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And Of The Regency, + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + + </head> + <body> + <h2> + MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF LOUIS XIV. <br />AND OF THE REGENCY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of the Louis XIV. and The +Regency, Complete, by Elizabeth-Charlotte, Duchesse d'Orleans + +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.net + + +Title: The Memoirs of the Louis XIV. and The Regency, Complete + +Author: Elizabeth-Charlotte, Duchesse d'Orleans + +Release Date: September 29, 2006 [EBook #3859] +Last Updated: April 3, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF THE LOUIS XIV *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF LOUIS XIV. <br />AND OF THE REGENCY + </h1> + <h3> + Being the Secret Memoirs of the Mother of the Regent,<br /> MADAME + ELIZABETH-CHARLOTTE OF BAVARIA,<br /> DUCHESSE D'ORLEANS. + </h3> + <h3> + Complete + </h3> + <p> + <a name="image-0001" id="image-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Bookcover " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="image-0002" id="image-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="Titlepage " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <hr /> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> BOOK 1. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT01"> SECTION I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT02"> SECTION II.—LOUIS XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT03"> SECTION III.—MADEMOISELLE DE FONTANGE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT04"> SECTION IV.-MADAME DE LA VALLIERE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT05"> SECTION V.—MADAME DE MONTESPAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT06"> SECTION VI.—MADAME DE MAINTENON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT07"> SECTION VII.—THE QUEEN—CONSORT OF + LOUIS XIV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> BOOK 2. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT08"> SECTION VIII.—PHILIPPE I., DUC D'ORLEANS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT09"> SECTION IX.—PHILIPPE II., DUC D' ORLEANS, + REGENT OF FRANCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT10"> SECTION X.—THE AFFAIRS OF THE REGENCY. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT11"> SECTION XI.—THE DUCHESSE D'ORLEANS, WIFE + OF THE REGENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT12"> SECTION XII.—MARIE-ANNE CHRISTINE VICTOIRE + OF BAVARIA, THE FIRST DAUPHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT13"> SECTION XIII.—ADELAIDE OF SAVOY, THE + SECOND DAUPHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT14"> SECTION XIV.—THE FIRST DAUPHIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT15"> SECTION XV.—THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, THE + SECOND DAUPHIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT16"> SECTION XVI.—PETITE MADAME. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> BOOK 3. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT17"> SECTION XVII.—HENRIETTA OF ENGLAND, THE + FIRST WIFE OF MONSIEUR, BROTHER OF LOUIS XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT18"> SECTION XVIII.—THE DUC DE BERRI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT19"> SECTION XIX.—THE DUCHESSE DE BERRI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT20"> SECTION XX.—MADEMOISELLE D'ORLEANS, + LOUISE-ADELAIDE DE CHARTRES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT21"> SECTION XXI.—MADEMOISELLE DE VALOIS, + CHARLOTTE-AGLAE, CONSORT OF THE PRINCE OF MODENA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT22"> SECTION XXII.—THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN OF + THE REGENT, DUC D'ORLEANS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT23"> SECTION XXIII.—THE CHEVALIER DE LORRAINE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT24"> SECTION XXIV.—PHILIP V., KING OF SPAIN. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT25"> SECTION XXV.—THE DUCHESSE + LOUISE-FRANCISQUE, CONSORT OF LOUIS III., DUC DE BOURBON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT26"> SECTION XXVI.—THE YOUNGER DUCHESS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT27"> SECTION XXVII.—LOUIS III., DUC DE BOURBON. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT28"> SECTION XXVIII.—FRANCOIS-LOUIS, PRINCE DE + CONTI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT29"> SECTION XXIX.—THE GREAT PRINCESSE DE + CONTI, DAUGHTER OF LA VALLIERE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT30"> SECTION XXX.—THE PRINCESS PALATINE, + MARIE-THERESE DE BOURBON, WIFE OF FRANCOIS-LOUIS, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT31"> SECTION XXXI.—LOUISE-ELIZABETH, PRINCESSE + DE CONTI, CONSORT OF LOUIE-ARMAND DE CONTI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT32"> SECTION XXXII.—LOUIE-ARMAND, PRINCE DE + CONTI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT33"> SECTION XXXIII.—THE ABBE DUBOIS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT34"> SECTION XXXIV.—MR. LAW. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> BOOK 4. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT35"> SECTION XXXV.—VICTOR AMADEUS, KING OF + SICILY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT36"> SECTION XXXVI.—THE GRAND DUCHESS, WIFE OF + COSMO II. OF FLORENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT37"> SECTION XXXVII.—THE DUCHESSE DE LORRAINE, + ELIZABETH-CHARLOTTE PHILIPPINE D'ORLEANS, CONSORT OF LEOPOLD + JOSEPH-CHARLES DE LORRAINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT38"> SECTION XXXVIII.—THE DUC DU MAINE, + LOUIS-AUGUSTUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT39"> SECTION XXXIX.—THE DUCHESSE DU MAINE, + LOUISE-BENOITE, DAUGHTER OF HENRI-JULES DE CONDE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT40"> SECTION XL.—LOUVOIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT41"> SECTION XLI.—LOUIS XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT42"> SECTION XLII.—ANECDOTES AND HISTORICAL + PARTICULARS RELATING TO VARIOUS PERSONS. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + ILLUSTRATIONS + </h2> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0001"> Bookcover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0002"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0003"> Duchesse D'orleans and Her Children </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0004"> Louis XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0005"> The Regent and his Mother </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0006"> Princesse de Conti </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0007"> Overturn Here, You Blockhead </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#image-0008"> Duchesse Du Maine </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"></a> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + BOOK 1. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + The Duchesse d'Orleans, commonly though incorrectly styled the Princess of + Bavaria, was known to have maintained a very extensive correspondence with + her relations and friends in different parts of Europe. Nearly eight + hundred of her letters, written to the Princess Wilhelmina Charlotte of + Wales and the Duke Antoine-Ulric of Brunswick, were found amongst the + papers left by the Duchess Elizabeth of Brunswick at her death, in 1767. + These appeared to be so curious that the Court of Brunswick ordered De + Praun, a Privy Councillor, to make extracts of such parts as were most + interesting. A copy of his extracts was sent to France, where it remained + a long time without being published. In 1788, however, an edition + appeared, but so mutilated and disfigured, either through the prudence of + the editor or the scissors of the censor, that the more piquant traits of + the correspondence had entirely disappeared. The bold, original + expressions of the German were modified and enfeebled by the timid + translator, and all the names of individuals and families were suppressed, + except when they carried with them no sort of responsibility. A great many + passages of the original correspondence were omitted, while, to make up + for the deficiencies, the editor inserted a quantity of pedantic and + useless notes. In spite of all these faults and the existence of more + faithful editions, this translation was reprinted in 1807. The existence + of any other edition being unknown to its editor, it differed in nothing + from the preceding, except that the dates of some of the letters were + suppressed, a part of the notes cut out, and some passages added from the + Memoirs of Saint-Simon, together with a life, or rather panegyric, of the + Princess, which bore no slight resemblance to a village homily. + </p> + <p> + A copy of the extracts made by M. de Praun fell by some chance into the + hands of Count de Veltheim, under whose direction they were published at + Strasburg, in 1789, with no other alterations than the correction of the + obsolete and vicious orthography of the Princess. + </p> + <p> + In 1789 a work was published at Dantzick, in Germany, entitled, + Confessions of the Princess Elizabeth-Charlotte of Orleans, extracted from + her letters addressed, between the years 1702 and 1722, to her former + governess, Madame de Harling, and her husband. The editor asserts that + this correspondence amounted to nearly four hundred letters. A great part + of these are only repetitions of what she had before written to the + Princess of Wales and the Duke of Brunswick. Since that period no new + collections have appeared, although it is sufficiently well known that + other manuscripts are in existence. + </p> + <p> + In 1820 M. Schutz published at Leipsig the Life and Character of + Elizabeth-Charlotte, Duchesse d'Orleans, with an Extract of the more + remarkable parts of her Correspondence. This is made up of the two German + editions of 1789 and 1791; but the editor adopted a new arrangement, and + suppressed such of the dates and facts as he considered useless. His + suppressions, however, were not very judicious; without dates one is at a + loss to know to what epoch the facts related by the Princess ought to be + referred, and the French proper names are as incorrect as in the edition + of Strasburg. + </p> + <p> + Feeling much surprise that in France there should have been no more + authentic edition of the correspondence of the Regent-mother than the + miserable translation of 1788 and 1807, we have set about rendering a + service to the history of French manners by a new and more faithful + edition. The present is a translation of the Strasburg edition, arranged + in a more appropriate order, with the addition of such other passages as + were contained in the German collections. The dates have been inserted + wherever they appeared necessary, and notes have been added wherever the + text required explanation, or where we wished to compare the assertions of + the Princess with other testimonies. The Princess, in the salons of the + Palais Royal, wrote in a style not very unlike that which might be + expected in the present day from the tenants of its garrets. A more + complete biography than any which has hitherto been drawn up is likewise + added to the present edition. In other respects we have faithfully + followed the original Strasburg edition. The style of the Duchess will be + sometimes found a little singular, and her chit-chat indiscreet and often + audacious; but we cannot refuse our respect to the firmness and propriety + with which she conducted herself in the midst of a hypocritical and + corrupt Court. The reader, however, must form his own judgment on the + correspondence of this extraordinary woman; our business is, not to excite + a prejudice in favour of or against her, but merely to present him with a + faithful copy of her letters. + </p> + <p> + Some doubts were expressed about the authenticity of the correspondence + when the mutilated edition of 1788 appeared; but these have long since + subsided, and its genuineness is no longer questioned. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + SECRET COURT MEMOIRS. + </h2> + <h3> + MADAME ELIZABETH-CHARLOTTE OF BAVARIA, DUCHESSE D' ORLEANS. + </h3> + <p> + <a name="image-0003" id="image-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/p116.jpg" alt="Duchesse D'orleans and Her Children " + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT01" id="link2H_SECT01"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I. + </h2> + <p> + If my father had loved me as well as I loved him he would never have sent + me into a country so dangerous as this, to which I came through pure + obedience and against my own inclination. Here duplicity passes for wit, + and frankness is looked upon as folly. I am neither cunning nor + mysterious. I am often told I lead too monotonous a life, and am asked why + I do not take a part in certain affairs. This is frankly the reason: I am + old; I stand more in need of repose than of agitation, and I will begin + nothing that I cannot, easily finish. I have never learned to govern; I am + not conversant with politics, nor with state affairs, and I am now too far + advanced in years to learn things so difficult. My son, I thank God, has + sense enough, and can direct these things without me; besides, I should + excite too much the jealousy of his wife—[Marie-Francoise de + Bourbon, the legitimate daughter of Louis XIV. and of Madame de Montespan, + Duchesse d'Orleans.]—and his eldest daughter,—[Marie-Louise-Elizabeth + d'Orleans, married on the 17th of July, 1710, to Charles of France, Duc de + Berri.]—whom he loves better than me; eternal quarrels would ensue, + which would not at all suit my views. I have been tormented enough, but I + have always forborne, and have endeavoured to set a proper example to my + son's wife and his daughter; for this kingdom has long had the misfortune + to be too much governed by women, young and old. It is high time that men + should now assume the sway, and this is the reason which has determined me + not to intermeddle. In England, perhaps, women may reign without + inconvenience; in France, men alone should do so, in order that things may + go on well. Why should I torment myself by day and by night? I seek only + peace and repose; all that were mine are dead. For whom should I care? My + time is past. I must try to live smoothly that I may die tranquilly; and + in great public affairs it is difficult, indeed, to preserve one's + conscience spotless. + </p> + <p> + I was born at Heidelberg (1652), in the seventh month. I am unquestionably + very ugly; I have no features; my eyes are small, my nose is short and + thick, my lips long and flat. These do not constitute much of a + physiognomy. I have great hanging cheeks and a large face; my stature is + short and stout; my body and my thighs, too, are short, and, upon the + whole, I am truly a very ugly little object. If I had not a good heart, no + one could endure me. To know whether my eyes give tokens of my possessing + wit, they must be examined with a microscope, or it will be difficult to + judge. Hands more ugly than mine are not perhaps to be found on the whole + globe. The King has often told me so, and has made me laugh at it + heartily; for, not being able to flatter even myself that I possessed any + one thing which could be called pretty, I resolved to be the first to + laugh at my own ugliness; this has succeeded as well as I could have + wished, and I must confess that I have seldom been at a loss for something + to laugh at. I am naturally somewhat melancholy; when anything happens to + afflict me, my left side swells up as if it were filled with water. I am + not good at lying in bed; as soon as I awake I must get up. I seldom + breakfast, and then only on bread and butter. I take neither chocolate, + nor coffee, nor tea, not being able to endure those foreign drugs. I am + German in all my habits, and like nothing in eating or drinking which is + not conformable to our old customs. I eat no soup but such as I can take + with milk, wine, or beer. I cannot bear broth; whenever I eat anything of + which it forms a part, I fall sick instantly, my body swells, and I am + tormented with colics. When I take broth alone, I am compelled to vomit, + even to blood, and nothing can restore the tone to my stomach but ham and + sausages. + </p> + <p> + I never had anything like French manners, and I never could assume them, + because I always considered it an honour to be born a German, and always + cherished the maxims of my own country, which are seldom in favor here. In + my youth I loved swords and guns much better than toys. I wished to be a + boy, and this desire nearly cost me my life; for, having heard that Marie + Germain had become a boy by dint of jumping, I took such terrible jumps + that it is a miracle I did not, on a hundred occasions, break my neck. I + was very gay in my youth, for which reason I was called, in German, + Rauschenplatten-gnecht. The Dauphins of Bavaria used to say, "My poor dear + mamma" (so she used always to address me), "where do you pick up all the + funny things you know?" + </p> + <p> + I remember the birth of the King of England + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [George Louis, Duke of Brunswick Hanover, born the 28th of May, + 1660; proclaimed King of England the 12th of August, 1714, by the + title of George I.] +</pre> + <p> + as well as if it were only yesterday (1720). I was curious and + mischievous. They had put a doll in a rosemary bush for the purpose of + making me believe it was the child of which my aunt + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Sophia of Bavaria, married, in 1658, to the Elector of Hanover, was + the paternal aunt of Madame. She was the granddaughter of James I, + and was thus declared the first in succession to the crown of + England, by Act of Parliament, 23rd March, 1707.] +</pre> + <p> + had just lain in; at the same moment I heard the cries of the Electress, + who was then in the pains of childbirth. This did not agree with the story + which I had been told of the baby in the rosemary bush; I pretended, + however, to believe it, but crept to my aunt's chamber as if I was playing + at hide-and-seek with little Bulau and Haxthausen, and concealed myself + behind a screen which was placed before the door and near the chimney. + When the newly born infant was brought to the fire I issued from my + hiding-place. I deserved to be flogged, but in honour of the happy event I + got quit for a scolding. + </p> + <p> + The monks of the Convent of Ibourg, to revenge themselves for my having + unintentionally betrayed them by telling their Abbot that they had been + fishing in a pond under my window, a thing expressly forbidden by the + Abbot, once poured out white wine for me instead of water. I said, "I do + not know what is the matter with this water; the more of it I put into my + wine the stronger it becomes." The monks replied that it was very good + wine. When I got up from the table to go into the garden, I should have + fallen into the pond if I had not been held up; I threw myself upon the + ground and fell fast asleep immediately. I was then carried into my + chamber and put to bed. I did not awake until nine o'clock in the evening, + when I remembered all that had passed. It was on a Holy Thursday; I + complained to the Abbot of the trick which had been played me by the + monks, and they were put into prison. I have often been laughed at about + this Holy Thursday. + </p> + <p> + My aunt, our dear Electress (of Hanover), being at the Hague, did not + visit the Princess Royal; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Maria-Henrietta Stuart, daughter of Charles I. of England, and of + Henriette-Marie of France, married, in 1660, to William of Nassau, + Prince of Orange; she lost her husband in 1660, and was left + pregnant with William-Henry of Nassau, Prince of Orange, and + afterwards, by the Revolution of 1688, King of England. This + Princess was then preceptress of her son, the Stadtholder of + Holland.] +</pre> + <p> + but the Queen of Bohemia + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James I. of England, widow of + Frederic V., Duke of Bavaria, Count Palatine of the Rhine, King of + Bohemia until the year 1621, mother of the Duchess of Hanover.] +</pre> + <p> + did, and took me with her. Before I set out, my aunt said to me, "Lizette, + now take care not to behave as you do in general, and do not wander away + so that you cannot be found; follow the Queen step by step, so that she + may not have to wait for you." + </p> + <p> + I replied, "Oh, aunt, you shall hear how well I will behave myself." + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at the Princess Royal's, whom I did not know, I saw her + son, whom I had often played with; after having gazed for a long time at + his mother without knowing who she was, I went back to see if I could find + any one to tell me what was this lady's name. Seeing only the Prince of + Orange, I accosted him thus,— + </p> + <p> + "Pray, tell me who is that woman with so tremendous a nose?" + </p> + <p> + He laughed and answered, "That is the Princess Royal, my mother." + </p> + <p> + I was quite stupefied. That I might compose myself, Mademoiselle Heyde + took me with the Prince into the Princess's bedchamber, where we played at + all sorts of games. I had told them to call me when the Queen should be + ready to go, and we were rolling upon a Turkey carpet when I was summoned; + I arose in great haste and ran into the hall; the Queen was already in the + antechamber. Without losing a moment, I seized the robe of the Princess + Royal, and, making her a low curtsey, at the same moment I placed myself + directly before her, and followed the Queen step by step to her carriage; + everybody was laughing, but I had no notion of what it was at. When we + returned home, the Queen went to find my aunt, and, seating herself upon + the bed, burst into a loud laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Lizette," said she, "has made a delightful visit." And then she told all + that I had done, which made the Electress laugh even more than the Queen. + She called me to her and said,— + </p> + <p> + "Lizette, you have done right; you have revenged us well for the + haughtiness of the Princess." + </p> + <p> + My brother would have had me marry the Margrave of Dourlach, but I had no + inclination towards him because he was affected, which I never could bear. + He knew very well that I was not compelled to refuse him, for he was + married long before they thought of marrying me to Monsieur. Still he + thought fit to send to me a Doctor of Dourlach, for the purpose of asking + me whether he ought to obey his father and marry the Princess of Holstein. + I replied that he could not do better than to obey his father; that he had + promised me nothing, nor had I pledged myself to him; but that, + nevertheless, I was obliged to him for the conduct he had thought fit to + adopt. This is all that passed between us. + </p> + <p> + Once they wanted to give me to the Duke of Courlande; it was my aunt + d'Hervod who wished to make that match. He was in love with Marianne, the + daughter of Duke Ulric of Wurtemberg; but his father and mother would not + allow him to marry her because they had fixed their eyes on me. When, + however, he came back from France on his way home, I made such an + impression on him that he would not hear of marriage, and requested + permission to join the army. + </p> + <p> + I once received a very sharp scolding in a short journey from Mannheim to + Heidelberg. I was in the carriage with my late father, who had with him an + envoy, from the Emperor, the Count of Konigseck. At this time I was as + thin and light as I am now fat and heavy. The jolting of the carriage + threw me from my seat, and I fell upon the Count; it was not my fault, but + I was nevertheless severely rebuked for it, for my father was not a man to + be trifled with, and it was always necessary to be very circumspect in his + presence. + </p> + <p> + When I think of conflagrations I am seized with a shivering fit, for I + remember how the Palatinate was ravaged for more than three months. + Whenever I went to sleep I used to think I saw Heidelberg all in flames; + then I used to wake with a start, and I very narrowly escaped an illness + in consequence of those outrages. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The burning of the Palatinate in 1674—a horrible devastation + commanded by Louis, and executed by Turenne.] +</pre> + <p> + Upon my arrival in France I was made to hold a conference with three + bishops. They all differed in their creeds, and so, taking the + quintessence of their opinions, I formed a religion of my own. + </p> + <p> + It was purely from the affection I bore to her that I refused to take + precedence of our late Electress; but making always a wide distinction + between her aid and the Duchess of Mecklenbourg, as well as our Electress + of Hanover, I did not hesitate to do so with respect to both the latter. I + also would not take precedence of my mother. In my childhood I wished to + bear her train, but she would never permit me. + </p> + <p> + I have been treated ill ever since my marriage this is in some degree the + fault of the Princess Palatine,—[Anne de Gonzague, Princess + Palatine, who took so active a part in the troubles of the Fronde.]—who + prepared my marriage contract; and it is by the contract that the + inheritance is governed. All persons bearing the title of Madame have + pensions from the King; but as they have been of the same amount for a + great many years past they are no longer sufficient. + </p> + <p> + I would willingly have married the Prince of Orange, for by that union I + might have hoped to remain near my dear Electress (of Hanover). + </p> + <p> + Upon my arrival at Saint-Germain I felt as if I had fallen from the + clouds. The Princess Palatine went to Paris and there fixed me. I put as + good a face upon the affair as was possible; I saw very well that I did + not please my husband much, and indeed that could not be wondered at, + considering my ugliness; however, I resolved to conduct myself in such a + manner towards Monsieur that he should become accustomed to me by my + attentions, and eventually should be enabled to endure me. Immediately + upon my arrival, the King came to see me at the Chateau Neuf, where + Monsieur and I lived; he brought with him the Dauphin, who was then a + child of about ten years old. As soon as I had finished my toilette the + King returned to the old Chateau, where he received me in the Guards' + hall, and led me to the Queen, whispering at the same time,—"Do not + be frightened, Madame; she will be more afraid of you than you of her." + The King felt so much the embarrassment of my situation that he would not + quit me; he sat by my side, and whenever it was necessary for me to rise, + that is to say, whenever a Duke or a Prince entered the apartment, he gave + me a gentle push in the side without being perceived. + </p> + <p> + According to the custom of Paris, when a marriage is made, all property is + in common; but the husband has the entire control over it. That only which + has been brought by way of dowry is taken into the account; for this + reason I never knew how much my husband received with me. After his death, + when I expected to gain my cause at Rome and to receive some money, the + disagreeable old Maintenon asked me in the King's name to promise that if + I gained the cause I would immediately cede the half of the property to my + son; and in case of refusal I was menaced with the King's displeasure. I + laughed at this, and replied that I did not know why they threatened me, + for that my son was in the course of nature my heir, but that it was at + least just that he should stay until my death before he took possession of + my property, and that I knew the King was too equitable to require of me + anything but what was consistent with justice. I soon afterwards received + the news of the loss of my cause, and I was not sorry for it, on account + of the circumstance I have just related. + </p> + <p> + When the Abby de Tesse had convinced the Pope that his people had decided + without having read our papers, and that they had accepted 50,000 crowns + from the Grand Duke to pronounce against me, he began weeping, and said, + "Am I not an unhappy man to be obliged to trust such persons?" This will + show what sort of a character the Pope was. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived in France I had only an allowance of a hundred louis d'or + for my pocket-money; and this money was always consumed in advance. After + my mother's death, when my husband received money from the Palatinate, he + increased this allowance to two hundred louis; and once, when I was in his + good graces, he gave me a thousand louis. Besides this, the King had given + me annually one thousand louis up to the year before the marriage of my + son. That supported me, but as I would not consent to the marriage I was + deprived of this sum, and it has never been restored to me. On my first + journey to Fontainebleau, the King would have given me 2,000 pistoles, but + that Monsieur begged him to keep half of them for Madame, afterwards the + Queen of Spain.—[Marie-Louise d'Orleans, born in 1662, married, in + 1679, to Charles IL, King of Spain.] + </p> + <p> + I cared very little about it, and, nevertheless, went to Fontainebleau, + where I lost all my money at Hoca. Monsieur told me, for the purpose of + vexing me, of the good office he had done me with the King; I only laughed + at it, and told him that, if Madame had chosen to accept the thousand + pistoles from my hands, I would very freely have given them to her. + Monsieur was quite confused at this, and, by way of repairing the offence + he had committed, he took upon himself the payment of 600 louis d'or, + which I had lost over and above the thousand pistoles. + </p> + <p> + I receive now only 456,000 francs, which is exactly consumed within the + year; if, they could have given me any less they would. I would not be + thought to make claims to which I am not entitled, but it should be + remembered that Monsieur has had the money of my family. + </p> + <p> + I was very glad when, after the birth of my daughter, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Elizabeth-Charlotte d'Orleans, born in 1676, married, in 1697, to + the Duc de Lorraine. Philippe d'Orleans, afterwards Regent of + France, was born in 1674; there were no other children by this + marriage.] +</pre> + <p> + my husband proposed separate beds; for, to tell the truth, I was never + very fond of having children. When he proposed it to me, I answered, "Yes, + Monsieur, I shall be very well contented with the arrangement, provided + you do not hate me, and that you will continue to behave with some + kindness to me." He promised, and we were very well satisfied with each + other. It was, besides, very disagreeable to sleep with Monsieur; he could + not bear any one to touch him when he was asleep, so that I was obliged to + lie on the very edge of the bed; whence it sometimes happened that I fell + out like a sack. I was therefore enchanted when Monsieur proposed to me in + friendly terms, and without any anger, to lie in separate rooms. + </p> + <p> + I obeyed the late Monsieur by not troubling him with my embraces, and + always conducted myself towards him with respect and submission. + </p> + <p> + He was a good sort of man, notwithstanding his weaknesses, which, indeed, + oftener excited my pity than my anger. I must confess that I did + occasionally express some impatience, but when he begged pardon, it was + all forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Fiennes had a considerable stock of wit, and was a great joker; + her tongue spared no one but me. Perceiving that she treated the King and + Monsieur with as little ceremony as any other persons, I took her by the + hand one day, and, leading her apart, I said to her, "Madame, you are very + agreeable; you have a great deal of wit, and the manner in which you + display it is pleasant to the King and Monsieur, because they are + accustomed to you; but to me, who am but just arrived, I cannot say that I + like it. When any persons entertain themselves at my expense, I cannot + help being very angry, and it is for this reason that I am going to give + you a little advice. If you spare me we shall be mighty good friends; but + if you treat me as I see you treat others, I shall say nothing to you; I + shall, nevertheless, complain of you to your husband, and if he does not + restrain you I shall dismiss him." + </p> + <p> + He was my Equerry-in-Ordinary. + </p> + <p> + She promised never to speak of me, and she kept her word. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur often said to me, "How does it happen that Madame de Fiennes + never says anything severe of you?" + </p> + <p> + I answered, "Because she loves me." + </p> + <p> + I would not tell him what I had done, for he would immediately have + excited her to attack me. + </p> + <p> + I was called sometimes 'Soeur Pacifique', because I did all in my power to + maintain harmony between Monsieur and his cousins, La Grande Mademoiselle, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orleans, Duchesse de Montpensier, and + Marguerite-Louise d'Orleans, Duchess of Tuscany, daughters of + Gaston, Duc d'Orleans, but by different wives.] +</pre> + <p> + and La Grande Duchesse: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Charlotte-Eleonore-Maddleine de la Motte Houdancourt, Duchesse de + Ventadour; she was gouvernante to Louis XV.] +</pre> + <p> + they quarrelled very frequently, and always like children, for the + slightest trifles. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Ventadour was my Maid of Honour for at least sixteen years. She + did not quit me until two years after the death of my husband, and then it + was by a contrivance of old Maintenon; she wished to annoy me because she + knew I was attached to this lady, who was good and amiable, but not very + cunning. Old Maintenon succeeded in depriving me of her by means of + promises and threats, which were conveyed by Soubise, whose son had + married Madame de Ventadour's daughter, and who was an artful woman. By + way of recompense she was made gouvernante. They tried, also, to deprive + me of Madame de Chateau Thiers; the old woman employed all her power + there, too, but Madame de Chateau Thiers remained faithful to me, without + telling of these attempts, which I learnt from another source. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Monaco might, perhaps, be fond of forming very close attachments + of her own sex, and Madame de Maintenon would have put me on the same + footing; but she did not succeed, and was so much vexed at her + disappointment that she wept. Afterwards she wanted to make me in love + with the Chevalier de Vendome, and this project succeeded no better than + the other. She often said she could not think of what disposition I must + be, since I cared neither for men nor women, and that the German nation + must be colder than any other. + </p> + <p> + I like persons of that cool temperament. The poor Dauphine of Bavaria used + to send all the young coxcombs of the Court to me, knowing that I detested + such persons, and would be nearly choked with laughter at seeing the + discontented air with which I talked to them. + </p> + <p> + Falsehood and superstition were never to my taste. + </p> + <p> + The King was in the habit of saying, "Madame cannot endure unequal + marriages; she always ridicules them." + </p> + <p> + Although there are some most delightful walks at Versailles, no one went + out either on foot or in carriages but myself; the King observed this, and + said, "You are the only one who enjoys the beauties of Versailles." + </p> + <p> + All my life, even from my earliest years, I thought myself so ugly that I + did not like to be looked at. I therefore cared little for dress, because + jewels and decoration attract attention. As Monsieur loved to be covered + with diamonds, it was fortunate that I did not regard them, for, + otherwise, we should have quarrelled about who was to wear them. On grand + occasions Monsieur used formerly to make me dress in red; I did so, but + much against my inclination, for I always hated whatever was inconvenient + to me. He always ordered my dresses, and even used to paint my cheeks + himself. + </p> + <p> + I made the Countess of Soissons laugh very heartily once. She said to me, + "How is it, Madame, that you never look in a mirror when you pass it, as + everybody else does?" + </p> + <p> + I answered, "Because I have too great a regard for myself to be fond of + seeing myself look as ugly as I really am." + </p> + <p> + I was always attached to the King; and when he did anything disagreeable + to me it was generally to please Monsieur, whose favourites and my enemies + did all they could to embroil me with him, and through his means with the + King, that I might not be able to denounce them. It was natural enough + that the King should be more inclined to please his brother than me; but + when Monsieur's conscience reproached him, he repented of having done me + ill offices with the King, and he confessed this to the King; His Majesty + would then come to us again immediately, notwithstanding the malicious + contrivances of old Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + I have always had my own household, although during Monsieur's life I was + not the mistress of it, because all his favourites derived a share of + profit from it. Thus no one could buy any employment in my establishment + without a bribe to Grancey, to the Chevalier de Lorraine, to Cocard, or to + M. Spied. I troubled myself little about these persons; so long as they + continued to behave with proper respect towards me, I let them alone; but + when they presumed to ridicule me, or to give me any trouble, I set them + to rights without hesitation and as they deserved. + </p> + <p> + Finding that Madame la Marechale de Clerambault was attached to me, they + removed her, and they placed my daughter under the care of Madame la + Marechale de Grancey, the creature of my bitterest enemy, the Chevalier de + Lorraine, whose mistress was the elder sister of this very Grancei. It may + be imagined how fit an example such a woman was for my daughter; but all + my prayers, all my remonstrances, were in vain. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Montespan said to me one day that it was a shame I had no + ambition, and would not take part in anything. + </p> + <p> + I replied, "If a person should have intrigued assiduously to become + Madame, could not her son permit her to enjoy that rank peaceably? Well, + then, fancy that I have become so by such means, and leave me to repose." + </p> + <p> + "You are obstinate," said she. + </p> + <p> + "No, Madame," I answered; "but I love quiet, and I look upon all your + ambition to be pure vanity." + </p> + <p> + I thought she would have burst with spite, so angry was she. She, however, + continued,— + </p> + <p> + "But make the attempt and we will assist you." + </p> + <p> + "No," I replied, "Madame, when I think that you, who have a hundred times + more wit than I, have not been able to maintain your consequence in that + Court which you love so much, what hope can I, a poor foreigner, have of + succeeding, who know nothing of intrigue, and like it as little?" + </p> + <p> + She was quite mortified. "Go along," she said, "you are good for nothing." + </p> + <p> + Old Maintenon and her party had instilled into the Dauphine a deep hatred + against me; by their direction she often said very impertinent things to + me. They hoped that I should resent them to the Dauphine in such manner as + to afford her reason to complain to the King of me, and thus draw his + displeasure upon me. But as I knew the tricks of the old woman and her + coterie, I resolved not to give them that satisfaction; I only laughed at + the disobliging manner in which they treated me, and I gave them to + understand that I thought the ill behaviour of the Dauphine was but a + trick of her childhood, which she would correct as she grew older. When I + spoke to her she made me no reply, and laughed at me with the ladies + attendant upon her. + </p> + <p> + "Ladies," she once said to them, "amuse me; I am tired;" and at the same + time looked at me disdainfully. I only smiled at her, as if her behaviour + had no effect upon me. + </p> + <p> + I said, however, to old Maintenon, in a careless tone, "Madame la Dauphine + receives me ungraciously; I do not intend to quarrel with her, but if she + should become too rude I shall ask the King if he approves of her + behaviour." + </p> + <p> + The old woman was alarmed, because she knew very well that the King had + enjoined the Dauphine always to behave politely to me; she begged me + immediately not to say a word to the King, assuring me that I should soon + see the Dauphine's behaviour changed; and indeed, from that time, the + Dauphine altered her conduct, and lived upon much better terms with me. If + I had complained to the King of the ill treatment I received from the + Dauphine he would have been very angry; but she would not have hated me + the less, and she and her old aunt would have formed means to repay me + double. + </p> + <p> + Ratzenhausen has the good fortune to be sprung from a very good family; + the King was always glad to see her, because she made him laugh; she also + diverted the Dauphine, and Madame de Berri liked her much, and made her + visit her frequently. It is not surprising that we should be good friends; + we have been so since our infancy, for I was not nine years old when I + first became acquainted with her. Of all the old women I know, there is + not one who keeps up her gaiety like Linor. + </p> + <p> + I often visited Madame de Maintenon, and did all in my power to gain her + affections, but could never succeed. The Queen of Sicily asked me one day + if I did not go out with the King in his carriage, as when she was with + us. I replied to her by some verses (from Racine's Phedre). + </p> + <p> + Madame de Torci told this again to old Maintenon, as if it applied to her, + which indeed it did, and the King was obliged to look coldly on me for + some time. + </p> + <p> + During the last three years of his life I had entirely gained my husband + to myself, so that he laughed at his own weaknesses, and was no longer + displeased at being joked with. I had suffered dreadfully before; but from + this period he confided in me entirely, and, always took my part. By his + death I saw the result of the care and pains of thirty years vanish. After + Monsieur's decease, the King sent to ask me whither I wished to retire, + whether to a convent in Paris, or to Maubuisson, or elsewhere. I replied + that as I had the honour to be of the royal house I could not live but + where the King was, and that I intended to go directly to Versailles. The + King was pleased at this, and came to see me. He somewhat mortified me by + saying that he sent to ask me whither I wished to go because he had not + imagined that I should choose to stay where he was. I replied that I did + not know who could have told His Majesty anything so false and injurious, + and that I had a much more sincere respect and attachment for His Majesty + than those who had thus falsely accused me. The King then dismissed all + the persons present, and we had a long explanation, in the course of which + the King told me I hated Madame de Maintenon. I confessed that I did hate + her, but only through my attachment for him, and because she did me wrong + to His Majesty; nevertheless, I added that, if it were agreeable to him + that I should be reconciled to her, I was ready to become so. The good + lady was not prepared for this, or she would not have suffered the King to + come to me; he was, however, so satisfied that he remained favourable to + me up to his last hour. He made old Maintenon come, and said to her, + "Madame is willing to make friends with you." He then caused us to + embrace, and there the scene ended. He required her also to live upon good + terms with me, which she did in appearance, but secretly played me all + sorts of tricks. It was at this time a matter of indifference to me + whether I went to live at Montargis or not, but I would not have the + appearance of doing so in consequence of any disgrace, and as if I had + committed some offence for which I was driven from the Court. I had reason + to fear, besides, that at the end of two days' journey I might be left to + die of hunger, and to avoid this risk I chose rather to be reconciled to + the King. As to going into a convent, I never once thought of it, although + it was that which old Maintenon most desired. The Castle of Montargis is + my jointure; at Orleans there is no house. St. Cloud is not a part of the + hereditary property, but was bought by Monsieur with his own money. + Therefore my jointure produces nothing; all that I have to live on comes + from the King and my son. At the commencement of my widowhood I was left + unpaid, and there was an arrear of 300,000 francs due to me, which were + not paid until after the death of Louis XIV. What, then, would have become + of me if I had chosen to retire to Montargis? My household expenses + amounted annually to 298,758 livres. + </p> + <p> + Although Monsieur received considerable wealth with me, I was obliged, + after his death, to give up to my son the jewels, movables, pictures—in + short, all that had come from my family; otherwise I should not have had + enough to live according to my rank and to keep up my establishment, which + is large. In my opinion, to do this is much better than to wear diamonds. + </p> + <p> + My income is not more than 456,000 livres; and yet, if it please God, I + will not leave a farthing of debt. My son has just made me more rich by + adding 150,000 livres to my pension (1719). The cause of almost all the + evil which prevails here is the passion of women for play. I have often + been told to my face, "You are good for nothing; you do not like play." + </p> + <p> + If by my influence I can serve any unfortunate persons with the different + branches of the Government, I always do so willingly; in case of success I + rejoice; in a less fortunate event I console myself by the belief that it + was not the will of God. + </p> + <p> + After the King's death I repaired to St. Cyr to pay a visit to Madame de + Maintenon. On my entering the room she said to me, "Madame, what do you + come here for?" + </p> + <p> + I replied, "I come to mingle my tears with those of her whom the King I so + much deplore loved most.—that is yourself, Madame." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed," she said, "he loved me well; but he loved you, also." + </p> + <p> + I replied, "He did me the honour to say that, he would always distinguish + me by his friendship, although everything was done to make him hate me." + </p> + <p> + I wished thus to let her understand that I was, quite aware of her + conduct, but that, being a Christian, I could pardon my enemies. If she + possessed any sensibility she must have felt some pain at thus. receiving + the forgiveness of one whom she had incessantly persecuted. + </p> + <p> + The affair of Loube is only a small part of what I have suffered here. + </p> + <p> + I have now no circle, for ladies a tabouret—[Ladies having the + privilege of seats upon small stools in the presence.]—seldom come + to me, not liking to appear but in full dress. I begged them to be present + as usual at an audience, which I was to give to the ambassador of Malta, + but not one of them came. When the late Monsieur and the King were alive, + they were more assiduous; they were not then so much accustomed to full + dresses, and when they did not come in sufficient numbers Monsieur + threatened to tell the King of it. + </p> + <p> + But this is enough, as M. Biermann said, after having preached four hours + together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT02" id="link2H_SECT02"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II.—LOUIS XIV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="image-0004" id="image-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/louis14.jpg" alt="Louis XIV. " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + When the King pleased he could be one of the most agreeable and amiable + men in the world; but it was first necessary that he should be intimately + acquainted with persons. He used to joke in a very comical and amusing + manner. + </p> + <p> + The King, though by no means perfect, possessed some great and many fine + qualities; and by no means deserved to be defamed and despised by his + subjects after his death. + </p> + <p> + While he lived he was flattered, even to idolatry. + </p> + <p> + He was so much tormented on my account that I could not have wondered if + he had hated me most cordially. However, he did not; but, on the contrary, + he discovered that all which was said against me sprang from malice and + jealousy. + </p> + <p> + If he had not been so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of two of the + worst women in the world Montespan, and that old Maintenon, who was even + worse than the other, he would have been one of the best kings that ever + lived; for all the evil that he ever did proceeded from those two women, + and not from himself. + </p> + <p> + Although I approved of many things he did, I could not agree with him when + he maintained that it was vulgar to love one's relations. Montespan had + instilled this into him, in order that she might get rid of all his + legitimate blood connections, and might suffer none about him but her + bastards; she had even carried matters so far as to seek to confine the + royal favour to her offspring or her creatures. + </p> + <p> + Our King loved the chase passionately; particularly hawking and stag + hunting. + </p> + <p> + One day all the world came to Marly to offer their compliments of + condolence; Louis XIV., to get rid of the ceremony, ordered that no + harangues should be made, but that all the Court should enter without + distinction and together at one door, and go out by the other. Among them + came the Bishop of Gap, in a sort of dancing step, weeping large, hot + tears, and smiling at the same moment, which gave to his face the most + grotesque appearance imaginable. Madame, the Dauphine, and I, were the + first who could not restrain ourselves; then the Dauphin and the Duc de + Berri, and at last the King, and everybody who was in the chamber burst + out into loud laughter. + </p> + <p> + The King, it must be allowed, gave occasion to great scandal on account of + his mistresses; but then he very sincerely repented of these offences. + </p> + <p> + He had good natural wit, but was extremely ignorant; and was so much + ashamed of it that it became the fashion for his courtiers to turn learned + men into ridicule. Louis XIV. could not endure to hear politics talked; he + was what they call in this country, 'franc du collier'. + </p> + <p> + At Marly he did not wish the slightest ceremony to prevail. Neither + ambassadors nor other envoys were ever permitted to come here; he never + gave audience; there was no etiquette, and the people went about + 'pele-mele'. Out of doors the King made all the men wear their hats; and + in the drawing-room, everybody, even to the captains, lieutenants, and + sublieutenants of the foot-guards, were permitted to be seated. This + custom so disgusted me with the drawing-room that I never went to it. + </p> + <p> + The King used to take off his hat to women of all descriptions, even, the + common peasants. + </p> + <p> + When he liked people he would tell them everything he had heard; and for + this reason it was always dangerous to talk to him of that old Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + Although he loved flattery, he was very often ready to ridicule it. + Montespan and the old woman had spoiled him and hardened his heart against + his relations, for he was naturally of a very affectionate disposition. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV., as well as all the rest of his family, with the exception of + my son, hated reading. Neither the King nor Monsieur had been taught + anything; they scarcely knew how to read and write. The King was the most + polite man in his kingdom, but his son and his grandchildren were the most + rude. + </p> + <p> + In his youth he had played in the comedy of 'Les Visionnaires', which he + knew by heart, and in which he acted better than the comedians. He did not + know a note of music; but his ear was so correct that he could play in a + masterly style on the guitar, and execute whatever he chose. + </p> + <p> + It is not astonishing that the King and Monsieur were brought up in + ignorance. The Cardinal (Mazarin) wished to reign absolutely; if the + princes had been better instructed, he would neither have been trusted nor + employed, and this it was his object to prevent, hoping that he should + live much longer than he did. The Queen-mother found all that the Cardinal + did perfectly right; and, besides, it suited her purpose that he should be + indispensable. It is almost a miracle that the King should have become + what he afterwards was. + </p> + <p> + I never saw the King beat but two men, and they both well deserved it. The + first was a valet, who would not let him enter the garden during one of + his own fetes. The other was a pickpocket, whom the King saw emptying the + pocket of M. de Villars. Louis XIV., who was on horseback, rode towards + the thief and struck him with his cane; the rascal cried out, "Murder! I + shall be killed!" which made us all laugh, and the King laughed, also. He + had the thief taken, and made him give up the purse, but he did not have + him hanged. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Schomberg was a good deal laughed at because she asked the + King a hundred questions, which is not the fashion here. The King was not + well pleased to be talked to; but he never laughed in any one's face. + </p> + <p> + When Louvois proposed to the King for the first time that he should + appoint Madame Dufresnoy, his mistress, a lady of the Queen's bedchamber, + His Majesty replied, "Would you, then, have them laugh at both of us?" + Louvois, however, persisted so earnestly in his request that the King at + length granted it. + </p> + <p> + The Court of France was extremely agreeable until the King had the + misfortune to marry that old Maintenon; she withdrew him from company, + filled him with ridiculous scruples respecting plays, and told him that he + ought not to see excommunicated persons. In consequence of this she had a + small theatre erected in her own apartments, where plays were acted twice + a week before the King. Instead of the dismissed comedians, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [These dismissed comedians had, as appears by the edition of 1788, + renounced their profession, and had been admitted to the communion. + After that, Madame de Maintenon no longer saw any sin in them.] +</pre> + <p> + she had the Dauphine, my son, the Duc de Berri, and her own nieces, to + play; in her opinion this was much better than the real comedians. The + King, instead of occupying his usual place, was seated behind me in a + corner, near Madame de Maintenon. This arrangement spoilt all, for the + consequence was that few people saw him, and the Court was almost + deserted. + </p> + <p> + Maintenon told me that the King said to her, "Now that I am old my + children get tired of me and are delighted to find any opportunity of + fixing me here and going elsewhere for their own amusement; Madame alone + stays, and I see that she is glad to be with me still." But she did not + tell me that she had done all in her power to persuade him of the + contrary, and that the King spoke thus by way of reproaching her for the + lies she had invented about me. I learned that afterwards from others. If + the King had been my father I could not have loved him more than I did; I + was always pleased to be with him. + </p> + <p> + He was fond of the German soldiers, and said that the German horsemen + displayed more grace in the saddle than those of any other nation. + </p> + <p> + When the King had a design to punish certain libertines, Fagon—[Guy + Crescent Fagon, appointed the King's chief physician in 1693, died in + 1718.]—had an amusing conversation with him. He said,— + </p> + <p> + "Folks made love long before you came into the world, and they will always + continue to do so. You cannot prevent them; and when I hear preachers + talking in the pulpit and railing against such as yield to the influence + of passion, I think it is very much as if I should say to my phthisical + patients, 'You must not cough; it is very wrong to spit.' Young folks are + full of humours, which must be dispersed by one way or another." + </p> + <p> + The King could not refrain from laughing. + </p> + <p> + He was only superstitious in religious matters; for example, with respect + to the miracles of the Virgin, etc. + </p> + <p> + He had been taught to believe that to make friends with his brother was a + great political stroke and a fine State device; that it made a part of + what is called to reign well. + </p> + <p> + Since the time of this King it has not been the custom for ladies to talk + of the affairs of the State. + </p> + <p> + If the King heard that any one had spoken ill of him, he displayed a proud + resentment towards the offender; otherwise it was impossible to be more + polite and affable than he was. His conversation was pleasing in a high + degree. He had the skill of giving an agreeable turn to everything. His + manner of talking was natural, without the least affectation, amiable and + obliging. Although he had not so much courage as Monsieur, he was still no + coward. His brother said that he had always behaved well in occasions of + danger; but his chief fault lay in being soon tired of war, and wishing to + return home. + </p> + <p> + From the time of his becoming so outrageously devout, all amusements were + suspended for three weeks (at Easter); and before, they were only + discontinued a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + The King had a peculiarity of disposition which led him easily to behave + harshly to persons who were disagreeable to such as he loved. It was thus + that La Valliere was so ill-treated at the instigation of Montespan. + </p> + <p> + He was much amused with the Comte de Grammont,—[Philibert, Comte de + Grammont, St. Evremond's hero, and so well known by means of the Memoirs + of Count Antoine Hamilton, his brother-in-law.]—who was very + pleasant. He loaded him with proofs of his kindness, and invited him to + join in all the excursions to Marly, a decided mark of great favour. + </p> + <p> + The King frequently complained that in his youth he had not been allowed + to converse with people generally, but it was the fault of his natural + temper; for Monsieur, who had been brought up with him, used to talk to + everybody. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. used to say, laughingly, to Monsieur that his eternal + chattering had put him out of conceit with talking. "Ah, mon Dieu!" he + would say, "must I, to please everybody, say as many silly things as my + brother?" + </p> + <p> + In general, they would not have been taken for brothers. The King was a + large man, and my husband a small one: the latter had very effeminate + inclinations; he loved dress, was very careful of his complexion, and took + great interest in feminine employments and in ceremonies. The King, on the + contrary, cared little about dress, loved the chase and shooting, was fond + of talking of war, and had all manly tastes and habits. Monsieur behaved + well in battle, but never talked of it; he loved women as companions, and + was pleased to be with them. The King loved to see them somewhat nearer, + and not entirely en honneur, as Monsieur did. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Madame is not a good authority on this point. The memoirs of the + time will show either that she cannot have known or must have + wilfully concealed the intrigues of various kinds in which her + husband was engaged.] +</pre> + <p> + They nevertheless loved one another much, and it was very interesting to + see them together. They joked each other sensibly and pleasantly, and + without ever quarrelling. + </p> + <p> + I was never more amused than in a journey which I took with the King to + Flanders. The Queen and the Dauphine were then alive. As soon as we + reached a city, each of us retired to our own quarters for a short time, + and afterwards we went to the theatre, which was commonly so bad that we + were ready to die with laughing. Among others, I remember that at Dunkirk + we saw a company playing Mithridates. In speaking to Monimia, Mithridates + said something which I forget, but which was very absurd. He turned round + immediately to the Dauphine and said, "I very humbly beg pardon, Madame, I + assure you it was a slip of the tongue." The laugh which followed this + apology may be imagined, but it became still greater when the Prince of + Conti, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Louis-Armaud de Bourbon, Prince de Conti, married in 1780 to + Marie-Anne, commonly called Mademoiselle de Blois, one of the + legitimated daughters of Louis XIV. by Madame de la Valliere. She + was called at Court La Grande Princesse, on account of her beauty + and her stature.] +</pre> + <p> + the husband of La Grande Princesse, who was sitting above the orchestra, + in a fit of laughing, fell into it. He tried to save himself by the cord, + and, in doing so, pulled down the curtain over the lamps, set it on fire, + and burnt a great hole in it. The flames were soon extinguished, and the + actors, as if they were perfectly indifferent, or unconscious of the + accident, continued to play on, although we could only see them through + the hole. When there was no play, we took airings and had collations; in + short, every day brought something new. After the King's supper we went to + see magnificent artificial fireworks given by the cities of Flanders. + Everybody was gay; the Court was in perfect unanimity, and no one thought + of anything but to laugh and seek amusement. + </p> + <p> + If the King had known the Duchess of Hanover, he would not have been + displeased at her calling him "Monsieur." As she was a Sovereign Princess, + he thought it was through pride that she would not call him "Sire," and + this mortified him excessively, for he was very sensitive on such + subjects. + </p> + <p> + One day, before Roquelaure was made a Duke, he was out when it rained + violently, and he ordered his coachman to drive to the Louvre, where the + entrance was permitted to none but Ambassadors, Princes and Dukes. When + his carriage arrived at the gate they asked who it was. + </p> + <p> + "A Duke," replied he. + </p> + <p> + "What Duke?" repeated the sentinel. + </p> + <p> + "The Duc d'Epernon," said he. + </p> + <p> + "Which of them?" + </p> + <p> + "The one who died last." And upon this they let him enter. Fearing + afterwards that he might get into a scrape about it, he went directly to + the King. "Sire," said he, "it rains so hard that I came in my coach even + to the foot of your staircase." + </p> + <p> + The King was displeased. "What fool let you enter?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "A greater fool than your Majesty can imagine," replied Roquelaure, "for + he admitted me in the name of the Duc d'Epernon who died last." + </p> + <p> + This ended the King's anger and made him laugh very heartily. + </p> + <p> + So great a fear of hell had been instilled into the King that he not only + thought everybody who did not profess the faith of the Jesuits would be + damned, but he even thought he was in some danger himself by speaking to + such persons. If any one was to be ruined with the King, it was only + necessary to say, "He is a Huguenot or a Jansenist," and his business was + immediately settled. My son was about to take into his service a gentleman + whose mother was a professed Jansenist. The Jesuits, by way of embroiling + my son with the King, represented that he was about to engage a Jansenist + on his establishment. + </p> + <p> + The King immediately sent for him and said "How is this, nephew? I + understand you think of employing a Jansenist in your service." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no!" replied my son, laughing, "I can assure your Majesty that he is + not a Jansenist, and I even doubt whether he believes in the existence of + a God." