charm'd with the King's affable Behavior, than they -were with the Beauty of the Representations, and the Splendor of the -Feasts. - -I should, no doubt, have had a better Relish for all these Pleasures, if I -could have lik'd the Situation of my Affairs. I had all along conceiv'd -Hopes of entring into the Service of _Poland_, and plac'd a very great -Dependance on the Promises made by the Count _de Flemming_; but when I -came to _Dresden_, I found the Face of Affairs quite chang'd. I put him in -remembrance of his Promise; but he answer'd me in such a droll manner, as -convinc'd me that I ought not to expect any great Matter from him. -However, that I might have nothing to reproach my self with, I still -continu'd to give him Marks of a very great Attachment to his Person. Yet -I met with several Rebuffs, which did not discourage me; and which I had -the more Reason to bear with Patience, because I knew that he treated his -most trusty Confidents in the same manner. At last, not caring, perhaps, -to do any thing of himself, he sent me to M. _de Lowendahl_ the Grand -Marshal, and the latter referr'd me to M. _de Fitzthum_ the King's -Favorite. I was charm'd with this Gentleman's Politeness and good Manners; -and I don't think there ever was a Favorite more obliging, and that took -less upon him. Far from amusing me, he convinc'd me of the Impossibility -there was of my obtaining any Place at Court, unless the King thro' his -special Grace should be inclin'd to prefer me; which could not be done -neither, without disobliging several of the _Polish_ Noblemen, who -likewise sollicited Places at Court, and seem'd to have a sort of Right to -them by virtue of their Birth. I did not yet quite despair of Success; -and as this was a Favor that could only be granted by means of the Count -_de Flemming_, I had recourse again to that Minister; but I was never the -nearer. To be sure I took a wrong time to speak to him about my Business, -when perhaps he had other Affairs of greater Consequence that might -ingross his Thoughts. In a word, he rebuff'd me to such a degree, as was -sufficient to make me quite renounce my Pretensions. I took leave of the -King and Queen, and prepar'd to go for _Berlin_. - -But before I set out, an Adventure happen'd, which, together with my -Vexation that I had not succeeded in my Designs, made me hate to stay any -longer at _Dresden_, as much as I was in love with the Place when first I -came to it. At _Leipsic_ Fair I had drawn a Bill of 300 Crowns, payable to -the Bearer. The Person for whom I drew the Bill had given a Commission to -a Merchant at _Dresden_ to receive that Sum. The Bill did not come to the -Merchant's Hands, till the very Day of my Departure; and as the Term was -expir'd, he sent to my Quarters for the Money. I was not at home that -Minute; and the Man hearing that I was to set out the same Day, made use -of a Custom introduc'd and constantly observ'd in _Saxony_; which is, to -arrest the Person that fails to answer a Bill of Exchange upon the Day -appointed; so that just as I was going into my Chaise I was made a -Prisoner. It happen'd to be about ten o'clock at Night. By Misfortune I -had lost a great deal at Play this Carnival; and not having so much Money -by me, I had recourse to the Count _de Flemming_; who lent it to me. This -was the only time that I can be sure that Nobleman did me any Service. I -repaid him soon after my Arrival at _Berlin_. - -Without making a long stay at _Berlin_, I went and pass'd a few days at an -Estate which I have, two Leagues out of that City; but the Uneasiness that -haunted me every where, made me resolve to return to _France_, having -still in View the getting some Establishment at _Berlin_ or elsewhere. -While I was preparing every thing for my Journey, I had the Misfortune to -break my Left Leg by a Fall from my Horse. This Accident, after the -various Disgraces and Disappointments I had already suffer'd, Does it not, -_Madame_, give you the Idea of another _Orestes_, pursu'd by Destiny from -one Country to another? I could expect nothing more after this, than to -fall into the Hands of some Quack of a Bone-setter, who, after putting me -to Torture, would, perhaps, leave me a Cripple for all the rest of my -Life. To tell you the plain Truth, I had some Apprehension of it; for a -Man of my Kidney could not but be afraid of every thing in such a Case. -However, whether it was owing to Hap-hazard, or to the Skill of the -Surgeon, after suffering very great Torment, I was perfectly cur'd; and in -such a manner, that I never felt any thing of it afterward. The ninth Day -after my Fall I went to _Berlin_. As my Indisposition was such, that I -could travel neither in a Chaise nor Coach, I hir'd Porters to carry me; -so that my Entry was more than ordinary comic. This new Equipage surpriz'd -all that saw it, the Children especially, who not being us'd to see such -Carriages, follow'd me from the Out-parts of the City to my Lodgings; and -as the Numbers swell'd by the Way, the Train consisted of at least 200 -Followers, by that time I came home. I was very sensible, at my Arrival, -that I had done wrong to be carried abroad so soon; for a Fever took me, -and not long after an Imposthume gather'd, that bred the Distemper which -they call in _France_ the _King's Evil_. A fresh Reason this for my -Complaint of the Severity of my Destiny; for in reality I suffer'd such -Pains for above twenty Days, as are impossible for me to express. - -As soon as I was in a Condition to go abroad, I waited on the Queen, who -had just receiv'd Tydings, that the Elector of _Hanover_, her Father, was -then call'd over by the _English_ to succeed the deceas'd Queen _Anne_. No -doubt, _Madame_, you remember the Joy there was at Court upon this News. -The King made an Offer to the new Monarch of any Assistance that he might -have occasion for, to support him on the Throne. Some days after the -Arrival of this great News, I took leave of the Queen, and set out for -HAMBOURG. - -I was very well receiv'd in this City by _L----_, who was at that time -Envoy from _Prussia_ to the Circle of Lower _Saxony_. I knew him at a time -when Fortune, as it were, frown'd upon him; but now it might be said, that -she had loaded him with her Favors. He was glad to see me, and that he had -an Opportunity of shewing me in what Grandure he liv'd. Since he had -married a Woman, who was, indeed, very old, but very rich, he had been so -wise as to make an Acquaintance with such as were capable of serving him; -and whether 'twas owing to Money, or to mere Favor, he was quickly made a -Minister of State; and in a little time after receiv'd the Key as one of -the King's Chamberlains. I was very well pleas'd to see him in so -splendid a Situation; but could not help taking pity on him for being -yok'd to a Wife so disagreeable. She was a Person, who with the Obstinacy -and Ill-nature of Old Age, had all the Mettle of Youth, besides her being -a perfect Original both in her Apparel, and in the Furniture of her House. -Her Husband could never prevail upon her to dress as became a Person of -her Rank, nor to alter any thing in her Furniture, tho' ever so unpolite. -I had the Pleasure one day that I was invited thither to Supper, of -examining the Inside of the House at my Leisure. The Apartment where we -supp'd was furnish'd in a very whimsical Manner. The first Room was lin'd -with black Leather gilt, and round it were plac'd Chairs of green Taffety, -adorn'd with Furbelows of a Rose Color. The second Chamber was hung with -green Tapestry. The Chairs were of black Velvet, lac'd with Gold, and the -Room was full of Crystal Sconces. At one End of it there was an Alcove -hung with white Leather gilded, and in the Middle of the Alcove there was -a Bed of a very extraordinary Fashion, which had no Curtains, but had four -Pillars to support the Tester, and a Wooden Cornish at the top gilded; and -the Whole was cover'd with Mother of Pearl and Tortoise-shell. The Bed had -a Counterpane on it of black Velvet and Gold-Lace. In the four Corners of -the Alcove were four Statues of white Marble, each holding a Wax-Candle. -There were other Wax-Candles upon gilded Sconces, and a very fine Branch. -The Whole, I assure you, look'd much more like a Room for lying in State, -than a Chamber for Entertainment. We sat down, however, to Table; but this -amiable Lady refus'd to be of the Company, and chose to stay behind a -Door, which was in the Alcove, from whence she resolv'd to be a -Spectatress of the Entertainment through the Chinks. - -We were all heartily at Supper, and in very little pain for the Absence of -our Landlady, when on a sudden there came from the Alcove a very ugly -Figure, dress'd all in white. I was the first that perceiv'd it; and -really, if I had given ever so little Credit to the haunting of Houses by -Spirits, I should have thought I then saw one. The Whole perfectly -resembled that Scene of the Knight in the _Festin de Pierre_, excepting -nevertheless that we were not honor'd with the least Obeisance. I heard -swearing and scolding at the Domestics, which made me suspect that it -might be the Mistress of the House. Nor was I mistaken, we were obliged -for this Apparition to a Wax-Candle that drop'd upon a Velvet Chair, which -she perceiv'd from the Place where she was conceal'd, and stay'd some -time, thinking that one or other of the Domestics would have remedied this -Evil; but at last seeing that no body minded it, she resolv'd to come out -her self to the Relief of the Chair. This Apparition was the Cause of a -great Hurly-burly; the Lackeys excus'd themselves, because they were -employ'd in waiting; and there were long and warm Disputes on both sides, -betwixt the Mistress and the Servants, during which, the Guests, who rose -in Respect to the Lady, were all the while standing. The Husband -endeavor'd to pacify his dear Spouse, and made her sensible of the -Situation in which she kept us; upon which, without making the least -Compliment, she sate down at the Table, and I thought the Rage of the -Storm was over; but far from it, she was no sooner seated than she began -again to rave with more Fury than before. A Lackey, to whom, it seems, -all this Bawling was more distasteful than it was to us, thought fit to -tell her very bluntly, _That she made a great Noise for nothing_. Then the -Lady was quite outragious, and went to give the Lackey a Blow with all the -Weight of her Arm; but the Droll cunningly parry'd it, by receiving the -Stroke upon a Plate he had in his Hand; which, as he manag'd it, serv'd -him for a Shield. The Gentlewoman gave herself such a terrible Blow, that -for one while she could not speak; and when she came to her self, she made -a worse Racket than before. At length, the Lackey was turn'd out of the -Room; and at that very instant, luckily for us, the Pain which the Lady -felt for the Blow, increas'd to such a degree, that she was forc'd to -retire. She was no sooner gone but we all burst out in a Laugh. The -Husband himself was ready to split his Sides, and desir'd the Company to -be under no manner of Restraint, but to talk as gayly of this Adventure as -we pleas'd. Indeed we were heartily merry at the Expence of the Old Lady; -but yet we were the greatest Losers by it in the end; for while we thought -her a good way out of Hearing, she thought fit to stay at the Door to -listen to what we said, which not being to her liking, she took an -immediate Revenge, for she deprived us of the Dessert, and the poor -Husband had not Interest enough to get another. - -I was so gorg'd at this charming Repast, that for fear of a second -Invitation I set out next Day for HANOVER, where I arriv'd the very Day -before the new King set out for _England_. The Electoress, his Mother, to -whom the Crown first belong'd of Right, died suddenly, as she was walking -in _Herrenhausen_ Garden, not long before Queen _Anne_ died. The Elector -her Son was recogniz'd King by the _English_, as the next Protestant Heir; -for if the Catholics could have had any Right to the Crown, this Elector -would have been but the 23d or 24th in the direct Line. The Nobleman who -acquainted the Elector of his Advancement to the Crown was my Lord -_Clarendon_, Envoy from the Queen of _England_ at the Court of _Hanover_. -Perhaps it was with some Regret that he executed this Commission, being -related to the _Stuart_ Family; and as it was generally thought, not very -much inclin'd to the Family which now governs _England_. Be this as it -will, he discharg'd the Commission with a good Grace. My Lord receiv'd the -News that the _English_ had proclaim'd the Elector for their King, one -Evening as he had been at Supper with that Prince at a House called _The -Whim_, belonging to Madame _de K----_, now my Lady _L----_. As his -Lordship came home he found a Courier just arriv'd with the Privy -Council's Orders to him, to recognize the Elector for King of _England_. -He immediately got into his Coach, and went to _Herrenhausen_, where he -found the Elector a-bed. His Lordship thinking 'twas worth while to awake -the Elector, for the sake of telling him the News that so great a Diadem -was fallen to him, enter'd his Bed-Chamber, and kneeling on the Floor, was -the first that recogniz'd the Elector for King. This Prince immediately -summon'd his Council. Many People were pleas'd to say, that the Elector -hesitated for a good while, whether or no he should accept of the August -Dignity that was offer'd to him; but for my part, I fancy, that the Voyage -to _England_ was more the Subject of the Council's Deliberation, than the -Question, whether its Crown should be accepted. - -After the Council was over, the new King was complimented upon his -Accession to the Throne; and that very Instant he gave Orders to get every -thing ready for his Departure, which was fix'd for the 11th of -_September_. The Time between the Elector's assuming the Royal Stile and -his Departure, was spent in sending and receiving Couriers to and from the -principal Courts of _Europe_. All the Nobility and Gentry, Subjects to the -new Monarch, flock'd from all Parts to see him before he went away. This -Prince was so well belov'd, that his Subjects were very sorry that he was -going to leave them; but for his part, tho' his People were not a little -dear to him, he preserv'd that Tranquillity of Mind, and that Discretion, -which govern'd all his Actions; and he seem'd no more concerned at parting -with them, than he was elated with his new Dignity: but it was otherwise -with the Prince his Son, who was so impress'd with the Fortune added to -his Family, that I heard him say to an _English_ Gentleman, the Day before -he went, _That he had not one Drop of Blood in his Veins but what was -+English+, and at the Service of his new Subjects_. - -On the 11th of _September_, early in the Morning, the King and the Prince -of _Wales_ set out from _Herrenhausen_, amidst the Acclamations of the -Court and the People, with which the Road was lin'd. They wish'd his -Majesty all manner of Happiness, and accompanied him with their good -wishes a good distance from _Herrenhausen_, before they took Leave of his -Majesty. The last Farewels were attended with so many Tears, that the King -could not help being a little mov'd; and he assur'd them, _That it should -not be long before he would make a Tour to_ Hanover. - -The King's Retinue was not very numerous; for he only took with him such -Persons as were absolutely necessary for his Service; and of these too, he -sent some back, when he went on board the Yatcht that came for him to -_Holland_, to carry him over to _England_. The Princess of _Wales_ -follow'd the King some time after, with the Princesses her Daughters; but -Prince _Frederic_ her Son remain'd at _Hanover_ for his Education. - -When the King came to _London_, he found Subjects as much attach'd to his -Person, as those he had left at _Hanover_; and not long after his Arrival -he was, according to Custom, crown'd at _Westminster_. There was so great -a Concourse of People at the Ceremony, that it seem'd as if all the Nation -had flock'd thither to receive their new Sovereign. I was told there was -only one Person, and that was a Woman, who refus'd to own him for King; -and that this happen'd upon the very Day of the Coronation, when a -Champion, arm'd from Head to Foot, entring into the Banquetting-Hall, and -according to Custom challenging any Person whatsoever, who did not -acknowledge the Elector of _Hanover_ as lawful King of _England_, that -Lady threw down her Glove, and with a very ill-tim'd Effrontery made -Answer aloud, _That +James+ the Third was the only lawful Heir of the -Crown, and that the Elector of +Hanover+was an Usurper_. - -Not many days after the King of _England_'s Departure, I set out from -_Hanover_ for _Aix-la-Chapelle_, where I made use of the Baths, as my -Physicians had order'd me, to strengthen my Leg. From _Aix_ I proceeded -in the _Paris_ Road to MASTRICHT[48], which is a strong Place belonging to -_Dutch Brabant_, tho' situate in the middle of the Country of _Liege_, on -which it was for a long time dependent. It was also subject to the -_Spaniards_ till 1633, when it was taken by the _Dutch_, who were -acknowledg'd lawful Possessors thereof by the Peace of _Munster_, and were -thereupon at great Expence to fortify it, so that it was reckon'd one of -the strongest Places in _Europe_, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in 1673, in 13 -Days time. The King himself then commanded his Army; and he had with him -MONSIEUR his Brother. Three Years after this, the Allies besieg'd it also, -but their Arms being not so successful as those of _France_, they were -forc'd to abandon their Enterprize. At last, by the Peace of _Nimeguen_ it -was restor'd to the _Dutch_, who keep a strong Garrison in it. - -_Mastricht_ is very well built, in a flat Country, surrounded with Hills. -The _Maese_ runs thro' the City, over which there is a very high Stone -Bridge. They say that the late Count _d'Auverquerque_, who died -Velt-Marshal of the _Dutch_, out of pure Gallantry, to convince a Lady how -much he lov'd her, leap'd his Horse off the Bridge into the _Maese_. This -young Lady so much belov'd was Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_. As she was -passing over the Bridge, Count _d'Auverquerque_, who rode by the side of -her Coach, entertain'd her very much about his Passion for her; but Miss -so little heeded what he said, that she scarce vouchsaf'd to lend him an -Ear. At length being fatigu'd with hearing the same String always harp'd -upon, she told him, that Lovers were never sparing of their Promises; but -when any Testimonials were demanded of their Love, they then discover'd -how little it was to be depended on. _For instance, Sir_, said she, _I -would venture a good Wager now, that if I were to ask you to leap from -this Bridge into the River, you would not do it_. The furious Lover made -no other Answer to this Defiance, but clapping Spurs to his Horse, leap'd -him off of the Bridge into the _Maese_. The young Lady thought her -generous Lover would most certainly be drown'd; but luckily for him he -kept his Seat, and his Horse, which was as mettlesome as the best, had -Strength enough after such a Leap, to swim with his Rider to an Island, -whither a Boat was sent to fetch him. After such a Trial as this, the -young Lady might boast, either that she was lov'd to Distraction, or that -she had a distracted Lover. - -From _Mastricht_ I went to LOUVAIN[49], which is surnamed the _Wise_, -probably by reason of its University, which was founded in 1426, by _John_ -IV. Duke of _Brabant_, and has been in its time one of the most celebrated -Universities in _Europe_; but it has not that Reputation now. And as to -the City, 'tis much more famous for its Antiquity, than upon any other -account; for they say it was founded by _Julius Cæsar_. 'Tis indeed, at -present, a very large City, but ill built, the only remarkable Edifices -that I saw there, are the Collegiate Church dedicated to St. _Peter_, and -the Church of the Jesuits. _Louvain_ is not a Place of great Trade as -yet, but a very fine Causey which is made from thence to _Brussels_, and -another to _Tongres_, which is to be carried on to _Liege_, will very much -increase its Commerce, especially with the _Austrian Netherlands_. - -I went from _Louvain_ to _Brussels_, and from thence to GHENT[50], which -is the Capital of _Spanish Flanders_, and one of the biggest Cities in -_Europe_. It stands four Leagues from the Sea, is water'd with three -Rivers, the _Scheld_, the _Lys_, and the _Lise_, and adorn'd with fine -Squares and noble Buildings. The great Clock is worth seeing; it weighs -11000 Pounds, and is erected upon a Dragon, which Count _Baldwin_ brought -from _Constantinople_. A Canal has been dug from this City to the Sea, -which is of very great Service to its Trade. - -'Twas at _Ghent_ that _Charles_ V. was born, who granted this City -extraordinary Privileges; yet the Inhabitants were so ungrateful as to -rebel against this Emperor, who resolv'd to punish them for it; and that -he might go the nearer way to work with 'em, ventur'd upon the Parole of -_Francis_ I. to pass thro' _France_, in order to come at them. He -chastis'd those Rebels with such Severity, that they had no reason to -boast that this Emperor was their Countryman. He caus'd twenty-five of -their principal Citizens to be executed by the common Hangman, banish'd a -greater number of them, confiscated their Estates, and took away all their -Privileges. In fine, _Ghent_ which was one of the most considerable Cities -in _Europe_, soon became a Desert; and _Charles_ V. to leave a Monument -of his Wrath to Posterity, caus'd a Fortress to be built, which is still -the Citadel of this Place, and is of great Consequence to the Emperor, -when he happens to be at War with _France_; for when the _French_ are -Masters of _Ghent_, the Navigation of the _Scheld_ is interrupted; and in -case of a War, 'tis better to see them Masters of _Brussels_ than of -_Ghent_: For I remember, that in 1708, while the Allies besieg'd _Lisle_, -the _French_ being then Masters of _Ghent_, incommoded their Army very -much. This City is finely recover'd since _Charles_ the Vth's Time. The -States of _Flanders_ have their Assemblies here, and the Emperor commonly -signifies his Will and Pleasure to them, by the Governor-General of the -_Netherlands_ residing at _Brussels_. - -From _Ghent_ I went thro' _Courtray_ and _Menin_ to LISLE[51], which is -the Capital of _French Flanders_, and one of the best and most beautiful -Towns of that Government. It belong'd formerly to the King of _Spain_, -till 1667, when _Lewis_ XIV. took it in Person. The Garison then -consisting of but 6000 Men, was not strong enough to check the Progress of -the _French_ Arms, so that after nine Days open Trenches the Place was -taken. _Lisle_ was left in the Possession of _France_ by the Treaty of -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, in 1668; but in 1708, the Allies after a tedious and -toilsome Siege, made themselves Masters of it. At last, however, this City -reverted to _France_ by the Treaty of _Utrecht_. The Inhabitants were so -overjoy'd at their not being left in subjection to the _Dutch_, which they -were afraid of, that on the Day the Place was evacuated, they made -Bonfires in all parts of the Town; and not without Cause, for after they -fell under the Dominion of the _Dutch_, their Trade stood still, those new -Guests chusing rather to send for what they wanted from _Holland_, than to -make use of the Manufactures of this City. But with the _French_ the Case -was otherwise, for they bought their Necessaries in the City, and liv'd -with the Inhabitants on perfect good Terms. - -_Lewis_ XIV. made _Lisle_ one of the finest Places in _Europe_. Its -Streets are magnificent, and particularly the Street _Royale_, built in -the Reign of that Monarch. 'Tis very strait, and adorn'd on both sides -with very fine Houses built alike. In this City resides the Governor of -_Flanders_. The Marshal _de Boufflers_ was succeeded in this Government by -the Duke his Son. When I was here, the Prince _de Tingry_, Governor of -_Valenciennes_, officiated in this Government for the said Duke, who was -then under Age. - -I was so impatient to be at _Paris_, that I made no stay in any Place upon -the Road, till I arriv'd there. I alighted at a Bagnio, and the first -Sally I made abroad was to pay my Devoirs to Mademoiselle _de S----_. -Absence had not damp'd my Flame, and I was only glad to see _Paris_ again, -in hopes of finding out her whom I ador'd. But how was I surpriz'd when -the Mother of that lovely Damsel came to welcome me with a Flood of Tears, -and told me, that I must think no more of her Daughter, for that she died -about a Month ago in the Province of _Perigord_, whither she went to -accompany a Lady of her Acquaintance! I was so thunder-struck at this -News, that I was not able to speak. I fainted away, was carried back to my -Lodgings, and was that Moment let blood; but 'twas some time after it -before I came to my self, and then I did nothing but give my self up to -Sorrow. Mine was no longer an inward Grief, but vented it self in such -continual Exclamations interrupted with Sighs, that every one who saw me -believ'd I was going the way of all Flesh; or that, at least, I should be -out of my Senses: And truly they were not much mistaken, for I was so in a -great measure. In this unhappy Situation did I remain five whole Days, at -the end of which the Mother of _S----_ came to make me a Visit; and at her -entring into my Room, she told me, that her Daughter was not dead; and -that she had just receiv'd a Letter from her, by which she acquainted her, -that she should soon be at _Paris_. This sort of Resurrection was as -reviving News to me, as the former was mortifying. I felt a surprizing -Revolution in my Spirits; and am of Opinion, that if 'tis possible to die -with an Excess of Joy or of Grief, I had share enough of both those -Passions within a short Space of Time not to survive them. But I was -reserv'd by Fate for other Adventures. - -In Fact, I was hardly recover'd from the several Shocks which I had lately -undergone, but was forc'd to bear the Brunt of another. The Occasion of -this was, meeting at the House of a Lady of my Acquaintance with a Friend -of _S----_, whose Name was Madame _de R----_; and who had been married for -some time, by the Advice of her Parents, to a Man far advanc'd in Years. -The young Lady hated her Husband more heartily than is common for Girls of -sixteen that marry to Men of above sixty. I had seen her formerly, but she -was then so young, that I did not much mind her: And happy wou'd it have -been for me, if I had always view'd her with the same Indifference! But -when I came to see her after her Marriage, her Beauty, her fine Presence -and her noble Deportment made a very sensible Impression on me. I was -pitch'd upon to play at Cards with her and another Lady, and all the time -she did nothing but rally me upon my Amour with _S----_, and hinted -several times to me, that the Lady was not deserving of the Heart I had -set upon her. As I could not guess to what all this Discourse tended, when -the Game was over I went with the Lady to a distant Window, and there -begged her for God's sake to explain her self. She stood out a long while, -on pretence that she should be oblig'd to tell me what would only make me -uneasy: But all these Delays rendering me still the more impatient to know -what it could be, I press'd her to such a degree that at last she -consented to let me into the Secret. _You won't take a Denial, I see_, -said she: _Well then, if you must know, you shall. But you must thank your -self for it, if I tell you what will heartily vex you; for I know your -Temper, and to what a Degree you are smitten. You think_, continu'd she, -_that_ S---- _is in the Country, but you are mistaken; for she is at_ -Paris, _and has never been out of it all the time. She is as much in love -with the Marquis_ de V----, _as he is with her. She keeps no Company now -but him. Two Months ago she remov'd from her House in the Suburb of_ St. -Antoine, _where she then liv'd, because she heard you was coming to Town. -The truth is, she did not care you should reproach her to her Face; and -being in Hopes that you might forget her, she sent to let you know, that -she was dead; but hearing that you was so inconsolably melancholy, it -mov'd her to pity you, and she has now sent you word that she is still -living. Indeed it won't be long before you see her; but it will only be to -receive