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diff --git a/old/38507.txt b/old/38507.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9215138..0000000 --- a/old/38507.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11014 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de -Pollnitz, Volume III, by Karl Ludwig von Pollnitz - -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 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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