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, then!" said the King, "if that be the case, and you are sure + that he is no Jansenist, you may take him." + </p> + <p> + It is impossible for a man to be more ignorant of religion than the King + was. I cannot understand how his mother, the Queen, could have brought him + up with so little knowledge on this subject. He believed all that the + priests said to him, as if it came from God Himself. That old Maintenon + and Pere la Chaise had persuaded him that all the sins he had committed + with Madame de Montespan would be pardoned if he persecuted and extirpated + the professors of the reformed religion, and that this was the only path + to heaven. The poor King believed it fervently, for he had never seen a + Bible in his life; and immediately after this the persecution commenced. + He knew no more of religion than what his confessors chose to tell him, + and they had made him believe that it was not lawful to investigate in + matters of religion, but that the reason should be prostrated in order to + gain heaven. He was, however, earnest enough himself, and it was not his + fault that hypocrisy reigned at Court. The old Maintenon had forced people + to assume it. + </p> + <p> + It was formerly the custom to swear horridly on all occasions; the King + detested this practice, and soon abolished it. + </p> + <p> + He was very capable of gratitude, but neither his children nor his + grandchildren were. He could not bear to be made to wait for anything. + </p> + <p> + He said that by means of chains of gold he could obtain anything he wished + from the ministers at Vienna. + </p> + <p> + He could not forgive the French ladies for affecting English fashions. He + used often to joke about it, and particularly in the conversation which he + addressed to me, expecting that I would take it up and tease the + Princesses. To amuse him, I sometimes said whatever came into my head, + without the least ceremony, and often made him laugh heartily. + </p> + <p> + Reversi was the only game at which the King played, and which he liked. + </p> + <p> + When he did not like openly to reprove any person, he would address + himself to me; for he knew that I never restrained myself in conversation, + and that amused him infinitely. At table, he was almost obliged to talk to + me, for the others scarcely said a word. In the cabinet, after supper, + there were none but the Duchess—[Anne of Bavaria, wife of + Henri-Jules, Duc de Bourbon, son of the great Conde; she bore the title of + Madame la Princesse after his death.]—and I who spoke to him. I do + not know whether the Dauphine used to converse with the King in the + cabinets, for while she was alive I was never permitted to enter them, + thanks to Madame de Maintenon's interference; the Dauphine objected to it; + the King would willingly have had it so; but he dare not assert his will + for fear of displeasing the Dauphine and the old woman. I was not + therefore suffered to enter until after the death of the Dauphine, and + then only because the King wished to have some one who would talk to him + in the evening, to dissipate his melancholy thoughts, in which I did my + best. He was dissatisfied with his daughters on both sides, who, instead + of trying to console him in his grief, thought only of amusing themselves, + and the good King might often have remained alone the whole evening if I + had not visited his cabinet. He was very sensible of this, and said to + Maintenon, "Madame is the only one who does not abandon me." + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. spoiled the Jesuits; he thought whatever came from them must be + admirable, whether it was right or wrong. + </p> + <p> + The King did not like living in town; he was convinced that the people did + not love him, and that there was no security for him among them. Maintenon + had him, besides, more under her sway at Versailles than at Paris, where + there was certainly no security for her. She was universally detested + there; and whenever she went out in a carriage the populace shouted loud + threats against her, so that at last she dared not appear in public. + </p> + <p> + At first the King was in the habit of dining with Madame de Montespan and + his children, and then no person went to visit him but the Dauphin and + Monsieur. When Montespan was dismissed, the King had all his illegitimate + children in his cabinet: this continued until the arrival of the last + Dauphine; she intruded herself among the bastards to their great + affliction. When the Duchess— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Louise-Francoise, commonly called Mademoiselle de Nantes, the + legitimated daughter of Madame de Montespan and the King, was + married to the Duc de Bourbon in 1685.] +</pre> + <p> + became the favourite of the Dauphin, she begged that no other persons of + the royal house might have access to the cabinet; and therefore my request + for admission, although not refused, was never granted until after the + death of the Dauphin and Dauphine. The latter accompanied the King to + places where I did not, and could not go, for she even, went with him upon + occasions when decency ought to have forbidden her presence. Maintenon did + the same thing, for the purpose of having an opportunity of talking to the + King in secret. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. loved the young Dauphine so well that he dared refuse her + nothing; and Maintenon had so violent a hatred against me that she was + ready to do me all the mischief in her power. What could the King do + against the inclinations of his son and his granddaughter? They would have + looked cross, and that would have grieved him. I had no inclination to + cause him any vexation, and therefore preferred exercising my own + patience. When I had anything to say to the King, I requested a private + audience, which threw them all into despair, and furnished me with a good + laugh in my sleeve. + </p> + <p> + The King was so much devoted to the old usages of the Royal Palace that he + would not for the world have departed from them. Madame de Fiennes was in + the habit of saying that the Royal Family adhered so strictly to their + habits and customs that the Queen of England died with a toguet on her + head; that is, a little cap which is put upon children when they go to + bed. + </p> + <p> + When the King denied anything it was not permitted to argue with him; what + he commanded must be done quickly and without reply. He was too much + accustomed to "such is our good pleasure," to endure any contradiction. + </p> + <p> + He was always kind and generous when he acted from his own impulses. He + never thought that his last will would be observed; and he said to several + people, "They have made me sign a will and some other papers; I have done + it for the sake of being quiet, but I know very well that it will not + stand good." + </p> + <p> + The good King was old; he stood in need of repose, and he could not enjoy + it by any other means than by doing whatever that old Maintenon wished; + thus it was that this artful hussy always accomplished her ends. + </p> + <p> + The King used always to call the Duc de Verneuil his uncle. + </p> + <p> + It has been said and believed that Louis XIV. retired from the war against + Holland through pure generosity; but I know, as well as I know my own name + that he came back solely for the purpose of seeing Madame de Montespan, + and to stay with her. I know also many examples of great events, which in + history have been attributed to policy or ambition, but which have + originated from the most insignificant trifles. It has been said it was + our King's ambition that made him resolve to become the master of the + world, and that it was for this he commenced the Dutch war; but I know + from an indisputable source that it was entered upon only because M. de + Lionne, then Minister of State, was jealous of Prince William of + Furstenberg, who had an intrigue with his wife, of which he had been + apprised. It was this that caused him to engage in those quarrels which + afterwards produced the war. + </p> + <p> + It was not surprising that the King was insensible to the scarcity which + prevailed, for in the first place he had seen nothing of it, and, in the + second, he had been told that all the reports which had reached him were + falsehoods, and that they were in no respect true. Old Maintenon invented + this plan for getting money, for she had bought up all the corn, for the + purpose of retailing it at a high price. [This does not sound like M. + Maintenon. D.W.] Everybody had been requested to say nothing about it to + the King, lest it should kill him with vexation. + </p> + <p> + The King loved my son as well as his own, but he cared little for the + girls. He was very fond of Monsieur, and he had reason to be so; never did + a child pay a more implicit obedience to its parents than did Monsieur to + the King; it was a real veneration; and the Dauphin, too, had for him a + veneration, affection and submission such as never son had for a father. + The King was inconsolable for his death. He never had much regard for the + Duke of Burgundy; the old sorceress (Maintenon) had slandered him to the + King, and made the latter believe that he was of an ambitious temper, and + was impatient at the King's living so long. She did this in order that if + the Prince should one day open his eyes, and perceive the manner in which + his wife had been educated, his complaints might have no effect with the + King, which really took place. Louis XIV. at last thought everything that + the Dauphine of Burgundy did was quite charming; old Maintenon made him + believe that her only aim was to divert him. This old woman was to him + both the law and the prophets; all that she approved was good, and what + she condemned was bad, no matter how estimable it really was. The most + innocent actions of the first Dauphine were represented as crimes, and all + the impertinences of the second were admired. + </p> + <p> + A person who had been for many years in immediate attendance upon the + King, who had been engaged with him every evening at Maintenon's, and who + must consequently have heard everything that was said, is one of my very + good friends, and he has told me that although while the old lady was + living he dare not say a word, yet, she being dead, he was at liberty to + tell me that the King had always professed a real friendship for me. This + person has often heard with his own ears Maintenon teasing the King, and + speaking ill of me for the purpose of rendering me hateful in his eyes, + but the King always took my part. It was in reference to this, I have no + doubt, that the King said to me on his death-bed: + </p> + <p> + "They have done all they could to make me hate you, Madame, but they have + not succeeded." He added that he had always known me too well to believe + their calumnies. While he spoke thus, the old woman stood by with so + guilty an air that I could not doubt they had proceeded from her. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur often took a pleasure in diminishing or depriving me of the + King's favour, and the King was not sorry for some little occasions to + blame Monsieur. He told me once that he had embroiled me with Monsieur by + policy. + </p> + <p> + I was alarmed, and said immediately, "Perhaps your Majesty may do the same + thing again." + </p> + <p> + The King laughed, and said, "No, if I had intended to do so I should not + have told you of it; and, to say the truth, I had some scruples about it, + and have resolved never to do so again." + </p> + <p> + Upon the death of one of his children, the King asked of his old medical + attendant, M. Gueneau: "Pray, how does it happen that my illegitimate + children are healthy and live, while all the Queen's children are so + delicate and always die?" "Sire," replied Gueneau, "it is because the + Queen has only the rinsings of the glass." + </p> + <p> + He always slept in the Queen's bed, but did not always accommodate himself + to the Spanish temperament of that Princess; so that the Queen knew he had + been elsewhere. The King, nevertheless, had always great consideration for + her, and made his mistresses treat her with all becoming respect. He loved + her for her virtue, and for the sincere affection she bore to him, + notwithstanding his infidelity. He was much affected at her death; but + four days afterwards, by the chattering of old Maintenon, he was consoled. + A few days afterwards we went to Fontainebleau, and expected to find the + King in an ill-humour, and that we should be scolded; but, on the + contrary, he was very gay. + </p> + <p> + When the King returned from a journey we were all obliged to be at the + carriage as he got out, for the purpose of accompanying him to his + apartments. + </p> + <p> + While Louis XIV. was young all the women were running after him; but he + renounced this sort of life when he flattered himself that he had grown + devout. His motive was, Madame de Maintenon watched him so narrowly that + he could not, dare not, look at any one. She disgusted him with everybody + else that she might have him to herself; and this, too, under the pretext + of taking care of his soul. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Colonne had a great share of wit, and our King was so much in + love with her, that, if her uncle, the Cardinal, had consented, he would + certainly have married her. Cardinal Mazarin, although in every other + respect a worthless person, deserved to be praised for having opposed this + marriage. He sent his niece into Italy. When she was setting out, the King + wept violently. Madame de Colonne said to him, "You are a King; you weep, + and yet I go." This was saying a great deal in a few words. As to the + Comtesse de Soissons, the King had always more of friendship than of love + for her. He made her very considerable presents, the least of which was to + the amount of 2,000 louis. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Ludres, the King's mistress, was an agreeable person; she had + been Maid of Honour to Monsieur's first wife,—[Henrietta of England.]—and + after her death she entered the Queen's service, but when these places + were afterwards abolished, Monsieur took back Ludres and Dampierre, the + two Ladies of Honour he had given to the Queen. The former was called + Madame, because she was canoness of a chapter at Lorraine. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the King never observed her beauty while she was with the + Queen, and that it was not until she was with me that he fell in love with + her. Her reign lasted only two years. Montespan told the King that Ludres + had certain ringworms upon her body, caused by a poison that had been + given her in her youth by Madame de Cantecroix. At twelve or thirteen + years of age, she had inspired the old Duc de Lorraine with so violent a + passion that he resolved to marry her at all events. The poison caused + eruptions, covered her with ringworms from head to foot, and prevented the + marriage. She was cured so well as to preserve the beauty of her figure, + but she was always subject to occasional eruptions. Although now (1718) + more than seventy years old, she is still beautiful; she has as fine + features as can be seen, but a very disagreeable manner of speaking; she + lisps horribly. She is, however, a good sort of person. Since she has been + converted she thinks of nothing but the education of her nieces, and + limits her own expenses that she may give the more to her brother's + children. She is in a convent at Nancy, which she is at liberty to quit + when she pleases. She, as well as her nieces, enjoy pensions from the + King. + </p> + <p> + I have seen Beauvais, that femme de chambre of the Queen-mother, a + one-eyed creature, who is said to have first taught the King the art of + intriguing. She was perfectly acquainted with all its mysteries, and had + led a very profligate life; she lived several years after my arrival in + France. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. carried his gallantries to debauchery. Provided they were + women, all were alike to him peasants, gardeners' girls, femmes de + chambre, or ladies of quality. All that they had to do was to seem to be + in love with him. + </p> + <p> + For a long time before his death, however, he had ceased to run after + women; he even exiled the Duchesse de la Ferte, because she pretended to + be dying for him. When she could not see him, she had his portrait in her + carriage to contemplate it. The King said that it made him ridiculous, and + desired her to retire to her own estate. The Duchesse de Roquelaure, of + the house of Laval, was also suspected of wishing to captivate the King; + but his Majesty was not so severe with her as with La Ferte. There was + great talk in the scandalous circles about this intrigue; but I did not + thrust my nose into the affair. + </p> + <p> + I am convinced that the Duchesse de la Valliere always loved the King very + much. Montespan loved him for ambition, La Soubise for interest, and + Maintenon for both. La Fontange loved him also, but only like the heroine + of a romance; she was a furiously romantic person. Ludres was also very + much attached to him, but the King soon got tired of her. As for Madame de + Monaco, I would not take an oath that she never intrigued with the King. + While the King was fond of her, Lauzun, who had a regular though a secret + arrangement with his cousin, fell into disgrace for the first time. He had + forbidden his fair one to see the King; but finding her one day sitting on + the ground, and talking with His Majesty, Lauzun, who, in his place as + Captain of the guard, was in the chamber, was so transported with jealousy + that he could not restrain himself, and, pretending to pass, he trod so + violently on the hand which Madame de Monaco had placed upon the ground, + that he nearly crushed it. The King, who thus guessed at their intrigue, + reprimanded him. Lauzun replied insolently, and was sent for the first + time to the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Soubise was cunning, full of dissimulation, and very wicked. She + deceived the good Queen cruelly; but the latter rewarded her for this in + exposing her falsehood and in unmasking her to the world. As soon as the + King had undeceived Her Majesty with respect to this woman, her history + became notorious, and the Queen amused herself in relating her triumph, as + she called it, to everybody. + </p> + <p> + The King and Monsieur had been accustomed from their childhood to great + filthiness in the interior of their houses; so much so, that they did not + know it ought to be otherwise, and yet, in their persons, they, were + particularly neat. + </p> + <p> + Madame de la Motte, who had been at Chaillot, preferred the old Marquis de + Richelieu to the King. She declared to His Majesty that her heart was no + longer disposable, but that it was at length fixed. + </p> + <p> + I can never think, without anger, of the evil which has been spoken of the + late King, and how little His Majesty has been regretted by those to whom + he had done so much good. + </p> + <p> + I hardly dare repeat what the King said to me on his death-bed. All those + who were usually in his cabinet were present, with the exception of the + Princess, his daughter, the Princesse de Conti, and Madame de Vendome, + who, alone, did not see the King. The whole of the Royal Family was + assembled. He recommended his legitimated daughters to live together in + concord, and I was the innocent cause of his saying something disagreeable + to them. When the King said, "I recommend you all to be united," I thought + he alluded to me and my son's daughter; and I said, "Yes, Monsieur, you + shall be obeyed." He turned towards me, and said in a stern voice, + "Madame, you thought I spoke of you. No, no; you are a sensible person, + and I know you; it is to the Princesses, who are not so, that I speak:" + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. proved at his death that he was really a great man, for it + would be impossible to die with more courage than he displayed. For eight + days he had incessantly the approach of death before his eyes without + betraying fear or apprehension; he arranged everything as if he had only + been going to make a journey. + </p> + <p> + Eight or ten days before his death a disease had appeared in his leg; a + gangrene ensued, and it was this which caused his death. But for three + months preceding he had been afflicted with a slow fever, which had + reduced him so much that he looked like a lath. That old rogue, Fagon, had + brought him to this condition, by administering purgatives and sudorifics + of the most violent kind. At the instigation of Pere Letellier, he had + been tormented to death by the cursed constitution,—[The affair of + the Bull Unigenitus]—and had not been allowed to rest day or night. + Fagon was a wicked old scoundrel, much more attached to Maintenon than to + the King. When I perceived how much it was sought to exault the Duc du + Maine, and that the old woman cared so little for the King's death, I + could not help entertaining unfavourable notions of this old rascal. + </p> + <p> + It cannot be denied that Louis XIV. was the finest man in his kingdom. No + person had a better appearance than he. His figure was agreeable, his legs + well made, his feet small, his voice pleasant; he was lusty in proportion; + and, in short, no fault could be found with his person. Some folks thought + he was too corpulent for his height, and that Monsieur was too stout; so + that it was said, by way of a joke at Court, that there had been a + mistake, and that one brother had received what had been intended for the + other. The King was in the habit of keeping his mouth open in an awkward + way. + </p> + <p> + An English gentleman, Mr. Hammer, found him an expert fencer. + </p> + <p> + He preserved his good looks up to his death, although some of my ladies, + who saw him afterwards, told me that he could scarcely be recognized. + Before his death, his stature had been diminished by a head, and he + perceived this himself. + </p> + <p> + His pronunciation was very distinct, but all his children, from the + Dauphin to the Comte de Toulouse, lisped. They used to say, Pahi, instead + of Paris. + </p> + <p> + In general, the King would have no persons at his table but members of the + Royal Family. As for the Princesses of the blood, there were so many of + them that the ordinary table would not have held them; and, indeed, when + we were all there, it was quite full. + </p> + <p> + The King used to sit in the middle, and had the Dauphin and the Duke of + Burgundy at his right, and the Dauphine and the Duchesse de Berri on his + left; on one of the sides Monsieur and I sat; and on the other, my son and + his wife; the other parts of the table were reserved for the noblemen in + waiting, who did not take their places behind the King, but opposite to + him. When the Princesses of the blood or any other ladies were received at + the King's table, we were waited on, not by noblemen, but by other + officers of the King's household, who stood behind like pages. The King + upon such occasions was waited on by his chief Maitre d'Hotel. The pages + never waited at the King's table, but on journeys; and then upon no person + but the King. The Royal Family had persons to attend them who were not + noble. Formerly all the King's officers, such as the butler, the + cupbearer, etc., etc., were persons of rank; but afterwards, the nobility + becoming poor could not afford to buy the high offices; and they fell, of + necessity, into the hands of more wealthy citizens who could pay for them. + </p> + <p> + The King, the late Monsieur, the Dauphin, and the Duc de Berri were great + eaters. I have often seen the King eat four platefuls of different soups, + a whole pheasant, a partridge, a plateful of salad, mutton hashed with + garlic, two good-sized slices of ham, a dish of pastry, and afterwards + fruit and sweetmeats. The King and Monsieur were very fond of hard eggs. + </p> + <p> + Louis XIV. understood perfectly the art of satisfying people even while he + reproved their requests. His manners were most affable, and he spoke with + so much politeness as to win all hearts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT03" id="link2H_SECT03"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III.—MADEMOISELLE DE FONTANGE. + </h2> + <p> + I had a Maid of Honour whose name was Beauvais; she was a very + well-disposed person: the King fell in love with her, but she remained + firm against all his attempts. He then turned his attention to her + companion, Fontange, who was also very pretty, but not very sensible. When + he first saw her he said, "There is a wolf that will not eat me;" and yet + he became very fond of her soon afterwards. Before she came to me she had + dreamt all that was to befall her, and a pious Capuchin explained her + dream to her. She told me of it herself long before she became the King's + mistress. She dreamt that she had ascended a high mountain, and, having + reached the summit, she was dazzled by an exceedingly bright cloud; then + on a sudden she found herself in such profound darkness that her terror at + this accident awoke her. When she told her confessor he said to her: "Take + care of yourself; that mountain is the Court, where some distinction + awaits you; it will, however, be but of short duration; if you abandon + your God He will forsake you and you will fall into eternal darkness." + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that Fontange died by poison; she accused Montespan of + being the cause of her death. A servant who had been bribed by that + favourite destroyed her and some of her people by means of poison mixed + with milk. Two of them died with her, and said publicly that they had been + poisoned. + </p> + <p> + Fontange was a stupid little creature, but she had a very good heart. She + was very red-haired, but, beautiful as an angel from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT04" id="link2H_SECT04"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV.-MADAME DE LA VALLIERE. + </h2> + <p> + When one of Madame de Montespan's children died, the King was deeply + affected; but he was not so at the death of the poor Comte de Vermandois + (the son of La Valliere). He could not bear him, because Montespan and + that old Maintenon had made him believe the youth was not his but the Duc + de Lauzun's child. It had been well if all the King's reputed children had + been as surely his as this was. Madame de La Valliere was no light + mistress, as her unwavering penitence sufficiently proved. She was an + amiable, gentle, kind and tender woman. Ambition formed no part of her + love for the King; she had a real passion for him, and never loved any + other person. It was at Montespan's instigation that the King behaved so + ill to her. The poor creature's heart was broken, but she imagined that + she could not make a sacrifice more agreeable to God than that which had + been the cause of her errors; and thought that her repentance ought to + proceed from the same source as her crime. She therefore remained, by way + of self-mortification, with Montespan, who, having a great portion of wit, + did not scruple to ridicule her publicly, behaved extremely ill to her, + and obliged the King to do the same. + </p> + <p> + He used to pass through La Valliere's chamber to go to Montespan's; and + one day, at the instigation of the latter, he threw a little spaniel, + which he had called Malice, at the Duchesse de La Valliere, saying: + "There, Madam, is your companion; that's all." + </p> + <p> + This was the more cruel, as he was then going direct to Montespan's + chamber. And yet La Valliere bore everything patiently; she was as + virtuous as Montespan was vicious. Her connection with the King might be + pardoned, when it was remembered that everybody had not only advised her + to it, but had even assisted to bring it about. The King was young, + handsome and gallant; she was, besides, very young; she was naturally + modest, and had a very good heart. She was very much grieved when she was + made a Duchess, and her children legitimated; before that she thought no + one knew she had had children. There was an inexpressible charm in her + countenance, her figure was elegant, her eyes were always in my opinion + much finer than Montespan's, and her whole deportment was unassuming. She + was slightly lame, but not so much as to impair her appearance. + </p> + <p> + When I first arrived in France she had not retired to the convent, but was + still in the Court. We became and continued very intimate until she took + the veil. I was deeply affected when this charming person took that + resolution; and, at the moment when the funeral pall was thrown over her, + I shed so many tears that I could see no more. She visited me after the + ceremony, and told me that I should rather congratulate than weep for her, + for that from that moment her happiness was to begin: she added that she + should never forget the kindness and friendship I had displayed towards + her, and which was so much more than she deserved. A short time afterwards + I went to see her. I was curious to know why she had remained so long in + the character of an attendant to Montespan. She told me that God had + touched her heart, and made her sensible of her crimes; that she felt she + ought to perform a penitence, and suffer that which would be most painful + to her, which was to love the King, and to be despised by him; that for + the three years after the King had ceased to love her she had suffered the + torments of the damned, and that she offered her sorrows to Heaven as the + expiation of her sins; and as her sins had been public, so should be her + repentance. She said she knew very well that she had been taken for a + fool, who was not sensible of anything; but that at the very period she + alluded to she suffered most, and continued to do so until God inspired + her with the resolution to abandon everything, and to serve Him alone, + which she had since put into execution; but that now she considered + herself unworthy, on account of her past life, to live in the society of + persons as pure and pious as the Carmelite Sisters. All this evidently + came from the heart. + </p> + <p> + From the time she became professed, she was entirely devoted to Heaven. I + often told her that she had only transposed her love, and had given to God + that which had formerly been the King's. She has said frequently that if + the King should come into the convent she would refuse to see him, and + would hide herself so that he could not find her. She was, however, spared + this pain, for the King not only never went, but seemed to have forgotten + her, as if he had never known her. + </p> + <p> + To accuse La Valliere of loving any one besides the King was wicked to the + last degree, but falsehoods cost Montespan but little. The Comte de + Vermandois was a good sort of young man, and loved me as if I had been his + mother. When his irregularities were first discovered,—[A more + particular account of these will be found hereafter.]—I was very + angry with him; and I had caused him to be told very seriously that if he + had behaved ill I should cease to have any regard for him. This grieved + him to the heart; he sent to me daily, and begged permission to say only a + few words to me. I was firm during four weeks; at length I permitted him + to come, when he threw himself at my feet, begged my pardon, promising to + amend his conduct, and beseeching me to restore him my friendship (without + which he said he could not exist), and to assist him again with my advice. + He told me the whole history of his follies, and convinced me that he had + been most grossly deluded. + </p> + <p> + When the Dauphine lay in of the Duke of Burgundy, I said to the King, "I + hope your Majesty will not upon this occasion refuse a humble request I + have to make to you." + </p> + <p> + He smiled and said, "What have you to ask, then?" + </p> + <p> + I replied, "The pardon, Monsieur, of the poor Comte de Vermandois." + </p> + <p> + He smiled once more, and said, "You are a very good friend; but as for M. + Vermandois, he has not been sufficiently punished for his crimes." + </p> + <p> + "The poor lad," I rejoined, "is so very penitent for his offence." + </p> + <p> + The King replied, "I do not yet feel myself inclined to see him; I am too + angry with him still." + </p> + <p> + Several months elapsed before the King would see him; but the young man + was very grateful to me for having spoken in his behalf; and my own + children could not be more attached to me than he was. He was well made, + but his appearance, though not disagreeable, was not remarkably good; he + squinted a little. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT05" id="link2H_SECT05"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V.—MADAME DE MONTESPAN + </h2> + <p> + The King at first could not bear Madame de Montespan,—[Daughter of + Gabriel de Roche Chouart, first Duc de Mortemart.]—and blamed + Monsieur and even the Queen for associating with her; yet, eventually, he + fell deeply in love with her himself. + </p> + <p> + She was more of an ambitious than a libertine woman, but as wicked as the + devil himself. Nothing could stand between her and the gratification of + her ambition, to which she would have made any sacrifice. Her figure was + ugly and clumsy, but her eyes bespoke great intelligence, though they were + somewhat too bright. Her mouth was very pretty and her smile uncommonly + agreeable. Her complexion was fairer than La Valliere's, her look was more + bold, and her general appearance denoted her intriguing temper. She had + very beautiful light hair, fine arms, and pretty hands, which La Valliere + had not. But the latter was always very neat, and Montespan was filthy to + the last degree. She was very amusing in conversation, and it was + impossible to be tired in talking with her. + </p> + <p> + The King did not regret Montespan more than he did La Fontange. The Duc + d'Antin, her only legitimate child, was also the only one who wept at her + death. When the King had the others legitimated, the mother's name was not + mentioned, so that it might appear Madame de Montespan was not their + mother. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Madame de Montespan had eight children by Louis XIV. The Duc du + Maine; Comte Vegin; Mademoiselle de Nantes, married to the Duc de + Bourbon; Mademoiselle de Tours, married to the Regent Duc d'Orleans; + the Comte de Toulouse, and two other sons who died young.] +</pre> + <p> + She was once present at a review, and as she passed before the German + soldiers they called out: + </p> + <p> + "Konigs Hure! Hure!" When the King asked her in the evening how she liked + the review, she said: "Very well, but only those German soldiers are so + simple as not to call things by their proper names, for I had their shouts + explained to me." + </p> + <p> + Madame de Montespan and her eldest daughter could drink a large quantity + of wine without being affected by it. I have seen them drink six bumpers + of the strong Turin Rosa Solis, besides the wine which they had taken + before. I expected to see them fall under the table, but, on the contrary, + it affected them no more than a draught of water. + </p> + <p> + It was Madame de Montespan who invented the 'robes battantes' for the + purpose of concealing her pregnancy, because it was impossible to discover + the shape in those robes. But when she wore them, it was precisely as if + she had publicly announced that which she affected to conceal, for + everybody at the Court used to say, "Madame de Montespan has put on her + robe battante, therefore she must be pregnant." I believe she did it on + purpose, hoping that it commanded more attention for her at Court, as it + really did. + </p> + <p> + It is quite true that she always had a Royal bodyguard, and it was fit + that she should, because the King was always in her apartments by day and + night. He transacted business there with his Ministers, but, as there were + several chambers, the lady was, nevertheless, quite at liberty to do as + she pleased, and the Marshal de Noailles, though a devout person, was + still a man. When she went out in a carriage, she had guards, lest her + husband should, as he had threatened, offer her some insult. + </p> + <p> + She caused the Queen great vexation, and it is quite true that she used to + ridicule her; but then she did the same to everybody besides. She, + however, never ventured upon any direct or remarkable impertinence to Her + Majesty, for the King would not have suffered it. + </p> + <p> + She had married one of her cousins, M. de Montpipeau, to Mademoiselle + Aubry, the daughter of a private citizen who was exceedingly rich. To + convince her that she had made a good match, Madame de Montespan had her + brought into her own small private room. The young lady was not accustomed + to very refined society, and the first time she went she seated herself + upon the table, and, crossing her legs, sat swinging there as if she had + been in her own chamber. The laugh which this excited cannot be conceived, + nor the comical manner in which Madame de Montespan turned it to the + King's amusement. The young lady thought that her new relation was + inclined to be favourable to her, and loaded her with compliments. In + general, Montespan had the skill of representing things so humourously + that it was impossible not to laugh at her. + </p> + <p> + According to the law of the land, all her children were supposed to be + Monsieur de Montespan's. When her husband was dangerously ill, Madame de + Montespan, who in some degree affected devotion, sent to ask him if he + would allow her to nurse him in his sickness. He replied that he would + very willingly, provided she would bring all his children home with her, + but if she left one behind he would not receive her. After this answer, + she took care not to go, for her husband was a great brute, and would have + said whatever he pleased as soon as she presented herself to him. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of the Comte de Toulouse, all the children she had by + the King are marked. The Duc du Maine is paralytic, Madame d'Orleans is + crooked, and Madame la Duchesse is lame. + </p> + <p> + M. de Montespan was not a very estimable person; he did nothing but play. + He was a very sordid man, and I believe if the King had chosen to give him + a good round sum he would have been very quiet. It was amusing enough to + see him and his son, d'Antin, playing with Madame d'Orleans and Madame la + Duchesse, and presenting the cards very politely, and kissing his hand to + the Princesses, who were called his own daughters. He thought it a joke + himself, and always turned aside a little to laugh in his sleeve. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT06" id="link2H_SECT06"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI.—MADAME DE MAINTENON. + </h2> + <p> + The marriage of Louis XIV. with old Maintenon proves how impossible it is + to escape one's fate. The King said one day to the Duc de Crequi and to M. + de La Rochefoucauld, long before he knew Mistress Scarron, "I am convinced + that astrology is false. I had my nativity cast in Italy, and I was told + that, after living to an advanced age, I should be in love with an old + ——- to the last moment of my existence. I do not think there + is any great likelihood of that." He laughed most heartily as he said + this; and yet the thing has taken place. + </p> + <p> + The history of Theodora, in Procopius, bears a singular resemblance to + that of Maintenon. In the history of Sweden, too, there is a similar + character in the person of Sigbritta, a Dutch woman, who lived during the + reign of Christian IL, King of Denmark, Sweden and Norway, who bears so + great a likeness to Maintenon that I was struck with it as soon as I read + it. I cannot imagine how they came to permit its publication. It is + fortunate for the Abbe Vertot, who is the author, that the King does not + love reading, otherwise he would certainly have been sent to the Bastille. + Several persons thought that the Abbe had invented it by way of a joke, + but he swears by all that is good that he found it in the annals of + Sweden. The old woman cannot have read it either, for she is too much + occupied in reading the letters written to her from Paris, relating all + that is going on there and at the Court. Sometimes the packets have + consisted of twenty or thirty sheets; she kept them or showed them to the + King, according as she liked or disliked the persons. + </p> + <p> + She was not deficient in wit, and could talk very well whenever she chose. + She did not like to be called La Marquise, but preferred the simpler and + shorter title of Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + She did not scruple to display openly the hatred she had for me. For + example, when the Queen of England came to Marly, and went out on foot or + in the carriage with the King, on their return the Queen, the Dauphine, + the Princess of England, and all the Princesses, went into the King's + room; I alone was excluded. + </p> + <p> + It was with great regret that I gave up my Maids of Honour. I had four, + sometimes five of them, with their governess and sub-governess; they + amused me very much, for they were all very gay. The old woman feared + there might be some among them to whom the King might take a fancy, as he + had done to Ludre and Fontange. I only kept my Maids of Honour a year + after the death of Monsieur. The King was always fond of the sex, and if + the old woman had not watched him very narrowly he would have slipped + through her fingers in spite of all his devotion. + </p> + <p> + She hated the Dauphine because the latter would not let her treat her like + a child, but wished to keep a Court and live as became her rank. This the + old woman could not and would not endure. She loved to set all things in + confusion, as she did afterwards with the second Dauphine, in the hope of + compelling the King to recognize and proclaim her as Queen; but this the + King never would do, notwithstanding all her artifices.— + </p> + <p> + [Other writers including Madame de Montespan put it just the opposite way + that the King wished to proclaim Maintenon Queen and she refused. D.W.] + </p> + <p> + Nobody at Court used perfumery except that old woman; her gloves were + always scented with jessamine. The King could not bear scent on any other + person, and only endured it in her because she made him believe that it + was somebody else who was perfumed. + </p> + <p> + If Madame des Ursins had not been protected by Madame de Maintenon, she + would have been ruined at Court long before the Queen of Spain dismissed + her, for in his heart the King disliked her excessively; but all those who + were supported by Madame de Maintenon were sure to triumph. + </p> + <p> + The old woman took great pains to conceal from the King all that could + give him pain; but she did not scruple to torment him incessantly about + the Constitution and those illegitimate children, whom she wished to raise + higher than the King desired. She teased him also with her hatred of my + son and myself, for he had no dislike to us. + </p> + <p> + Neither the Queen nor the first Dauphine nor myself ever received a + farthing; but this old Maintenon took money on all sides, and taught the + second Dauphine to do the same. Her example was followed by all the + others. + </p> + <p> + In the time of the Queen and the first Dauphine, everything at Court was + conducted with modesty and dignity. Those persons who indulged in secret + debaucheries at least kept up a respect for appearances; but from the time + that Maintenon's reign began, and the King's illegitimate children were + made a part of the Royal Family, all was turned topsy-turvy. + </p> + <p> + When she once conceived a hatred against any person it was for life, and + she never ceased secretly to persecute them, as I have personally + experienced. She has laid many snares for me, which by the help of + Providence I have always avoided. She was terribly annoyed by her first + husband, who kept her always shut up in his chamber. Many people say, too, + that she hastened the passage of poor Mansart into the other world. It is + quite certain that he was poisoned by means of green peas, and that he + died within three hours of eating them. She had learnt that on the same + day M. de Torcy was going to show the King certain papers containing an + account of the money which she had received from the post unknown to His + Majesty. The King never knew anything of this adventure nor of that of + Louvois, because, as people had no fancy for being poisoned, they held + their tongues. + </p> + <p> + Before she got into power, the Church of France was very reasonable; but + she spoiled everything by encouraging such follies and superstitions as + the rosaries and other things. When any reasonable men appeared, the old + woman and the Confessor had them banished or imprisoned. These two persons + were the causes of all the persecutions which the Lutherans and those of + the reformed religion underwent in France. Pere La Chaise, with his long + ears, began this worthy enterprise, and Pere Letellier completed it; + France was thus ruined in every way. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse de Bourbon was taught by her mother and her aunt, Mesdames de + Montespan and De Thiange, to ridicule everybody, under the pretext of + diverting the King. The children, who were always present, learnt nothing + else; and this practice was the universal dread of all persons in the + Court; but not more so than that of the gouvernante of the children + (Madame de Maintenon). Her habit was to treat things very seriously, and + without the least appearance of jesting. She used to speak ill of persons + to the King through charity and piety, for the sole purpose of correcting + the faults of her neighbours; and under this pretext she filled the King + with a bad opinion of the whole Court, solely that he might have no desire + for any other company than that of herself and her creatures, who were + alone perfect and without the slightest defect. What rendered her + disclosures the more dangerous was that they were frequently followed by + banishment, by 'lettres-de-cachet', and by imprisonment. When Montespan + was in power, at least there was nothing of this sort. Provided she could + amuse herself at the expense of all around her, she was content. + </p> + <p> + I have often heard Madame de Maintenon say, jestingly, "I have always been + either too far from, or too near to, greatness, to know exactly what it + is." + </p> + <p> + She could not forgive the King for not having proclaimed her Queen. She + put on such an appearance of humility and piety to the Queen of England + that she passed for a saint with her. The old woman knew very well that I + was a right German, and that I never could endure unequal alliances. She + fancied, therefore, that it was on my account the King was reluctant to + acknowledge his marriage with her, and this it was that made her hate me + so profoundly. From the time of the King's death and our departure from + Versailles my son has never once seen her. + </p> + <p> + She would never allow me to meddle with anything, because she feared it + would give me an opportunity of talking to the King. It was not that she + was jealous lest he should be fond of me, but she feared that, in speaking + according to my usual custom, freely and without restraint, I should open + the King's eyes and point out to him the folly of the life he was leading. + I had, however, no such intention. + </p> + <p> + All the mistresses the King had did not tarnish his reputation so much as + the old woman he married; from her proceeded all the calamities which have + since befallen France. It was she who excited the persecution against the + Protestants, invented the heavy taxes which raised the price of grain so + high, and caused the scarcity. She helped the Ministers to rob the King; + by means of the Constitution she hastened his death; she brought about my + son's marriage; she wanted to place bastards upon the throne; in short, + she ruined and confused everything. + </p> + <p> + Formerly the Court never went into mourning for children younger than six + years of age; but the Duc du Maine having lost a daughter only one year + old, the old woman persuaded the King to order a mourning, and since that + time it has been always worn for children of a year old. + </p> + <p> + The King always hated or loved as she chose to direct; it was not, + therefore, surprising that he could not bear Montespan, for all her + failings were displayed to him by the old woman, who was materially + assisted in this office by Montespan's eldest son, the Duc du Maine. In + her latter years she enjoyed a splendour which she could never have + dreamed of before; the Court looked upon her as a sort of divinity. + </p> + <p> + The old lady never failed to manifest her hatred of my son on all + occasions. She liked my husband no better than myself; and my son and my + daughter and her husband were equally objects of her detestation. She told + a lady once that her greatest fault was that of being attached to me. + Neither my son nor I had ever done her any injury. If Monsieur thought fit + to tell his niece, the Duchess of Burgundy, a part of Maintenon's history, + in the vexation he felt at her having estranged the Princess from him, and + not choosing that she should behave affectionately to her great-uncle, + that was not our fault. She was as jealous of the Dauphine as a lover is + of his mistress. + </p> + <p> + She was in the habit of saying, "I perceive there is a sort of vertigo at + present affecting the whole world." When she perceived that the harvest + had failed, she bought up all the corn she could get in the markets, and + gained by this means an enormous sum of money, while the poor people were + dying of famine. Not having a sufficient number of granaries, a large + quantity of this corn became rotten in the boats loaded with it, and it + was necessary to throw it into the river. The people said this was a just + judgment from Heaven. + </p> + <p> + My son made me laugh the other day. I asked him how Madame de Maintenon + was. + </p> + <p> + "Wonderfully well," he replied. + </p> + <p> + "That is surprising at her age," I said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he rejoined, "but do you not know that God has, by way, of + punishing the devil, doomed him to exist a certain number of years in that + ugly body?" + </p> + <p> + Montespan was the cause of the King's love for old Maintenon. In the first + place, when she wished to have her near her children, she shut her ears to + the stories which were told of the irregular life which the hussy had been + leading; she made everybody who spoke to the King about her, praise her; + her virtue and piety were cried up until the King was made to think that + all he had heard of her light conduct were lies, and in the end he most + firmly believed it. In the second place, Montespan was a creature full of + caprice, who had no control over herself, was passionately fond of + amusement, was tired whenever she was alone with the King, whom she loved + only, for the purposes of her own interest or ambition, caring very little + for him personally. To occupy him, and to prevent him from observing her + fondness for play and dissipation, she brought Maintenon. The King was + fond of a retired life, and would willingly have passed his time alone + with Montespan; he often reproached her with not loving him sufficiently, + and they quarrelled a great deal occasionally. Goody Scarron then + appeared, restored peace between them, and consoled the King. She, + however, made him remark more and more the bitter temper of Montespan; + and, affecting great devotion, she told the King that his affliction was + sent him by Heaven, as a punishment for the sins he had committed with + Montespan. She was eloquent, and had very fine eyes; by degrees the King + became accustomed to her, and thought she would effect his salvation. He + then made a proposal to her; but she remained firm, and gave him to + understand that, although he was very agreeable to her, she would not for + the whole world offend Heaven. This excited in the King so great an + admiration for her, and such a disgust to Madame de Montespan, that he + began to think of being converted. The old woman then employed her + creature, the Duc du Maine, to insinuate to his mother that, since the + King had taken other mistresses, for example, Ludres and Fontange, she had + lost her authority, and would become an object of contempt at Court. This + irritated her, and she was in a very bad humour when the King came. In the + meantime, Maintenon was incessantly censuring the King; she told him that + he would be damned if he did not live on better terms with the Queen. + Louis XIV. repeated this to his wife, who considered herself much obliged + to Madame de Maintenon: she treated her with marks of distinction, and + consented to her being appointed second dame d'atour to the Dauphine of + Bavaria; so that she had now nothing to do with Montespan. The latter + became furious, and related to the King all the particulars of the life of + Dame Scarron. But the King, knowing her to be an arrant fiend, who would + spare no one in her passion, would not believe anything she said to him. + The Duc du Maine persuaded his mother to retire from Court for a short + time in order that the King might recall her. Being fond of her son, and + believing him to be honest in the advice he gave her, she went to Paris, + and wrote to the King that she would never come back. The Duc du Maine + immediately sent off all her packages after her without her knowledge; he + even had her furniture thrown out of the window, so that she could not + come back to Versailles. She had treated the King so ill and so unkindly + that he was delighted at being rid of her, and he did not care by what + means. If she had remained longer, the King, teased as he was, would + hardly have been secure against the transports of her passion. The Queen + was extremely grateful to Maintenon for having been the means of driving + away Montespan and bringing back the King to the marriage-bed; an + arrangement to which, like an honest Spanish lady, she had no sort of + objection. With that goodness of heart which was so remarkable in her, she + thought she was bound to do something for Madame de Maintenon, and + therefore consented to her being appointed dame d'atour. It was not until + shortly before her death that she learnt she had been deceived by her. + After the Queen's death, Louis XIV. thought he had gained a triumph over + the very personification of virtue in overcoming the old lady's scruples; + he used to visit her every afternoon, and she gained such an influence + over him as to induce him to marry. + </p> + <p> + Madame la Marechale de Schomberg had a niece, Mademoiselle d'Aumale, whom + her parents had placed at St. Cyr during the King's life. She was ugly, + but possessed great wit, and succeeded in amusing the King so well that + the old Maintenon became disturbed at it. She picked a quarrel with her, + and wanted to send her again to the convent. But the King opposed this, + and made the old lady bring her back. When the King died, Mademoiselle + d'Aumale would not stay any longer with Madame de Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + When the Dauphine first arrived, she did not know a soul. Her household + was formed before she came. She did not know who Maintenon was; and when + Monsieur explained it to her a year or two afterwards, it was too late to + resist. The Dauphin used at first to laugh at the old woman, but as he was + amorous of one of the Dauphine's Maids of Honour, and consequently was + acquainted with the gouvernante of the Maids of Honour, Montchevreuil, a + creature of Maintenon's, that old fool set her out in very fair colours. + Madame de Maintenon did not scruple to estrange the Dauphin from the + Dauphine, and very piously to sell him first Rambure and afterwards La + Force. + </p> + <p> + 18th April, 1719—To-day I will begin my letter with the story of + Madame de Ponikau, in Saxony. One day during her lying-in, as she was + quite alone, a little woman dressed in the ancient French fashion came + into the room and begged her to permit a party to celebrate a wedding, + promising that they would take care it should be when she was alone. + Madame de Ponikau having consented, one day a company of dwarfs of both + sexes entered her chamber. They brought with them a little table, upon + which a good dinner, consisting of a great number of dishes, was placed, + and round which all the wedding guests took their seats. In the midst of + the banquet, one of the little waiting-maids ran in, crying, + </p> + <p> + "Thank Heaven, we have escaped great perplexity. The old ——- + is dead." + </p> + <p> + It is the same here, the old is dead. She quitted this world at St. Cyr, + on Saturday last, the 15th day of April, between four and five o'clock in + the evening. The news of the Duc du Maine and his wife being arrested made + her faint, and was probably the cause of her death, for from that time she + had not a moment's repose or content. Her rage, and the annihilation of + her hopes of reigning with him, turned her blood. She fell sick of the + measles, and was for twenty days in great fever. The disorder then took an + unfavourable turn, and she died. She had concealed two years of her age, + for she pretended to be only eighty-four, while she was really eighty-six + years old. I believe that what grieved her most in dying was to quit the + world, and leave me and my son behind her in good health. When her + approaching death was announced to her, she said, "To die is the least + event of my life." The sums which her nephew and niece De Noailles + inherited from her were immense; but the amount cannot be ascertained, + because she had concealed a large part of her wealth. + </p> + <p> + A cousin of hers, the Archbishop of Rouen, who created so much trouble + with respect to the Constitution, followed his dear cousin into the other + world exactly a week afterwards, on the same day, and at the same hour. + </p> + <p> + Nobody, knows what the King said to Maintenon on his death bed. She had + retired to St. Cyr before he died. They fetched her back, but she did not + stay, to the end. I think the King repented of his folly in having married + her, and, indeed, notwithstanding all her contrivances, she could not + persuade him to declare their marriage. She wept for the King's death, but + was not so deeply afflicted as she ought to have been. She always + flattered herself with the hope of reigning together with the Duc du + Maine. + </p> + <p> + From the beginning to the end of their connection, the King's society was + always irksome to her, and she did not scruple to say so to her own + relations. She had before been much accustomed to the company of men, but + afterwards dared see none but the King, whom she never loved, and his + Ministers. This made her ill-tempered, and she did not fail to make those + persons who were within her power feel its effects. My son and I have had + our share of it. She thought only of two things, her ambition and her + amusement. The old sorceress never loved any one but her favourite, the + Duc du Maine. Perceiving that the Dauphine was desirous of acting for + herself and profiting by the king's favour, that she ridiculed her to her + attendants, and seemed not disposed to yield to her domination, she + withdrew her attention from her; and if the Dauphine had not possessed + great influence with the King, Maintenon would have turned round upon her + former favourite; she was therefore very soon consoled for this Princess's + death. She thought to have the King entirely at her disposal through the + Duc du Maine, and it was for this reason that she relied so much upon him, + and was so deeply afflicted at his imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + She was not always so malicious, but her wickedness increased with her + years. For us it had been well that she had died twenty years before, but + for the honour of the late King that event ought to have taken place + thirty-three years back, for, if I do not mistake, she was married to the + King two years after the Queen's death, which happened five-and-thirty + years ago. + </p> + <p> + If she had not been so outrageously inveterate against me, she could have + done me much more injury with the King, but she set about it too + violently; this caused the King to perceive that it was mere malice, and + therefore it had no effect. There were three reasons why she hated me + horribly. The first was, that the King treated me favourably. I was + twenty-five years of age when she came into power; she saw that, instead + of suffering myself to be governed by her, I would have my own way, and, + as the King was kind to me, that I should undeceive him and counsel him + not to suffer himself to be blindly led by so worthless a person. The + second reason was that, knowing how much I must disapprove of her marriage + with the King, she imagined I should always be an obstacle to her being + proclaimed Queen; and the third was, that I had always taken the + Dauphine's part whenever Maintenon had mortified her. The poor Dauphine + did not know what to do with Maintenon, who possessed the King's heart, + and was acquainted with all his intentions. Notwithstanding all the favour + she enjoyed, the old lady was somewhat timid. If the Dauphine could have + summoned courage to threaten Maintenon, as I advised her, to hint that her + previous life was well known, and that unless she behaved better to the + Dauphine the latter would expose her to the King, but that if, on the + contrary, she would live quietly and on good terms, silence should be + kept, then Maintenon would have pursued a very different conduct. That + wicked Bessola always prevented this, because then she would have had no + more tales to tell. + </p> + <p> + One day I found the Dauphine in the greatest distress and drowned in + tears, because the old woman had threatened to make her miserable, to have + Madame du Maine preferred to her, to make her odious to the whole Court + and to the King besides. I laughed when she told me all this. + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible," I said, "with so much sense and courage as you possess + that you will suffer this old hag to frighten you thus? You can have + nothing to fear: you are the Dauphine, the first person in the kingdom; no + one can do you any mischief without the most serious cause. When, + therefore, they threaten you, answer boldly: 'I do not fear pour menaces; + Madame de Maintenon is too much beneath me, and the King is too just to + condemn without hearing me. If you compel me I will speak to him myself, + and we shall see whether he will protect me or not.'" + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine was not backward in repeating this word for word. The old + woman immediately said, "This is not your own speech; this proceeds from + Madame's bad advice; you have not courage enough to think thus for + yourself; however, we shall see whether Madame's friendship will be + profitable to you or not." But from that time forth she never threatened + the Princess. She had introduced the name of the Duchesse du Maine + adroitly enough in her threats to the Dauphine, because, having educated + the Duke, she thought her power at Court unlimited, and wished to chew + that she could prefer the last Princess of the blood before the first + person in France, and that therefore it was expedient to submit to her and + obey her. But Bessola, who was jealous of me, and could not bear that the + Dauphine should confide in me, had been bought over by the old woman, to + whom she betrayed us, and told her all that I had said to console the + Princess; she was commissioned, besides, to torment and intimidate her + mistress as much as possible, and acquitted herself to a miracle, + terrifying her to death, and at the same time seeming to act only from + attachment, and to be entirely devoted to her. The poor Dauphine never + distrusted this woman, who had been educated with her, and had accompanied + her to France; she did not imagine that falsehood and perfidy existed to + such an extent as this infernal creature carried them. I was perfectly + amazed at it. I opposed Bessola, and did all I could to console the + Dauphine and to alleviate her vexation. She told me when she was dying + that I had prolonged her life by two years by inspiring her with courage. + My exertions, however, procured for me Maintenon's cordial hatred, which + lasted to the end of her life. Although the Dauphine might have something + to reproach herself with, she was not to be taken to task for it by that + old woman, for who had ever led a less circumspect life than she? In + public, or when we were together, she never said anything unpleasant to + me, for she knew that I would not have failed to answer her properly, as I + knew her whole life. Villarceaux had told me more of her than I desired to + know. + </p> + <p> + When the King was talking to me on his death-bed she turned as red as + fire. + </p> + <p> + "Go away, Madame," said she; "the King is too much affected while he talks + to you; it may do him harm. Pray go away." + </p> + <p> + As I went out she followed me and said, "Do not think, Madame, that I have + ever done you an ill turn with the King." + </p> + <p> + I answered her with tears, for I thought I should choke with grief: + "Madame, do not let us talk upon that subject," and so quitted her. + </p> + <p> + That humpbacked old Fagon, her favourite, used to say that he disliked + Christianity because it would not allow him to build a temple to Maintenon + and an altar to worship her. + </p> + <p> + The only trait in her character that I can find to praise is her conduct + to Montchevreuil; although she was a wicked old devil, Maintenon had + reason to love her and be kind to her, for she had fed and clothed her + when Maintenon was in great want. + </p> + <p> + I believe the old woman would not procure for Madame de Dangeau the + privilege of the tabouret, only because she was a German and of good + family. She once had two young girls from Strasbourg brought to Court, and + made them pass for Countesses Palatine, placing them in the office of + attendants upon her nieces. I did not know a word of it until the Dauphine + came to tell it me with tears in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + I said to her, "Do not disturb yourself, leave me alone to act; when I + have a good reason for what I do, I despise the old witch." + </p> + <p> + When I saw from my window the niece walking with these German girls, I + went into the garden and met them. I called one of them, and asked her who + she was. She told me, boldly, that she was a Countess Palatine of + Lutzelstein. + </p> + <p> + "By the left hand?