your Dismission, and to give you to understand from her own Lips, -that she prefers_ V----_'s Addresses to yours. I have heard all this from -one of my Waiting-Women, whose Sister is a Servant to Madame_ S----. _For -as to my part, since I am married to M._ R----, _'tis not convenient for -me to keep her Company. You will do well to renounce her, and need not -fear but you may find better than her._ As she express'd these Words her -Eyes darted in my Face, and at the same instant she blush'd. I was going -to make her an Answer, but she left me abruptly, and all the rest of the -Evening made it her Business to avoid me, I thought, however, to have an -Opportunity of speaking to her when she was going out; but she went away -with another Lady, so that 'twas impossible for me to say a Word to her. - -I return'd home miserably disturb'd in my Mind. Hatred, Love, Revenge, -Contempt; in short, all the Passions of a Lover, slighted on the one hand, -and flatter'd on the other, play'd their part to rack my Brain. Guess, -_Madame_, in what a Condition I was, when I had such violent Attacks to -struggle with. In fine, Contempt triumph'd over the Passion I had -conceiv'd for _S----_. The charming Eyes of Madame _de R----_ made me -forget the false-hearted Creature on whom I had doated. But in the sequel -I was quickly convinc'd that I was no sooner cur'd of one foolish Amour, -but I was plung'd into another of the same Nature. The last Words of -_R----_ seem'd to be very engaging; I explain'd them in my own favor, and -thought sincerely that she had taken a Fancy to me. I flatter'd my self -again and again with these agreeable Notions, and found an infinite -Pleasure in making my own Chain. Nevertheless you will soon see that I was -bubbled as much in this Amour as I was in the former. Madame _de R----_ -was one of the finest Women, and without dispute one of the greatest -Coquettes in _Paris_; being whimsical withal, and more self-conceited than -Women of that Cast generally are; she did not understand what it was to -settle her Heart upon any Man, and yet expected to be doated on herself. I -push'd head-long into this new Engagement, and thought my self at one time -the happiest Man in the World. My Friends too were as much deceiv'd as I -was, and thought me for a long while the only Favorite. I will tell ye -hereafter what became of this Amour, and shall for the present break off -the Detail of these ridiculous Amusements, to tell you how it far'd with -me in the Affair which most demanded my Application. - -Soon after my Return to _Paris_, I went to _Versailles_, where I had the -Honor to pay my Duty to the King and the Princes. _Madame_ receiv'd me so -kindly that I thought my self sure of her Protection, and therefore -acquainted her of my Intention to beg an Employment of his Majesty, and -desir'd her that she would be so good as to recommend me. Madame promis'd -me that she would, and was true to her Word; for she not only spoke her -self but also made the Duke of _Orleans_ speak for me to M. _Voisin_, who -was at that time Chancellor and Secretary of War. This Gentleman promis'd -their Royal Highnesses that he would think of a Place for me; but when I -waited upon him, with one of Madame's Officers, who, by her Order -introduc'd me, that Minister receiv'd me with a Countenance as crabbed as -ever I saw. His Head was invelop'd in a monstrous large Peruke, that -hindered both his Sight and Hearing, which at other times were natural -enough to him. However, in Respect to Madame he heard me, and then said, -that the King had already made one considerable Reduction in his Troops, -and was going to make another; and that therefore he did not see what -Hopes I could have of being employ'd. I was very much dissatisfied with -this Answer, which was so different from the Promise he had made to Madame -and the Duke of _Orleans_. I made a Report to their Royal Highnesses of -what the Minister said to me; upon which the Duke of _Orleans_ told me, -_This signifies nothing, I will speak to him again, and I hope you will -find your Account in it_. He spoke accordingly, but _Voisin_ did nothing -the more nor the less for it. However, as I had a grateful Heart for the -Advances which Madame and the Duke her Son had been so good as to make in -my favor, I continu'd to pay my Duty to them; and they both gave me -Demonstration that they were not Insensible of my constant Attendance. I -was almost every Night at the Duke of _Orleans_'s Couchee. His Court was -then but small, and excepting his Domestics I was sometimes all alone with -him. I was the more amaz'd at the Carriage of the Courtiers to this -Prince, because 'twas natural to think that the Government of the Kingdom -would soon fall into his hands. The Duke of _Berry_ was just dead. The -King was too old to expect he could live much longer, and the Dauphin too -young to take the Management of Affairs upon him for a good while. In -short, every thing promis'd this Prince the Regency of the Kingdom -infallibly, yet scarce any body regarded him as the rising Sun. The -Courtiers Respect for the King made them all stick to his Majesty, and a -Reign so glorious and so long, seem'd to them as if it was never to have -End. - -I stay'd at _Paris_ the rest of the year 1714, and some Months of the year -1715. This Winter there was one of the noblest Sights in _Paris_ that -could be, _viz._ The Entry of the _Persian_ Ambassador, and especially the -Audience he had of his Majesty some days after it. But the Ambassador did -not contribute so much to the Lustre of this Shew, as to give us any great -Idea of the _Persian_ Magnificence; and indeed, in my whole Life I never -saw any thing so pitiful; for all his Equipage being out of Order, his -Domestics having scarce Cloaths to their Backs, and almost all of them -ill-looking Fellows, formed a very melancholy Scene. Besides, the Presents -he brought were really not worthy of the Prince that sent them, or of him -that received them. Before this Ambassador made his Entry, he lodg'd at -_Charenton_, to which Place every body went to stare at him as a Prodigy. -The Torrent carried me thither among the rest, and a numerous Company -there was of us. The Interpreter told us, before we went in, that a -Compliment must be made to the Ambassador, and we drew Cuts to determine -who should be the Speaker. The Lot fell upon me. I made but a very short -Speech to him, wherein after having congratulated him upon his Arrival, I -told him, that I hop'd his Stay in _Europe_, and especially in _France_, -would not be disagreeable to him. He thank'd me by his Interpreter, and -bid him tell me, that as he was come to see the greatest King in the -World, next to the Sophy his Master, he should be always satisfy'd, happen -what would to him, when once he had appeared before his Majesty. He made -us sit down, and we ask'd him several Questions concerning his Voyage, the -Court of _Persia_, and the Sophy; but he told us, that he had never been -at _Ispahan_, and never seen the Sophy. During this Conversation he gave -us Coffee and Sweet-meats, and was mighty civil to us. - -But upon all Occasions when his Character was to be supported, he was not -near so tractable; for he then took upon him too much State, so that when -the Marshal _de Matignon_, who was to come from the King to carry him to -the Ambassadors House, was to enter his Chamber, he pretended that he was -not obliged to stand up. The Baron _de Breteuil_, the Introductor of the -Ambassadors, represented to him that he could do no less than pay that -Deference to M. _de Matignon_ who came from the King; but he might as well -have reason'd with a Post; and all that he could get from him, was a -Promise, that when the Marshal entered his Chamber he wou'd that Moment -rise and go out all at once. There was another Scene to manage when he -came down Stairs. They proposed to him to ride in the King's Coach; but he -said, he would do no such thing; that it was a Cage; and that he would -make his Entry on horseback. The Baron _de Breteuil_, therefore, in order -to make him get into the Coach, was under a Necessity of talking smartly -to him; and even to threaten him, that he should make no Entry, nor have -any Audience, if he did not subject himself to the Customs establish'd in -_France_. At length the Ambassador capitulated, they split the Difference, -and he consented to ride one half of the way in the Coach, and the other -on horseback. I never saw such a Multitude of People as I did at this -Entry; the Concourse was really astonishing; for from the first Bar in the -Suburb of _St. Antoine_ to the Ambassadors House, there were Scaffolds all -along on both sides of the way, full of People. The same Croud of -Spectators follow'd him for several days, so that when he went abroad, -either to the Bagnio, or to take the Air, he could scarce go along, there -were such Throngs of People to gaze at him. - -The Audience which the King gave him was a very magnificent Scene. _Lewis_ -XIV. appeared at it in all the Majesty of a great King; and be the -Audiences of the _Great Mogul_, describ'd to us by _Tavernier_, ever so -brilliant, I can scarce think they are to compare with the Ceremony I am -now speaking of, and whereof I was an Eye-witness, which was performed in -the Great Gallery at _Versailles_. The King's Throne, which was at one -end, and rais'd very high, was of a Gold Ground, with Flowers and the Arms -of _France_ embroider'd on it. The King was dress'd in a Suit of -Coffee-color'd Velvet, adorn'd with Jewels, to the Value of several -Millions. The young Dauphin was at his Majesty's Right Hand in a Robe of -Gold Brocade, adorn'd with Diamonds and Pearls. The Duke of _Orleans_ was -on his Left, dress'd in a Suit of blue Velvet, adorn'd with a Gold -_Spanish_ Point, seeded with very beautiful Diamonds and Pearls. The -Princes of the Blood, the legitimated Princes, the Prince of _Dombes_ and -the Count _d'Eu_, both Sons to the Duke of _Maine_, sat in the same Row, -on the Right and Left of the King, all observing the Rank due to their -Birth. All along the Gallery on the Right-Side of the Throne, there were -several Rows of Steps, on which stood the Ladies richly dress'd. The -Duchess of _Berry_ and Madame were next to the Throne, and next to them -stood the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, who was then at the Court of -_France_ with the Title of the Count of _Lusatia_. That Side of the -Gallery which fronts the Garden was taken up by Noblemen richly -apparell'd, and the Space which serv'd for the Passage, from the Entrance -of the Gallery to the Throne, was cover'd with a magnificent Tapestry, as -were the rest of the Apartments from the Stair-Case of Marble to the -Gallery. In the Courts below, the Regiments of the _French_ and _Swiss_ -Guards, newly cloath'd, were rang'd in Order of Battle: And the -Life-Guards, the Musketeers, and all the King's Houshold Troops were also -drawn up in the same Order. But the Splendor of the Soldiery was very much -lessen'd by a great Quantity of Rain which pour'd down almost all day -long. - -The Ambassador with all his Attendance pass'd thro' all those Troops to -the Gallery; and when he was advanc'd near to the Throne, he there -deliver'd his Credentials to M. _de Torcy_, Minister and Secretary of -State, by whom they were given to the Interpreter, who read them. He -afterwards gave his Majesty the Presents that the Sophy sent him, which -were so inconsiderable, that at first sight one could hardly imagine they -were sent from one of the most powerful Monarchs of _Asia_. The Whole -consisted of Turquoise Stones, a Scymitar garnish'd with precious Stones, -a Box of Balm to which he ascribed wonderful Virtues, and some other -things of no great Value. After the Audience was over, the Ambassador was -regal'd, and then reconducted to the House of the Ambassadors, where he -was defray'd at the Expence of the Court, all the time that he staid at -_Paris_. He was furnish'd at first with the King's Horses for himself and -his Retinue; but as his Stay was long, and as besides he spoil'd all the -King's Horses, he was accommodated afterwards with Horses that were hir'd. - -Some time after this Audience, the Ambassador went to the Opera, where the -Benches in the Amphitheatre were taken away, to make it more commodious to -hold him and his Retinue. Tho' there was an incredible number of People of -the first Quality, he seem'd to be under no manner of Constraint, and -smoak'd his Pipe there a good while, with as much Freedom, as if he had -been in his Chamber. The Eagerness of the People to run after him was soon -abated; they began in a short time after his Arrival, to be indifferent -whether they saw him or not; and at length, they were so weary of him, -that every body wish'd publickly that he was gone. - -I have had the Honor to acquaint you, that the Electoral Prince of -_Saxony_ was at the _Persian_'s Audience. This Prince had been for some -time in _France_; and tho' he was _incog._ by the Name or Title of the -Count of _Lusatia_, he had the Retinue of a King's Son. The Count _de -Coste_, who died Bishop of _Warmia_, was his Governor, and the Baron _de -Hagen_ his Sub-Governor. He had also several Gentlemen with him, besides -Pages, and a number of Officers. His Equipage was magnificent, and his -Table as elegant as could be desir'd. He was presented to the King by -_Madame_, who gave him out to be a _German_ Gentleman of a good Family. - -This Prince gave a sumptuous Ball at the Hotel _de Soissons_, in the -Apartment where _Dumont_ the Envoy of _Holstein_ liv'd. There was an -amazing Croud of Masqueraders, and among the rest your humble Servant, who -had good Diversion there with a Lady who trusted me with a Secret, by -mistake, for another Person. As she is a Lady of some Distinction, you'll -excuse me from telling her Name. All that I shall do my self the Honor to -acquaint you of at present is, that she was a Duchess who was fond of -_R----_ to Distraction; but he had abandon'd her for Mademoiselle _de -S----_. The Duchess saw him enter the Ball-Room with _V----_, who was -formerly a Confident of their Amours, and an intimate Friend of _R----_. -The Duchess, as disguis'd as she was, was presently known by her faithless -Lover; so that when she went to lay hold of him, he slily stole away with -his Friend, and secreted himself in the Croud. Being afraid of Reproaches -from the Duchess, he thought fit also to change his Domino. _V----_ -likewise exchang'd his for mine. _R----_ shew'd me the Place where he had -seen the Duchess, and desir'd me to pass by her, but not to speak to her, -in case that she offered to talk with me. I promis'd every thing he ask'd, -yet was resolv'd to have a Parley with her, if I found a proper -Opportunity, which soon presented. You must know, that I so much resembled -M. _de V----_ in Stature, that the Duchess readily took me for him, and -beckoning me aside, at the Instant that she was in high Wrath with -_R----_, for refusing to speak to her, she made a general Confession to me -of all her Intrigue. While she was going on thus, without Reserve, to -make a Variety of Confessions to me, of which I thought she might repent -when she knew that she had been speaking to the wrong Person; I -interrupted her by saying, _She was mistaken in her Man, and that I was -not_ V----. She reply'd hastily, _What need all these Grimaces? Hear me -out to the End of my Tale. This is not a Place to play the fool in. You -know_, continu'd she, _that I have granted the ungrateful Man but every -thing_. I broke in upon her again, and said to her, _By my Troth_, Madame, -_I did not know one word of the Matter till now_. She jeer'd me for -pretending to be ignorant of what she had been telling me, and continu'd -her Discourse to me with all the Plainness and True-heartedness that is -seldom found in Narratives of this nature. After she had run on a good -while, she said, _Alas!_ Sir, _What say you, Speak, now is your Time to -speak, and justify your Friend, if you can. I really think_, replied I, -_that +R----+ is a Scoundrel to set so little a Value upon the Kindness -you have for him; and instead of justifying him, when I see him, I shall -certainly rattle him for it. I shall tell him every Tittle that you have -now done me the Honor to divulge to me; and tho' I am not +V----+, nor -very intimate with +R----+, I am persuaded that he will give Attention to -what I shall say to him. Ah, Sir!_ replied the Duchess, _Why do ye go to -alter the natural Tone of your Voice? How can you deny your self? What -have I done to be thus treated? Upon my Honor, Madam_ I said, _I don't -impose on you; let your own Eyes be Witness_. At the same Moment I pull'd -off my Mask. The Lady was so astonish'd that I can't express it. She cou'd -not speak; and I perceiv'd, by her Confusion for having made such an open -Confession to me, that she did not know, whether she had best say on, or -retire? I really pitied her, and did all I could to hearten her. I begg'd -her to be assur'd that I would keep every thing she had said to me -inviolably secret; and that I was as sensible as she could be, of the -Consequence of revealing Things of that nature. The good Lady began to -pluck up her Spirits; and after some farther Discourse she desir'd me to -hand her out, and to help her to find her Coach. It was impossible to -discover her Coach or mine either in the Croud; and therefore she chose to -take a Hack. I went with her to her House, where she desir'd me to go back -to the Ball, and tell the Ladies whom I had seen in her Company that she -was taken very ill. I obey'd her Orders punctually, and did not fail next -Day to pay her a Visit, and this Visit pav'd the way for others, which -gave me an Opportunity to contract a most intimate Acquaintance with her. -I had the Honor, in short, of being her most esteemed Friend, and found -her possess'd of a thousand good Qualities, which render'd her the best -Companion in the World. - -The most comical part of this Adventure was, to find _R----_ quarrelling -bitterly with the Duchess for holding a long Parley with a Gentleman in -Masquerade at the Ball. He pretended to be jealous, and wrote a thundering -Letter to her next day, wherein he told her, that he would have nothing -more to do with her. On the other hand Madam _de R----_, with whom I went -to the Ball, and whom I was still passionately fond of, took advantage of -the Conference I had with the Duchess, and also pretended Jealousy, (for -to be serious, I knew afterwards that 'twas only a Copy of her -Countenance.) She expatiated a good deal upon her Uneasiness at the long -Conversation that pass'd betwixt us. I was silly enough to believe that -she was sincere in what she said, and more Fool still to be transported -with the Thought that I had made her jealous. I did all in my power, -however, to remove her Suspicions; in a word, I said every thing that a -Lover can say, who loves sincerely, and would convince that he does so. -She seem'd to be satisfy'd with my Protestations; but yet instead of -making a suitable Return to the Respect I had for her, she continu'd to -teaze me all the rest of the Winter. Her Behavior was so extremely -coquetish, that it gave me a deal of Vexation; and besides, I did not like -to see the Marquis _de V----_ so often at her House. - -I had been pester'd with this Marquis for a long time. 'Twas he that took -away _S----_ from me; and no sooner was I got into the Favor of Madame _de -R----_, but he found a way to insinuate himself there too. I was so -provok'd to see him always at my Heels, that I quarrel'd with him one day -at _C----_, where we happen'd to meet at the House of the President _de -N----_. We were actually at Daggers-drawing, when M. _de C----_ came and -parted us. _V----_ assur'd me that he had no manner of Pretence to Madame -_de R----_, and actually promis'd me, that if I did not like his Visits to -her, he would not renew them. And he was as good as his Word, so that I -was perfectly reconcil'd to him; but I was not at all pleas'd with Madam -_de R----_. I saw plainly that I was betray'd. I had fresh Cause to -suspect her every day, and yet I hugged the Chains wherewith she had bound -me; in which I sufficiently confuted the vulgar Error of those who assert, -that People never love heartily but once. I ought, however, to reflect a -little upon this last Amour, which was extremely hurtful to me. Madam _de -R----_ was so extravagant that a Man could not be upon good Terms with -her, without being, at an excessive Expence. To support my self I borrow'd -Money every where, till e'er long I knew not where to find Lenders. On the -other hand my Creditors began to make me frequent Visits, till they were -tir'd with my continually putting them off from one time to another, and -then truly they resolv'd to proceed against me by Law; and at length took -out a Writ to attach my Person. I was very much stunn'd at the News, but -because I had put them in an ill Humor, I was willing to avoid the Effects -of it, by keeping my Chamber for some days, till M. _de N----_ had -procur'd me an Order to stay Prosecution. This Respite put me upon ways -and means to find Money, all my Desire being to satisfy my Creditors. I -was aware how difficult it was to get a sufficient Sum to pay them -remitted from home; for all my Estate was entail'd upon my Brother and -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_; and she never intended to give her Consent to -the mortgaging of any part of it. Yet having no other way to bring my self -out of Trouble, I got my Friends to intercede with her; which they did so -powerfully, that at length they really prevail'd on her to agree to the -borrowing of some Money upon the Estate, which was lent accordingly; and -by this Means I got happily out of this Scrape. The Difficulties I had -been plung'd in made me wiser, and I lessen'd my Expences, which I -perceiv'd, indeed, was not the way to preserve the Favor of Madam _de -R----_. But what should I do? To dip my self again over head and ears in -Debt, and to run the risque of having another scurvy Action enter'd -against me, was what I could not resolve on. At this same time I obtain'd -a Pension of 2000 Livres; but as to an Employment, none could I get of the -Secretary at War. - -This put me so much out of Temper, that notwithstanding my Passion for -Madam _de R----_, and my being so much attach'd to _France_, I determin'd -to try once more for an Establishment elsewhere. For this purpose I wrote -to the Prince of _H----_, a General Officer in the Emperor's Service, and -a Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who return'd me a very obliging Answer, -how glad he should be to admit me into his Regiment; but that there was no -Company vacant in it, nor none like to be, unless I could strike a Bargain -with a certain old Captain who had a Design to retire, and would gladly -part with his Company for 2000 Crowns. To find such a round Sum as 2000 -Crowns, in the Situation which I was in then, and to find the -Philosopher's Stone, was as easy for me one as the other. I resolv'd, -however, to treat with the Captain. - -I therefore set out for _Bruges_, where the Prince of _H----_ was in -Garison with his Regiment. I met with a Captain, but he was pretty stiff, -and would absolutely hear of no Terms but the Money down, or old Plate for -Security. The Prince, who really wish'd me well, and perfectly knew the -State of my Affairs, wrote to my Cousin to persuade her to consent to my -taking up some more Money upon the Estate. I also indited the most moving -Letter I could, to melt her; but 'twas all to no purpose: The Answers she -return'd were very sarcastical. She set me off to the Life, and she had -the Art to persuade the Prince who had wrote to her, that to give me Leave -to borrow more Money, was to put a Sword into the Hands of a Mad-man. For -my own part I was in a manner convinc'd that she had Reason on her side. I -therefore quitted all Thoughts of the Company which I propos'd to buy, and -set out for _Paris_. - -I was not sorry to leave BRUGES[52], it being one of the saddest Places in -the _Netherlands_ for a Man to live in, who is not a Merchant; yet 'tis a -very considerable City. 'Tis said to be very ancient, and that it was -encompass'd with Walls in the Year 865. It was formerly dependant on the -Bishopric of _Tournay_; but since the Reign of _Philip_ II. it has been -erected into a Bishop's See, which is now Suffragan to the Archbishopric -of _Mechlin_. Its Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. _Donat_, is a very -old and a very fine Structure. The other Churches are also of an elegant -Model, especially the _Jesuits_ Church and our _Lady_'s. In the latter -there's the Tomb of _Charles_ the _Bold_ the last Duke of _Burgundy_ who -was kill'd before _Nancy_, from whence his Corpse was translated hither, -by order of _Mary_ of _Austria_, his Grandaughter, the Widow of a King of -_Hungary_ and Sister to the Emperor _Charles_ V. The Situation of _Bruges_ -is very advantagious, it being but three Leagues from the Sea; and for the -Ease of its Trade there are several Canals cut in it, on which Vessels -pass to and fro as they do in _Holland_; with this Conveniency moreover, -that People dine there as elegantly as in the best Tavern. Tho' all these -Canals have a Communication with the Sea, yet their Waters are not fast, -by reason of the Sluices and other Machines, which they make use of to -prevent it. 'Tis natural to suppose, that Fields in which so many Canals -are cut, must be fertile; yet the Trade of _Bruges_ is very much dwindled -since the flourishing of that of _Amsterdam_, which has engross'd it all -to it self. - -I forgot to tell you, that 'twas at _Burges_ the Order of the Golden -Fleece was instituted by _Philip_ the _Good_, Duke of _Burgundy_ on the -very Day that he consummated his Marriage with _Isabel_ the Daughter of -_John_ King of _Portugal_. 'Twas to this City also that _Charles_ II. King -of _England_ came for Refuge, when his Subjects rebell'd against him; and -so well was he receiv'd here, that when he was in peaceable Possession of -his Throne he shew'd his Gratitude, by permitting the Citizens to send -fifty Vessels every year to the Coasts of _England_, to catch Herrings. So -much, _Madame_, for _Bruges_. - -Just as I was setting out, I heard that the Prince of _H----_ was going -for NEWPORT[53], where there was a Battalion of his Regiment in Garison; -and thither I went with him. This, which is a very ancient Town, was -heretofore intirely destroy'd by the _English_, and afterwards rebuilt by -_Philip_ the _Bold_, Duke of _Burgundy_. The Rebels of _Ghent_ burnt it in -1383, because it continued faithful to its Sovereign. It held out a very -sharp Siege by the _French_, in which the Women display'd a very great -share of Valour. During the Revolt of the _Netherlands_ it submitted to -the Prince of _Parma_. In that same War, the _Dutch_ who were besieging -it, under Prince _Maurice_ of _Orange_, gain'd a great Victory over the -_Spaniards_, at the Gates of the Town; and yet they thought fit to raise -the Siege. They say, that with some Expence _Newport_ might be made one of -the best Harbors in the Ocean; and a Plan for this purpose was given to -the Marquis _de Prie_, Commandant in the _Netherlands_; but hitherto it -has not been approv'd of. Tho' 'tis a Town not very much fortify'd, yet -'tis a strong Place considering the Advantage it has of laying all the -Country round it under Water. 'Tis quite encompass'd with Downs and -Marshes, the former of which abound with Rabbets. The Prince of _H----_ -gave me the Pleasure of Hunting there, which is the only Diversion that -can be taken by Officers who are condemn'd to be in Garison in such a Hole -as _Newport_. We staid there two Days, after which the Prince and Princess -of _H----_ return'd to _Bruges_. For my own part I accompanied the Prince -of _Holstein_ to YPRES, of which he is Governor for the _Dutch_. - -This is one of the best Cities in _Europe_, and is notable for having -suffer'd several Sieges. The Rebels made themselves Masters of it in the -Reign of _Philip_ II. when they plundered the Churches and Convents, and -drove out the Fryars. The Archduke _Leopold_ retook it from those -Furiosos, and it remained in Possession of _Spain_ till 1658, when 'twas -taken by the Marshal _de Turenne_; but by the _Pyrenean_ Treaty it -reverted to its lawful Sovereign. In 1678, _Lewis_ XIV. besieg'd it in -Person and took it; and by the Treaty of _Nimeguen_, which was concluded -the same year, 'twas yielded to him by _Spain_. The _French_ caus'd it to -be considerably fortify'd; after which they remain'd peaceable Possessors -of it till the Peace of _Utrecht_, when they yielded it to the Allies, in -exchange for _Lisle_ which had been taken from the _French_. _Ypres_ is -now a Barrier for the _Dutch_, who keep a good Garison in it. -Nevertheless, Justice is administer'd, and the Taxes raised here, in the -Name of the Emperor, as Sovereign of _Spanish Flanders_. - -From _Ypres_ I went to _Lisle_, of which I have already had the Honor to -give you some Account; and from _Lisle_ in a very short time I proceeded -to PARIS. Who should I see there, but the famous Countess of _Wartemberg_? -The Chevalier _de B----_, who being at _Utrecht_ during the Congress, had -there sign'd a Contract to marry her, returning to _France_ as soon as the -Peace was concluded, the Countess follow'd him and came to _Versailles_, -where she had the Honor of waiting on the King. She wore the Pictures of -three Kings as a Bracelet on her Arm, which she shew'd to the King, -telling him at the same time, _That after she had seen three Monarchs at -her Feet, she was now come from the Heart of_ Germany _to throw her self -at the Feet of his Majesty_. The King, who was surpriz'd at the -Compliment, star'd at her, but said not a Word. Some days after this she -appear'd at the Play-house, stuck all over with Diamonds; and those so -large, that she was call'd, _The Lady of precious Stones_. All the young -Fellows combin'd to have a Pluck at her, and every younger Brother of a -Family thought those Diamonds would look as well upon him as they did upon -the Countess. When they had pilfer'd some from her, she was more cautious -how she paraded with 'em for the future. Yet notwithstanding all her Care, -the Chevalier _de B----_ dextrously stripp'd her of all she had in one -day. He had been for some time wishing that he could revoke the -Marriage-Contract which he had sign'd with the Countess; his Family also -press'd him to break off his Engagement with her; and in fine, not knowing -what Course to take to recover the Contract, which the Lady refus'd to -restore, he made use of this very singular Expedient. One day when he was -at _Versailles_, he set out Post from thence to find out the Countess of -_Wartemberg_, and told her that the King had just receiv'd an Express from -_Berlin_, by which the King of _Prussia_ desir'd him to put her under an -Arrest, and to seize her Diamonds, and other Effects, as having been stole -from the King his Father. _I just had the News_, said the Chevalier to -her, _from M._ de T----, _who knowing the Respect I have for you, was -willing to give me an Opportunity of doing you Service, by guarding you -from the Misfortune that threatens you_. The Countess being thunder-struck -at this News, said to the Chevalier in a Fright, _O my God! What shall we -do? Your only way_, said he, _is to give me Charge of all your Diamonds; -your Interests and mine are the same; I don't believe you suspect me; I -will carry them all to my Father's House, where they will be safe: And as -for your Person, you may be very easy; for M._ de T----_has assur'd me, -that 'tis your Effects they want, and not your Person_. Madame _de -Wartemberg_ believ'd every Tittle of what he said, and esteeming the -Chevalier as her Guardian Angel, she deliver'd up all her Diamonds to him, -with every thing besides of most Value. _B----_ having all this Booty, -took his Leave of her. The Countess thought she had play'd a very cunning -Part in thus securing her Effects; but 'twas not long before she was -sensible that she had play'd a foolish one. _B----_ was not to be seen -for four or five days. The Countess, startled at his absenting himself, -wrote Letter after Letter to him, but could not obtain so much as one -Answer. At last, on the fifth day, _B----_ made his Appearance, and gave -the good Lady some Encouragement. He told her that her Jewels were all -safe; and that she might have them whenever she pleas'd, upon this -trifling Condition only; namely, that she would restore him the Contract -he had sign'd to marry her. The Countess extremely surpriz'd at this -Compliment, made Answer to the Chevalier, That Princesses of the Empire -were not to be thus treated; that she was come to _Paris_ upon his -Engagement to marry her; and that she knew how to oblige him to it. -_B----_, who was resolv'd to break with her at any rate, told her, that -she was at her full Liberty to chuse either of these two Proposals that he -made to her, _viz._ To go to Law, and thereby to be certain of losing her -Effects; or else, to recover them, by restoring that Paper to him which he -demanded. He made her sensible, that by going to Law, he might naturally -hope to get the better of her, not only from the Justice of his Cause, but -from the Interest of his Relations; and that as to her Effects, since -there was no Witness that saw her deliver them into his Hands, he should -take a Course which she would think pretty hard, _viz._ Deny that he had -ever receiv'd them, and in the mean time sell one part of the Jewels to -enable him to find Law to keep the rest. The Countess perceiving that the -Chevalier was resolv'd to be as good as his Word, and that she had no -Chance to get any thing, determin'd to give up the Contract; and _B----_ -thereupon brought back her Diamonds; which was such an honest Action on -his part, that it engag'd Madam _de Wartemberg_ to make him a Present of a -noble Ring, valu'd at 20,000 Livres. And thus ended her Correspondence -with _B----_. - -The Countess, to make her self easy for the Loss of her Lover, resolv'd to -look out for others; but she was not happy in the Variety of her Choice. -_They were all_, said she, _insincere; and for the most part knavishly -inclin'd_. In short, she renounc'd all manner of Society with _Frenchmen_; -she thought them too volatile and nimble for her, and upon this Occasion -she extol'd the _Germans_ for the honestest Souls in the World; yet she -soon found the contrary, to her Cost: For having made an Acquaintance with -a clever handsome young _German_, they both promis'd each other Marriage, -as soon as they came to a Protestant Country, and a Contract was actually -sign'd between them for that purpose; but the Spark thought that after -they had sign'd and seal'd, the Nuptial Benediction was only an -insignificant Ceremony to admit them into a Partnership in their worldly -Goods; and that his Right ought to commence from the very day that the -Articles were agreed to. Upon this Principle he thought fit to march off -with all the precious Stones of his Spouse that was to be, and set out -with them from _Paris_, designing to elope to _Lorrain_. The Countess, who -was soon inform'd of his Departure, was mortally uneasy at the Treachery -of her Lover, tho' the Danger she was in of losing her Diamonds stuck most -to her Heart. By good Luck she had Intelligence what Road her dear Thief -went, and sent a Messenger after him, who found him at _Meaux_, where he -was so unwise as to make a Halt for some days. He was brought back to -_Paris_, where the Countess, who denied that she had ever made the least -Proposal of Marriage to the Stripling, was preparing to swinge him; but -the Electoral Prince of _Saxony_, by whom he was protected, put a stop to -all further Prosecution, and caus'd the Jewels to be restor'd to Madam _de -Wartemberg_, who did not insist upon his Promise of Marriage; for being of -a Temper that did not permit her to be idle, she had already contracted a -clandestine Marriage with _F----_. These various Intrigues happening so -soon one after another, were so much talk'd of, that the Countess did not -think fit to stay any longer in _France_, but set out for _Holland_, where -she remains to this day[54]. - -Towards the Close of the Year, _viz._ on the 1st of _September_ 1715, -_France_ lost _Lewis_ XIV. He died a Death truly Christian, for which he -had been some time before preparing himself; so that when Notice was given -him, that he must make ready to go out of this World, he was not at all -surpriz'd. He took his last Farewel of his Family with a Courage worthy of -Admiration. He gave his Blessing to the young Dauphin, the Heir of his -Crown; which he accompanied with several important Advices and -Exhortations, especially not to go to War without a just Cause, and not to -be so fond of it as he had been. Then he ordered what Mourning the young -Monarch should wear, adding, that what he prescrib'd to him was the same -that he wore at the Death of the King his Father. This Monarch express'd a -vast Affection for the Princes of his Family, and strongly recommended his -Successor to the Duke of _Orleans_. They say that he stretch'd forth his -Hand to the Marshal _de Villeroy_, and said to him, _Adieu, my Friend, we -must part_. Madame _de Maintenon_ staid with the King all the Time of his -Illness, because he desir'd it, except one Day, when the King being so ill -that they thought he could not recover it, she return'd to _St. Cyr_; but -as soon as the Monarch came to himself, and found Madame _de Maintenon_ -gone, he sent for her, and begg'd her not to forsake him. Accordingly she -continu'd with him till his Death, upon which she went back to _St. Cyr_, -where she liv'd mightily retir'd till 1719, when she died. - -'Tis astonishing to think what a Change there was at Court upon the Death -of _Lewis_ XIV. The Courtiers stuck fast to him, to the very last Moment -of his Life, not at all minding the Princes; no, not even the Duke of -_Orleans_: but the very Moment that the King died, the Face of every thing -was alter'd; and all the Court was made to the Duke of _Orleans_, as the -sole Dispenser of Favors, who went, accompanied by all the Princes and -Courtiers, to the young Monarch, and paid him the due Homage. - -_Lewis_ XIV. had appointed the Duke of _Orleans_ Regent of the Kingdom by -his last Will; but at the same time he nominated several Noblemen for -Associates in the Government, without whom he could conclude nothing. He -also depriv'd him of the Guardianship of the young King, and gave it to -the Duke _de Maine_; in a word, he bound his Hands in such a manner, that -this Prince had nothing but the Shadow of the Regency. The Duke, however, -artfully procur'd that Honor to be paid to him, which he claim'd as his -due. He conducted the young King to Parliament with a great Train. The -_French_ and _Swiss_ Guards being drawn up in a Line in the Streets, to -the very Gates of the Palais or Parliament-House, the _Gens d'Arms_, -Musketeers, Light-Horse and Life-Guards attended his Majesty to the -Palais, where he was receiv'd with the usual Ceremonies, and conducted to -the Court, which they call his _Bed_ of Justice. When every body had taken -their Seats, the Duke of _Orleans_ broke silence and said, _That tho' the -Regency belonged to him by Birth-right, yet he was very glad he could -produce the Codicil of the late King to them in proof of it; which having -caus'd to be read, together with the Will, he shew'd the Inconveniencies -that might arise from the little Authority which was given to him; and -that his Rank and Birth had always intitled him to hope for more_. And -having said this, he demanded of the Parliament, _Whether they did not own -him for the Sovereign Administrator of the Kingdom_. He added, _That -whatever Authority should be given him, he should be glad to follow the -Advice of the Parliament; that he would share his Authority with the -Grandees of the Kingdom; and that if there should happen to be a Failure -of Justice in his Administration, it would then be a Pleasure to him to -bear their Remonstrances_. He clos'd all with saying, _That he should like -well enough to have his Hands restrained from doing wrong, but that he -wish'd they might be at entire Liberty to do good_. The Votes ran in his -Favor; the late King's Will was annull'd, the Duke of _Orleans_ declared -Regent of the Kingdom, and Guardian of the King; and the Superintendancy -of his Majesty's Education was given to the Duke of _Maine_. The Regent -return'd his Thanks to the Parliament; and at the same time told them, -_that he was for pursuing a Plan of Government that was found among the -Papers of the Duke of +Burgundy+, Father to the present King; according to -which Plan it appeared that the said Prince had a Design to establish -Councils for every Province, whether of the Finances, War, Admiralty, &c. -and to be governed entirely by what the Majority of the Voices therein -should determine_. - -The Duke _du Maine_ had no reason to be satisfy'd with this Assembly; for -besides being depriv'd of the Guardianship of the King, he had much ado to -preserve the Prerogatives which the late King had annex'd to the Quality -of a legitimated Prince of the Blood. The Dukes and Peers declared -immediately against the Precedency that had been granted to those Princes, -and carried their Complaints to the Bed of Justice, where they demanded -that they might only be considered as a Part of their Body; and that they -might be allow'd no other Rank than what they deriv'd from their Peerages. -Hereafter we shall also find the Princes of the Blood declaring against -those Princes that had been legitimated. - -This Demand of the Dukes did not take place at that time, no more than -another which they also made upon the same Day, _viz._ that the first -President, when he ask'd their Opinion in Parliament, should veil the -Bonnet to them, in the same manner as to the Princes of the Blood. The -Duke of _Orleans_ desir'd them to permit the Usages of Parliament to be -observ'd on that Day, and assured them that he would decide that Affair -very shortly. The President _de Novion_, afterwards the first President, -then spoke, and answered the Regent, that his Royal Highness had no Right -to make a Decision in an Affair which related directly to the Person of -the King, whom the Parliament had the Honor of representing in his -Majesty's Absence; and that consequently nothing could be alter'd in the -Usage of Parliament, but by the King himself when he came of Age. - -After the Court of Justice broke up, the King return'd to _Vincennes_, -where he resided after the Death of the late King, till the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_ was made fit for his Reception. The Regent and the Princes -accompanied the King, and they afterwards went back to _Paris_, each Man -to his own House. They say that the Duke of _Maine_ was no sooner return'd -home, but the Duchess his Wife, impatient to know what had pass'd in the -Bed of Justice, came that very instant to ask him what News he brought; -and when he told her, that the Regent was the sole Master of the King and -Kingdom, she reproach'd him bitterly. - -As soon as the _Louvre_ was in a readiness the King set out thither from -_Vincennes_, where Lodgings were laid out for the Princes and Princesses -of the Blood. The Palace of _Luxemburg_ was given to the Duchess of -_Berry_, who made great Alterations in the Apartments. This Princess had a -mighty Ascendant over her Father the Duke of _Orleans_, and she made such -a use of it that there was not a day but she obtain'd new Favors. As she -was the first Princess in the Kingdom, there being at that time no Queen, -she desir'd to have a Captain of the Guards to attend her; a Privilege -which none had ever enjoy'd before but the Queens. The Duke of _Orleans_ -could not deny her, and the Person invested with this Character was the -Marquis _de la Rochefoucault_. Madame no sooner heard of this -Augmentation of Officers in the Houshold of the Duchess her Daughter, but -she presently appointed M. _de Harling_ to be Captain of her Guards, who -was a _German_ Gentleman that had been her Page. The Duchess of _Berry_ -wanted also to be stil'd _Madame_ as well as the Princess her Mother; yet -to prevent Confusion she signify'd, that when they made mention of her -they should not call her _Madame la Duchesse de Berry_, but _Madame, -Duchesse de Berry_. Moreover, she pretended to the Right of having -Kettle-Drums and Trumpets sounded before her when she went abroad in -Ceremony, tho' this was never observ'd to any body but the Queen. In -short, this Princess enter'd once into _Paris_ with all this Attendance, -as she return'd from _la Muette_. When she pass'd before the Palace of the -_Thuilleries_, the Officers of the Guards were very much astonish'd to -hear the Trumpets, and represented that no body but the King and Queen -ought to march with such Pomp; upon which Madame _de Berry_ wav'd her -Privilege for the future, tho' with regard only to _Paris_. - -Some will imagine, perhaps, that this Princess, who was so fond of -Grandeur, must naturally be difficult of Access and of very stiff Behavior -to Persons that had the Honor of approaching her. Yet she was quite the -Reverse. I was acquainted with several Ladies that had the Honor of some -Familiarity with her; and they all assur'd me, that she was the -best-natur'd Princess in the World. She never stood upon Formalities in -point of Ceremonial with the Generality of the Ladies, but freely -permitted them to come and visit her in a Scarf. 'Tis true indeed that she -did not affect Dress herself, and consequently it would not have been -good Manners for the Princesses and Court-Ladies to appear in a formal -Dress, which she was scarce ever seen in her self. _Madame_, as I have -already had the Honor to tell you, was much more precise. She was always -in the Court-Dress, and never suffer'd any but Ladies that were advanc'd -in years, or such as were not in Health, to appear before her in any -other. - -The Duke Regent, according to the Promise he had made to the Parliament, -when he held the Bed of Justice, establish'd several Councils. There was -one which was call'd _The Council of the Regency_, others for War, the -Finances, the Marine, and for Affairs Foreign. All the Ministers of the -late King were dismiss'd, except the Chancellor _Voisin_, who kept his -Post. M. _Desmaretz_ and M. _de Pontchartrain_, one the Minister of the -Finances, the other of Affairs Marine, were both destitute of Employment. -M. _Desmaretz_ was put to some trouble in a Chamber which the Regent -establish'd at the _Grand Augustins_, for calling to account those who had -had the Management of the public Money. 'Twas called the _Chamber of -Justice_; and the President _Portail_, who is now the first President, was -at the Head of it. Great Advantages were expected from this Establishment, -which would, they said, not only pay off the King's Debts, but also bring -considerable Sums into his Coffers; nevertheless it all came to nothing. -There was a Fine laid indeed, and 'twas a general one; but as most of the -Financiers had married their Daughters to the Great Men of the Kingdom, -they came off for a Trifle; the Unfortunate paid for all: Some were -condemn'd to the Galleys, and others to perpetual Imprisonment, after -having been set in the Pillory, where the People had the Pleasure of -insulting them; and that was all they got by it. As for the King, he was -not a Penny the richer for it; and no body got more by it than the Ladies -who sollicited for the lowering of the Fines, and ran away with almost all -the Profit. The Public, in general, was very much perplex'd by it: Most -People, afraid of being fin'd, hid their Silver, which Metal so necessary, -became so scarce in but six Months time, that it look'd as if _Lewis_ XIV. -had carried it all out of the Kingdom with him to the other World. They -began to lament the Loss of that Prince, and the Love of the Public for -the Regent vanish'd very fast, 'Twas not long before, that every one -thought they had reason to curse the late King; and the _Frenchman_, who -is naturally fickle, imagin'd without knowing why or wherefore, that the -Death of _Lewis_ XIV. would be the beginning of a more happy Century. The -Prince who was at the Head of the Administration was loaded with -Blessings, tho' he had not yet done any thing to win their Hearts; and in -a very short time this same Prince, who was so much ador'd, found himself -the Subject of the most stinging Satire. He soon took care to be inform'd -how the Public stood affected to him. I happen'd to be one day at -_Madame_'s, when this Prince declared aloud, _Six Months ago_, said he, _I -was perfectly ador'd in_ Paris, _tho' I had done nothing to deserve it; -and I am now as much hated, but for what reason I should be glad to know_. -He knew perhaps, or at least he ought to have known it. The Scarcity of -Silver was the only Cause of it; and it appeared by the Regent's Conduct, -that the King's Coffers were so far from being full, that Payments were -made, not in Silver, but in Paper; a Money always fluctuating, and with -which the _French_ began to be tir'd. They had so often seen Bills, with -various Denominations; and the Fare of the last sort call'd _Mint-Bills_, -in particular, was so fresh in their Memory, that it was almost impossible -they should entertain a better Opinion of those that were created at the -beginning of the Regency, by the Name of _Government-Bills_: Yet these -were admitted notwithstanding the great Clamor against them; and by and by -we shall find that the _French_, who are always doom'd to be bubbled, gave -into a new Paper-Scheme, more specious perhaps to view, but more ruinous -in the Event, than those which had appear'd before it. - -Another thing which put the People out of conceit with the Government, was -the Fluctuation of Measures at the Royal Palace, where nothing was fix'd; -and what was done one day, was cancell'd the next. The Regent, who was -really a good-natur'd and very affable Prince, seem'd to put himself into -the hands of too many People: No body that had a Favor to ask was turn'd -away; it often happen'd that the same Thing was promis'd to two Persons, -and a third obtain'd it. Pensions, Gratuities and Employments were -promis'd, but the Promise seldom kept: So far from it, that several -Pensions were suppress'd, and mine, which cost me so much Pains in the -Sollicitation, was of that number. I made some Bustle to be put upon the -List again; yet all that I could obtain was a Promise that my Pension -should be renew'd very soon: But the Performance is still to come. - -All this striking off of Pensions, together with a considerable Reduction -of the Army, reduc'd a great many People to Beggary. I saw several -Knights of St. _Lewis_ at that very time, waiting with Impatience for the -Dusk of the Evening, that they might go out, and beg Alms in the public -Places. This extreme Misery was attended, as may be easily imagin'd, by -Robberies and Murders; so that all this while _Paris_ had a great -Resemblance to a Wood. My Apprehension that I should be a Sharer in the -common Desolation, engag'd me to pay my Court to _Madame_ with more -Assiduity than ever, and I earnestly intreated her to honor me with her -Recommendation to the Regent. The Princess return'd me for Answer, _That -she was resolv'd not to meddle or make; that however I had no reason to be -uneasy; that there was no Necessity for her speaking in my Behalf to the -Prince her Son, since he was naturally inclined to serve me; but that for -the present he was so over-burdened with Affairs and Sollicitations, that -I must have patience for a while longer_. I made her Answer, _That I was -very willing to wait as long as her Royal Highness pleas'd; but that I was -sadly afraid I was not in a Situation to stay long_. _Madame_ reply'd to -me, _There is a Remedy for all Things: Be you to-morrow at my Closet as -soon as I have din'd_. I was there punctually according to her Orders, and -found her all alone. As soon as she saw me she said, _I am a poor Widow -that can't do great Matters for you, but I have a mind to oblige you_. She -then gave me the Key of her Bureau, and bid me open it, and take a Bag out -of one Corner of it, in which there was Gold to the Tune of three thousand -Livres. I receiv'd it with all the Gratitude possible; and this fresh -Token of her Royal Highness's Goodness attach'd me to her more than ever. - -The Dukes and Peers at this very time renew'd a Demand which they had -already made in the Parliament, touching the Obeisance they expected to be -made to them by the first President when he call'd for their Opinion: They -also claim'd several Prerogatives over the[55] Nobility, and wanted to -establish themselves as a Middle State between the Princes of the Blood -and those call'd Gentlemen. The Regent made them Answer, _That for his -part he had never acknowledg'd more than three Orders, the Clergy, the -Nobility, and the third Estate; and that 'twas their Business to choose -which Class they would be of, without aiming at a chimerical Establishment -which was intirely unprecedented_. The Dukes demanded moreover, to be -excus'd from drawing their Swords in any Quarrel with a private Gentleman; -but the Duke _de la Feuillade_ refus'd to sign this Petition, because he -said, _He would not be expos'd to an Affront from any Gentleman, and he -restrain'd from resenting it_. - -The Parliament did not vouchsafe to answer the Memorial of the Dukes, and -only confirm'd what the President _de Novion_ had advanc'd, that it was -the King's sole Right to determine Claims of that sort, and that therefore -they must wait till his Majesty was of Age. The Nobility did not treat the -Demand of the Dukes with the same Indifference as the Parliament, and met -to consider how they should behave; but there came an Order forbidding -them to continue their Assemblies. Yet for all this Prohibition they drew -up a Memorial between themselves, which was presented to the King. This -Conduct of theirs so disgusted the Court, that several of the Nobles who -were known to have the greatest Hand in the Memorial were taken up and -committed to the _Bastile_. The Dukes met at the same time at the House of -the Archbishop of _Rheims_, who was afterwards the Cardinal _de Mailly_. -In fine, the Result of all these Motions on both sides, was a Declaration -issued by his Majesty, requiring that every thing should remain in the -same State as in the late King's Life-time, without prejudice to the -Rights of either Party. A zealous Parliamentarian, who, 'tis like, could -not brook that Pretensions so frivolous as that of the Dukes should remain -unanswer'd, publish'd a very long Tract to prove, that several of the -Dukes were not Gentlemen; and that the Generality of the Members of -Parliament were indisputably of better Extraction than those who were -grac'd with the Title of Dukes. I question if _Henry_ IV. who very often -did the Nobility the Honor to call himself a Gentleman, would have left -the Claim of the Dukes undetermin'd. - -At this very time the Princes of the Blood presented a Petition to his -Majesty against the Legitimated Princes. The former were uneasy to see -the latter in possession of Rank equal to theirs, and pretending to an -equal Share with them in the Right of Succession to the Crown; and -therefore demanded that the Legitimated Princes, _viz._ the Duke _du -Maine_ and the Count _de Toulouse_, and their Descendants, should be -declar'd to have forfeited the Rank of Princes of the Blood; and that the -Act by which the late King declared those Princes capable of succeeding to -the Crown, should be struck out of the Registers of the Parliament. - -The Legitimated Princes presented a Memorial to the King on their part, -whereby they represented to his Majesty, that the Demand of the Princes of -the Blood was contrary to his Authority; that the Sovereigns had always -the Liberty of granting such Honors as they thought fit, either to the -Court or the Parliament; and that moreover, the late King, when he -declar'd them Princes of the Blood, did it in the most authentic Manner, -the Declaration which gave them that Dignity, being register'd in -Parliament, in the Presence, and even with the Advice of the Princes of -the Blood, and of the Dukes and Peers. - -Several Writings were publish'd at that time on both sides of the -Question, to prove the Justice of the Cause which each maintain'd. The -Amount of what the Legitimated Princes pleaded was, That Kings were the -absolute Dispensers of Favors; and that the Kings who were _Lewis_ XIVth's -Predecessors, formerly granted those very Privileges, which they now aim'd -to deprive them of, without Opposition. They quoted for Example the -_Longueville_ Family, whose Descendants had always the Rank of Princes of -the Blood. They also instanc'd in several Bastards who had succeeded to -the Crown, in the first and second Race of the Kings of _France_; and -observ'd, that the Case would have been the same in the