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "No," she replied, "I am not illegitimate; the young Count Palatine + married my mother, who is of the house of Gehlen." + </p> + <p> + "In that case," I said, "you cannot be Countess Palatine; for we never + allow such unequal marriages to hold good. I will tell you, moreover, that + you lie when you say that the Count Palatine married your mother; she is a + ——-, and the Count has married her no more than a hundred + others have done; I know her lawful husband is a hautboy-player. If you + presume, in future, to pass yourself off as a Countess Palatine I will + have you stripped; let me never again hear anything of this; but if you + will follow my advice, and take your proper name, I shall not reproach + you. And now you see what you have to choose between." + </p> + <p> + The girl took this so much to heart that she died some days afterwards. As + for the second, she was sent to a boarding-house in Paris, where she + became as bad as her mother; but as she changed her name I did not trouble + myself any further about her. + </p> + <p> + I told the Dauphine what I had done, who was very much obliged to me, and + confessed she should not have had courage enough to do it herself. She + feared that the King would be displeased with me; but he only said to me, + jestingly, "One must not play tricks with you about your family, for it + seems to be a matter of life or death with you." + </p> + <p> + I replied, "I hate lies." + </p> + <p> + There was a troop of Italian players who had got up a comedy called "The + Pretended Prude." When I learnt they were going to represent it, I sent + for them and told them not to do so. It was in vain; they played it, and + got a great deal of money by it; but they were afterwards sent away in + consequence. They then came to me and wanted me to intercede for them; but + I said, "Why did you not take my advice?" It was said they hit off the + character of Maintenon with the most amusing fidelity. I should have liked + to see it, but I would not go lest the old woman should have told the King + that I had planned it out of ill-will to her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT07" id="link2H_SECT07"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII.—THE QUEEN—CONSORT OF LOUIS XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Our Queen was excessively ignorant, but the kindest and most virtuous + woman in the world; she had a certain greatness in her manner, and knew + how to hold a Court extremely well. She believed everything the King told + her, good or bad. Her teeth were very ugly, being black and broken. It was + said that this proceeded from her being in the constant habit of taking + chocolate; she also frequently ate garlic. She was short and fat, and her + skin was very white. When she was not walking or dancing she seemed much + taller. She ate frequently and for a long time; but her food was always + cut in pieces as small as if they were for a singing bird. She could not + forget her country, and her manners were always remarkably Spanish. She + was very fond of play; she played basset, reversis, ombre, and sometimes a + little primero; but she never won because she did not know how to play. + </p> + <p> + She had such as affection for the King that she used to watch his eyes to + do whatever might be agreeable to him; if he only looked at her kindly she + was in good spirits for the rest of the day. She was very glad when the + King quitted his mistresses for her, and displayed so much satisfaction + that it was commonly remarked. She had no objection to being joked upon + this subject, and upon such occasions used to laugh and wink and rub her + little hands. + </p> + <p> + One day the Queen, after having conversed for half-an-hour with the Prince + Egon de Furstemberg,—[Cardinal Furstemberg, Bishop of Strasbourg.]—took + me aside and said to me, "Did you know what M. de Strasbourg has been + saying? I have not understood him at all." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes afterwards the Bishop said to me, "Did your Royal Highness + hear what the Queen said to me? I have not comprehended a single word." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said I, "why did you answer her." + </p> + <p> + "I thought," he replied, "that it would have been indecorous to have + appeared not to understand Her Majesty." + </p> + <p> + This made me laugh so much that I was obliged precipitately to quit the + Chamber. + </p> + <p> + The Queen died of an abscess under her arm. Instead of making it burst, + Fagon, who was unfortunately then her physician, had her blooded; this + drove in the abscess, the disorder attacked her internally, and an emetic, + which was administered after her bleeding, had the effect of killing the + Queen. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon who blooded her said, "Have you considered this well, Sir? It + will be the death of my Mistress!" + </p> + <p> + Fagon replied, "Do as I bid you." + </p> + <p> + Gervais, the surgeon, wept, and said to Fagon, "You have resolved, then, + that my Mistress shall die by my hand!" + </p> + <p> + Fagon had her blooded at eleven o'clock; at noon he gave her an emetic, + and three hours afterwards she was dead. It may be truly said that with + her died all the happiness of France. The King was deeply grieved by this + event, which that old villain Fagon brought about expressly for the + purpose of confirming that mischievous old woman's fortune. + </p> + <p> + After the Queen's death I also happened to have an abscess. Fagon did all + he could to make the King recommend me to be blooded; but I said to him, + in His Majesty's presence, "No, I shall do no such thing. I shall treat + myself according to my own method; and if you had done the same to the + Queen she would have been alive now. I shall suffer the abscess to gather, + and then I shall have it opened." I did so, and soon got well. + </p> + <p> + The King said very kindly to me, "Madame, I am afraid you will kill + yourself." + </p> + <p> + I replied, laughing, "Your Majesty is too good to me, but I am quite + satisfied with not having followed my physician's advice, and you will + soon see that I shall do very well." + </p> + <p> + After my convalescence I said at table, in presence of my two doctors, + Daguin, who was then first physician, and Fagon, who succeeded him upon + his being disgraced, "Your Majesty sees that I was right to have my own + way; for I am quite well, notwithstanding all the wise sayings and + arguments of these gentlemen." + </p> + <p> + They were a little confused, but put it off with a laugh; and Fagon said + to me,— + </p> + <p> + "When folks are as robust as you, Madame, they may venture to risk + somewhat." + </p> + <p> + I replied, "If I am robust, it is because I never take medicine but on + urgent occasions." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 2. + </h2> + <p> + Philippe I., Duc d'Orleans Philippe II., Duc d'Orleans, Regent of France + The Affairs of the Regency The Duchesse d'Orleans, Consort of the Regent + The Dauphine, Princess of Bavaria. Adelaide of Savoy, the Second Dauphine + The First Dauphin The Duke of Burgundy, the Second Dauphin Petite Madame + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT08" id="link2H_SECT08"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII.—PHILIPPE I., DUC D'ORLEANS. + </h2> + <p> + Cardinal Mazarin perceiving that the King had less readiness than his + brother, was apprehensive lest the latter should become too learned; he + therefore enjoined the preceptor to let him play, and not to suffer him to + apply to his studies. + </p> + <p> + "What can you be thinking of, M. la Mothe le Vayer," said the Cardinal; + "would you try to make the King's brother a clever man? If he should be + more wise than his brother, he would not be qualified for implicit + obedience." + </p> + <p> + Never were two brothers more totally different in their appearance than + the King and Monsieur. The King was tall, with light hair; his mien was + good and his deportment manly. Monsieur, without having a vulgar air, was + very small; his hair and eye-brows were quite black, his eyes were dark, + his face long and narrow, his nose large, his mouth small, and his teeth + very bad; he was fond of play, of holding drawing-rooms, of eating, + dancing and dress; in short, of all that women are fond of. The King loved + the chase, music and the theatre; my husband rather affected large parties + and masquerades: his brother was a man of great gallantry, and I do not + believe my husband was ever in love during his life. He danced well, but + in a feminine manner; he could not dance like a man because his shoes were + too high-heeled. Excepting when he was with the army, he would never get + on horseback. The soldiers used to say that he was more afraid of being + sun-burnt and of the blackness of the powder than of the musket-balls; and + it was very true. He was very fond of building. Before he had the Palais + Royal completed, and particularly the grand apartment, the place was, in + my opinion, perfectly horrible, although in the Queen-mother's time it had + been very much admired. He was so fond of the ringing of bells that he + used to go to Paris on All Souls' Day for the purpose of hearing the + bells, which are rung during the whole of the vigils on that day he liked + no other music, and was often laughed at for it by his friends. He would + join in the joke, and confess that a peal of bells delighted him beyond + all expression. He liked Paris better than any other place, because his + secretary was there, and he lived under less restraint than at Versailles. + He wrote so badly that he was often puzzled to read his own letters, and + would bring them to me to decipher them. + </p> + <p> + "Here, Madame," he used to say, laughing, "you are accustomed to my + writing; be so good as to read me this, for I really cannot tell what I + have been writing." We have often laughed at it. + </p> + <p> + He was of a good disposition enough, and if he had not yielded so entirely + to the bad advice of his favourites, he would have been the best master in + the world. I loved him, although he had caused me a great deal of pain; + but during the last three years of his life that was totally altered. I + had brought him to laugh at his own weakness, and even to take jokes + without caring for them. From the period that I had been calumniated and + accused, he would suffer no one again to annoy me; he had the most perfect + confidence in me, and took my part so decidedly, that his favourites dared + not practise against me. But before that I had suffered terribly. I was + just about to be happy, when Providence thought fit to deprive me of my + poor husband. For thirty years I had been labouring to gain him to myself, + and, just as my design seemed to be accomplished, he died. He had been so + much importuned upon the subject of my affection for him that he begged me + for Heaven's sake not to love him any longer, because it was so + troublesome. I never suffered him to go alone anywhere without his express + orders. + </p> + <p> + The King often complained that he had not been allowed to converse + sufficiently with people in his youth; but taciturnity was a part of his + character, for Monsieur, who was brought up with him, conversed with + everybody. The King often laughed, and said that Monsieur's chattering had + put him out of conceit with talking. We used to joke Monsieur upon his + once asking questions of a person who came to see him. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose, Monsieur," said he, "you come from the army?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Monsieur," replied the visitor, "I have never joined it." + </p> + <p> + "You arrive here, then, from your country house?" + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, I have no country house." + </p> + <p> + "In that case, I imagine you are living at Paris with your family?" + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur, I am not married." + </p> + <p> + Everybody present at this burst into a laugh, and Monsieur in some + confusion had nothing more to say. It is true that Monsieur was more + generally liked at Paris than the King, on account of his affability. When + the King, however, wished to make himself agreeable to any person, his + manners were the most engaging possible, and he won people's hearts much + more readily than my husband; for the latter, as well as my son, was too + generally civil. He did not distinguish people sufficiently, and behaved + very well only to those who were attached to the Chevalier de Lorraine and + his favourites. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur was not of a temper to feel any sorrow very deeply. He loved his + children too well even to reprove them when they deserved it; and if he + had occasion to make complaints of them, he used to come to me with them. + </p> + <p> + "But, Monsieur," I have said, "they are your children as well as mine, why + do you not correct them?" + </p> + <p> + He replied, "I do not know how to scold, and besides they would not care + for me if I did; they fear no one but you." + </p> + <p> + By always threatening the children with me, he kept them in constant fear + of me. He estranged them from me as much as possible, but he left me to + exercise more authority over my elder daughter and over the Queen of + Sicily than over my son; he could not, however, prevent my occasionally + telling them what I thought. My daughter never gave me any cause to + complain of her. Monsieur was always jealous of the children, and was + afraid they would love me better than him: it was for this reason that he + made them believe I disapproved of almost all they did. I generally + pretended not to see this contrivance. + </p> + <p> + Without being really fond of any woman, Monsieur used to amuse himself all + day in the company of old and young ladies to please the King: in order + not to be out of the Court fashion, he even pretended to be amorous; but + he could not keep up a deception so contrary to his natural inclination. + Madame de Fiennes said to him one day, "You are in much more danger from + the ladies you visit, than they are from you." It was even said that + Madame de Monaco had attempted to give him some violent proofs of her + affection. He pretended to be in love with Madame de Grancey; but if she + had had no other lover than Monsieur she might have preserved her + reputation. Nothing culpable ever passed between them; and he always + endeavoured to avoid being alone with her. She herself said that whenever + they happened to be alone he was in the greatest terror, and pretended to + have the toothache or the headache. They told a story of the lady asking + him to touch her, and that he put on his gloves before doing so. I have + often heard him rallied about this anecdote, and have often laughed at it. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Grancey was one of the most foolish women in the world. She was + very handsome at the time of my arrival in France, and her figure was as + good as her face; besides, she was not so much disregarded by others as by + my husband; for, before the Chevalier de Lorraine became her lover, she + had had a child. I knew well that nothing had passed between Monsieur and + Grancey, and I was never jealous of them; but I could not endure that she + should derive a profit from my household, and that no person could + purchase an employment in it without paying a douceur to her. I was also + often indignant at her insolence to me, and at her frequently embroiling + me with Monsieur. It was for these reasons, and not from jealousy, as was + fancied by those who knew nothing about it, that I sometimes sharply + reprimanded her. The Chevalier de Lorraine, upon his return from Rome, + became her declared lover. It was through his contrivances, and those of + D'Effiat, that she was brought into the house of Monsieur, who really + cared nothing about her. Her continued solicitations and the behaviour of + the Chevalier de Lorraine had so much disgusted Monsieur, that if he had + lived he would have got rid of them both. + </p> + <p> + He had become tired of the Chevalier de Lorraine because he had found out + that his attachment to him proceeded from interested motives. When + Monsieur, misled by his favourites, did something which was neither just + nor expedient, I used to say to him, "Out of complaisance to the Chevalier + de Lorraine, you put your good sense into your pocket, and button it up so + tight that it cannot be seen." + </p> + <p> + After my husband's death I saw Grancey only once; I met her in the garden. + When she ceased to be handsome, she fell into utter despair; and so great + a change took place in her appearance that no one would have known her. + Her nose, before so beautiful, grew long and large, and was covered with + pimples, over each of which she put a patch; this had a very singular + effect; the red and white paint, too, did not adhere to her face. Her eyes + were hollow and sunken, and the alteration which this had caused in her + face cannot be imagined. In Spain they, lock up all the ladies at night, + even to the septuagenary femmes de chambre. When Grancey followed our + Queen to Spain as dame d'atour, she was locked up in the evening, and was + in great grief about it. + </p> + <p> + When she was dying, she cried, "Ah, mon Dieu, must I die, who have never + once thought of death?" + </p> + <p> + She had never done anything but sit at play with her lovers until five or + six o'clock in the morning, feast, and smoke tobacco, and follow + uncontrolled her natural inclinations. + </p> + <p> + When she reached her climacteric, she said, in despair, "Alas, I am + growing old, I shall have no more children." + </p> + <p> + This was exceedingly amusing; and her friends, as well as her enemies, + laughed at it. She once had a high dispute with Madame de Bouillon. One + evening, Grancey chose to hide herself in one of the recesses formed by + the windows in the chamber of the former lady, who, not thinking she was + heard, conversed very freely with the Marquise d'Allure, respecting the + libertine life of Grancey; in the course of which she said several strange + things respecting the treatment which her lovers had experienced from her. + Grancey at length rushed out, and fell to abusing Madame de Bouillon like + a Billingsgate. The latter was not silent, and some exceedingly elegant + discourse passed between them. Madame de Bouillon made a complaint against + Grancey; in the first place, for having listened to her conversation; and + in the second, for having insulted her in her own house. Monsieur reproved + Grancey; told her that she had brought this inconvenience upon herself by + her own indiscretion, and ordered her to be reconciled with her adversary. + </p> + <p> + "How can I," said Grancey, "be reconciled to Madame de Bouillon, after all + the wicked things she has said about me?" But after a moment's reflection + she added, "Yes, I can, for she did not say I was ugly." + </p> + <p> + They afterwards embraced, and made it up. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ......................................... +</pre> + <p> + Monsieur was taken ill at ten o'clock at night, but he did not die until + the next day at noon. I can never think of this night without horror. I + remained with him from ten at night until five the next morning, when he + lost all consciousness.—[The Duc d'Orleans died of apoplexy on the + 9th June, 1701] + </p> + <p> + The Electors of Germany would not permit Monsieur to write to them in the + same style as the King did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT09" id="link2H_SECT09"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX.—PHILIPPE II., DUC D' ORLEANS, REGENT OF FRANCE. + </h2> + <p> + From the age of fourteen to that of fifteen years, my son was not ugly; + but after that time he became very much sun-burnt in Italy and Spain. Now, + however, he is too ruddy; he is fat, but not tall, and yet he does not + seem disagreeable to me. The weakness of his eyes causes him sometimes to + squint. When he dances or is on horseback he looks very well, but he walks + horridly ill. In his childhood he was so delicate that he could not even + kneel without falling, through weakness; by degrees, however, his strength + improved. He loads his stomach too much at table; he has a notion that it + is good to make only one meal; instead of dinner, he takes only one cup of + chocolate, so that by supper he is extremely hungry and thirsty. In answer + to whatever objections are made to this regimen, he says he cannot do + business after eating. When he gets tipsy, it is not with strong + potations, but with Champagne or Tokay. He is not very fond of the chase. + The weakness of his sight arose from an accident which befell him at the + age of four years, and which was something like an apoplexy. He sees well + enough near, and can read the smallest writing; but at the distance of + half the room he cannot distinguish persons without a glass. He had an + application of a powder to that eye which is worst, and, although it had + caused intolerable pain to every other person who had used it, it seemed + to have no effect upon him, for he laughed and chatted as usual. He found + some benefit from this; but W. Gendron was too severe for him. That + physician forbade the petits-soupers and the amusements which usually + followed them; this was not agreeable to my son, and those who used to + frequent them to their own advantage; they therefore persuaded him to + adopt some other remedies which almost deprived him of sight. For the last + forty years (1719), that is to say since the accident happened, the month + of October has never elapsed without his health and eyesight being + affected towards the 21st in some way or other. + </p> + <p> + He was only seventeen years old when he was married. If he had not been + threatened with imprisonment in the old castle of Villers-Cotterets, and + if hopes had not been given him of seeing the Duchesse de Bourbon as he + wished, they could not have induced him to form this accursed marriage. It + is my son's unlucky destiny to have for a wife a woman who is desirous of + ruling everything with her brothers. It is commonly said, that where one + sins there one suffers; and thus it has happened to my son with respect to + his wife and his brothers-in-law. If he had not inflicted upon me the + deepest vexation by uniting himself with this low race, he might now speak + to them boldly. I never quarrelled with my son; but he was angry with me + about this marriage, which he had contracted against my inclination. + </p> + <p> + As I sincerely love him, I have forgotten it; and I do not believe that we + shall ever quarrel in future. When I have anything to say about his + conduct, I say it openly, and there is an end of it. He behaves to me very + respectfully. I did all in my power to prevent his marriage; but since it + did take place, and with his consent, though without mine, I wish now only + for his tranquillity. His wife fancies that she has done him an honour in + marrying him, because he is only the son of the brother of a king, while + she is the daughter of a king; but she will not perceive that she is also + the daughter of a ——-. He was obliged to put down all his + feelings of nobility; and if I had a hundred crowns for as many times as + he has since repented it, I could almost buy France for the King, and pay + his debts. My son visits his wife every day, and when she is in good + humour he stays with her a long time; but when she is ill-tempered, which, + unfortunately, happens too often, he goes away without saying anything. I + have every reason to be satisfied with him; he lives on very good terms + with me, and I have no right to complain of his conduct; but I see that he + does not repose much confidence in me, and I know many persons to whom he + is more communicative. + </p> + <p> + I love my son with all my heart; but I cannot see how any one else can, + for his manners are little calculated to inspire love. In the first place, + he is incapable of the passion, or of being attached to any one for a long + time; in the second, he is not sufficiently polished and gallant to make + love, but sets about it rudely and coarsely; in the third, he is very + indiscreet, and tells plainly all that he has done. + </p> + <p> + I have said to him a hundred times, "I wonder how any woman can run after + you, whom they ought rather to fly from." + </p> + <p> + He would reply, laughing, "Ah! you do not know the libertine women of the + present day; provided they are talked of, they are satisfied." + </p> + <p> + There was an affair of gallantry, but a perfectly honourable one, between + him and the Queen of Spain. I do not know whether he had the good fortune + to be agreeable to her, but I know he was not at all in love with her. He + thought her mien and figure good, but neither her manners nor her face + were agreeable to him. + </p> + <p> + He was not in any degree romantic, and, not knowing how to conduct himself + in this affair, he said to the Duc de Grammont, "You understand the manner + of Spanish gallantry; pray tell me a little what I ought to say and do." + </p> + <p> + He could not, however, suit the fancy of the Queen, who was for pure + gallantry; those who were less delicate he was better suited for, and for + this reason it was said that libertine women used to run after him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ............................... +</pre> + <p> + He never denied that he was indiscreet and inconstant. Being one day with + me at the theatre, and hearing Valere say he was tired of his mistress, + "That has been my case often," he cried. I told him he never was in love + in his life, and that what he called love was mere debauchery. + </p> + <p> + He replied, "It is very true that I am not a hero of romance, and that I + do not make love like a Celadon, but I love in my way." + </p> + <p> + "Your way," I said, "is an extremely gross one." . . . This made him + laugh. + </p> + <p> + He likes the business of his gallantry to be conducted with beat of drum, + without the least refinement. He reminds me of the old Patriarchs, who + were surrounded by women. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ............................ +</pre> + <p> + All women do not please him alike. He does not like fine airs so well as + profligate manners: the opera-house dancers are his favourites. The women + run after him from mere interest, for he pays them well. A pleasant enough + adventure happened last winter: + </p> + <p> + A young and pretty woman visited my son in his cabinet; he presented her + with a diamond of the value of 2,000 Louis and a box worth 200. This woman + had a jealous husband, but she had effrontery enough to shew him the + jewels which she said had been offered to her a great bargain by persons + who wanted the money, and she begged him not to let such an opportunity + slip. The credulous husband gave her the money she asked for. She thanked + him, put the box in her dressing-case and the diamond on her finger, and + displayed it in the best company. + </p> + <p> + When she was asked where she got the ring and the bog, "M. de Parabere + gave them to me," she said; and he, who happened to be present, added, + "Yes, I gave them to her; can one do less when one has for a wife a lady + of quality who loves none but her husband?" + </p> + <p> + This caused some mirth; for other people were not so simple as the + husband, and knew very well where the presents came from. If my son has a + queen-sultana, it is this Madame de Parabere. Her mother, Madame de la + Vieuville, was dame d'atour to the Duchesse de Berri.—[Marie-Madeline + de la Vieuville, Comtesse de la Parabere; it was she whom the Regent used + to call "his little black crow."]—It was there that my son first + became acquainted with the daughter, who is now a widow: she is of a + slight figure, dark complexion, and never paints; her eyes and mouth are + pretty; she is not very sensible, but is a desirable little person. My son + says he likes her because she thinks of nothing but amusing herself, and + never interferes with other affairs. That would be very well if she were + not a drunkard, and if she did not make my son eat and drink so much, and + take him to a farm which she has at Anieres, and where he sometimes sups + with her and the country folks. It is said that he becomes a little + jealous of Parabere, in which case he must love her more than he has done + yet. I often tell him that, if he really loved, he would not suffer his + mistresses to run after others, and to commit such frequent infidelities. + He replied that there was no such thing as love except in romances. He + broke with Seri, because, as he said, she wanted him to love her like an + Arcadian. He has often made me laugh at his complaining of this seriously, + and with an air of great affliction. + </p> + <p> + "Why do you disturb yourself?" I have said to him; "if that is not + agreeable to you, leave her alone. You are not obliged to feign a love + which you do not feel." + </p> + <p> + This convinces me, however, that my son is incapable of love. He willingly + eats, drinks, sings, and amuses himself with his mistresses, but to love + one of them more than another is not his way. He is not afraid of + application; but when he has been actively engaged from morning till night + he is glad to divert himself at supper with such persons. It is for this + reason that Parabere, who is said to be a great fool, is so agreeable to + him. She eats and drinks astonishingly, and plays absurd tricks, which + divert him and make him forget his labour. + </p> + <p> + My son, it must be allowed, possesses some great qualities. He has good + sense, understands several languages, is fond of reading, speaks well, has + studied much, is learned and acquainted with most of the arts, however + difficult. He is a musician, and does not compose badly; he paints well, + he understands chemistry, is well versed in history, and is quick of + comprehension. He soon, however, gets tired of everything. He has an + excellent memory, is expert in war, and fears nothing in the world; his + intentions are always just and fair, and if his actions are ever + otherwise, it is the fault of others. His only faults are that he is too + kind, not sufficiently reserved, and apt to believe people who have less + sense than himself; he is, therefore, often deceived, for the knaves who + know his easiness of temper will run all risks with him. All the + misfortunes and inconveniences which befall him spring from that cause. + His other fault is one not common to Frenchmen, the easiness with which + women can persuade him, and this often brings him into domestic quarrels. + He can refuse them nothing, and even carries his complaisance so far as to + give them marks of affection without really liking them. When I tell him + that he is too good, he says, "Is it not better to be good than bad?" + </p> + <p> + He was always extremely weak, too, with respect to lovers, who chose to + make him their confidant. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Saint Simon was one day exceedingly annoyed at this weakness of + my son, and said to him, angrily, "Ah! there you are; since the days of + Louis le Debonnaire there has been nobody so debonnaire as yourself." + </p> + <p> + My son was much amused at it. + </p> + <p> + When he is under the necessity of saying anything harsh, he is much more + pained at it than the person who experiences the disgrace. + </p> + <p> + He is not fond of the country, but prefers living in town. He is in this + respect like Madame de Longueville, who was tired to death of being in + Normandy, where her husband was. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Duc de Longueville was Governor of Normandy; and after the + reduction of Bordeaux, in 1652, the Duchesse de Longueville received + an order from the Court to repair to her husband.] +</pre> + <p> + Those who were about her said, "Mon Dieu, Madame, you are eaten up with + ennui; will you not take some amusement? There are dogs and a beautiful + forest; will you hunt?" + </p> + <p> + "No," she replied, "I don't like hunting." + </p> + <p> + "Will you work?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't like work." + </p> + <p> + "Will you take a walk, or play at some game?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I like neither the one nor the other." + </p> + <p> + "What will you do, then?" they asked. + </p> + <p> + "What can I do?" she said; "I hate innocent pleasures." + </p> + <p> + My son understands music well, as all the musicians agree. He has composed + two or three operas, which are pretty. La Fare, his Captain of the guards, + wrote the words. He had them played in his palace, but never would permit + them to be represented on the public stage. + </p> + <p> + When he had nothing to do he painted for one of the Duchess's cabinets all + the pastoral romance of "Daphnis and Chloe." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The designs for the romance of "Daphnis and Chloe" were composed by + the Regent, with the advice, and probably the assistance, of Claude + Audran, a distinguished painter, whom Lebrun often employed to help + him with his large pictures. He painted a part of the battles of + Alexander. These designs were engraved by Benoit Audran; they + embellish what is called "the Regent's edition" of the Pastoral of + Longus, which was printed under his inspection in the year 1718. It + is somewhat surprising that Madame should speak so disdainfully of + so eminent an artist as Benoit Audran.] +</pre> + <p> + With the exception of the first, he invented and painted all the subjects. + They have been engraved by one Audran. The Duchess thought them so pretty + that she had them worked in a larger size in tapestry; and these, I think, + are better than the engravings. + </p> + <p> + My son's learning has not the least tinge of pedantry. He knows a quantity + of facetious stories, which he learnt in Italy and in Spain. He does not + tell them badly, but I like him better in his more serious moods, because + they are more natural to him. When he talks upon learned topics it is easy + to see that they are rather troublesome to him than otherwise. I often + blamed him for this; but he used to reply that it was not his fault, that + he was ready enough to learn anything, but that when he once knew it he no + longer took pleasure in it. + </p> + <p> + He is eloquent enough, and when he chooses he can talk with dignity. He + has a Jesuit for his confessor, but he does not suffer himself to be ruled + by him. He pretends that his daughter has no influence over him. He was + delighted when he obtained the command of the Spanish army, and was + pleased with everything in that country; this procured him the hatred of + the Princesse des Ursins, who feared that my son would diminish her + authority and gain more of the confidence of the Spaniards than she + possessed. + </p> + <p> + He learned to cook during his stay with the army in Spain. + </p> + <p> + I cannot tell where he learned so much patience; I am sure it was neither + from Monsieur nor from me. + </p> + <p> + When he acted from himself I always found him reasonable; but he too often + confided in rogues, who had not half his sense, and then all went wrong. + </p> + <p> + My son is like all the rest of his family; when they had become accustomed + to a thing they suffered it to go its own way. It was for this reason he + could not persuade himself to shake off the Abbe Dubois, although he knew + him to be a rascal. This Abbe had the impudence to try to persuade even me + that the marriage he had brought about was an excellent one. + </p> + <p> + "But the honour which is lost in it," said I, "how will you repair that?" + </p> + <p> + Old Maintenon had made immense promises to him, as well as to my son; but, + thank God, she kept neither the one nor the other. + </p> + <p> + It is intolerable that my son will go about day and night with that wicked + and impertinent Noce I hate that Noce as I hate the devil. He and Brogue + run all risks, because they are thus enabled to sponge upon my son. It is + said that Noce is jealous of Parabere, who has fallen in love with some + one else. This proves that my son is not jealous. The person with whom she + has fallen in love has long been a sort of adventurer: it is Clermont, a + captain in my son's Swiss Guard; the same who preferred Chouin to the + great Princesse de Conti. It is said that Noce utters whatever comes into + his head, and about any persons; this makes my son laugh, and amuses him, + for Noce has wit and can do this pleasantly, enough. His father was + under-governor to my son, who has thus been accustomed from his infancy to + this wicked rascal, and who is very fond of him. I do not know for what + reason, for he is a person who fears neither God nor man, and has not a + single good point about him; he is green, black, and deep yellow; he is + ten years older than my son; it is incredible how many, millions this + mercenary rogue has drawn from him. Madame de Berri has told me that + Broglie's jokes consist only in saying openly, the most horrible things. + The Broglii are of Italian extraction, but have been long settled in + France. There were three brothers, the elder of whom died in the army; the + second was an Abbe, but he cast aside his gown, and he is the knave of + whom I have been speaking. The third is still serving in the army, and, + according to common report, is one of the best gentlemen in the world. My + son does not like him so well as his good-for-nothing brother, because he + is too serious, and would not become his buffoon. My son excuses himself + by saying that when he quits business he wants something to make him + laugh, and that young Broglie is not old enough for this; that if he had a + confidential business, or a warlike expedition to perform, he would prefer + him; but that for laughing and dissipation of all sorts, his elder brother + is more fit. + </p> + <p> + My son has three natural children, two boys and a girl, of whom only one + has been legitimated; that is his son by Mademoiselle de Seri, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [N. de Seri de la Boissiere; the father had been ambassador in + Holland. Mademoiselle de Seri was the Regent's first mistress; he + gave her the title of Comtesse d'Argenton. Her son, the Chevalier + d'Orleans, was Grand-Prieur of France.] +</pre> + <p> + who was my Maid of Honour; she was genteel and gay, but not pretty nor of + a good figure. This son was called the Chevalier d'Orleans. The other, who + is now a lad of eighteen years, is the Abbe de Saint Albin; he had this + child by Florence, an opera dancer, of a very neat figure, but a fool; + although to look at her pretty face one would not have thought so. She is + since dead. The third of my son's illegitimate children is a girl of + fourteen years old, whom he had by Desmarets, an actress, who is still on + the stage. This child has been educated at a convent at Saint Denis, but + has not much inclination for a monastic life. When my son sent for her she + did not know who she was. + </p> + <p> + Desmarets wanted to lay another child to my son's account; but he replied, + "No, that child is too much of a harlequin." + </p> + <p> + When some one asked him what he meant, he said it was of so many different + pieces, and therefore he renounced it. + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether the mother did not afterwards give it to the Elector + of Bavaria, who had some share in it, and who sacrificed to her the most + beautiful snuff-box that ever was seen; it was covered with large + diamonds. + </p> + <p> + My first son was called the Duc de Valois; but as this name was one of + evil omen, Monsieur would not suffer my other son to be called so; he + took, therefore, the title of Duc de Chartres. After Monsieur's death my + son took the name of Orleans, and his son that of Chartres. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Alesandre-Louis d'Orleans, Duc de Valois, died an infant on the + 16th of March, 1676; the Regent was born on the 4th of August, 1674. + It is unnecessary to mention the unhappy ends of Henri III. and of + the three Kings, his sons, who all died without issue.] +</pre> + <p> + My son is too much prejudiced in favour of his nation; and although he + sees daily that his countrymen are false and treacherous, he believes + there is no nation comparable to them. He is not very lavish of his + praise; and when he does approve of anything his sincerity gives it an + additional value. + </p> + <p> + As he is now in his forty-second year the people of Paris do not forgive + him for running about at balls, like a young fool, for the amusement of + women, when he has the cares of the kingdom upon his shoulders. When the + late King ascended the throne he had reason to take his diversion; it is + not so now. Night and day it is necessary to labour in order to repair the + mischief which the late King, or rather his Ministers, did to the country. + </p> + <p> + When my son gently reproached that old Maintenon for having maligned him, + and asked her to put her hand upon her heart, and say whether her + calumnies were true, she replied, "I said it because I believed it." + </p> + <p> + My son replied, "You could not believe it, because you knew the contrary." + </p> + <p> + She said arrogantly, and yet my son kept his temper, "Is not the Dauphine + dead?" + </p> + <p> + "Is it my fault," he rejoined, "that she is dead? Was she immortal?" + </p> + <p> + "Well," she replied, "I was so much distressed at the loss that I could + not help detesting him whom I was told was the cause of it." + </p> + <p> + "But, Madame," said my son, "you know, from the report which has been made + to the King, that I was not the cause, and that the Dauphine was not + poisoned." + </p> + <p> + "I do know it," she replied, "and I will say nothing more about it." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT10" id="link2H_SECT10"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X.—THE AFFAIRS OF THE REGENCY. + </h2> + <p> + The old Maintenon wished to have the Duc du Maine made Regent; but my + son's harangue to the Parliament frustrated her intention. + </p> + <p> + He was very angry with Lord Stair because he believed that he had done him + an ill office with the King of England, and prevented the latter from + entering into the alliance with France and Holland. If that alliance had + taken place my son could have prevented the Pretender from beginning his + journey; but as England refused to do so, the Regent was obliged to do + nothing but what was stipulated for by the treaty of peace: that is to + say, not to succour the Pretender with money nor arms, which he faithfully + performed. He sent wherever Lord Stair requested. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Duc d'Orleans ordered, in Lord Stair's presence, Contades, + Major of the Guard, to arrest the Pretender on his passage through + Chateau-Thierry; but, adds Duclos, Contades was an intelligent man, + and well acquainted with the Regent's secret intentions, and so he + set out resolved not to find what he went in search of.] +</pre> + <p> + He believed that the English people would not be well pleased to see their + King allied to the Crown of France. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1717 +</pre> + <p> + The Baron Goertz thought to entrap my son, who, however, did not trust + him; he would not permit him to purchase a single ship, and it was upon + this that the Baron had built all his hopes of success. + </p> + <p> + That tall Goertz, whom I have seen, has an unlucky physiognomy; I do not + believe that he will die a fair death. + </p> + <p> + The Memoir of the thirty noblemen has so much angered my son that he will + hasten to pronounce sentence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Goertz was the Swedish minister, and had been sent into Holland and + France to favour the cause of the Pretender. He was arrested in + Holland in 1717, and remained in prison for several months. He was + a very cunning person, and a great political intriguer. On the + death of Charles XII. he was taken before an extraordinary + tribunal, and condemned in an unjust and arbitrary manner to be + beheaded, which sentence was executed in, May, 1719.] +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1718 +</pre> + <p> + The whole of the Parliament was influenced against him. He made a + remonstrance against this, which was certainly effected at the instigation + of the eldest bastard and his wife.—[The Duc and Duchesse du Maine.]—If + any one spoke ill of my son, and seemed dissatisfied, the Duchesse du + Maine: invited them to Sceaux, and pitied and caressed them to hear them + abuse my son. I wondered at his patience. He has great courage, and went + steadily on without disturbing himself about anything. Although the + Parliament of Paris sent to all the other parliaments in the kingdom to + solicit them to unite with it, none of them did so, but all remained + faithful to my son. The libels which were dispersed for the purpose of + exciting the people against him had scarcely any effect. I believe the + plot would have succeeded better if the bastard and his wife had not + engaged in it, for they were extraordinarily hated at Paris. My son told + the Parliament they had nothing to do with the coinage; that he would + maintain the royal authority, and deliver it to the King when he should be + of age in the same state as he had found it on his becoming Regent. + </p> + <p> + The Marechale d'Uxelles hated my son mortally, but after the King's death + he played the fawning dog so completely that my son forgave him and took + him into favour again. In the latter affair he was disposed once more to + follow his natural inclination, but my son, having little value for + whatever he could do, said, "Well, if he will not sign he may let it + alone." + </p> + <p> + When the Marshal saw my son was serious and did not care at all for his + bravadoes, he became submissive and did what my son desired. + </p> + <p> + The wife of the cripple, the Duchesse du Maine, resolved to have an + explanation with my son. She made a sententious speech, just as if she had + been on the stage; she asked how he could think that the answer to + Fitz-Morris's book should have proceeded from her, or that a Princess of + the blood would degrade herself by composing libels? She told him, too, + that the Cardinal de Polignac was engaged in affairs of too much + importance to busy himself in trifles like this, and M. de Malezieux was + too much a philosopher to think of anything but the sciences. For her own + part, she said she had sufficient employment in educating her children as + became that royal dignity of which she had been wrongfully deprived. My + son only replied to her thus:— + </p> + <p> + "I have reason to believe that these libels have been got up at your + house, and by you, because that fact has been attested by persons who have + been in your service, and who have seen them in progress; beyond this no + one makes me believe or disbelieve anything." + </p> + <p> + He made no reply to her last observation, and so she went away. She + afterwards boasted everywhere of the firmness with which she had spoken to + my son. + </p> + <p> + My son this day (26th of August) assembled the Council of the Regency. He + had summoned the Parliament by a 'lettre-de-cachet': they repaired to the + Tuileries in a procession on foot, dressed in scarlet robes, hoping by + this display to excite the people in their favour; but the mob only called + out, "Where are these lobsters going?" The King had caused the Keeper of + the Seals to make a remonstrance to the Parliament for having infringed + upon his authority in publishing decrees without his sanction. He + commanded them to quash the decree, which was done; and to confirm the + authority of the Keeper of the Seals, which they did also. He then ordered + them with some sternness not to interfere with the affairs of the + Government beyond their province; and as the Duc du Maine had excited the + Parliament against the King, he was deprived of the care of His Majesty's + education, and he with his brothers were degraded from the rank of Princes + of the blood, which had been granted to them. They will in future have no + other rank than that of their respective peerages; but the Duc du Maine + alone, for the fidelity he has always manifested towards the King, will + retain his rank for his life, although his issue, if he should have any, + will not inherit it. + </p> + <p> + [Saint-Simon reports that it was the Comte de Toulouse who was allowed to + retain his rank.—See The Memoirs of Saint-Simon, Chapter XCIII.—D.W.] + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans was in the greatest despair, and came to Paris in such a + condition as moved my pity for her. Madame du Maine is reported to have + said, three weeks ago, at a grand dinner, "I am accused of having caused + the Parliament to revolt against the Duc d'Orleans, but I despise him too + much to take so noble a vengeance; I will be revenged in another manner." + </p> + <p> + The Parliament had very notable projects in hand. If my son had delayed + four-and-twenty hours longer in removing the Duc du Maine from the King it + would have been decided to declare His Majesty of full age; but my son + frustrated this by dismissing the Duke, and degrading him at the same + time. The Chief President is said to have been so frightened that he + remained motionless, as if he had been petrified by a gaze at the head of + Medusa. That celebrated personage of antiquity could not have been more a + fury than Madame du Maine; she threatened dreadfully, and did not scruple + to say, in the presence of her household, that she would yet find means to + give the Regent such a blow as should make him bite the dust. That old + Maintenon and her pupil have also had a finger in the pie. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament asked pardon of my son, which proves that the Duc and + Duchesse du Maine were the mainsprings of the plot. + </p> + <p> + There is reason to believe that the old woman and the former Chancellor + were also implicated in it. The Chancellor, who would have betrayed my son + in so shameful a manner, was under the heaviest obligations to him. What + has happened is a great mortification to Maintenon, and yet she has not + given up all hopes. This makes me very anxious, for I know how expertly + she can manage poison. My son, instead of being cautious, goes about the + town at night in strange carriages, sometimes supping with one or another + of his people, none of whom are worthy of being trusted, and who, + excepting their wit, have not one good quality. + </p> + <p> + Different reports respecting the Duchesse du Maine are abroad; some say + she has beaten her husband and broken the glasses and everything brittle + in her room. Others say she has not spoken a word, and has done nothing + but weep. The Duc de Bourbon has undertaken the King's education. He said + that, not being himself of age, he did not demand this office before, but + that being so now he should solicit it, and it was immediately given to + him. + </p> + <p> + One president and two counsellors have been arrested. Before the close of + the session, the Parliament implored my son to use his good offices with + the King for the release of their members, and promised that they should, + if found culpable, be punished by the Parliament itself. My son replied + that they could not doubt he should always advise the King to the most + lenient measures; that His Majesty would not only be gracious to them as a + body, while they merited it, but also to each individual; that, as to the + prisoners, they would in good time be released. + </p> + <p> + That old Maintenon has fallen sick of grief that her project for the Duc + du Maine has miscarried. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and the Parliament had resolved to have a bed of justice held, + where my son should be dismissed, and the Regency be committed to the + Duke, while at the same time the King's household should be under arms. + The Duke and the Prince de Conti had long been urging my son without + knowing all the particulars. The Duc du Maine has not been banished to the + country, but has permission to go with his family wherever he pleases; he + will not, however, remain at Paris, because he no longer enjoys his rank; + he chooses rather to live at Sceaux, where he has an elegant mansion and a + fine park. + </p> + <p> + The little dwarf (the Duchesse du Maine) says she has more courage than + her husband, her son, and her brother-in-law put together; and that, like + another Jael, she would kill my son with her own hand, and would drive a + nail into his head. When I implored my son to be on his guard against her, + and told him this, he laughed at my fears and shook his head + incredulously. + </p> + <p> + I do not believe that the Devil, in his own person, is more wicked than + that old Maintenon, the Duc du Maine, and the Duchess. The latter said + openly that her husband and her brother-in-law were no better than + cowards; that, woman as she was, she was ready to demand an audience of my + son and to plunge a dagger in his heart. Let any one judge whether I have + not reason to fear such persons, and particularly, when they, have so + strong a party. Their cabal is very considerable; there are a dozen + persons of consideration, all great noblemen at Court. The richest part of + the people favour the Spanish pretensions, as well as the Duc and Duchesse + du Maine; they wish to call in the King of Spain. My brother has too much + sense for them; they want a person who will suffer himself to be led as + they, please; the King of Spain is their man; and, for this reason, they + are trying all means to induce him to come. It is for these reasons that I + think my son is in so great danger. + </p> + <p> + My son has not yet released the three rogues of the Parliament, although + their liberation has been twice petitioned for. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine and the cabal have made his sister believe that if my son + should die they would make her Regent, and would aid her with their + counsel to enable her to become one of the greatest persons in the world. + They say they mean no violence towards my son, who cannot live long on + account of his irregularities; that he must soon die or lose his sight; + and in the latter event he would consent to her becoming Regent. I know a + person to whom the Duc du Maine said so. This put an end to one's + astonishment, that she should have wished to force her daughter to marry + the Duc du Maine. + </p> + <p> + All this gave me great anxiety. I foresaw it all and said to my son, "You + are committing a folly, for which I shall have to suffer all my life." + </p> + <p> + He has made great changes; instead of a great number of Councils he has + appointed Secretaries of State. M. d'Armenouville is Secretary of State + for the Navy; M. le Blanc, for the Army; M. de la Vrilliere, for the Home + Department; the Abbe Dubois, for Foreign Affairs; M. de Maurepas, for the + Royal Household; and a Bishop for the Church Benefices. + </p> + <p> + Malezieux and the Cardinal de Polignac had probably as great a share in + the answer to Fitz-Morris as the Duchesse du Maine. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Bourbon and the Prince de Conti assisted very zealously in the + disgrace of the Duc du Maine. My son could not bring himself to resolve + upon it until the treachery had been clearly demonstrated to him, and he + saw that he should lend himself to his own dishonour if he did not prevent + the blow. + </p> + <p> + My son is very fond of the Comte de Toulouse, whom he finds a sensible + person on all occasions: if the latter had followed the advice of the Duc + du Maine he would have shared his fate; but he despised his brother's + advice and followed that of his wife. + </p> + <p> + My son believes as firmly in predestination as if he had been, like me, a + Calvinist, for nineteen years. I do not know how he learnt the affair of + the Duc du Maine; he has always kept it a great secret. But what appears + the most singular to me is that he does not hate his brother-in-law, who + has endeavoured to procure his death and dishonour. I do not believe his + like was ever seen: he has no gall in his composition; I never knew him to + hate any one. + </p> + <p> + He says he will take as much care as he can; but that if God has ordained + that he shall perish by the hands of his enemies he cannot change his + destiny, and that therefore he shall go on tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + He has earnestly requested Lord Stair to speak to the King of England on + your account.—[This passage is addressed to the Princess of Wales.]—He + says no one can be more desirous than he is that you should be reinstated + in your father's affection, and that he will neglect no opportunity of + bringing it about, being persuaded that it is to the advantage of the King + of England, as well as of yourself, that you should be reconciled. + </p> + <p> + M. Law must be praised for his talent, but there is an astonishing number + of persons who envy him in this country. My son is delighted with his + cleverness in business. + </p> + <p> + He has been compelled to arrest the Spanish Ambassador, the Prince of + Cellamara, because letters were found upon his courier, the Abbe Porto + Carero, who was his nephew, and who has also been arrested, containing + evidence of a plot against the King and against my son. The Ambassador was + arrested by two Counsellors of State. It was time that this treachery + should be made public. A valet of the Abbe Porto Carero having a bad + horse, and not being able to get on so quick as his master, stayed two + relays behind, and met on his way the ordinary courier from Poitiers. The + valet asked him, "What news?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know any," replied the postilion, "except that they have arrested + at Poitiers an English bankrupt and a Spanish Abbe who was carrying a + packet." + </p> + <p> + When the valet heard this he instantly took a fresh horse, and, instead of + following his master, he came back full gallop to Paris. So great was his + speed, that he fell sick upon his arrival in consequence of the exertion. + He outstripped my son's courier by twelve hours, and so had time to + apprise the Prince of Cellamara twelve hours before his arrest, which gave + him time to burn his most important letters and papers. My son's enemies + pretend to treat this affair as insignificant to the last degree; but I + cannot see anything insignificant in an Ambassador's attempting to cause a + revolt in a whole kingdom, and among the Parliament, against my son, and + meditating his assassination as well as that of his son and daughter. I + alone was to have been let live. + </p> + <p> + That Des Ursins must have the devil in her to have stirred up Pompadour + against my son. He is not any very great personage; but his wife is a + daughter of the Duc de Navailles, who was my son's governor. Madame de + Pompadour was the governess of the young Duc d'Alencon, the son of Madame + de Berri. As to the Abbe Brigaut, I know him very well. Madame de + Ventadour was his godmother, and he was baptized at the same time with the + first Dauphin, when he received the name of Tillio. He has talent, but he + is an intriguer and a knave. He pretended at first to be very devout, and + was appointed Pere de l'Oratoire; but, getting tired of this life, he took + up the trade of catering for the vices of the Court, and afterwards became + the secretary and factotum of Madame du Maine, for whom he used to assist + in all the libels and pasquinades which were written against my son. It + would be difficult to say which prated most, he or Pompadour. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans has great influence over my son. He loves all his + children, but particularly his eldest daughter. While still a child, she + fell dangerously ill, and was given over by her physicians. My son was in + deep affliction at this, and resolved to attempt her cure by treating her + in his own way, which succeeded so well that he saved her life, and from + that moment has loved her better than all his other children. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ............................ +</pre> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois has an insinuating manner towards every one; but more + particularly towards those of whom he had the care in their childhood. + </p> + <p> + Two Germans were implicated in the conspiracy; but I am only surprised at + one of them, the Brigadier Sandrazky, who was with me daily, and in whose + behalf I have often spoken, because his father served my brother as + commandant at Frankendahl; he died in the present year. The other is the + Count Schlieben, who has only one arm. I am not astonished at him; for, in + the first place, I know how he lost his arm; and, in the second, he is a + friend and servant of the Princesse des Ursins: they expect to take him at + Lyons. Sandrazky was at my toilette the day before yesterday; as he looked + melancholy, I asked him what was the matter? He replied, "I am ill with + vexation: I love my wife, who is an Englishwoman, very tenderly, and she + is no less fond of me; but, as we have not the means of keeping up an + establishment, she must go into a convent. This distresses me so much that + I am really very unwell." + </p> + <p> + I was grieved to hear this, and resolved to solicit my son for him. + </p> + <p> + My son sometimes does as is said in Atys,—[The opera of Atys, act + ii., scene 3.]—"Vous pourriez aimer et descendre moins bas;" for + when Jolis was his rival, he became attached to one of his daughter's + 'filles de chambre', who hoped to marry Jolis because he was rich; for + this reason she received him better than my son, who, however, at last + gained her favour. He afterwards took her away from his daughter, and had + her taught to sing, for she had a fine voice. + </p> + <p> + The printed letters of Cellamara disclose the whole of the conspiracy. The + Abbe Brigaut, too, it is said, begins to chatter about it. This affair has + given me so much anxiety that I only sleep through mere exhaustion. My + heart beats incessantly; but my son has not the least care about it. I + beseech him, for God's sake, not to go about in coaches at night, and he + promises me he will not; but he will no more keep that promise than he did + when he made it to me before. + </p> + <p> + It is now eight days since the Duc du Maine and his wife were arrested + (29th December). She was at Paris, and her husband at Sceaux in his + chateau. One of the four captains of the King's Guard arrested the + Duchess, the Duke was arrested only by a lieutenant of the Body Guard. The + Duchess was immediately taken to Dijon and her husband to the fortress of + Doullens. I found Madame d'Orleans much more calm than I had expected. She + was much grieved, and wept bitterly; but she said that, since her brother + was convicted, she must confess he had done wrong; that he was, with his + wife, the cause of his own misfortune, but that it was no less painful to + her to know that her own brother had thus been plotting against her + husband. His guilt was proved upon three points: first, in a paper under + the hand of the Spanish Ambassador, the Prince of Cellamara, in which he + imparted to Alberoni that the Duchesse and the Duc du Maine were at the + head of the conspiracy; he tells him how many times he has seen them, by + whose means, and in what place; then he says that he has given money to + the Duc du Maine to bribe certain persons, and he mentions the sum. There + are already two men in the Bastille who confess to have received money, + and others who have voluntarily stated that they conducted the Ambassador + to the Duke and Duchess, and negotiated everything between the parties. + The greater part of their servants have been sent to the Bastille. The + Princess is deeply afflicted; and, although the clearest proofs are given + of her children's crime, she throws all the blame upon the Duke, her + grandson, who, she says, has accused them falsely, because he hates them, + and she has refused to see him. The Duchess is more moderate in her grief. + The little Princesse de Conti heartily pities her sister and weeps + copiously, but the elder Princess does not trouble herself about her uncle + and aunt. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinals cannot be arrested, but they may be exiled; therefore the + Cardinal de Polignac has been ordered to retire to one of his abbeys and + to remain there. It was love that turned his head. He was formerly a great + friend of my son's, and he did not change until he became attached to that + little hussy. + </p> + <p> + Magni + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Foucault de Magni, introducteur des ambassadeurs, and son of a + Counsellor of State. Duclos says he was a silly fellow, who never + did but, one wise thing, which was to run away.] +</pre> + <p> + has not yet been taken; he flies from one convent to another. He stayed + with the Jesuits a long time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1719 +</pre> + <p> + They say that the Duchesse du Maine used all her persuasions to induce her + husband to fly; but that he replied, as neither of them had written + anything with their own hands, nothing could be proved against them; + while, by flying, they would confess their guilt. They did not consider + that M. de Pompadour could say enough to cause their arrest. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess's fraternal affection is a much stronger passion than her love + for her children. + </p> + <p> + A letter of Alberoni's to the lame bastard has been intercepted, in which + is the following passage: "As soon as you declare war in France spring all + your mines at once." + </p> + <p> + What enrages me is that Madame d'Orleans and the Princess would still make + one believe that the Duc and Duchesse du Maine are totally innocent, + although proofs of their guilt are daily appearing. The Duchess came to me + to beg I would procure an order for her daughter's people, that is, her + dames d'honneur, her femmes de chambre, and her hair-dresser, to be sent + to her. I could not help laughing, and I said, "Mademoiselle de Launay is + an intriguer and one of the persons by whom the whole affair was + conducted." + </p> + <p> + But she replied, "The Princess is at the Bastille."—"I know it," I + said; "and well she has deserved it." This almost offended the Princess. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse du Maine said openly that she should never be happy until she + had made an end of my son. When her mother reproached her with it, she did + not deny it, but only replied, "One says things in a passion which one + does not mean to do." + </p> + <p> + Although the plot has been discovered, the conspirators have not yet been + all taken. My son says, jokingly, "I have hold of the monster's head and + tail, but I have not yet got his body." + </p> + <p> + I can guess how it happened that the mercantile letters stated my son to + have been arrested; it is because the conspirators intended to have done + so, and two days later it would have taken place. It must have been + persons of this party, therefore, who wrote to England. + </p> + <p> + When Schlieben was seized, he said, "If Monsieur the Regent does not take + pity upon me, I am ruined." + </p> + <p> + He was for a long time at the Spanish Court, where he was protected by the + Princesse des Ursins. He has some wit, can chatter well, and is an + excellent spy for such a lady. The persons who had arrested him took him + to Paris by the diligence, without saying a word. On reaching Paris the + diligence was ordered to the Bastille; the poor travellers not knowing + why, were in a great fright, and expected all to be locked up, but were + not a little pleased at being set free. Sandrazky is not very clever; he + is a Silesian. He married an Englishwoman, whose fortune he soon + dissipated, for he is a great gambler. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse du Maine has fallen sick with rage, and that old Maintenon is + said to be afflicted by the affair more than any other person. It was by + her fault that they fell into this scrape, for she put it into their heads + that it was unjust they should not reign, and that the kingdom belonged as + much to them as King Solomon's did to him. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans weeps for her brother by day and night. + </p> + <p> + They tried to arrest the Duc de Saint-Aignan at Pampeluna; but he effected + his escape with his wife, and in disguise. + </p> + <p> + When they carried away the Duc du Maine, he said, "I shall soon return, + for my innocence will be speedily manifested; but I only speak for myself, + my wife may not come back quite so soon." + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans cannot believe that her brother has been engaged in a + conspiracy; she says it must have been his wife who acted in his name. The + Princess, on the other hand, believes that her daughter is innocent, and + that the Duc du Maine alone has carried on the plot. + </p> + <p> + The factum is not badly drawn up. Our priest can write well enough when he + likes; he drew it up, and my son corrected it. + </p> + <p> + The more the affair is examined, the more clearly does the guilt of the + Duke and Duchess appear; for three days ago, Malezieux, who is in the + Bastille, gave up his writing-desk. The first thing that was found in it + was a projet, which Malezieux had written at the Duchess's bedside, and + which Cardinal de Polignac had corrected with his own hand. Malezieux + pretends that it is a Spanish letter, addressed to the Duchess, and that + he had translated it for her, with the assistance of the Cardinal de + Polignac; and yet the letters of Alberoni to the Prince de Cellamara refer + so directly to this projet that it is easy to see that they spring from + the same source. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse du Maine has made the Princess believe that the Duke (of + Bourbon) was the cause of all this business, so that now he dare not + appear before the latter, although he has always behaved with great + respect and friendship towards her; while the Duc and Duchesse du Maine, + on the contrary, have been engaged in a law-suit against her for five + years. It was not until after the Princess had inherited the property of + Monsieur de Vendome, that this worthy couple insinuated themselves into + her good graces. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament is reconciled to my son, and has pronounced its decree, + which is favourable to him, and which is another proof that the Duc du + Maine had excited it against him. + </p> + <p> + The Jesuits have probably been also against my son; for all those who have + declared against the Constitution cannot be friendly to him; they have, + however, kept so quiet that nothing can be brought against them. They are + cunning old fellows. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans begins to recover her spirits and to laugh again, + particularly since I learn she has consulted the Premier President and + other persons, to know whether, upon my son's death, she would become the + Regent. They told her that could not be, but that the office would fall + upon the Duke. This answer is said to have been very unpalatable to her. + </p> + <p> + If my son would have paid a price high enough to the Cardinal de Polignac, + he would have betrayed them all. He is now consoling himself in his Abbey + with translating Lucretius. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain's manifesto, instead of injuring my son, has been useful + to him, because it was too violent and partial. Alberoni must needs be a + brutal and an intemperate person. But how could a journeyman gardener know + the language which ought to be addressed to crowned heads? Several + thousand copies of this manifesto have been transmitted to Paris, + addressed to all the persons in the Court, to all the Bishops, in short, + to everybody; even to the Parliament, which has taken the affair up very + properly, from Paris to Bordeaux, as the decree shows. I thought it would + have been better to burn this manifesto in the post-office instead of + suffering it to be spread about; but my son said they should all be + delivered, for the express purpose of discovering the feelings of the + parties to whom they were addressed, and a register of them was kept at + the post-office. Those who were honest brought them of their own accord; + the others kept them, and they are marked, without the public knowing + anything about it. The manifesto is the work of Malezieux and the Cardinal + de Polignac. + </p> + <p> + A pamphlet has been cried about the streets, entitled, "Un arret contre + les poules d'Inde." Upon looking at it, however, it seems to be a decree + against the Jesuits, who had lost a cause respecting a priory, of which + they had taken possession. Everybody bought it except the partisans of the + Constitution and of the Spanish faction. + </p> + <p> + My son is more fond of his daughters, legitimate and illegitimate, than + his son. + </p> + <p> + The Duc and Duchesse du Maine rely upon nothing having been found in their + writing; but Mademoiselle de Montauban and Malezieux have written. in + their name; and is not what Pompadour has acknowledged voluntarily quite + as satisfactory a proof as even their own writing? + </p> + <p> + They have got the pieces of all the mischievous Spanish letters written by + the same hand, and corrected by that of the Cardinal de Polignac, so that + there can be no doubt of his having composed them. + </p> + <p> + A manifesto, too, has been found in Malezieux's papers. It is well + written, but not improved by the translation. Malezieux pretends that he + only translated it before it was sent hence to Spain. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Montauban and Mademoiselle de Launay, a person of some + wit, who has kept up a correspondence with Fontenelle, and who was 'femme + de chambre' to the Duchesse du Maine, have both been sent to the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine now repents that he followed his wife's advice; but it + seems that he only followed the worst part of it. + </p> + <p> + The Duchesse d'Orleans has been for some days past persuading my son to go + masked to a ball. She says that his daughter, the Duchesse de Berri, and + I, make him pass for a coward by preventing him from going to balls and + running about the town by night as he used to do before; and that he ought + not to manifest the least symptom of fear. He replied that he knew he + should give me great pain by doing so, and that the least he could do was + to tranquillize my mind by living prudently. She then said that the + Duchesse de Berri filled me with unfounded fears in order that she might + have more frequent opportunities of being with him, and of governing him + entirely. Can the Devil himself be worse than this bastard? It teaches me, + however, that my son is not secure with her. I must do violence to myself + that my suspicions may not be apparent. + </p> + <p> + My son has not kept his word; he went to this ball, although he denies it. + </p> + <p> + Although it is well known that Maintenon has had a hand in all these + affairs, nothing can be said to her, for her name does not appear in any + way. + </p> + <p> + When my son is told of persons who hate him and who seek his life, he + laughs and says, "They dare not; I am not so weak that I cannot defend + myself." This makes me very angry. + </p> + <p> + If the proofs against Malezieux are not manifest, and if they do not put + the rogue upon his trial, it will be because his crime is so closely + connected with that of the Duchesse du Maine that, in order to convict him + before the Parliament, he must be confronted with her. Besides, as the + Parliament is better disposed towards the Duc and Duchesse du Maine than + to my son, they might be acquitted and taken out of his hands, which would + make them worse than they are now. For this reason it is that they are + looking for proofs so clear that the Parliament cannot refuse to pronounce + upon them. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine writes thus to his sister: + </p> + <p> + "They ought not to have put me in prison; but they ought to have stripped + me and put me into petticoats for having been thus led by my wife;" and he + wrote to Madame de Langeron that he enjoyed perfect repose, for which he + thanked God; that he was glad to be no longer exposed to the contempt of + his family; and that his sons ought to be happy to be no longer with him. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain and Alberoni have a personal hatred against my son, + which is the work of the Princesse des Ursins. + </p> + <p> + My son is naturally brave, and fears nothing: death is not at all terrible + to him. + </p> + <p> + On the 29th of March the young Duc de Richelieu was taken to the Bastille: + this caused a great number of tears to be shed, for he is universally + loved. He had kept up a correspondence with Alberoni, and had got his + regiment placed at Bayonne, together with that of his friend, M. de + Saillant, for the purpose of delivering the town to the Spaniards. He went + on Wednesday last to the Marquis de Biron, and urged him to despatch him + as promptly as possible to join his regiment at Bayonne, and so prove the + zeal which attached him to my son. His comrade, who passes for a coward + and a sharper at play, has also been shut up in the Bastille. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [On the day that they were arrested, the Regent said he had that in + his pocket which would cut off four heads, if the Duke had so many. + —Memoires de Duclos.] +</pre> + <p> + The Duc de Richelieu had the portraits of his mistresses painted in all + sorts of monastic habits: Mademoiselle de Charolais as a Recollette nun, + and it is said to be very like her. The Marechales de Villars and + d'Estrees are, it is said, painted as Capuchin nuns. + </p> + <p> + When the Duc de Richelieu was shown his letter to Alberoni, he confessed + all that concerned himself, but would not disclose his accomplices. + </p> + <p> + Nothing but billets-doux were found in his writing-case. Alberoni in this + affair trusted a man who had formerly been in his service, but who is now + a spy of my son's. He brought Alberoni's letter to the Regent; who opened + it, read it, had a copy made, resealed it, and sent it on to its + destination. The young Duc de Richelieu answered it, but my son can make + no use of this reply because the words in which it is written have a + concealed sense. + </p> + <p> + The Princess has strongly urged my son to permit the Duchesse du Maine to + quit Dijon, under the pretext that the air was unwholesome for her. My son + consented upon condition that she should be conducted in her own carriage, + but under the escort of the King's Guard, from Dijon to Chalons-sur-Saone. + </p> + <p> + Here she thought she should enjoy comparative liberty, and that the town + would be her prison: she was much astonished to find that she was as + closely confined at Chalons as at Dijon. When she asked the reason for + this rigour she was told that all was discovered, and that the prisoners + had disclosed the particulars of the conspiracy. She was immediately + struck with this; but recovering her self-possession, she said, "The Duc + de Orleans thinks that I hate him; but if he would take my advice, I would + counsel him better than any other person." My son's wife remains very + tranquil. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th of April a rascal was brought in who was near surprising my + son in the Bois de Boulogne a year ago. He is a dismissed colonel; his + name is La Jonquiere. He had written to my son demanding enormous pensions + and rewards; but meeting with a refusal, he went into Spain, where he + promised Alberoni to carry off my son, and deliver him into his hands, + dead or alive. He brought one hundred men with him, whom he put in + ambuscade near Paris. He missed my son only by a quarter of an hour in the + Bois de Boulogne, which the latter had passed through in his way to La + Muette, where he went to dine with his daughter. La Jonquiere having thus + failed, retired in great vexation to the Low Countries, where he boasted + that, although he had missed this once, he would take his measures so much + better in future that people should soon hear of a great blow being + struck. This was luckily repeated to my son, who had him arrested at + Liege. He sent a clever fellow to him, who caught him, and leading him out + of the house where they were, he clapped a pistol to his throat, and + threatened to shoot him on the spot if he did not go with him and without + speaking a word. The rascal, overcome with terror, suffered himself to be + taken to the boat, but when he saw that they were approaching the French + territory he did not wish to go any further; he said he was ruined, and + should be drawn and quartered. They bound him and carried him to the + Bastille. + </p> + <p> + I have exhorted my son to take care of himself, and not to go out but in a + carriage. He has promised that he will not, but I cannot trust him. + </p> + <p> + The late Monsieur was desirous that his son's wife should not be a + coquette. This was not the particular which I so much disapproved of; but + I wished the husband not to be informed of it, or that it should get + abroad, which would have had no other effect than that of convincing my + son that his wife had dishonoured him. + </p> + <p> + I must never talk to my son about the conspiracy in the presence of Madame + d'Orleans; it would be wounding her in the tenderest place; for all that + concerns her brother is to her the law and the prophets. + </p> + <p> + My son has so satisfactorily disproved the accusations of that old + Maintenon and the Duc du Maine, that the King has believed him, and, after + a minute examination, has done my son justice. But Madame d'Orleans has + not conducted herself well in this affair; she has spread by means of her + creatures many calumnies against my son, and has even said that he wanted + to poison her. By such means she has made her peace with old Maintenon, + who could not endure her before. I have often admired the patience with + which my son suffers all this, when he knows it just as well as I do. If + things had remained as Madame de Maintenon had arranged them at the death + of the King, my son would only have been nominally Regent, and the Duc du + Maine would actually have enjoyed all the power. She thought because my + son was in the habit of running after women a little that he would be + afraid of the labour, and that he would be contented with the title and a + large pension, leaving her and the Duc du Maine to have their own way. + This was her plan, and she fancied that her calumnies had so far succeeded + in making my son generally despised that no person would be found to + espouse his cause. But my son was not so unwise as to suffer all this; he + pleaded his cause so well to the Parliament that the Government was + entrusted to him, and yet the old woman did not relinquish her hopes until + my son had the Duc du Maine arrested; then she fainted. + </p> + <p> + The Pope's nuncio thrusts his nose into all the plots against my son; he + may be a good priest, but he is nevertheless a wicked devil. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th of April M. de Laval, the Duchesse de Roquelaure's brother, + was arrested. + </p> + <p> + M. de Pompadour has accused the Duc de Laval of acting in concert with the + Prince de Cellamara, to whom, upon one occasion, he acted as coachman, and + drove him to the Duchesse du Maine at the Arsenal. This Comte de Laval is + always sick and covered with wounds; he wears a plaster which reaches from + ear to ear; he is lame, and often has his arm in a sling; nevertheless, he + is full of intrigue, and is engaged night and day in writing against my + son. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon is said to have sent large sums of money into the + provinces for the purpose of stirring up the people against my son; but, + thank God, her plan has not succeeded. + </p> + <p> + The old woman has spread about the report that my son poisoned all the + members of the Royal Family who have died lately. She hired one of the + King's physicians first to spread this report. If Marechal, the King's + surgeon, who was present at the opening of the bodies, had not stated that + there was no appearance of poison, and confirmed that statement to the + King, this infamous creature would have plunged my innocent son into a + most deplorable situation. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Charolais says that the affair of Bayonne cannot be true, + for that the Duc de Richelieu did not tell her of it, and he never + concealed anything from her. She says, too, that she will not see my son, + for his having put the Duke into the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + The Duke walks about on the top of the terrace at the Bastille, with his + hair dressed, and in an embroidered coat. All the ladies who pass stop + their carriages to look at the pretty fellow. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This young man, says Duclos, thought himself of some consequence + when he was made a State prisoner, and endured his confinement with + the same levity which he had always displayed in love, in business, + or in war. The Regent was much amused with him, and suffered him to + have all he wanted-his valet de chambre, two footmen, music, cards, + etc.; so that, although he was deprived of his liberty, he might be + as licentious as ever.] +</pre> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans has been so little disposed to undertake her husband's + defence in public, that she has pretended to believe the charges against + him, although no person in the world knows better than she does that the + whole is a lie. She sent to her brothers for a counter-poison, so that my + son should not take her off by those means; and thus she reconciled + Maintenon, who was at enmity with her. I learnt this story during the + year, and I do not know whether my son is aware of it. I would not say + anything to him about it, for I did not wish to embroil man and wife. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois—[Madame probably means the Duc du Maine]—seems + to think that we do not know how many times he went by night to Madame de + Maintenon's, to help this fine affair. + </p> + <p> + My son has been dissuaded from issuing the manifesto. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans has at length quite regained her husband; and, following + her advice, he goes about by night in a coach. On Wednesday night he set + off for Anieres, where Parabere has a house. He supped there, and, getting + into his carriage again, after midnight, he put his foot into a hole and + sprained it. + </p> + <p> + I am very much afraid my son will be attacked by the small-pox. He eats + heavy suppers; he is short and fat, and just one of those persons whom the + disease generally attacks. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Noailles has been pestering my son in favour of the Duc de + Richelieu; and as it cannot be positively proved that he addressed the + letter to Alberoni, they can do no more to him than banish him to + Conflans, after six months' imprisonment. Mademoiselle de Charolais + procured some one to ask my son secretly by what means she could see the + Duc de Richelieu, and speak with him, before he set off for Conflans. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This must have been a joke of Mademoiselle de Charolais; for she + had already, together with Mademoiselle Valois, paid the Duke + several visits in the Bastille. When the Duke was sent to Conflans + to the Cardinal de Noailles, he used to escape almost every night, + and come to see his mistresses. It was this that determined the + Regent to send him to Saint-Germain en Laye; but, soon afterwards, + Mademoiselle de Valois obtained from her father a pardon for her + lover.—-Memoirs de Richelieu, tome iii., p. 171] +</pre> + <p> + My son replied, "that she had better speak to the Cardinal de Noailles; + for as he was to conduct the Duke to Conflans, and keep him in his own + house, he would know better than any other person how he might be spoken + with." When she learnt that the Duke had arrived at Saint-Germain, she + hastened thither immediately. + </p> + <p> + I never doubted for a moment that my son's marriage was in every respect + unfortunate; but my advice was not listened to. If the union had been a + good one, that old Maintenon would not have insisted on it. + </p> + <p> + Nothing less than millions are talked of on all sides: my sun has made me + also richer by adding 130,000 livres to my pension. + </p> + <p> + By what we hear daily of the insurrection in Bretagne, it seems that my + son's enemies are more inveterate against him than ever. I do not know + whether it is true, as has been said, that there was a conspiracy at + Rochelle, and that the governor intended to give up the place to the + Spaniards, but has fled; that ten officers were engaged in the plot, some + of whom have been arrested, and the others have fled to Spain. + </p> + <p> + I always took the Bishop of Soissons for an honest man. I knew him when he + was only an Abbe, and the Duchess of Burgundy's almoner; but the desire to + obtain a Cardinal's hat drives most of the Bishops mad. There is not one + of them who does not believe that the more impertinently he behaves to my + son about the Constitution, the more he will improve his credit with the + Court of Rome, and the sooner become a Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + My son, although he is Regent, never comes to see me, and never quits me, + without kissing my hand before he embraces me; and he will not even take a + chair if I hand it to him. He is not, however, at all timid, but chats + familiarly with me, and we laugh and talk together like good friends. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0005" id="image-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/p166.jpg" alt="The Regent and his Mother " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + While the Dauphin was alive La Chouin behaved very ill to my son; she + embroiled him with the Dauphin, and would neither speak to nor see him; in + short, she was constantly opposed to him. And yet, when he learnt that she + had fallen into poverty, he sent her money, and secured her a pension + sufficient to live upon. + </p> + <p> + My son gave me actions to the amount of two millions, which I distributed + among my household. The King also took several millions for his own, + household; all the Royal Family have had them; all the enfans and petits + enfans de France, and the Princes of the blood. + </p> + <p> + [This may be stock the M. Law floated in the Mississippi Company. D.W.] + </p> + <p> + The old Court is doing its utmost to put people, out of conceit with Law's + bank. + </p> + <p> + I do not think that Lord Stair praises my son so much as he used to do, + for they do not seem to be very good friends. After having received all + kinds of civilities from my son, who has made him richer than ever he + expected to be in his life, he has turned his back upon him, caused him + numerous little troubles, and annoys him so much that my son would gladly + be rid of him. + </p> + <p> + My son was obliged to make a speech at the Bank, which was applauded. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1720 +</pre> + <p> + They have been obliged to adopt severe measures in Bretagne; four persons + of quality have been beheaded. One of them, who might have escaped by + flying to Spain, would not go. When he was asked why, he said it had been + predicted that he should die by sea (de la mer). Just before he was + executed he asked the headsman what his name was. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Sea (La Mer)," replied the man. + </p> + <p> + "Then," said the nobleman, "I am undone." + </p> + <p> + All Paris has been mourning at the cursed decree which Law has persuaded + my son to make. I have received anonymous letters, stating that I have + nothing to fear on my own account, but that my son shall be pursued with + fire and sword; that the plan is laid and the affair determined on. From + another quarter I have learnt that knives are sharpening for my son's + assassination. The most dreadful news is daily reaching me. Nothing could + appease the discontent until, the Parliament having assembled, two of its + members were deputed to wait upon my son, who received them graciously, + and, following their advice, annulled the decree, and so restored things + to their former condition. This proceeding has not only quieted all Paris, + but has reconciled my son (thank God) to the Parliament. + </p> + <p> + My son wished by sending an embassy to give a public proof how much he + wished for a reconciliation between the members of the Royal Family of + England, but it was declined. + </p> + <p> + The goldsmiths will work no longer, for they charge their goods at three + times more than they are worth, on account of the bank-notes. I have often + wished those bank-notes were in the depths of the infernal regions; they + have given my son much more trouble than relief. I know not how many + inconveniences they have caused him. Nobody in France has a penny; but, + saving your presence, and to speak in plain palatine, there is plenty of + paper. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + .......................... +</pre> + <p> + It is singular enough that my son should only become so firmly attached to + his black Parabere, when she had preferred another and had formally + dismissed him. + </p> + <p> + Excepting the affair with Parabere, my son lives upon very good terms with + his wife, who for her part cares very little about it; nothing is so near + to her heart as her brother, the Duc du Maine. In a recent quarrel which + she had with my son on this subject, she said she would retire to + Rambouillet or Montmartre. "Wherever you please," he replied; "or wherever + you think you will be most comfortable." This vexed her so mach that she + wept day and night about it. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th of June, while I was at the Carmelites, Madame de + Chateau-Thiers came to see me, and said to me, "M. de Simiane is come from + the Palais Royal; and he thinks it fit you should know that on your return + you will find all the courts filled with the people who, although they do + not say anything, will not disperse. At six o'clock this morning they + brought in three dead bodies which M. Le Blanc has had removed. M. Law has + taken refuge in the Palais Royal: they have done him no harm; but his + coach man was stoned as he returned, and the carriage broken to pieces. It + was the coachman's fault, who told them 'they were a rabble, and ought to + be hanged.'" I saw at once that it would not do to seem to be intimidated, + so I ordered the coach to be driven to the Palais Royal. There was such a + press of carriages that I was obliged to wait a full hour before I reached + the rue Saint-Honore; then I heard the people talking: they did not say + anything against my son; they gave me several benedictions, and demanded + that Law should be hanged. When I reached the Palais Royal all was calm + again. My son came to me, and in the midst of my anxiety he was perfectly + tranquil, and even made me laugh. + </p> + <p> + M. Le Blanc went with great boldness into the midst of the irritated + populace and harangued them. He had the bodies of the men who had been + crushed to death in the crowd brought away, and succeeded in quieting + them. + </p> + <p> + My son is incapable of being serious and acting like a father with his + children; he lives with them more like a brother than a father. + </p> + <p> + The Parliament not only opposed the edict, and would not allow it to pass, + but also refused to give any opinion, and rejected the affair altogether. + For this reason my son had a company of the footguard placed on Sunday + morning at the entrance of the palace to prevent their assembling; and, at + the same time, he addressed a letter to the Premier-President, and to the + Parliament a 'lettre-de-cachet', ordering them to repair to Pontoise to + hold their sittings. The next day, when the musketeers had relieved the + guards, the young fellows, not knowing what to do to amuse themselves, + resolved to play at a parliament. They elected a chief and other + presidents, the King's ministers, and the advocates. These things being + settled, and having received a sausage and a pie for breakfast, they + pronounced a sentence, in which they condemned the sausage to be cooked + and the pie to be cut up. + </p> + <p> + All these things make me tremble for my son. I receive frequently + anonymous letters full of dreadful menaces against him, assuring me that + two hundred bottles of wine have been poisoned for him, and, if this + should fail, that they will make use of a new artificial fire to burn him + alive in the Palais Royal. + </p> + <p> + It is too true that Madame d'Orleans loves her brother better than her + husband. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine says that if, by his assistance, the King should obtain + the direction of his own affairs, he would govern him entirely, and would + be more a monarch than the King, and that after my son's death he would + reign with his sister. + </p> + <p> + A week ago I received letters in which they threatened to burn my son at + the Palais Royal and me at Saint Cloud. Lampoons are circulated in Paris. + </p> + <p> + My son has already slept several times at the Tuileries, but I fear that + the King will not be able to accustom himself to his ways, for my son + could never in his life play with children: he does not like them. + </p> + <p> + He was once beloved, but since the arrival of that cursed Law he is hated + more and more. Not a week passes without my receiving by the post letters + filled with frightful threats, in which my son is spoken of as a bad man + and a tyrant. + </p> + <p> + I have just now received a letter in which he is threatened with poison. + When I showed it to him he did nothing but laugh, and said the Persian + poison could not be given to him, and that all that was said about it was + a fable. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow the Parliament will return to Paris, which will delight the + Parisians as much as the departure of Law. + </p> + <p> + That old Maintenon has sent the Duc du Maine about to tell the members of + the Royal Family that my son poisoned the Dauphin, the Dauphine, and the + Duc de Berri. The old woman has even done more she has hinted to the + Duchess that she is not secure in her husband's house, and that she should + ask her brother for a counter-poison, as she herself was obliged to do + during the latter days of the King's life. + </p> + <p> + The old woman lives very retired. No one can say that any imprudent + expressions have escaped her. This makes me believe that she has some plan + in her head, but I cannot guess what it is. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT11" id="link2H_SECT11"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI.—THE DUCHESSE D'ORLEANS, WIFE OF THE REGENT. + </h2> + <p> + If, by shedding my own blood, I could have prevented my son's marriage, I + would willingly have done so; but since the thing was done, I have had no + other wish than to preserve harmony. Monsieur behaved to her with great + attention during the first month, but as soon as he suspected that she + looked with too favourable an eye upon the Chevalier du Roye, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Bartholemi de La Rochefoucauld, at first Chevalier de Roye, but + afterwards better known by the title of Marquis de La Rochefoucauld. + He was Captain of the Duchesse de Berri's Body-Guards, and he died + in 1721.] +</pre> + <p> + he hated her as the Devil. To prevent an explosion, I was obliged daily to + represent to him that he would dishonour himself, as well as his son, by + exposing her conduct, and would infallibly bring upon himself the King's + displeasure. As no person had been less favourable to this marriage than + I, he could not suspect but that I was moved, not from any love for my + daughter-in-law, but from the wish to avoid scandal and out of affection + to my son and the whole family. While all eclat was avoided, the public + were at least in doubt about the matter; by an opposite proceeding their + suspicions would have been confirmed. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans looks older than she is; for she paints beyond all + measure, so that she is often quite red. We frequently joke her on this + subject, and she even laughs at it herself. Her nose and cheeks are + somewhat pendant, and her head shakes like an old woman: this is in + consequence of the small-pox. She is often ill, and always has a + fictitious malady in reserve. She has a true and a false spleen; whenever + she complains, my son and I frequently rally her about it. I believe that + all the indispositions and weaknesses she has proceed from her always + lying in bed or on a sofa; she eats and drinks reclining, through mere + idleness; she has not worn stays since the King's death; she never could + bring herself to eat with the late King, her own father, still less would + she with me. It would then be necessary for her to sit upon a stool, and + she likes better to loll upon a sofa or sit in an arm-chair at a small + table with her favourite, the Duchess of Sforza. She admits her son, and + sometimes Mademoiselle d'Orleans. She is so indolent that she will not + stir; she would like larks ready roasted to drop into her mouth; she eats + and walks slowly, but eats enormously. It is impossible to be more idle + than she is: she admits this herself; but she does not attempt to correct + it: she goes to bed early that she may lie the longer. She never reads + herself, but when she has the spleen she makes her women read her to + sleep. Her complexion is good, but less so than her second daughter's. She + walks a little on one side, which Madame de Ratzenhausen calls walking by + ear. She does not think that there is her equal in the world for beauty, + wit, and perfection of all kinds. I always compare her to Narcissus, who + died of self-admiration. She is so vain as to think she has more sense + than her husband, who has a great deal; while her notions are not in the + slightest degree elevated. She lives much in the femme-de-chambre style; + and, indeed, loves this society better than that of persons of birth. The + ladies are often a week together without seeing her; for without being + summoned they cannot approach her. She does not know how to live as the + wife of a prince should, having been educated like the daughter of a + citizen. A long time had elapsed before she and her younger brother were + legitimated by the King; I do not know for what reason. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This legitimation presented great difficulties during the life of + the Marquis de Montespan. M. Achille de Harlai, Procureur-General + du Parliament, helped to remove them by having the Chevalier de + Longueville, son of the Duke of that name and of the Marechale de la + Feste, recognized without naming his mother. This once done, the + children of the King and of Madame de Montespan were legitimated in + the same manner.] +</pre> + <p> + When they arrived at Court their conversation was exactly like that of the + common people. + </p> + <p> + In my opinion my son's wife has no charms at all; her physiognomy does not + please me. I don't know whether my son loves her much, but I know she does + what she pleases with him. The populace and the femmes de chambre are fond + of her; but she is not liked elsewhere. She often goes to the Salut at the + Quinze Vingts; and her women are ordered to say that. she is a saint, who + suffers my son to be surrounded by mistresses without complaining. This + secures the pity of the populace and makes her pass for one of the best of + wives, while, in fact; she is, like her elder brother, full of artifice. + </p> + <p> + She is very superstitious. Some years ago a nun of Fontevrault, called + Madame de Boitar, died. Whenever Madame d'Orleans loses anything she + promises to this nun prayers for the redemption of her soul from + purgatory, and then does not doubt that she shall find what she has lost. + She piques herself upon being extremely pious; but does not consider lying + and deceit are the works of the Devil and not of God. Ambition, pride and + selfishness have entirely spoilt her. I fear she will not make a good end. + That I may live in peace I seem to shut my eyes to these things. My son + often, in allusion to her pride, calls her Madame Lucifer. She is not + backward in believing everything complimentary that is said to her. + Montespan, old Maintenon, and all the femmes de chambre have made her + believe that she did my son honour in marrying him; and she is so vain of + her own birth and that of her brothers and sisters that she will not hear + a word said against them; she will not see any difference between + legitimate and illegitimate children. + </p> + <p> + She wishes to reign; but she knows nothing of true grandeur, having been + educated in too low a manner. She might live well as a simple duchess; but + not as one of the Royal Family of France. It is too true that she has + always been ambitious of possessing, not my son's heart, but his power; + she is always in fear lest some one else should govern him. Her + establishment is well regulated; my son has always let her be mistress in + this particular. As to her children, I let them go on in their own way; + they were brought here without my consent, and it is for others to take + care of them. Sometimes she displays more affection for her brother than + even for her children. An ambitious woman as she is, having it put into + her head by her brother that she ought to be the Regent, can love none but + him. She would like to see him Regent better than her husband, because he + has persuaded her that she shall reign with him; she believes it firmly, + although every one else knows that his own wife is too ambitious to permit + any one but herself to reign. Besides her ambition she has a great deal of + ill-temper. She will never pardon either the nun of Chelles or + Mademoiselle de Valois, because they did not like her nephew with the long + lips. Her anger is extremely bitter, and she will never forgive. She loves + only her relations on the maternal side. Madame de Sforza, her favourite, + is the daughter of Madame de Thianges, Madame de Montespan's sister, and + therefore a cousin of Madame d'Orleans, who hates her sister and her + nephew worse than the Devil. + </p> + <p> + I could forgive her all if she were not so treacherous. She flatters me + when I am present, but behind my back she does all in her power to set the + Duchesse de Berri against me; she tells her not to believe that I love + her, but that I wish to have her sister with me. Madame d'Orleans believes + that her daughter, Madame de Berri, loves her less than her father. It is + true that the daughter has not a very warm attachment to her mother, but + she does her duty to her; and yet the more they are full of mutual + civilities the more they quarrel. On the 4th of October, 1718, Madame de + Berri having invited her father to go and sleep at La Muette, to see the + vintage feast and dance which were to be held on the next day. Madame + d'Orleans wrote to Madame de Berri, and asked her if she thought it + consistent with the piety of the Carmelites that she should ask her father + to sleep in her house. Madame de Berri replied that it had never been + thought otherwise than pious that a parent should sleep in his daughter's + house. The mother did this only to annoy her husband and daughter, and + when she chooses she has a very cutting way. It may be imagined how this + letter was received by the father and daughter. I arrived at La Muette + just as it had come. My son dare not complain to me, for as often as he + does, I say to him, "George Dandin, you would have it so:"—[Moliere]—he + therefore only laughed and said nothing. I did not wish to add to the + bitterness which this had occasioned, for that would have been to blow a + fire already too hot; I confined myself, therefore, to observing that when + she wrote it she probably had the spleen. + </p> + <p> + She is not very fond of her children, and, as I think, she carries her + indifference too far; for the children see she does not love them, and + this makes them fond of being with me. This angers the mother, and she + reproaches them for it, which only makes them like her less. + </p> + <p> + Although she loves her son, she does not in general care so much for her + children as for her brothers, and all who belong to the House of + Mortemart. + </p> + <p> + I was the unintentional cause of making a quarrel between her and the nun + of Chelles. At the commencement of the affair of the Duc du Maine, I + received a letter from my daughter addressed to Madame d'Orleans; and not + thinking that it was for the Abbess, who bears the same title with her + mother, I sent it to the latter. This letter happened, unluckily, to be an + answer to one of our Nun's, in which she had very plainly said what she + thought of the Duc and Duchesse du Maine, and ended by pitying her father + for being the Duke's brother-in-law, and for having contracted an alliance + so absurd and injurious. It may be guessed whether my daughter's answer + was palatable to my daughter-in-law. I am very sorry that I made the + mistake; but what right had she to read a letter which was not meant for + her? + </p> + <p> + The new Abbess of Chelles has had a great difference with her mother, who + says she will never forgive her for having agreed with her father to + embrace the religious profession without her knowledge. The daughter said + that, as her mother had always taken the side of the former Abbess against + her, she had not confided this secret to her, from a conviction that she + would oppose it to please the Abbess. This threw the mother into a + paroxysm of grief. She said she was very unhappy both in her husband and + her children; that her husband was the most unjust person in the world, + for that he kept her brother-in-law in prison, who was one of the best and + most pious of men—in short, a perfect saint; and that God would + punish such wickedness. The daughter replied it was respect for her mother + that kept her silent; and the latter became quite furious. This shows that + she hates us like the very Devil, and that she loves none but her lame + brother, and those who love him or are nearly connected with him. + </p> + <p> + She thinks there never was so perfect a being in the world as her mother. + She cannot quite persuade herself that she was ever Queen, because she + knew the Queen too well, who always called her daughter, and treated her + better than her sisters; I cannot tell why, because she was not the most + amiable of them. + </p> + <p> + It is quite true that there is little sympathy between my son's wife and + me; but we live together as politely as possible. Her singular conduct + shall never prevent me from keeping that promise which I made to the late + King in his last moments. He gave some good Christian exhortations to + Madame d'Orleans; but, as the proverb says, it is useless to preach to + those who have no heart to act. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of this year (1718) her brothers and relations said that but + for the antidotes which had been administered to Madame d'Orleans, without + the knowledge of me or my son, she must have perished. + </p> + <p> + I had resolved not to interfere with anything respecting this affair; but + had the satisfaction of speaking my mind a little to Madame du Maine. I + said to her: "Niece" (by which appellation I always addressed her), "I beg + you will let me know who told you that Madame d'Orleans had taken a + counterpoison unknown to us. It is the greatest falsehood that ever was + uttered, and you may say so from me to whoever told it you." + </p> + <p> + She looked red, and said, "I never said it was so." + </p> + <p> + "I am very glad of it, niece," I replied; "for it would be very + disgraceful to you to have said so, and you ought not to allow people to + bring you such tales." When she heard this she went off very quickly. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans is a little inconstant in her friendship. She is very + fond of jewels, and once wept for four-and-twenty hours because my son + gave a pair of beautiful pendants to Madame de Berri. + </p> + <p> + My son has this year (1719) increased his wife's income by 160,000 livres, + the arrears of which have been paid to her from 1716, so that she received + at once the sum of 480,000 livres. I do not envy her this money, but I + cannot bear the idea that she is thus paid for her infidelity. One must, + however, be silent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT12" id="link2H_SECT12"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII.—MARIE-ANNE CHRISTINE VICTOIRE OF BAVARIA, THE FIRST + DAUPHINE. + </h2> + <p> + She was ugly, but her extreme politeness made her very agreeable. She + loved the Dauphin more like a son than a husband. Although he loved her + very well, he wished to live with her in an unceremonious manner, and she + agreed to it to please him. I used often to laugh at her superstitious + devotion, and undeceived her upon many of her strange opinions. She spoke + Italian very well, but her German was that of the peasants of the country. + At first, when she and Bessola were talking together, I could not + understand a word. + </p> + <p> + She always manifested the greatest friendship and confidence in me to the + end of her days. She was not haughty, but as it had become the custom to + blame everything she did, she was somewhat disdainful. She had a favourite + called Bessola—a false creature, who had sold her to Maintenon. But + for the infatuated liking she had for this woman, the Dauphine would have + been much happier. Through her, however, she was made one of the most + wretched women in the world. + </p> + <p> + This Bessola could not bear that the Dauphine should speak to any person + but herself: she was mercenary and jealous, and feared that the friendship + of the Dauphine for any one else would discredit her with Maintenon, and + that her mistress's liberality to others would diminish that which she + hoped to experience herself. I told this person the truth once, as she + deserved to be told, in the presence of the Dauphine; from which period + she has neither done nor said anything troublesome to me. I told the + Dauphine in plain German that it was a shame that she should submit to be + governed by Bessola to such a degree that she could not speak to whom she + chose. I said this was not friendship, but a slavery, which was the + derision of the Court. + </p> + <p> + Instead of being vexed at this, she laughed, and said, "Has not everybody + some weakness? Bessola is mine." + </p> + <p> + This wench often put me in an ill-humour: at last I lost all patience, and + could no longer restrain myself. I would often have told her what I + thought, but that I saw it would really distress the poor Dauphine: I + therefore restrained myself, and said to her, "Out of complaisance to you, + I will be silent; but give such orders that Bessola may not again rouse + me, otherwise I cannot promise but that I may say something she will not + like." + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine thanked me affectionately, and thus more than ever engaged my + silence. + </p> + <p> + When the Dauphine arrived from Bavaria, the fine Court of France was on + the decline: it was at the commencement of Maintenon's reign, which spoilt + and degraded everything. It was not, therefore, surprising that the poor + Dauphine should regret her own country. Maintenon annoyed her immediately + after her marriage in such a manner as must have excited pity. The + Dauphine had made her own marriage; she had hoped to be uncontrolled, and + to become her own mistress; but she was placed in that Maintenon's hands, + who wanted to govern her like a child of seven years old, although she was + nineteen. That old Maintenon, piqued at the Dauphine for wishing to hold a + Court, as she should have done, turned the King against her. Bessola + finished this work by betraying and selling her; and thus was the + Dauphine's misery accomplished! By selecting me for her friend, she filled + up the cup of Maintenon's hatred, who was paying Bessola; because she knew + she was jealous of me, and that I had advised the Dauphine not to keep + her, for I was quite aware that she had secret interviews with Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + That lady had also another creature in the Dauphine's household: this was + Madame de Montchevreuil, the gouvernante of the Dauphine's filles + d'honneur. Madame de Maintenon had engaged her to place the Dauphin upon + good terms with the filles d'honneur, and she finished by estranging him + altogether from his wife. During her pregnancy, which, as well as her + lying-in, was extremely painful, the Dauphine could not go out; and this + Montchevreuil took advantage of the opportunity thus afforded her to + introduce the filles d'honneur to the Dauphin to hunt and game with him. + He became fond, in his way, of the sister of La Force, who was afterwards + compelled to marry young Du Roure. The attachment continued, + notwithstanding this marriage; and she procured the Dauphin's written + promise to marry her in case of the death of the Dauphine and her husband. + I do not know how the late King became acquainted with this fact; but it + is certain that he was seriously angered at it, and that he banished Du + Roure to Gascony, his native country. The Dauphin had an affair of + gallantry with another of his wife's filles d'honneur called Rambures. He + did not affect any dissimulation with his wife; a great uproar ensued; and + that wicked Bessola, following the directions of old Maintenon, who + planned everything, detached the Dauphin from his wife more and more. The + latter was not very fond of him; but what displeased her in his amours was + that they exposed her to be openly and constantly ridiculed and insulted. + Montchevreuil made her pay attention to all that passed, and Bessola kept + up her anger against her husband. + </p> + <p> + Maintenon had caused it to be reported among the people by her agents that + the Dauphine hated France, and that she urged the imposition of new taxes. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine was so ill-treated in her accouchement of the Duc de Berri + that she became quite deformed, although previous to this her figure had + been remarkably good. On the evening before she died, as the little Duke + was sitting on her bed, she said to him, "My dear Berri, I love you very + much, but I have paid dearly for you." The Dauphin was not grieved at her + death; old Montchevreuil had told him so many lies of his wife that he + could not love her. That old Maintenon hoped, when this event happened, + that she should be able to govern the Duke by means of his mistresses, + which could not have been if he had continued to be attached to his wife. + This old woman had conceived so violent a hatred against the poor + Princess, that I do believe she prevailed on Clement, the accoucheur, to + treat her ill in her confinement; and what confirms me in this is that she + almost killed her by visiting her at that time in perfumed gloves. She + said it was I who wore them, which was untrue. I would not swear that the + Dauphine did not love Bessola better than her husband; she deserved no + such attachment. I often apprised her mistress of her perfidy, but she + would not believe me. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine used to say, "We are two unhappy persons, but there is this + difference between us: you endeavoured, as much as you could, to avoid + coming here; while I resolved to do so at all events. I have therefore + deserved my misery more than you." + </p> + <p> + They wanted to make her pass for crazy, because she was always + complaining. Some hours before her death she said to me, "I shall convince + them to-day that I was not mad in complaining of my sufferings." She died + calmly and easily; but she was as much put to death as if she had been + killed by a pistol-shot. + </p> + <p> + When her funeral service was performed I carried the taper (nota bene) and + some pieces of gold to the Bishop who performed the grand mass, and who + was sitting in an arm-chair near the altar. The prelate intended to have + given them to his assistants, the priests of the King's chapel; but the + monks of Saint Denis ran to him with great eagerness, exclaiming that the + taper and the gold belonged to them. They threw themselves upon the + Bishop, whose chair began to totter, and made his mitre fall from his + head. If I had stayed there a moment longer the Bishop, with all the + monks, would have fallen upon me. I descended the four steps of the altar + in great haste, for I was nimble enough at that time, and looked on the + battle at a distance, which appeared so comical that I could not but + laugh, and everybody present did the same. + </p> + <p> + That wicked Bessola, who had tormented the Dauphine day and night, and had + made her distrust every one who approached her, and thus separated her + from all the world, returned home a year after her mistress's death. + Before her departure she played another trick by having a box made with a + double bottom, in which she concealed jewels and ready money to the amount + of 100,000 francs; and all this time she went about weeping and + complaining that, after so many years of faithful service, she was + dismissed as poor as a beggar. She did not know that her contrivance had + been discovered at the Customhouse and that the King had been apprised of + it. He ordered her to be sent for, showed her the things which she had + prepared to carry away, and said he thought she had little reason to + complain of the Dauphine's parsimony. It may be imagined how foolish she + looked. The King added that, although he might withhold them from her, yet + to show her that she had done wrong in acting clandestinely, and in + complaining as she had done, he chose to restore her the whole. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT13" id="link2H_SECT13"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII.—ADELAIDE OF SAVOY, THE SECOND DAUPHINE. + </h2> + <p> + The Queen of Spain stayed longer with her mother than our Dauphine, and + therefore was better educated. Maintenon, who understood nothing about + education, permitted her to do whatever she pleased, that she might gain + her affections and keep her to herself. This young lady had been well + brought up by her virtuous mother; she was genteel and humorous, and could + joke very pleasantly: when she had a colour she did not look ugly. No one + can imagine what mad-headed people were about this Princess, and among the + number was the Marechale d'Estrees. Maintenon was very properly + recompensed for having given her these companions; for the consequence was + that the Dauphine no longer liked her society. Maintenon was very desirous + to know the reason of this, and teased the Princess to tell her. At length + she did; and said that the Marechale d'Estrees was continually asking her, + "What are you always doing with that old woman? Why do you not associate + with folks who would amuse you more than that old skeleton?" and that she + said many other uncivil things of her. Maintenon told me this herself, + since the death of the Dauphine, to prove that it was only the Marechale's + fault that the Dauphine had been on such bad terms with me. This may be + partly true; but it is no less certain that Maintenon had strongly + prepossessed her against me. Almost all the foolish people who were about + her were relations or friends of the old woman; and it was by her order + that they endeavoured to amuse her and employ her, so that she might want + no other society. + </p> + <p> + The young Dauphine was full of pantomime tricks. * * * * She was fond, + too, of collecting a quantity of young persons about her for the King's + amusement, who liked to see their sports; they, however, took care never + to display any but innocent diversions before him: he did not learn the + rest until after her death. The Dauphine used to call old Maintenon her + aunt, but only in jest; the fines d'honneur called her their gouvernante, + and the Marechale de La Mothe, mamma; if the Dauphine had also called the + old woman her mamma, it would have been regarded as a declaration of the + King's marriage; for this reason she only called her aunt. + </p> + <p> + It is not surprising that the Dauphine, even when she was Duchess of + Burgundy, should have been a coquette. One of Maintenon's maxims was that + there was no harm in coquetry, but that a grande passion only was a sin. + In the second place, she never took care that the Duchess of Burgundy + behaved conformably to her rank; she was often left quite alone in her + chateau with the exception of her people; she was permitted to run about + arm-in-arm with one of her young ladies, without esquires, or dames + d'honneur or d'atour. At Marly and Versailles she was obliged to go to + chapel on foot and without her stays, and seat herself near the femmes de + chambre. At Madame de Maintenon's there was no observance of ranks; every + one sat down there promiscuously; she did this for the purpose of avoiding + all discussion respecting her own rank. At Marly the Dauphine used to run + about the garden at night with the young people until two or three o'clock + in the morning. The King knew nothing of these nocturnal sports. Maintenon + had forbidden the Duchesse de Lude to tease the Duchess of Burgundy, or to + put her out of temper, because then she would not be able to divert the + King. Maintenon had threatened, too, with her eternal vengeance whoever + should be bold enough to complain of the Dauphine to the King. It was for + this reason that no one dared tell the King what the whole Court and even + strangers were perfectly well acquainted with. The Dauphine liked to be + dragged along the ground by valets, who held her feet. These servants were + in the habit of saying to each other, "Come, shall we go and play with the + Duchess of Burgundy?" for so she was at this time. She was dreadfully + nasty, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ............................. +</pre> + <p> + She made the Dauphin believe whatever she chose, and he was so fond of her + that one of her glances would throw him into an ecstacy and make him + forget everything. When the King intended to scold her she would put on an + air of such deep dejection that he was obliged to console her instead; the + aunt, too, used to affect similar sorrow, so that the King had enough to + do with consoling them both. Then, for quietness' sake, he used to lean + upon the old aunt, and think nothing more about the matter. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine never cared for the Duc de Richelieu, although he boasted of + the contrary, and was sent to the Bastille for it. She was a coquette, and + chatted with all the young men; but if she loved any of them it was + Nangis, who commanded the King's regiment. She had commanded him to + pretend to be in love with little La Vrilliere, who, though not so pretty + nor with so good a presence as the Dauphine, had a better figure and was a + great coquette. This badinage, it is said, afterwards became reality. The + good Dauphin was like the husbands of all frail wives, the last to + perceive it. The Duke of Burgundy never imagined that his wife thought of + Nangis, although it was visible to all the world besides that she did. As + he was very much attached to Nangis, he believed firmly that his wife only + behaved civilly to him on his account; and he was besides convinced that + his favourite had at the same time an affair of gallantry with Madame la + Vrilliere. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphin had good sense, but he suffered his wife to govern him; he + loved only such persons as she loved, and he hated all who were + disagreeable to her. It was for this reason that Nangia enjoyed so much of + his favour, that he, with all his sense, became so perfectly ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphine of Burgundy was the person whom the King loved above all + others, and whom Maintenon had taught to do whatever was agreeable to him. + Her natural wit made her soon learn and practise everything. The King was + inconsolable for her death; and when La Maintenon saw that all she could + say had no effect upon his grief, it is said that she told the King all + that she had before concealed with respect to the Dauphine's life, and by + this means dissipated his great affliction. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This young lady, so fascinating and so dear to the King, betrayed, + nevertheless, the secrets of the State by informing her father, then + Duke of Savoy, and our enemy, of all the military projects which she + found means to read. The King had the proofs of this by the letters + which were found in the Princess's writing case after her death. + "That little slut," said he to Madame Maintenon, "has deceived us." + Memoires de Duclos, tome i.] +</pre> + <p> + Three years before her death, however, the Dauphine changed greatly for + the better; she played no more foolish tricks, and left off drinking to + excess. Instead of that untameable manner which she had before, she became + polite and sensible, kept up her dignity, and did not permit the younger + ladies to be too familiar with her, by dipping their fingers into her + dish, rolling upon the bed, and other similar elegancies. She used to + converse with people, and could talk very well. It was the marriage of + Madame de Berri that effected this surprising change in the Dauphine. + Seeing that young lady did not make herself beloved, and began things in + the wrong way, she was desirous to make herself more liked and esteemed + than she was. She therefore changed her behaviour entirely; she became + reserved and reasonable, and, having sense enough to discover her defects, + she set about correcting them, in which she succeeded so as to excite + general surprise. Thus she continued until her death, and often expressed + regret that she had led so irregular a life. She used to excuse herself by + saying it was mere childishness, and that she had little to thank those + young ladies for who had given her such bad advice and set her such bad + examples. She publicly manifested her contempt for them, and prevailed on + the King not to invite them to Marly in future. By this conduct she gained + everybody's affection. + </p> + <p> + She was delicate and of rather a weak constitution. Dr. Chirac said in her + last illness that she would recover; and so she probably would have done + if they had not permitted her to get up when the measles had broken out + upon her, and she was in a copious perspiration. Had they not blooded her + in the foot she might have been alive now (1716). Immediately after the + bleeding, her skin, before as red as fire, changed to the paleness of + death, and she became very ill. When they were lifting her out of bed I + told them it was better to let the perspiration subside before they + blooded her. Chirac and Fagon, however, were obstinate and laughed at me. + </p> + <p> + Old Maintenon said to me angrily, "Do you think you know better than all + these medical men?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Madame," I replied; "and one need not know much to be sure that the + inclination of nature ought to be followed; and since that has displayed + itself it would be better to let it have way, than to make a sick person + get up in the midst of a perspiration to be blooded." + </p> + <p> + She shrugged up her shoulders ironically. I went to the other side and + said nothing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT14" id="link2H_SECT14"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV.—THE FIRST DAUPHIN. + </h2> + <p> + All that was good in the first Dauphin came from his preceptor; all that + was bad from himself. He never either loved or hated any one much, and yet + he was very wicked. His greatest pleasure was to do something to vex a + person; and immediately afterwards, if he could do something very pleasing + to the same person, he would set about it with great willingness. In every + respect he was of the strangest temper possible: when one thought he was + good-humoured, he was angry; and when one supposed him to be ill-humoured, + he was in an amiable mood. No one could ever guess him rightly, and I do + not believe that his like ever was or ever will be born. It cannot be said + that he had much wit; but still less was he a fool. Nobody was ever more + prompt to seize the ridiculous points of anything in himself or in others; + he told stories agreeably; he was a keen observer, and dreaded nothing so + much as to be one day King: not so much from affection for his father, as + from a dread of the trouble of reigning, for he was so extremely idle that + he neglected all things; and he would have preferred his ease to all the + kingdoms and empires of the earth. He could remain for a whole day, + sitting on a sofa or in an arm-chair, beating his cane against his shoes, + without saying a word; he never gave an opinion upon any subject; but when + once, in the course of the year, he did speak, he could express himself in + terms sufficiently noble. Sometimes when he spoke one would say he was + stupidity itself; at another time he would deliver himself with + astonishing sense. At one time you would think he was the best Prince in + the world; at another he would do all he could to give people pain. Nobody + seemed to be so ill with him but he would take the trouble of making them + laugh at the expense of those most dear to him. His maxim was, never to + seem to like one man in the Court better than another. He had a perfect + horror of favourites, and yet he sought favour himself as much as the + commonest courtier could do. He did not pride himself upon his politeness, + and was enraged when any one penetrated his intentions. As I had known him + from his infancy I could sometimes guess his meaning, which angered him + excessively. He was not very fond of being treated respectfully; he liked + better not to be put to any trouble. He was rather partial than just, as + may be shown by the regulations he made as to the rank of my son's + daughter. He never liked or hated any Minister. He laughed often and + heartily. He was a very obedient son, and never opposed the King's will in + any way, and was more submissive to Maintenon than any other person. Those + who say that he would have retired, if the King had declared his marriage + with that old woman, did not know him; had he not an old mistress of his + own, to whom he was believed to be privately married? What prevented + Maintenon from being declared Queen was the wise reasons which the + Archbishop of Cambray, M. de Fenelon, urged to the King, and for which she + persecuted that worthy man to the day of his death. + </p> + <p> + If the Dauphin had chosen, he might have enjoyed greater credit with his + father. The King had offered him permission to go to the Royal Treasury to + bestow what favours he chose upon the persons of his own Court; and at the + Treasury orders were given that he should have whatever he asked for. The + Dauphin replied that it would give him so much trouble. He would never + know anything about State affairs lest he should be obliged to attend the + Privy Councils, and have no more time to hunt. Some persons thought he did + this from motives of policy and to make the King believe he had no + ambition; but I am persuaded it was from nothing but indolence and + laziness; he loved to live a slothful life, and to interfere with nothing. + </p> + <p> + At the King of Spain's departure our King wept a good deal; the Dauphin + also wept much, although he had never before manifested the least + affection for his children. They were never seen in his apartment morning + and evening. When he was not at the chase the Dauphin passed his time with + the great Princesse de Conti, and latterly with the Duchess. One must have + guessed that the children belonged to him, for he lived like a stranger + among them. He never called them his sons, but the Duke of Burgundy, the + Duc d'Anjou, the Duc de Berri; and they, in turn, always called him + Monseigneur. + </p> + <p> + I lived upon a very good understanding with him for more than twenty + years, and he had great confidence in me until the Duchess got possession + of him; then everything with regard to me was changed: and as, after my + husband's death, I never went to the chase with the Dauphin, I had no + further relation with him, and he behaved as if he had never seen or known + me. If he had been wise he would have preferred the society of the + Princesse de Conti to that of the Duchess, because the first, having a + good heart, loved him for himself; while the other loved nothing in the + world, and listened to nothing but her taste for pleasure, her interest, + and her ambition. So that, provided she attained her ends, she cared + little for the Dauphin, who by his condescension for this Princess gave a + great proof of weakness. + </p> + <p> + In general, his heart was not correct enough to discern what real + friendship was; he loved only those who afforded him amusement, and + despised all others. The Duchess was very agreeable and had some pleasant + notions; she was fond of eating, which was the very thing for the Dauphin, + because he found a good breakfast at her house every morning and a + collation in the afternoon. The Duchess's daughters were of the same + character as their mother; so that the Dauphin might be all the day in the + company of gay people. + </p> + <p> + He was strongly attached to his son's wife; but when she quarrelled with + the Duchess her father-in-law changed his opinion of her. What displeased + him besides was that the Duchess of Burgundy married his younger son, the + Duc de Berri, against his inclination. He was not wrong in that, because, + although the marriage was to our advantage, I must confess that the + Dauphin was not even treated with decency in the business. + </p> + <p> + Neither of the two Dauphins or the Dauphines ever interested themselves + much about their children. The King had them educated without consulting + them, appointed all their servants, and was even displeased if they + interfered with them in any way. The Dauphin knows nothing of good + breeding; he and his sons are perfect clowns. + </p> + <p> + The women of La Halle had a real passion for the first Dauphin; they had + been made to believe that he would take the part of the people of Paris, + in which there was not a word of truth. The people believed that he was + better hearted than he was. He would not, in fact, have been wicked if the + Marechal d'Uxelles, La Chouin and Montespan, with whom he was in his + youth, as well as the Duchess, had not spoiled him, and made him believe + that malice was a proof of wit. + </p> + <p> + He did not grieve more than a quarter of an hour at the death of his + mother or of his wife; and when he wrapped himself up in his long mourning + cloak he was ready to choke with laughter. + </p> + <p> + He had followed his father's example in taking an ugly, nasty mistress, + who had been fille d'honneur to the elder Princess de Conti: her name is + Mademoiselle de Chouin, and she is still living at Paris (1719). It was + generally believed that he had married her clandestinely; but I would lay + a wager he never did. She had the figure of a duenna; was of very small + stature; had very short legs; large rolling eyes; a round face; a short + turned-up nose; a large mouth filled with decayed teeth, which made her + breath so bad that the room in which she sat could hardly be endured. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ......................... +</pre> + <p> + And yet this short, fat woman had a great deal of wit; and I believe the + Dauphin accustomed himself to take snuff that he might not be annoyed by + her bad teeth. He was very civil to the Marechal d'Uxelles, because he + pretended to be the intimate with this lady; but as soon as the Dauphin + was caught, the Marechal ceased to see her, and never once set foot in her + house, although before that he had been in the habit of visiting her + daily. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphin had a daughter by Raisin the actress, but he would never + acknowledge her, and after his death the Princess Conti took care of her, + and married her to a gentleman of Vaugourg. The Dauphin was so tired of + the Duc du Maine that he had sworn never to acknowledge any of his + illegitimate children. This Raisin must have had very peculiar charms to + make an impression upon a heart so thick as that of the Dauphin, who + really loved her. One day he sent for her to Choisy, and hid her in a mill + without anything to eat or drink; for it was a fast day, and the Dauphin + thought there was no greater sin than to eat meat on a fast day. After the + Court had departed, all that he gave her for supper was some salad and + toast with oil. Raisin laughed at this very much herself, and told several + persons of it. When I heard of it I asked the Dauphin what he meant by + making his mistress fast in this manner. + </p> + <p> + "I had a mind," he said, "to commit one sin, but not two." + </p> + <p> + I cannot bear that any one should touch me behind; it makes me so angry + that I do not know what I do. I was very near giving the Dauphin a blow + one day, for he had a wicked trick of coming behind one for a joke, and + putting his fist in the chair just where one was going to sit down. I + begged him, for God's sake, to leave off this habit, which was so + disagreeable to me that I would not answer for not one day giving him a + sound blow, without thinking of what I was doing. From that time he left + me alone. + </p> + <p> + The Dauphin was very much like the Queen; he was not tall, but + good-looking enough. Our King was accustomed to say: "Monseigneur (for so + he always called him) has the look of a German prince." He had, indeed, + something of a German air; but it was only the air; for he had nothing + German besides. He did not dance well. The Queen-Dowager of Spain + flattered herself with the hope of marrying him. + </p> + <p> + He thought he should recommend himself to the King by not appearing to + care what became of his brothers. + </p> + <p> + When the Dauphin was lying sick of the small-pox, I went on the Wednesday + to the King. + </p> + <p> + He said to me, sarcastically, "You have been frightening us with the great + pain which Monseigneur would have to endure when the suppuration + commences; but I can tell you that he will not suffer at all, for the + pustules have already begun to dry." + </p> + <p> + I was alarmed at this, and said, "So much the worse; if he is not in pain + his state is the more dangerous, and he soon will be." + </p> + <p> + "What!" said the King, "do you know better than the doctors?" + </p> + <p> + "I know," I replied, "what the small-pox is by my own experience, which is + better than all the doctors; but I hope from my heart that I may be + mistaken." + </p> + <p> + On the same night, soon after midnight, the Dauphin died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT15" id="link2H_SECT15"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV.—THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, THE SECOND DAUPHIN. + </h2> + <p> + He was quite humpbacked. I think this proceeded from his having been made + to carry a bar of iron for the purpose of keeping himself upright, but the + weight and inconvenience of which had had a contrary effect. I often said + to the Duke de Beauvilliers he had very good parts, and was sincerely + pious, but so weak as to let his wife rule him like a child. In spite of + his good sense, she made him believe whatever she chose. She lived upon + very good terms with him, but was not outrageously fond, and did not love + him better than many other persons; for the good gentleman had a very + disagreeable person, and his face was not the most beautiful. I believe, + however, she was touched with his great affection for her; and indeed it + would be impossible for a man to entertain a more fervent passion than he + did for his wife. Her wit was agreeable, and she could be very pleasant + when she chose: her gaiety dissipated the melancholy which sometimes + seized upon the devout Dauphin. Like almost all humpbacked men, he had a + great passion for women; but at the same time was so pious that he feared + he committed a grievous sin in looking at any other than his own wife; and + he was truly in love with her. I saw him once, when a lady had told him + that he had good eyes, squint immediately that he might appear ugly. This + was really an unnecessary trouble; for the good man was already + sufficiently plain, having a very ill-looking mouth, a sickly appearance, + small stature, and a hump at his back. + </p> + <p> + He had many good qualities: he was charitable, and had assisted several + officers unknown to any one. He certainly died of grief for the loss of + his wife, as he had predicted. A learned astrologer of Turin, having cast + the nativity of the Dauphine, told her that she would die in her + twenty-seventh year. + </p> + <p> + She often spoke of it, and said one day to her husband, "The time is + approaching when I shall die; you cannot remain without a wife as well on + account of your rank as your piety; tell me, then, I beg of you, whom you + will marry?" + </p> + <p> + "I hope," he replied, "that God will not inflict so severe a punishment on + me as to deprive me of you; but if this calamity should befall me, I shall + not marry again, for I shall follow you to the grave in a week." + </p> + <p> + This happened exactly as he said it would; for, on the seventh day after + his wife's death, he died also. This is not a fiction, but perfectly true. + </p> + <p> + While the Dauphine was in good health and spirits she often said, "I must + enjoy myself now. I shall not be able to do so long, for I shall die this + year." + </p> + <p> + I thought it was only a joke, but it turned out to be too true. When she + fell sick she said she should never recover. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT16" id="link2H_SECT16"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI.—PETITE MADAME. + </h2> + <p> + A cautery which had been improperly made in the nape of the neck had drawn + her mouth all on one side, so that it was almost entirely in her left + cheek. For this reason talking was very painful to her, and she said very + little. It was necessary to be accustomed to her way of speaking to + understand her. Just when she was about to die her mouth resumed its + proper place, and she did not seem at all ugly. I was present at her + death. She did not say a word to her father, although a convulsion had + restored her mouth. The King, who had a good heart and was very fond of + his children, wept excessively and made me weep also. The Queen was not + present, for, being pregnant, they would not let her come. + </p> + <p> + It is totally false that the Queen was delivered of a black child. The + late Monsieur, who was present, said that the young Princess was ugly, but + not black. The people cannot be persuaded that the child is not still + alive, and say that it is in a convent at Moret, near Fontainebleau. It + is, however, quite certain that the ugly child is dead, for all the Court + saw it die. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 3. + </h2> + <p> + Henrietta of England, Monsieur's First Consort The Due de Berri The + Duchesse de Berri Mademoiselle d'Orleans, Louise-Adelaide de Chartres + Mademoiselle de Valois, Consort of the Prince of Modena The Illegitimate + Children of the Regent, Duc d'Orleans The Chevalier de Lorraine Philip V., + King of Spain The Duchess, Consort of the Duc de Bourbon The Younger + Duchess Duc Louis de Bourbon Francois-Louis, Prince de Conti La Grande + Princesse de Conti The Princess Palatine, Consort of Prince Francois-Louis + de Conti The Princesse de Conti, Louise-Elizabeth, Consort of Louis-Armand + Louis-Armand, Prince de Conti The Abbe Dubois Mr. Law + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT17" id="link2H_SECT17"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII.—HENRIETTA OF ENGLAND, THE FIRST WIFE OF MONSIEUR, + BROTHER OF LOUIS XIV. + </h2> + <p> + It is true that the late Madame was extremely unhappy; she confided too + much in people who betrayed her: she was more to be pitied than blamed, + being connected with very wicked persons, about whom I could give some + particulars. Young, pretty and gay, she was surrounded by some of the + greatest coquettes in the world, the mistresses of her bitterest foes, and + who sought only to thrust her into some unfortunate situation and to + embroil her with Monsieur. Madame de Coetquen was the Chevalier de + Lorraine's mistress, although Madame did not know it; and she contrived + that the Marechal de Turenne should become attached to her. Madame having + told the Marshal all her secrets respecting the negotiations with England, + he repeated them to his mistress, Madame de Coetquen, whom he believed to + be devoted to his mistress. This woman went every night to the Chevalier + de Lorraine and betrayed them all. The Chevalier used this opportunity to + stir up Monsieur's indignation against Madame, telling him that he passed + with the King for a simpleton, who could not hold his tongue; that he + would lose all confidence, and that his wife would have everything in her + own hand. Monsieur wished to know all the particulars from Madame; but she + refused to tell him her brother's secrets, and this widened the breach + between them. She became enraged, and had the Chevalier de Lorraine and + his brother driven away, which in the end cost her own life; she, however, + died with the consciousness of never having done her husband any harm. She + was the confidante of the King, to whom it had been hinted that it might + be expedient to give some employment to Monsieur, who might otherwise make + himself beloved in the Court and in the city. For this reason the King + assisted Madame in her affairs of gallantry, in order to occupy his + brother. I have this from the King himself. Madame was besides in great + credit with her brother, Charles II. (of England). Louis XIV. wished to + gain him over through his sister, wherefore it was necessary to take part + with her, and she was always better treated than I have been. The late + Monsieur never suspected his wife of infidelity with the King, her + brother-in-law, he told me, all her life, and would not have been silent + with respect to this intrigue if he had believed it. I think that with + respect to this great injustice is done to Madame. It would have been too + much to deceive at once the brother and the nephew, the father and the + son. + </p> + <p> + The late Monsieur was very much disturbed at his wife's coquetry; but he + dared not behave ill to her, because she was protected by the King. + </p> + <p> + The Queen-mother of England had not brought up her children well: she at + first left them in the society of femmes de chambre, who gratified all + their caprices; and having afterwards married them at a very early age, + they followed the bad example of their mother. Both of them met with + unhappy deaths; the one was poisoned, and the other died in child-birth. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur was himself the cause of Madame's intrigue with the Comte de + Guiche. He was one of the favourites of the late Monsieur, and was said to + have been handsome once. Monsieur earnestly requested Madame to shew some + favour to the Comte de Guiche, and to permit him to wait upon her at all + times. The Count, who was brutal to every one else, but full of vanity, + took great pains to be agreeable to Madame, and to make her love him. In + fact, he succeeded, being seconded by his aunt, Madame de Chaumont, who + was the gouvernante of Madame's children. One day Madame went to this + lady's chamber, under the pretence of seeing her children, but in fact to + meet De Guiche, with whom she had an assignation. She had a valet de + chambre named Launois, whom I have since seen in the service of Monsieur; + he had orders to stand sentinel on the staircase, to give notice in case + Monsieur should approach. This Launois suddenly ran into the room, saying, + "Monsieur is coming downstairs." + </p> + <p> + The lovers were terrified to death. The Count could not escape by the + antechamber on account of Monsieur's people who were there. Launois said, + "I know a way, which I will put into practice immediately; hide yourself," + he said to the Count, "behind the door." He then ran his head against + Monsieur's nose as he was entering, and struck him so violently that he + began to bleed. At the same moment he cried out, "I beg your pardon, + Monsieur, I did not think you were so near, and I ran to open you the + door." + </p> + <p> + Madame and Madame de Chaumont ran in great alarm to Monsieur, and covered + his face with their handkerchiefs, so that the Comte de Guiche had time to + get out of the room, and escape by the staircase. Monsieur saw some one + run away, but he thought it was Launois, who was escaping through fear. He + never learnt the truth. + </p> + <p> + What convinces me of the late Madame's innocence is that, after having + received the last sacraments, she begged pardon of Monsieur for all + disquiets she had occasioned, and said that she hoped to reach heaven + because she had committed no crime against her husband. + </p> + <p> + I think M. de Monmouth was much worse than the Comte de Guiche; because, + although a bastard, he was the son of Madame's own brother; and this + incest doubled the crime. Madame de Thiange, sister of Madame de + Montespan, conducted the intrigue between the Duke of Monmouth and Madame. + </p> + <p> + It is said here that Madame was not a beauty, but that she had so graceful + a manner as to make all she did very agreeable. She never forgave. She + would have the Chevalier de Lorraine dismissed; he was so, but he was + amply revenged of her. He sent the poison by which she was destroyed from + Italy by a nobleman of Provence, named Morel: this man was afterwards + given to me as chief maitre d'hotel, and after he had sufficiently robbed + me they made him sell his place at a high price. This Morel was very + clever, but he was a man totally void of moral or religious principle; he + confessed to me that he did not believe in anything. At the point of death + he would not hear talk of God. He said, speaking of himself, "Let this + carcass alone, it is now good for nothing." He would steal, lie and swear; + he was an atheist and..... + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ........................ +</pre> + <p> + It is too true that the late Madame was poisoned, but without the + knowledge of Monsieur. While the villains were arranging the plan of + poisoning the poor lady, they deliberated whether they should acquaint + Monsieur with it or not. The Chevalier de Lorraine said "No, don't tell + him, for he cannot hold his tongue. If he does not tell it the first year + he may have us hanged ten years afterwards;" and it is well known that the + wretches said, "Let us not tell Monsieur, for he would tell the King, who + would certainly hang us all." They therefore made Monsieur believe that + Madame had taken poison in Holland, which did not act until she arrived + here. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It is said that the King sent for the maitre d'hotel, and that, + being satisfied that Monsieur had not been a party to the crime, he + said, "Then I am relieved; you may retire." The Memoirs of the day + state also that the King employed the Chevalier de Lorraine to + persuade Monsieur to obey his brother's wishes.] +</pre> + <p> + It appears, therefore, that the wicked Gourdon took no part in this + affair; but she certainly accused Madame to Monsieur, and calumniated and + disparaged her to everybody. + </p> + <p> + It was not Madame's endive-water that D'Effial had poisoned; that report + must have been a mere invention, for other persons might have tasted it + had Madame alone drank from her own glass. A valet de chambre who was with + Madame, and who afterwards was in my service (he is dead now), told me + that in the morning, while Monsieur and Madame were at Mass, D'Effial went + to the sideboard and, taking the Queen's cup, rubbed the inside of it with + a paper. The valet said to him, "Monsieur, what do you do in this room, + and why do you touch Madame's cup?" He answered, "I am dying with thirst; + I wanted something to drink, and the cup being dirty, I was wiping it with + some paper." In the afternoon Madame asked for some endive-water; but no + sooner had she swallowed it than she exclaimed she was poisoned. The + persons present drank some of the same water, but not the same that was in + the cup, for which reason they were not inconvenienced by it. It was found + necessary to carry Madame to bed. She grew worse, and at two o'clock in + the morning she died in great pain. When the cup was sought for it had + disappeared, and was not found until long after. It seems it had been + necessary to pass it through the fire before it could be cleaned. + </p> + <p> + A report prevailed at St. Cloud for several years that the ghost of the + late Madame appeared near a fountain where she had been accustomed to sit + during the great heats, for it was a very cool spot. One evening a servant + of the Marquis de Clerambault, having gone thither to draw water from the + fountain, saw something white sitting there without a head. The phantom + immediately arose to double its height. The poor servant fled in great + terror, and said when he entered the house that he had seen Madame. He + fell sick and died. Then the captain of the Chateau, thinking there was + something hidden beneath this affair, went to the fountain some days + afterwards, and, seeing the phantom, he threatened it with a sound + drubbing if it did not declare what it was. + </p> + <p> + The phantom immediately said, "Ah, M. de Lastera, do me no harm; I am poor + old Philipinette." + </p> + <p> + This was an old woman in the village, seventy-seven years old, who had + lost her teeth, had blear eyes, a great mouth and large nose; in short, + was a very hideous figure. They were going to take her to prison, but I + interceded for her. When she came to thank me I asked her what fancy it + was that had induced her to go about playing the ghost instead of + sleeping. + </p> + <p> + She laughed and said, "I cannot much repent what I have done. At my time + of life one sleeps little; but one wants something to amuse one's mind. In + all the sports of my youth nothing diverted me so much as to play the + ghost. I was very sure that if I could not frighten folks with my white + dress I could do so with my ugly face. The cowards made so many grimaces + when they saw it that I was ready to die with laughing. This nightly + amusement repaid me for the trouble of carrying a pannier by day." + </p> + <p> + If the late Madame was better treated than I was it was for the purpose of + pleasing the King of England, who was very fond of his sister. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ........................... +</pre> + <p> + Madame de La Fayette, who has written the life of the late Madame, was her + intimate friend; but she was still more intimately the friend of M. de La + Rochefoucauld, who remained with her to the day of his death. It is said + that these two friends wrote together the romance of the Princesse de + Cloves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT18" id="link2H_SECT18"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII.—THE DUC DE BERRI. + </h2> + <p> + It is not surprising that the manners of the Duc de Berri were not very + elegant, since he was educated by Madame de Maintenon and the Dauphine as + a valet de chambre. He was obliged to wait upon the old woman at table, + and at all other times upon the Dauphine's ladies, with whom he was by day + and night. They made a mere servant of him, and used to talk to him in a + tone of very improper familiarity, saying, "Berri, go and fetch me my + work; bring me that table; give me my scissors." + </p> + <p> + Their manner of behaving to him was perfectly shameful. This had the + effect of degrading his disposition, and of giving him base propensities; + so that it is not surprising he should have been violently in love with an + ugly femme de chambre. His good father was naturally of rather a coarse + disposition. + </p> + <p> + But for that old Maintenon, the Duc de Berri would have been humpbacked, + like the rest who had been made to carry iron crosses. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Berri's character seemed to undergo a total change; it is said + to be the ordinary lot of the children in Paris that, if they display any + sense in their youth, they become stupid as they grow older. + </p> + <p> + It was in compliance with the King's will that he married. At first he was + passionately fond of his wife; but at the end of three months he fell in + love with a little, ugly, black femme de chambre. The Duchess, who had + sufficient penetration, was not slow in discovering this, and told her + husband immediately that, if he continued to live upon good terms with + her, as he had done at first, she would say nothing about it, and act as + if she were not acquainted with it; but if he behaved ill, she would tell + the whole affair to the King, and have the femme de chambre sent away, so + that he should never hear of her again. By this threat she held the Duke, + who was a very simple man, so completely in check, that he lived very well + with her up to his death, leaving her to do as she pleased, and dying + himself as fond as ever of the femme de chambre. A year before his death + he had her married, but upon condition that the husband should not + exercise his marital rights. He left her pregnant as well as his wife, + both of whom lay-in after his decease. Madame de Berri, who was not + jealous, retained this woman, and took care of her and her child. + </p> + <p> + The Duke abridged his life by his extreme intemperance in eating and + drinking. He had concealed, besides, that in falling from his horse he had + burst a blood-vessel. He threatened to dismiss any of his servants who + should say that he had lost blood. A number of plates were found in the + ruelle of his bed after his death. When he disclosed the accident it was + too late to remedy it. As far as could be judged his illness proceeded + from gluttony, in consequence of which emetics were so frequently + administered to him that they hastened his death. + </p> + <p> + He himself said to his confessor, the Pere de la Rue, "Ah, father, I am + myself the cause of my death!" + </p> + <p> + He repented of it, but not until too late. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT19" id="link2H_SECT19"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX.—THE DUCHESSE DE BERRI. + </h2> + <p> + My son loves his eldest daughter better than all the rest of his children, + because he has had the care of her since she was seven years old. She was + at that time seized with an illness which the physicians did not know how + to cure. My son resolved to treat her in his own way. He succeeded in + restoring her to health, and from that moment his love seemed to increase + with her years. She was very badly educated, having been always left with + femmes de chambre. She is not very capricious, but she is haughty and + absolute in all her wishes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Her pride led her into all sorts of follies. She once went through + Paris preceded by trumpets and drama; and on another occasion she + appeared at the theatre under a canopy. She received the Venetian + Ambassador sitting in a chair elevated upon a sort of a platform. + This haughtiness, however, did not prevent her from keeping very bad + company, and she would sometimes lay aside her singularities and + break up her orgies to pass some holy days at the Carmelites.] +</pre> + <p> + From the age of eight years she has had entirely her own way, so that it + is not surprising she should be like a headstrong horse. If she had been + well brought up, she would have been a worthy character, for she has very + good sense and a good natural disposition, and is not at all like her + mother, to whom, although she was very severely treated, she always did + her duty. During her mother's last illness, she watched her like a hired + nurse. If Madame de Berri had been surrounded by honest people, who + thought more of her honour than of their own interest, she would have been + a very admirable person. She had excellent feelings; but as that old woman + (Maintenon) once said, "bad company spoils good manners." To be pleasing + she had only to speak, for she possessed natural eloquence, and could + express herself very well. + </p> + <p> + Her complexion is very florid, for which she often lets blood, but without + effect; she uses a great quantity of paint, I believe for the purpose of + hiding the marks of the small-pox. She cannot dance, and hates it; but she + is well-grounded in music. Her voice is neither strong nor agreeable, and + yet she sings very correctly. She takes as much diversion as possible; one + day she hunts, another day she goes out in a carriage, on a third she will + go to a fair; at other times she frequents the rope-dancers, the plays, + and the operas, and she goes everywhere 'en echarpe', and without stays. I + often rally her, and say that she fancies she is fond of the chase, but in + fact she only likes changing her place. She cares little about the result + of the chase, but she likes boar-hunting better than stag-hunting, because + the former furnishes her table with black puddings and boars' heads. + </p> + <p> + I do not reckon the Duchesse de Berri among my grandchildren. She is + separated from me, we live like strangers to each other, she does not + disturb herself about me, nor I about her. (7th January, 1716.) + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon was so dreadfully afraid lest the King should take a + fancy to the Duchesse de Berri while the Dauphine was expected, that she + did her all sorts of ill offices. After the Dauphine's death she repaired + the wrong; but then, to tell the truth, the King's inclination was not so + strong. + </p> + <p> + If the Duchesse de Berri was not my daughter-in-law, I should have no + reason to be dissatisfied with her; she behaves politely to me, which is + all that I can say. (25th Sept., 1716.) + </p> + <p> + She often laughs at her own figure and shape. She has certainly good + sense, and is not very punctilious. Her flesh is firm and healthy, her + cheeks are as hard as stone. I should be ungrateful not to love her, for + she does all sorts of civil things towards me, and displays so great a + regard for me that I am often quite amazed at it. (12th April, 1718.) + </p> + <p> + She is magnificent in her expenditure; to be sure she can afford to be so, + for her income amounts to 600,000 livres. Amboise was her jointure, but + she preferred Meudon. + </p> + <p> + She fell sick on the 28th March, 1719. I went to see her last Sunday, the + 23rd May, and found her in a sad state, suffering from pains in her toes + and the soles of her feet until the tears came into her eyes. I went away + because I saw that she refrained from crying out on my account. I thought + she was in a bad way. A consultation was held by her three physicians, the + result of which was that they determined to bleed her in the feet. They + had some difficulty in persuading her to submit to it, because the pain in + her feet was so great that she uttered the most piercing screams if the + bedclothes only rubbed against them. The bleeding, however, succeeded, and + she was in some degree relieved. It was the gout in both feet. + </p> + <p> + The feet are now covered with swellings filled with water, which cause her + as much pain as if they were ulcers; she suffers day and night. Whatever + they may say, there has been no other swelling of the feet since those + blisters appeared. (13th June.) + </p> + <p> + The swelling has now entirely disappeared, but the pain is greater than + before. All the toes are covered with transparent blisters; she cries out + so that she may be heard three rooms off. The doctors now confess they do + not know what the disorder is. (20th June.) The King's surgeon says it is + rheumatic gout. (11th July.) I believe that frequent and excessive bathing + and gluttony have undermined her health. She has two fits of fever daily, + and the disease does not abate. She is not impatient nor peevish; the + emetic given to her the day before yesterday causes her much pain; it + seems that from time to time rheumatic pains have affected her shoulders + without her taking much notice of them. From being very fat, as she was, + she has become thin and meagre. Yesterday she confessed, and received the + communion. (18th July.) She was bled thrice before she took the emetic. + (Tuesday, 18th July.) She received the last Sacrament with a firmness + which deeply affected her attendants. Between two and three o'clock this + night (19th July) she died. Her end was a very easy one; they say she died + as if she had gone to sleep. My son remained with her until she lost all + consciousness, which was about an hour before her death. She was his + favourite daughter. The poor Duchesse de Berri was as much the cause of + her own death as if she had blown her brains out, for she secretly ate + melons, figs and milk; she herself confessed, and her doctor told me, that + she had closed her room to him and to the other medical attendants for a + fortnight that she might indulge in this way. Immediately after the storm + she began to die. Yesterday evening she said to me: "Oh, Madame! that clap + of thunder has done me great harm;" and it was evident that it had made + her worse. + </p> + <p> + My son has not been able to sleep. The poor Duchesse de Berri could not + have been saved; her brain was filled with water; she had an ulcer in the + stomach and another in the groin; her liver was affected, and her spleen + full of disease. She was taken by night to St. Denis, whither all her + household accompanied her corse. They were so much embarrassed about her + funeral oration that it was resolved ultimately not to pronounce one. + </p> + <p> + With all her wealth she has left my son 400,000 livres of debt to pay. + This poor Princess was horribly robbed and pillaged. You may imagine what + a race these favourites are; Mouchi, who enjoyed the greatest favour, did + not grieve for her mistress a single moment; she was playing the flute at + her window on the very day that the Princess was borne to St. Denis, and + went to a large dinner party in Paris, where she ate and drank as if + nothing had happened, at the same time talking in so impertinent a manner + as disgusted all the guests. My son desired her and her husband to quit + Paris. + </p> + <p> + My son's affliction is so much the greater since he perceives that, if he + had been less complying with his beloved daughter, and if he had exercised + somewhat more of a parent's authority, she would have been alive and well + at this time. + </p> + <p> + That Mouchi and her lover Riom have been playing fine tricks; they had + duplicate keys, and left the poor Duchess without a sou. I cannot conceive + what there is to love in this Riom; he has neither face nor figure; he + looks, with his green-and-yellow complexion, like a water fiend; his + mouth, nose and eyes are like those of a Chinese. He is more like a baboon + than a Gascon, which he is. He is a very dull person, without the least + pretensions to wit; he has a large head, which is sunk between a pair of + very broad shoulders, and his appearance is that of a low-minded person; + in short, he is a very ugly rogue. + </p> + <p> + And yet the toad does not come of bad blood; he is related to some of the + best families. The Duc de Lauzun is his uncle, and Biron his nephew. He + is, nevertheless, unworthy of the honour which was conferred on him; for + he was only a captain in the King's Guard. The women all ran after him; + but, for my part, I find him extremely disagreeable; he has an unhealthy + air and looks like one of the Indian figures upon a screen. + </p> + <p> + He was not here when Madame de Berri died, but was with the army, in the + regiment which had been bought for him. When the news of the Duchess's + death reached him the Prince de Conti went to seek Riom, and sang a + ridiculous song, my son was a little vexed at this, but he did not take + any notice of it. + </p> + <p> + There can be no doubt that the Duchess was secretly married to Riom; this + has consoled me in some degree for her loss. I had heard it said before, + and I made a representation upon the subject to my granddaughter. + </p> + <p> + She laughed, and replied: "Ah, Madame, I thought I had the honour of being + so well known to you that you could not believe me guilty of so great a + folly; I who am so much blamed for my pride." + </p> + <p> + This answer lulled my suspicions, and I no longer believed the story. The + father and mother would never have consented to this marriage; and even if + they had sanctioned such an impertinence I never would! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Duchess, with her usual violence, teased her father to have her + marriage made public; this was also Riom's most ardent desire, who + had married her solely from ambitious motives. The Regent had + despatched Riom to the army for the purpose of gaining time. One + daughter was the result of the connection between Riom and the + Duchesse de Berri, who was afterwards sent into a convent at + Pontoisse.] +</pre> + <p> + The toad had made the Princess believe that he was a Prince of the House + of Aragon, and that the King of Spain unjustly withheld from him his + kingdom; but that if she would marry him he could sue for his claim + through the treaties of peace. Mouchi used to talk about this to the + Duchess from morning to night; and it was for this reason that she was so + greatly in favour. + </p> + <p> + That Mouchi is the granddaughter of Monsieur's late surgeon. Her mother, + La Forcade, had been appointed by my son the gouvernante of his daughter + and son, and thus the young Forcade was brought up with the Duchesse de + Berri, who married her to Monsieur Mouchi, Master of the Wardrobe to the + Duke, and gave her a large marriage-portion. While the King lived the + Princess could not visit her much; and it was not until after his death + that she became the favourite, and was appointed by the Duchess second + dame d'atour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT20" id="link2H_SECT20"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX.—MADEMOISELLE D'ORLEANS, LOUISE-ADELAIDE DE CHARTRES. + </h2> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Chartres, Madame d'Orleans' second daughter, is well made, + and is the handsomest of my granddaughters. She has a fine skin, a superb + complexion, very white teeth, good eyes, and a faultless shape, but she + stammers a little; her hands are extremely delicate, the red and white are + beautifully and naturally mingled in her skin. I never saw finer teeth; + they are like a row of pearls; and her gums are no less beautiful. A + Prince of Auhalt who is here is very much in love with her; but the good + gentleman is ugly enough, so that there is no danger. She dances well, and + sings better; reads music at sight, and understands the accompaniment + perfectly; and she sings without any grimace. She persists in her project + of becoming a nun; but I think she would be better in the world, and do + all in my power to change her determination: it seems, however, to be a + folly which there is no eradicating. Her tastes are all masculine; she + loves dogs, horses, and riding; all day long she is playing with + gunpowder, making fusees and other artificial fireworks. She has a pair of + pistols, which she is incessantly firing; she fears nothing in the world, + and likes nothing which women in general like; she cares little about her + person, and for this reason I think she will make a good nun. + </p> + <p> + She does not become a nun through jealousy of her sister, but from the + fear of being tormented by her mother and sister, whom she loves very + much, and in this she is right. She and her sister are not fond of their + mother's favourites, and cannot endure to flatter them. They have no very + reverent notions, either, of their mother's brother, and this is the cause + of dissensions. I never saw my granddaughter in better spirits than on + Sunday last; she was with her sister, on horseback, laughing, and + apparently in great glee. At eight o'clock in the evening her mother + arrived; we played until supper; I thought we were afterwards going to + play again, but Madame d'Orleans begged me to go into the cabinet with her + and Mademoiselle d'Orleans; the child there fell on her knees, and begged + my permission, and her mother's, to go to Chelles to perform her + devotions. I said she might do that anywhere, that the place mattered not, + but that all depended upon her own heart, and the preparation which she + made. She, however, persisted in her desire to go to Chelles. I said to + her mother: + </p> + <p> + "You must decide whether your daughter shall go to Chelles or not." + </p> + <p> + She replied, "We cannot hinder her performing her devotions." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In the Memoirs of the time it is said that Mademoiselle de + Chartres, being at the Opera with her mother, exclaimed, while + Caucherau was singing a very tender air, "Ah! my dear Caucherau!" + and that her mother, thinking this rather too expressive, resolved + to send her to a convent.] +</pre> + <p> + So yesterday morning at seven o'clock she set off in a coach; she + afterwards sent back the carriage, with a letter to her father, her + mother, and myself, declaring that she will never more quit that accursed + cloister. Her mother, who has a liking for convents, is not very deeply + afflicted; she looks upon it as a great blessing to be a nun, but, for my + part, I think it is one of the greatest misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + My son went yesterday to Chelles, and took with him the Cardinal de + Noailles, to try for the last time to bring his daughter away from the + convent. (20th July, 1718.) + </p> + <p> + My heart is full when I think that our poor Mademoiselle d'Orleans has + made the profession of her vows. I said to her all I could, in the hope of + diverting her from this diabolical project, but all has been useless. + (23rd August, 1718.) I should not have restrained my tears if I had been + present at the ceremony of her profession. My son dreaded it also. I + cannot tell for what reason Mademoiselle d'Orleans resolved to become a + nun. Mademoiselle de Valois wanted to do the same thing, but she could not + prevail upon her mother. In the convent they assume the names of saints. + My granddaughter has taken that of Sister Bathilde; she is of the + Benedictine order. + </p> + <p> + Madame d'Orleans has long wished her daughter to take this step, and it + was on her account that the former Abbess, Villars' sister, was prevailed + upon to quit the convent. He is in the interest of the Duc du Maine. I do + not see, however, that his sister has much to complain of, for they gave + her a pension of 12,000 livres until the first abbey should become vacant. + Madame d'Orleans is, however, vexed at the idea of Villars' sister being + obliged to yield to my son's daughter, which is, nevertheless, as it + should be. + </p> + <p> + Our Abbess is upon worse terms than ever with her mother. She complains + that the latter never comes but to scold her. She does not envy her sister + her marriage, for she finds herself very happy, and in this she displays + great good sense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT21" id="link2H_SECT21"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI.—MADEMOISELLE DE VALOIS, CHARLOTTE-AGLAE, CONSORT OF THE + PRINCE OF MODENA. + </h2> + <p> + Mademoiselle de Valois is not, in my opinion, pretty, and yet occasionally + she does not look ugly. She has something like charms, for her eyes, her + colour and her skin are good. She has white teeth, a large, ill-looking + nose, and one prominent tooth, which when she laughs has a bad effect. Her + figure is drawn up, her head is sunk between her shoulders, and what, in + my opinion, is the worst part of her appearance, is the ill grace with + which she does everything. She walks like an old woman of eighty. If she + were a person not very anxious to please, I should not be surprised at the + negligence of her gait; but she likes to be thought pretty. She is fond of + dress, and yet she does not understand that a good mien and graceful + manners are the most becoming dress, and that where these are wanting all + the ornaments in the world are good for nothing. She has a good deal of + the Mortemart family in her, and is as much like the Duchess of Sforza, + the sister of Montespan, as if she were her daughter; the falsehood of the + Mortemarts displays itself in her eyes. Madame d'Orleans would be the most + indolent woman in the world but for Madame de Valois, her daughter, who is + worse than she. To me nothing is more disgusting than a young person so + indolent. She cares little for me, or rather cannot bear me, and, for my + part, I care as little for a person so educated. + </p> + <p> + She is not upon good terms with her mother, because she wanted to marry + her to the Prince de Dombes, the Duc du Maine's eldest son. The mother + says now reproachfully to her daughter that, if she had married her + nephew, neither his father's nor his own misfortunes would have taken + place. She cannot bear to have her daughter in her sight, and has begged + me to keep her with me. + </p> + <p> + My son has agreed to give his daughter to the Prince of Modem, at which I + very sincerely rejoice. On the day before yesterday (28th November, 1719) + she came hither with her mother to tell me that the courier had arrived. + Her eyes were swollen and red, and she looked very miserable. The Duchess + of Hanover tells me that the intended husband fell in love with + Mademoiselle de Valois at the mere sight of her portrait. I think her + rather pretty than agreeable. Her hawk nose spoils all, in my opinion. Her + legs are long, her body stout and short, and her gait shows that she has + not learnt to dance; in fact, she never would learn. Still, if the + interior was as good as the exterior, all might pass; but she has as much + of the father as of the mother in her, and this it is that I dislike. + </p> + <p> + Our bride-elect is putting, as we say here, as good a face as she can upon + a bad bargain; although her language is gay her eyes are swollen, and it + is suspected that she has been weeping all night. The Grand Prior, who is + also General of the Galleys, will escort his sister into Italy. The Grand + Duchess of Tuscany says that she will not see Mademoiselle de Valois nor + speak to her, knowing very well what Italy is, and believing that + Mademoiselle de Valois will not be able to reconcile herself to it. She is + afraid that if her niece should ever return to France they will say, + "There is the second edition of the Grand Duchess;" and that for every + folly she may commit towards her father-in-law and husband they will add, + "Such are the instructions which her aunt, the Grand Duchess, has given + her." For this reason she said she would not go to see her. + </p> + <p> + The present has come from Modena; it does not consist of many pieces; + there is a large jewel for the bride, with some very fine diamonds, in the + midst of which is the portrait of the Prince of Modena, but it is badly + executed. This present is to be given on the day of the marriage and at + the signature of the contract in the King's presence; this ceremony will + take place on the 11th (of February, 1720). The nuptial benediction will + be pronounced on Monday, and on Thursday she will set off. I never in my + life saw a bride more sorrowful; for the last three days she has neither + eaten nor drunk, and her eyes are filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + I have been the prophetess of evil, but I have prophesied too truly. When + our Princess of Modena told me that she wished to go to Chelles to bid her + sister farewell, I told her that the measles had been in the convent a + short time before, that the Abbess herself had been attacked by this + disease, which was contagious. She replied that she would seek it. I said + such things are more easily found than anything good; you run a risk of + your life, and I recommend you to take care. Notwithstanding my advice, + she went on Sunday morning to Chelles, and passed the whole of the day + with her sister. Soon afterwards she found herself unwell, and was laid up + with the measles. Her consolation is that this illness retards her + journey. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of March (1720) my son brought his daughter to bid me + farewell. She could not articulate a word. She took my hands, kissed and + pressed them, and then clasped her own. My son was much affected when he + brought her. They thought at first of marrying her to the Prince of + Piedmont. Her father had given her some reason to hope for this union, but + he afterwards retracted. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [According to Duclos it was Madame herself who prevented this + marriage by writing to the Queen of Sicily that she was too much her + friend to make her so worthless a present as Mademoiselle de Valois. + Duclos adds that the Regent only laughed at this German blunder of + his mother's.] +</pre> + <p> + She would have preferred marrying the Duke or the Comte de Charolois, + because then she would have remained with her friends. Her father has + given her several jewels. The King's present is superb. It consists of + fourteen very large and fine diamonds, to each of which are fastened round + pearls of the first water, and together they form a necklace. The Grand + Duchess advised her niece well in telling her not to follow her example, + but to endeavour to please her husband and father-in-law. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The same author (Duclos) says, on the contrary, that the Duchess + had given her niece the following advice: "My dear, do as I have + done. Have one or two children and try to get back to France; there + is nothing good for us out of that country."] +</pre> + <p> + The Prince of Modena will repair to Genoa incognito, because the Republic + has declared that they will pay due honours to his bride as a Princess of + the blood, but not as Princess of Modena. They have already begun to laugh + here at the amusements of Modena. She has sent to her father from Lyons an + harangue which was addressed to her by a curate. In spite of her father, + she will visit the whole of Provence. She will go to Toulon, La Ste. + Beaume, and I know not what. I believe she wishes to see everything or + anything except her husband. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [She performed her journey so slowly that the Prince complained of + it, and the Regent was obliged to order his daughter to go directly + to the husband, who was expecting her.] +</pre> + <p> + It may truly be said of this Princess that she has eaten her white bread + first. + </p> + <p> + All goes well at Modena at present, but the too charming brother-in-law is + not permitted to be at the petite soupers of his sister. The husband, it + is said, is delighted with his wife; but she has told him that he must not + be too fond of her, for that is not the fashion in France, and would seem + ridiculous. This declaration has not, as might be guessed, given very + great satisfaction in this country. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchess says, in the time of the Queen-mother's regency, when + the Prince and his brother, the Prince de Conti, were taken to the + Bastille, they were asked what books they would have to amuse themselves + with? The Prince de Conti said he should like to have "The Imitation of + Jesus Christ;" and the Prince de Condo said he would rather like "The + Imitation of the Duc de Beaufort," who had then just left the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + "I think," added the Duchess, "that the Princess of Modena will soon be + inclined to ask for 'The Imitation of the Grand Duchess.'" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Princess of Modena did, in fact, go back to France, and + remained there for the rest of her life.] +</pre> + <p> + Our Princess of Modena has found her husband handsomer and likes him + better than she thought she should; she has even become so fond of him, + that she has twice kissed his hands; a great condescension for a person so + proud as she is, and who fancies that, there is not her equal on the + earth. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Modena is a very strange person in all matters. His son and + his son's wife have requested him to get rid of Salvatico, who has been + here in the quality of envoy. This silly person made on the journey a + declaration in form of his love for the Princess, and threatened her with + all sorts of misfortune if she did not accept his love. He began his + declaration with, + </p> + <p> + "Ah! ah! ah! Madame, ah! ah! ah! Madame." + </p> + <p> + The Princess interrupted him: "What do you mean with your ah's?" + </p> + <p> + He replied, "Ah! the Prince of Modena is under great obligations; I have + made him happy." + </p> + <p> + He had begun the same follies here, and was in the habit of entering the + Princess's chamber at all times, and he even had the impudence to be + jealous. The Princess complained of him to her husband, and he told his + father of it, begging him to send the rogue away; but the father was so + far from complying that he wanted to make Salvatico his major-domo. Upon + the whole, I think that Salvatico's love for our Princess of Modena is + fortunate for her; for, having learnt all that had passed here, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Mademoiselle de Valois had an amorous intrigue with the Duc de + Richelieu; and it is said that she only consented to marry the + Prince of Modena upon condition that her father, the Regent, would + set her husband at liberty. Madame had intimated to the Duc de + Richelieu that, if he approached the places where her granddaughter + was with her, his life would be in great peril.] +</pre> + <p> + he might have made inconvenient reports: he would, however, perhaps have + done it in vain, for the Prince would not have believed him. Salvatico is + quite crazy. He is the declared favourite of the Duke of Modena, which + verifies the German proverb, "Like will to like, as the devil said to the + collier." + </p> + <p> + The Prince and Princess are very fond of each other; but it is said they + join in ridiculing the old father (2nd August, 1720). The Princess goes + about all day from room to room, crying, "How tired I am, how tiresome + everything is here!" She, however, lives a little better with her husband + than at the beginning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT22" id="link2H_SECT22"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII.—THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN OF THE REGENT, DUC + D'ORLEANS. + </h2> + <p> + My son has three illegitimate children, two boys and a girl; but only one + of them is legitimated, that is, his son by Mademoiselle de Seri, a lady + of noble family, and who was my Maid of Honour. The younger Margrave of + Anspach was also in love with her. This son is called the Chevalier + d'Orleans. The other, who is now (1716) about eighteen years old, is an + Abbe; he is the son of La Florence, a dancer at the Opera House. The + daughter is by Desmarets, the actress. My son says that the Chevalier + d'Orleans is more unquestionably his than any of the others; but, to tell + the truth, I think the Abbe has a stronger family likeness to my son than + the Chevalier, who is like none of them. I do not know where my son found + him; he is a good sort of person, but he has neither elegance nor beauty. + It is a great pity that the Abbe is illegitimate: he is well made; his + features are not bad; he has very good talents, and has studied much.—[Duclos + says that this 'eleve' of the Jesuits was, nevertheless, the most zealous + ignoramus that ever their school produced.]—He is a good deal like + the portraits of the late Monsieur in his youth, only that he is bigger. + When he stands near Mademoiselle de Valois it is easy to see that they + belong to the same father. My son purchased for the Chevalier d'Orleans + the office of General of the Galleys from the Marechal de Tasse. He + intends to make him a Knight of Malta, so that he may live unmarried, for + my son does not wish to have the illegitimate branches of his family + extended. The Chevalier does not want wit; but he is a little satirical, a + habit which he takes from his mother. + </p> + <p> + My son will not recognize the Abbe Saint-Albin, on account of the + irregular life which his mother, La Florence, has led. He fears being + laughed at for acknowledging children so different. The Abbe Dubois was a + chief cause, too, why my son would not acknowledge this son. It was + because the Abbe, aspiring to the Cardinal's hat, was jealous of every one + who might be a competitor with him. I love this Abbe Saint-Albin, in the + first place, because he is attached to me, and, in the second, because he + is really very clever; he has wit and sense, with none of the mummery of + priests. My son does not esteem him half so much as he deserves, for he is + one of the best persons in the world; he is pious and virtuous, learned in + every point, and not vain. It is in vain for my son to deny him; any one + may see of what race he comes, and I am sorry that he is not legitimated. + My son is much more fond of Seri's Son. + </p> + <p> + The poor Abbe de Saint-Albin is grieved to death at not being + acknowledged; while Fortune smiles upon his elder brother, he is + forgotten, despised, and has no rank; he seeks only to be legitimated. I + console him as well as I can; but why should I tease my son about the + business? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Abbe de Saint-Albin was appointed Bishop of Laon, and, after + Dubois' death, Archbishop of Cambrai. When he wished to become a + member of the Parliament he could not give the names either of his + father or mother; he had been baptized in the name of Cauche, the + Regent's valet de chambre and purveyor.] +</pre> + <p> + It would only put him in the way of greater inconveniences, for, as he has + also several children by Parabere, she would be no less desirous that he + should legitimate hers. This consideration ties my tongue. + </p> + <p> + The daughter of the actress Desmarets is somewhat like her mother, but she + is like no one else. She was educated in a convent at Saint Denis, but had + no liking for a nun's life. When my son had her first brought to him she + did not know who she was. When my son told her he was her father, she was + transported with joy, fancying that she was the daughter of Seri and + sister to the Chevalier; she thought, too, that she would be legitimated + immediately. When my son told her that could not be done, and that she was + Desmarets' daughter, she wept excessively. Her mother had never been + permitted to see her in the convent; the nuns would not have allowed it, + and her presence would have been injurious to the child. From the time she + was born, her mother had not seen her until the present year (1719), when + she saw her in a box at the theatre, and wept for joy. My son married this + girl to the Marquis de Segur. + </p> + <p> + An actress at the Opera House, called Mdlle. d'Usg, who is since dead, was + in great favour with my son, but that did not last long. At her death it + appeared that, although she had had several children, neither she nor her + mother nor her grandmother had ever been married. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT23" id="link2H_SECT23"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII.—THE CHEVALIER DE LORRAINE. + </h2> + <p> + The Chevalier de Lorraine looked very ill, but it was in consequence of + his excessive debauchery, for he had once been a handsome man. He had a + well-made person, and if the interior had answered to the exterior I + should have had nothing to say against him. He was, however, a very bad + man, and his friends were no better than he. Three or four years before my + husband's death, and for his satisfaction, I was reconciled with the + Chevalier, and from that time he did me no mischief. He was always before + so much afraid of being sent away that he used to tell Monsieur he ought + to know what I was saying and doing, that he might be apprised of any + attempt that should be made against the Chevalier or his creatures. + </p> + <p> + He died so poor that his friends were obliged to bury him; yet he had + 100,000 crowns of revenue, but he was so bad a manager that his people + always robbed him. Provided they would supply him when he wanted them with + a thousand pistoles for his pleasures or his play, he let them dispose of + his property as they thought fit. That Grancey drew large sums from him. + He met with a shocking death. He was standing near Madame de Mare, + Grancey's sister, and telling her that he had been sitting up at some of + his extravagant pleasures all night, and was uttering the most horrible + expressions, when suddenly he was stricken with apoplexy, lost the power + of speech, and shortly afterwards expired. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [He died suddenly in his own house, playing at ombre, as many of his + family had done, and was regretted by no person except Mdlle. de + Lillebonne, to whom he was believed to have been privately married. + + —Note to Dangeau's Journal. This man, who was suspected of having + poisoned the King's sister-in-law, was nevertheless in possession of + four abbeys, the revenues of which defrayed the expenses of his + debaucheries.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT24" id="link2H_SECT24"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV.—PHILIP V., KING OF SPAIN. + </h2> + <p> + Louis XIV. wept much when his grandson set out for Spain. I could not help + weeping, too. The King accompanied him as far as Sceaux. The tears and + lamentations in the drawing-room were irresistible. The Dauphin was also + deeply affected. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain is very hunchbacked, and is not in other respects well + made; but he is bigger than his brothers. He has the best mien, good + features, and fine hair. What is somewhat singular, although his hair is + very light, his eyes are quite black; his complexion is clear red and + white; he has an Austrian mouth; his voice is deep, and he is singularly + slow in speaking. He is a good and peaceable sort of a person, but a + little obstinate when he takes it in his head. He loves his wife above all + things, leaves all affairs to her, and never interferes in anything. He is + very pious, and believes he should be damned if he committed any + matrimonial infidelity. But for his devotion he would be a libertine, for + he is addicted to women, and it is for this reason he is so fond of his + wife. He has a very humble opinion of his own merit. He is very easily + led, and for this reason the Queen will not lose sight of him. He receives + as current truths whatever is told him by persons to whom he is + accustomed, and never thinks of doubting. The good gentleman ought to be + surrounded by competent persons, for his own wit would not carry him far; + but he is of a good disposition, and is one of the quietest men in the + world. He is a little melancholy, and there is nothing in Spain to make + him gay. + </p> + <p> + He must know people before he will speak to them at all. If you desire him + to talk you must tease him and rally him a little, or he will not open his + mouth. I have seen Monsieur very impatient at his talking to me while he + could not get a word from him. Monsieur did not take the trouble to talk + to him before he was a King, and then he wished him to speak afterwards; + that did not suit the King. He was not the same with me. In the apartment, + at table, or at the play, he used to sit beside me. He was very fond of + hearing tales, and I used to tell them to him for whole evenings: this + made him well accustomed to me, and he had always something to ask me. I + have often laughed at the answer he made me when I said to him, "Come, + Monsieur, why do not you talk to your uncle, who is quite distressed that + you never speak to him." + </p> + <p> + "What shall I say to him?" he replied, "I scarcely know him." + </p> + <p> + It is quite true that the Queen of Spain was at first very fond of the + Princesse des Ursins, and that she grieved much when that Princess was + dismissed for the first time. The story that is told of the Confessor is + also very true; only one circumstance is wanting in it, that is, that the + Duc de Grammont, then Ambassador, played the part of the Confessor, and it + was for this reason he was recalled. + </p> + <p> + The Queen had one certain means of making the King do whatever she wished. + The good gentleman was exceedingly fond of her, and this fondness she + turned to good account. She had a small truckle-bed in her room, and when + the King would not comply with any of her requests she used to make him + sleep in this bed; but when she was pleased with him he was admitted to + her own bed; which was the very summit of happiness to the poor King. + After the Princesse des Ursins had departed, the King recalled the + Confessor from Rome, and kept him near his own person (1718). + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain can never forgive, and Madame des Ursins has told him so + many lies to my son's disadvantage that the King can never, while he + lives, be reconciled to him. + </p> + <p> + Rebenac's—[Francois de Feuquieres, Called the Comte de Rebenac, + Extraordinary Ambassador to Spain.]—passion for the late Queen of + Spain was of no disadvantage to her; she only laughed at it, and did not + care for him. It was the Comte de Mansfeld, the man with the pointed nose, + who poisoned her. He bought over two of her French femmes de chambre to + give her poison in raw oysters; and they afterwards withheld from her the + antidote which had been entrusted to their care. + </p> + <p> + The Queen of Spain, daughter of the first Madame,—[Henrietta of + England.]—died in precisely the same manner as she did, and at the + same age, but in a much more painful manner, for the violence of the + poison was such as to make her nails fall off. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT25" id="link2H_SECT25"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV.—THE DUCHESSE LOUISE-FRANCISQUE, CONSORT OF LOUIS III., + DUC DE BOURBON. + </h2> + <p> + I knew a German gentleman who has now been dead a long time (1718), who + has sworn to me positively that the Duchess is not the daughter of the + King, but of Marechal de Noailles. He noted the time at which he saw the + Marshal go into Montespan's apartment, and it was precisely nine months + from that time that the Duchess came into the world. This German, whose + name was Bettendorf, was a brigadier in the Body Guard; and he was on + guard at Montespan's when the captain of the first company paid this visit + to the King's mistress. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess is not prettier than her daughters, but she has more grace; + her manners are more fascinating and agreeable; her wit shines in her + eyes, but there is some malignity in them also. I always say she is like a + very pretty cat, which, while you play with it, lets you feel it has + claws. No person has a better carriage of the head. It is impossible to + dance better than the Duchess and her daughters can; but the mother dances + the best. I do not know how it is, but even her lameness is becoming to + her. The Duchess has the talent of saying things in so pleasant a manner + that one cannot help laughing. She is very amusing and uncommonly good + company; her notions are so very comical. When she wishes to make herself + agreeable to any one she is very insinuating, and can take all shapes; if + she were not also treacherous, one might say truly that nobody is more + amiable than the Duchess; she understands so well how to accommodate + herself to people's peculiar habits that one would believe she takes a + real interest in them; but there is nothing certain about her. Although + her sense is good, her heart is not. Notwithstanding her ambition, she + seems at first as if she thought only of amusing and diverting herself and + others; and she can feign so skilfully that one would think she had been + very agreeably entertained in the society of persons, whom immediately + upon her return home she will ridicule in all possible ways. + </p> + <p> + La Mailly complained to her aunt, old Maintenon, that her husband was in + love with the Duchess; but this husband, having afterwards been captivated + by an actress named Bancour, gave up to her all the Duchess's letters, for + which he was an impertinent rascal. The Duchess wrote a song upon Mailly, + in which she reproached her, notwithstanding her airs of prudery, with an + infidelity with Villeroi, a sergeant of the Guard. + </p> + <p> + In the Duchess's house malice passes for wit, and therefore they are under + no restraint. The three sisters—the Duchess, the Princesse de Conti, + and Madame d'Orleans—behave to each other as if they were not + sisters. + </p> + <p> + The Princess is a very virtuous person, and is much displeased at her + daughter-in-law's manner of life, for Lasso is with her by day and by + night; at the play, at the Opera, in visits, everywhere Lasso is seen with + her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT26" id="link2H_SECT26"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI.—THE YOUNGER DUCHESS. + </h2> + <p> + The Duke's wife is not an ill-looking person: she has good eyes, and would + be very well if she had not a habit of stretching and poking out her neck. + Her shape is horrible; she is quite crooked; her back is curved into the + form of an S. I observed her one day, through curiosity, when the Dauphine + was helping her to dress. + </p> + <p> + She is a wicked devil; treacherous in every way, and of a very dangerous + temper. Upon the whole, she is not good for much. Her falsehood was the + means of preventing the Duke from marrying one of my granddaughters. Being + the intimate friend of Madame de Berri, who was very desirous that one of + her sisters should marry the Duke and the other the Prince de Conti, she + promised to bring about the marriage, provided Madame de Berri would say + nothing of it to the King or to me. After having imposed this condition, + she told the King that Madame de Berri and my son were planning a marriage + without his sanction; in order to punish them she begged the King to marry + the Duke to herself, which was actually done. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to her good sense, she lives upon tolerable terms with her husband, + although he has not much affection for her. They follow each their own + inclinations; they are not at all jealous of each other, and it is said + they have separate beds. + </p> + <p> + She causes a great many troubles and embarrassments to her relation, the + young Princesse de Conti, and perfectly understands tormenting folks. + </p> + <p> + The young Duchess died yesterday evening (22nd March, 1720). The Duke's + joy at the death of his wife will be greatly diminished when he learns + that she has bequeathed to her sister, Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon, + all her property; and as the husband and wife lived according to the + custom of Paris, 'en communaute', the Duke will be obliged to refund the + half of all he gained by Law's bank. + </p> + <p> + After the death of the younger Duchess, the Princesse de Conti, her + mother, wrote to a Chevalier named Du Challar, who was the lover of the + deceased, to beg him to come and see her, as he was the only object left + connected with her daughter, and assuring him that he might reckon upon + her services in everything that depended upon her. It was the younger + Duchess who was so fond of Lasse, and who had been so familiar with him at + a masked ball. + </p> + <p> + I recognized only two good qualities in her: her respect and affection for + her grandmother, the Princess, and the skill with which she concealed her + faults. Beside this, she was good for nothing, in whatever way her + character is regarded. That she was treacherous is quite certain; and she + shortened her life by her improper conduct. She neither loved nor hated + her husband, and they lived together more like brother and sister than + husband and wife. + </p> + <p> + The Elector of Bavaria, during his stay at Paris, instead of visiting his + nephews and nieces, passed all his time, by day and by night, with the + Duchess and her daughters. As to me, he fled me as he would fly the + plague, and never spoke to me but in the company of M. de Torcy. The + Duchess had three of the handsomest daughters in the world: the one called + Mademoiselle de Clermont is extremely beautiful; but I think her sister, + the Princesse de Conti, more amiable. The Duchess can drink very copiously + without being affected; her daughters would fain imitate her, but they + soon get tipsy, and cannot control themselves as their mother can. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT27" id="link2H_SECT27"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII.—LOUIS III., DUC DE BOURBON. + </h2> + <p> + It is said that the Duke has solid parts; he does everything with a + certain nobility; he has a good person, but the loss of that eye, which + the Duc de Berri struck out, disfigures him much. He is certainly very + politic, and this quality he has from his mother. He is polite and + well-bred; his mind is not very comprehensive, and he has been badly + instructed. They say he is unfit for business for three reasons: first, on + account of his ignorance; secondly, for his want of application; and, + thirdly, for his impatience. I can see that in examining him narrowly one + would find many defects in him; but he has also many praiseworthy + qualities, and he possesses many friends. He has a greatness and nobility + of soul, and a good deportment. + </p> + <p> + The Prince is in love with Madame de Polignac; but she is fond of the + Duke, who cannot yet forget Madame de Nesle, although she has dismissed + him to make room for that great calf, the Prince of Soubise. The latter + person is reported to have said, "Why does the Duke complain? Have I not + consented to share Madame de Nesle's favours with him whenever he + chooses?" + </p> + <p> + Such is the delicacy which prevails here in affairs of love. + </p> + <p> + The Duke is very passionate. When Madame de Nesle dismissed him he almost + died of vexation; he looked as if he was about to give up the ghost, and + for six months he did not know what to do. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis de Villequier, the Duc d'Aumont's son, one day visited the + Marquise de Nesle. She took it into her head to ask him if he was very + fond of his wife. Villequier replied, "I am not in love with her; I see + her very little; our humours differ greatly. She is serious, and for my + part I like pleasure and gaiety. I feel for her a friendship founded on + esteem, for she is one of the most virtuous women in France." + </p> + <p> + Madame de Nesle, of whom no man could say so much, took this for an + insult, and complained of it to the Duke, who promised to avenge her. Some + days afterwards he invited young Villequier to dine with him at the + Marquis de Nesle's; there were, besides Madame de Nesle, the Marquis de + Gevres, Madame de Coligny, and others. During dinner the Duke began thus: + </p> + <p> + "A great many men fancy they are sure of the fidelity of their wives, but + it is a mistake. I thought to protect myself from this common fate by + marrying a monster, but it served me nought; for a villain named Du + Challar, who was more ugly than I am, played me false. As to the Marquis + de Gevres, as he will never marry * * * , he will be exempt; but you, + Monsieur de Nesle, you are so and so." Nesle, who did not believe it, + although it was very true, only laughed. Then addressing himself to + Villequier, he said, "And you, Villequier, don't you think you are so?" He + was silent. The Duke continued, "Yes, you are befooled by the Chevalier de + Pesay." + </p> + <p> + Villequier blushed, but at last said, "I confess that up to this moment I + had no reason to believe it; but since you put me into such good company I + have no right to complain." + </p> + <p> + I do not think Madame de Nesle was well revenged. + </p> + <p> + I remember that the Duke, who was terribly ill-made, said one day to the + late Monsieur, who was a straight, well-formed person, that a mask had + taken him for Monsieur. The latter, somewhat mortified at such a mistake, + replied, "I lay that, with all other wrongs done to me, at the foot of the + Cross." + </p> + <p> + Ever since the Duchess espoused the party of her son against her brother + and his nephews, the Duke has displayed a great fondness for his mother, + about whom he never disturbed himself before. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. de Polignac made the Duke believe she was very fond of him. He + entertained great suspicions of her, and had her watched, and learnt that + she was carrying on a secret intrigue with the Chevalier of Bavaria. He + reproached her with it, and she denied the accusation. The Duke cautioned + her not to think that she could deceive him. She protested that he had + been imposed upon. As soon, however, as she had quitted him she went to + the Chevalier's house; and the Duke, who had her dogged, knew whither she + had gone. The next day he appointed her to visit him; she went directly to + the bedroom, believing that his suspicions were entirely lulled. The Duke + then opened the door wide, so that she might be seen from the cabinet, + which was full of men; and calling the Chevalier of Bavaria, he said to + him: "Here, Sir Chevalier, come and see your mistress, who will now have + no occasion to go so far to find you." + </p> + <p> + Although the Duke and the Prince de Conti are brothers-in-law in two ways, + they cannot bear each other. + </p> + <p> + The Duke is at this moment (1718) very strongly attached to Madame de + Prie. She has already received a good beating on his account from her + husband, but this does not deter her. She is said to have a good deal of + sense; she entirely governs the Duke, who is solely occupied with making + her unfaithful to M. de Prie. She has consoled the Duke for his dismissal + from Madame de Nesle; but it is said that she is unfaithful to him, and + that she has two other lovers. One is the Prince of Carignan, and the + other Lior, the King's first maitre d'hotel, which latter is the + handsomest of the three. + </p> + <p> + It is impossible that the Duke can now inspire any woman with affection + for him. He is tall, thin as a lath; his legs are like those of a crane; + his body is bent and short, and he has no calves to his legs; his eyes are + so red that it is impossible to distinguish the bad eye from the good one; + his cheeks are hollow; his chin so long that one would not suppose it + belonged to the face; his lips uncommonly large: in short, I hardly ever + saw a man before so ugly. It is said that the inconstancy of his mistress, + Madame de Prie, afflicts him profoundly. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Marchioness was extremely beautiful, and her whole person was + very captivating. Possessing as many mental as personal charms, she + concealed beneath an apparent simplicity the most dangerous + treachery. Without the least conception of virtue, which, according + to her ideas, was a word void of sense, she affected innocence in + vice, was violent under an appearance of meekness, and libertine by + constitution. She deceived her lover with perfect impunity, who + would believe what she said even against the evidence of his own + eyes. I could mention several instances of this, if they were not + too indecent. It is, however, sufficient to say that she had one + day to persuade him that he was the cause of a libertinism of which + he was really the victim.—Memoires de Duclos, tome ii. It is well + known that, after the Duke assumed the Regency, upon the death of + the Regent, the Marchioness du Prie governed in his name; and that + she was exiled, and died two years afterwards of ennui and vexation. +</pre> + <p> + The Princess of Modena takes nothing by the death of the Duchess; the Duke + has said that he never would have married that Princess, and that now he + will not marry at all. + </p> + <p> + In order that Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon may enjoy the millions that + belong to her of right, in consequence of her sister's death, it is + necessary first for her to receive them; but the Duke, it is reported, as + the good Duc de Crequi used to say, "Holds back as tight as the trigger of + the Cognac cross-bow;" and in fact he has not only refused to give up to + his sister what she should take under her sister's will, but he disputes + her right to the bank-notes which she had given to the Duchess to take + care of for her, when she herself was dangerously ill. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and his mother are said to have gained each two hundred and fifty + millions. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, who is looked upon as Law's very good friend, has been + ill-treated by the people, who have passed all kinds of insults upon him, + calling him even a dog. His brother, the Marquis de Clermont, too, has + fared little better; for they cried after him at the Port Royal, "Go + along, dog! you are not much better than your brother." His tutor alighted + for the purpose of haranguing the mob; but they picked up some stones, and + he soon found it expedient to get into the carriage again, and make off + with all speed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT28" id="link2H_SECT28"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII.—FRANCOIS-LOUIS, PRINCE DE CONTI. + </h2> + <p> + The Prince de Conti, who died lately (in 1709), had good sense, courage, + and so many agreeable qualities as to make himself generally beloved. But + he had also some bad points in his character, for he was false, and loved + no person but himself. + </p> + <p> + It is said that he caused his own death by taking stimulating medicines, + which destroyed a constitution naturally feeble. There had been some talk + of making him King of Poland.—[In 1696, after the death of John + Sobiesky.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT29" id="link2H_SECT29"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX.—THE GREAT PRINCESSE DE CONTI, DAUGHTER OF LA VALLIERE. + </h2> + <p> + This is of all the King's illegitimate daughters the one he most loves. + She is by far the most polite and well-bred, but she is now totally + absorbed by devotion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT30" id="link2H_SECT30"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX.—THE PRINCESS PALATINE, MARIE-THERESE DE BOURBON, WIFE + OF FRANCOIS-LOUIS, + </h2> + <p> + PRINCE DE CONTI. + </p> + <p> + This Princess is the only one of the House of Conde who is good for + anything. I think she must have some German blood in her veins. She is + little, and somewhat on one side, but she is not hunchbacked. She has fine + eyes, like her father; with this exception, she has no pretensions to + beauty, but she is virtuous and pious. What she has suffered on account of + her husband has excited general compassion; he was as jealous as a fiend, + though without the slightest cause. She never knew where she was to pass + the night. When she had made arrangements to sleep at Versailles, he would + take her from Paris to Chantilly, where she supposed she was going to + stay; then she was obliged to set out for Versailles. He tormented her + incessantly in all possible ways, and he looked, moreover, like a little + ape. The late Queen had two paroquets, one of which was the very picture + of the Prince, while the other was as much like the Marechal de Luxembourg + as one drop of water is like another. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all that the Princess has suffered, she daily regrets the + loss of her husband. I am often quite angry to see her bewailing her + widowhood instead of enjoying the repose which it affords her; she wishes + that her husband were alive again, even although he should torment her + again as much as before. + </p> + <p> + She was desirous that Mademoiselle de Conde should marry the late + Margrave; this lady was incomparably more handsome than her sister; but I + think he had a greater inclination for Mademoiselle de Vendome, because + she seemed to be more modest and quiet. + </p> + <p> + The Princess, who has been born and educated here, had not the same + dislike that I felt to her son's marrying an illegitimate child, and yet + she has repented it no less. She is exceedingly unhappy with respect to + her children. The Princesse de Conti, mother of the Prince de Conti, who + is rather virtuous than otherwise, is nevertheless a little simpleton, and + is something like the Comtesse Pimbeche Orbeche, for she is always wishing + to be engaged in lawsuits against her mother; who, on her part, has used + all possible means, but without success, to be reconciled to her. On + Thursday last (10th March, 1720) she lost her cause, and I am very glad of + it, for it was an unjust suit. The younger Princess wished the affair to + be referred to arbitration; but the son would have the business carried + through, and made his counsel accuse his mother of falsehood. The advocate + of the Princess replied as follows: + </p> + <p> + "The sincerity of the Princesse de Conti and of the Princess her daughter + are so well known that all the world can judge of them." This has amused + the whole palace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT31" id="link2H_SECT31"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI.—LOUISE-ELIZABETH, PRINCESSE DE CONTI, CONSORT OF + LOUIE-ARMAND DE CONTI. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="image-0006" id="image-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/p276.jpg" alt="Princesse de Conti " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + She is a person full of charms, and a striking proof that grace is + preferable to beauty. When she chooses to make herself agreeable, it is + impossible to resist her. Her manners are most fascinating; she is full of + gentleness, never displaying the least ill-humour, and always saying + something kind and obliging. It is greatly to be regretted that she is not + in the society of more virtuous persons, for she is herself naturally very + good; but she is spoiled by bad company. She has an ugly fool for her + husband, who has been badly brought up; and the examples which are + constantly before her eyes are so pernicious that they have corrupted her + and made her careless of her reputation. Her amiable, unaffected manners + are highly delightful to foreigners. Among others, some Bavarians have + fallen in love with her, as well as the Prince Ragotzky; but she disgusted + him with her coquetry. + </p> + <p> + She does not love her husband, and cannot do so, no less on account of his + ugly person than for his bad temper. It is not only his face that is + hideous, but his whole person is frightful and deformed. She terrified him + by placing some muskets and swords near her bed, and assuring him that if + he came there again with his pistols charged, she would take the gun and + fire upon him, and if she missed, she would fall upon him with the sword. + Since this time he has left off carrying his pistols. + </p> + <p> + Her husband teased her, and made her weep so much that she has lost her + child, and her health is again injured. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT32" id="link2H_SECT32"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII.—LOUIE-ARMAND, PRINCE DE CONTI. + </h2> + <p> + It cannot be denied that his whole appearance is extremely repulsive. He + is a horribly ill-made little man, and is always absent-minded, which + gives him a distracted air, as if he were really crazy. When it could be + the least expected, too, he will fall over his own walking-stick. The + folks in the palace were so much accustomed to this in the late King's + time, that they used always to say, when they heard anything fall, + </p> + <p> + "It's nothing; only the Prince de Conti tumbling down." + </p> + <p> + He has sense, but he has been brought up like a scullion boy; he has + strange whimsies, of which he is quite aware himself, but which he cannot + control. His wife is a charming woman, and is much to be pitied for being + in fear of her life from this madman, who often threatens her with loaded + pistols. Fortunately, she has plenty of courage and does not fear him. + Notwithstanding this, he is very fond of her; and this is the more + surprising, because his love for the sex is not very strong; and although + he visits improper places occasionally, it is only for the purpose of + tormenting the poor wretches who are to be found there. Before he was + married he felt no, affection for any woman but his mother, who also loved + him very tenderly. She is now vexed at having no longer the same + ascendency over her son, and is jealous of her daughter-in-law because the + Prince loves her alone. This occasions frequent disturbances in the house. + The mother has had a house: built at some distance from her son. When they + are good friends, she dismisses the workmen; but when they quarrel, she + doubles the number and hastens the work, so that one may always tell, upon + a mere inspection of the building, upon what terms the Princesse de Conti + and her son are living. The mother wished to have her grandson to educate; + her daughter-in-law opposed it because she preferred taking care of him + herself; and then ensued a dog-and-cat quarrel. The wife, who is cunning + enough, governs her husband entirely, and has gained over his favourites + to be her creatures. She is the idol of the-whole house. + </p> + <p> + In order to prevent the Prince de Conti from going to Hungary, the + government of Poitou has been bought for him, and a place in the Council + of the Regency allotted to him; by this means they have retained the wild + beast. + </p> + <p> + Our young Princess says her husband has a rheum in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + To amuse her, he reads aloud Ovid in the original; and although she does + not understand one word of Latin, she is obliged to listen and to remain + silent, even though any one should come in; for if anybody interrupts him + he is angry, and scolds all who are in the apartment. + </p> + <p> + At the last masked ball (4th March, 1718) some one who had dressed himself + like the Prince de Conti, and wore a hump on his back, went and sat beside + him. "Who are you, mask?" asked the Prince. + </p> + <p> + The other replied, "I am the Prince de Conti." + </p> + <p> + Without the least ill-temper, the Prince took off his mask, and, laughing, + said, "See how a man may be deceived. I have been fancying for the last + twenty years that I was the Prince de Conti." To keep one's temper on such + an occasion is really an uncommon thing. + </p> + <p> + The Prince thought himself quite cured, but he has had a relapse in Spain, + and, although he is a general of cavalry, he cannot mount his horse. I + said on Tuesday last (17th July, 1719) to the young Princesse de Conti + that I heard her husband was not entirely recovered. She laughed and + whispered to me,— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, he is quite well; but he pretends not to be so that he may avoid + going to the siege, where he may be killed, for he is as cowardly as an + ape." I think if I had as little inclination for war as he has, I would + not engage in the campaign at all; there is nothing to oblige him to do + so-it is to reap glory, not to encounter shame, that men go into the army. + His best friends, Lanoue and Cleremont, for example, have remonstrated + with him on this subject, and he has quarrelled with them in consequence. + It is an unfortunate thing for a man not to know himself. + </p> + <p> + The Prince is terribly afflicted with a dysentery. They wanted to carry + him to Bayonne, but he has so violent a fever that he would not be able to + support the journey. He is therefore obliged to stay with the army (25th + August, 1719). + </p> + <p> + He has been back nine or ten days, but I have heard nothing of him yet; he + is constantly engaged in the Rue de Quincampoix, trying to gain money + among the stock-jobbers (19th September, 1719). + </p> + <p> + At length he has been to see me. Perhaps there was this morning less + stock-jobbing than usual in the Rue de Quincampoix, for there he has been + ever since his return. His cousin, the Duke, is engaged in the same + pursuit. The Prince de Conti has not brought back much honour from the + campaign; he is too much addicted to debauchery of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + Although he can be polite when he chooses, no one can behave more brutally + than he does occasionally, and he becomes more and more mad daily. + </p> + <p> + At one of the last opera balls he seized a poor little girl just come from + the country, took her from her mother's side, and, placing her between his + own legs, amused himself by slapping and filliping her until he made her + nose and mouth bleed. The young girl, who had done nothing to offend him, + and who did not even know him, wept bitterly; but he only laughed, and + said, "Cannot I give nice fillips?" All who were witnesses of this brutal + scene pitied her; but no one dared come to the poor child's assistance, + for they were afraid of having anything to do with this violent madman. He + makes the most frightful grimaces, and I, who am extremely frightened at + crazy people, tremble whenever I happen to be alone with him. + </p> + <p> + His wicked pranks remind me of my own. When I was a child I used to take + touchwood, and, placing pieces of it over my eyes and in my mouth, I hid + myself upon the staircase for the purpose of terrifying the people; but I + was then much afraid of ghosts, so that I was always the first to be + frightened. It is in the same way that the Prince de Conti does; he wishes + to make himself feared, and he is the most timid person in the world. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and his mother, as well as Lasse, the friend of the latter, have + gained several millions. The Prince has gained less, and yet his winnings, + they say, amount to millions. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [He had four wagons loaded with silver carried from Law's bank, in + exchange for his paper money; and this it was that accelerated Law's + disgrace, and created a kind of popularity for the Prince de Conti.] +</pre> + <p> + The two cousins do not stir from the Rue de Quincampoix, which has given + rise to the following epigram: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Prince dites nous vos exploits + Que faites vous pour votre gloire? + Taisez-vous sots!—Lisez l'histoire + De la rue de Quincampoix. +</pre> + <p> + But the person who had gained most by this affair is Dantin, who is + horridly avaricious. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse de Conti told me that she had had her son examined in his + infancy by Clement, for the purpose of ascertaining whether he was in + every respect well made; and that he, having found the child perfectly + well made, went to the Prince de Conti, and said to him: "Monseigneur, I + have examined the shape of the young Prince who is just born: he is at all + points well formed, let him sleep without a bolster that he may remain so; + and only imagine what grief it would occasion to the Princesse de Conti, + who has brought him into the world straight, if you should make him + crooked." + </p> + <p> + The Prince de Conti wished to speak of something else, but Clement still + returned to the same topic, saying, "Remember, Monseigneur, he is straight + as a wand, and do not make him crooked and hunchbacked." + </p> + <p> + The Prince de Conti, not being able to endure this, ran away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT33" id="link2H_SECT33"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII.—THE ABBE DUBOIS. + </h2> + <p> + My son had a sub-governor, and he it was who appointed the Abbe, a very + learned person, to be his tutor. The sub-governor's intention was to have + dismissed the Abbe as soon as he should have taught my son sufficiently, + and, excepting during the time occupied by the lessons, he never suffered + him to remain with his pupil. But this good gentleman could not accomplish + his design; for being seized with a violent colic, he died, unhappily for + me, in a few hours. The Abbe then proposed himself to supply his place. + There was no other preceptor near at hand, so the Abbe remained with my + son, and assumed so adroitly the language of an honest man that I took him + for one until my son's marriage; then it was that I discovered all his + knavery. I had a strong regard for him, because I thought he was tenderly + attached to my son, and only desired to promote his advantage; but when I + found that he was a treacherous person, who thought only of his own + interest, and that, instead of carefully trying to preserve my son's + honour, he plunged him into ruin by permitting him to give himself up to + debauchery without seeming to perceive it, then my esteem for this artful + priest was changed into disgust. I know, from my son himself, that the + Abbe, having one day met him in the street, just as he was about to enter + a house of ill-fame, did nothing but laugh at him, instead of taking him + by the arm and leading him home again. By this culpable indulgence, and by + the part he took in my son's marriage, he has proved that there is neither + faith nor honesty in him. I know that I do him no wrong in suspecting him + to have contributed to my son's marriage; what I say I have from my son + himself, and from people who were living with that old Maintenon at the + time, when the Abbe used to go nightly for the purpose of arranging that + intrigue with her, the object of which was to sell and betray his master. + He deceives himself if he fancies that I do not know all this. At first he + had declared in my favour, but after the old woman had sent for him two or + three times he suddenly changed his conduct. It was not, however, on this + that the King afterwards took a dislike to him, but for a nefarious scheme + in which he was engaged with the Pere La Chaise. Monsieur was as much + vexed as I. The King and the old woman threatened to dismiss all his + favourites, which made him consent to everything; he repented afterwards, + but it was then too late. + </p> + <p> + I would to God that the Abbe Dubois had as much religion as he has talent! + but he believes in nothing—he is treacherous and wicked—his + falsehood may be seen in his very eyes. He has the look of a fox; and his + device is an animal of this sort, creeping out of his hole and watching a + fowl. He is unquestionably a good scholar, talks well, and has instructed + my son well; but I wish he had ceased to visit his pupil after his tuition + was terminated. I should not then have to regret this unfortunate + marriage, to which I can never reconcile myself. Excepting the Abbe Dubois + there is no priest in my son's favour. He has a sort of indistinctness in + his speech, which makes it sometimes necessary for him to repeat his + words; and this often annoys me. + </p> + <p> + If there is anything which detracts from the Abbe's good sense it is his + extreme pride; it is a weak side upon which he may always be successfully + attacked. I wish my son had as little confidence in him as I have; but + what astonishes me most is that, knowing him as he does, better than I do, + he will still trust him. My son is like the rest of his family; he cannot + get rid of persons to whom he is accustomed, and as the Abbe has been his + tutor, he has acquired a habit of suffering him to say anything he + chooses. By his amusing wit, too, he always contrives to restore himself + to my son's good graces, even when the latter has been displeased with + him. + </p> + <p> + If the Abbe had been choked with his first lie he had been dead long ago. + Lying is an art in which he excels, and the more eminently where his own + interest is concerned; if I were to enumerate all the lies I have known + him to utter I should have a long list to write. He it was who suggested + to the King all that was necessary to be said to him respecting my son's + marriage, and for this purpose he had secret interviews with Madame de + Maintenon. He affects to think we are upon good terms, and whatever I say + to him, however disagreeable, he takes it all with a smile. + </p> + <p> + My son has most amply recompensed the Abbe Dubois; he has given him the + place of Secretary of the King's Cabinet, which M. Calieres formerly held, + and which is worth 22,000 livres; he has also given him a seat in the + Council of Regency for the Foreign Affairs. + </p> + <p> + My son assures me that it is not his intention to make the Abbe Dubois a + Cardinal, and that the Abbe himself does not think about it (17th August, + 1717). + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of March, this disagreeable priest came to me and said, + "Monseigneur has just nominated me Archbishop of Cambrai." I replied, "I + congratulate you upon it; but has this taken place today? I heard of it a + week ago; and, since you were seen to take the oaths on your appointment, + no one has doubted it." It is said that the Duc de Mazarin said, on the + Abbe's first Mass, "The Abbe Dubois is gone to his first communion;" + meaning that he had never before taken the communion in all his life. I + embarrassed my son by remarking to him that he had changed his opinion + since he told me the Abbe should never become Bishop or Archbishop, and + that he did not think of being Cardinal. My son blushed and answered, "It + is very true; but I had good reason for changing my intention." "Heaven + grant it may be so," I said, "for it must be by God's mercy, and not from + the exercise of your own reason." + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Cambrai is the declared enemy of our Abbe Saint-Albin. + The word arch is applicable to all his qualities; he is an arch-cheat, an + arch-hypocrite, an arch-flatterer, and, above all, an arch-knave. + </p> + <p> + It is reported that a servant of the Archbishop of Rheims said to a + servant of the Archbishop of Cambrai, "Although my master is not a + Cardinal, he is still a greater lord than yours, for he consecrates the + Kings." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied the Abbe Dubois' servant, "but my master consecrates the + real God, who is still greater than all Kings." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT34" id="link2H_SECT34"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV.—MR. LAW. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Law is a very honest and a very sensible man; he is extremely polite + to everybody, and very well bred. He does not speak French ill—at + least, he speaks it much better than Englishmen in general. It is said + that when his brother arrived in Paris, Mr. Law made him a present of + three millions (of livres); he has good talents, and has put the affairs + of the State in such good order that all the King's debts have been paid. + He is admirably skilled in all that relates to finance. The late King + would have been glad to employ him, but, as Mr. Law was not a Catholic, he + said he ought not to confide in him (19th Sept., 1719). + </p> + <p> + He (Law) says that, of all the persons to whom he has explained his + system, there have been only two who have properly comprehended it, and + these are the King of Sicily and my son; he was quite astonished at their + having so readily understood it. He is so much run after, that he has no + repose by day or by night. A Duchess even kissed his hand publicly. + </p> + <p> + If a Duchess can do this, what will not other ladies do? + </p> + <p> + Another lady, who pursued him everywhere, heard that he was at Madame de + Simiane's, and immediately begged the latter to permit her to dine with + her. Madame de Simiane went to her and said she must be excused for that + day, as Mr. Law was to dine with her. Madame de Bouchu replied that it was + for this reason expressly she wished to be invited. Madame de Simiane only + repeated that she did not choose to have Mr. Law troubled, and so quitted + her. Having, however, ascertained the dinner-hour, Madame de Bouchu passed + before the house in her coach, and made her coachman and footman call out + "Fire!" Immediately all the company quitted the table to know where the + fire was, and among them Mr. Law appeared. As soon as Madame de Bouchu saw + him, she jumped out of her carriage to speak to him; but he, guessing the + trick, instantly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Another lady ordered her carriage to be driven opposite to Mr. Law's hotel + and then to be overturned. Addressing herself to the coachman, she said, + "Overturn here, you blockhead—overturn!" Mr. Law ran out to her + assistance, when she confessed to him that she had done this for the sole + purpose of having an interview with him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="image-0007" id="image-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/p290.jpg" alt="Overturn Here, You Blockhead " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + A servant had gained so much in the Rue de Quincampoix, that he was + enabled to set up his equipage. When his coach was brought home, he forgot + who he was, and mounted behind. His servant cried out, "Ah, sir! what are + you doing? this is your own carriage." + </p> + <p> + "That is true," said the quondam servant; "I had forgotten." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Law's coachman having also made a very considerable sum, demanded + permission to retire from his service. His master gave it him, on + condition of his procuring him another good coachman. On the next day, the + wealthy coachman made his appearance with two persons, both of whom were, + he said, good coachmen; and that Mr. Law had only to choose which of them + he liked, while he, the coachman, would take the other. + </p> + <p> + People of all nations in Europe are daily coming to Paris; and it has been + remarked that the number of souls in the capital has been increased by + 250,000 more than usual. It has been necessary to make granaries into + bedrooms; there is such a profusion of carriages that the streets are + choked up with them, and many persons run great danger. + </p> + <p> + Some ladies of quality seeing a well-dressed woman covered with diamonds, + and whom nobody knew, alight from a very handsome carriage, were curious + to know who it was, and sent to enquire of the lackey. He replied, with a + sneer, "It is a lady who has recently tumbled from a garret into this + carriage." This lady was probably of the same sort as Madame Bejon's cook. + That lady, being at the opera, some days back, saw a person in a costly + dress, and decorated with a great quantity of jewels, but very ugly, enter + the theatre. The daughter said, "Mamma, unless I am very much deceived, + that lady so dressed out is Mary, our cook-maid." + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue, my dear," said the mother, "and don't talk such + nonsense." + </p> + <p> + Some of the young people, who were in the amphitheatre, began to cry out, + "Mary, the cook-maid! Mary, the cook-maid!" + </p> + <p> + The lady in the fine dress rose and said, "Yes, madam, I am Mary, the + cook-maid; I have gained some money in the Rue de Quincampoix; I like to + be well-dressed; I have bought some fine gowns, and I have paid for them. + Can you say so much for your own?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Law is not the only person who has bought magnificent jewels and + extensive estates. The Duke, too, has become immensely rich, as well as + all those who have held stock. Mr. Law has made his abjuration at Melun; + he has embraced the Catholic religion, with his children, and his wife is + in utter despair at it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The abjuration did not take place at Paris, because the jokes of + the Parisians were to be dreaded. The Abbe Tencin was so fortunate + as to have the office of converting Mr. Law. "He gained by this + pious labour," says Duclos, "a large sum in bank-notes and stock."] +</pre> + <p> + It is amusing enough to see how the people run after him in crowds only to + be looked at by him or his son. He has had a terrible quarrel with the + Prince de Conti, who wished Mr. Law to do at the bank a thing which my son + had forbidden. The Prince de Conti said to Mr. Law, "Do you know who I + am?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Prince," replied Law, "or I should not treat you as I have done." + </p> + <p> + "Then," said the Prince, "you ought to obey me." + </p> + <p> + "I will obey you," replied Law, "when you shall be Regent;" and he + withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse de Leon would be taken to the bank, and made her footmen cry + out, "Room for the Princesse de Lion." At the same time she, who is very + little, slipped into the place where the bankers and their clerks were + sitting. + </p> + <p> + "I want some stock," said she. + </p> + <p> + The clerk replied, "You must have patience, madame, the certificates are + delivered in rotation, and you must wait until those who applied before + you are served." + </p> + <p> + At the same time he opened the drawer where the stock-papers were kept; + the Princess snatched at them; the clerk tried to prevent her, and a fight + ensued. The clerk was now alarmed at having beaten a lady of quality, and + ran out to ask the servants who the Princesse de Leon was. One of the + footmen-said, "She is a lady of high rank, young and beautiful." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said the clerk, "it cannot be she." + </p> + <p> + Another footman said, "The Princesse de Leon is a little woman with a + hunch before and another behind, and with arms so long that they nearly + reach the ground." + </p> + <p> + "Then," replied the clerk, "that is she." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Law is not avaricious; he gives away large soma in charity, and + assists many indigent people. + </p> + <p> + When my son wanted some Duchess to accompany my daughter to Geneva, some + one, who heard him speaking about it, said, "if, Monsieur, you would like + to select from a number of Duchesses, send to Mr. Law's; you will find + them all there." + </p> + <p> + Lord Stair cannot conceal his hatred of Mr. Law, and yet he has gained at + least three millions by him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Law's son was to have danced in the King's ballet, but he has been + attacked by the small-pox (9th Feb., 1720). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ......................... +</pre> + <p> + My son has been obliged to displace Mr. Law. This person, who was formerly + worshipped like a god, is now not sure of his life; it is astonishing how + greatly terrified he is. He is no longer Comptroller-General, but + continues to hold the place of Director-General of the Bank and of the + East India Company; certain members of the Parliamentary Council have, + however, been joined with him to watch over the business of the Bank. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In the Council of the Regency, the Duc d'Orleans was obliged to: + admit that Law issued papers to the amount of 1,200 millions above + the legal sum; and that he (the Regent) had protected him from all + responsibility by decrees of the Council which had been ante-dated. + The total, amount of bank-notes in circulation was 2,700,000,000 + livres.] +</pre> + <p> + His friend, the Duc d'Antin wanted to get the place of Director. + </p> + <p> + The Duke at first spoke strongly against Law; but it is said that a sum of + four millions, three of which went to him and one to Madame de Prie, has + engaged him to undertake Law's defence. My son is not timid, although he + is threatened on all sides, and is very much amused with Law's terrors + (25th June, 1720). + </p> + <p> + At length the latter is somewhat recovered, and continues to be great + friends with the Duke: this is very pleasant to the Duc de Conti, and + makes him behave so strangely that his infirmity is observed by the + people. It is fortunate for us that Law is so great a coward, otherwise he + would be very troublesome to my son, who, learning that he was joining in + a cabal against him, told his wife of it. "Well, Monsieur," said she, + "what would you have him do? He likes to be talked of, and he has no other + way of accomplishing it. What would people have to say of him if he did + not?" + </p> + <p> + On the 17th of June, while I was at the Carmelites, Madame de + Chateau-Thiers came to me in my chamber, and said, "M. de Simiane is just + come in from the Palais Royal, and he thinks it fit you should know that + upon your return you will find the court of the Palais Royal filled with + people, who, though they do not say anything, will not disperse." + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock this morning they brought in three dead bodies, which M. Le + Blanc ordered to be carried away immediately. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Law has taken refuge in the Palais Royal. The populace have done him + no harm, but his coachman has been pelted on his return, and the carriage + broken to pieces. It was the coachman's own fault, who said aloud that the + people were rabble, and ought to be all hanged. I saw immediately that it + would not do to display any fear, and I set off. There was such a stoppage + of the carriages that I was obliged to wait half an hour before I could + get into the Palais Royal. During this time I heard the people talking; + they said nothing against my son, and bestowed benedictions upon me, but + they all wished Law to be hanged. When I reached the Palais Royal all was + calm again; my son came to me immediately, and, notwithstanding the alarm + I had felt, he made me laugh; as for himself, he had not the least fear. + He told me that the first president had made a good impromptu upon this + affair. Having occasion to go down into the court, he heard what the + people had done with Law's carriage, and, upon returning to the Salon, he + said with great gravity: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Messieurs, bonne nouvelle, + Le carrosse de Law est en canelle." +</pre> + <p> + Is not this a becoming jest for such serious personages? M. Le Blanc went + into the midst of the people with great firmness, and made a speech to + them; he afterwards had Law escorted home and all became tranquil. + </p> + <p> + It is almost impossible that Law should escape, for the same soldiers who + protect him from the fury of the people will not permit him to go out of + their hands. He is by no means at his ease, and yet I think the people do + not now intend to pursue him any farther, for they have begun to make all + kinds of songs about him. + </p> + <p> + Law is said to be in such an agony of fear that he has not been able to + venture to my son's at Saint Cloud, although he sent a carriage to fetch + him. He is a dead man; he is as pale as a sheet, and it is said can never + get over his last panic. The people's hatred of the Duke arises from his + being the friend of Law, whose children he carried to Saint Maur, where + they are to remain. + </p> + <p> + M. Boursel, passing through the Rue Saint Antoine in his way from the + Jesuits' College, had his carriage stopped by a hackney coachman, who + would neither come on nor go back. M. Boursel's footman, enraged at his + obstinacy, struck the coachman, and, M. Boursel getting out of his coach + to restrain his servant's rage, the coachman resolved to be avenged of + both master and man, and so began to cry out, "Here is Law going to kill + me; fall upon him." + </p> + <p> + The people immediately ran with staves and stones, and attacked Boursel, + who took refuge in the church of the Jesuits. He was pursued even to the + altar, where he found a little door opened which led into the convent. He + rushed through and shut it after him, by which means he saved his life. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chiverni, the tutor of the Duc de Chartres, was going into the + Palais Royal in a chair, when a child about eight years old cried out, + "There goes Law!" and the people immediately assembled. M. Chiverni, who + is a little, meagre-faced, ugly old man, said pleasantly enough, "I knew + very well I had nothing to fear when I should show them my face and + figure." + </p> + <p> + As soon as they saw him they suffered him to get quietly into his chair + and to enter the gates of the palace. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of December (1720), Law withdrew; he is now at one of his + estates about six miles from Paris. The Duke, who wished to visit him, + thought proper to take Mdlle. de Prie's post-chaise, and put his footman + into a grey livery, otherwise the people would have known and have + maltreated him. + </p> + <p> + Law is gone to Brussels; Madame de Prie lent him her chaise. When he + returned it, he wrote thanking her, and at the same time sent her a ring + worth 100,000 livres. The Duke provided him with relays, and made four of + his own people accompany him. When he took leave of my son, Law said to + him, "Monsieur, I have committed several great faults, but they are merely + such as are incident to humanity; you will find neither malice nor + dishonesty in my conduct." His wife would not go away until she had paid + all their debts; he owed to his rotisseur alone 10,000 livres. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Mr. Law retired to Venice, and there ended his days. Some memoirs + state that he was not married to the Englishwoman who passed for his + wife.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 4. + </h2> + <p> + Victor Amadeus II. The Grand Duchess, Consort of Cosimo II. of Florence + The Duchesse de Lorraine, Elizabeth-Charlotte d'Orleans The Duc du Maine + The Duchesse du Maine Louvois Louis XV. Anecdotes and Historical + Particulars of Various Persons Explanatory Notes + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT35" id="link2H_SECT35"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV.—VICTOR AMADEUS, KING OF SICILY. + </h2> + <p> + It is said that the King of Sicily is always in ill humour, and that he is + always quarrelling with his mistresses. He and Madame de Verrue have + quarrelled, they say, for whole days together. I wonder how the good Queen + can love him with such constancy; but she is a most virtuous person and + patience itself. Since the King had no mistresses he lives upon better + terms with her. Devotion has softened his heart and his temper. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Verrue is, I dare say, forty-eight years of age (1718). I shared + some of the profits of her theft by buying of her 160 medals of gold, the + half of those which she stole from the King of Sicily. She had also boxes + filled with silver medals, but they were all sold in England. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Comtesse de Verrue was married at the age of thirteen years. + Victor Amadeus, then King of Sardinia, fell in love with her. She + would have resisted, and wrote to her mother and her husband, who + were both absent. They only joked her about it. She then took that + step which all the world knows. At the age of eighteen, being at a + dinner with a relation of her husband's, she was poisoned. The + person she suspected was the same that was dining with her; he did + not quit her, and wanted to have her blooded. Just at this time the + Spanish Ambassador at Piedmont sent her a counter-poison which had a + happy effect: she recovered, but never would mention whom she + suspected. She got tired of the King, and persuaded her brother, + the Chevalier de Lugner, to come and carry her off, the King being + then upon a journey. The rendezvous was in a chapel about four + leagues distant from Turin. She had a little parrot with her. Her + brother arrived, they set out together, and, after having proceeded + four leagues on her journey, she remembered that she had forgotten + her parrot in the chapel. Without regarding the danger to which she + exposed her brother, she insisted upon returning to look for her + parrot, and did so. She died in Paris in the beginning of the reign + of Louis XV. She was fond of literary persons, and collected about + her some of the best company of that day, among whom her wit and + grace enabled her to cut a brilliant figure. She was the intimate + friend of the poet La Faye, whom she advised in his compositions, + and whose life she made delightful. Her fondness for the arts and + pleasure procured for her the appellation of 'Dame de Volupte', and + she wrote this epitaph upon herself: + + "Ci git, dans un pais profonde, + Cette Dame de Volupte, + Qui, pour plus grande surete, + Fit son Paradis dans ce monde."] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT36" id="link2H_SECT36"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI.—THE GRAND DUCHESS, WIFE OF COSMO II. OF FLORENCE. + </h2> + <p> + The Grand Duchess has declared to me, that, from the day on which she set + out for Florence, she thought of nothing but her return, and the means of + executing this design as soon as she should be able. + </p> + <p> + No one could approve of her deserting her husband, and the more + particularly as she speaks very well of him, and describes the manner of + living at Florence as like a terrestrial paradise. + </p> + <p> + She does not think herself unfortunate for having travelled, and looks + upon all the grandeur she enjoyed at Florence as not to be compared with + the unrestrained way of living in which she indulges here. She is very + amusing when she relates her own history, in the course of which she by no + means flatters herself. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, cousin," I say to her often, "you do not flatter yourself, but + you really tell things which make against you." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, no matter," she replies, "I care not, provided I never see the Grand + Duke again." + </p> + <p> + She cannot be accused of any amorous intrigue. + </p> + <p> + Her husband furnishes her with very little money; and at this moment + (April, 1718) he owes her fifteen months of her pension. She is now really + in want of money to enable her to take the waters of Bourbon. The Grand + Duke, who is very avaricious, thinks she will die soon, and therefore + holds back the payments that he may take advantage of that event when it + shall happen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT37" id="link2H_SECT37"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII.—THE DUCHESSE DE LORRAINE, ELIZABETH-CHARLOTTE + PHILIPPINE D'ORLEANS, CONSORT OF LEOPOLD JOSEPH-CHARLES DE LORRAINE. + </h2> + <p> + My daughter is ugly; even more so than she was, for the fine complexion + which she once had has become sun-burnt. This makes a great difference in + the appearance, and causes a person to look old. She has an ugly round + nose, and her eyes are sunken; but her shape is preserved, and, as she + dances well, and her manners are easy and polished, any one may see that + she is a person of breeding. I know many people who pique themselves upon + their good manners, and who still have not so much reason as she has. At + all events I am content with my child as she is; and I would rather see + her ugly and virtuous than pretty and profligate like the rest. + </p> + <p> + Whenever the time of her accouchement approaches, she never fails to bid + her friends adieu, in the notion that she will die. Fortunately she has + hitherto always escaped well. + </p> + <p> + When jealousy is once suffered to take root, it is impossible to extirpate + it—therefore it is better not to let it gain ground. My daughter + pretends not to be affected by hers, but she often suffers great + affliction from it. This is not astonishing, because she is very fond of + her children; and the woman with whom the Duke is infatuated, together + with her husband, do not leave him a farthing; they completely ruin his + household. Craon is an accursed cuckold and a treacherous man. The Duc de + Lorraine knows that my daughter is acquainted with everything, and I + believe he likes her the better that she does not remonstrate with him, + but endures all patiently. He is occasionally kind to her, and, provided + that he only says tender things to her, she is content and cheerful. + </p> + <p> + I should almost believe that the Duke's mistress has given him a philtre, + as Neidschin did to the Elector of Saxony. When he does not see her, it is + said he perspires copiously at the head, and, in order that the cuckold of + a husband may say nothing about the affair, the Duke suffers him to do + whatever he pleases. He and his wife, who is gouvernante, rule everything, + although neither the one nor the other has any feeling of honour. She is + to come hither, it seems, with the Duke and Duchess. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Lorraine is here incog. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [He came to Paris for the purpose of soliciting an arrondissement in + Champagne and the title of Royal Highness. Through the influence of + his mother-in-law he obtained both the one and the other. By virtue + of a treaty very disadvantageous for France, but which was + nevertheless registered by the Parliament, he increased his states + by adding to them a great number of villages.] +</pre> + <p> + under the title of the Comte de Blamont. Formerly the chase was his + greatest passion; but now, it seems, the swain is wholly amorous. It is in + vain for him to attempt to conceal it; for the more he tries, the more + apparent it becomes. When you would suppose he is about to address you, + his head will turn round, and his eyes wander in search of Madame Craon; + it is quite diverting to see him. I cannot conceive how my daughter can + love her husband so well, and not display more jealousy. It is impossible + for a man to be more amorous than the Duke is of Craon (19th of April, + 1718). + </p> + <p> + It cannot be denied that she (Madame de Craon) is full of agreeable + qualities. Although she is not a beauty, she has a good shape, a fine + skin, and a very white complexion; but her greatest charms are her mouth + and teeth. When she laughs it is in a very pleasing and modest manner; she + behaves properly and respectfully in my daughter's presence; if she did + the same when she is not with her, one would have nothing to complain of. + It is not surprising that such a woman should be beloved; she really + deserves it. But she treats her lover with the utmost haughtiness, as if + she were the Duchesse de Lorraine and he M. de Luneville. I never saw a + man more passionately attached than he appears to be; when she is not + present, he fixes his eyes upon the door with an expression of anxiety; + when she appears, he smiles and is calm; it is really very droll to + observe him. She, on the contrary, wishes to prevent persons from + perceiving it, and seems to care nothing about him. As the Duke was + crossing a hall here with her upon his arm, some of the people said aloud, + "That is the Duc de Lorraine with his mistress." Madame Craon wept + bitterly, and insisted upon the Duke complaining of it to his brother. The + Duke did in fact complain; but my son laughed at him, and replied, "that + the King himself could not prevent that; that he should despise such + things, and seem not to hear them." + </p> + <p> + Madame Craon was my daughter's fille d'honneur; she was then called + Mademoiselle de Ligneville, and there it was that the Duke fell in love + with her. M. Craon was in disgrace with the Duke, who was about to dismiss + him as a rascal, for having practised a sharping trick at play; but, as he + is a cunning fellow, he perceived the Duke's love for Mademoiselle de + Ligneville, although he pretended to make a great mystery of it. About + this time Madame de Lenoncourt, my daughter's dame d'atour, happened to + die. The Duke managed to have Mademoiselle de Ligneville appointed in her + room; and Craon, who is rich, offered to marry this poor lady. The Duke + was delighted with the plan of marrying her to one who would lend himself + to the intrigue; and thus she became Madame de Craon, and dame d'atour. + The old gouvernante dying soon afterwards, my daughter thought to gratify + her husband, as well as Madame de Craon, by appointing her dame d'honneur; + and this it is that has brought such disgrace upon her. + </p> + <p> + My daughter is in despair. Craon and his wife want to take a journey of + ten days, for the purpose of buying a marquisate worth 800,000 livres. The + Duke will not remain during this time with his wife, but chooses it for an + opportunity to visit all the strong places of Alsatia. He will stay away + until the return of his mistress and her husband; and this it is which + makes my poor daughter so unhappy. The Duke now neither sees nor hears + anything but through Craon, his wife, and their creatures. + </p> + <p> + I do not think that my daughter's attachment to her husband is so strong + as it used to be, and yet I think she loves him very much; for every proof + of fondness which he gives her rejoices her so much that she sends me word + of it immediately. He can make her believe whatever he chooses; and, + although she cannot doubt the Duke's passion for Madame de Craon, yet, + when he says that he feels only friendship for her, that he is quite + willing to give up seeing her, only that he fears by doing so he would + dishonour her in the eyes of the public, and that there is nothing he is + not ready to do for his wife's repose, she receives all he says literally, + beseeches him to continue to see Madame de Craon as usual, and fancies + that her husband is tenderly attached to her, while he is really laughing + at her. If I were in my daughter's place, the Duke's falsehood would + disgust me more than his infidelity. + </p> + <p> + What appears to me the most singular in this intrigue is that the Duke is + as fond of the husband as of the wife, and that he cannot live without + him. This is very difficult to comprehend; but M. de Craon understands it + well, and makes the most of it; he has already bought an estate for + 1,100,000 livres. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Marquis de Craon was Grand Chamberlain and Prime Minister of + the Duc de Lorraine; who, moreover, procured for him from the + Emperor of Germany the title of Prince. This favourite married one + of his daughters to the Prince de Ligin, of the House of Lorraine.] +</pre> + <p> + The burning of Lundville was not the effect of an accident; it is well + known that some of the people stopped a woman's mouth, who was crying out + "Fire!" A person was also heard to say, "It was not I who set it on fire." + My daughter thinks that Old Maintenon would have them all burnt; for the + person who cried out has been employed, it seems, in the house of the Duc + de Noailles. For my part, I am rather disposed to believe it was the young + mistress, Madame de Craon, who had a share in this matter; for Luneville + is my daughter's residence and dowry. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT38" id="link2H_SECT38"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII.—THE DUC DU MAINE, LOUIS-AUGUSTUS. + </h2> + <p> + The Duc du Maine flattered himself that he would marry my daughter. Madame + de Maintenon and Madame de Montespan were arranging this project in + presence of several merchants, to whom they paid no attention, but the + latter, engaging in the conversation, said, "Ladies, do not think of any + such thing, for it will cost you your lives if you bring about that + marriage." + </p> + <p> + Madame de Maintenon was dreadfully frightened at this, and immediately + went to the King to persuade him to relinquish the affair. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine possesses talent, which he displays particularly in his + manner of relating anything. He knows very well who is his mother, but he + has never had the least affection for any one but his gouvernante, against + whom he never bore ill-will, although she displaced his mother and put + herself in her room. My son will not believe that the Duc du Maine is the + King's son. He has always been treacherous, and is feared and hated at + Court as an arch tale-bearer. He has done many persons very ill offices + with the King; and those in particular to whom he promised most were those + who have had the greatest reason to complain of him. His little wife is + worse even than he, for the husband is sometimes restrained by fear; but + she mingles the pathetic occasionally in her comedies. It is certain that + there does not exist a more false and wicked couple in the whole world + than they are. + </p> + <p> + I can readily believe that the Comte de Toulouse is the King's son; but I + have always thought that the Duc du Maine is the son of Terme, who was a + false knave, and the greatest tale-bearer in the Court. + </p> + <p> + That old Maintenon had persuaded the King that the Duc du Maine was full + of piety and virtue. When he reported evil tales of any persons, she + pretended that it was for their good, and to induce the King to correct + them. The King was, therefore, induced to fancy everything he did + admirable, and to take him for a saint. The confessor, Le Pere Letellier, + contributed to keep up this good opinion in order to pay court to the old + woman; and the late Chancellor, M. Voisin, by her orders continued to aid + the King's delusion. + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine fancied that, since he had succeeded in getting himself + declared a Prince of the blood, he should not find it difficult on that + account to attain the royal dignity, and that he could easily arrange + everything with respect to my son and the other Princes of the blood. For + this reason he and the old woman industriously circulated the report that + my son had poisoned the Dauphine and the Duc de Berri. The Duc du Maine + was instigated by Madame de Montespan and Madame de Maintenon to report + things secretly to the King; at first for the purpose of making him bark + like a cur at all whom they disliked, and afterwards for the King's + diversion, and to make themselves beloved by him. + </p> + <p> + These bastards are of so bad a disposition that God knows who was their + father. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday the Parliament presented its remonstrance to my son. It is not + difficult to guess whence this affair proceeds. They were closeted for + four hours together with the Duc and Duchesse du Maine, who had the + Councillors brought thither in their coach, and attended by their own + livery servants (20th June, 1718). + </p> + <p> + I believe that my son is only, restrained from acting rigorously against + the Duc du Maine because he fears the tears and anger of his wife; and, in + the second place, he, has an affection for his other brother-in-law, the + Comte de Toulouse. + </p> + <p> + That old woman must surely think herself immortal, for she still hopes to + reign, though at the age of eighty-three years. The Duc du Maine's affair + is a severe blow for her. She is, nevertheless, not without hope, and it + is said not excessively grieved. This fills me with anxiety, for I know + too well how expert the wicked old hussy is in the use of poison. + </p> + <p> + The first President of Mesmes ought to be friendly towards the Duc du + Maine, to whom he is indebted for the office he holds. The Duke keeps all + his places; as to that of Grand Master of Artillery, they could not take + it away unless they had proceeded to extremities with him. + </p> + <p> + The Duke became so devout in his prison, and during Passion week he fasted + so rigorously, that he fell sick in consequence. He says that he is + innocent and that he has gained heaven by the purity of his conduct; this + renders him gay and contented. He is not, besides, of a sorrowful temper, + but, on the contrary, is fond of jests and merry tales. He does not speak + ill of persons publicly; it was only to the King he used to denounce them. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday my son was requested to permit the Duc du Maine to be reconciled + with his wife. His answer was, "They might have been reconciled without + speaking to me about it, for whether they become friends again or not, I + know what to think of them." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT39" id="link2H_SECT39"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX.—THE DUCHESSE DU MAINE, LOUISE-BENOITE, DAUGHTER OF + HENRI-JULES DE CONDE. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="image-0008" id="image-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/p314.jpg" alt="Duchesse Du Maine " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <!-- IMAGE END --> + <p> + Madame du Maine is not taller than a child ten years old, and is not well + made. To appear tolerably well, it is necessary for her to keep her mouth + shut; for when she opens it, she opens it very wide, and shows her + irregular teeth. She is not very stout, uses a great quantity of paint, + has fine eyes, a white skin, and fair hair. If she were well disposed, she + might pass, but her wickedness is insupportable. + </p> + <p> + She has good sense, is accomplished, and can talk agreeably on most + subjects. This brings about her a host of learned men and wits. She + flatters the discontented very adroitly, and says all ill things of my + son. This is the secret by which she has made her party. Her husband is + fond of her, and she in turn piques herself upon her love for him; but I + should be sorry to swear to her sincerity. This at least is certain, that + she rules the Duc du Maine absolutely. As he holds several offices, he can + provide for a great number of persons, either in the regiment of Guards, + of which he is General; or in the Artillery, of which he is Grand Master; + or in the Carabineers, where he appoints all the officers; without + reckoning his regiments, by which he attracts a great number of persons. + </p> + <p> + Madame du Maine's present lover is the Cardinal de Polignac; but she has, + besides, the first Minister and some young men. The Cardinal is accused of + having assisted in the refutation of Fitz-Morris's letters, although he + has had this very year (1718) a long interview with my son, and has sworn + never to engage in anything against his interests, notwithstanding his + attachment to the Duchesse du Maine. + </p> + <p> + The Comte d'Albert, who was here last winter, took some pains to make + himself agreeable to Madame du Maine, and succeeded so well as to make the + Cardinal de Polignac very jealous. He followed them masked to a ball; but + upon seeing the Duchess and the Count tete-a-tete, he could not contain + his anger this betrayed him; and when the people learned that a Cardinal + had been seen at a masked ball it caused them great diversion. + </p> + <p> + Her being arrested threw Madame du Maine into such a transport of rage + that she was near choking, and only recovered herself by slow degrees. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Marquis d'Ancenis, Captain of the Guards, who came early in the + morning to arrest the Princess, had supped with her on the preceding + evening, when he entered, the Duchess cried out to him, "Mon Dieu! + what have I done to you, that you should wake me so early?" The + chief domestics of the household were taken to the Bastille or to + Vincennes; the Prince of Dombes and the Comte d'Eu were carried to + Eu.] +</pre> + <p> + She is now said to be quite calm, and, it is added, she plays at cards all + day long. When the play is over, she grows angry again, and falls upon her + husband, his children, or her servants, who do not know how to appease + her. She is dreadfully violent, and, it is said, has often beaten her + husband. + </p> + <p> + All the time of her residence at Dijon she was playing the Orlando + Furioso: sometimes she was not treated with the respect due to her rank; + sometimes she complains of other things; she will not understand that she + is a prisoner, and that she has deserved even a worse fate. She had + flattered herself that when she should reach Chalons-sur-Saone she would + enjoy more liberty, and have the whole city for her prison; but when she + learnt that she was to be locked up in the citadel, as at Dijon, she would + not set out. Far from repenting her treason, she fancies she has done + something very praiseworthy. + </p> + <p> + Melancholy as I am, my son has made me laugh by telling me what has been + found in Madame du Maine's letters, seized at the Cardinal de Polignac's. + In one of her letters, this very discreet and virtuous personage writes, + "We are going into the country tomorrow; and I shall so arrange the + apartments that your chamber shall be next to mine. Try to manage matters + as well as you did the last time, and we shall be very happy." + </p> + <p> + The Princess knows very well that her daughter has had an intrigue with + the Cardinal, and has endeavoured to break it off. For this purpose she + has convinced her by the Cardinal's own letters that he is unfaithful to + her, and prefers a certain Montauban to her. This, however, has had no + effect. The Duc du Maine has been informed of everything, and he writes to + her sister, "I ought not to be put into prison, but into petticoats, for + having suffered myself to be so led by the nose." + </p> + <p> + He has resolved never to see his wife again, although he does not yet know + of the Duchess's letter to the Cardinal, nor of the other measures she has + taken for the purpose of decorating her husband's brows. + </p> + <p> + Madame du Maine will eventually become really crazy, for she is dreadfully + troubled with the vapours. Her mother has entreated my son to let her + daughter be brought to her house at Anet, where she will be answerable for + her conduct and suffer her to speak with no one. + </p> + <p> + My son replied, "that if Madame du Maine had only conspired against his + life, he would have pardoned her with all his heart; but that, as her + offence had been committed against the State, he was obliged, in spite of + himself, to keep her in prison." + </p> + <p> + It is not true that the Duc du Maine has permission to hunt; he is only + allowed to ride upon a hired horse round the citadel, to take the air, in + the company of four persons. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe de Maulevrier and Mademoiselle de Langeron persuaded the Princess + that Madame du Maine was at the point of death, and was only desirous of + seeing her dear mother before she expired, to receive her last + benediction, as she should die innocent. The Princess immediately set out + in great anxiety and with deep grief; but was strangely surprised, on + arriving at her daughter's house, to see her come to meet her in very good + health. Mademoiselle de Langeron said that the Duchess concealed her + illness that she might not make her mother unhappy. + </p> + <p> + After the confession which Madame du Maine thought proper to make, which + she has confirmed by writing, my son has set her at liberty, and has + permitted her to come to Sceaux. She is terribly mortified at her letter + being read in the open Council. As she has declared in her confession that + she had done everything without her husband's knowledge, although in his + name, he, too, has been permitted to return to his estate of Chavigny, + near Versailles. + </p> + <p> + Madame du Maine had written to my son that, in the event of her having + omitted anything in her declaration, he would only have to ask + Mademoiselle de Launay about it. He sent in consequence for that lady, to + ask her some questions. Mademoiselle de Launay replied: "I do not know + whether her imprisonment may have turned my mistress's brain, but it has + not had the same effect upon me; I neither know, nor will I say anything." + </p> + <p> + Madame du Maine had gained over certain gentlemen in all the Provinces, + and had tampered with them to induce them to revolt; but none of them + would swallow the bait excepting in Brittany. + </p> + <p> + She has not been at the theatre yet; meaning, by this, to intimate that + she is still afflicted at lying under her husband's displeasure. It is + said that she has written to him, but that he has returned her letter + unopened. + </p> + <p> + She came some days ago to see my son, and to request him not to oppose a + reconciliation between herself and her husband. My son laughed and said, + "I will not interfere in it; for have I not learned from Sganarelle that + it is not wise to put one's finger between the bark and the tree?" The + town says they will be reconciled. If this really should take place, I + shall say as my father used: "Agree together, bad ones!" + </p> + <p> + My son tells me that the little Duchess has again besought him to + reconcile her with her husband. My son replied, "that it depended much + more upon herself than upon him." I do not know whether she took this for + a compliment, or what crotchet she got in her head, but she suddenly + jumped up from the sofa, and clung about my son's neck, kissing him on + both cheeks in spite of himself (18th June, 1720). + </p> + <p> + The Duc du Maine is entirely reconciled to his dear moiety. I am not + surprised, for I have been long expecting it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT40" id="link2H_SECT40"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL.—LOUVOIS + </h2> + <p> + M. de Louvois was a person of a very wicked disposition; he hated his + father and brother, and, as they were my very good friends, this minister + made me feel his dislike of them. His hatred was also increased, because + he knew that I was acquainted with his ill-treatment of my father, and + that I had no reason in the world to like him. He feared that I should + seek to take vengeance upon him, and for this reason he was always + exciting the King against me. Upon this point alone did he agree with that + old, Maintenon. + </p> + <p> + I believe that Louvois had a share in the conspiracy by which Langhans and + Winkler compassed my poor brother's death. When the King had taken the + Palatinate, I required him to arrest the culprits; the King gave orders + for it, and they were in fact seized, but afterwards liberated by a + counter-order of Louvois. Heaven, however, took care of their punishment + for the crime which they had committed upon my poor brother; for Langhans + died in the most abject wretchedness, and Winkler went mad and beat his + own brains out. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that the King spoke very harshly to Louvois, but + certainly he did not treat him as has been pretended, for the King was + incapable of such an action. Louvois was a brute and an insolent person; + but he served the King faithfully, and much better than any other person. + He did not, however, forget his own interest, and played his cards very + well. He was horribly depraved, and by his impoliteness and the grossness + of his replies made himself universally hated. He might, perhaps, believe + in the Devil; but he did not believe in God. He had faith in all manner of + predictions, but he did not scruple to burn, poison, lie and cheat. + </p> + <p> + If he did not love me very well, I was at least even with him; and, for + the latter part of his time, he conducted himself somewhat better. I was + one of the last persons to whom he spoke, and I was even shocked when it + was announced that the man with whom I had been conversing a quarter of an + hour before, and who did not look ill, was no more. + </p> + <p> + They have not yet learnt, although I have resided so long in France, to + respect my seal. M. de Louvois used to have all my letters opened and + read; and M. Corey, following his noble example, has not been more + courteous to me. Formerly they used to open them for the purpose of + finding something to my prejudice, and now (1718) they open them through + mere habit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT41" id="link2H_SECT41"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI.—LOUIS XV. + </h2> + <p> + It is impossible for any child to be more agreeable than our young King; + he has large, dark eyes and long, crisp eyelashes; a good complexion, a + charming little mouth, long and thick dark-brown hair, little red cheeks, + a stout and well-formed body, and very pretty hands and feet; his gait is + noble and lofty, and he puts on his hat exactly like the late King. The + shape of his face is neither too long nor too short; but the worst thing, + and which he inherits from his mother, is, that he changes colour very + frequently. Sometimes he looks ill, but in half an hour his colour will + have returned. His manners are easy, and it may be said, without flattery, + that he dances very well. He is quick and clever in all that he attempts; + he has already (1720) begun to shoot at pheasants and partridges, and has + a great passion for shooting. + </p> + <p> + He is as like his mother as one drop of water is to another; he has sense + enough, and all that he seems to want is a little more affability. He is + terribly haughty, and already knows what respect is. His look is what may + be called agreeable, but his air is milder than his character, for his + little head is rather an obstinate and wilful one. + </p> + <p> + The young King was full of grief when Madame de Ventadour quitted him. She + said to him, "Sire, I shall come back this evening; mind that you behave + very well during my absence." + </p> + <p> + "My dear mamma," replied he, "if you leave me I cannot behave well." + </p> + <p> + He does not care at all for any of the other women. + </p> + <p> + The Marechal de Villeroi teases the young King sometimes about not + speaking to me enough, and sometimes about not walking with me. This + afflicts the poor child and makes him cry. His figure is neat, but he will + speak only to persons he is accustomed to. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th August (1717), the young King fell out of his bed in the + morning; a valet de chambre, who saw him falling, threw himself adroitly + on the ground, so that the child might tumble upon him and not hurt + himself; the little rogue thrust himself under the bed and would not + speak, that he might frighten his attendants. + </p> + <p> + The King's brother died of the small-pox in consequence of being + injudiciously blooded; this one, who is younger than his brother, was also + attacked, but the femme de chambre concealed it, kept him warm, and + continued to give him Alicant wine, by which means they preserved his + life. + </p> + <p> + The King has invented an order which he bestows: upon the boys with whom + he plays. It is a blue and white ribbon, to which is suspended an + enamelled oval plate, representing a star and the tent or pavilion in + which he plays on the terrace (1717). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT42" id="link2H_SECT42"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII.—ANECDOTES AND HISTORICAL PARTICULARS RELATING TO + VARIOUS PERSONS. + </h2> + <p> + Some horrible books had been written against Cardinal Mazarin, with which + he pretended to be very much enraged, and had all the copies bought up to + be burnt. When he had collected them all, he caused them to be sold in + secret, and as if it were unknown to him, by which contrivance he gained + 10,000 crowns. He used to laugh and say, "The French are delightful + people; I let them sing and laugh, and they let me do what I will." + </p> + <p> + In Flanders it is the custom for the monks to assist at all fires. It + appeared to me a very whimsical spectacle to see monks of all colours, + white, black and brown, running hither and thither with their frocks + tucked up and carrying pails. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier de Saint George is one of the best men in the world, and + complaisance itself. He one day said to Lord Douglas, "What should I do to + gain the good-will of my countrymen?" Douglas replied, "Only embark hence + with twelve Jesuits, and as soon as you land in England hang every one of + them publicly; you can do nothing so likely to recommend you to the + English people." + </p> + <p> + It is said that at one of the masked balls at the opera, a mask entered + the box in which were the Marechals de Villars and d'Estrees. He said to + the former, "Why do you not go below and dance?" The Marshal replied, "If + I were younger I could, but not crippled as you see I am."—"Oh, go + down," rejoined the mask, "and the Marechal d'Estrees too; you will cut so + brilliant a figure, having both of you such large horns." At the same time + he put up his fingers in the shape of horns. The Marechal d'Estrees only + laughed, but the other was in a great rage and said, "You are a most + insolent mask, and I do not know what will restrain me from giving you a + good beating."—"As to a good beating;" replied the mask, "I can do a + trifle in that way myself when necessary; and as for the insolence of + which you accuse me, it is sufficient for me to say that I am masked." He + went away as he said this, and was not seen again. + </p> + <p> + The King of Denmark has the look of a simpleton; he made love to my + daughter while he was here. When they were dancing he used to squeeze her + hand, and turn up his eyes languishingly. He would begin his minuet in one + corner of the hall and finish it in another. He stopped once in the middle + of the hall and did not know what to do next. I was quite uneasy at seeing + him, so I got up and, taking his hand, led him away, or the good gentleman + might have strayed there until this time. He has no notion of what is + becoming or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Noailles is unquestionably a virtuous man; it would be a + very good thing if all the others were like him. We have here four of + them, and each is of a different character. Three of them resemble each + other in a certain particular—they are as false as counterfeit coin; + in every other respect they are directly opposite. The Cardinal de + Polignac is well made, sensible, and insinuating, and his voice is very + agreeable; but he meddles too much with politics, and is too much occupied + with seeking favour. The Cardinal de Rohan has a handsome face, as his + mother had, but his figure is despicable. He is as vain as a peacock, and + fancies that there is not his equal in the whole world. He is a tricking + intriguer, the slave of the Jesuits, and fancies he rules everything, + while in fact he rules nothing. The Cardinal de Bissi is as ugly and + clumsy as a peasant, proud, false and wicked, and yet a most fulsome + flatterer; his falsehood may be seen in his very eyes; his talent he turns + to mischievous purposes. In short, he has all the exterior of a Tartuffe. + These Cardinals could, if they chose, sell the Cardinal de Noailles in a + sack, for they are all much more cunning than he is. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the pregnancy of the Queen of England, the consort of + James II., whom we saw at Saint-Germain, it is well known that her + daughter-in-law maintains that she was not with child; but it seems to me + that the Queen might easily have taken measures to prove the contrary. I + spoke about it to Her Majesty myself. She replied "that she had begged the + Princess Anne to satisfy herself by the evidence of her own senses, and to + feel the motion of the child;" but the latter refused, and the Queen added + "that she never could have supposed that the persons who had been in the + habit of seeing her daily during her pregnancy could doubt the fact of her + having been delivered." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [On the dethronement of James II., the party of William, Prince of + Orange, asserted that the Prince of Orange was a supposititious + child, and accused James of having spirited away the persona who + could have proved the birth of the Queen's child, and of having made + the midwife leave the kingdom precipitately, she being the only + person who had actually seen the child born.] +</pre> + <p> + A song has been made upon Lord Bolingbroke on the subject of his passion + for a young girl who escaped from her convent. Some persons say that the + girl was a professed nun. She ran after the Duke Regent a long time, but + could not accomplish her intention. + </p> + <p> + Lady Gordon, the grandaunt of Lord Huntley, was my dame d'atour for a + considerable period. She was a singular person, and always plunged into + reveries. Once when she was in bed and going to seal a letter, she dropped + the wax upon her own thigh and burnt herself dreadfully. At another time, + when she was also in bed and engaged in play, she threw the dice upon the + ground and spat in the bed. Once, too, she spat in the mouth of my first + femme de chambre, who happened to be passing at the moment. I think if I + had not interposed they would have come to blows, so angry was the femme + de chambre. One evening when I wanted my head-dress to go to Court, she + took off her gloves and threw them in my face, putting on my head-dress at + the same time with great gravity. When she was speaking to a man she had a + habit of playing with the buttons of his waistcoat. Saving one day some + occasion to talk to the Chevalier Buveon, a Captain in the late Monsieur's + Guard, and he being a very tall man, she could only reach his waistband, + which she began to unbutton. The poor gentleman was quite horror-stricken, + and started back, crying, "For Heaven's sake, madame, what are you going + to do?" This accident caused a great laugh in the Salon of Saint Cloud. + </p> + <p> + They say that Lord Peterborough, speaking of the two Kings of Spain, said, + "What fools we are to cut each other's throats for two such apes." + </p> + <p> + Monteleon has good reason to be fond of the Princesse des Ursins, for she + made his fortune: he was an insignificant officer in the troop, but he had + talents and attached himself to this lady, who made of him what he now is + (1716). + </p> + <p> + The Abbess of Maubuisson, Louise Hollandine, daughter of Frederic V., + Elector-Palatine of the days of Henri IV., had had so many illegitimate + children, that she commonly swore by her body, which had borne fourteen + children. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Mazarin could not bear to have unfortunate persons about him. + When he was requested to take any one into his service, his first question + was, "Is he lucky?" + </p> + <p> + My son has never assisted the Pretender (Prince Edward Stuart), either + publicly or privately; and if my Lord Stair had chosen to contract a more + close alliance, as my son wished, he would have prevented the Pretender's + staying in France and collecting adherents; but as that alliance was + declined, he merely confined himself to the stipulations contained in the + treaty of peace. He neither furnished the Pretender with arms nor money. + The Pope and some others gave him money, but my son could not, for he was + too much engaged in paying off the late King's debts, and he would not on + account of that treaty. There can be no doubt that an attempt has been + made to embroil my son with the King of England; for, at the same time + that they were making the King believe my son was sustaining the + Pretender's cause, they told my son that Lord Stair had interviews with M. + Pentenriedez, the Emperor's Envoy, as well as with the Sicilian + Ambassador, the object of which was to make a league with those powers to + drive out the King of Spain and to set up the King of France in his place, + at the same time that Sicily should be given up to the Emperor—in + short, to excite all Europe against France. My son said himself, that, + since he was to confine himself to the articles of the treaty of peace, he + did not think he had any right to prevent the Pretender's passage through + his kingdom; and as the army had been reduced, he could not hinder the + disbanded soldiers from taking service wherever they chose. My son had no + intention whatever to break with England, although he has been told that + there was a majority of two voices only in that nation against declaring + it at war with France. He thinks Lord Stair is not his friend, and that he + has not faithfully reported to his monarch the state of things here, but + would rather be pleased to kindle the flames of a war. If that Minister + had honestly explained to the King my son's intentions, the King would not + have refused to agree with them. + </p> + <p> + It is said here that the present Queen of Spain (1716), although she is + more beloved by her husband than was the last, has less influence over + him. The Abbe Alberoni has them both in his power, and governs them like + two children. + </p> + <p> + The English gentlemen and ladies who are here tell horrible stories of + Queen Anne. They say she gets quite drunk, and that besides but that she + is inconstant in her affections, and changes often. Lady Sandwich has not + told this to me, but she has to my son. I have seen her but seldom, on + account of the repugnance I felt at learning she had confessed she had + been present at such orgies. + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether it is true that Louvois was poisoned by that old + Maintenon, but it is quite certain that he was poisoned, as well as his + physician who committed the crime, and who said when he was dying, "I die + by poison, but I deserve it, for having poisoned my master, M. de Louvois; + and I did this in the hope of becoming the King's physician, as Madame de + Maintenon had promised me." I ought to add that some persons pretend to + think this story of Doctor Seron is a mere invention. Old Piety + (Maintenon) did not commit this crime without an object; but if she really + did poison Louvois, it was because he had opposed her designs and + endeavoured to undeceive the King. Louvois, the better to gain his object, + had advised the King not to take her with him to the army. The King was + weak enough to repeat this to her, and this it was that excited her + against Louvois. That the latter was a very bad man, who feared neither + heaven nor hell, no man can deny; but it must be confessed that he served + his King faithfully. + </p> + <p> + The Duke de Noailles' grandfather was one of the ugliest men in the world. + He had one glass eye, and his nose was like an owl's, his mouth large, his + teeth ugly and decayed, his face and head very small, his body long and + bent, and he was bitter and ill-tempered. His name was Gluinel. Madame de + Cornuel one day was reading his grandson's genealogy, and, when she came + to his name, exclaimed, "I always suspected, when I saw the Duc de + Noailles, that he came out of the Book of the Lamentations of Jeremiah!" + </p> + <p> + When James II. took refuge in France from England, Madame de Cornuel went + to Saint-Germain to see him. Some time afterwards, she was told of the + pains our King was taking to procure his restoration to the throne. Madame + de Cornuel shook her head, and said, "I have seen this King James; our + monarch's efforts are all in vain; he is good for nothing but to make poor + man's sauce. (La sauce au pauvre homme.)" + </p> + <p> + She went to Versailles to see the Court when M. de Torcy and M. de + Seignelay, both very young, had just been appointed Ministers. She saw + them, as well as Madame de Maintenon, who had then grown old. When she + returned to Paris, some one asked her what remarkable things she had seen. + "I have seen," she said, "what I never expected to see there; I have seen + love in its tomb and the Ministry in its cradle." + </p> + <p> + The elder Margrave of Anspach was smitten with Mademoiselle d'Armagnac, + but he would not marry her, and said afterwards that he had never intended + to do so, because the familiarities which had passed between her and the + Marquis de Villequier (1716) had disgusted him. The lady's mother would + have liked nothing better than to surprise the Margrave with her daughter + in some critical situation: for this purpose he had sufficient + opportunities given him, but he was prudent, and conducted himself with so + much modesty, that he avoided the snare. To tell the truth, I had given + him a hint on the subject, for I was too well acquainted with the mother, + who is a very bad woman. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal de Richelieu, notwithstanding his wit, had often fits of + distraction. Sometimes he would fancy himself a horse, and run jumping + about a billiard-table, neighing and snorting; this would last an hour, at + the end of which his people would put him to bed and cover him up closely + to induce perspiration; when he awoke the fit had passed and did not + appear again. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Paris reprimanded the Bishop of Gap on the bad + reputation which he had acquired in consequence of his intercourse with + women. "Ah, Monseigneur," replied the Bishop of Gap, "if you knew what you + talk of, you would not be astonished. I lived the first forty years of my + life without experiencing it; I don't know what induced me to venture on + it, but, having done so, it is impossible to refrain. Only try it for + once, Monseigneur, and you will perceive the truth of what I tell you." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This Bishop, whose name was Herve, had lived in prudence and + regularity up to the age of fifty, when he began, on a sudden, to + lead a very debauched life. They compelled him to give up his + Bishopric, which he did on condition of being allowed to stay at + Paris as much as he chose. He continued to live in perpetual + pleasure, but towards the close of his career he repented of his + sins and engaged with the Capuchin missionaries.] +</pre> + <p> + This Bishop is now living in the village of Boulogne, near Paris: he is a + little priest, very ugly, with a large head and fiery red face. + </p> + <p> + Our late King said, "I am, I confess, somewhat piqued to see that, with + all the authority belonging to my station in this country, I have + exclaimed so long against high head-dresses, while no one had the + complaisance to lower them for me in the slightest degree. But now, when a + mere strange English wench arrives with a little low head-dress, all the + Princesses think fit to go at once from one extremity to another." + </p> + <p> + A Frenchman who had taken refuge in Holland informed me by letter of what + was passing with respect to the Prince of Orange. Thinking that I should + do the King a service by communicating to him these news, I hastened to + him, and he thanked me for them. In the evening, however, he said to me, + smiling, "My Ministers will have it that you have been misinformed, and + that your correspondent has not written you one word of truth." I replied, + "Time will show which is better informed, your Majesty's Ministers or my + correspondent. For my own part, Sire, my intention at least was good." + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards, when the report of the approaching accession of + William to the throne of England became public, M. de Torcy came to me to + beg I would acquaint him with my news. I replied, "I receive none now; you + told the King that what I formerly had was false, and upon this I desired + my correspondents to send me no more, for I do not love to spread false + reports." He laughed, as he always did, and said, "Your news have turned + out to be quite correct." I replied, "A great and able Minister ought + surely to have news more correct than I can obtain; and I have been angry + with myself for having formerly acquainted the King with the reports which + had reached me. I ought to have recollected that his clever Ministers are + acquainted with everything." The King therefore said to me, "You are + making game of my Ministers."—"Sire," I replied, "I am only giving + them back their own." + </p> + <p> + M. de Louvois was the only person who was well served by his spies; + indeed, he never spared his money. All the Frenchmen who went into Germany + or Holland as dancing or fencing-masters, esquires, etc., were paid by him + to give him information of whatever passed in the several Courts. After + his death this system was discontinued, and thus it is that the present + Ministers are so ignorant of the affairs of other nations. + </p> + <p> + Lauzun says the drollest things, and takes the most amusing, roundabout + way of intimating whatever he does not care to say openly. For example, + when he wished the King to understand that the Count de Marsan, brother of + M. Legrand, had attached himself to M. Chamillard, the then Minister, he + took the following means: "Sire," said he, with an air of the utmost + simplicity, as if he had not the least notion of malice, "I wished to + change my wigmaker, and employ the one who is now the most in fashion; but + I could not find him, for M. de Marsan has kept him shut up in his room + for several days past, making wigs for his household, and for M. de + Chamillard's friends." + </p> + <p> + The adventures of Prince Emmanuel of Portugal are a perfect romance. His + brother, the King, was desirous, it is said, at first, to have made a + priest and a Bishop of him; to this, however, he had an insuperable + objection, for he was in love. The King sent for him, and asked him if it + was true that he had really resolved not to enter the Church. On the + Prince's replying in the affirmative, the King, his brother, struck him. + The Prince said, "You are my King and my brother, and therefore I cannot + revenge myself as I ought upon you; but you have put an insult upon me + which I cannot endure, and you shall never again see me in the whole + course of your life." He is said to have set out on that very night. His + brother wrote to him, commanding his return from Paris to Holland; as he + made no reply to this command, his Governor and the Ambassador had no + doubt that it was his intention to obey it. In the course of last week he + expressed a desire to see Versailles and Marly. The Ambassador made + preparations for this excursion, and together with his wife accompanied + the Prince, whose Governor and one of his gentlemen were of the party. + Upon their return from Versailles, when they reached the courtyard, the + Prince called out to stop, and asked if there were any chaises ready: + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Monseigneur," replied a voice, "there are four."—"That will be + sufficient," replied the Prince. Then addressing the Ambassador, he + expressed his warmest thanks for the friendly attention he had shown him, + and assured him that he desired nothing so much as an opportunity to + testify his gratitude. "I am now going to set out," he added, "for Vienna; + the Emperor is my cousin; I have no doubt he will receive me, and I shall + learn in his army to become a soldier in the campaign against the Turks." + He then thanked the Governor for the pains he had bestowed upon his + education; and promised that, if any good fortune should befall him, his + Governor should share it with him. He also said something complimentary to + his gentleman. He then alighted, called for the post-chaises, and took his + seat in one of them; his favourite, a young man of little experience, but, + as it is said, of considerable talent, placed himself in another, and his + two valets de chambre into the third and fourth. That nothing may be + wanting to the romantic turn of his adventures, it is said, besides, that + Madame de Riveira was the object of his affection in Portugal before she + was married; that he even wished to make her his wife, but that his + brother would not permit it. A short time before his departure, the + husband, who is a very jealous man, found him at his wife's feet; and this + hastened the Prince's departure. + </p> + <p> + Henri IV. had been one day told of the infidelity of one of his + mistresses. Believing that the King had no intention of visiting her, she + made an assignation with the Duc de Bellegarde in her own apartment. The + King, having caused the time of his rival's coming to be watched, when he + was informed of his being there, went to his mistress's room. He found her + in bed, and she complained of a violent headache. The King said he was + very hungry, and wanted some supper; she replied that she had not thought + about supper, and believed she had only a couple of partridges. Henri IV. + desired they should be served up, and said he would eat them with her. The + supper which she had prepared for Bellegarde, and which consisted of much + more than two partridges, was then served up; the King, taking up a small + loaf, split it open, and, sticking a whole partridge into it, threw it + under the bed. "Sire," cried the lady, terrified to death, "what are you + doing?"—"Madame," replied the merry monarch, "everybody must live." + He then took his departure, content with having frightened the lovers. + </p> + <p> + I have again seen M. La Mothe le Vayer; who, with all his sense, dresses + himself like a madman. He wears furred boots, and a cap which he never + takes off, lined with the same material, a large band, and a black velvet + coat. + </p> + <p> + We have had few Queens in France who have been really happy. Marie de + Medicis died in exile. The mother of the King and of the late Monsieur was + unhappy as long as her husband was alive. Our Queen Marie-Therese said + upon her death-bed, "that from the time of her becoming Queen she had not + had a day of real happiness." + </p> + <p> + Lauzun sometimes affects the simpleton that he may say disagreeable things + with impunity, for he is very malicious. In order to hint to Marechal de + Tesse that he did wrong in being so familiar with the common people, he + called out to him one night in the Salon at Marly, "Marshal, pray give me + a pinch of snuff; but let it be good—that, for example, which I saw + you taking this morning with Daigremont the chairman." + </p> + <p> + In the time of Henri IV. an Elector-Palatine came to France; the King's + household was sent to meet him. All his expenses were paid, as well as + those of his suite; and when he arrived at the Court he entered between + the Dauphin and Monsieur and dined with the King. I learned these + particulars from the late Monsieur. The King, under the pretence of going + to the chase, went about a league from Paris, and, meeting the Elector, + conducted him in his carriage. At Paris he was always attended by the + King's servants. This treatment is somewhat different from that which, in + my time, was bestowed upon Maximilian Maria, the Elector of Bavaria. This + Elector often enraged me with the foolish things that he did. For example, + he went to play and to dine with M. d'Antin, and never evinced the least + desire to dine with his own nephews. A sovereign, whether he be Elector or + not, might with propriety dine either at the Dauphin's table or mine; and, + if the Elector had chosen, he might have come to us; but he was contented + to dine with M. d'Antin or M. de Torcy, and some ladies of the King's + suite. I am angry to this day when I think of it. The King used often to + laugh at my anger on this subject; and, whenever the Elector committed + some new absurdity, he used to call to me in the cabinet and ask me, + "Well, Madame, what have you to say to that?" I would reply, "All that the + Elector does is alike ridiculous." This made the King laugh heartily. The + Elector had a Marshal, the Count d'Arco, the brother of that person who + had married in so singular a manner the Prince's mistress, Popel, which + marriage had been contracted solely upon his promise never to be alone + with his wife. The Marshal, who was as honest as his brother was + accommodating, was terribly annoyed at his master's conduct; he came at + first to me to impart to me his chagrin whenever the Elector committed + some folly; and when he behaved better he used also to tell me of it. I + rather think he must have been forbidden to visit me, for latterly I never + saw him. None of the Elector's suite have visited me, and I presume they + have been prevented. This Prince's amorous intrigues have been by no means + agreeable to the King. The Elector was so fond of grisettes that, when the + King was giving names to each of the roads through the wood, he was + exceedingly anxious that one of them should be called L'Allee des + Grisettes; but the King would not consent to it. The Elector has + perpetuated his race in the villages; and two country girls have been + pointed out to me who were pregnant by him at his departure. + </p> + <p> + His marriage with a Polish Princess is a striking proof that a man cannot + avoid his fate. This was not a suitable match for him, and was managed + almost without his knowledge, as I have been told. His Councillors, having + been bought over, patched up the affair; and when the Elector only caused + it to be submitted for their deliberation, it was already decided on. + </p> + <p> + This Elector's brother must have been made a Bishop of Cologne and Munster + without the production of proof of his nobility being demanded; for it is + well known that the King Sobieski was a Polish nobleman, who married the + daughter of Darquin, Captain of our late Monsieur's Swiss Guards. Great + suspicions are entertained respecting the children of the Bavaria family, + that is, the Elector and his brothers, who are thought to have been the + progeny of an Italian doctor named Simoni. It was said at Court that the + doctor had only given the Elector and his wife a strong cordial, the + effect of which had been to increase their family; but they are all most + suspiciously like the doctor. + </p> + <p> + I have heard it said that in England the people used to take my late + uncle, Rupert, for a sorcerer, and his large black dog for the Devil; for + this reason, when he joined the army and attacked the enemy, whole + regiments fled before him. + </p> + <p> + A knight of the Palatinate, who had served many years in India, told me at + Court in that country the first Minister and the keeper of the seals hated + each other mortally. The latter having one day occasion for the seals, + found they had been taken from the casket in which they were usually kept. + He was of course greatly terrified, for his head depended upon their + production. He went to one of his friends, and consulted with him what he + should do. His friend asked him if he had any enemies at Court. "Yes," + replied the keeper of the seals, "the chief Minister is my mortal foe."—"So + much the better," replied his friend; "go and set fire to your house + directly; take out of it nothing but the casket in which the seals were + kept, and take it directly to the chief Minister, telling him you know no + one with whom you can more safely deposit it; then go home again and save + whatever you can. When the fire shall be extinguished, you must go to the + King, and request him to order the chief Minister to restore you the + seals; and you must be sure to open the casket before the Prince. If the + seals are there, all will be explained; if the Minister has not restored + them, you must accuse him at once of having stolen them; and thus you will + be sure to ruin your enemy and recover your seals." The keeper of the + seals followed his friend's advice exactly, and the seals were found again + in the casket. + </p> + <p> + As soon as a royal child, which they call here un Enfant de France, is + born, and has been swaddled, they put on him a grand cordon; but they do + not create him a knight of the order until he has communicated; the + ceremony is then performed in the ordinary manner. + </p> + <p> + The ladies of chancellors here have the privilege of the tabouret when + they come to the toilette; but in the afternoon they are obliged to stand. + This practice began in the days of Marie de Medicis, when a chancellor's + wife happened to be in great favour. As she had a lame foot and could not + stand up, the Queen, who would have her come to visit her every morning, + allowed her to sit down. From this time the custom of these ladies sitting + in the morning has been continued. + </p> + <p> + In the reign of Henri IV. the King's illegitimate children took precedence + of the Princes of the House of Lorraine. On the day after the King's + death, the Duc de Verneuil was about to go before the Duc de Guise, when + the latter, taking him by the arm, said, "That might have been yesterday, + but to-day matters are altered." + </p> + <p> + Two young Duchesses, not being able to see their lovers, invented the + following stratagem to accomplish their wishes. These two sisters had been + educated in a convent some leagues distant from Paris. A nun of their + acquaintance happening to die there, they pretended to be much afflicted + at it, and requested permission to perform the last duties to her, and to + be present at her funeral. They were believed to be sincere, and the + permission they asked was readily granted them. In the funeral procession + it was perceived that, besides the two ladies, there were two other + persons whom no one knew. Upon being asked who they were, they replied + they were poor priests in need of protection; and that, having learnt two + Duchesses were to be present at the funeral, they had come to the convent + for the purpose of imploring their good offices. When they were presented + to them, the young ladies said they would interrogate them after the + service in their chambers. The young priests waited upon them at the time + appointed, and stayed there until the evening. The Abbess, who began to + think their audience was too long, sent to beg the priests would retire. + One of them seemed very melancholy, but the other laughed as if he would + burst his sides. This was the Duc de Richelieu; the other was the + Chevalier de Guemene, the younger son of the Duke of that name. The + gentlemen themselves divulged the adventure. + </p> + <p> + The King's illegitimate children, fearing that they should be treated in + the same way as the Princes of the blood, have for some months past been + engaged in drawing a strong party of the nobility to their side, and have + presented a very unjust petition against the Dukes and Peers. My son has + refused to receive this petition, and has interdicted them from holding + assemblies, the object of which he knows would tend to revolt. They have, + nevertheless, continued them at the instigations of the Duc du Maine and + his wife, and have even carried their insolence so far as to address a + memorial to my son and another to the Parliament, in which they assert + that it is within the province of the nobility alone to decide between the + Princes of the blood and the legitimated Princes. Thirty of them have + signed this memorial, of whom my son has had six arrested; three of them + have been sent to the Bastille, and the other three to Vincennes; they are + MM. de Chatillon, de Rieux, de Beaufremont, de Polignac, de Clermont, and + d'O. The last was the Governor of the Comte de Toulouse, and remains with + him. Clermont's wife is one of the Duchesse de Berri's ladies. She is not + the most discreet person in the world, and has been long in the habit of + saying to any one who would listen to her, "Whatever may come of it, my + husband and I are willing to risk our lives for the Comte de Toulouse." It + is therefore evident that all this proceeds from the bastards. But I must + expose still further the ingratitude of these people. Chatillon is a poor + gentleman, whose father held a small employment under M. Gaston, one of + those offices which confer the privilege of the entree to the + antechambers, and the holders of which do not sit in the carriage with + their masters. The two descendants, as they call themselves, of the house + of Chatillon, insist that this Chatillon, who married an attorney's + daughter, is descended from the illegitimate branches of that family. His + son was a subaltern in the Body Guard. In the summer time, when the young + officers went to bathe, they used to take young Chatillon with them to + guard their clothes, and for this office they gave him a crown for his + supper. Monsieur having taken this poor person into his service, gave him + a cordon bleu, and furnished him with money to commence a suit which he + subsequently gained against the House of Chatillon, and they were + compelled to recognize him. He then made him a Captain in the Guards; gave + him a considerable pension, which my son continued, and permitted him also + to have apartments in the Palais Royal. In these very apartments did this + ungrateful man hold those secret meetings, the end of which was proposed + to be my son's ruin. Rieux's grandfather had neglected to uphold the + honour to which he was entitled, of being called the King's cousin. My son + restored him to this honour, gave his brother a place in the gendarmerie, + and rendered him many other services. Chatillon tried particularly to + excite the nobility against my son; and this is the recompense for all his + kindness. My son's wife is gay and content, in the hope that all will go + well with her brothers. + </p> + <p> + That old Maintenon has continued pretty tranquil until the termination of + the process relating to the legitimation of the bastards. No one has heard + her utter a single expression on the subject. This makes me believe that + she has some project in her head, but I cannot tell what it is. + </p> + <p> + A monk, who was journeying a few days ago to Luzarche, met upon the road a + stranger, who fell into conversation with him. He was an agreeable + companion, and related various adventures very pleasantly. Having learned + from the monk that he was charged with the rents of the convent, to which + some estates in the neighbourhood of Luzarche belonged, the stranger told + him that he belonged to that place, whither he was returning after a long + journey; and then observing to the monk that the road they were pursuing + was roundabout, he pointed out to him a nearer one through the forest. + When they had reached the thickest part of the wood, the stranger + alighted, and, seizing the bridle of the monk's horse, demanded his money. + The monk replied that he thought he was travelling with an honest man, and + that he was astonished at so singular a demand. The stranger replied that + he had no time for trifling, and that the monk must either give up his + money or his life. The monk replied, "I never carry money about me; but if + you will let me alight and go to my servant, who carries my money, I will + bring you 1,000 francs." + </p> + <p> + The robber suffered the monk to alight, who went to his servant, and, + taking from him the 1,000 francs which were in a purse, he at the same + time furnished himself with a loaded pistol which he concealed in his + sleeve. When he returned to the thief, he threw down the purse, and, as + the robber stooped to pick it up, the monk fired and shot him dead; then, + remounting his horse, he hastened to apply to the police, and related his + adventure. A patrole was sent back with him to the wood, and, upon + searching the robber, there were found in his pockets six whistles of + different sizes; they blew the largest of the number, upon which ten other + armed robbers soon afterwards appeared; they defended themselves, but + eventually two of them were killed and the others taken. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier Schaub, who was employed in State affairs by Stanhope, the + English Minister, brought with him a secretary, to whom the Prince of + Wales had entrusted sixty guineas, to be paid to a M. d'Isten, who had + made a purchase of some lace to that amount for the Princess of Wales; the + brother of M. d'Isten, then living in London, had also given the same + secretary 200 guineas, to be delivered to his brother at Paris. When the + secretary arrived he enquired at the Ambassador's where M. d'Isten lived, + and, having procured his address, he went to the house and asked for the + German gentleman. A person appeared, who said, "I am he." The secretary + suspecting nothing, gave him the Prince of Wales' letter and the sixty + guineas. The fictitious d'Isten, perceiving that the secretary had a gold + watch, and a purse containing fifty other guineas, detained him to supper; + but no sooner had the secretary drank some wine than he was seized with an + invincible desire to go to sleep. "My good friend," said his host, "your + journey has fatigued you; you had better undress and lie down on my bed + for a short time." The secretary, who could not keep his eyes open, + consented; and no sooner had he lain down than he was asleep. Some time + after, his servant came to look for him, and awoke him; the bottles were + still standing before the bed, but the poor secretary's pockets were + emptied, and the sharper who had personated M. d'Isten had disappeared + with their valuable contents. + </p> + <p> + The Princesse Maubuisson was astonishingly pleasant and amiable. I was + always delighted to visit her, and never felt myself tired in her society. + I soon found myself in much greater favour than any other of her nieces, + because I could converse with her about almost everybody she had known in + the whole course of her life, which the others could not. She used + frequently to talk German with me, which she knew very well; and she told + me all her adventures. I asked her how she could accustom herself to the + monastic life. She laughed and said, "I never speak to the nuns but to + give orders." She had a deaf nun with her in her own chamber, that she + might not feel any desire to speak. She told me that she had always been + fond of a country life, and that she still could fancy herself a country + girl. "But," I asked her, "how do you like getting up and going to church + in the middle of the night?" She replied that she did as the painters do, + who increase the splendour of their light by the introduction of deep + shadows. She had in general the faculty of giving to all things a turn + which deprived them of their absurdity. + </p> + <p> + I have often heard M. Bernstorff spoken of by a person who was formerly + very agreeable to him; I mean the Duchess of Mecklenbourg, the Duc de + Luxembourg's sister. She praised his talents very highly, and assured me + that it was she who gave him to the Duke George William. + </p> + <p> + The wife of the Marechal de Villars is running after the Comte de + Toulouse. My son is also in her good graces, and is not a whit more + discreet. Marechal de Villars came one day to see me; and, as he pretends + to understand medals, he asked to see mine. Baudelot, who is a very honest + and clever man, and in whose keeping they are, was desired to show them; + he is not the most cautious man in the world, and is very little + acquainted with what is going on at Court. He had written a dissertation + upon one of my medals, in which he proved, against the opinion of other + learned men, that the horned head which it displayed was that of Pan and + not of Jupiter Ammon. Honest Baudelot, to display his erudition, said to + the Marshal, "Ah, Monseigneur, this is one of the finest medals that + Madame possesses: it is the triumph of Cornificius; he has, you see, all + sorts of horns. He was like you, sir, a great general; he wears the horns + of Juno and Faunus. Cornificius was, as you probably well know, sir, a + very able general." Here I interrupted him. "Let us pass on," I said, "to + the other medal; if you stop in this manner at each, you will not have + time to show the whole." + </p> + <p> + But he, full of his subject, returned to it. "Ah, Madame," he went on, + "this is worthy of more attention than perhaps any other; Cornificius is, + indeed, one of the most rare medals in the world. Look at it, Madame; I + beg you to observe it narrowly; here, you see, is Juno crowned, and she is + also crowning this great general." All that I could say to him was not + sufficient to prevent Baudelot talking to the Marshal of horns. + "Monseigneur," he said, "is well versed in all these matters, and I want + him to see that I am right in insisting that these horns are those of + Faunus, not those of Jupiter Ammon." + </p> + <p> + All the people who were in the chamber, with difficulty refrained from + bursting into a loud laugh. If the plan had been laid for the purpose, it + could not have succeeded better. When the Marshal had gone, I, too, + indulged myself by joining in the laugh. It was with great difficulty that + I could make Baudelot understand he had done wrong. + </p> + <p> + The same Baudelot, one day at a masked ball, had been saying a great many + civil things to the Dowager Madame, who was there masked, and whom, + therefore, he did not know. When he came and saw that it was Madame, he + was terrified with affright: the Princess laughed beyond measure at it. + </p> + <p> + Our Princes here have no particular costume. When they go to the + Parliament they wear only a cloak, which, in my opinion, has a very vulgar + appearance; and the more so, as they wear the 'collet' without a cravat. + Those of the Royal Family have no privileges above the other Dukes, + excepting in their seats and the right of crossing over the carpet, which + is allowed to none but them. The President, when he addresses them, is + uncovered, but keeps his hat on when he speaks to everybody else. This is + the cause of those great disputes which the Princes of the blood have had + with the bastards, as may be seen by their memorial. The Presidents of the + Parliament wear flame-coloured robes trimmed with ermine at the neck and + sleeves. + </p> + <p> + The Comtesse de Soissons, Angelique Cunegonde, the daughter of + Francois-Henri de Luxembourg, has, it must be confessed, a considerable + share of virtue and of wit; but she has also her faults, like the rest of + the world. It may be said of her that she is truly a poor Princess. Her + husband, Louis-Henri, Chevalier de Soissons, was very ugly, having a very + long hooked nose, and eyes extremely close to it. He was as yellow as + saffron; his mouth was extremely small for a man, and full of bad teeth of + a most villanous odour; his legs were ugly and clumsy; his knees and feet + turned inwards, which made him look when he was walking like a parrot; and + his manner of making a bow was bad. He was rather short than otherwise; + but he had fine hair and a large quantity of it. He was rather + good-looking when a child. I have seen portraits of him painted at that + period. If the Comtesse de Soissons' son had resembled his mother, he + would have been very well, for her features are good, and nothing could be + better than her, eyes, her mouth, and the turn of her face; only her nose + was too large and thick, and her skin was not fine enough. + </p> + <p> + Whoever is like the Prince Eugene in person cannot be called a handsome + man; he is shorter than his elder brother, but, with the exception of + Prince Eugene, all the rest of them are good for nothing. The youngest, + Prince Philippe, was a great madman, and died of the small-pox at Paris. + He was of a very fair complexion, had an ungraceful manner, and always + looked distracted. He had a nose like a hawk, a large mouth, thick lips, + and hollow cheeks; in all respects I thought he was like his elder + brother. The third brother, who was called the Chevalier de Savoie, died + in consequence of a fall from his horse. The Prince Eugene was a younger + brother: he had two sisters, who were equally ugly; one of them is dead, + and the other is still living (1717) in a convent in Savoy. The elder was + of a monstrous shape, but a mere dwarf. She led a very irregular life. She + afterwards ran away with a rogue, the Abbe de la Bourlie, whom she obliged + to marry her at Geneva; they used to beat each other. She is now dead. + </p> + <p> + Prince Eugene was not in his younger days so ugly as he has become since; + but he never was good-looking, nor had he any nobility in his manner. His + eyes were pretty good, but his nose, and two large teeth which he + displayed whenever he opened his mouth, completely spoilt his face. He was + besides always very filthy, and his coarse hair was never dressed. + </p> + <p> + This Prince is little addicted to women, and, during the whole time that + he has been here, I never heard one mentioned who has pleased him, or whom + he has distinguished or visited more than another. + </p> + <p> + His mother took no care of him; she brought him up like a scullion, and + liked better to stake her money at play than to expend it upon her + youngest son. This is the ordinary practice of women in this country. + </p> + <p> + They will not yet believe that the Persian Ambassador was an impostor; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This embassy was always equivocal, and even something more. From + all that can be understood of it, it would seem that a Minister of + one of the Persian provinces, a sort of Intendant de Languedoc, as + we might say, had commissioned this pretended Ambassador to manage + for him some commercial affairs with certain merchants, and that for + his own amusement the agent chose to represent the Persian + Ambassador. It is said, too, that Pontchartrain, under whose + department this affair fell, would not expose the trick, that the + King might be amused, and that he might recommend himself to His + Majesty's favour by making him believe that the Sophy had sent him + an Ambassador.—Notes to Dangeau's Journal.] +</pre> + <p> + it is quite certain that he was a clumsy fellow, although he had some + sense. There was an air of magnificence about the way in which he gave + audience. He prevailed upon a married woman, who was pregnant by him, to + abjure Christianity. It is true she was not a very respectable person, + being the illegitimate daughter of my son's chief almoner, the Abbe de + Grancey, who always kept a little seraglio. In order to carry her away + with him, the Ambassador had her fastened up in a box filled with holes, + and then begged that no person might be allowed to touch it, being, as he + said, filled with the sacred books written by Mahomet himself, which would + be polluted by the contact of Christians. Upon this pretence the + permission was given, and by these means the woman was carried off. I + cannot believe the story which is told of this Ambassador having had + 10,000 louis d'or given him. + </p> + <p> + I had the misfortune to displease the Margrave John Frederic of Anspach. + He brought me a letter from my brother and his wife, both of whom begged I + would assist him with my advice. I therefore thought that by counselling + him as I should have counselled my own brother I should be rendering him + the best service. When he arrived he was in deep mourning for his first + wife, who had then not been dead three months. I asked him what he + proposed to do in France? He replied "that he was on his way to England, + but that before his departure he should wish to pay his respects to the + King." I asked him if he had anything to solicit from the King or to + arrange with him. He replied "he had not."—"Then," I said, "I would + advise you, if you will permit me, to send the principal person of your + suite to the King to make your compliments, to inform him that you are + going to England, and that you would not have failed to wait upon him, but + that, being in mourning for your wife, your respect for him prevented your + appearing before him in so melancholy a garb."—"But," he rejoined, + "I am very fond of dancing, and I wish to go to the ball; now I cannot go + thither until I have first visited the King."—"For God's sake," I + said, "do not go to the ball; it is not the custom here. You will be + laughed at, and the more particularly so because the Marechal de Grammont, + who presented you to the King some years ago, said that you could find + nothing to praise in the whole of France, with the exception of a little + goldfinch in the King's cabinet which whistled airs. I recommend you not + to go to see the King, nor to be present at the ball." He was angry, and + said "he saw very well that I discountenanced German Princes, and did not + wish them to be presented to the King." I replied "that the advice I had + given him sprang from the best intentions, and was such as I would have + given to my own brother." He went away quite angry to Marechal + Schomberg's, where he complained of my behaviour to him. The Marshal asked + him what I had said, which he repeated word for word. The Marshal told him + that I had advised him well, and that he was himself of my opinion. + Nevertheless, the Margrave persisted on being presented to the King, + whither he prevailed upon the Marshal to accompany him, and went the next + day to the ball. He was extremely well dressed in half-mourning, with + white lace over the black, fine blue ribands, black and white laces, and + rheingraves, which look well upon persons of a good figure; in short, he + was magnificently dressed, but improperly, for a widower in the first + stage of his mourning. He would have seated himself within the King's + circle, where none but the members of the Royal Family and the King's + grandchildren are allowed to sit; the Princes of the blood even are not + allowed to do so, and therefore foreign Princes can of course have no + right. The Margrave then began to repent not having believed me, and early + the next morning he set off. + </p> + <p> + Prince Ragotzky is under great obligations to his wife, who saved his life + and delivered him from prison. Some person was repeating things to her + disadvantage, but he interrupted them by saying, "She saved my head from + the axe, and this prevents my having any right to reprove too strictly + whatever she may choose to do; for this reason I shall not thank any + person who speaks to me upon the subject." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Louis XIV. gave to the Prince Ragotsky, who in France took the + title of Comte de Saaross, 200,000 crowns upon the Maison de Ville, + and a pension of 2,000 crowns per month besides.] +</pre> + <p> + Beatrice Eleanora, the Queen of James II., was always upon such good terms + with Maintenon that it is impossible to believe our late King was ever + fond of her. I have seen a book, entitled "L'ancien Ward protecteur du + nouveau," in 12mo, in which is related a gallantry between the Queen and + the Pere la Chaise. The confessor was then eighty years of age, and not + unlike an ass; his ears were very long, his mouth very wide, his head very + large, and his body very long. It was an ill-chosen joke. This libel was + even less credible than what was stated about the King himself. + </p> + <p> + The Monks of Saint Mihiel possess the original manuscripts of the Memoirs + of Cardinal Retz. They have had them printed and are selling them at + Nancy; but in this copy there are many omissions. A lady at Paris, Madame + Caumartin, has a copy in which there is not a word deficient; but she + obstinately refused to lend it that the others may be made complete. + </p> + <p> + When an Ambassador would make his entry at Paris he has himself announced + some days before by the officers whose duty it is to introduce + Ambassadors, in order that the usual compliments may be paid him. To royal + Ambassadors a chevalier d'honneur is sent, to those from Venice or Holland + the first equerry, and when he is absent or unwell the chief Maitre + d'Hotel, who is also sent to the Ambassador from Malta. + </p> + <p> + The English ladies are said to be much given to running away with their + lovers. I knew a Count von Konigsmark, whom a young English lady followed + in the dress of a page. He had her with him at Chambord, and, as there was + no room for her in the castle, he lodged her under a tent which he had put + up in the forest. When we were at the chase one day he told me this + adventure. As I had a great curiosity to see her, I rode towards the tent, + and never in my life did I see anything prettier than this girl in the + habit of a page. She had large and beautiful eyes, a charming little nose, + and an elegant mouth and teeth. She smiled when she saw me, for she + suspected that the Count had told me the whole story. Her hair was a + beautiful chestnut colour, and hung about her neck in large curls. After + their departure from Chambord, while they were at an inn upon their way to + Italy, the innkeeper's wife ran to the Count, crying, "Sir, make haste + upstairs, for your page is lying-in." She was delivered of a girl, and the + mother and child were soon afterwards placed in a convent near Paris. + While the Count lived he took great care of her, but he died in the Morea, + and his pretended page did not long survive him; she displayed great piety + in the hour of death. A friend of the Count's, and a nephew of Madame de + Montespan, took care of the child, and after his death the King gave the + little creature a pension. I believe she is still (1717) in the convent. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Perrault founded an annual funeral oration for the Prince de + Conde in the Jesuits' Church, where his heart is deposited. I shall not + upon this occasion call to mind his victories, his courage in war, or his + timidity at Court; these are things well known throughout France. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman of my acquaintance at Paris heard a learned Abbe, who was in + the confidence of Descartes, say that the philosopher used often to laugh + at his own system, and said, "I have cut them out some work: we shall see + who will be fools enough to undertake it." + </p> + <p> + That old Beauvais, the Queen-mother's first femme de chambre, was + acquainted with the secret of her marriage, and this obliged the Queen to + put up with whatever the confidante chose to do. From this circumstance + has arisen that custom which gives femmes de chambre so much authority in + our apartments. The Queen-mother, the widow of Louis XIII., not contented + with loving Cardinal Mazarin, went the absurd length of marrying him. He + was not a priest, and therefore was not prevented by his orders from + contracting matrimony. He soon, however, got very tired of the poor Queen, + and treated her dreadfully ill, which is the ordinary result in such + marriages. But it is the vice of the times to contract clandestine + marriages. The Queen-mother of England, the widow of Charles II., made + such an one in marrying her chevalier d'honneur, who behaved very ill to + her; while the poor Queen was in want of food and fuel, he had a good fire + in his apartment, and was giving great dinners. He called himself Lord + Germain, Earl of St. Albans; he never addressed a kind expression to the + Queen. As to the Queen-mother's marriage, all the circumstances relating + to it are now well enough known. The secret passage by which he went + nightly to the Palais Royal may still be seen; when she used to visit him, + he was in the habit of saying, "what does this woman want with me?" He was + in love with a lady of the Queen's suite, whom I knew very well: she had + apartments in the Palais Royal, and was called Madame de Bregie. As she + was very pretty, she excited a good deal of passion; but she was a very + honest lady, who served the Queen with great fidelity, and was the cause + of the Cardinal's living upon better terms with the Queen than before. She + had very good sense. Monsieur loved her for her fidelity to the Queen his + mother. She has been dead now four-and-twenty years (1717). + </p> + <p> + The Princesse de Deux Ponts has recently furnished another instance of the + misfortune which usually attends the secret marriages of ladies of high + birth. She married her equerry, was very ill-treated by him, and led a + very miserable life; but she deserved all she met with and I foresaw it. + She was with me at the Opera once, and insisted at all events that her + equerry should sit behind her. "For God's sake," I said to her, "be quiet, + and give yourself no trouble about this Gerstorf; you do not know the + manners of this country; when folks perceive you are so anxious about that + man, they will think you are in love with him." I did not know then how + near this was to the truth. She replied, "Do people, then, in this country + take no care of their servants?"—"Oh, yes," I said, "they request + some of their friends to carry them to the Opera, but they do not go with + them." + </p> + <p> + M. Pentenrieder is a perfect gentleman, extremely well-bred, totally + divested of the vile Austrian manners, and speaks good German instead of + the jargon of Austria. While he was staying here, the Fair of + Saint-Germain commenced; a giant, who came to Paris for the purpose of + exhibiting himself, having accidentally met M. Pentenrieder, said as soon + as he saw him, "It's all over with me: I shall not go into the fair; for + who will give money to see me while this man shows himself for nothing?" + and he really went away. M. Pentenrieder pleased everybody. Count + Zinzendorf, who succeeded him, did not resemble him at all, but was a + perfect Austrian in his manners and his language. + </p> + <p> + I have heard that it was from the excitement of insulted honour that + Ravaillac was induced to murder Henri IV.; for that the King had seduced + his sister, and had abandoned her during her pregnancy: the brother then + swore he would be avenged on the King. Some persons even accuse the Duc + d'Epernon, who was seated in the coach in such a manner that he might have + warded off the blow, but he is said to have drawn back and given the + assassin an opportunity to strike. + </p> + <p> + When I first came to France I found in it such an assemblage of talent as + occurs but in few ages. There was Lulli in music; Beauchamp in ballets; + Corneille and Racine in tragedy; Moliere in comedy; La Chamelle and La + Beauval, actresses; and Baron, Lafleur, Toriliere, and Guerin, actors. + Each of these persons was excellent in his way. La Ducloa and La Raisin + were also very good; the charms of the latter had even penetrated the + thick heart of our Dauphin, who loved her very tenderly: her husband was + excellent in comic parts. There was also a very good harlequin, and as + good a scaramouch. Among the best performers at the Opera were Clediere, + Pomereuil, Godenarche, Dumenil, La Rochechouard, Maury, La Saint + Christophe, La Brigogne, La Beaucreux. All that we see and hear now do not + equal them. + </p> + <p> + That which pleased me most in Beauvernois' life is the answer he made to + the Prince of Vaudemont. When he was fleeing, and had arrived at Brussels, + he gave himself out for a Prince of Lorraine. M. de Vaudemont sent for + him, and, upon seeing him, said,—"I know all the Princes of + Lorraine, but I do not know you."—"I assure you, sir," replied + Beauvernois, "that I am as much a Prince of Lorraine as you are." + </p> + <p> + I like that Mercy who tricked his master, the Duc de Lorraine. When he + reached Nancy he requested the Duke to recruit three regiments, which he + said should be his own. The Duke did recruit them, fully persuaded they + were to be his; but when the companies were filled, Mercy begged the + Emperor to give them to him, and he actually obtained them; so that the + Duke had not the appointment of a single officer. + </p> + <p> + The poor Duchess of Mecklenbourg, the wife of Christian Louis, was a very + good woman when one was thoroughly acquainted with her. She told me the + whole history of her intrigue with Bernstorff. She regulated her household + very well, and had always two carriages. She did not affect the splendour + of a sovereign; but she kept up her rank better than the other Duchesses, + and I liked her the better for this. The husband, Christian Louis of + Mecklenbourg, was a notable fool. He one day demanded an audience of the + King, under the pretence of having something of importance to say to him. + Louis XIV. was then more than forty years old. When the Duke found himself + in the King's presence, he said to him, "Sire, you seem to me to have + grown." The King laughed, and said, "Monsieur, I am past the age of + growing."—"Sire," rejoined the Duke, "do you know everybody says I + am very much like you, and quite as good-looking as you are?"—"That + is very probable," said the King, still laughing. The audience was then + finished, and the Duke went away. This fool could never engage his + brother-in-law's favour, for M. de Luxembourg had no regard for him. + </p> + <p> + When the Queen had the government of the country, all the females of the + Court, even to the very servants, became intriguers. They say it was the + most ridiculous thing in the world to see the eagerness with which women + meddled with the Queen-mother's regency. At the commencement she knew + nothing at all. She made a present to her first femme de chambre of five + large farms, upon which the whole Court subsisted. When she went to the + Council to propose the affair, everybody laughed, and she was asked how + she proposed to live. She was quite astonished when the thing was + explained to her, for she thought she had only given away five ordinary + farms. This anecdote is very true and was related to me by the old + Chancellor Le Tellier, who was present at the Council. She is said often + to have laughed as she confessed her ignorance. Many other things of a + similar nature happened during the regency. + </p> + <p> + There is a Bishop of a noble family, tolerably young but very ugly, who + was at first so devout that he thought of entering La Trappe; he wore his + hair combed down straight, and dared not look a woman in the face. Having + learned that in the city where he held his see there was a frail fair one, + whose gallantries had become notorious, he felt a great desire to convert + her and to make her come to the confessional. She was, it is said, a very + pretty woman, and had, moreover, a great deal of wit. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the Bishop began to visit than he began to pay attention to + his hair: first he powdered it, and then he had it dressed. At length he + swallowed the bait so completely, that he neither quitted the fair siren + by night nor by day. His clergy ventured to exhort him to put an end to + this scandal, but he replied that, if they did not cease their + remonstrances, he would find means of making them. At length he even rode + through the city in his carriage with his fair penitent. + </p> + <p> + The people became so enraged at this that they pelted him with stones. His + relations repaired to his diocese for the purpose of exhorting him in + their turn, but he would only receive his mother, and would not even + follow her advice. His relations then applied to the Regent to summon the + lady to Paris. She came, but her lover followed and recovered her; at + length she was torn from him by a lettre-de-cachet, and taken from his + arms to a house of correction. The Bishop is in a great rage, and declares + that he will never forgive his family for the affront which has been put + upon him (1718). + </p> + <p> + The Queen-mother is said to have eaten four times a day in a frightful + manner, and this practice is supposed to have brought on that cancer in + the breast, which she sought to conceal by strong Spanish perfumes, and of + which she died. + </p> + <p> + Those female branches of the French Royal Family, who are called Enfants + de France, all bear the title of Madame. For this reason it is that in the + brevets they are called Madame la Duchesse de Berri; Madame la Duchesse + d'Orleans; but in conversation they are called the Duchesse de Berri, the + Duchesse d'Orleans; or, rather, one should say, Madame de Berri will have + it so with respect to herself. The title of Duchesse d'Orleans belongs to + Madame la Duchesse d'Orleans, as granddaughter. Such is the custom + prevalent here. The brother and the sister-in-law of the King are called + simply Monsieur and Madame, and these titles are also contained in my + brevets; but I suffer myself to be called commonly Madame la Duchesse + d'Orleans. Madame de Berri will be called Madame la Duchess de Berri, + because, being only an Enfant de France of the third descent, she has need + of that title to set off her relationship. There is nothing to be said for + this: if there were any unmarried daughters of the late King, each would + be called Madame, with the addition of their baptismal name. + </p> + <p> + It seems that Queen Mary of England was something of a coquette in + Holland. Comte d'Avaux, the French Ambassador, told me himself that he had + had a secret interview with her at the apartments of one of the Queen's + Maids of Honour, Madame Treslane. The Prince of Orange, becoming + acquainted with the affair, dismissed the young lady, but invented some + other pretext that the real cause might not be known. + </p> + <p> + Three footmen had a quarrel together; two of them refused to admit the + third to their table, saying, "as he and his master only serve a + president's wife, he cannot presume to compare himself with us, who serve + Princesses and Duchesses." The rejected footman called another fellow to + his aid, and a violent squabble ensued. The commissaire was called: he + found that they served three brothers, the sons of a rich merchant at + Rouen; two of them had bought companies in the French Guards; one of the + two had an intrigue with the wife of Duc d'Abret, and the other with the + Duchesse de Luxembourg, while the third was only engaged with the wife of + a president. The two former were called Colande and Maigremont; and, as at + the same time the Duc d'Abret, the son of the Duc de Bouillon, was in love + with the lady of the President Savari. + </p> + <p> + The Envoy from Holstein, M. Dumont, was very much attached to Madame de La + Rochefoucauld, one of Madame de Berri's 'dames du palais'. She was very + pretty, but gifted with no other than personal charms. Some one was joking + her on this subject, and insinuated that she had treated her lover very + favourably. "Oh! no," she replied, "that is impossible, I assure you, + entirely impossible." When she was urged to say what constituted the + impossibility, she replied, "If I tell, you will immediately agree with me + that it is quite impossible." Being pressed still further, she said, with + a very serious air, "Because he is a Protestant!" + </p> + <p> + When the marriage of Monsieur was declared, he said to Saint-Remi, "Did + you know that I was married to the Princesse de Lorraine?"— + </p> + <p> + "No, Monsieur," replied the latter; "I knew very well that you lived with + her, but I did not think you would have married her." + </p> + <p> + Queen Marie de Medicis, the wife of Henri IV., was one day walking at the + Tuileries with her son, the Dauphin, when the King's mistress came into + the garden, having also her son with her. The mistress said very, + insolently, to the Queen, "There are our two Dauphins walking together, + but mine is a fairer one than yours." The Queen gave her a smart box on + the ear, and said at the same time, "Let this impertinent woman be taken + away." The mistress ran instantly to Henri IV. to complain, but the King, + having heard her story, said, "This is your own fault; why did you not + speak to the Queen with the respect which you owe to her?" + </p> + <p> + Madame de Fiennes, who in her youth had been about the Queen-mother, used + always to say to the late Monsieur, "The Queen, your mother, was a very + silly woman; rest her soul!" My aunt, the Abbess of Maubuisson, told me + that she saw at the Queen's a man who was called "the repairer of the + Queen's face;" that Princess, as well as all the ladies of the Court, wore + great quantities of paint. + </p> + <p> + On account of the great services which the House of Arpajon in France had + rendered to the Order of Malta, a privilege was formerly granted that the + second son of that family, should at his birth become a Knight of the + Order without the necessity of any proof or any inquiry as to his mother. + </p> + <p> + The Czar Peter I. is not mad; he has sense enough, and if he had not + unfortunately been so brutally educated he would have made a good prince. + The way in which he behaved to his Czarowitz (Alexis) is horrible. He gave + his word that he would do him no injury, and afterwards poisoned him by + means of the Sacrament. This is so impious and abominable that I can never + forgive him for it (1719). + </p> + <p> + The last Duc d'Ossuna had, it is said, a very beautiful, but at the same + time a passionate and jealous wife. Having learnt that her husband had + chosen a very fine stuff for the dress of his mistress, an actress, she + went to the merchant and procured it of him. He, thinking it was intended + for her, made no scruple of delivering it to her. After it was made up she + put it on, and, showing it to her husband, said, "Do not you think it is + very beautiful?" The husband, angry at the trick, replied, "Yes, the stuff + is very beautiful, but it is put to an unworthy use." "That is what + everybody says of me," retorted the Duchess. + </p> + <p> + At Fontainebleau in the Queen's cabinet may be seen the portrait of La + Belle Terronniere, who was so much beloved by Francois I., and who was the + unwitting cause of his death. + </p> + <p> + I have often walked at night in the gallery at Fontainebleau where the + King's ghost is said to appear, but the good Francois I. never did me the + honour to show himself. Perhaps it was because he thought my prayers were + not efficacious enough to draw him from purgatory, and in this I think he + was quite right. + </p> + <p> + King James II. died with great firmness and resolution, and without any + bigotry; that is to say, very differently from the manner in which he had + lived. I saw and spoke to him four-and-twenty hours before his death. "I + hope," I said, "soon to hear of your Majesty's getting better." He smiled + and said, "If I should die, shall I not have lived long enough?" + </p> + <p> + I hardly know how to rejoice at the accession of our Prince George to the + Throne of England, for I have no confidence in the English people. I + remember still too well the fine speeches which were made here not long + ago by Lord Peterborough. I would rather that our Elector was Emperor of + Germany, and I wish that the King who is here (James II.) was again in + possession of England, because the kingdom belongs to him. I fear that the + inconstancy of the English will in the end produce some scheme which may + be injurious to us. Perhaps there was never in any nation a King who had + been crowned with more eclat, or tumultuous joy than James II.; and yet + the same nation since persecuted him in the most pitiless manner, and has + so tormented his innocent son that he can scarcely find an asylum after + all his heavy misfortunes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Duchesse D'Orleans was, by the mother's side, granddaughter of + James I, which explains the interest she took in the fate of the + Stuart family.] +</pre> + <p> + If the English were to be trusted I should say that it is fortunate the + Parliaments are in favour of George; but the more one reads the history of + English Revolutions, the more one is compelled to remark the eternal + hatred which the people of that nation have had towards their Kings, as + well as their fickleness (1714). + </p> + <p> + Have I not reason to fear on George's account since he has been made King + of England, and knowing as I do the desire he had to be King of another + country? I know the accursed English too well to trust them. May God + protect their Majesties the Princes, and all the family, but I confess I + fear for them greatly (1715). + </p> + <p> + The poor Princess of Wales + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Wilhelmina-Dorothea-Charlotte, daughter of John Frederick, Margrave + of Anspach, born in 1682, married to the Prince of Wales in 1706. + The particulars of the quarrel between George I. and his son, the + Prince of Wales, will be found in Cose's "Memoirs of Sir Robert + Walpole."] +</pre> + <p> + has caused me great uneasiness since her letter of the 3rd (15th) of + February (1718). She has implored the King's pardon as one implores the + pardon of God, but without success. I know nothing about it, but dread + lest the Prince should partake his mother's disgrace. I think, however, + since the King has declared the Prince to be his son, he should treat him + as such, and not act so haughtily against the Princess, who has never + offended him, but has always treated him with the respect due to a father. + Nothing good can result from the present state of affairs; and the King + had better put an end to a quarrel which gives occasion to a thousand + impertinences, and revives awkward stories which were better forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The King of England has returned to London in good health (1719). The + Prince of Wales causes me great anxiety. He thought he should do well to + send one of his gentlemen to his father, to assure him in most submissive + terms of the joy he felt at his happy return. The King not only would not + receive the letter, but he sent back the gentleman with a very harsh + rebuke, revoking at the same time the permission, which before his journey + he had given to the Prince of Wales, to see his daughter, whom the Prince + loves very tenderly; this really seems too severe. It may be said that the + King is rather descended from the race of the Czar than from that of + Brunswick and the Palatinate. Such conduct can do him no good. + </p> + <p> + M. d'Entremont, the last Ambassador from Sicily, was upon the point of + departing, and had already had his farewell audience, when some + circumstance happened which compelled him to stay some time longer. He + found himself without a lodging, for his hotel had been already let. A + lady seeing the embarrassment in which Madame d'Entremont was thus placed, + said to her, "Madame, I have pleasure in offering you my house, my own + room, and my own bed." The Ambassador's lady not knowing what to do, + accepted the offer with great readiness. She went to the lady's house, and + as she is old and in ill health, she went to bed immediately. Towards + midnight she heard a noise like that of some person opening a secret door. + In fact, a door in the wall by the bedside was opened. Some one entered, + and began to undress. The lady called out, "Who is there?" A voice + replied, "It is I; be quiet." "Who are you?" asked the lady. "What is the + matter with you?" was the reply. "You were not wont to be so particular. I + am undressing, and shall come to bed directly." At these words the lady + cried out, "Thieves!" with all her might, and the unknown person dressed + himself quickly, and withdrew. + </p> + <p> + When the Electoral Prince of Saxony came hither, he addressed a pretty + compliment to the King, which we all thought was his own, and we therefore + conceived a very favourable notion of his parts. He did not, however, keep + up that good opinion, and probably the compliment was made for him by the + Elector-Palatine. The King desired the Duchesse de Berri to show him about + Marly. He walked with her for an hour without ever offering her his arm or + saying one word to her. While they were ascending a small hill, the + Palatine, his Governor, nodded to him; and as the Prince did not + understand what he meant, he was at length obliged to say to him, "Offer + your arm to the Duchesse de Berri." The Prince obeyed, but without saying + a word. When they reached the summit, "Here," said the Duchesse de Berri, + "is a nice place for blindman's buff." Then, for the first time, he opened + his mouth, and said, "Oh, yes; I am very willing to play." Madame de Berri + was too much fatigued to play; but the Prince continued amusing himself + the whole day without offering the least civility to the Duchess, who had + taken such pains for him. This will serve to show how puerile the Prince + is. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + .......................... +</pre> + <p> + We have had here several good repartees of Duke Bernard von Weimar. One + day a young Frenchman asked him, "How happened it that you lost the + battle?"—"I will tell you, sir," replied the Duke, coolly; "I + thought I should win it, and so I lost it. But," he said, turning himself + slowly round, "who is the fool that asked me this question?" + </p> + <p> + Father Joseph was in great favour with Cardinal Richelieu, and was + consulted by him on all occasions. One day, when the Cardinal had summoned + Duke Bernard to the Council, Father Joseph, running his finger over a map, + said, "Monsieur, you must first take this city; then that, and then that." + The Duke Bernard listened to him for some time, and at length said, "But, + Monsieur Joseph, you cannot take cities with your finger." This story + always made the King laugh heartily. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + .......................... +</pre> + <p> + M. de Brancas was very deeply in love with the lady whom he married. On + his wedding-day he went to take a bath, and was afterwards going to bed at + the bath-house. "Why are you going to bed here, sir?" said his valet de + chambre; "do you not mean to go to your wife?"—"I had quite + forgotten," he replied. He was the Queen-mother's chevalier d'honneur. One + day, while she was at church, Brancas forgot that the Queen was kneeling + before him, for as her back was very round, her head could hardly be seen + when she hung it down. He took her for a prie-dieu, and knelt down upon + her, putting his elbows upon her shoulders. The Queen was of course not a + little surprised to find her chevalier d'honneur upon her back, and all + the bystanders were ready to die with laughing. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Chirac was once called to see a lady, and, while he was in her + bedchamber, he heard that the price of stock had considerably decreased. + As he happened to be a large holder of the Mississippi Bonds, he was + alarmed at the news; and being seated near the patient, whose pulse he was + feeling, he said with a deep sigh, "Ah, good God! they keep sinking, + sinking, sinking!" The poor sick lady hearing this, uttered a loud shriek; + the people ran to her immediately. "Ah," said she, "I shall die; M. de + Chirac has just said three times, as he felt my pulse, 'They keep + sinking!'" The Doctor recovered himself soon, and said, "You dream; your + pulse is very healthy, and you are very well. I was thinking of the + Mississippi stocks, upon which I lose my money, because their price + sinks." This explanation satisfied the sick lady. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Sully was subject to frequent fits of abstraction. One day, + having dressed himself to go to church, he forgot nothing but his + breeches. This was in the winter; when he entered the church, he said, + "Mon Dieu, it is very cold to-day." The persons present said, "Not colder + than usual!"—"Then I am in a fever," he said. Some one suggested + that he had perhaps not dressed himself so warmly as usual, and, opening + his coat, the cause of his being cold was very apparent. + </p> + <p> + Our late King told me the following anecdote of Queen Christina of Sweden: + That Princess, instead of putting on a nightcap, wrapped her head up in a + napkin. One night she could not sleep, and ordered the musicians to be + brought into her bedroom; where, drawing the bed-curtains, she could not + be seen by the musicians, but could hear them at her ease. At length, + enchanted at a piece which they had just played, she abruptly thrust her + head beyond the curtains, and cried out, "Mort diable! but they sing + delightfully!" At this grotesque sight, the Italians, and particularly the + castrati, who are not the bravest men in the world, were so frightened + that they were obliged to stop short. + </p> + <p> + In the great gallery at Fontainebleau may still be seen the blood of the + man whom she caused to be assassinated; it was to prevent his disclosing + some secrets of which he was in possession that she deprived him of life. + He had, in fact, begun to chatter through jealousy of another person who + had gained the Queen's favour. Christina was very vindictive, and given up + to all kinds of debauchery. + </p> + <p> + Duke Frederick Augustus of Brunswick was delighted with Christina; he said + that he had never in his life met a woman who had so much wit, and whose + conversation was so truly diverting; he added that it was impossible to be + dull with her for a moment. I observed to him that the Queen in her + conversation frequently indulged in very filthy discussions. "That is + true," replied he, "but she conceals such things in so artful a manner as + to take from them all their disgusting features." She never could be + agreeable to women, for she despised them altogether. + </p> + <p> + Saint Francois de Sales, who founded the order of the Sisters of Saint + Mary, had in his youth been extremely intimate with the Marechal de + Villeroi, the father of the present Marshal. The old gentleman could + therefore never bring himself to call his old friend a saint. When any one + spoke in his presence of Saint Francois de Sales, he used to say, "I was + delighted when I saw M. de Sales become a saint; he used to delight in + talking indecently, and always cheated at play; but in every other respect + he was one of the best gentlemen in the world, and perhaps one of the most + foolish." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M. de Cosnac, Archbishop of Aix, was at a very advanced age when he + learnt that Saint Francois de Sales had been canonized. "What!" + cried he, "M. de Geneve, my old friend? I am delighted at his good + fortune; he was a gallant man, an amiable man, and an honest man, + too, although he would sometimes cheat at piquet, at which we have + often played together."—"But, sir," said some one present, "is it + possible that a saint could be a sharper at play?"—"No," replied + the Archbishop, "he said, as a reason for it, that he gave all his + winnings to the poor." [Loisirs d'un homme d'etat, et Dictionnaire + Historique, tom. vii. Paris, 1810.] +</pre> + <p> + While Frederick Charles de Wurtemberg, the administrateur of that duchy, + was staying at Paris, the Princesse Marianne de Wurtemberg, Duke Ulric's + daughter, was there also with her mother. Expecting then to marry her + cousin, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The learned Journal of Gottengin for the year 1789, No. 30, + observes there must be some mistake here, because in 1689, when this + circumstance is supposed to have occurred, the administrateur had + been married seven years, and had children at Stuttgard.] +</pre> + <p> + she had herself painted as Andromeda and her cousin as Perseus as the + latter wore no helmet, everybody could of course recognize him. But when + he went away without having married her, she had a casque painted, which + concealed the face, and said she would not have another face inserted + until she should be married. She was then about nineteen years old. Her + mother said once at Court, "My daughter has not come with me to-day + because she is gone to confess; but, poor child, what can she have to say + to her confessor, except that she has dropped some stitches in her work." + Madame de Fiennes, who was present, whispered, "The placid old fool! as if + a stout, healthy girl of nineteen had no other sins to confess than having + dropped some stitches." + </p> + <p> + A village pastor was examining his parishioners in their catechism. The + first question in the Heidelberg catechism is this: "What is thy only + consolation in life and in death?" A young girl, to whom the pastor put + this question, laughed, and would not answer. The priest insisted. "Well, + then," said she at length, "if I must tell you, it is the young shoemaker + who lives in the Rue Agneaux." + </p> + <p> + The late Madame de Nemours had charitably brought up a poor child. When + the child was about nine years old, she said to her benefactress, "Madame, + no one can be more grateful for your charity than I am, and I cannot + acknowledge it better than by telling everybody I am your daughter; but do + not be alarmed, I will not say that I am your lawful child, only your + illegitimate daughter." + </p> + <p> + The Memoirs of Queen Margaret of Navarre are merely a romance compared + with those of Mdlle. de La Force. The authoress's own life was a romance. + Being extremely poor, although of an ancient and honourable family, she + accepted the office of demoiselle d'honneur to the Duchesse de Guise. Here + the Marquis de Nesle, father of the present Marquis (1720), became + enamoured of her, after having received from her a small bag to wear about + his neck, as a remedy against the vapours. He would have married her, but + his relations opposed this intention on the score of Mdlle. de La Force's + poverty, and because she had improperly quitted the Duchesse de Guise. The + Great Conde, the Marquis de Nesle's nearest relation, took him to + Chattillon that he might forget his love for Mdlle. de La Force; all the + Marquis's relations were there assembled for the purpose of declaring to + him that they would never consent to his marriage with Mdlle. de La Force; + and he on his part told them that he would never while he lived marry any + other person. In a moment of despair, he rushed out to the garden and + would have thrown himself into the canal, but that the strings, with which + Mdlle. de La Force had tied the bag about his neck, broke, and the bag + fell at his feet. His thoughts appeared to undergo a sudden change, and + Mdlle. de La Force seemed to him to be as ugly as she really is. He went + instantly to the Prince and his other relations who were there, and told + them what had just happened. They searched about in the garden for the bag + and the strings, and, opening it, they found it to contain two toads' feet + holding a heart wrapped up in a bat's wing, and round the whole a paper + inscribed with unintelligible cyphers. The Marquis was seized with horror + at the sight. He told me this story with his own mouth. Mdlle. de La Force + after this fell in love with Baron, but as he was not bewitched, the + intrigue did not last long: he used to give a very amusing account of the + declaration she made to him. Then a M. Briou, the son of a Councillor of + that name, became attached to her; his relations, who would by no means + have consented to such a marriage, shut the young man up. La Force, who + has a very fertile wit, engaged an itinerant musician who led about + dancing bears in the street, and intimated to her lover that, if he would + express a wish to see the bears dance in the courtyard of his, own house, + she would come to him disguised in a bear's skin. She procured a bear's + skin to be made so as to fit her, and went to M. Briou's house with the + bears; the young man, under the pretence of playing with this bear, had an + opportunity of conversing with her and of laying their future plans. He + then promised his father that he would submit to his will, and thus having + regained his liberty he immediately married Mdlle. de La Force, and went + with her to Versailles, where the King gave them apartments, and where + Madame de Briou was every day with the Dauphine of Bavaria, who admired + her wit and was delighted with her society. M. de Briou was not then + five-and-twenty years of age, a very good-looking and well-bred young man. + His father, however, procured a dissolution of the marriage by the + Parliament, and made him marry another person. Madame de Briou thus became + once more Mdlle. de La Force, and found herself without husband and money. + I cannot tell how it was that the King and her parents, both of whom had + consented to the marriage, did not oppose its dissolution. To gain a + subsistence she set about composing romances, and as she was often staying + with the Princesse de Conti, she dedicated to her that of Queen Margaret. + </p> + <p> + We have had four Dukes who have bought coffee, stuffs, and even candles + for the purpose of selling them again at a profit. It was the Duke de La + Force who bought the candles. One evening, very recently, as he was going + out of the Opera, the staircase was filled with young men, one of whom + cried out, as he passed, "His purse!"—"No," said another, "there can + be no money in it; he would not risk it; it must be candles that he has + bought to sell again." They then sang the air of the fourth act of + 'Phaeton'. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Duke, together with certain other persons, made considerable + purchases of spice, porcelain, and other merchandizes, for the + purpose of realizing the hope of Law's Banks. As he was not held in + estimation either by the public or by the Parliament, the Duke was + accused of monopoly; and by a decree of the Parliament, in concert + with the Peers, he was enjoined "to use more circumspection for the + future, and to conduct himself irreproachably, in a manner as should + be consistent with his birth and his dignity as a Peer of France."] +</pre> + <p> + The Queen Catherine (de Medicis) was a very wicked woman. Her uncle, the + Pope, had good reason for saying that he had made a bad present to France. + It is said that she poisoned her youngest son because he had discovered + her in a common brothel whither she had gone privately. Who can wonder + that such a woman should drink out of a cup covered with designs from + Aretino. The Pope had an object in sending her to France. Her son was the + Duc d'Alencon; and as they both remained incog. the world did not know + that they were mother and son, which occasioned frequent mistakes. + </p> + <p> + The young Count Horn, who has just been executed here (1720), was + descended from a well-known Flemish family; he was distinguished at first + for the amiable qualities of his head and for his wit. At college he was a + model for good conduct, application, and purity of morals; but the + intimacy which he formed with some libertine young men during his stay at + the Academy of Paris entirely changed him. He contracted an insatiable + desire for play, and even his own father said to him, "You will die by the + hands of the executioner." Being destitute of money, the young Count took + up the trade of a pickpocket, which he carried on in the pit of the + theatres, and by which he made considerable gains in silver-hilted swords + and watches. At length, having lost a sum of five-and-twenty thousand + crowns at the fair of Saint-Germain, he was led to commit that crime which + he has just expiated on the scaffold. For the purpose of discharging the + debt he had contracted, he sent for a banker's clerk to bring him certain + bank bills, which he proposed to purchase. Having connected himself with + two other villains, he attacked the clerk as soon as he arrived, and + stabbed him with poniards which he had bought three days before on the + Pont Neuf. Hoping to conceal the share which he had taken in this crime, + he went immediately after its perpetration to the Commissaire du Quartier, + and told him, with a cool and determined air, that he had been obliged, in + his own defence, to kill the clerk, who had attacked him and put him in + danger of his life. The Commissaire looking at him steadfastly, said, "You + are covered with blood, but you are not even wounded; I must retain you in + custody until I can examine this affair more minutely." At this moment the + accomplice entered the room. "Here, sir," said the Count to the + Commissaire, "is one who can bear testimony that the account I have given + you of this business is perfectly true." The accomplice was quite + terrified at hearing this; he thought that Count Horn had confessed his + crime, and that there could be no advantage in continuing to deny it; he + therefore confessed all that had taken place, and thus the murder was + revealed. The Count was not more than two-and-twenty years of age, and one + of the handsomest men in Paris. Some of the first persons in France + solicited in his favour, but the Duke Regent thought it necessary to make + an example of him on account of the prevalent excess of crime. Horn was + publicly broken on the wheel with his second accomplice; the other died + just before: they were both gentlemen and of noble families. When they + arrived at the place of punishment, they begged the people to implore the + pardon of Heaven upon their sins. The spectators were affected to tears, + but they nevertheless agreed in the just severity of their punishment. The + people said aloud after the execution, "Our Regent has done justice." + </p> + <p> + One lady was blaming another, her intimate friend, for loving a very ugly + man. The latter said, "Did he ever speak to you tenderly or passionately?"—"No," + replied the former. "Then you cannot judge," said her friend, "whether I + ought to love him or not." + </p> + <p> + Madame de Nemours used to say, "I have observed one thing in this country, + 'Honour grows again as well as hair.'" + </p> + <p> + An officer, a gentleman of talent, whose name was Hautmont, wrote the + following verses upon Cardinal Mazarin, for which he was locked up in the + Bastille for eighteen months: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Creusons tous le tombeau + A qui nous persecute; + A ce Jules nouveauu + Cherchons un nouveau Brute. + Que le jour serait beau, + Si nous voyions sa chute! +</pre> + <p> + The Queen-mother could not endure Boisrobert on account of his impiety; + she did not like him to visit her sons, the King and Monsieur, in their + youth, but they were very fond of him because he used to amuse them. When + he was at the point of death, the Queen-mother sent some priests to + convert him and to prepare him for confession. Boisrobert appeared + inclined to confess. "Yes, mon Dieu," said he, devoutly joining his hands, + "I sincerely implore Thy pardon, and confess that I am a great sinner, but + thou knowest that the Abbe de Villargeau is a much greater sinner than I + am." + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Mazarin sent him once to compliment the English Ambassador on his + arrival. When he reached the hotel, an Englishman said to him, "Milord, il + est pret; my ladi, il n'est pas pret, friselire ses chevaux, prendre + patience." The late King used to relate stories of this same Boisrobert in + a very whimsical manner. + </p> + <p> + The life which folks lead at Paris becomes daily more scandalous; I really + tremble for the city every time it thunders. Three ladies of quality have + just committed a monstrous imprudence. They have been running after the + Turkish Ambassador; they made his son drunk and kept him with them three + days; if they go on in this way even the Capuchins will not be safe from + them. The Turks must needs have a very becoming notion of the conduct of + ladies of quality in a Christian country. The young Turk is said to have + told Madame de Polignac, who was one of the three ladies, "Madame, your + reputation has reached Constantinople, and I see that report has only done + you justice." The Ambassador, it is said, is very much enraged with his + son, and has enjoined him to keep his adventure profoundly a secret, + because he would risk the top of his head on his return to Constantinople + if it were known that he had associated with Christian women. It is to be + feared that the young man will get safely out of France. Madame de + Polignac has fleeced all the young men of quality here. I do not know how + her relations and those of her husband choose to suffer her to lead so + libertine a life. But all shame is extinct in France, and everything is + turned topsy-turvy. + </p> + <p> + It is very unfortunate that noblemen like the Elector-Palatine John + William should suffer themselves to be governed by the priesthood; nothing + but evil can result from it. He would do much better if he would follow + the advice of able statesmen, and throw his priest into the Necker. I + would advise him to do so, and I think I should advise him well. + </p> + <p> + I cannot conceive why the Duke Maximilian (brother of George I. of + England) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Prince Maximilian of Hanover, the second brother of George I., had, + after the death of his brother, Frederick Augustus, certain rights + over the Bishopric of Osnaburgh; love and his monks caused him to + embrace the catholic faith.] +</pre> + <p> + changed his religion, for he had very little faith in general; none of his + relations solicited him to do so, and he was induced by no personal + interest. + </p> + <p> + I have heard a story of this Prince, which does him little honour. I have + been told that he complained to the Emperor of his mother, who bred him + tenderly, but who had not sent him eight thousand crowns which he had + asked her for. This is abominable, and he can hope for happiness neither + in this nor in the next world; I can never forgive him for it. The first + idea of this must have originated with Father Wolff, who has also excited + him against Prince Edward Augustus.—[Maximilian contested the + Bishopric of Osnaburgh with his younger brother.]—What angers me + most with this cursed monk is, that he will not suffer Duke Maximilian to + have a single nobleman about him; he will only allow him to be approached + by beggars like himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A pious Capuchin explained her dream to her + Always has a fictitious malady in reserve + Art of satisfying people even while he reproved their requests + Asked the King a hundred questions, which is not the fashion + Bad company spoils good manners + Because the Queen has only the rinsings of the glass + But all shame is extinct in France + Duc de Grammont, then Ambassador, played the Confessor + Duplicity passes for wit, and frankness is looked upon as folly + Even doubt whether he believes in the existence of a God + Exclaimed so long against high head-dresses + Follies and superstitions as the rosaries and other things + Formerly the custom to swear horridly on all occasions + Frequent and excessive bathing have undermined her health + Great filthiness in the interior of their houses + Great things originated from the most insignificant trifles + He had good natural wit, but was extremely ignorant + He always slept in the Queen's bed + He was a good sort of man, notwithstanding his weaknesses + Her teeth were very ugly, being black and broken (Queen) + Honour grows again as well as hair + I thought I should win it, and so I lost it + I never take medicine but on urgent occasions + I wished the husband not to be informed of it + I have seldom been at a loss for something to laugh at + I am unquestionably very ugly + I had a mind, he said, to commit one sin, but not two + I formed a religion of my own + If I should die, shall I not have lived long enough? + It is an unfortunate thing for a man not to know himself + It was not permitted to argue with him + Jewels and decoration attract attention (to the ugly) + Like will to like + Louis XIV. scarcely knew how to read and write + Made his mistresses treat her with all becoming respect + My husband proposed separate beds + No man more ignorant of religion than the King was + Nobility becoming poor could not afford to buy the high offices + Not lawful to investigate in matters of religion + Old Maintenon + Only your illegitimate daughter + Original manuscripts of the Memoirs of Cardinal Retz + Provided they are talked of, they are satisfied + Robes battantes for the purpose of concealing her pregnancy + Seeing myself look as ugly as I really am (in a mirror) + She never could be agreeable to women + Since becoming Queen she had not had a day of real happiness + So great a fear of hell had been instilled into the King + Soon tired of war, and wishing to return home (Louis XIV) + Stout, healthy girl of nineteen had no other sins to confess + Subject to frequent fits of abstraction + That what he called love was mere debauchery + The old woman (Madame Maintenon) + Throw his priest into the Necker + To tell the truth, I was never very fond of having children + To die is the least event of my life (Maintenon) + You never look in a mirror when you pass it + You are a King; you weep, and yet I go +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoirs of the Louis XIV. and The +Regency, Complete, by Elizabeth-Charlotte, Duchesse d'Orleans + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF THE LOUIS XIV *** + +***** This file should be named 3859-h.htm or 3859-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/3/8/5/3859/ + +Produced by David Widger + +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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