third Race, if the -same Fact had happen'd. - -The Princes of the Blood gave an ample and solid Reply to the Memorial of -the Legitimated Princes. They advanc'd, that the King as great as his -Authority was, could not grant Prerogatives that were peculiar only to -Birth-right; that a Bastard was one without Father, without Mother, -without Kindred, _&c._ and by consequence incapable of holding any Rank -which Blood alone can give; that moreover, the Claim of the Legitimated -Princes would deprive the Nation of its Right of calling such Family to -the Crown as they thought fit, in case the Royal Family should happen to -be extinct. - -This Memorial was confuted by another, and to the latter there was a -Reply. In fine, both sides grew so warm, that to put an end to the -Quarrel, the King was oblig'd to speak. He declared solemnly, _That the -Legitimated Princes should enjoy the Rank of Princes of the Blood during -their Lives, but that they could not succeed to the Crown_. This -Declaration was very well receiv'd, in appearance, by both Parties; but -perhaps too it was the Cause of some Events, which in the Consequence gave -the Regent no little Uneasiness, whereof I shall soon have occasion to -make mention. - -During these Transactions in _France_, there were Commotions of much -greater Consequence in _England_, where a Revolution was expected in favor -of the Chevalier _de St. George_, who having spent some time at the Prince -_de Vaudemont_'s House at _Commercy_ in _Lorrain_, was just set out for -_Scotland_. He embark'd between _Ostend_ and _Dunkirk_, and had a happy -Passage. As soon as he arriv'd he found a considerable Party which -declar'd for him. Every thing seem'd at first to favor him: A great many -Persons came to own him for King, and he was serv'd in that Quality. But -his Happiness was of no long Duration, and he was oblig'd to retire with -Precipitancy from a Country where he was in danger of being ill us'd. - -'Twas the Opinion of many People that this Undertaking would have -succeeded, if the Prince had not discover'd so much Zeal for the Catholic -Religion; for 'twas only desired of him to promise to preserve the -Privileges of _Scotland_ in Religious Matters, but he would not hear of -it. Moreover, he rose one day from Table without eating a Morsel, because -a Clergyman of the Church of _England_ had said the Grace; and upon this -Occasion he protested, that he would never eat a Bit of what a Heretic -pretended to give a Blessing to. This great Zeal for Religion, a Zeal -perhaps too flaming in Circumstances where he might, without any Crime, -have smother'd it, was the reason that all the Protestants in _Scotland_, -many of whom had already declared in his Favor, turn'd their backs on him. -I happen'd to be present when all this was told to the Duke of _Orleans_. -He made Answer, _If all this be true, 'tis no wonder that he has not -succeeded; and I look upon him as an undone Prince_. At the same time I -observ'd such an Air of Satisfaction in his and _Madame_'s Countenances, -as convinc'd me that they were not ill pleas'd to see the Elector of -_Hanover_ establish'd on the Throne of _England_. - -The Chevalier _de St. George_ return'd to _France_, and having pass'd -thro' the whole Kingdom _incog._ he went for Refuge to _Avignon_. The -_English_ did all they could with the Regent to engage him to arrest the -Chevalier, and demanded likewise that he would cashier all the _English_ -and _Irish_ Officers in the Service of _France_, that were the Pretender's -Adherents. The Regent satisfy'd them but in part, for he only cashier'd -the Officers. The Chevalier _de St. George_ was hotly pursu'd, and 'tis -even said that a certain Lord was a good while in chace of him, with a -Design to have killed him; but the Chevalier escap'd the Danger by the -Haste that he made to _Avignon_. When he quitted _Scotland_ he was oblig'd -to leave several Lords that had follow'd him in the Lurch, particularly -the Duke of _Lirie_, Son to the Marshal _de Berwic_, Natural Son of -_James_ II. who had so much Difficulty to get to _France_ again, that -'twas even reported for a long while that he had been taken Prisoner and -beheaded, as Lord _Derwentwater_ was at _London_. - -The _French_ were sorry to see that Fortune always cross'd the Chevalier -_de St. George_, and could not help pitying the Queen his Mother, whose -Sorrows were by this Disaster increas'd; for she had, by the Miscarriage -of this Expedition, ruin'd several of her Friends, who had made their -utmost Efforts to support the Charges of it. - -Tho' the _Orleans_ Family was not very much afflicted at the Misfortune of -the Chevalier _de St. George_, yet it did not hinder _Madame_ from going -to _Chaillot_ to condole with the Queen upon her late Misfortunes. I was -at the Royal Palace when _Madame_ return'd from the Visit; and she did me -the Honor to tell me, _That she had been almost crying her Eyes out_. I -pretended to be ignorant of the Cause of her Tears, and took the Freedom -to ask her, _What was the matter? The poor Queen of +England+!_ said she, -_I pity her heartily. I have been weeping with her_. I could not help -letting _Madame_ know how much I was surpriz'd at this Grief of her's, -because I imagin'd she was more in the Interest of the Family that -govern'd _England_, than of a Prince who was a Stranger to her; and one, -moreover, that was always out of Fortune's Favor. _You are in the right_, -said Madame, _all the Relations of my late Aunt are dear to me, and I with -'em well. But this poor Queen takes it as much to heart as if it was but -to-day that she left the Crown. But what can she do? The only way for her -is to make her self easy. 'Tis not her Doom to be happy; and since one of -'em must be unfortunate, I had rather she was so than the King of -+England+. But_, added she, _this must not be told_. Madam _de D----_ -coming in just after these Words, _Madame_ told her, _That she had been to -see the Queen of +England+, but that she thought she had been with the -Nymph +Arethusa+ all the while_. Madam _de D----_ made Answer to her, -_That it was not surprizing to see Tears shed by Persons so much afflicted -as the Queen was. What then_, said Madame, _are not thirty Tears -Misfortunes enough to inure her to them_? Thus did this Princess wipe away -the Tears which lately fell from her in such a Torrent. - -The fine Season being come, _Madame_ went to _St. Cloud_, and took with -her Mademoiselle _de Chartres_ now the Abbess of _Chelles_, and -Mademoiselle _de Valois_ now Princess of _Modena_. _Madame_ spent all the -Summer at _St. Cloud_, so that I made several Trips thither. I told her -my Case, and desir'd that she would please to intercede for me with the -Duke her Son. She always promis'd me she would, but never did; and yet she -said to every body who talk'd of me to her, _That she wish'd me well_; -while, on the other hand, tho' this Princess mortally hated _S----_ a -_Prussian_ Gentleman, she earnestly importun'd the Duke her Son to serve -him; and I was present one day when she sollicited for him. After the Duke -of _Orleans_ retir'd, she call'd me to her, and said, _You heard how I -espous'd the Interests of +S----+, yet I can assure you he does not -deserve it_. Then _Madame_ told me strange Stories to the disadvantage of -_S----_, upon which I took the Freedom to defend his Cause, and to assure -her Royal Highness that he had been misrepresented to her. _What!_ said -Madame, _will you offer to deny that he had his Hand cut off for -counterfeiting the Sign-Manual of the King of +Denmark+?_ As I knew the -Adventure of _S----_ at the _Danish_ Court, and that his was not a Crime -of such a nature; and as, moreover, I knew that the Loss of his Right Arm -was owing to a Fall that he had receiv'd, I represented to _Madame_, that -I should have thought the cutting off of his Hand Punishment enough in all -reason for the Crime of which she suspected _S----_; but that -nevertheless, his Arm was cut off near the Shoulder. _Alas_! said the -Princess, _that's because it was cut a second time. But, Madame_, I -instantly reply'd, _How could your Royal Highness favor a Man that was -capable of such a Fraud? I have my Reasons for it_, said she. I did not -venture to indulge my Curiosity further. But in fine, this M. _de S----_ -who was to the last degree abhorr'd, obtain'd what he desir'd; whereas, -for my part, as well as I was wish'd, I could not possibly obtain so much -as a positive Denial, which would at least have serv'd to undeceive me, -and to make me look out for Preferment from another Quarter. - -While _Madame_ was at _St. Cloud_, the Duchess of _Berry_ resided at -_Meudon_, tho' sometimes she came to _Paris_. I had the Honor of paying my -Compliments to this Princess very often. She was good-natur'd and -generous, and very free to ask Favors of the Regent her Father, who seldom -deny'd her; so that whoever had her Protection, was in a sure way to be -advanc'd. The Count _de R----_, a young Man of Quality, and who was just -enter'd as a Lieutenant in that Princess's Guards, knew better than any -body how to gain his Mistress's Favor. I knew him some time before this -Preferment of his, when he was a Lieutenant in the King's Regiment, very -much out at heels, and by consequence not in a Condition to keep a certain -Sett of Company; at least, in the manner that he would have desir'd: But -by meer Chance he was quarter'd upon the Duchess of _Berry_, who wanted a -Man of a good Family to be Lieutenant of her Guards; for till then those -who officiated in that Post were only Persons of a common Extraction, for -which reason few there were that strove to get it. _R----_ thought very -prudently, that in his present Circumstances he was not oblig'd to mind -such Scruples; and he spoke to his Sister, who was a Lady of the -Bed-Chamber to the Duchess, of the Design he had to offer his Service. He -actually did so, and was admitted. He perform'd the Duty of it a good -while, and the Princess took no more Notice of him than she did of any of -her other Officers. What began to make him known was this. One day as the -Princess was going out she observ'd that _R----_ was not on horseback by -the side of her Coach, as his Duty demanded of him; and she complain'd of -it to the Duke _de la Rochefoucault_ the Captain of her Guards. This -Officer, who was fond of _R----_, and was, moreover, naturally inclin'd to -do him Service, said to the Princess that _R----_ was not well; but -setting his Indisposition aside, as he had the Honor to be a Gentleman, he -thought it hard to ride like a Stable-Boy by the side of her Coach, while -several Officers of the Houshold, who were not equal to him, rode in the -Coach that follow'd. The Duchess of _Berry_, who was a kind Mistress, -immediately gave Orders, that the Lieutenant of her Guards should ride in -the Waiting-Coach. _R----_ return'd her Thanks, and was more assiduous -than ever in his Attendance on her. Madame _de M----_ spoke afterwards so -much in Commendation of _R----_, that the Princess her self talk'd with -him several times, and was convinc'd that Madame _de M----_ had told her -the Truth, and that _R----_ deserv'd her Favor. He was quickly Master of a -splendid Fortune, gay Furniture, Clothes and Equipage; and she also -preferr'd him to several Regiments, which he always dispos'd of to his -advantage. To the Honor of _R----_ be it said, that his Prosperity did not -make him a jot the vainer; he was still as good-natur'd and civil as ever, -his old Friends always found him the same, and very often he did them -important Services. He had afterwards a Quarrel with the Regent, who -caus'd him to be banish'd from his Regiment; and during his Exile the -Duchess of _Berry_ died at _la Muette_, the 20th of _July, 1719_, aged -only 24. - -Mean time the King who had been at _Paris_ ever since his Return from -_Vincennes_, was removed out of the hands of the Women into those of the -Men, and the Person appointed for his Governor was the Marshal _de -Villeroy_. The Choice of him was the more applauded, because he was one of -the old experienced Courtiers, and a Man whose Zeal and Attachment to the -King's Person no body question'd. The Constitution of this young Prince -was so tender, that they could not be too careful of it. The Marshal, as -old as he was, fully answer'd what was expected of him: He gave -extraordinary Application to the discharge of his Duty, and was never out -of his Majesty's sight. This Nobleman's Post being the most honorable that -can be desir'd in _France_, there quickly arose envious Persons, who -strove, tho' in vain, to depreciate him in the Esteem of the Public. They -confess'd that he was a very proper Person to teach the young Monarch to -walk and make his Salute like a King, to put his Hat on with a Grace, to -accost a Lady in the politest manner, and other things of that nature; but -that he was by no means fit to inspire him with Ideas suitable to his -Rank, and that he could never make him think like a King. But the -consequence shew'd what the Marshal was capable of, and the young Prince -quickly gave Proofs that he had learnt of the Marshal not only to walk, -but to think like a King. I remember one Passage, which is a very plain -Indication of his being fully persuaded that he was the sole Master in his -Kingdom, and that there was no Person above him. When _Madame_ came to the -_Thuilleries_, she made but a very short Visit at Court, because she went -to hear Mass; and she said to the King as she retired, _That she was -going to wait on a greater Lord than he_. The young Prince seem'd a little -surpriz'd at first, but after a Moment's Reflexion he made her Answer, -_Undoubtedly_, Madame, _you are going to pray to God_. Another day the -_French_ Comedians having play'd the Tragedy of _Athalia_ before his -Majesty, 'tis said the Prince could not bear with any Patience to see -young _Joas_ seated on the Throne, for he had a Fancy that he was a second -King; nor would he so much as applaud the Lad who so perfectly well play'd -the Part of _Joas_. These Passages are a sufficient Demonstration, that he -had been inspir'd with Sentiments suitable to his Dignity; and that in -time, perhaps, he will not be inferior in any respect to his August -Great-Grandfather. - -As to my own Affairs, I had the Mortification to find them still in the -same Situation. 'Tis certain that no Sollicitation was wanting on my part, -nor Promises on the part of the Regent; but after all, nothing was -concluded, and I was then not a whit forwarder than when I arriv'd in -_France_, tho' I had not near so much Money. Mean time I was too earnest -for entring into the Service to be disheartened, and shutting my Eyes -against the Improbability of Success, I renew'd my Sollicitation. My -Residence at _Paris_ being extremely ruinous to me, my particular -Acquaintance could not conceive how I was able to support my self. -Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ soon heard that I had not yet obtain'd any -thing in _France_, and that nevertheless I was obstinately bent on staying -there: She could not bear the Thoughts of the Expence, which she was -sensible I was oblig'd to be at; and as my Estate was entail'd upon her, -she imagin'd that the Money I spent in _France_ was so much taken out of -her Pocket. She resolv'd therefore to make me quit _Paris_, knowing very -well that 'twas cheaper to live elsewhere. For this end she desir'd the -Princess _de G----_, who corresponded by Letters with _Madame_, to write -to her Royal Highness, and to intreat her to protect me no longer, because -I did not deserve her Favors. The Letter was accordingly written and sent -to _Madame_, who told me the whole Contents of it. 'Twas so well cook'd -up, that my Cousin might boast of having a good Secretary. But her Royal -Highness assur'd me, that this Letter should make no Impression upon her, -and that she would always be my Friend. I most humbly thank'd the -Princess, withdrew in a terrible Pet with my Cousin; and in the first -transport of my Passion I wrote her a Letter, in which I did not spare -her. As she was really a Woman of very good Sense, she answer'd me in the -same Style. I replied; she did the same; and thus we carried on a Literary -Correspondence, in which there were very pretty Sayings on both sides. - -To compleat my Happiness I was afflicted with a Redundancy of Choler, -which was follow'd with the Jaundice, a Distemper that brought me to the -very Brink of the Grave. My Friends did not forsake me; and among others I -may say, that I had more than ordinary Obligation to the Abbe _d'Asfeldt_, -who desir'd me to reflect on my State; and as he knew that I was not a -Roman Catholic, and that the Prejudices in which I had been bred up, gave -me great Prejudice to the contrary Party, he conjur'd me to permit him to -discourse me about Religion, only one Hour in a Day; to which I consented -with pleasure. Every body knows with what an Energy he speaks, and with -what a winning Grace. He continued his Visits all the time of my Sickness, -which by degrees went quite off. I was so affected with what he said to -me, that I promised him I would receive Instruction when I was recover'd; -and as soon as I got abroad, I was as good as my Word. He brought me -acquainted with Father _Denis_, a barefooted _Carmelite_, who in some -Conferences with me finish'd what the Abbe _d'Asfeldt_ had begun; so that -in a little time after, I made public Profession of my Faith to Father -_Denis_[56], in presence of an infinite number of Persons of Quality. The -Marquis _d'Asfeldt_ and the Abbe his Brother were my Witnesses, and sign'd -my Confession of Faith along with me. When the Ceremony was ended, I was -accosted on all sides with Embraces from abundance of People, of whom -three parts in four were quite unknown to me; yet their Zeal for Religion -made them fond of expressing how glad they were to see me admitted into -the Bosom of the Church. I receiv'd the Communion the same Week, upon the -Festival of _All-Saints_: And at length I waited on the Cardinal _de -Noailles_, who made a very fine Speech to me, exhorting me to continue -stedfast in the Religion that I had embrac'd. - -The News of my Conversion was soon spread in _Germany_, and _Luther_ and -_Calvin_ themselves could not have exclaim'd against it more than my good -Cousin did. The same Princess who had formerly recommended me so heartily -to _Madame_, wrote to her again to tell her, _That she ought not to be -surprised at my changing my Religion, and that 'twas nothing but a -Ceremony which I had perform'd two or three times before_. But tho' she -gave it this Turn, it made little or no Impression upon _Madame_. And for -my own part I did not give much heed to what my Enemies said; and that I -might not be in the way of hearing it, I left off going to the Royal -Palace, where _Madame_ resided after she quitted _St. Cloud_. - -I spent the Winter of 1717 very disagreeably, that is to say, I wanted -Money; and without that current Metal, a Man may live as well in the -remotest Desert as in _Paris_. I was quickly oblig'd to by down my -Equipage, and at last to sell some of my Clothes to satisfy my clamorous -Debtors: Yet for all this I could not stave off an Affront from one of -them, who to be sure was more hungry than the rest; for tho' he had -promis'd to give me a Month longer, he caus'd me to be arrested in the -little Market of the Suburb of _St. Germain_, and all at once was I -hurried to the Abbey. This might have prov'd a very fatal Misfortune to -me, if I had not been assisted that very day by M. _de N----_ a Counsellor -of Parliament, to whom I sent word of it the very Moment I was in Hold; -upon which he came immediately, and offer'd his Bond for the Debt: But my -Creditor would hear of no Terms except the Money down, and refus'd to take -his Security. M. _de N----_ was so exasperated at this Denial, that he -wrote a Line to the First President desiring him to set me at liberty, -which I obtain'd accordingly upon the Spot, without Money, or so much as -giving the Creditor any manner of Security. M. _de N----_ too, in order to -oblige me to all Intents and Purposes, was so good as to get a Writ of -Protection for me, after which my Creditors could not touch me: And -indeed, considering the Situation I was then in, that was the greatest -piece of Service that could be done for me. - -I was no sooner got out of this Scrape but I fell into another, not -altogether so vexatious indeed, yet very perplexing. In my Visits to the -President _de P----_'s Lady, I became acquainted at her House with a -Widow, who tho' old, ugly, covetous and silly, and to crown all, terribly -fond of Law, was so rich, that all those amiable Qualities were -over-look'd by a number of pleasant Companions, who strove to make Love to -her, in hopes of contracting a Marriage which seem'd so likely to make -their Fortunes. The Widow could not tell how to fix her Choice; not that -she was averse to Matrimony, but the Conditions she requir'd were so -extraordinary, that the very mention of them made her Gallants take their -Leave of her. The President _de P----_'s Wife, who knew the Lady very -well, and my Circumstances even better, advis'd me to try my Luck; and for -my Encouragement she promis'd to serve me: and serve me she did so -effectually, that the Lady was not displeas'd with the Pains which she -perceiv'd I took to make my self acceptable to her. She offer'd me an -Apartment in her House; in short, she made me to understand that I need -not despair of any thing. I had some Reluctance to accept of that Offer, -altho' it was so advantagious; and for this Reason chiefly, the Want of -Money, because I did not care to be at her House without being better -equip'd. By good Luck my Landlady, who was one of those intriguing Dames -with which _Paris_ swarms, help'd me out of this Difficulty. She -discover'd all in an Instant what was the matter, and in concert with an -_Italian_ Valet de Chambre, who had liv'd with me for some time, she -help'd me without any Difficulty to every thing that was necessary for my -Appearance with Splendor. I then hir'd more Servants, bought very fine -Liveries; in short, all my Equipage was in a few days more gay than ever. -'Tis true it was all upon Tick; but our old Lady, as covetous as she was, -would not let me suffer upon that score. In the mean time I had a very -difficult Game to play; for I was oblig'd to counterfeit being over head -and ears in Love with the most disagreeable Woman upon the Face of the -Earth; and at the very time too when I was still courting Madame _de -R----_, who without dispute was as handsome a Woman as any whatsoever. Nor -was this all; for the old Lady, to be like the fine Women forsooth, -affected to be jealous; and whenever I ventur'd to leave her, which was -but very seldom, she was sure to set on a Spy to watch me. We generally -went abroad together. By eight o'clock in the Morning we us'd to be at the -Palais importuning the Judges, or else provoking the Attorneys and -Sollicitors to scold like Madmen. When we had done there, the good Lady -return'd home and sat down to her Toilet, and I us'd to sit by her in an -Arm-chair till I was quite tir'd. At first indeed I had some Pleasure in -being so near a Spectator of the Art by which a very disagreeable Face may -be sometimes made tolerable. My old Lady's was all artificial from the -Forehead to the Chin; and I question whether a Picture takes up more -Colours than she made use of to dawb her Features with? Her Apparel was -rich, but as much dy'd and daub'd as all the rest. A Correspondence so -tiresome as this was, gave me a horrid Disgust; but yet when I reflected -what a Pass I had reduc'd my self to by my Extravagance, I thought it was -not my Interest to break it off. I continu'd therefore to play the Part of -an amorous Suitor. And at last, fearing that I should sink under the -Fatigue, I began to talk strenuously of Marriage; but the good Lady still -said it was yet too soon, and that she was willing to have further Tryal -of me. She resolv'd at length to consent to it; but 'twas upon such -extraordinary Terms, that really I should have renounc'd any other Match -upon that score, if it had been twenty times more advantagious. I resolv'd -therefore to have no more to say to the silly Woman, and to retire. I -thought of making another Tour to _Berlin_ to settle my Affairs, and to -sell my Land if Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ would give her Consent; but I -put off my Departure for a little time in hopes of seeing the Czar of -_Muscovy_, who was shortly expected at _Paris_. - -This Monarch, from no other Motive but Curiosity, came from one of the -Extremities of _Europe_ to see the Court of _France_. They would have had -him make a public Entry; but he desir'd to be receiv'd without Ceremony. -_Verton_ the King's Chief Steward met him on the Frontier, and conducted -him to _Amiens_, where the Marquis _de Nesle_ complimented him in the Name -of the King, and then went with him half way to _Paris_. The Marshal _de -Tesse_, who was charged to accompany the Prince all the time he was to -stay in _France_, went also to meet him. The Czar arriv'd at the _Louvre_ -by ten o'clock at Night, and was conducted to the Queen Mother's -Apartment, which had been sumptuously furnish'd for his Reception. Some -Moments after his Arrival the Marshal _de Villeroy_ came from the King to -make his Excuses that he was not at the _Louvre_ to receive him, by reason -his Majesty's tender Years and Constitution did not permit him to sit up -so late. They laid that the Czar was not satisfy'd with this Excuse, nor -with the Regent for not coming to meet him. 'Tis certain that he appeared -to be very much out of Temper all the Evening, would eat no Supper, and -took but one Glass of Beer: Nor would he stay at the _Louvre_, saying, -_That the Furniture of his Apartment was too rich; and that his -Attendants, who were not the most cleanly, might happen to spoil it_. -'Twas one o'clock in the Morning when the Czar was pleas'd to shift his -Lodging, and the Marshal _de Tesse_ would have been sadly put to it, had -he not caus'd the Palace of _Lesdiguieres_ to be furnish'd by way of -Precaution. The Czar thought this House also too richly furnish'd, and -notwithstanding all they could say he would not lie in a magnificent Bed -which was put up in the Apartment that was to be his, but caus'd a little -Bed to be set up for himself in the Wardrobe. Next day the Regent came and -paid him a Visit, when the Prince _de Kourakin_ the Czar's Ambassador to -_Holland_ serv'd for their Interpreter. The Visit lasted near an Hour, and -there all the Ceremonial was settled that was to be observ'd to the -_Russian_ Monarch. - -After this the King went to see him first, being accompanied from the -Palace of the _Thuilleries_, with the chief Lords and Officers of the -Crown. The Czar receiv'd his Majesty as he alighted from the Coach, and -took him in his Arms with a Transport of Fondness; at which the young -Monarch seem'd a little surpriz'd. He said to the Czar, _That he was very -glad to see him safe arrived at +Paris+; that he wish'd him Pleasure as -long as he staid in his Dominions; that he should have the same Respect -paid to him as to himself, and that he had given Orders for the -Court-Service always to give way to his_. Then the two Monarchs went hand -in hand into a Chamber where two Chairs of State were plac'd. The Czar -being the Stranger sate on the Right Hand. The Duke _du Maine_ and the -Marshal _de Villeroy_ stood behind the King's Chair of State, and answer'd -the Questions which the Czar ask'd his Majesty. After a short Visit the -King rose first, and was accompanied to his Coach by the Czar, who at -taking Leave of his Majesty caught him up again in his Arms, and hoisting -him higher than his Head, said, _He wish'd that his Grandeur and Power -might surpass that of the late King_ Lewis XIV. He help'd the King into -his Coach, and did not return till it mov'd off. - -Next day the Czar went to the _Thuilleries_ with the same Train as the -King has when he goes abroad, and rode in the King's Coach attended by the -chief Lords of his Court, who sat over-against him, and at the -Coach-Doors. As soon as he enter'd the Court, the King went to the Gate of -the Castle, receiv'd him at his landing, and then conducted him to his -Apartment, always giving the Czar the Right Hand. I never saw more People -at the _Thuilleries_ than there were on that day, insomuch that the two -Monarchs had scarce room to pass. The Czar shew'd a prodigious Care of the -King, kept him up by one Hand, and wav'd the other to keep off such as -were apt to croud too near him. After a Visit no longer than that which -the King made to the Prince, his Majesty reconducted him to the Coach, -and the Czar return'd to his House with the same Train that had -accompanied him. When that Prince return'd to his Apartment, he told the -Marshal, _That he was very much surpriz'd at the infinite Croud of People -in the way_. To which the Marshal made Answer, _That the +French+ had so -great a Veneration for his Person, and so high an Idea of his illustrious -Qualities, that no wonder they were so eager to see a Prince, who they -knew beforehand was deserving of their Admiration_. The Czar seem'd very -well pleas'd with this Answer, yet he desir'd, _That for the future, when -he went abroad, the People might be oblig'd to keep out of his way_. He -paid a Visit next day to the Regent and to _Madame_. The latter talk'd to -him for two Hours in _High-Dutch_, and the Czar answer'd the Princess in -_Low-Dutch_. When he was withdrawn he said to M. _de S----_, _That -+Madame+ was extremely inquisitive; that she wanted to knew every thing; -and that she had ask'd him too many Questions; but that after all, he told -her no more than what he was willing she should know_. - -The Czar was very curious to see every thing that was worth seeing in and -about _Paris_. He inform'd himself of every thing, and took care to write -every thing in his Pocket-book that he thought remarkable. He rose at -Day-break, and rambled about from one Place to another till Night. To -prevent all manner of Incumbrance he chose to make use of none but the -Marshal _de Tesse_'s Coaches, tho' that Nobleman would have been well -enough contented without such Preference, because he kill'd several of his -Horses; and the poor Marshal himself must have sunk under the Fatigue of -the perpetual Motion that he was oblig'd to, if the Czar had staid much -longer; but this Monarch lost no time, and examin'd every thing with equal -Nicety and Dispatch, because he intended to be gone as soon as he had -satisfy'd his Curiosity. - -The Court spar'd nothing to pay this Prince all due Honors. The Regent for -this purpose order'd a general Review of all the King's Houshold Troops, -and of the _French_ and _Swiss_ Guards in the Walks of _Roule_ and in the -_Elysian Fields_. The Czar repair'd thither on horseback, and 'twas -expected he would have staid out the whole Review; but he only rode -briskly in the Front of the first Line, without casting his Eyes on the -Troops, and then clapping Spurs to his Horse, without paying any -Compliment to the Regent, he return'd full Gallop to _Paris_. From thence -he went directly to _St. Ouen_, where the Duke _de Tresmes_, First -Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, and Governor of _Paris_, gave him an -Entertainment, with which he seem'd better pleas'd than with the Review. -He was loth to consent to the Admission of the Ladies into the Orangery -where the Table was spread, and only spoke to Madame _de Bethune_, -Daughter of the Duke _de Tresmes_, for which Distinction she was oblig'd -to M. _de Bethune_, who having been a good while in _Poland_, talk'd the -_Polish_ Language very well, which procur'd him the Honor of being able to -converse with his Czarish Majesty. The chief Noblemen, after the Example -of the Duke _de Tresmes_, made Entertainments for the _Russian_ Monarch. -The Duke Regent also prepar'd a Grand Feast for him at _St. Cloud_; but -just as the Czar was setting out from _Paris_, he was seiz'd with a -violent Fit of the Cholic, which hinder'd his going abroad; nor do I know -that he had a Sight of the Castle of _St. Cloud_ at all. He seem'd to be -more delighted with _Versailles_ than any other Place, insomuch that he -caus'd a Plan of it to be taken, and said, _He would have a Building -something like to it erected in his own Country_. With this View he -engag'd Workmen of all sorts, and promis'd them great Advantages to -encourage them to go to _Muscovy_. A great number suffer'd themselves to -be taken in, and the Regent consented to let them go out of the Kingdom; -but we are assur'd that the Promises made to them were not perform'd, and -the Generality thought themselves very happy when they were return'd to -_France_. This Prince was not liberal; and what Presents he made were only -valuable as they came from so great a Prince. I saw a poor Soldier of the -Invalids make him a Present of a Plan of that Hospital, which had cost him -ten Years Labor; but tho' the Prince seem'd to think it a fine Piece, yet -the Soldier had a very small Reward. The King of _France_, however, made -him a noble Present, and thereby convinc'd him how different the Temper of -the _French_ was from that of the _Muscovites_. The Czar, in short, -return'd towards his Dominions very well satisfy'd with _France_, and went -first to _Holland_ where the _Czarina_ staid for him; and from thence he -proceeded by Land to _Petersbourg_. - -The Czar's Residence in _France_ had brought such a vast Number of -Foreigners to _Paris_, that the City being more populous than ever, new -Pleasures were thought of to divert them. A private Gentleman made a -Proposal to me, which if I could have succeeded in, would have been of -very great Service to me at that Juncture; for it was to put a -considerable Sum of Money in my Pocket, if I could obtain a Patent for -licensing Balls and Plays in the _Elysian Fields_, where the Projector -wou'd have erected Booths for that purpose. I spoke of this to the Regent, -who, according to his Custom, promis'd me the Grant at the first Word; but -M. _d'Argenson_, who was then only Lieutenant of the Police, made him soon -alter his Mind; for he represented to his Royal Highness, that such Balls -would infallibly be attended with great Disorders. The Objection was -specious, and like enough to be true; but after all, such a Licence would -not have increas'd the Disorder very much, especially at a Place where -'twas for a long time the Fashion to take the Air in the Night, so that -there were often more Coaches in the Course or Ring after Midnight, than -in the Day-time. Besides, a way might be found to avoid all the Disorders -that could possibly be foreseen. But M. _d'Argenson_ was a Man that -neither lov'd Novelties, nor Opportunities of obliging. I was the better -pleas'd with this Project, because if it had taken, I saw that I should be -in a Condition to stay some time longer at _Paris_, and to live in a -genteel manner. But at last, when I saw it defeated, I thought of nothing -but returning to _Berlin_. While I was putting every thing in order for my -Journey, I saw the Count _de Rothenbourg_ at _Paris_, who was come from -_Berlin_, and to return thither shortly with a Commission on some Affairs -of _France_. This Gentleman, who encourag'd me in my Design to go thither, -assur'd me that it would be the easiest matter in the World for me to sell -my Lands; that the King had just erected Fiefs; and that he gave every Man -leave to dispose of his Estate; nay more, he offer'd to carry me along -with him, and to advance me what Money I wanted. I thought all these to -be very advantagious Proposals; but they were Words without Deeds. 'Tis -true he lent me Money, that is to say, Government-Bills; but taking an -advantage of the Necessity he found me in, oblig'd me to conclude one of -the most fatal Bargains I ever made in my Life. I discounted my Bills, -that is to say, I lost considerably by them, and with the residue of the -Money I set out from _Paris_ to _Strasbourg_, where M. _de Rothenbourg_ -had appointed to meet me: But for his part he went by the way of -_Burgundy_, where he had an Estate; so that I staid for him near a Month, -which surely I should not have done if I had been in Cash. When he came he -told me, _That 'twas impossible for him to carry me with him to +Berlin+, -because he had no room in his Coach_. 'Tis true that it was full, but -there were some People in it, whom it would have better become to have got -up behind. I was by this means under an indispensable Necessity to stay at -_Strasbourg_, till I had a sufficient Remittance from _Berlin_, to enable -me to continue my Journey, without being beholden to any body. - -I did not repent my Stay at STRASBOURG; for tho' I had been at it before, -yet I never was there long enough to make any Observation upon the -Remarkables of the Place. _Strasbourg_[57] is one of the best Cities in -_Europe_. 'Tis the Capital of _Alsace_, and was conquer'd by _Lewis_ XIV. -in 1682, without any Expence but of Menaces and Money. That Monarch -fortify'd it considerably, and caus'd a Citadel and Arsenal to be built -there, which are Monuments worthy of a Great King. The Cathedral Church -has not its equal for its Bulk and Grandeur. The Doors are of Brass, and -very well wrought. There's a Pyramidal Spire 574 Foot high, which is a -very noble Piece of Work. The Great Clock is also worth seeing. I was -surpriz'd to see the great number of Wheels and Machines that give Motion -to all the Constellations, and turn the Needles, which upon Dials of -several sorts mark the Hours of the Day and Night, with the Course of the -Moon and the other Planets. In the Vestry of this Church, which is very -rich, are most sumptuous Altar-Ornaments and Copes. The Episcopal Palace -which joins to the Church is indeed a very commodious, but not a -magnificent Building, tho' it stands upon a considerable Spot of Ground, -whereon a fine Structure might be erected; but there's no Appearance that -such a thing will be undertaken yet a while, because the Cardinal _de -Rohan_ now Bishop of _Strasbourg_, who would be the properest Person for -it in the whole World, resides but little at _Strasbourg_, and justly -prefers _Saverne_ to it, where he has a most stately Palace. - -_Strasbourg_ was formerly an Imperial City, the Magistrates whereof were -_Lutherans_, but now the Catholics are the Masters, and have excluded the -_Lutherans_ from all manner of Employment. The King of _France_ keeps a -strong Garison in it, and the Commandant here for the King is the Marshal -_de Bourg_. This Nobleman lives more retir'd than is usual for People that -are in Power. The Officers go to him very often in the Morning, when the -Marshal makes them sit down in a Circle, where I have seen such a Silence -observ'd, that if Foreigners were Witnesses of it, they would not twit the -_French_ with having too much _Clack_. This Levee us'd to hold about half -an Hour, after which every one went to dinner where he pleas'd, the -Marshal only keeping a Table for Grand Festivals, or when any Person of -Distinction arriv'd from the Court of _France_, which is very rare, except -when the Cardinal _de Rohan_ is at _Strasbourg_. When his Eminency is -there, a great deal of Company follows him, and he lives with an Air of -Grandeur suitable to his Birth and Dignity. Add to this, that there is not -any Nobleman, perhaps, that is of a more courteous and polite Deportment. -When this Prelate is not at _Strasbourg_ the Place is very melancholy, -especially for such as don't run into the common Debaucheries of Youth; -for the latter indeed always find wherewith to amuse themselves: and -indeed I have observ'd with my own Eyes that the young Fellows of -_Strasbourg_ are very debauch'd, and the Ladies very gentle. - -After I had staid a while at _Strasbourg_, I receiv'd News at last from -_Berlin_, together with Money to proceed in my Journey. I made haste thro' -the Cities of _Heidelberg_[58], _Darmstad_ and _Francfort_, and stopt at -HANAU, where I had the Honor of paying my Compliments to the Count of that -Name, who commonly resides there. He married a Princess of -_Brandenbourg-Anspach_, Sister to the Princess of _Wales_, by whom he has -had but one Daughter, married to the Hereditary Prince of -_Hesse-Darmstad_, so that the Family of _Hanau_ is like to be extinct in -the Person of this Count. A part of his Territories, _viz_. those which -are Fiefs of the Empire, will revert to the Landgrave of _Hesse-Cassel_, -according to Conventions which this Prince has made with the King of -_Poland_, who was Heir to a good Part of the County of _Hanau_ as Elector -of _Saxony_; but the latter sold all his Pretensions to the Landgrave. - -The City of _Hanau_[59] stands near the _Maine_, and is distinguish'd into -the Old and New Towns. The new Town owes its Foundation to the _Walloon_ -Protestants, who came to settle in this County during the Religious Wars -in the _Netherlands_. The Streets of this Quarter, which is the finest of -the two, are broad, and as strait as a Line, and the Architecture of the -Houses on both sides is almost the same. A very exact Police is observ'd -in it, as well for the Neatness of the Streets, as for the Security of the -Inhabitants. This Count's Predecessors establish'd several Manufactures at -_Hanau_; and here is a considerable Trade in Snuff and Woollen Stuffs. The -_French_ Refugees have contributed not a little to render this City much -more considerable than it was before. - -The Castle or Palace of the Count is in the Old Town; and he has another -House at the Gates of the Town call'd _Philip's-Ruhe_[60], the Apartments -of which are very fine and nobly furnish'd, and the Gardens are of a grand -Taste, and a very advantagious Situation. - -From _Hanau_ I went to FULDE, an Abbat's Town of the Empire, in which -stands the famous Abbey of _Fulde_ of the Order of St. _Benedict_. The -Fryars are all Gentlemen by sixteen Descents. The Abbat is elected by his -Fryars, and has the Title of _Primat of the Abbats, Prince of the Empire, -and Hereditary Chancellor of the Empress_. The Person who is now vested -with that Dignity is of the Family of _Butler_. He maintains a great Court -and several Regiments; so that he lives absolutely like a Temporal Prince. -I should have lik'd his Reception of me very well, if he had not made me -drink so hard, that if I had staid there longer, my next Journey might -probably have been a vast way beyond _Berlin_. 'Tis my Opinion, Things -duly consider'd, that there's no need of any extraordinary Vocation to be -a Fryar at _Fulde_; for those Gentlemen enjoy every thing that a Man would -wish for in a genteel Life. The House they dwell in is more like the -Palace of a great King than a Convent; and the Abbey-Church, and another -lately built without the Town, may be reckon'd among the noblest Buildings -in _Germany_. - -From _Fulde_ I went to EISENACH[61], thro' the most detestable Roads that -I ever travell'd. _Eisenach_ stands upon the River _Nese_, at the feet of -horrible Mountains. 'Tis the Seat of the Duke of _Saxe-Eisenach_ of the -_Weimar_-Branch, who being absent at that time, I had not the Honor to see -him. - -I proceeded from _Eisenach_ to GOTHA[62], the Residence of the Duke of -_Saxe-Gotha_, who is the most powerful Prince of _Saxony_, next to the -Elector. He is descended from the unfortunate _John-Frederic_ Elector of -_Saxony_, who was put under the Ban of the Empire, and depriv'd of his -Electorate by _Charles_ V. The Town is well built, and the Duke's Palace, -which is separate from it, is surrounded with Ramparts. - -From _Gotha_ I went to ERFURT[63], a City which formerly was dependent on -the Family of _Saxony_, who by a solemn Treaty yielded it to the Elector -of _Mentz_ in 1665; and it now belongs to the present Elector of that -Name. The Inhabitants have made several Attempts to shake off their -Dependency upon that Elector, who on his part has not been wanting in -Measures to make them easy; and has made considerable Fortifications to -the Castle, in which he maintains a good Garison. The Town is large, and -contains fine Churches, of which the Cathedral is remarkable for its Bulk: -This Church had formerly a most magnificent Steeple; but some years ago -the Spire was entirely consumed by Lightning. - -From _Erfurt_ I went to LEIPSIC[64] one of the most considerable Cities in -the Electorate of _Saxony_, and of special Note for its University and its -Fairs. The former, which was founded in 1408, by _Frederic_ the _Warrior_, -has always supported it self with Reputation, notwithstanding the -Neighbourhood of the University of _Hall_. The Situation of _Leipsic_ is -charming, and which way soever one enters it, there are beautiful Houses -and Gardens kept in excellent Order. The _Boses_ and _Appel_, Merchants of -_Leipsic_ have Gardens at the Gates of the Town, in which they have laid -out surprizing Sums of Money: _Appel_ especially has a Garden which a -Prince need not be asham'd of. Besides these Gardens here are Walks, which -are not the less agreeable for being natural. Here is a remarkable Wood, -which is called in the Language of the Country _Rosendahl_, _i. e._ -the _Vale of Roses_. It consists of fourteen Walks, with a great Meadow in -the Middle. Each Walk has a noble Point of View, and they are all -agreeably diversify'd. The Inside of _Leipsic_ is perfectly answerable to -the Out-parts: The Streets are very even, and the Houses large and well -built. The only fault I found with them is, that they are too much charg'd -with Sculpture, and not duly proportion'd: They are all very lofty, and -for the Generality five or six Stories high. The Rents of them are very -dear, and at the time of the Fairs there's such a Resort of Merchants -hither from all parts, that 'tis very difficult to get a Lodging. When I -came thither 'twas _Michaelmas_ Fair; at which time the King of _Poland_ -was there. This Prince when he comes to _Leipsic_ does not lodge in the -Castle, tho' it has very commodious Apartments, but resides in the House -of _Appel_, the Merchant whom I just now mention'd, who is Proprietor of -one of the finest Gardens thereabouts. That King gives the Preference to -his House, because 'tis near the Place where the Fair is kept. So much, -_Madame_, for what is chiefly remarkable at _Leipsic_. - -I made no long stay there, because I was impatient to return to BERLIN. At -my first Arrival there I liv'd very retir'd. I foresaw the little -Satisfaction I had to expect at that Court, which made me resolve not to -be seen there. Nevertheless I could not conceal my self long; for the -Favors with which the Margravine-Dowager had always honor'd me, obliged me -to pay my Respects to that Princess, who receiv'd me very kindly, and soon -after spoke of me to his Majesty in so favorable a Manner, that he was -desirous to see me; and he sent M. _de Grumkau_ to bid me wait on him at -_Charlottenbourg_, and to send in my Name to him by _Ast_, one of his -Valets de Chambre. I could have been very glad to have been excused from -paying Obedience to that Order; but it was too punctual, his Majesty -having actually appointed the Hour that I was to appear before him. On the -Day fix'd I therefore went to _Charlottenbourg_, and sent for _Ast_, who -came and conducted me to a Gallery, where he bade me wait a little time; -but I had not been there a Quarter of an Hour when the King enter'd it, -attended by _la Fourcade_, Major-General and Commandant of _Berlin_. His -Majesty came up directly to me, and ask'd me, with a good deal of -Vivacity, _From whence I came, and what was the Cause of my Return to_ -Berlin? I made answer, _That I was come last from_ France, _and that my -domestic Concerns had brought me back to_ Berlin. His Majesty, who -proceeded to enquire into my Affairs, seem'd well enough pleas'd with the -Answers I had the Honor of making to him, and turning towards _la -Fourcade_, said to him, _That he should never have known me, if he had not -been appriz'd who I was beforehand_: And then he said to me, _That he -should hereafter look on me no other than as a_ Frenchman. I made answer, -_That I should think my self very unfortunate if his Majesty should look -on me in that Light; and that let me be at ever such a Distance from his -Person and his Dominions, I should always be ambitious of calling my self -his Subject; and that I should constantly preserve the same Sentiments of -Respect and Loyalty to my King and Country, in which I had been educated_. -The King then ask'd me, _Whether I had any Intention to sell my Estate?_ -I confess'd to him, _That I had no other Remedy left to enable me to -satisfy my Creditors_; and I actually entreated him to interpose his -Authority to procure the Consent of Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_ to the Sale -of it. The King said to me, _That he would give his Orders to M. +de -C----+, to engage her to hearken to Reason_; and then he very graciously -dismiss'd me. - -I went back to _Berlin_, and did not fail to return Thanks to the -Margravine for the good Offices she had done me with the King. The Queen -returning some few days after this from _Charlottenbourg_ to _Berlin_, I -had the Honor to pay my Respects to her, and was kindly receiv'd. It was -quickly blaz'd after what Manner I had been receiv'd by their Majesties, -which was Reason enough to engage the Courtiers to shew me that -Complaisance, which otherwise I durst not have expected. I took little -notice, however, of those Gentlemens Compliments, but prepar'd my self for -finishing the Grand Affair for which I was come. I caus'd advantagious -Offers to be made to Mademoiselle _de Pollnitz_, to gain her Consent. The -King order'd a Letter to be wrote and sent to her at _Hanover_, to -determine her in my Favor; assuring her at the same time, _That he thought -my Proposals very reasonable; and that her Acceptance of them would do him -a Pleasure_. I also went my self to _Hanover_, to try if I could persuade -her: But neither the Visits I made to her upon the Affair, nor those so -powerful Recommendations of it, had any Effect; and she continu'd -obstinate in her Refusal. - -At my Return from _Hanover_, the King sent me an Order to wait on him. I -was introduc'd by one of his Favorites into the Closet where his Majesty -us'd to smoak. The King was then playing at a Game with Tables call'd -_Tick-tack_, the Prince of _Anhalt_ Velt-Marshal, and several other -Generals and Officers being present. The King rose up as soon as the Game -was ended, came to me and talk'd with me for a while very graciously. And -then sitting down, he order'd all that were in Company to take their -Seats. Every one took his Place without observing any Rank. The King -smoaked, as did most of the Gentlemen in the Closet; but by good Luck no -body offer'd me a Pipe, which I was very glad of, because I could never -smoak in all my Life. The King talk'd to me a great deal about my Affairs; -and in particular about the Sale of my Estate. 'Twas not long before I -perceiv'd that my Cousin had brought the King over to her Interest; for as -soon as my Land came to be the Topic of Conversation, he told me in very -plain Terms, _That it would be very wrong for me to part with it, even -tho' my Cousin were to give her Consent to it; that instead of paying my -Debts with the Purchase-Money, I would be apt to squander it in my -Pleasures; that 'twas high time to think of some Employment to enable me -to pay my Debts, without selling my Estate_. He added, _That if, -nevertheless, I persisted in my Resolution to sell it, he would write -again to Mademoiselle_ de Pollnitz _to perswade her to consent to it; and -that this was the utmost that he could do for me, as Affairs stood; since -it would be an Injustice to compel her to give a Consent to any thing that -she imagin'd would be to her prejudice_. After a little farther Discourse -with me about my domestic Affairs, his Majesty talk'd to me of the Report -current at _Berlin_, _That I had chang'd my Religion_; and ask'd me, -_Whether 'twas really true, that I was turn'd_ Papist. I told him, _That I -was of the Religion of my Ancestors_. Here I will acknowledge to my shame, -that I had not Courage enough to make public Declaration that I was a -Catholic. Besides, I hoped in so pressing a Dilemma to get off by a double -Entendre; which is a Rule adopted by the Doctors themselves. The double -Entendre consisted in that, when I said I was of the Religion of my -Ancestors, I meant that which was formerly profess'd by my Grandfather and -Great-Grandfather; and indeed all my Ancestors were Catholics. My -Grandfather himself was a Catholic once, tho' he embrac'd the new -Religion, to swim with the Stream. The King, who concluded from what I -said, that I was still a Protestant, did not press me farther upon that -Head;, but the Prince of _Anhalt_ was not so easily satisfy'd; for he gave -the King to understand that he believ'd the Reports of my having chang'd -my Religion, were but too true, and he actually said to his Majesty _That -the only way to be sure of the Truth of what I had affirm'd, would be to -give me the Sacramental Test in the Church of the_ Dome. The King was also -of that Opinion, nevertheless it did not take effect. At our leaving the -King, the Prince of _Anhalt_, who, 'tis like, wanted to get a real -Confession from me, that I had chang'd my Religion, charg'd it home upon -my Conscience, and blam'd me very much for not having own'd that I was a -Catholic. But as I could not be certain what was the Drift of those -Remonstrances, I was so far from declaring my Mind to that Nobleman, that -I still continu'd in the Negative. - -The Audience which I had of the King gain'd me his Good-will; and he one -day spoke so honorably of me in presence of the Courtiers, that my Friends -advis'd me to strike in with this Ray of Favor, and petition him for some -Employment. I followed their Advice, and wrote accordingly to the King, -who was then at _Potzdam_. - -Two Days after I sent my Letter, I receiv'd an Answer, sign'd with his -Majesty's own Hand, which was drawn up in these Terms; - -_I received your Letter of the 9th of_ January, (1718) _and for Answer I -assure you, that I grant you the first Pension of Gentleman of the -Bed-Chamber that shall happen to be vacant_. - - FREDERIC-WILLIAM. - -I had such a grateful Sense of his Majesty's kind Intentions towards me, -that as soon as he was return'd to _Berlin_, I did not fail to go and -thank him. His Majesty was so good as to say, _That the Trifle he had now -granted me was not worth Thanks_. I thought, _Madame_, that this was a -very hopeful Beginning for a Man not us'd to see his Undertakings crown'd -with Success. The Courtiers strove who should be most complaisant to me; -and I receiv'd Compliments from all hands, which fully persuaded me, that -I was in high Favor: But my Stars did not indulge me long with this Calm; -and a Storm soon arose, which drove me farther out of Port than I was -before. It was owing to the following Accident. - -In the beginning of the Year 1718, the King recall'd M. _de Kniphausen_ -his Envoy in _France_, with a design to nominate another in his room. -Several Persons sollicited for this Post; but I thought my self as well -qualify'd for it as the best; and to pave the way for it, I propos'd to -save the Government a great deal of Charge, by contenting myself with an -Abatement of two hundred Crowns _per_ Month less than the usual Salary. -This Proposal was so well relish'd by M. _de Grumkau_ the Minister of -State, that he protected me, and undertook to recommend me to the King. I -also spoke of it my self to M. _d'Ilgen_, the Minister for Foreign -Affairs, whose Daughter was married to the said M. _de Kniphausen_. I gave -this Minister to understand, that I should never have had a Thought of -asking for this Place, if I had not been satisfy'd, that M. _de -Kniphausen_ himself had desired to be recalled. M. _d'Ilgen_ received me -with the utmost Civility, and promis'd with an Oath to serve me upon this -Occasion; adding, that he could not express his Happiness in having such -an Opportunity to discover the Respect and Veneration which he had for my -Family. Such extraordinary Complaisance in a Courtier made me suspect the -Sincerity of his Intentions, and I was quickly convinc'd that my Jealousy -was but too well founded. When my Audience was over, this Minister would -needs wait on me to the Door: I oppos'd it as much as I could, but when I -saw it was to no purpose I gave him his way, and he attended me to the -very Door of my Coach. I us'd many words with him upon his own Threshold, -and begg'd him not to go a Step farther, especially as it rain'd very -hard, which you'll say was Reason enough of it self to have engaged him to -retire: Yet it all signify'd nothing, he would not abate an Ace of his -Complaisance, but stiffly stood it out by the side of my Coach, till it -mov'd off. This, however, was all the Service he did me; for instead of -serving me with the King, I knew from good Hands, that he acted the -Reverse. I was told that he was not pleas'd with me for desiring less -Salary than his Son-in-law had, who, when he was at _Paris_, was -continually writing to _Berlin_, that his Allowance was not sufficient to -maintain him. - -To compleat my Happiness, the King receiv'd an anonymous Letter, assuring -him that I was a true Catholic; and to inforce the Belief of it, there was -added to the Letter an authentic Certificate from Father _Denis_, before -whom I had made the Confession of my Faith. The King express'd his -Resentment against me, and complain'd that I had impos'd upon him. Several -People alarm'd me with more Danger than there was in reality; however, I -was not frighten'd at first, for I suspected that the only Aim of the -general Talk was to hinder me from going to Court, and did not think that -the King was so angry as they gave out, till at last I was appriz'd that -his Majesty had some Thoughts of putting me under an Arrest. The Person -who came to bring me this Intelligence was _H----_, who was very well with -_M----_ the King's Favorite; and I gave the more Credit to it, because I -did not think that he could be so dishonorable as to attempt to do me an -ill Office. This _H----_ was a poor Wretch, who after having spent a -handsome Fortune, had a very small Pension, which the King gave him, for -having executed a Commission at _Stralsund_ with the King of _Sweden_, -which few but himself would have accepted. As his Pension was too pitiful -to subsist him, several Persons reliev'd him; and I will venture to say, -That tho' I was not in very easy Circumstances my self, yet I was some -Support to him. Nevertheless, I can with Truth declare it, that he -requited me with Ingratitude. He came to me with an Aggravation of that -piece of Intelligence, which when all was said and done, was not of such a -Nature as to drive me from the Court; but his manner of divulging it, made -me believe I was ruin'd past Recovery, if I persisted in staying at -_Berlin_. He came one day into my Chamber with a most dejected Air, and -told me, _That he had been just inform'd by M._ de M----, _that as soon as -the King was return'd, I should infallibly be arrested_; and at the same -time he put on such an external Appearance of Concern to see me oblig'd to -fly, that I took all he said for Gospel. I resolv'd therefore to be gone; -but the Difficulty was to raise Money, which I had no means of doing but -by making a great many disadvantagious Contracts, whereby I was a very -great Sufferer in the Sequel. - -After I had made Money of every thing I set out in the Night from -_Berlin_, leaving word at home that I was bound to _Hanover_; but as soon -as I was got out of Town I steer'd my Course for _Leipsic_, where I staid -a few days, and then went to MENTZ, where I had a Cousin in the Elector's -Service, who entertain'd me as a good Kinsman would do, and introduc'd me -to his Master, who gave me a most gracious Reception. I have already had -the Honor to tell you of the Prerogatives of the Elector of _Mentz_ at the -Coronation of an Emperor. It only remains for me to speak to you of his -Person. He was _Francis-Lotharius_ of _Schonborn_, of the Illustrious -Family of the Counts of _Schonborn_. Besides the Archbishopric of _Mentz_, -he had also the Bishopric of _Bamberg_. He had then two Coadjutors, the -Elector of _Triers_ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_ for _Mentz_; and the -Count _de Schonborn_, Vice-Chancellor of the Empire, for _Bamberg_. He -might then be about seventy Years of Age. He was a Prince of a noble -Aspect, affable, ador'd by both his Domestics and his Subjects, and very -hearty for every thing that might contribute to the Tranquillity and Honor -of the Empire. The City of _Mentz_ is obliged to him for the noble Works -with which he has caus'd it to be fortify'd; for it may be said he has -spar'd no Cost to put his Capital in such a State as to have nothing to -fear from Foreigners. - -_Mentz_[65] stands upon a rising Ground along the _Rhine_, in one of the -finest Parts of _Germany_. 'Twas formerly no more than a Bishopric -Suffragan to _Triers_, but Pope _Zachary_, or as some say _Gregory_ III. -erected it into an Archbishopric, and granted him at the same time the -Primacy of the Churches of _Germany_. 'Tis said that the first Bishop of -_Mentz_, who was honor'd with the Dignity of Elector, was nam'd -_Willigise_, and that he was the Son of a _Cartwright_, or, as others say, -a _Carman_ of the Village of _Schoningen_ in the Country of _Brunswic_. He -advanc'd himself purely by his own Merit to the Dignity of Chancellor to -the Emperors _Otho_ III. and _Henry_ II. and finally to that of Archbishop -of _Mentz_. But in all the height of his Fortune this Prelate continued in -such an humble Frame of Mind that he caus'd Wheels to be painted every -where about his Palace, that he might have the Badges of the Meanness of -his Extraction always in his Eyes: And we are assur'd this is the Reason -why the Electors of _Mentz_ always bear in their Arms a Wheel Argent in a -Field Gules. - -The Chapter of _Mentz_ consists of forty two Canons, of whom the Dean and -the twenty three first are call'd _Capitulars_, and the other -_Domicellaires_. The former only are those that elect the Archbishop, who -from the Moment that he is chose, becomes an Elector of the Empire. The -Pope confirms his Election in Spirituals, and the Emperor does the same in -Temporals. The Elector becomes at the same time Great Chancellor of the -Empire of _Germany_, which gives him the Title of perpetual Dean of the -Electors, and an Inspection into the Aulic Council and the Imperial -Chamber of _Wetzlar_. - -_Mentz_ has a very flourishing Trade, especially in Wines. The best -Vineyards for _Rhenish_ Wines are in the Dominions of the Elector, and -especially in the Neighbourhood of _Mentz_. And that which also -contributes very much to the Briskness of its Commerce is, that all the -Merchandize that passes up and down the _Rhine_, stops in its Harbor, to -be put on board fresh Bottoms. - -I did not stay long at _Mentz_, but set out for STUTGARD[66], the Capital -of the Duchy of _Wirtemberg_. This City stands in a very fine Country, and -is divided into two parts by a small River call'd the _Neckar_. The Houses -at _Stutgard_ are generally ill built, yet as the Streets are broad and -lightsome, the Town is very gay. The Ducal Palace is very old but very -commodious, by reason of the Extent and Number of the Apartments. Here is -a very fine Garden with an Orangery, which is not to be parallel'd. The -Trees are kept in full Mould, secur'd by a Roof and a sliding Partition, -which they take care to warm in the Winter by several Stoves that make it -one continu'd Summer. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ is seldom in this Palace, -except at the time of the Carnival; but as for his Duchess, she is there -almost always, and has a separate House from the Duke's, where she lives -very retir'd. I wish'd for an Opportunity to pay my Respects to her, but -was deprived of that Honor, because I had not been introduc'd to the Duke. -This Prince's usual Residence is at _Ludwigsbourg_ a Pleasure-House which -he caus'd to be built some Leagues from _Stutgard_; but while I was at -_Wirtemberg_ he was with the whole Court at _Wildstadt_, whither I went to -have the Honor of paying my Duty to him. _Wildstadt_ is one of the vilest -Places in _Germany_, yet 'tis very much frequented by reason of its Baths -of Mineral Waters, which are said to be a sovereign Remedy for many -Diseases, especially Sciaticas, and for bracing the Nerves. The Duke -commonly spends a Month or six Weeks here with his whole Court, which -being very numerous and splendid, _Wildstadt_ is then a Place agreeable -enough. The Duke had with him the Hereditary Prince, his Son, who is -married to _Henrietta_ of _Prussia_, the late Margrave _Philip_'s -Daughter. The Person of this Prince was very amiable, and like the Duke -his Father, his Behavior is the most courteous that can be, especially to -Foreigners, to whom they are both very kind. While the Court was at -_Wildstadt_, their Amusement in the Morning was the use of the Baths, -where the Duke and the Prince his Son gave Gentlemen the Liberty of -bathing with them; for it must be observ'd that each Bath will hold -twenty Persons very commodiously. When the Bathing was over, they took -their Rest. Towards Noon there was an Assembly in the Apartment of the -Duke, who went from thence to the Apartment of the Hereditary Princess, -who lodg'd with the Prince her Husband in a House over-against the Duke's. -There was a Table for sixteen Guests very well serv'd, where the Gentlemen -eat with the Duke and his Children, and none but Pages waited. After -Dinner the Duke either rode, or caus'd others to ride some manag'd Horses, -than which I have no where seen any that were more beautiful or better -train'd than his were. In the Evening there was another Assembly at the -Princess's, where there was play till Supper-time. I was told that when -the Court was at _Ludwigsbourg_ there was a greater Variety of Diversions, -and that besides Gaming there was some Theatrical Entertainments, of which -the Duke was very fond, and actually kept a Company of _French_ Comedians -in Pay, who perform'd very well. In a word, this Prince may be said to -have neglected nothing that he thought suitable to his Dignity, or that -might render his Court more splendid. And that every thing might look with -a certain Air of Grandeur, he was resolv'd, like other Sovereigns, to -establish an Order, of which he himself is the Head. They call it the -Order of St. _Hubert_. 'Tis a broad red Ribband, to which hangs a Cross -enamell'd white. None are admitted into it, but Persons of distinguish'd -Families. Besides this Order, the Duke also wears those of _Prussia_ and -_Denmark_ alternatively. The Hereditary Prince wears the _Prussian_ Order -at large, and that of the Duke his Father at his Button-Hole, just as they -wear the Cross of St. _Lewis_ in _France_, except nevertheless on the -Festival Days of St. _Hubert_, when he wears the red Ribband at full -length. - -Among the Persons of Distinction that accompanied the Duke to _Wildstadt_, -those of most Note were the Count _de Gravenitz_ and _S----_, which two -Gentlemen had the sole Disposition of Affairs. The first was Grand Marshal -of the Court and Prime Minister, and he wore the Order of _Prussia_, the -King having therewith honor'd him at the Marriage of the Hereditary Prince -with the Princess of _Prussia_. This Minister, who had the Duke of -_Wirtemberg_'s intire Confidence, had been nominated to accompany the -Hereditary Prince to _Berlin_. He certainly deserv'd the Favor with which -the Duke honor'd him; and I have not known many Noblemen more civil and -obliging. But _S----_ wanted a great deal of being so affable; tho' his -Origin was very different. He was a meer Creature of Fortune, who to be -sure thought himself at the height of Felicity when he was Secretary to -the late M. _B----_, Minister of State to the late King at _Berlin_. -Nevertheless, after the Death of his Master his Star guided him to the -Court of _Wirtemberg_, where he has amass'd immense Riches, and is entered -into the greatest Employments. He wears the Order of _Dannebrog_, the King -of _Prussia_ having desir'd it for him of the King of _Denmark_, upon the -Recommendation of the Duke of _Wirtemberg_, who being very willing to give -his Minister some Badge of Honor, and not caring at the same time to -debase his own Order of St. _Hubert_, caus'd the Order of _Dannebrog_ to -be demanded for him, which is given to all Persons indifferently without -regard to Quality. - -The Duke of _Wirtemberg_'s Court is altogether _Lutheran_, as well as the -rest of his Dominions. Mean time he permitted the Princess, who is a -_Calvinist_, to have a particular Chapel for her self and her Domestics. -The Countess _de Gravenitz_, Wife to the Grand Marshal, who is a Catholic, -was also allow'd a Chapel for the Exercise of her Religion. - -I forgot to tell you what Title is assum'd by the Dukes of _Wirtemberg_. -They call themselves _Banner-Bearers of the Empire_, which Title they -distinguish in the third Quartering of their Shield, which is Azure with -the Banner of the Empire, Or charg'd with a Spread-Eagle Sable, plac'd -Bend-wise. The Dukes of _Wirtemberg_ have another Dignity more solid than -the former, _viz._ to be joint Directors of the Circle of _Swabia_, with -the Bishop of _Constance_. - -The Duchy of _Wirtemberg_ was formerly confiscated to the use of -_Ferdinand_ I. Brother to the Emperor _Charles_ V. but 'twas afterwards -restor'd to the Princes of this Name, on condition of their holding it -dependent on the House of _Austria_. This Feudal Subjection was annull'd -in 1631, in the time of _Frederic_ Duke of _Wirtemberg_, on condition that -upon the Failure of Issue Male, the Duchy should devolve to the House of -_Austria_. In pursuance of these Treaties the Princes of that Family bear -the Title and Arms of the Family of _Wirtemberg_. - -While I staid at this Court that Disorder which I had been teaz'd with for -several Years became at last so serious an Affair, that instead of -proceeding to _Vienna_, to which I at first purpos'd to go, I set out for -_Strasbourg_, in hopes of finding skilful Surgeons there to make the -necessary Operation upon me. Several offer'd to take me in hand, but the -King's Lieutenant assur'd me, that my best way wou'd be to employ the -Person that was Surgeon to the Great Hospital. I did so, but can't say I -had much reason to like him. He may, for aught I know, be an able Surgeon, -but sure I am that he is a very dangerous Physician. He thought fit to -give me Drugs (to prepare me, he said, to support the Operation) which had -like to have sent me into the other World: But by good Luck I perceiv'd -his Ignorance before he had time to kill me. I took no more of his -Remedies; and when I found my self well enough recover'd to bear the -Fatigues of a Journey, I resolv'd to go to _Paris_, which I take to be the -Nursery of the most experienc'd Surgeons. I stop'd a few days at SAVERNE, -where there was a very great Company at the House of the Cardinal _de -Rohan_, to whom I had the Honor of paying my Compliments; and he receiv'd -me with that Air of Politeness and Grandeur, for which we know this Prince -is distinguish'd. - -From _Saverne_ I went to _Luneville_, and in all the Way found no -considerable Place but PHALTZBOURG, which was formerly a Part of -_Lorrain_, and had the Title of a Principality. 'Tis now a Place very -regularly fortify'd, and serves to guard the Road into _Lorrain_, which -_France_ secur'd to her self by the Treaty of _Ryswic_. - -The Court of _Lorrain_ commonly resides at LUNEVILLE, since the Beginning -of the late War, when the _French_ put a Garison into _Nancy_, of which -they continu'd Masters till the Treaty of _Baden_. This City, which -heretofore was inconsiderable, is now worth seeing. The Duke of _Lorrain_ -has added a great many Buildings to it, which are a great Ornament to it; -and therefore the Duke and Duchess chuse to reside here, preferably to -any other Place. As to the Duchess, she has a particular Reason for being -so fond of _Luneville_, it being the City assign'd her for her Jointure. - -The Castle, which is very fine, has nothing noble without, but the Inside -is most magnificent. The Entrance and Front very much resemble those of -_Versailles_ towards _Paris_. As to the Front towards the Garden I can say -nothing of it, because that side of the Palace was not finish'd when I -went thither. The Apartments of their Royal Highnesses are spacious, and -richly furnish'd. The first Anti-chamber is a very large Saloon of curious -Structure. 'Tis wainscotted and adorn'd with the Pictures of the _Lorrain_ -Family. In one, the Duke's Father is represented making a triumphant Entry -in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses, with Fame flying before it, Peace -and Victory offering him Crowns of Laurel, and the additional Trophy of -_Turks_ in Chains trampled under his Horses Feet. The Whole together forms -a magnificent Painting; and I was told there are Tapestries in the Duke's -Wardrobe, which are a Copy of it, but I did not see them. - -This Saloon separates their Royal Highnesses Apartments from the Chapel, -which for the Contrivance of it very much resembles that of _Versailles_. -It stands on the Right of the Entry into the Saloon, and the Apartments -are on the Left. The Prince's Apartment looks over _Luneville_, and over -the Courts belonging to the Kitchen, and the Princess's is situate on the -Garden-side. The Princess's is much larger than the Duke's; and when I saw -it, 'twas richly furnish'd, adorn'd with noble Gilding, Glasses and -Paintings by the best Masters; but this Part of the Palace has since been -intirely consum'd by Fire, tho' I am assur'd the Whole is re-built as well -as before, and that the Apartments are every whit as well furnish'd. So -much for the Palace: I will now give you a short Account of their Royal -Highnesses, and their August Family, as it stood in 1718, when I had the -Honor to see it. - -_Leopold_ Duke of _Lorrain_ and _Bar_ was the Head of the Family, and the -Sovereign of the Country. He married Mademoiselle of _France_, -_Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Orleans_, Daughter of _Philip_ of _France_, Duke -of _Orleans_, Brother of _Lewis_ XIV. By which Marriage they had three -Princes and three Princesses. The eldest Prince, who was stil'd Duke of -_Bar_, died in 1723, at a Time when he was in Expectation of great -Fortune. His Brother, who is Heir to that Expectancy, is actually bred up -at _Vienna_, where the Emperor takes particular Care of his Education. - -The Duke of _Lorrain_'s Houshold is considerable, and every thing is -establish'd there on a good Footing. His Hunting-Equipages are -magnificent, and so well furnish'd, that Foreigners who accompany the -Prince into the Field, are equipp'd with Horses out of his Stables. The -Prince's Attendance is almost the same as that of the Princes of _France_, -and all his Houshold on the same Footing. The Marquis _de Craon_ was then -the Great Chamberlain and Prime Minister. He was a very courteous -Nobleman, and treated all that had Business with him with extraordinary -Civility. He had great Credit at Court, and the Prince was mighty -bountiful to him; insomuch that after having heap'd Wealth upon this -Favorite, he had a mind to see him promoted to the eminent Dignity of -Prince, which upon the Duke's Desire the Emperor conferr'd upon him -accordingly. Not long after, one of the Prince of _Craon_'s Daughters was -married to a Prince of the _Lorrain_ Family, _viz._ the Prince _de Lixin_, -formerly known by the Name of the Chevalier _de Lorrain_, who is now the -Duke of _Lorrain_'s Steward of the Houshold. His Father-in-law has given -him his fine House at _Craon_, not far from _Luneville_. Madame _de -Craon_, who is a Partner in her Husband's Fortune and Credit, is Lady of -Honor to the Duchess, and very much esteem'd by the Duke. I had the Honor -to see this Prince spend the Afternoons at her House, and the Courtiers, -after the Example of their Master, did justice to the Lady's Merit. - -From _Luneville_ I went to NANCY, which is the Capital City of _Lorrain_, -and was formerly the Residence of the Sovereigns of the Country. It stands -but a little distance from the River _Meurte_, in the midst of a beautiful -Plain; and is divided into two Parts, _viz._ the Old and New Towns. I had -the Honor to tell you, that the _French_ made a Conquest of it in 1631. It -had good Reason to remember, that it was once under a Foreign Dominion; -for its Fortifications were so demolish'd in 1668, that there was but one -Rampart remaining without a Parapet; and in this Condition it was restor'd -to its Sovereign at the Peace of _Ryswic_. Not many years after, when -_Lewis_ XIV. enter'd into the War for maintaining his Grandson upon the -_Spanish_ Throne, he oblig'd the Duke of _Lorrain_ to receive a Garison at -_Nancy_. The Duke was so disgusted at this Proceeding, that tho' the King -had given Orders to his Officers, to pay his Royal Highness all the due -Honors and Respect, he would not stay in a Town, of which he might be said -to be Sovereign, but not the Master; and retir'd to _Luneville_, where he -continu'd ever after, tho' _Nancy_ was evacuated at the Treaty of _Baden_. - -A little way from _Nancy_, in the Road to _Paris_, there's a Chapel and a -Cross, said to have been erected upon the very Spot where _Charles_ the -last Duke of _Burgundy_ was kill'd in 1476, when he was besieging the -Town, then in possession of _Rene_ Duke of _Lorrain_. There's a -Copper-plate affix'd to the Cross upon the High-way, on which may be read -the Particulars. - -Between _Nancy_ and _Toul_, which is in the _Paris_ Road, one passes thro' -the forest of _Haye_, wherein _Lewis_ XIV. caus'd a Way to be cut, which -will be a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Magnificence of that Great -Prince. Those who are bound to _Toul_ cross the _Moselle_ in a Ferry-boat -about a League on this side that Town, to which they arrive over a pretty -large Plain. The Learned give a very ancient Original to the City of TOUL; -for they pretend it was first founded by _Tullus Hostilius_ King of the -_Romans_: But you may believe as much of this as you please. All that I -can say of the Town, after having view'd it well, is, that 'tis very ill -built, and not worthy of the Attention of the Curious. 'Tis a Bishopric -Suffragan of _Triers_, and one of the three Bishoprics of _Lorrain_ that -were yielded to _France_. - -From _Toul_ I traveled to BAR-LE-DUC, the Capital of the Duchy of _Bar_. -This Duchy is dependant on the Crown of _France_, tho' 'tis part of the -Dominions of _Lorrain_, and is under the Jurisdiction of a Parliament. The -Dukes of _Lorrain_ were formerly oblig'd, either in their own Person, or -by an Envoy, to perform Homage to the King of _France_, upon the Death -either of a King, or of a Duke; which Obligation was chang'd, or rather -limited, during the Regency of the Duke of _Orleans_, in a Journey which -the Duke and Duchess of _Lorrain_ made to _Paris_ in 1718, when it was -regulated, _That a Duke of +Bar+ should be oblig'd to pay Homage but once -in his Life to a King of +France+; but that he should pay it in Person_. -This Convention was register'd in the Parliament of _Paris_. But this was -not the only Advantage which the Duke reap'd from his Journey; for the -Regent, at the Request of his Sister, restor'd a great number of Villages -to him that ought to have been restor'd to the Duke of _Lorrain_ at the -Peace of _Ryswic_, and which the Ministry of _France_ had thought fit to -keep. - -From _Bar-le-Duc_ to CHALONS, 'tis a wild desert Country, yet very -fruitful in Corn. The Roads are detestable if it rains ever so little; -which added to the length of the Post-Stages, renders it a very -disagreeable Journey. They say 'twas in these Fields that the King -_Meroveus, Aetius_ General of the _Romans_, and _Theodoric_ King of the -_Visigoths_, fought so bloody a Battle in 451, with _Attila_ King of the -_Huns_, that they kill'd two hundred thousand of his Men. But this is a -Fact which I will not warrant. The Situation of _Chalons_ is very -advantageous. The River _Marne_ which runs into the _Seine_ almost at the -Entrance of _Paris_, is a great Convenience for the Merchants of that -City. This City is in _Champaigne_, and its Bishop has the Title of -_Count and Peer of_ France. The ancient Counts of _Champaigne_ resided -here, and the Palace they liv'd in is still to be seen. The Parliament of -_Paris_ was transferr'd hither in 1592; and there that illustrious -Assembly pass'd that famous Arret against the Pope's Legate, and the -League, which under the Pretence of Religion tended to deprive _Henry_ -III's lawful Successor, _Henry_ IV. of the Crown of _France_. - -Several most illustrious Marriages have been celebrated in the City of -_Chalons_. 1. That of _Philip_ of _Orleans_, Brother to _Lewis_ XIV. 2. -That of _Lewis_ Dauphin of _France_ Son of _Lewis_ XIV. with -_Anne-Christina-Victoria_ of _Bavaria_, on the 7th of _March_ 1680: And -finally, the Marriage of _Lewis_ Duke of _Orleans_, Son of the Duke -Regent, to _Augusta-Maria-Johanna_ of _Baden_, on the 13th of _July_ 1724. - -There's not one considerable Place all the way from _Chalons_ to _Paris_. -I pass'd thro' CHATEAU-THIERRY, which is a Duchy that was given to M. _de -Bouillon_ in Exchange for the Principality of _Sedan_; with this Clause -nevertheless, that the King shall keep the Sovereignty of it. The _Marne_ -runs at the Foot of this Town. - -Ten Leagues from hence there's the City of MEAUX, which is the Capital of -_Brie_, with the Title of a Bishopric. But neither in the Church nor Town -did I see any thing remarkable. The Suburbs are very fruitful, and the -Neighbourhood of _Paris_ gives the Inhabitants an Opportunity of putting -off their Commodities to Advantage. - -'Tis but a few Hours Journey from _Meaux_ to PARIS in the direct Road. But -I went some Leagues out of the way to see M. _de N----_, at his Seat at -_C----_, near _Fontainbleau_, and after having spent some days there very -pleasantly, we travell'd together to _Paris_. When we had pass'd the Time -that was necessary to discharge the Obligations of Friendship and Decency, -I reflected on what was the real Motive of my Journey; which, as I have -had the Honor to tell you, was to put my self into the Hands of some able -Surgeon. The Man to whose Care I committed my self was the famous _La -Peronie_, who perform'd the Operation upon me with the utmost Skill, yet I -suffer'd extreme Pain. During my Illness, which was of some Continuance, -my Friends, who were my faithful Companions, were so good as to inform me -of every thing that pass'd; and if it had been lawful to have betray'd -them, or if I had been in any Post under the Government, I might perhaps -have made some Discoveries to the Duke Regent, which would have been to -his advantage, and enabled him to stifle that Flame at its first breaking -out, which indeed he extinguish'd afterwards, tho' it was perhaps owing as -much, if not more, to his good Fortune, than to his Prudence. - -_Paris_ was at that time in a Crisis, when it dreaded a Minority as -troublesome as that of _Lewis_ XIV. Every body was dissatisfy'd. There was -a loud Clamor against the Royal Bank. And the Government-Bills were a -fresh Subject of Complaint; for tho' they were establish'd at the -Beginning of the Regency, with a Promise to keep up their Credit, yet -there was a very great Loss by discounting them; and as the Public was -overcharg'd with them, and as there is nothing which sits so uneasy on -People as their Loss, every one gave public Vent to his ill Humor. At this -same Juncture the Duke Regent was afflicted with sore Eyes, which -indanger'd his Sight. I was assur'd that the Chancellor said to some -People in Confidence, _That 'twas absolutely necessary to think of proper -Measures for transferring the Regency to another Person, in case that -Prince should happen to be blind_: And they say that 'twas for this -Expression that he lost the Seals, which were taken from him the 28th of -_January_ 1718. When M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State went to him -to demand them, the Chancellor resign'd them immediately, saying, _That he -restor'd them to his Royal Highness with more Pleasure than he took them_. -At the time that they were brought to the Regent the Duke _de Noailles_ -was with him, who being more than ordinary surpriz'd to see the Seals, -because he knew nothing of the Chancellor's Disgrace, could not help -asking the Regent, _What he was going to do with the Seals?_ To which that -Prince made Answer, _That he design'd them for M. +d'Argenson+ Lieutenant -of the Police_. The Duke being dissatisfy'd with this Change, desir'd the -Regent's Leave to retire, which was granted him with more Readiness than -he desir'd. - -The Seals were given upon the same day to M. _d'Argenson_. The Regent -himself sign'd the Patent, and the Grant of the Great and Little -Commissions; and in the Afternoon the new Minister took the usual Oath to -the King; and at the same time the Duke Regent declar'd him Chief of the -Council of the Finances. The Disgrace of the Chancellor made the -Parliament uneasy, and occasion'd fresh Murmuring among the People; the -rather because 'twas reported, that his Royal Highness ow'd him a Grudge -for his Refusal to sign certain Edicts which were not lik'd by the -Parliament. - -While _Paris_ was in such a Ferment, there was some Commotion in -_Bretagne_. The Payment of the Free Gift being demanded of the States then -assembled, they made answer, _That they could not grant it till they had -first examin'd their Funds. They intended_, they said, _to regulate their -Finances, which were very much disorder'd_. This Delay was look'd upon as -an open Rebellion, and at the fourth Assembly they receiv'd Orders to -separate. This put them quite out of Temper, and the Nobility deputed four -of their Body to Court to present his Royal Highness a long Memorial, in -which they demonstrated how impossible it was for their Province to pay -the Free Gift at that instant. They complain'd of the Invasion of the -Privileges of a Province which had only submitted to _France_ upon -condition that they should be sacredly preserv'd. They concluded with -praying his Royal Highness to grant them, at least, some time longer. _We -flatter our selves, Sir_, said they, in the close of their Memorial, _that -a Delay of a few days, contrary indeed to an ill Custom, but agreeable to -ancient Possession, will not give your Royal Highness the worse Opinion of -a Nobility which is so much devoted to you, and to which you have declar'd -your Good-will_. - -The Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That they must obey and pay, and -that then they would see what could be done_. This Answer did not satisfy -the uneasy _Bretons_, and the Parliament of the Province sent their -Deputies to _Paris_. When they were admitted to the King's Audience, M. -_de Blossac_, who was their Spokesman, made much the same Representation -as the Deputies of the Nobility had done before. All the Answer they had -was a Declaration from the King, by the Keeper of the Seals, who was -present, _That the Privileges of their Province should not be infring'd_. -The same Deputies presented a long Petition to his Majesty, wherein they -discover'd not less Love and Respect to the King than Zeal for their -Privileges, but still insisted on the Impossibility of paying the Free -Gift so soon. These Remonstrances, however, were as ineffectual as those -of the States; and the Regent, who was resolv'd to be obey'd, made use of -his Authority, by banishing the most mutinous of the Gentry from the -Province, and others of 'em he caus'd to be summon'd to _Paris_, as well -as several of their Members of Parliament, in order to give an Account of -their Conduct. - -Such, _Madame_, was the State of Affairs when I arriv'd at _Paris_. There -was no Talk of any thing but Disturbances, and every thing seem'd to tend -to a Revolt. The Duke Regent, in order to obviate any Enterprize of that -sort, thought fit to secure the Soldiery in his Interest; and for this end -he caus'd them to be paid punctually, gave Gratuities to the Officers, and -to put Feathers in their Caps he made a numerous Promotion of the Knights -of St. _Lewis_. There was a Creation of about four hundred in a few days, -so that go where one would, there was nothing to be seen but the Crosses -of St. _Lewis_. It were to be wish'd that the Species had been as common, -but of this there was less Probability than ever. The Regent had just -undertaken a general Recoinage of the Money, which seem'd to be a Thing of -great Consequence to private People. His Royal Highness caus'd the Edict -for this purpose to be register'd, and foreseeing that the Parliament -would not come into his Measures, he caus'd the same to be publish'd by -the Officers of the Mint. The Parliament was stung to the quick by the -Publication of this Edict, and pretended that, in order to its being -register'd, it ought to have been first communicated to them. The Chambers -met upon this Occasion, and 'twas agreed that all the Sovereign Courts -mould be invited to join with the Parliament in an Affair of such -Importance. - -_M. L. C. P. P. D. L. C. D. A._ when the Invitation was sent to his -Company, took the advantage of it to make his court to the Regent, and -went and inquir'd at the Royal Palace how he had best act. The Regent took -this well at his hands, and his Royal Highness sent an immediate -Prohibition to the Court of Aids, the Chamber of Accounts, and the -Officers of the Mint to take any notice of the Parliament's Invitation. - -Nevertheless the Parliament still continu'd its Assemblies, and sent a -Deputation to the Royal Palace, confiding of the First President, the -President _d'Aligre_, and several Counsellors, to engage the Regent to -revoke the aforesaid Edict; and they represented in a very long Discourse, -_That the Rise of the Species could not but be prejudicial to the_ French -_and profitable to Foreigners, who would get sixty Livres by a Mark of -Silver, which intrinsically would not be worth twenty five Livres; and -that this would circulate an infinite number of counterfeit Species in the -Kingdom, considering the immense Profit that Foreigners would make by it_. -They then complain'd of the Edict's being register'd at the Court of the -Mint, and not in the Parliament, to whom it ought, at least, to have been -communicated. The Duke Regent made answer to the Deputies, _That he did -not think he ought to send the last Edict to the Parliament, because the -Court of the Mint was establish'd a superior and competent Court in -Matters of that kind; that there had been no Edict sent to Parliament -concerning the Mints, since the Year 1659, except one which was sent -thither in 1715, out of pure Respect to that Company; that as to the -Inconveniencies, he had maturely weighed them, but that he could not -excuse himself from issuing the Edict, and that as to the Suspension of -the Edict, 'twas not to be thought of, the Work being so far advanc'd, and -a great Quantity of Species already given out, besides Debts that must -necessarily be paid off._ - -The Parliament not being satisfy'd with this Answer, there was another -Assembly, to the Number of 165 Members, next day, _viz._ the 20th of -_June_, from 8 o'clock in the Morning till 2 in the Afternoon, when they -pass'd an Arret, by which it was agreed to make most humble Remonstrances -to the King to obtain Letters Patent for censuring the last Edict of the -Mint, not register'd in Parliament, as prejudicial to the King, to Trade, -to the Government, and to the Fortunes of private People; that in -consequence thereof all Persons should be prohibited to receive the -new-coin'd Species, and to make Payments in any other Species than those -which had their Currency, by virtue of the Edict of 1715, and all Notarys -should likewise be prohibited to pass any Act for Payments or -Reimbursements made with the new Species. This Arret was set up in Writing -within the Palais or Parliament-House, and the Parliament took care to -have several written Copies of it dispers'd, because of the Prohibition -which their own Printer was laid under, not to commit it to the Press. - -The Regent, who was sensible how prejudicial this Arret was to his -Authority, assembled the Council, when they pass'd an Arret declaring that -of the Parliament to be an Incroachment upon the Regal Authority, and that -his Majesty revok'd and annull'd it, as well as all the Resolutions taken -in that Body. All Mankind was alarm'd, and they fear'd, not without -Reason, what would be the Consequences of so violent a Proceeding. The -Parliament on their part did not abate one jot of their State; and when -the King's Council laid upon the Table a Letter de Cachet, with the Arret -of the Council of State, they agreed to send the Whole back again without -reading one Word of it; and that the Arret pass'd the day before should be -put in execution according to its Form and Tenor. Hereupon the Council of -State pass'd another Arret, by which the King claim'd to himself and his -Council the Cognizance of all the Differences which might arise with -regard to the Coin. This done, the Regent sent two Companies of _French_ -Guards to the Mint, and another Detachment to the Bank: And after having, -by this means, made every thing secure, he gave the Parliament leave to -come and make their Remonstrances to the King. The Person who spoke in the -Name of the rest was M. _de Mesmes_ the First President, at the Head of -seven Presidents _a Mortier_, thirty-two Counsellors, and the King's -Council. His Speech was long and well study'd. He began with extolling the -Qualities observable in the young King. Then he said, _That tho' the -Parliament only wish'd for the Opportunity of coming into his Presence_ -_to admire them, they were under a Necessity of acquainting him with the -just Alarms of all the Orders of the Kingdom, upon account of an Edict for -a general Recoinage of the Species, which impoverish'd those that had any -Fortunes left in_ France, _without being any Relief to the numerous Poor_. -This Speech was divided into two Parts. The first related to the manner in -which the said Edict had been publish'd. The second enter'd into the -particular Inconveniencies with which the various Clauses of the Edict -would be attended, if his Majesty was not so far mov'd by those Reasons, -as to order its Repeal. M. _de Mesmes_ supported those two Articles by a -Speech as nervous as it was eloquent; and at the Close he said, that in -the Arrets which had been pass'd by his Company, they had only followed -the Precedents that had been found in the Registers. - -The First President left his Speech in Writing, that the King might be -able to answer it; and it was not long before the said Answer was -return'd. The Deputies of the Parliament being sent for to the -_Tuilleries_, on the 2d of _July_ 1718, the Keeper of the Seals said to -them in his Majesty's Presence, _The King has caus'd the Remonstrances of -his Parliament to be examin'd in Council, and his Majesty will always be -dispos'd to give them a favorable Hearing, when they have not a Tendency -to the splitting or the cramping of his Authority._ He added, _That the -Edict in question had been maturely examin'd; and that 'twas the best -Remedy for paying off the Debts of the State; that the said Edict was not -such a Burden upon the Public; and that it was only so to those who should -make advantageous Contracts by obligatory Deeds._ He concluded with -saying, _That the King prohibited every Assembly tending to the neglect -of Submission_; and that he had given Orders for registring the Letters -Patent in pursuance of the Arret of Council whereby his Majesty claims the -Cognizance of the Disputes already risen or that may arise relating to the -Edict. This Answer being reported to the Parliament, Commissioners were -appointed to examine it; and at the same time to search the Registers if -there was any Precedent for Letters Patent of that sort, in order to -conform to it. The Commissioners having made their Report, the Company -came to a Resolution to represent to the Duke Regent, _That nothing had -been determin'd on that Subject, because the Company desired that they -might first of all make new Remonstrances to the King; and that they -intreated his Royal Highness to procure them an Audience_. The Regent was -nettled at the Parliament's Importunity, and he made answer to the King's -Council, who were sent to him with the Message, _That he should have -thought that the Parliament would have rested satisfy'd with the Answer -which the King had before given; but that since he saw they were not, he -would venture, notwithstanding the Dislike that his Majesty expressed to -Remonstrances, to give them the Liberty of presenting them, but no -otherwise than in Writing_. - -The Parliament was not discouraged, but still continu'd to demand an -Audience, which was at length granted for the 26th of _July_; when all the -People of Distinction in _Paris_ flock'd to Court to hear the -Remonstrances. The first President spoke for nearly three quarters of an -Hour, tho' his Discourse was nothing more than a Recapitulation of what he -had said before. His Majesty made answer, _My Keeper of the Seals will -explain my Intentions to you_. But the Keeper of the Seals said no more -than this, _The King has already explained his Intentions to you, and he -will explain them to you farther hereafter_. - -The Parliament dissatisfy'd with this Answer, which they thought too -Laconic, as Affairs then stood, fell in a Rage with the Man whom they had -good reason to look upon as the _Primum Mobile_ of the Confusion of -Affairs; I mean _John Law_, whose rapid Fortune furnish'd a large Field of -Discourse. They were very sensible that a Director of the Bank could not -easily acquire so much Wealth, but a great many People must be -considerable Losers. The Parliament therefore cited this Financier to -appear before them in Person, but he never went near them; and when, in a -few days after, they chang'd the Summons to a Warrant for arresting him, -the Duke Regent protected him by an Arret of Council. This Prince wisely -judging of what Importance it was to him to make the Parliament easy, and -to secure Respect to the Regal Authority of which he was the Depositary, -appointed a Bed of Justice to be held at the Palace of the _Thuilleries_ -for the 26th of _August_. He order'd the King's Houshold Troops to keep to -their Arms, and to be every Man at his Post. The same day he sent circular -Letters of Invitation to all the Dukes and Peers, to the Marshals of -_France_, to the Knights of the Orders, to the Governors and -Lieutenant-Generals of the Provinces, to the Secretaries, and to some of -the Counsellors of State who were nominated by the Keeper of the Seals. -The Princes were also invited to this Tribunal. The Parliament walk'd -thither on foot, about 11 o'clock in their red Robes. The President _de -Novion_ was at the Head of their Body, because the first President was at -that time very much afflicted with the Gout; however, he went to the -_Thuilleries_ in a Coach. - -After the Council of the Regency broke up, the King went from his little -Apartment upon the Terrass to his Gallery, to which he was accompanied by -the Duke Regent and the Princes of the Blood. Four Presidents _au Mortier_ -and six Counsellors came thither to receive him, and conducted him to his -Bed of Justice. The King being seated on his Throne, and all the Company -having taken their Places, they began with reading the Letters Patent -establishing M. _d'Argenson_ Keeper of the Seals, which were order'd to be -register'd. After this an Arret of Council was read, forbidding the -Parliament to take Cognizance of the Affairs of State. Upon the reading of -this Arret, the first President broke Silence and said, _The Subject -seem'd to him of so great Importance, that with the due Respect and -Submission which the Company had for his Majesty's Orders, he desired his -Majesty's Permission to withdraw, to take it into Consideration_. As -little Attention was paid to this Remonstrance, as to the preceding ones. -The Regent drew near to the King and whisper'd him; and the Keeper of the -Seals, after approaching his Majesty for a Minute, made answer to the -Company, _The King will be obey'd, and obey'd too upon the Spot_. - -Then a Declaration was read, importing, that the Dukes and Peers should -have Seats in Parliament immediately after the Princes of the Blood. A -second, which derogated from the Declaration of the King, dated the 5th of -_May_ 1694, and restrain'd the Legitimated Princes to the meer Honors and -Prerogatives of their Peerages: And a third, which re-established the -Count _de Tholouse_ in all his Rights, Ranks and Prerogatives for his own -Person only. - -After the reading of these Declarations the Duke spoke and represented to -his Majesty, _That the late King having seem'd desirous that the Duke of_ -Maine _should have the Care of his Majesty's Education, tho' the Place -belong'd to him by Birth-right, he did not then oppose it, because he was -at that time a Minor; but as this was not the Case now, he desir'd that -the Honor might be conferr'd upon him_: which Demand was granted to him, -as well as that of the Dukes and Peers, who demanded to have Precedence of -the Presidents _au Mortier_ in Parliament. - -Thus ended the Bed of Justice, which will no doubt be famous to the latest -Posterity. The Parliament was very much mortify'd at the Conduct observ'd -to them, and declared next day in their Assembly, by an Arret which was -register'd, _That they neither could, nor ought, nor intended to have any -Share in what pass'd the Day preceding in the Bed of Justice; and that -Posterity might be inform'd of it, Commissioners were nominated, to draw -up a verbal Account of all the Proceedings_. The Regent being inform'd of -what the Parliament was doing, sent Detachments of the Gray and Black -Musketeers, commanded by a Brigadier, who on the 28th at Night, took up -those that had been the most zealous for this Opinion. Such were Messieurs -_de Blamont_, President of the 4th of the Inquests, _Feydeau_ Counsellor -of the same Court, and _St. Martin_ a Counsellor of the Grand Chamber. -They were clapp'd into three Coaches, each guarded by eight Musketeers and -an Officer, and carried to Places which the Court had appointed; and at -the same time the Papers of the two former were seiz'd. - -As soon as the Parliament was acquainted of this Arrest, they met and made -a Deputation to the King, to intreat him to permit them to enjoy the -Privilege they always had of trying those of their own Body for any Crimes -they may be accus'd of. The Keeper of the Seals made them answer, _The -Affairs which bring this Deputation to the King are Affairs of State, -which demand Silence and Secrecy: The King is oblig'd to see due Respect -paid to his Authority. The future Behavior of his Parliament will -determine his Majesty's Sentiments of, and Dispositions towards them._ The -Deputies went next day to the Royal Palace to make fresh Intercession with -the Regent for the Liberty of their Brethren; but his Royal Highness -returned much the same Answer to them as they had the day before, -whereupon the Parliament shut up their Tribunals, and left off decreeing -Justice. Mean time the King's Council were always in Motion at the -_Louvre_, and at the Royal Palace, but could not obtain a satisfactory -Answer; and on the 5th of _September_ the Marquis _d'Essiat_, Master of -the Horse to the Duke Regent, gave the Company notice on the part of his -Royal Highness, to open the Courts again, and to continue the Sessions, -assuring them, that an Answer should shortly be returned to their late -Instances. - -Mean time the Rumor of the Violence us'd to the President and the -Counsellors that had been apprehended, put a great many People out of -Temper: These Exiles were consider'd as Martyrs to the public Liberty, and -every Man made their Case his own. Several Parliaments seem'd inclinable -to support that of _Paris_. The Parliament of _Bretagne_ discover'd more -Zeal than any other, and wrote a fine Letter to the Parliament of _Paris_, -offering to join with them in the Demand of the Exiles Liberty; they also -wrote another on the same Subject to his Majesty, which they addressed to -M. _de la Vrilliere_ Secretary of State. - -At the same time a very important Event happened, which took off the -Attention of the _French_, in a great measure, from their own Affairs, and -rais'd the Speculation of all _Europe_. This was the _Spanish_ Expedition -to _Sicily_. To let you fully into the Secret of this Affair, I must go -farther back, and give you a general Account of the State of Affairs of -_Europe_ in the preceding Year. The Emperor, in pursuance of his Alliances -with the Republic of _Venice_, from whom the _Turks_ had taken a Part of -the _Morea_, was sollicited to declare War against those Infidels. The -Pope, on his part, dreading that the _Turks_ should land in _Italy_, -caus'd Instances to be made to his Imperial Majesty to persuade him to the -War. The Emperor could not determine with himself for a good while to -break with the _Turks_, for fear lest _Spain_ should take an Advantage of -such Rupture, and fall upon his Provinces in _Italy_. The Pope encourag'd -the Emperor, by acquainting him, _That the King of +Spain+ had given him -his solemn Promise that he would undertake nothing in +Italy+._ He also -gave him to understand, _That instead of having any reason to be afraid of -+Spain+, he might expect all manner of Assistance from that Crown in the -present War; since it had engag'd to send him a powerful Squadron; and -that the better to enable him to do this, he (the Pope) had given him -leave to raise the Tenths upon the Clergy of +Spain+._ These -Representations made an Impression upon the Emperor; but the Thing which -absolutely determin'd him, was the Treaty of Guaranty, that he had -concluded with _England_, by which that Crown engaged to assist him with -its Navy, in case that his Dominions were invaded. He therefore declared -War against the _Turks_, and sent a numerous Army against them, under -Command of Prince _Eugene_ of _Savoy_. The Campaign prov'd very glorious -for this Prince. He began it with a Victory near _Temeswaer_, after which -he laid Siege to that Place, and in a very little time reduc'd it. Mean -while _Spain_ prepar'd a Naval Armament, under Pretence of sending -Succours to the _Venetians_. But how was all _Europe_ surpriz'd, when it -was known that the Prime Minister of _Spain_, the Cardinal _Alberoni_, -heretofore Chaplain to the Duke _de Vendome_, afterwards Agent of _Parma_ -at the Court of _Madrid_, and finally, by the Queen's Favour, promoted to -the Summit of Grandeur and Prosperity, had prevail'd on the King of -_Spain_ to employ the Sums that were levied upon the Estates of the -Clergy, and appropriated for the Support of the Honor of the Christian -Name, in the Conquest of _Sardinia_! The Reduction of it was attended with -no great Difficulty, because the Island, in reliance upon the Faith of -Treaties, was at that time but indifferently furnish'd with Troops. The -Emperor made his Complaints to the Pope, and to _France_ and _England_ as -Guaranties of the Neutrality of _Italy_. These Powers did their utmost to -engage the King of _Spain_ to desist from his Pretensions. The Duke Regent -order'd the Duke of _St. Aignan_, Ambassador of _France_ at the _Spanish_ -Court, to represent to the King all the Inconveniencies into which this -War might plunge him; but the _Spanish_ Minister, who rely'd upon the -secret Correspondence he had in _France_, refused all Proposals of an -Accommodation, tho' they were so very advantageous to the King of _Spain_: -For it was propos'd to him, that the Emperor should recognize him the -lawful Possessor of _Spain_ and the _Indies_; and moreover, that he should -consent to the securing of the Successions of _Parma_ and _Placentia_ to -the Queen of _Spain_'s Children; Terms infinitely more advantagious than -those that had been granted to him by the Peace of _Utrecht_, and of which -the King, of _Spain_ so earnestly desir'd to see the Confirmation the Year -that _Lewis_ XIV. died. - - The End of the Third Volume. - - - - - An Alphabetical INDEX - - TO THE - - THIRD VOLUME. - - - A. - - _Adrian_ VI. (Pope) his Birth and Parentage 220, 221. - - _St. Aignan_ (Duke de) 359. - - _Aix-la-Chapelle_, Relics and Town, 233, _&c._ - - _Alberoni_ Cardinal, 359. - - _Albert_ of _Bavaria_ Count of _Holland_, 130, 131. - - _Albert_ (Margrave) of _Brandenbourg_, his Marriage to the Princess of - _Courland_, 54. - - _Albert_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, Grand Master of the _Teutonic_ - Order, his Marriage, and War with _Poland_, 13. - - _Alcibiades_ of _Germany_, who so call'd, 146. - - ALTENA, _t._ 231. - - _Alva_, Duke of, his Cruelty and Statue, 168. his Son, 138. - - AMSTERDAM, _t._ its Foundation and Increase, 130, 131. - Its Description, 132, _&c._ - Remarks on its Inhabitants, 133, 137. - - _Anabaptists_, their Head, 161. - - _Anhalt-Dessau_ (_Leopold_ Prince of) his Valor, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Arnheim_, (M. de) 88. - - ANTWERP, _t._ 166, _&c._ - - _Appel_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Argenson_, M. de, 86, 346. - - _Arm-Chair_, consequence of its Refusal, 12, 25. - - _Asbach_, Barons de, 11. - - _Asfeldt_ (Abbot of) 306. - - _Attila_, King of the _Huns_, his Defeat, 343. - - _Audenard_ (Battle of) 76, 77. - - _Augsbourg_ Confession, 146. - - _Aumont_ (Duke of) his different Reception at _London_ by the several - Parties, and the burning of his House, 206. - - _Auverquerque_ (Veldt-Marshal de) 255. - - - B. - - _Baden_ (_Lewis_ Margrave of) 15, 16, 17. - - _Balderic_ of _Cleves_, Bishop of _Utrecht_, 221. - - _Ball_, extraordinary given by the Author, 209. - - _Barcelona_ Siege rais'd 69. - - _Barfous_ (Count de) 8. His Banishment from the _Prussian_ Court, 52. - - _Bargeman_'s Daughter, her notable Rise, 9 to 12. - - BAR-LE-DUC, _t._ 342. - - _Bartholdi, Prussian_ Minister, 20, 21, 22. - - _Bassompierre_ (Brothers) their History, 85. - - BENDER, _t._ 67. - - BENSBERG, _t._ 142. - - _Bergerie_, (M. de la) 57. - - BERLIN, 93, _&c_. 229. Distance from _Koningsberg_, 28. - - _Berry_ (Duke of) his Character, 185. - Duchess, 186. - Her Character and Favour with the Regent, 287, 288. - Her Kindness for the Count de _R_----, 301. - Her Death, 302. - - _Biberstein_, (Marshal de) 223. - - BILEFELD, _t._ 161. - - _Bilinsky_, Count de, 17. - - _Bills, French_, 291, 345. - - _Blamont_, M. de, President, 356. - - _Blankenbourg_, Duke of, 114, 116. - - _Blaspiel_, M. Minister, 20. - - _Bolingbroke_ (_Henry St. John_, Lord) his Reception in _France_, 198, - 205, 206. - - _Borst_, the Queen of _Prussia_'s Confessor, 91, 92. - - _Bose_, a Merchant, 322. - - _Bot_, the Architect, 124. - - _Boufflers_, Marshal, 259. - - _Bourbon_, Duke of, 185, 186, 236. - - _Bourg_, Marshal de, 318. - - _Bouvines_ Battle, 176. - - _Brandenburg_, Princes of, Apparition presaging their Death, 211. - - _Brandenbourg Bareith_, Margrave of, 54, 103. - - BRANDENBURG, _t._ 228. - - _Brantz_, General, our Author's Uncle, 18. - - BREDA, _t._ 218. - - BRESLAU, _t._ 243. - - _Breteuil_, Baron de, 266. - - _Britany_ (Duke of) his Death, 184. - Discontent of that Province, 347. - - BRUGES, _t._ 276. - - _Brunswic_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - The City, 118. - - BRUSSELLS, _t._ 170. - - _Bulau_ Countess, 32. - M. de, Steward, 58. - - _Burgundy_ (_Charles_ Duke of) kill'd, 343. - - _Burgundy_ (Duke of, afterwards Dauphin) his Character and his Death, - 182, 183. - Death and Character of the Dauphiness, 182, 183. - - _Bydgost_ Treaty, 14. - - - C. - - CAMBRAY, _t._ 172. - Its Archbishop, 173. - League, 174. - - CASSEL, _t._ 155. - Landgrave's Family, 155. - - _Chair_ of State refus'd by the Prince of _Orange_ to the Elector of - _Brandenbourg_, and its Consequence, 12, _&c._ - - _Chalons_ Family, 74. - - CHALONS-SUR-MARNE, _t._ 343. - - _Chamber_ of Justice, 289. - - _Chamillard_, M. de, 80. - - _Charles_ II. King of _Spain_, his Death, 21, 26. - - _Charles_ V. (Emperor) 13, 257. - - _Charles_ VI. (Emperor) - See _Election_ and _Coronation_. - - _Charles_ XII. King of _Sweden_, Origin and Progress of his War with - _Poland_, 61, to 67. - How he was betray'd by one of his Ministers, 61, 66. - - _Charolois_, (Count de) 186. - - _Chartres_, (Duke de) 185. - - CHATEAU-THIERRY, _t._ 344. - - ----_Cambresis_ Treaty, 175. - - _Clarendon_, Lord, 252. - - _Clermont_, (Count de) 186. - - _Colbe_ (see _Wartemberg_.) - - _Coligny_, Admiral, 174. - - _Cologne_, (_Joseph-Clement_ Elector of) 164. _t._ 163, _&c._ - Archbishops of, 164, _&c._ - - COMPIEGNE, _t._ 175. - - _Conde_ (Princess of) 190. - - _Conty_ (Princess of) 191. - (Second Dowager) 191. - (Prince of) 17, 53, 72, 186, 236. - - _Coronation_ of the Emperors, 157, _&c._ - - _Cough_, so dreaded by a Soldier, that he chose rather to be kill'd, - 219. - - _Courland_ (Duke of) 41. - Dispute about his Guardianship, 102. - His Marriage with the Czar's Niece, and his Death, 103, 104. - - ----Duchess of, 36, 54. - - _Court_ what most contributes to its Lustre, 3. - - _Craon_, Marquiss de, 340. - - _Culmbach_, Princess of, 83. - - CUSTRIN, _t._ 44, 45. - - _Czar_ of _Muscovy_ in _France_, 310, to 315. - - - D. - - _Danckleman_ (Baron de) Prime Minister of _Frederic_ I. King of - _Prussia_, 4. - The Rise of his great Favor, 5. - His Disgrace, 6, 7, 8. - Facts relating to it, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16. - - _Dankelman_ M. our Author's Tutor, 81. - - _Dannebrog_ Order, 336. - - _Dauphin_ of _France_, his Death and Character, 182. - - DELFT, _t._ 128. - - _Denis_ (Father) 306. - - _Denmark_, King, his Dispute with the Duke of _Holstein_, 61, 63, _&c._ - - _Desalleurs_ M. Envoy of _France_, 26. - - _Devos_, Manufacture for Tapistry, 170. - - _Dohna_, Count de, 33, 111, 148, 159. - - Don _John_ of _Austria_, 172. - - _Dorerbeck_ M. Cup-bearer of _Prussia_, 17. - - DORT, _t._ 129. - - DRESDEN, _t._ 244. - - _Dress_, a remarkable Conversation about it, between two great - Duchesses in _France_, 186, to 189. - - _Duliz_, a wealthy and generous _Jew_, 127. - - _Duplanti_, his Adventure after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76, 77. - - DUSSELDORFF, _t._ 141. - - - E. - - _Eagle-Black_ (Order of) in _Prussia_, its Institution, 29, 30. - - _Eckeren_ Battle, 170. - - _Effiat_, Marquis de, 357. - - EISENACH, _t._ 321. - - _Elbing_ mortgaged and taken, 18, 19. - - _Election_ of the Emperors, 147 to 154. - - _Eltz_, see _Mentz_. - - EMMERIC, _t._ 124. - - _England_ (_George_ I. King of) his Behaviour at the News of his - Proclamation, 251, 252. - His Departure for _England_, 253. - A singular Circumstance of his Coronation, 254. - - _Erasmus_, his Statue, 129. - - ERFURT, _t._ 322. - - _Erlach_, M. de, 86. - - _Ernest, Augustus_, Duke of _Hanover_, 57, 58. - - _Eugene_ (Prince of) a Plot to poison him, 81. - His Character of the Prince of _Anhalt_, 55, 56. - His glorious Campaign in _Hungary_, 359. - - - F. - - _Feldtbruck_ (Mademoiselle de) see _Auverquerque_. - - _Fenelon_, M. Archbishop of _Cambray_, 173. - - _Ferte_ (Duchess de la) cheats our Author of some Money, 198. - - ----Marshal de, 172. - - _Finck_, Count, Ambassador, 71. - - _Fistula_, what call'd in _France_, 248. - - _Fitzthum_, M. de, 245. - - _Flemming_ (_James Henry_ Count de) 62. - How he amus'd the Author, 241, 243, 246. - - _Florence_ V. Count of _Holland_, assassinated, 130. - - _Fontainbleau_, Palace and Court, 197. - - _France_ (_Lewis_ XIV. King of) his Character, 182. - His remarkable Wish in favour of the Mercers of _Paris_, 70. - How he liv'd in his latter days, 182, 195. - His Death, 283, 284. - - ----(_Lewis_ XV. King of) 184, 185. - His Answer to Madame, when she said she was going to wait on a - greater Lord than he, 304. - - FRANCFORT on the _Main_, _t._ 145. - - _Francke_, Dr. 91, 92. - - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of _Orange_ his Will, 50. - - _Frederic-William_ (King of) see _Prussia_. - - _Frederic_ Elector of _Saxony_, unfortunate, 227. - - _Frederic-William_ the Great, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his War with - _Charles-Gustavus_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - His Statue, 55. - - _Frederic-William_, Elector of _Brandenbourg_, his Wives and Issue, 3, - 4. - - _Frederic_ Son to the Duke of _Alva_, as cruel as his Father, 138. - - FULDI, _t._ 320. - Abbat, 321. - - - G. - - _George_ I. (King) see _England_. - - _George_ II. (King) his Valor in _Flanders_, 75, 76. - - _Gersdorf_, M. de, Colonel, 107. - - GHENT, _t._ 257. - - _Golden Fleece_, Order instituted, 277. - - GOTHA, _t._ 321. - - _Gravenitz_, Count de, 336. - - _Gripilli_, a famous _Italian_ Statuary, 142. - - _Grumkan_, M. 329. - - _Gueldres_ taken, 53. - - _Gustavus-Charles_ King of _Sweden_, 14. - - - H. - - HAGUE, _t._ 126, _&c._ - - HALBERSTADT, _t._ 113. - - HALL in _Saxony_, _t._ 113. - - HAM, _t._ 124. - - HAMBOURG, _t._ 230, 249. - - HANAU, _t._ 319. - Some Particularities of the Count and his Court, 320. - - HANOVER, _t._ 120. - _George_ (late) Elector, his Concern for the Death of the Queen of - _Prussia_ his Sister, 58. - - HARLEM, _t._ 137. - - _Harrach_, Count de, 22. - - _Haye_ Forest, 342. - - _Heiden_, Baron de, General, 124. - - _Henning_, M. de, _Prussian_ Minister, 148. - - HERVORDEN, _t._ 124. - - _Hesse_, Princess of, 83. - - _Hohenzollern_, Prince, 159. - - _Holstein_, Prince and Princess, 32, 33, 37, 61. - - _Honslaerdyke_ Palace, 139. - - St. _Hubert_, Order of Knights, 335. - - - I. - - _Jackel_, the King of _Prussia_'s Jester, 90. - - _James_ II. how his Queen Dowager was condol'd by the _French_ Court, - on the Miscarriage of the Pretender's Expedition to _Scotland_, - 299. - - _Jesuits_ Church at _Antwerp_ consum'd, 167. - - _Jews_ at the Hague, 127. - At _Francfort_, 145. - - _Illgen_ (Baron de) 108. - His Disservice to the Author, 329. - - _Imhoff_, Minister to the D. of _Wolfembuttle_, 117. - - _Insurance-Office_ from Fire erected at _Berlin_, 108. - - _John_ of _Leyden_ the Taylor, 161. - - St. _John_, an Equestrian Order, 54. - - _Joseph_, Emperor of _Germany_, his Death, 123. - - _Joseph-Clement_, Elector, see _Cologne_. - - ISSOUIN, _t._ our Author's Birth-place, 2. - - _Justice_, Bed of, erected in _France_, 354. - - - K. - - _Kamcke_ (Brothers) their History, 104, 105, 110, 111. - Authors of the Disgrace of the Count _de Wartemberg_, 105, 106, _&c._ - - _Kings_ of _Cologn_, Three, 165. - - _Kinski_, Count de, 160. - - _Knights_ of St. _Lewis_, their Poverty, 292. - Their Numbers, 348. - - _Kniphausen_, M. de, Ambassador, 328, 329. - - _Kolbe_, see _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Kolbe_). - - _Koningsmark_, Countess of, 244. - - _Kraut_, M. Aid de Camp, 79. - - - L. - - L----, Envoy of _Prussia_ at _Hambourg_, Character of his Lady, and an - Account of an Entertainment that he gave the Author, 248 to 251. - - _Lady of Precious Stones_, who so call'd, and why, 279. - A Learned Lady, 221. - - _Law, John_, Projector of the _Mississippi_ Scheme, 354. - - _League_ of _Cambray_, 74. - - _Leap_, a desperate one for a young Lady, 255, 256. - - _Leck_, Lord of ----, 218. - - _Legitimated_ Princes of _France_, 294, _&c._ - - _Leopold_, Emperor, his Death, 60. - - LEIPSIC, _t._ 322. - - _Lewis_ XIV. and XV. See _France_. - - LEYDEN, _t._ 125. - - _Limbourg_ Duchy mortgag'd, 7, 8. - - _Lippe_, Count de, 124. - - _Lion_ tam'd by a Duke of _Brunswic_, 119. - - LIPSTADT, _t._ 124. - - _Lisle_ Siege, 73. - Its Surrender, 81. - Description of the Town, 258, 259. - - _Longueville_ Family, 295. - - _Lorrain_ (Court of) 338, 339, to 341. - - _Lottum_ (Count de) 52, 77, 79, 102. - - _Loven_, Mademoiselle de, 244. - - LOUVAIN, _t._ 256. - - _Lubomirski_, Princess of, 243, 244. - - _Lowendahl_, Marshal, 245. - - LUNEVILLE, _t._ 338. - - _Lutherans_ and Calvinists, 146. - - _Luxembourg_ Garden, 200. - - - M. - - MAGDEBURG, _t._ and Duchy, 113, 226, 227. - - _Maine_ (Duke and Duchess) 191, 284, 286, 287. - - _Maintenon_, Madam, 284. - - _Malplaquet_ (Battle of) 89. - - _Marlborough_ (Duke of) his Journey to _Berlin_, 56. - Bribes a Minister of the King of _Sweden_, 61, 66. - - MARLY, _t._ 181, 183. - - _Marne_, r. 343. - - _Marsin_, Marshal de, 69. - - MASTRICHT, _t._ 255. - - _Match-maker_, Elector of _Brandenburg_, a great one, 27. - - MEAUX, _t._ 344. - - MECHLIN, _t._ 170. - - _Mecklemburg_ (Princess of) married to _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_, - 86. - Her extravagant Devotion, 91. - Her Answer to the King upon it, 92. - Loses her Senses, 211. - She is sent back to _Mecklemburg_ after the King's Death, 213. - - _Medicis, Mary_ de, Queen of _France_, her Distress, 165, 166, 175. - - MENTZ, t. and Elector, 331, 332. - - _Mesmes_, M. de, President of the Parliament of _Paris_, 352. - - _Metternich_, Count de, Ambassador of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 75, 148. - - MINDEN, _t._ 123. - - MONS, _t._ 171. - - _Montluc, John_ de, 173. - - _Montmorency_, Constable, 174, 176. - - _Motte_ (M. de la) see _Wynendale_. - - MUNSTER, _t._ 161. - Treaty, 162. - Bishop, 163. - - _Muntzer_, Head of the _Anabaptists_, 161. - - _Muscovites_, Success over the _Swedes_, 65, to 68. - - - N. - - NANCY, _t._ 341. - - _Nassau_, Princes of, 218. - - _Nassau-Orange_ (Princess of) refuses to give her Daughter to the King - of _Prussia_, 82. - - ---- (Prince of) drown'd in passing the _Moerdyke_, 139. - Provisional Settlement made by the Sates General, between him and the - King of _Prussia_, touching King _William_'s Succession, 140. - - _Nassau-Weilbourg_ (Count de) 154. - - _Nautre_ (le) Gardener, 180. - - _Nemours_, Madame de, Princess of _Neufchatel_, 72. - - _Neufchatel_ adjudged to the King of _Prussia_, 71, 72, 73. - - NEWPORT, _t._ 277, 278. - - NIMEGUEN, _t._ 125. - - _Novion_ de, President, 354. - - - O. - - _Orange, Maurice_, Prince of, his Daughter, our Author's Grandmother, - 2. - _Frederic-Henry_, Prince of, his Will, 50, 51. - Parliament of _Orange_, 59. - _William_, Prince of, his Tomb, 128. - - ORANGE, _t._ seiz'd by _Lewis_ XIV. 53. - - ORANJEBAUM, _t._ 113. - - _Orleans_ (Duke of) Regent of _France_, 185. - Beginning of his Regency, 284, _&c._ - History of it, 345, _&c._ - - _Orleans_ (Madame de) _Elizabeth-Charlotte_ of _Bavaria_, her - Character, 186, 187. - Her Censure of the Duchess of _Berry_, 188, 189. - What she said to the Author on the Misfortunes of the Queen of - _England_, who was Dowager to _James_ II. 299. - Her Promise of Protection to the Author, and her Non-performance, - 300, 301. - - _Orleans_, Maid of, 175. - - _Osnabrug_ (Duke of _York_) Bishop of, his pertinent Remark on - _Poland_, 243. - - _Ossuna_, Duke of, 215. - - - P. - - _Palatine_ (_Charles Philip_ of _Neubourg_, Elector) 143. - - _Palatine_ (Family) 143, _&c._ - - _Papenheim_, Count de, 150, 158. - - PARIS, _t._ 177, 199, 345, _&c._ - How the Author liv'd there, 176, _&c._ 210. - - _Parliament_ of _Paris_, its Broils with the Regent, 348, 349, _&c._ - - _Peers_ of _France_, 293. - - _Persian_ Ambassador at _Paris_, Particulars relating to him, 265, - _&c._ - His Entry at _Paris_ 265. - His Audience of the King, 267. - How he smoak'd his Pipe at the Opera, 269. - - PHALTZBOURG, _t._ 338. - - _Philip_ II. of _Spain_, his remarkable Vow, 175. - - _Philip_, V. see _Spain_ - - _Philip_, Margrave of _Brandenbourg_, his Temper, 60. - Character of his Lady, 60. - His Death, 160. - - _Pinneberg_, Conferences there, 61. - - _Poland_ (Intrigues in the Election of its King) 15, to 18. - Its Crown pawn'd to the King of _Prussia_, 19. - - _Poland, Augustus_ II. King of, see _Charles_ XII. K. of _Sweden_. - - _Poles_ (their Character); 241, 242. - - _Pollnitz_, Mademoiselle de, 23, 46, 238, 239, 325, _&c._ - - _Pollnitz_ (_Charles-Lewis_, Baron de) our Author. - His Extraction, Education, and the History of his Family, 1, 2, _&c._ - Has an Electoress for his God-mother, 2. - His honourable Intercession with the King of _Prussia_ for his - Father-in-law, 45, 46. - His Entrance by that King into the Princes Academy, 52. - His Service in _Flanders_ as a Voluntier, 75. - Adventure that he tells after the Battle of _Audenarde_, 76. - Another at the Siege of _Lisle_, 79. - His Return to _Berlin_, 81. - His Advancement to the Post of Gentleman of the Bed-chamber, 88. - His mistaken Conceit, that he was in great Favor, 89. - The King's Reprimand of him and Reconcilement, 90, 91. - His Departure from _Berlin_, in order to travel abroad upon some - harsh Words said to him by the King, 111, 112, 113. - How he lost all his Money by Play at _Hanover_, and prevail'd on his - Mother for more, 122. - His Loss of his Mother, 154. - His Introduction to and Reception by the King of _France_ and the - Princes, 192, 193. - His dangerous Illness at _Paris_, 199. - The Acquaintance he made with an Actress in _Luxemburg_ Garden, and - the Consequences of that Amour, 200, 204. - Tempted to turn Catholic, 205. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said of him, 205. - He gives an extraordinary Ball, 209. - He falls in Love with Mademoiselle _de S_----, 214. - Consequences of it, 215, 235. - His unlucky Tumble into a Heap of Dung, 215. - Oblig'd by his extravagant Charges to go home, 215, 217. - His sudden Return to _Paris_, 217. - His Amour with the Countess of _Wartemberg_, 224, 225. - His Journey to and Reception at _Berlin_, 228, 229. - His return back again to _Paris_, 235. - He falls in Love with Madame _de P_----, 235. - He renews his Courtship to Madame _de S_----, 235-236. - His Return again to _Berlin_, 237. - Remarks on his Distemper, 238. - His Reception at the Court of _Hanover_, 238. - And at _Berlin_, 240. - How he was amus'd by the Count _de Flemming_, 241, 245, 246. - His ill Success at the Court of _Poland_, 241, 242, 245. - His Arrest at _Dresden_, and how he obtain'd his Liberty, 246. - How he broke his Leg, and was troubled with a Fistula, 247. - His merry Description of a House and Family at _Hambourg_, and of an - Entertainment he had there, 249, 250. - His Return once more to _Paris_, 259. - How he fell in love with Madam _de R_----, 260, 270, to 275. - The Consequences of it, 262, 270 to 275, _&c._ - He sollicits Employment in _France_, 263, _&c._ - An Adventure that happen'd to him at a Ball, 270, 271. - His Quarrel with the Marquis _de V_----, 273. - His Extravagance, his Arrest, and how he got out of the Scrape, 274, - 275. - His Pension of 2000 Livres, 275. - His Disputes with his Cousin, 276. - His Loss of his Pension and Sollicitation to regain it, 291, 292. - His Present from _Madame_, 292. - Who made him large Promises, but did nothing for him, 301, 304. - His melancholy Situation, 305. - His embracing the Popish Religion, 306. - His Arrest for Debt, 307. - His Intrigue with an Old Woman, 308, 309. - His unsuccessful Proposal of a Scheme to the Regent, 316. - His Departure from _Paris_, 316. - His Return to _Berlin_, and Reception by the King of _Prussia_, 323, - 324, to 327. - His Reversion of the next Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber's Pension that - fell, 328. - The Occasion of his Disgrace, 329, 330. - His precipitate Retreat from _Berlin_, 331. - Oblig'd by his Fistula to go to _Paris_, 337, 338, 345. - The Operation there perform'd on him, 345. - - POTZDAM, _t._ 40. - - _Pretender_'s Miscarriage in his Expedition to _Scotland_, 296, 297. - A flagrant Instance of his Bigotry, 297. - His Return to _France_, 298. - - _Princes_ of the Blood, in _France_, Contention betwixt them, 294, - _&c._ - - _Princess_ (Madame la) 190. - - _Printz_, M. de, 111, 212, 240. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic_ I. King of) his Coronation, 28, to 38. - His Entry to Konigsberg, 38. - His Reception by the Magistrates of _Dantzic_ when he came on their - Territories, 39. - His Entry at _Berlin_, 41. - His Pretensions to the Succession of _William_ III. King of - _England_, 49, 50. - His Measures for justifying them, 51. - His Reception at the _Hague_, 51. - His Protection to the Refugees from _Orange_, 53. - His Sovereignty of _Neufchatel_ recogniz'd, 71, _&c._ - Negociations for his 2d Marriage, 82, 83. - His Choice of the Princess of _Mecklemburg_, 84. - The new Queen's Arrival, 86, 87. - Their Marriage 86. - His Care of his Subjects that were afflicted with the Plague, 93. - His Domestic Attendance, 98, _&c_. - His Tour to the _Hague_, 138. - The Magnanimity with which he receiv'd the News of the Prince of - _Orange_'s Death, 140. - He sickens of a Fright and dies, 210, 211, 212. - - _Prussia_ (_Frederic-William_ King of) his Diversion when he was Prince - Royal, 41, 42. - His Marriage to the Elector of _Hanover_'s Daughter, and her - Character, 70. - What _Lewis_ XIV. said when he saw her Wedding-Apparel, 70. - Her Entry at _Berlin_, 70, 71. - Her Delivery of a Prince, his Baptism as Prince of _Orange_, and his - Death, 74, 75. - His Accession to the Crown, 212. - The Alteration he made at his Court, 213. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) the first Wife of _Frederic_ I. and Sister to the - late Elector of _Hanover_, her Death, 56. - Honors done to her Corpse, 58, 59. - Her Character, 4, 59, 60. - - _Prussia_ (Queen of) second Wife to _Frederic_ I. See _Mecklemburg_, - Princess of. - - _Prussia_, (Court of) 3, to 113. - - _Prussia_, Duchy, 13. - - _Prussia_, particular Reason of its being erected into a Kingdom, 11, - 12, 29. - And Negociations for that purpose, 14, _&c._ 25. - Owing to a Blunder, 21, 22, 25. - - _Puisieux_, M. de, Ambassador of _France_, 72, 73. - - _Pultowa_, Battle of, 67, 68. - - - Q. - - _Quedlimbourg_ Abbey, 18. - - ST. QUINTIN, _t_. 174. - Battle, _ibid_. - - - R. - - _Radziowski_, Cardinal, 16. - - _Ramellies_ Battle, its Consequences, 68, 169. - - _Refugees, French_, their Reception at _Berlin_, 53, 93, 94. - Their Gratitude, 94. - - _Regenstein_, Counts of, 114; - - _Reitwitz_, M. de, _Polish_ Envoy, 19. - - _Religions_, a Multiplicity of 'em, where, 232. - - _Rhinberg_ taken, 53. - - _Richlieu_, Cardinal, 165, 175. - - _Rohan_, Cardinal de, 319. - - _Rothenbourg_ (Count de) amuses the Author, 316, 317. - - ROTTERDAM, _t._ 129. - - _Ryswic_ Treaty, 20. - - - S. - - ST. DENYS, _t._ 176. - ----QUINTIN, _t._ 174. - - SALTZDAHL, _t._ 115, _&c._ - - SAVERNE, _t._ 338. - - _Saxony_, _Frederic-Augustus_, Elector of, 17. - Electoral Prince of, 269. - - _Saxony_ (_Maurice_ Count of) his Character and Marriage, 244. - The Electorate ruin'd, 66. - - _Schalifer_, Baron de, 82. - - SCHENK, _t._ 125. - - _Schmettau_, M. de, the Minister, 16, 20, 51, 75. - - _Schonborn_, Count _Lotharius-Francis_ de, Elector of _Mentz_, 147. - - _Schuurman_ (_Ann Mary_) 221. - - _Seaux_ Castle, 192. - - _Seckingen_, Baron de, 144. - - SENLIS, _t._ 176. - - _Shift_, (seamless) said to be the Virgin _Mary_'s, 234. - - _Shrewsbury_ (Duke of) sent to _Paris_, 206. - Characters of the Duke and Duchess, 206, 207. - The King's Complaisance to her, 207, 208. - - _Sigismund_ I. King of _Poland_, his War with the Margrave of - _Brandenbourg_, 13. - - _Simmeren_, Princess de, 8. - - _Snuff_, the Queen of _Prussia_ reprimanded by the King for taking it, - 35. - - _Sobieski_ (_John_ King of _Poland_) his Death, 15. - His Son _James_, 63. - _Sobieski_, Princess, 145. - - _Sophia_, Princess of _Hanover_, her Character, 120. - Death, 251. - - _Spanheim_, M. _Prussian_ Ambassador, 26, 50, 74. - - _Spanish_ Succession, Quarrel about it, 47, 48, _&c._ 60. - - _Stanhope_, Mr. 51. - - _Stanislaus_ (King) proclaim'd, 61, 64. - Crown'd 65. - - _Steinbock_, Count de, 232 - - _Stoffius_ (M. de) Treasurer of the Order of the Black Eagle, 107. - - STRASBOURG, _t._ 317. - - STUTGARD, _t._ 333. - - _Sultzbach_ (Hereditary Prince of) 144. - - _Sweden_ (see _Charles_ XII. King of) the present King's Marriage, 6, - 155. - - _Synod_ of _Dort_, 130. - - - T. - - _Tapistry_ Manufacture, 170. - - _Teschen_ (Princess of) 243, 244. - - _Tesse_, Marshal de, 69, 310, 311. - - _Tilly_, Count, 123. - - _Tobianski_, Count de, 38. - - TONNINGEN, _t._ 63. - - _Torcy_, M. de, 268. - - TOUL, _t._ 342. - - _Tour_, M. 50. - - _Tour Taxis_, Prince of, 154. - - _Treaty_ of _Munster_, 162. - - _Trianon_ Palace, 180. - - _Tromp, Martin_, the _Dutch_ Admiral, his Tomb, 128. - - _Troops, Prussian_, characteris'd, 55, 56, 68, 83. - - _Turenne_, Marshal, 172, 279. - - _Turin_ Siege rais'd, 68. - - - U. - - VALENCIENNES, _t._ 172. - - _Vendosme_, Duke of 76, 77. - - VERSAILLES, _t._ 177, _&c._ to 197. - - _Vienna_ Siege, 21. - - _Villars_ (Marshal de) 236. - - _Villeroy_, Marshal de, 171, 303. - - _Vilvorde_ Canal, 170. - - _Voisin_, M. de, Chancellor, 263, 264. - - _Vrilliere_, M. de, Secretary, 358. - - UTRECHT, _t._ 220. Treaty, 223. - - - W. - - WARSAW, _t._ 241, _&c._ - - _Wartemberg_ (_John Casimir de Colbe_) Count de, Prime Minister to - _Frederic_ I. King of _Prussia_; his History, 8, 17, 24. - Cabal against him, 42. - His Revenge, 44. - His Disgrace, 104, 109, 111. - His Death at _Francfort_, and how he was lamented by the King of - _Prussia_, 223. - - _Wartemberg_ (Countess de) her mean Extraction, great Fortune, 9, 10, - _&c._ - Some Particulars relating to her Conduct 23, 24, 26, 27. - Her Retirement to _Utrecht_, 223, _&c._ - Consequence of her Intrigue with the Chevalier _de B_----, 224, 225. - Her Behaviour at _Paris_, 279, _&c._ - Departure for _Holland_, _ib._ - - _Wartensleben_ (Marshal de) 53. - - _Web_ (General) see _Wynendale_. - - _Werf, Vander_, a _Dutch_ Painter, 142. - - WESEL, _t._ 124. - - _Wesen_ (Count de) his Marriage to our Author's Mother, 26, 27. - His Preferment, 28. - His Engagement in a Cabal against the Count _de Wartemberg_, 42. - How it prov'd his Ruin, 43, _&c._ - His Death, 88. - - _Westphalia_ Treaty, 162. - - WILDSTAT, _t._ 334. - - _William_ III, King of _England_, by whom prevail'd on to call the - illustrious House of _Hanover_ to the Succession, 23, 24. - Dispute about the Succession to his own Estate as Prince of _Orange_, - 49, 50. - His Will, 51. - - _Winter_, very cold, 88. - - _Wirtemberg_, (Duke of) his Family and Court, 334, _&c._ 337. - - _Witgenstein_ (Count de) his Promotion and Disgrace, 47, 59, 90, 107. - His Release, 111. - - WOLFEMBUTTLE, _t._ 114. - Character of the Duke _Anthony-Ulric_, 115. - - _Wolfersdorff_, 109. - - _Woman_, in white, an Apparition, 211. - - _Wynendale_, M. _de la Motte_'s Defeat there by General _Web_, 80. - - - X. - - _Ximenes_, Cardinal, 221. - - - Y. - - YPRES, _t._ 278, 279. - - - Z. - - _Zeits_, Duchess of, 83. - - _Zell, Dorothy_, Duchess-Dowager of, to whom remarried, 3. - - ZELL, _t._ 120. - - _Zinzendorf_, Count de, 159. - - - - - FOOTNOTES: - - -[1] See Vol. I. of the Letters, _pag._ 16. a remarkable Passage relating -to this Fact, together with this Minister's Character and Death. - -[2] See Vol. I. of the Memoirs, _p._ 29. some Particulars concerning this -Order, which are not here. - -[3] See Vol. I. _p._ 34. for the Description of this Town, which is the -common Garrison of the first Battalion of the tall Grenadiers, so much -talk'd of in _Europe_. - -[4] See the Account of this House Vol. I. _p._ 49. - -[5] See for the present State of this Place, Vol. II. _p._ 347, 361. - -[6] See the Vol. above mention'd, _p._ 362. - -[7] See Vol. I. _p._ 28. - -[8] See the compleat Description of this Monument, and of its Erection, -Vol. I. _p._ 9. - -[9] See Vol. I. _p._ 196, where there are curious Observations upon this -City and its Inhabitants. - -[10] See Vol. I. _p._ 35. - -[11] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. _&c._ where this capital City of the Electorate -of _Brandenburg_ is describ'd with wonderful Exactness and Regularity. - -[12] See also with regard to this Palace, Vol. I. _p._ 10. - -[13] See also the same Vol. _p._ 31. for the Nature of the Pleasures of -the City and Court. - -[14] See Vol. I. _p._ 18. where there is a more particular Description of -this Edifice. - -[15] See Vol. I. _p._ 33, _&c._ the Temper of the present King, and his -Way of Living. - -[16] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[17] See Vol. I. _p._ 3. - -[18] See Vol. I. _p._ 82, 85, 377, 380. - -[19] See Vol. I. _p._ 48, 80. - -[20] See Vol. I. _p._ 75. - -[21] See Vol. I. _p._ 69, 75. - -[22] See the Description and State of this Town, Vol. I. _p._ 61,68. where -you will find a pleasant Remark upon the _French_ that swarm'd there in -the Time of the last Duchess, who was a _French_ Lady of the _Olbreuse_ -Family. - -[23] See Vol. I. _p._ 63, 68, _&c._ - -[24] See Vol. II. _p._ 365, 370. - -[25] See Vol. II. _p._ 396. - -[26] See Vol. II. _p._ 398. - -[27] See Vol. II. _p._ 400, 425. - -[28] See Vol. II. _p._ 426. - -[29] See Vol. II. _p._ 317, 371. - -[30] They who are well acquainted with _Holland_ know that the Author -could only draw this Character for the very Dregs of the People. - -[31] See Vol. II. _p._ 394. - -[32] See Vol. II. _p._ 358. where there's a curious Inventory of the -Statues and Paintings of the greatest Masters that are all up and down the -Castle of _Dusseldorff_. - -[33] See Vol. II. _p._ 357. - -[34] See Vol. I. _p._ 340. - -[35] See Vol. II. _p._ 332, 336. - -[36] See Vol. II. _p._ 317. - -[37] See Vol. II. _p._ 298, 317. - -[38] See Vol. II. _p._ 296. - -[39] See Vol. II. _p._ 291, 296. - -[40] See Vol. II. _p._ 189, to 290. - -[41] See Vol. II. _p._ 184, 188. - -[42] That is a Spectre dress'd in white, which they say appears in the -Palace of the Princes of _Brandenburg_, a little before the Death of any -one of the Family. - -[43] See Vol. II. _p._ 367, _&c._ - -[44] See Vol. I. _p._ 51, _&c._ - -[45] See Vol. I. _p._ 57, _&c._ - -[46] See Vol. II. _p._ 327. - -[47] See Vol. I. _p._ 87, 157, _&c._ - -[48] See Vol. II. _p._ 319, 329. The dangerous Adventure of the Marshal -_d'Auverquerque_, for Mademoiselle _de Feltbruck_, is related there with -Circumstances that are different from the Account given of it by the -Author, in this and the following Page. - -[49] See Vol. II. _p._ 319. - -[50] See Vol. II. _p._ 310, 317. - -[51] See Vol. II. _p._ 296, 315. - -[52] See Vol. II. _p._ 312. - -[53] See Vol. II. _p._ 313. - -[54] See Vol. II. _p._ 409, 410. - -[55] That our Reader may the better understand this, it must be observ'd -that the Custom of _France_ and that of _England_ are, in this respect, -very different: For tho' in _England_ a Baron is as much a Peer as a Duke, -yet in _France_ none but the Dukes, and not all of them, are honor'd with -the Dignity of Peers: But these modern Peers are very different from the -ancient Peers of _France_, who were six Spiritual and six Temporal, _viz._ -three Dukes and three Earls or Counts of each State. The former are still -in Being, namely, the Duke Archbishop of _Rheims_, the Duke and Bishop of -_Laon_, the Duke and Bishop of _Langres_, the Count Bishop of _Beauvais_, -the Count Bishop of _Chalons_, and the Count Bishop of _Noyon_; but the -Temporal, who were Sovereign Princes, have been extinct a long time. - -[56] The Confession of Faith, as he deliver'd it some time after to the -Cardinal ---- at _Rome_, is inserted at the end of Vol. IV. by way of -_Appendix_. - -[57] See Vol. I. _p._ 305, _&c._ - -[58] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[59] See Vol. I. _p._ 360. - -[60] See Vol. I. _p._ 361. - -[61] See Vol. I. _p._ 183. - -[62] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[63] See Vol. I. _p._ 178. - -[64] See Vol. I. _p._ 83. - -[65] See Vol. II. _p._ 353. - -[66] See Vol. I. _p._ 279. - - FINIS. - - * * * * * - - - Transcriber's Amendments - -Transcriber's Note: Blank pages have been deleted. On pages that remain, -some unnecessary page numbers may have been deleted when they fall in the -middle of lists. Footnotes have been moved to the end of the work. We have -rendered consistent on a per-word-pair basis the hyphenation or spacing of -such pairs when repeated in the same grammatical context. The publisher's -inadvertent omissions of important punctuation have been corrected. - -The following list indicates any additional changes. The page number -represents that of the original publication and applies in this etext -except for footnotes since they have been moved. - - Page Change - - 13 who, together with his Desendants[Descendents] shou'd perform - 35 could not have aquitted[acquitted] itself better. - 78 twenty-six Battallions[Battalions] and seventy-six Squadrons - 97 Acceptance, gave him this Cabinet and a Yatch[Yatcht] - 105 Lethargy of his Temperament not permiting[permitting] - 125 but he had not the Fortune to succeeed[succeed]. - 162 humbled it in in[del 2nd in] 1661, and since - 180 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 182 Honor of being with her in private assurr'd[assur'd] me, - 196 kneel'd leaning on the same Ballustrade[Balustrade] that the - 197 [41] See Vol. II. [_p._] 184, 188. - 220 to one of the seven Provinces, wherof[whereof] it is - 228 had not refus'd an advantagious[advantageous] Capitulation, - 240 proceeded so far, that she hindred[hinder'd] me - 247 having still in View the getting some Establimment[Establishment] - 272 therefore she chose to to[del 2nd to] take a Hack - 281 a folish[foolish] one. _B----_ was not to be seen - 288 The Duchess of of[del 2nd of] _Berry_ wanted also to be stil'd - 304 for entring into the Service to be disheartned[disheartened], - 313 and the Czar answer'd the Princeis[Princess] in - 339 and richly furnish'd. The first Antichamber[Anti-chamber] is a - 342 ever after, tho' _Nancy_ was evacuted[evacuated] - 356 Share in what pass'd the Day preceeding[preceding] - Index: Has an Electoress for his God-mother, {?}[2]. - Index: _Brunswik[Brunswic]_ (Ducal Family of) 116. - Index: BRUSSELLS[BRUSSELS], _t._ 170. - Index: _Danckelman[Dankelman]_ M. our Author's Tutor, 81. - Index: His Entry to Koningsberg[Konigsberg], 38. - - * * * * * - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pollnitz - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRS *** - -***** This file should be named 38507.txt or 38507.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/3/8/5/0/38507/ - -Produced by Robert Connal, Henry Gardiner and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by the Bibliotheque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at -http://gallica.bnf.fr) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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